bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA‐Based Therapeutic Strategies for Targeting Mutant and Wild Type RAS in Cancer
Authors: Sharma Sriganesh B. , Ruppert John Michael 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACT

Preclinical Research

MicroRNAs (miRs) have been causally implicated in the progression and development of a wide variety of cancers. miRs modulate the activity of key cell signaling networks by regulating the translation of pathway component proteins. Thus, the pharmacological targeting of miRs that regulate cancer cell signaling networks, either by promoting (using miR‐supplementation) or by suppressing (using antisense oligonucleotide‐based strategies) miR activity is an area of intense research. The RAS‐extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) pathway represents a major miR‐regulated signaling network that endows cells with some of the classical hallmarks of cancer, and is often inappropriately activated in malignancies by somatic genetic alteration through point mutation or alteration of gene copy number. In addition, recent progress indicates that many tumors may be deficient in GTPase activating proteins (GAPs) due to the collaborative action of oncogenic miRs. Recent studies also suggest that in tumors harboring a mutant RAS allele there is a critical role for wild type RAS proteins in determining overall RAS‐ERK pathway activity. Together, these two advances comprise a new opportunity for therapeutic intervention. In this review, we evaluate miR‐based therapeutic strategies for modulating RAS‐ERK signaling in cancers; in particular for more direct modulation of RAS‐GTP levels, with the potential to complement current strategies to yield more durable treatment responses. To this end, we discuss the potential for miR‐based therapies focused on three prominent miRs including the pan‐RAS regulator let‐7 and the GAP regulator comprised of miR‐206 and miR‐21 (miR‐206/21). Drug Dev Res 76 : 328–342, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reducing eating disorder risk factors: A pilot effectiveness trial of a train‐the‐trainer approach to dissemination and implementation
Authors: Greif Rebecca , Becker Carolyn Black , Hildebrandt Tom 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTObjectiveImpediments limit dissemination and implementation of evidence‐based interventions (EBIs), including lack of sufficient training. One strategy to increase implementation of EBIs is the train‐the‐trainer (TTT) model. The Body Project is a peer‐led body image program that reduces eating disorder (ED) risk factors. This study examined the effectiveness of a TTT model at reducing risk factors in Body Project participants. Specifically, this study examined whether a master trainer could train a novice trainer to train undergraduate peer leaders to administer the Body Project such that individuals who received the Body Project (i.e., participants) would evidence comparable outcomes to previous trials. We hypothesized that participants would evidence reductions in ED risk factors, with effect sizes similar to previous trials.MethodUtilizing a TTT model, a master trainer trained a novice trainer to train undergraduate peer leaders to administer the Body Project to undergraduate women. Undergraduate women aged 18 years or older who received the Body Project intervention participated in the trial and completed measures at baseline, post‐treatment, and five‐month follow‐up. Primary outcomes included body dissatisfaction, thin ideal internalization, negative affect, and ED pathology.ResultsParticipants demonstrated significant reductions in thin ideal internalization, ED pathology and body dissatisfaction at post‐treatment and 5‐month follow‐up. At 5 months, using three different strategies for managing missing data, effect sizes were larger or comparable to earlier trials for 3 out of 4 variables.DiscussionResults support a TTT model for Body Project implementation and the importance of utilizing sensitivity analyses for longitudinal datasets with missing data. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2015; 48:1122–1131)
Persistence at distributional edges: Columbia spotted frog habitat in the arid Great Basin, USA
Authors: Arkle Robert S. , Pilliod David S. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractA common challenge in the conservation of broadly distributed, yet imperiled species is understanding which factors facilitate persistence at distributional edges, locations where populations are often vulnerable to extirpation due to changes in climate, land use, or distributions of other species. For Columbia spotted frogs (Rana luteiventris) in the Great Basin (USA), a genetically distinct population segment of conservation concern, we approached this problem by examining (1) landscape‐scale habitat availability and distribution, (2) water body‐scale habitat associations, and (3) resource management‐identified threats to persistence. We found that areas with perennial aquatic habitat and suitable climate are extremely limited in the southern portion of the species’ range. Within these suitable areas, native and non‐native predators (trout and American bullfrogs [Lithobates catesbeianus]) are widespread and may further limit habitat availability in upper‐ and lower‐elevation areas, respectively. At the water body scale, spotted frog occupancy was associated with deeper sites containing abundant emergent vegetation and nontrout fish species. Streams with American beaver (Castor canadensis) frequently had these structural characteristics and were significantly more likely to be occupied than ponds, lakes, streams without beaver, or streams with inactive beaver ponds, highlighting the importance of active manipulation of stream environments by beaver. Native and non‐native trout reduced the likelihood of spotted frog occupancy, especially where emergent vegetation cover was sparse. Intensive livestock grazing, low aquatic connectivity, and ephemeral hydroperiods were also negatively associated with spotted frog occupancy. We conclude that persistence of this species at the arid end of its range has been largely facilitated by habitat stability (i.e., permanent hydroperiod), connectivity, predator‐free refugia, and a commensalistic interaction with an ecosystem engineer. Beaver‐induced changes to habitat quality, stability, and connectivity may increase spotted frog population resistance and resilience to seasonal drought, grazing, non‐native predators, and climate change, factors which threaten local or regional persistence.
Analysis of Turbine Generator Shaft Torsional Vibration Caused by Self‐Commutated Converters
Authors: Watanabe Masayuki , Iki Hiroyuki , Sakamoto Kazuma , Mitani Yasunori , Uriu Yoshihisa , Kado Yoshihide 
Published: August 2015

