bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MRS measured fatty acid composition of periprostatic adipose tissue correlates with pathological measures of prostate cancer aggressiveness
Authors: Iordanescu Gheorghe , Brendler Charles , Crawford Susan E. , Wyrwicz Alice M. , Venkatasubramanian Palamadai N. , Doll Jennifer A. 
Published: December 2014

PurposeTo investigate the association between magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopically measured fatty acid composition of periprostatic adipose tissue and pathological markers of prostate cancer aggressiveness.Materials and MethodsPeriprostatic adipose (PPA) and subcutaneous adipose (SQA) tissue from prostate cancer patients undergoing radical prostatectomy were examined ex vivo by proton MR spectroscopy at 14.1T (n = 31). Fractions of monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, total unsaturated, and saturated fatty acids, as well as T2 relaxation times were measured from the spectra. Univariate and multivariate analyses based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and support vector machines (SVM) were used to evaluate the association between differential measures of fatty acid levels in the PPA and SQA tissues and Gleason score and extracapsular extension (ECE), which are pathological measures of prostate cancer aggressiveness.ResultsBoth pathological markers for aggressive prostate cancer have separable patterns in the MRS features space. The association between ECE and PPA tissue fatty acid composition is linear (area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AROC) and 95% confidence intervals [CIs]: 1.00, [1.00, 1.00]), along the Δ(fM/fS) measure, and is marked by elevated monounsaturated and reduced saturated fatty acids in the PPA tissue relative to SQA. In contrast, the association between Gleason score and PPA tissue fatty acid composition is nonlinear (classifier AROC and 95% CIs: 0.86, [0.71, 1.00]).ConclusionFatty acid composition is altered in the PPA tissue of patients with aggressive prostate cancer. Ex vivo MR spectroscopy may be a useful tool in studying the altered fatty acid metabolism in prostate cancer. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:651–657.
Mathematical Modeling of Crystallization Elution Fractionation of Ethylene/1‐Octene Copolymers
Authors: Chokputtanawuttilerd Nuttawat , Anantawaraskul Siripon , Inwong Nantiya , Soares João B. P. 
Published: December 2014

Crystallization elution fractionation (CEF) is a relatively new polyolefin characterization technique used to estimate the chemical composition distribution (CCD) of semicrystalline copolymers. CEF is developed to enhance the resolution and reduce the analysis time of temperature rising elution fractionation (TREF) by separating polymer samples in both the crystallization and elution steps. A model based on the concept of population balance, crystallization/dissolution kinetics, and dispersion model is developed to understand the CEF fractionation mechanisms. The proposed CEF model is found to describe well the experimental CEF profiles of a series of ethylene/1‐octene copolymers with different comonomer contents.
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Factor structure of the Spanish version of the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 in Mexican women
Authors: Familiar Itziar , Ortiz‐Panozo Eduardo , Hall Brian , Vieitez Isabel , Romieu Isabelle , Lopez‐Ridaura Ruy , Lajous Martin 
Published: December 2014

AbstractStructure of the Spanish version of the nine‐item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9) has been inconclusive. We report the factor structure of the PHQ‐9 in 55,555 women from the Mexican Teachers' Cohort (MTC). Factor structure of the PHQ‐9 was assessed by exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses in two sub‐samples (n = 27,778 and 27,777 respectively). A one‐factor model of the PHQ‐9 was the solution with the best fit to the data, exhibiting strong factor loadings (0.71 to 0.90) and high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.89). A prevalence rate of moderate to high severity of depressive symptoms of 12.6% was identified. Results suggest that a global score is an appropriate measure of depressive symptoms and commend the use of the Spanish PHQ‐9 as a measure of depression for research and clinical purposes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of nerve growth factor–induced sensitization pattern in lumbar and tibial muscle and fascia
