bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimation of base motion in instrumented steel buildings using output‐only system identification
Authors: Lignos Dimitrios G. , Miranda Eduardo 
Published: September 2013

SUMMARYA procedure to estimate the seismic motion at the base of a building from measured acceleration response at two or more floors is presented. The proposed method is comprised of two steps. In the first step, the dynamic characteristics of the building are inferred by using an output‐only system identification procedure. In the second step, the motion of the base of the building is estimated by using the transfer function of a simplified building model consisting of a shear and flexural continuous beam together with dynamic properties obtained in the first step. The proposed method is validated first with an analytical model subjected to the 1940 El Centro ground motion and then with an instrumented building in California that experienced the 1994 Northridge earthquake, and the ground motions at the base of the building are available. It is shown that the proposed method is capable of providing very good estimates of the motion at the base. The use of the proposed method is finally illustrated on an instrumented building, where the sensor at the base of the building did not function during the 1994 Northridge earthquake. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biomethanization from sulfate‐containing municipal solid waste: effect of molybdate on microbial consortium
Authors: Zahedi Soraya , Sales Diego , Romero Luis‐Isidoro , Solera Rosario 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe effect of molybdate on a microbial consortium of dry thermophilic anaerobic digestion (AD) from sulfate‐containing municipal solid waste was studied.RESULTSThe study showed molybdate inhibition affecting hydrolysis, acidogenesis, and methanogenesis, but the main microbial populations in AD can sustain the molybdate load over a short period of time. Molybdate was not a bactericide for all members of the principal groups, only a few of them are affected. Although all the microbial populations decreased, the weakest groups were sulfate reducing bacteria (SRBs) and butyrate‐utilising acetogens (BUAs) and the most resistant group was propionate‐utilising acetogens (PUAs). Prior to using molybdate, the relative percentages were: Eubacteria:Archaea 80:20; acetogens 25% (BUAs 11% and PUAs 14%) and SRBs 17%. After molybdate addition the relative percentages were: Eubacteria:Archaea were 83:17, acetogens remained over 28% (BUAs 8% and PUAs 20%) and SRBs around 11%. The relation between acetate‐utilising methanogens (AUMs) and hydrogen‐utilising methanogens (HUMs) changed slightly from 55:45 to 53:47.CONCLUSIONAll biochemical reactions in AD were inhibited and an increase in food:microorganism(F:M) ratio was observed. The microorganism's removal rates and growth inhibition rates are indicators of inhibitory effect in all analysed populations by inhibitor addition. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Waveform inversion of shallow repetitive long period events at Villarrica Volcano, Chile
Authors: Richardson Joshua P. , Waite Gregory P. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractVillarrica volcano is presently characterized by an active lava lake in the summit crater, with mild strombolian style eruptions of basaltic‐andesitic products. The lava lake acts as a permeable barrier where gas‐rich magma releases volatiles and then descends through the process of conduit convection to a deep storage reservoir. We identified thousands of repetitive long‐period (LP) seismic events within a three‐year time period using a matched filter; each was discovered to be associated with an infrasonic emission, and hence outgassing from the lava lake. Using this catalog of events for timing, we stacked signals over the three‐year deployment from 2010‐2012 to produce representative seismic and infrasonic signatures, and performed a full‐waveform seismic inversion using nine stations from the network. The data are well represented by a single horizontal force source‐time function, oriented N75°E and dipping 7°W from horizontal, with a maximum amplitude of 34.4 MN. The source is stable in time, and can be explained by a force couple system produced by a bursting bubble in the lava lake and the responsive drag force of the lava sloshing to fill in the void produced by the gas emission in an asymmetrical crater. Path effects lengthen the coda of the events with increasing distance from the source, resulting in emergent tremor‐like signals at distant seismometers. Since the occurrence of LP events correlates with tremor intensity, we suggest much of the tremor results from the superposition of discrete LPs.
Large‐scale circulation anomalies associated with ‘tropical night’ weather in Beijing, China
Authors: Chen Ruidan , Lu Riyu 
Published: September 2013