SUMMARYThis paper presents a simple analysis tool for torsional vibration of the rotor shaft of a turbine generator which is interconnected with a power system with self‐commutated converters. The evaluation is based on analysis of measurement data in the field and instantaneous value‐based power system simulation. A number of power converters with large capacity are installed in industrial power systems. Especially, interharmonics originating from self‐commutated converters cause torsional vibration at the rotor shaft of rotating machines. The interaction between rotating machines and converters is known as sub‐synchronous torsional interaction. The resonance between interharmonics from converters and the natural frequency of the rotor shaft causes large torsional vibrations, leading to shaft damage. In this paper, the influence of interharmonics on turbine generators is investigated. If there were air gap torque fluctuations with a frequency near the natural frequency caused by interharmonics, which have frequencies below 100 Hz of the sideband wave caused by asynchronous pulse width modulation, the rotor shaft may be damaged by the torsional vibration. In this paper, the emerging condition of the torsional vibration and the impact on the generator are investigated.
Fundamental Study of Voltage Stability in a Power System with Large Penetration of Photovoltaic Generation Considering Induction Motor Dynamics
Authors: Ishikawa Koichiro , Taniguchi Haruhito , Suzuki Hirokazu , Ota Yutaka , Mizuno Yojiro 
Published: August 2015

SUMMARYBecause of global warming, attention to photovoltaic (PV) generation has increased, and considerable PV generation capacity will be installed in the power system. In Japan, most PV generation will be connected to the distribution system, which will cause changes in power flow in the power system. Forward power flow (flow from the higher voltage system to the lower voltage system) will be reduced and reverse power flow may occur. Because of the change in power flow, the voltage characteristics will also be changed. Consequently, it is expected that the penetration of PV generation will have some impact on voltage stability. In previous studies, the voltage characteristics in a simple power system model consisting of one infinite bus, one load, and one PV power source, have been investigated. It was found that there is not only a forward power flow limit but also a reverse power flow limit (the left nose in the PV curve), and that when the output power from PV generation is very large, the left nose sometimes has some impact on voltage stability. In this paper, the voltage stability in a simple power system model considering the dynamics of an induction motor is discussed.
Network Expansion Planning Using Improved Controlled NSGA‐II
Authors: Okabe Masanori , Shahrin Mohd , Aoki Hidenori 
Published: August 2015