Authors: Weinkauf Benjamin , Deising Saskia , Obreja Otilia , Hoheisel Ulrich , Mense Siegfried , Schmelz Martin , Rukwied Roman 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Nerve growth factor (NGF) induces profound hyperalgesia. In this study we explored patterns of NGF sensitization in muscle and fascia of distal and paraspinal sites. Methods: We injected 1 µg of NGF into human (n = 8) tibialis anterior and erector spinae muscles and their fasciae. The spatial extent of pressure sensitization, pressure pain threshold, and mechanical hyperalgesia (150 kPa, 10 s) was assessed at days 0.25, 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21. Chemical sensitization was explored by acidic buffer injections (pH 4, 100 µl) at days 7 and 14. Results: The mechanical hyperalgesia area was larger in tibial fascia than in muscle. Pressure pain thresholds were lower, tonic pressure pain ratings, and citrate buffer evoked pain higher in fascia than in muscle. Conclusions: Spatial mechanical sensitization differs between muscle and fascia. Thoracolumbar fasciae appear more sensitive than tibial fasciae and may be major contributors to low back pain, but the temporal sensitization profile is similar between paraspinal and distal sites. Muscle Nerve 52: 265–272, 2015
Synthesis and Characterization of Layered Double Hydroxides and Their Potential as Nonviral Gene Delivery Vehicles
Authors: Balcomb Blake , Singh Moganavelli , Singh Sooboo 
Published: December 2014

AbstractLayered double hydroxides (LDHs) exhibit characteristic anion‐exchange chemistry making them ideal carriers of negatively charged molecules like deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). In this study, hydrotalcite (Mg−Al) and hydrotalcite‐like compounds (Mg−Fe, Zn−Al, and Zn−Fe), also known as LDHs, were evaluated for their potential application as a carrier of DNA. LDHs were prepared by coprecipitation at low supersaturation and characterized by Powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), infrared (IR), Raman, and inductively coupled plasma—optical emission spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). XRD patterns showed strong and sharp diffraction peaks for the (003) and (006) planes indicating well‐ordered crystalline materials. TEM images yielded irregular circular to hexagonal‐shaped particles of 50–250 nm in size. Varying degrees of DNA binding was observed for all the compounds, and nuclease digestion studies revealed that the LDHs afford some degree of protection to the bound DNA. Minimal toxicity was observed in human embryonic kidney (HEK293), cervical cancer (HeLa) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell lines with most showing a cell viability in excess of 80 %. All LDH complexes promoted significant levels of luciferase gene expression, with the DNA:Mg−Al LDHs proving to be the most efficient in all cell lines.
New acid/base salts as co‐catalysts for the organocatalyzed ring opening polymerization of lactide
Authors: Miao Yong , Stanley Nicholas , Favrelle Audrey , Bousquet Till , Bria Marc , Mortreux André , Zinck Philippe 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACT(R)‐(+)‐binaphathyl‐diyl hydrogen phosphate (BNPH)/ diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐ene (DBU) and (1R)‐(−)−10‐camphorsulfonic acid (CSA)/4‐dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) acid–base salts were synthesized and assessed for the ring‐opening polymerization of rac‐lactide. They were found to be inactive toward the polymerization in the presence of a protic initiator. When used in combination with a base such as DBU or DMAP and a protic initiator, these acid/base conjugates led to well‐controlled polymerization in mild conditions (DM < 1.1 in all cases). With DBU, the presence of the salt was found to lead to narrower molecular weight distributions than those obtained using the base alone, and to prevent undesirable transesterification reactions occurring at the end of the reaction. An increase in activity was observed using the salts in combination with DMAP as compared with DMAP alone, together with an improvement of the control over the molecular weight. The results were discussed on the basis of 1H nuclear magnetic resonance analyzes including acid/base equilibria involving the use of two different bases. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 659–664
Selecting linear algebra kernel composition using response time prediction
Authors: Hurault Aurélie , Baek Kyungim , Casanova Henri 
Published: December 2014

SummaryNumerical linear algebra libraries provide many kernels that can be composed to perform complex computations. For a given computation, there is typically a large number of functionally equivalent kernel compositions. Some of these compositions achieve better response times than others for particular data and when executed on a particular computer architecture. Previous research provides methods to enumerate (a subset of) these kernel compositions. In this work, we study the problem of determining the composition that yields the lowest response time. Our approach is based on a response time prediction for each candidate combination. While this prediction could in principle be obtained using analytical and/or empirical performance models, developing accurate