ABSTRACTOn the basis of the homogenized daily temperature data of China and daily mean National Centers for Environmental Prediction/National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCEP/NCAR) reanalysis data during July and August 1979–2008, we analysed the large‐scale circulation anomalies associated with tropical night (TN; minimum temperature ≥25 °C) in Beijing, and compared these anomalies with those associated with extreme heat (EH; maximum temperature ≥35 °C). Composite analyses revealed that, for TN days, there is an upper‐tropospheric anticyclonic anomaly to the northwest of Beijing and a lower‐tropospheric anticyclonic anomaly to the southeast of Beijing. Associated with the lower‐tropospheric anticyclonic anomaly, a significant southerly anomaly occurs to the south of Beijing and leads to stronger northward water vapour flux, overlapping the climatological southerlies. Correspondingly, there is a belt of higher humidity over North China, Northeast Asia and northern Japan, which reduces longwave radiation cooling around Beijing and favours the occurrence of TN. The EH‐related anomalies, however, are distinct from the TN‐related ones. There is a significant cyclonic anomaly located to the northeast of North China in both the upper and lower troposphere. Associated with this cyclonic anomaly, an obvious northerly anomaly occurs over Beijing and reduces the northward water vapour flux. Hence, there is significant lower humidity over Beijing, which is also due to the significant descending anomaly over Beijing, favouring the occurrence of EH through enhancing solar radiation at the surface.
Assessing the Constraints to Adopt Water and Soil Conservation Techniques in Tillaberi, Niger
Authors: Wildemeersch Jasmien C. J. , Timmerman Emma , Mazijn Bernard , Sabiou Mahamane , Ibro Germaine , Garba Maman , Cornelis Wim 
Published: September 2013

AbstractNigerien subsistence farmers increasingly rely on marginal lands for food production as a result of ongoing soil degradation, limited fertile land availability and growing population pressure. These degraded lands, however, generally provide poor yields, which is largely assigned to an increased vulnerability to drought, as a major part of the rainfall is lost through inefficient rain water distribution. More efficient use of rainwater can be achieved with the aid of water and soil conservation (WSC) techniques, which positively alter the soil water balance in favour of productive water. In Niger, zaï and demi‐lunes WSC techniques improve yields, but their adoption has not been widespread, and the dissemination generally encounters difficulties. To identify and quantify the importance and presence of several adoption constraints in the Tillabéri region, we conducted 100 households surveys exploring farmers' erosion perception, WSC technique knowledge and resource availability. Although important adoption triggers such as food insecurity and limited fertile land availability are present, the region's WSC adoption rate is low. The application is limited by manure shortage and a lack of specific erosion knowledge, indicating the need of an efficient and specialized policy focusing on more than yield increase alone. Most farmers have little awareness of erosion causes and effects and therefore do not relate WSC techniques to the indirect benefits, which are to be taken into account to secure sustainable solutions to drought and food insecurity. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lipids in chronic kidney disease: Alterations and interventions
Authors: Aukema Harold M 
Published: September 2013

AbstractPharmacological and dietary approaches to reducing high blood lipids in the general population decrease cardiovascular disease risk. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) often display elevated blood lipids, and reducing cholesterol levels with statin drugs reduces cardiovascular disease in patients with moderate CKD, similar to the effects in the general population. Benefits to kidney disease itself appear to be marginal, if present. Studies with omega‐3 fatty acids indicate that both cardiovascular and kidney disease progression may be slowed by dietary omega‐3 fatty acids in CKD patients, but long‐term studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Omega‐3 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acid enriched eggs by microalgal supplementation
Authors: Lemahieu Charlotte , Bruneel Charlotte , Termote‐Verhalle Romina , Muylaert Koenraad , Buyse Johan , Foubert Imogen 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThe health promoting effects of omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n‐3 PUFA) are mainly ascribed to the n‐3 long chain (LC)‐PUFA, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). However, their intake is mostly below the recommended daily intake. A possible way to raise their average intake is to enrich food products with n‐3 LC‐PUFA. Addition of autotrophic microalgae to the diet of the laying hens can increase the level of these fatty acids in the egg yolk. Moreover, depending on the microalgal species, other nutritionally interesting algal carotenoids can also be transferred to the egg yolk. As a consequence egg yolk colour changes may occur. A survey conducted among 511 people showed that they will buy n‐3 PUFA enriched products, such as enriched eggs, and are even prepared to pay more for these products. However, the change of the yolk colour must be taken into account, since consumer' acceptability decreases when a deeply red yolk colour is obtained.
The DNA hypomethylating agent, 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine, enhances tumor cell invasion through a transcription‐dependent modulation of MMP‐1 expression in human fibrosarcoma cells
Authors: Poplineau Mathilde , Schnekenburger Michael , Dufer Jean , Kosciarz Aleksandra , Brassart‐Pasco Sylvie , Antonicelli Frank , Diederich Marc , Trussardi‐Régnier Aurélie 
Published: September 2013