SUMMARYThis paper presents the application of multiobjective optimization methods to network expansion planning. Distribution network expansion planning minimizes system cost and distribution loss while satisfying the constraints. Problem formulation yields combinatorial optimization problems that are difficult to solve due to their complexity. This research applies a genetic algorithm, which is a meta‐heuristics method. The present study proposes a new method of multiobjective optimization: NSGA‐II, SPEA2, and Controlled NSGA‐II are assumed to be the best methods now. The proposed method introduces the concept of a linkage identification genetic algorithm, enabling more efficient searching than methods hitherto known. In the past, most research on network expansion planning did not include the load curve. This research demonstrates that the investigation must include the load curve. It also proposes a new method of search including the load curve.
The influence of social, para‐social, and nonsocial misleading post‐event sources on memory performance
Authors: Szpitalak Malwina , Polak Mateusz , Polczyk Romuald , Dukała Karolina 
Published: August 2015

AbstractMisinformation encountered after witnessing an event is known to influence subsequent memory reports about this event. In most research, misleading information was introduced impersonally, for example, by means of a written description, but it is now well established that delivering it in a social interaction is effective as well. Less is known about the relative effectiveness of impersonal post‐event misinformation compared with a socially presented one. The present research provides a direct empirical comparison between social, para‐social, and impersonal methods of delivering misinformation.Results indicate that the way in which post‐event information is provided does not affect the number of false recall items, source monitoring, or remember–know distinction, with a high Bayesian probability of the obtained no‐difference effects. Results show that the social conformity factor does not significantly influence the impact of misleading post‐event information. The paper also provides a theoretical comparison of the two effects.
Experimental Investigation of Tar Reduction Properties by Coupling Oxidative Pyrolysis and Partial Oxidation in a Continuous Reactor for Biomass Gasification
Authors: Zhao Shanhui , Luo Yonghao , Zhang Yunliang , Long Yufeng 
Published: August 2015

AbstractTo develop a deep understanding of multistage biomass gasification technology, the effect of oxygen concentration in the pyrolysis stage on the overall performance of the gasification process was investigated. The results showed that oxygen in the pyrolysis stage promoted the yields of permanent gases and reduced the yield of tar. The GC–MS analysis of pyrolyzed tar compounds indicated that oxidative pyrolysis promoted the conversion of the reactive primary tar compounds to more stable secondary tar compounds. The FTIR analysis of pinewood char showed that oxidative pyrolysis reduced the content of oxygen‐containing functional groups and improved the aromatization of char. The partial oxidation results showed that the CO and CO2 yields both increased with the increase of oxygen concentration in the first stage. The tar yield after the partial oxidation stage was reduced from 0.0809 (0 % O2 in the first stage) to 0.0064 kg kgpinewood−1 (15 % O2 in the first stage).
Effects of balanced impact damper in structures subjected to walking and vertical seismic excitations
Authors: Nakamura Yutaka , Watanabe Koichi 
Published: August 2015

SummaryThis study investigates whether a balanced impact damper (BID) with a vertically suspended impact body colliding with shock absorbing rubber can suppress vibrations of a floor slab subjected to walking and vertical seismic excitations. The impact body is suspended by coil springs to sustain its deadweight and centralize it within the gap, and collides with the stopper when its amplitude exceeds the specified gap width. The stopper is covered by a shock‐absorbing rubber made of polyurethane gel. The installed BID was evaluated in a single degree‐of‐freedom model of a floor slab subjected to vertical excitations. Simulations revealed that the installed BID properly controls the vibrations. Next, the effects of the BID installed on a steel plate were investigated in shaking table tests. The BID effectively suppressed vertical vibrations of the plate subjected to sinusoidal waves, seismic motions, and walking excitations. In addition, the shaking table tests were accurately simulated by the developed mathematical model of the damper. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Code‐based record selection methods for seismic performance assessment of buildings
Authors: Araújo Miguel , Macedo Luís , Marques Mário , Castro José Miguel 
Published: August 2015