such models is known to be challenging. Instead, we define a feature space that captures salient properties of kernel combinations and predict response time using supervised machine learning. We experiment with a standard set of machine learning algorithms and identify an effective algorithm for our kernel composition selection problem. Using this algorithm, our approach widely outperforms the strategy that would consist in always using the simplest kernel composition and is often close to the fastest kernel compositions among those evaluated. We quantify the potential benefit of our approach if it were to be implemented as part of an interactive computational tool. We find that although the potential benefit is substantial, a limiting factor is the kernel composition enumeration overhead. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct Nkx2-5 Transcriptional Repression of Isl1 Controls Cardiomyocyte Subtype Identity
Authors: Dorn Tatjana , Goedel Alexander , Lam Jason T. , Haas Jessica , Tian Qinghai , Herrmann Franziska , Bundschu Karin , Dobreva Gergana , Schiemann Matthias , Dirschinger Ralf , Guo Yanchun , Kühl Susanne J. , Sinnecker Daniel , Lipp Peter , Laugwitz Karl-Ludwig , Kühl Michael , Moretti Alessandra 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
During cardiogenesis, most myocytes arise from cardiac progenitors expressing the transcription factors Isl1 and Nkx2-5. Here, we show that a direct repression of Isl1 by Nkx2-5 is necessary for proper development of the ventricular myocardial lineage. Overexpression of Nkx2-5 in mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) delayed specification of cardiac progenitors and inhibited expression of Isl1 and its downstream targets in Isl1+ precursors. Embryos deficient for Nkx2-5 in the Isl1+ lineage failed to downregulate Isl1 protein in cardiomyocytes of the heart tube. We demonstrated that Nkx2-5 directly binds to an Isl1 enhancer and represses Isl1 transcriptional activity. Furthermore, we showed that overexpression of Isl1 does not prevent cardiac differentiation of ESCs and in Xenopus laevis embryos. Instead, it leads to enhanced specification of cardiac progenitors, earlier cardiac differentiation, and increased cardiomyocyte number. Functional and molecular characterization of Isl1-overexpressing cardiomyocytes revealed higher beating frequencies in both ESC-derived contracting areas and Xenopus Isl1-gain-of-function hearts, which associated with upregulation of nodal-specific genes and downregulation of transcripts of working myocardium. Immunocytochemistry of cardiomyocyte lineage-specific markers demonstrated a reduction of ventricular cells and an increase of cells expressing the pacemaker channel Hcn4. Finally, optical action potential imaging of single cardiomyocytes combined with pharmacological approaches proved that Isl1 overexpression in ESCs resulted in normally electrophysiologically functional cells, highly enriched in the nodal subtype at the expense of the ventricular lineage. Our findings provide an Isl1/Nkx2-5-mediated mechanism that coordinately regulates the specification of cardiac progenitors toward the different myocardial lineages and ensures proper acquisition of myocyte subtype identity. Stem Cells 2015;33:1113–1129
Chloride ion transport mechanism in concrete due to wetting and drying cycles
Authors: Gang Xu , Yun‐pan Li , Yi‐biao Su , Ke Xu 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe transport mechanism of chloride ions in concrete during wetting and drying cycles of varying duration is evaluated in this paper. The experimental test results were used to validate a numerical simulation model in order to assess the influence of diffusion coefficient, surface chloride ion concentration and ratio of dry‐wet cycle durations on the transport mechanism of chloride ions in concrete. Experimental and numerical analysis results indicate that the maximum transmission depth of chloride ions in concrete depends on the diffusion coefficient and the dry‐wet cycle regime but has little relationship with the surface concentration of chloride. The chloride ion transmission in the surface zone accelerates only if the dry‐wet ratio is > 1. As the dry‐wet ratio increases, so the chloride ion transmission accelerates. It tends to become stable when the dry‐wet ratio reaches 5:1. The dry‐wet cycles accelerate the transport process of chloride ions within a certain distance from the surface; beyond this distance, chloride ions in the complete immersion specimen migrate more rapidly than those under dry‐wet cycles. The peak concentration of chloride ions within the convection zone has a relationship with the diffusion coefficient, the surface chloride ion concentration and the dry‐wet regime. The smaller the diffusion coefficient, the higher the surface chloride concentration; the greater the dry‐wet ratio, the higher the peak of convection can be.