AbstractIn diseases such as cancer, cells need to degrade the extracellular matrix (ECM) and therefore require high protease levels. Thus, aberrant tissue degradation is associated to matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) overexpression resulting from different mechanisms including epigenetic events. One of the most characterized epigenetic mechanisms is DNA methylation causing changes in chromatin conformation, thereby decreasing the accessibility to the transcriptional machinery and resulting in a robust gene silencing. Modulation of DNA methylation by DNA hypomethylating agents such as 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine (5‐azadC) is widely used in epigenetic anticancer treatments. Here, we focus on the effects of this drug on the expression level of MMP‐1, ‐2, and ‐9 in human HT1080 fibrosarcoma cells. We demonstrate that 5‐azadC increases MMP expression at both mRNA and protein levels, and promotes invasion potential of HT1080 cells. Using broad‐spectrum and specific MMP inhibitors, we establish that MMP‐1, but not MMP‐2 and ‐9, plays a key role in 5‐azadC‐enhanced cell invasion. We show that 5‐azadC induces MMP‐1 expression through a transcriptional mechanism without affecting MMP‐1 promoter methylation status. Finally, we demonstrate that 5‐azadC treatment increases the nuclear levels of Sp1 and Sp3 transcription factors, and modulates their recruitment to the MMP‐1 promoter, resulting in chromatin remodeling associated to 5‐azadC‐induced MMP‐1 expression. All together, our data indicate that the hypomethylating agent 5‐azadC modulates, mainly via Sp1 recruitment, MMP‐1 expression resulting in an increased invasive potential of HT1080 cells. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dietary fat without body weight gain increases in vivo MCF‐7 human breast cancer cell growth and decreases natural killer cell cytotoxicity
Authors: Lamas Bruno , Nachat‐Kappes Rachida , Goncalves‐Mendes Nicolas , Mishellany Florence , Rossary Adrien , Vasson Marie‐Paule , Farges Marie‐Chantal 
Published: September 2013

AbstractHigh‐calorie (HC) diet contributes to the increased incidence of obesity, which is a risk factor for breast cancer in postmenopausal women, and in particular for estrogen receptor (ER) positive tumors. This study investigated whether an HC diet increases human ER‐positive breast cancer progression and modulates natural killer (NK) cell functions. Four‐week‐old female BALB/c athymic nude mice were fed a HC diet (5320 kcal/kg) or standard calorie diet (SC, 2820 kcal/kg) for 6 mo. After 5 mo, the mice were randomly implanted with MCF‐7 breast cancer cells (SCT and HCT) or received an isovolumic injection (SC and HC) in both inguinal fat pads. Tumor growth was greater in the HCT group than in the SC group without change in body weight. The HC diet decreased the tumor expression of genes involved in the citrate cycle and in adiponectin and lipid metabolism but increased that of genes controlling glycolysis and angiogenesis. The tumor expression level of Ki67 was increased while that of the cleaved caspase 3 and the ER‐β and progesterone receptors was reduced. Tumor development in response to the HC diet was associated with smaller numbers and lower cytotoxicity of splenic NK cells. These results indicate that an HC diet without body weight gain increases ER‐positive breast cancer cell proliferation and reduces tumor apoptosis. The underlying mechanisms might involve a downexpression of tumor hormonal receptor and reduced NK cell functions, and might also result in the regulation of genes involved in several cellular functions. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification of two novel, alternatively spliced mRNA transcripts of the human follicle‐stimulating hormone receptor
Authors: Zhou Jun , Huang Yiting , Li Lili , Zhu Liang , Zhang Dan , Zhang Suzhan , Chen Yiding 
Published: September 2013