SummaryThe recent concerns regarding the seismic safety of the existing building stock have highlighted the need for an improvement of current seismic assessment procedures. Alongside with the development of more advanced commercial software tools and computational capacities, nonlinear dynamic analysis is progressively becoming a common and preferable procedure in the seismic assessment of buildings. Besides the complexity associated with the formulation of the mathematical model, major issues arise related with the definition of the seismic action, which can lead to different levels of uncertainty in terms of local and global building response. Aiming to address this issue, a comparative study of different code‐based record selection methods proposed by Eurocode 8, ASCE41‐13 and NZS1170.5:2004 is presented herein. The various methods are employed in the seismic assessment of four steel buildings, designed according to different criteria, and the obtained results are compared and discussed. Special attention is devoted to the influence of the number of real ground motion records selected on the estimation of the mean seismic response and, importantly, to the efficiency that is achieved when an additional selection criteria, based on the control of the spectral mismatch of each individual record with respect to the reference response spectrum, is adopted. The sufficiency of the methods with respect to the pairs of M–R of the selected group of records and the robustness of the scaling procedure are also examined. The paper closes with a study which demonstrates the suitability of a simplified probability‐based approach recently proposed for estimating mean seismic demands. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reduced iNKT cells numbers in type 1 diabetes patients and their first‐degree relatives
Authors: Beristain‐Covarrubias Nonantzin , Canche‐Pool Elsy , Gomez‐Diaz Rita , Sanchez‐Torres Luvia E. , Ortiz‐Navarrete Vianney 
Published: August 2015

AbstractType 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease that is characterized by the specific destruction of insulin‐producing pancreatic β cells. Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells have been associated with development of T1D. Class I MHC‐restricted T cell‐associated molecule (CRTAM) is expressed on activated iNKT, CD8+, and CD4+ T cells, and it is associated with the pro‐inflammatory profiles of these cells. Crtam gene expression in CD3+ lymphocytes from non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mice is associated with T1D onset. However, expression of CRTAM on T cells from patients with T1D has not yet been evaluated. We compared iNKT cell (CD3+Vα24+Vβ11+) numbers and CRTAM expression in a Mexican population with recent‐onset T1D and their first‐degree relatives with control families. Remarkably, we found lower iNKT cell numbers in T1D families, and we identified two iNKT cell populations in some of the families. One iNKT cell population expressed high iTCR levels (iNKThi), whereas another expressed low levels (iNKTlo) and also expressed CRTAM. These findings support a probable genetic determinant of iNKT cell numbers and a possible role for these cells in T1D development. This study also suggests that CRTAM identifies recently activated iNKT lymphocytes.
Matrix metalloproteases inhibition and biocompatibility of gold and platinum nanoparticles
Authors: Hashimoto Masanori , Kawai Koji , Kawakami Hayato , Imazato Satoshi 
Published: August 2015

AbstractMatrix metalloprotease (MMP) inhibitors improve the longevity of dental adhesives/tooth bonds; however, biocompatibility is required for their clinical use. This study evaluated the inhibition of MMPs and toxicity of two gold (AuNPs) and platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) as possible compounds for use in dental adhesives. The MMP assay for studying the interaction of MMPs and nanoparticles (NPs) was evaluated by an MMP assay kit and gelatin zymography. Cultured L929 fibroblast cells or RAW264 macrophages were exposed to NPs. The cellular responses to NPs were examined using cytotoxic (cell viability) and genotoxic assays (comet assay), and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) analysis. The mechanical properties (elastic modulus) of the experimental resin loaded with NPs were examined using thermomechanical analysis. All NPs inhibited MMP activity at relatively low concentrations. The NPs inhibit MMPs by chelating with the Zn2+ bound in the active sites of MMPs. No cytotoxic and genotoxic effects were found in AuNPs, whereas the PtNPs possessed both adverse effects. In TEM analysis, the NPs were localized mainly in lysosomes without penetration into nuclei. The mechanical properties of the resins increased when AuNPs were added in resins, but not by PtNPs. AuNPs are attractive candidates to inhibit MMPs and improve the mechanical properties of resins without cytotoxic/genotoxic effects to cells, and therefore should be suitable for applications in adhesive resin systems. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 209–217, 2016.
Bilateral PLA/alginate membranes for the prevention of postsurgical adhesions
Authors: Kessler Martina , Esser Eva , Groll Jürgen , Tessmar Jörg 
Published: August 2015