Refinement in hybridised institutions
Authors: Madeira Alexandre , Martins Manuel A. , Barbosa Luís S. , Hennicker Rolf 
Published: December 2014

AbstractHybrid logics, which add to the modal description of transition structures the ability to refer to specific states, offer a generic framework to approach the specification and design of reconfigurable systems, i.e., systems with reconfiguration mechanisms governing the dynamic evolution of their execution configurations in response to both external stimuli or internal performance measures. A formal representation of such systems is through transition structures whose states correspond to the different configurations they may adopt. Therefore, each node is endowed with, for example, an algebra, or a first-order structure, to precisely characterise the semantics of the services provided in the corresponding configuration. This paper characterises equivalence and refinement for these sorts of models in a way which is independent of (or parametric on) whatever logic (propositional, equational, fuzzy, etc) is found appropriate to describe the local configurations. A Hennessy–Milner like theorem is proved for hybridised logics.
Near‐Infrared Fluorescence Imaging for Real‐Time Intraoperative Anatomical Guidance in Minimally Invasive Surgery: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Schols Rutger M. , Connell Niels J. , Stassen Laurents P. S. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIntroductionNear‐infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging, using contrast agents with fluorescent characteristics in the near‐infrared (NIR: 700–900 nm) window, is considered to possess great potential for clinical practice in the future of minimally invasive surgery (MIS), given its capacity for intraoperative, real‐time anatomical navigation, and identification. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the literature concerning the current and potential future applications of fluorescence imaging in supporting anatomical guidance during MIS, and thereby guiding future research.MethodsA systematic literature search was performed in the PubMed and Embase databases. All identified articles were screened and checked for eligibility by two authors. In addition, literature was sought by screening references of eligible articles.ResultsAfter administration of a fluorescent dye (e.g., indocyanine green), NIRF imaging can be helpful to improve the visualization of vital anatomical structures during MIS. Extra‐hepatic bile ducts, arteries, ureters, sentinel lymph nodes, and lymph vessels have successfully been identified using NIRF imaging. A uniform approach regarding timing and route of dye administration has not yet been established. Optimization of both imaging systems and fluorescent dyes is needed to improve current shortcomings. New preclinical dyes are considered for optimization of NIRF imaging.ConclusionFuture implementation of new intraoperative optical methods, such as NIRF, could significantly contribute to intraoperative anatomy navigation and facilitate critical decision‐making in MIS. Further research (i.e., large multi‐center randomized controlled trials) is needed to establish the true value of this innovative optical imaging technique in standard clinical practice.
Systematic review of cell adhesion molecules and estrogen receptor expression in the endometrium of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Baracat Maria Cândida P. , Serafini Paulo C. , Simões Ricardo dos S. , Maciel Gustavo A.R. , Soares José M. , Baracat Edmund C. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundInfertility associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) could be related to many mechanisms including endometrial factors.ObjectivesTo review cell adhesion molecule and estrogen receptor expression in the endometrium.Search strategyA systematic review was performed of the Medline and Cochrane databases for papers published in any language between 2004 and 2014. The search term was “‘polycystic ovary syndrome’ OR ‘Stein Leventhal syndrome’ OR ‘anovulation’ AND ‘endometrium’ OR ‘endometria.’”Selection criteriaResearch studies on endometrial cell adhesion molecules and estrogen receptor expression among women with PCOS diagnosed according to the Rotterdam criteria were included.Data collection and analysisData were extracted from identified studies and the quality of assessment was analyzed.Main resultsSix studies were included. Data were controversial with respect to MUC1 and αVβ3 integrin expression with significantly higher and lower levels, respectively, in women with PCOS. Estrogen receptor expression was enhanced among patients with PCOS as compared with healthy women.ConclusionsEndometrial factors influence embryo receptivity as indicated by the molecular mediators identified in the studies, including cell adhesion molecules and the estrogen receptor.