SUMMARYGlycoprotein hormone receptors contain large extracellular domains encoded by multiple exons that can be alternatively spliced. Using human ovarian surface epithelium, we cloned two new splice variants of the human follicle‐stimulating hormone receptor (FSH‐R) gene, hFSH‐R2 and hFSH‐R3. The hFSH‐R2 splice variant differed from the full‐length FSH‐R mRNA by the deletion of exon 10 and inclusion of two small exons after exon 9 whereas the hFSH‐R3 splice variant retained only exons 1–6 of the full‐length transcript. Both variants were expressed at low levels, but were detected in cells from follicular fluid derived from 30 different subjects. Transfection of these two variants individually into KGN cells, an ovarian cancer cell line that expresses wild‐type FSH‐R, reduced FSH‐mediated phosphorylation of ERK1/2, Akt, and p38/MAPK. Furthermore, in vitro co‐expression of either hFSH‐R2 or hFSH‐R3 and full‐length FSH‐R in HEK293T cells reduced signal transduction through full‐length FSH‐R. Further studies are needed to fully elucidate the functions of these receptor isoforms. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 80: 916–923, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
k‐t GRAPPA accelerated four‐dimensional flow MRI in the aorta: Effect on scan time, image quality, and quantification of flow and wall shear stress
Authors: Schnell Susanne , Markl Michael , Entezari Pegah , Mahadewia Riti J. , Semaan Edouard , Stankovic Zoran , Collins Jeremy , Carr James , Jung Bernd 
Published: September 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of k‐t parallel imaging for accelerating aortic four‐dimensional (4D)‐flow MRI. The aim was to systematically investigate the impact of different acceleration factors and number of coil elements on acquisition time, image quality and quantification of hemodynamic parameters.Methodsk‐t accelerated 4D‐flow MRI (spatial/temporal resolution = 2.1 × 2.5 × 2.5 mm/40.0 ms) was acquired in 10 healthy volunteers with acceleration factors R = 3, 5, and 8 using 12‐ and 32‐channel receiver coils. Results were compared with conventional parallel imaging (GRAPPA [generalized autocalibrating partial parallel acquisition], R = 2). Data analysis included radiological grading of three‐dimensional blood flow visualization quality as well as quantification of blood flow, velocities and wall shear stress (WSS).Resultsk‐t GRAPPA significantly reduced scan time by 28%, 54%, and 68%, for R = 3, 5, and 8, respectively, while maintaining image quality as demonstrated by overall similar image quality grading. Significant differences in peak WSS (diff12ch = −5.9%, diff32ch = 18.5%) and mean WSS (diff32ch = 13.9%) were found at the descending aorta for both receiver coils for R = 5 (PWSS < 0.04). Peak velocity differed for R=8 at the aortic root (−7.4%) and descending aorta (−12%) with PpeakVelo < 0.03.Conclusionk‐t GRAPPA acceleration with a 12‐ or 32‐channel receiver coil and an acceleration of 3 or 5 can compete with a standard GRAPPA R = 2 acceleration. Magn Reson Med 72:522–533, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chloride channels in myotonia congenita assessed by velocity recovery cycles
Authors: Tan S. Veronica , Z'Graggen Werner J , Boërio DELPHINE , Rayan Dipa Raja , Norwood Fiona , Ruddy Deborah , Howard R. , Hanna Michael G. , Bostock Hugh 
Published: September 2013