AbstractA bilateral barrier membrane for the prevention of postsurgical adhesions was developed. Thereby, a smooth PLA side was supposed to keep the affected tissues glidingly separated, while a mucoadhesive side made of alginate was meant to keep the barrier resident on the site of injury so that suturing becomes redundant or at least the membrane stays long enough to facilitate surgical handling. Because hydrophilic alginate and lipophilic PLA films show only low cohesion, solution electrospun meshes of PLA and PLA‐PEG‐PLA triblock copolymers with varying poly(ethylene glycol) [PEG] content were investigated as cohesion promoter to avoid an easy separation of the functionally different layers. Using direct electrospinning onto the PLA film, a modified contact surface of the mesh was created, which allowed the tested alginate solutions (3%, 5%) to infiltrate to different extents. Thereby, an increasing content of hydrophilic PEG within the mesh copolymer and a lower alginate concentration facilitated the infiltration. As a result, the PLA film with a PLA35k‐PEG10k‐PLA35k (racemic PLA chains) mesh and an alginate layer cast from a 3% alginate solution appeared to be the most effective combination as examined by means of a t peel test, a mucoadhesion test, a tensile test and optical evaluations. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 1563–1570, 2016.
Ultrastructure of the ampullary organs of Plicofollis argyropleuron (Siluriformes: Ariidae)
Authors: Whitehead Darryl L. , Gauthier Arnault R.G. , Cameron Rochae M.E. , Perutz Marion , Tibbetts Ian R. 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTThe morphology of ampullary organs in Plicofollis argyropleuron, collected from a southeast Queensland estuary, was examined by light and electron microscopy to assess the morphological characteristics of teleost ampullary organs in environments with fluctuating salinities. This catfish possesses both macroampullae and microampullae. Both have the typical teleost arrangement of an ampullary pore linked by a canal to a single ampulla that is lined with receptor and supportive cells. The canal wall of macroampullae consists of a collagen sheath, a basement membrane, and two layers of squamous epithelial cells adjacent to the lumen, joined by desmosomes and tight junctions near the surface of the epithelium. Ampullary pore diameters are similar in range for both the macroampullae and the microampullae, with microampullae always arising from the larger pores within a single region of the head. Canal length of the macroampullae is longer than those of the microampullae. Macroampullae also contain approximately 10 times as many receptor cells compared with the microampullae. In both organs, these pear‐shaped receptor cells alternate with supportive cells along the entire luminal surface of the ampulla. The apical region of receptor cells extends into the lumen and bears numerous microvilli. The basal region of receptor cells adjoins to either individual or multiple unmyelinated neural terminals. The coexistence of two markedly different ampullary organ morphologies within a single species support theories concerning the possible multifunctionality of these sensory organs. J. Morphol., 276:1405–1411, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bouncing back from psychological contract breach: How commitment recovers over time
Authors: Solinger Omar N. , Hofmans Joeri , Bal P. Matthijs , Jansen Paul G. W. 
Published: August 2015

SummaryThe post‐violation model of the psychological contract outlines four ways in which a psychological contract may be resolved after breach (i.e., psychological contract thriving, reactivation, impairment, and dissolution). To explore the implications of this model for post‐breach restoration of organizational commitment, we recorded dynamic patterns of organizational commitment across a fine‐grained longitudinal design in a sample of young academics who reported breach events while undergoing job changes (N = 109). By tracking organizational commitment up until 10 weeks after the first reported breach event, we ascertain that employees may indeed bounce back from a breach incidence, albeit that some employees do so more successfully than others. We further demonstrate that the emotional impact of the breach and post‐breach perceived organizational support are related to the success of the breach resolution process. Additionally, we reveal a nonlinear component in post‐breach trajectories of commitment that suggests that processes determining breach resolution success are more complex than currently assumed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.