Nonlinear effects on the receptivity of cross-flow in the swept Hiemenz flow
Authors: Thomas Christian , Hall Philip , Davies Christopher 
Published: December 2014

AbstractNonlinear effects on the receptivity of cross-flow in the swept Hiemenz boundary layer are investigated. Numerical simulations are generated using a vorticity form of the Navier–Stokes equations. Steady perturbations are established using surface suction and blowing distributed along the spanwise direction as either a periodic strip or a band of small holes. The method of excitation, the size and the location of the prescribed forcing are shown to have a significant influence on the receptivity of the boundary layer. Blowing holes are found to excite perturbations with considerably larger magnitudes than those generated using a periodic suction and blowing strip. A semi-logarithmic relationship is derived that relates the initial amplitude of the linear-only disturbances with the location at which the absolute magnitude of the chordwise primary Fourier harmonic attains a stationary point or a size of approximately one-tenth of the free-stream spanwise velocity. Furthermore, the size of the physical chordwise velocity perturbation about this position can be estimated directly from the linear-only solutions. This would suggest that, for sufficiently small initial amplitudes, the onset of some nonlinear flow development properties can be predicted directly from a linear receptivity analysis.
Predicting the potential invasion suitability of regions to cassava lacebug pests (Heteroptera: Tingidae:Vatigaspp.)
Authors: Montemayor S.I. , Dellapé P.M. , Melo M.C. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractCassava (Manihot esculentaCrantz) is one of the most important staple crops for small farmers in the tropics, feeding about 800 million people worldwide. It is currently cultivated in South and Central America, Africa and Asia. The genusVatigais widespread throughout the Neotropical region. Its species are sympatric and feed exclusively on cassava. The main objectives of this paper are: (1) to assess the potential distribution ofVatiga, one of the most relevant pests of cassava; (2) to project the resulting models onto the world; (3) to recognize areas with suitable and optimal climates (and thus, high probability) for future colonization, and (4) to compare this model with the harvested area of cassava analyzing the climatic variables required by both the host and the pest species. Species distribution models were built using Maxent (v3.3.3k) with bioclimatic variables from the WorldClim database in 2.5 arc min resolution across the globe. Our model shows thatVatigahas the potential to expand its current distribution into other suitable areas, and could invade other regions where cassava is already cultivated, e.g., Central Africa and Asia. Considering the results and the high host specificity ofVatiga, its recent appearance in Réunion Island (Africa) poses a serious threat, as nearby areas are potentially suitable for invasion and could serve as dispersal routes enablingVatigato reach the continent. The present work may help prevention or early detection ofVatigaspp. in areas where cassava is grown.
Occurrence of sexuals of African weaver ant (Oecophylla longinoda Latreille) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) under a bimodal rainfall pattern in eastern Tanzania
Authors: Rwegasira R.G. , Mwatawala M. , Rwegasira G.M. , Offenberg J. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe African weaver ant, Oecophylla longinoda, is being utilized as a biocontrol agent and may also be targeted for future protein production. Rearing of mated queens in nurseries for colony production is needed to cater for such demands. Thus, newly mated queens must be collected for use as seed stocks in the nurseries. To collect mated queens efficiently it is important to identify when sexuals occur in mature colonies. We studied the occurrence of sexuals in O. longinoda colonies for 2 years in Tanga, Tanzania, a region characterized by a bimodal rainfall pattern. We found that O. longinoda sexuals occurred almost throughout the year with abundance peaks from January to April. Production of sexuals appeared to be triggered by rainfall, suggesting that populations in areas with long rainy periods may show prolonged mating periods compared to populations experiencing extended dry periods. The bimodal rain pattern may thus cause a low production over a long period. The average yearly production of queens per tree and per colony was estimated to be 449 and 2753, respectively. The average number of queens per nest was 17. Worker abundance declined from January to March with minimum by the end of this period, being inversely proportional to the production of sexuals. In conclusion, mated queens may be collected almost throughout the year, but most efficiently by the onset of the long rainy season when the majority disperse.