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Myotonia congenita (MC) is caused by congenital defects in the muscle chloride channel CLC‐1. This study used muscle velocity recovery cycles (MVRCs) to investigate how membrane function is affected. Methods: MVRCs and responses to repetitive stimulation were compared between 18 patients with genetically confirmed MC (13 recessive, 7 dominant) and 30 age‐matched, normal controls. Results: MC patients exhibited increased early supernormality, but this was prevented by treatment with sodium channel blockers. After multiple conditioning stimuli, late supernormality was enhanced in all MC patients, indicating delayed repolarization. These abnormalities were similar between the MC subtypes, but recessive patients showed a greater drop in amplitude during repetitive stimulation. Conclusions: MVRCs indicate that chloride conductance only becomes important when muscle fibers are depolarized. The differential responses to repetitive stimulation suggest that, in dominant MC, the affected chloride channels are activated by strong depolarization, consistent with a positive shift of the CLC‐1 activation curve. Muscle Nerve 49: 845–857, 2014
Simulation of earthquake‐induced slope deformation using SPH method
Authors: Chen Wei , Qiu Tong 
Published: September 2013

SUMMARYThis paper presents the development, calibration, and validation of a smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) model for the simulation of seismically induced slope deformation under undrained condition. A constitutive model that combines the isotropic strain softening viscoplasticity and the modified Kondner and Zelasko rule is developed and implemented into SPH formulations. The developed SPH model accounts for the effects of wave propagation in the sliding mass, cyclic nonlinear behavior of soil, and progressive reduction in shear strength during sliding, which are not explicitly considered in various Newmark‐type analyses widely used in the current research and practice in geotechnical earthquake engineering. Soil parameters needed for the developed model can be calibrated using typical laboratory shear strength tests, and experimental or empirical shear modulus reduction curve and damping curve. The strain‐rate effects on soil strength are considered. The developed SPH model is validated against a readily available and well‐documented model slope test on a shaking table. The model simulated slope failure mode, acceleration response spectra, and slope deformations are in excellent agreement with the experimental data. It is thus suggested that the developed SPH model may be utilized to reliably simulate earthquake‐induced slope deformations. This paper also indicates that if implemented with appropriate constitutive models, SPH method can be used to model large‐deformation problems with high fidelity. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Massively‐parallel sequencing assists the diagnosis and guided treatment of cancers of unknown primary
Authors: Tothill Richard W , Li Jason , Mileshkin Linda , Doig Ken , Siganakis Terence , Cowin Prue , Fellowes Andrew , Semple Timothy , Fox Stephen , Byron Keith , Kowalczyk Adam , Thomas David , Schofield Penelope , Bowtell David D 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThe clinical management of patients with cancer of unknown primary (CUP) is hampered by the absence of a definitive site of origin. We explored the utility of massively‐parallel (next‐generation) sequencing for the diagnosis of a primary site of origin and for the identification of novel treatment options. DNA enrichment by hybridization capture of 701 genes of clinical and/or biological importance, followed by massively‐parallel sequencing, was performed on 16 CUP patients who had defied attempts to identify a likely site of origin. We obtained high quality data from both fresh‐frozen and formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded samples, demonstrating accessibility to routine diagnostic material. DNA copy‐number obtained by massively‐parallel sequencing was comparable to that obtained using oligonucleotide microarrays or quantitatively hybridized fluorescently tagged oligonucleotides. Sequencing to an average depth of 458‐fold enabled detection of somatically acquired single nucleotide mutations, insertions, deletions and copy‐number changes, and measurement of allelic frequency. Common cancer‐causing mutations were found in all cancers. Mutation profiling revealed therapeutic gene targets and pathways in 12/16 cases, providing novel treatment options. The presence of driver mutations that are enriched in certain known tumour types, together with mutational signatures indicative of exposure to sunlight or smoking, added to clinical, pathological, and molecular indicators of likely tissue of origin. Massively‐parallel DNA sequencing can therefore provide comprehensive mutation, DNA copy‐number, and mutational signature data that are of significant clinical value for a majority of CUP patients, providing both cumulative evidence for the diagnosis of primary site and options for future treatment. Copyright © 2013 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.