bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MAPping the Ndc80 loop in cancer: A possible link between Ndc80/Hec1 overproduction and cancer formation
Authors: Tang Ngang Heok , Toda Takashi 
Published: January 2015

SummaryMis‐regulation (e.g. overproduction) of the human Ndc80/Hec1 outer kinetochore protein has been associated with aneuploidy and tumourigenesis, but the genetic basis and underlying mechanisms of this phenomenon remain poorly understood. Recent studies have identified the ubiquitous Ndc80 internal loop as a protein‐protein interaction platform. Binding partners include the Ska complex, the replication licensing factor Cdt1, the Dam1 complex, TACC‐TOG microtubule‐associated proteins (MAPs) and kinesin motors. We review the field and propose that the overproduction of Ndc80 may unfavourably absorb these interactors through the internal loop domain and lead to a change in the equilibrium of MAPs and motors in the cells. This sequestration will disrupt microtubule dynamics and the proper segregation of chromosomes in mitosis, leading to aneuploid formation. Further investigation of Ndc80 internal loop‐MAPs interactions will bring new insights into their roles in kinetochore‐microtubule attachment and tumourigenesis.
Study on the interaction of plasma protein binding rate between edaravone and taurine in human plasma based on HPLC analysis coupled with ultrafiltration technique
Authors: Tang Dao‐quan , Li Yin‐jie , Li Zheng , Bian Ting‐ting , Chen Kai , Zheng Xiao‐xiao , Yu Yan‐yan , Jiang Shui‐shi 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIn this work, two high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assays were developed and validated for the independent determination of edaravone and taurine using 3‐methyl‐1‐p‐tolyl‐5‐pyrazolone and L‐glutamine as internal standards. In in vitro experiments, human plasma was separately spiked with a mixture of edaravone and taurine, edaravone or taurine alone. Plasma was precipitated with acetonitrile containing 0.1% formic acid. Ultrafiltration was employed to obtain the unbound ingredients of the two drugs. The factors that might influence the ultrafiltration effiency were elaborately optimized. Plasma supernatant and ultrafiltrate containing taurine were derivated with o‐phthalaldehyde and ethanethiol in the presence of 40 mmol/L sodium borate buffer (pH 10.2) at room temperature within 1 min. Chromatographic separations were achieved on an InertSustain C18 column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm). Isocratic 50 mmol/L ammonium acetate–acetonitrile and gradient 50 mmol/L sodium acetate (pH 5.3)–methanol were respectively selected as the mobile phase for the determination of edaravone and taurine. All of the validation data including linearity, extraction recovery, precision, accuracy and stability conformed to the requirements. Results showed that there were no significant alterations in the plasma protein binding rate of taurine and edaravone, implying that the proposed combination therapy was pharmacologically feasible. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
3D printed models for planning endovascular stenting in transverse aortic arch hypoplasia
Authors: Valverde Israel , Gomez Gorka , Coserria Jose Felix , Suarez‐Mejias Cristina , Uribe Sergio , Sotelo Julio , Velasco Maria Nieves , Santos De Soto Jose , Hosseinpour Amir‐Reza , Gomez‐Cia Tomas 
Published: January 2015

ObjectivesTo evaluate whether three‐dimensional (3D) printed models can be used to improve interventional simulation and planning in patients with aortic arch hypoplasia. Background: Stenting of a hypoplastic transverse arch is technically challenging, and complications such as stent migration and partial obstruction of the origin of the head and neck vessels are highly dependent on operator skills and expertise. Methods: Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data, a 3D model of a repaired aortic coarctation of a 15‐year‐old boy with hypoplastic aortic arch was printed. Simulation of the endovascular stenting of the hypoplastic arch was carried out under fluoroscopic guidance in the 3D printed model, and subsequently in the patient. A Bland–Altman analysis was used to evaluate the agreement between measurements of aortic diameter in the 3D printed model and the patient's MRI and X‐ray angiography. Results: The 3D printed model proved to be radio‐opaque and allowed simulation of the stenting intervention. The assessment of optimal stent position, size, and length was found to be useful for the actual intervention in the patient. There was excellent agreement between the 3D printed model and both MRI and X‐ray angiographic images (mean bias and standard deviation of 0.36 ± 0.45 mm). Conclusions: 3D printed models accurately replicate patients' anatomy and are helpful in planning endovascular stenting in transverse arch hypoplasia. This opens a door for potential simulation applications of 3D models in the field of catheterization and cardiovascular interventions. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Porous Medium Model in Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation of a Honeycombed SCR DeNOx Catalyst
Authors: Yao Jie , Zhong Zhaoping , Zhu Lin 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe commercial computational fluid dynamics software FLUENT was used to simulate the flow and chemical reaction process of a honeycombed SCR DeNOx catalyst. In the calculation model, the porous medium model was applied to describe the wall body region of the honeycombed catalyst and the ordinary flow model in order to define the honeycombed channel region. From the comparison between the two gas diffusion rates within catalyst pore structure and gas medium, their effects on the SCR DeNOx reaction rate were analyzed. A correction factor of the chemical reaction rate was created to modify the porous medium model in order to accurately calculate the chemical reaction process of the catalyst model. The study results indicated that the combination between porous medium model and reaction rate correction factor could compensate the deviation of calculated reaction rate and the interfacial diffusion problems.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalytic Activity of Mn‐doped Perovskite Oxides for Three‐Way Catalysis
Authors: Zhou Chen , Zhang Yexin , Hu Lingjun , Yin Hongfeng , Guo Wang Wei 
Published: January 2015

AbstractMn‐doped La0.8Sr0.2CoO3 perovskite oxides (La0.8Sr0.2Co1–xMnxO3; x = 0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5) were synthesized by a modified sol‐gel method. The phase‐pure oxides were obtained. CoO and carbonates were formed on the surface of La0.8Sr0.2CoO3. With increasing doping content, these impurities were reduced while the stability of the perovskite structure was improved. The valence state of B‐site ions and the amount of absorbed oxygen were influenced by Mn doping. The catalytic activity of the perovskite catalysts was investigated for CO oxidation and simultaneous removal of CO, C3H8, and NO. For CO and NO removal, La0.8Sr0.2Co0.9Mn0.1O3 exhibited the best performance. For C3H8 removal, the reactivity was promoted linearly with the doping content. The structure‐activity relationship is also discussed.
Velocity Distribution inside a Laminated‐Sheet Microchannel Reactor
Authors: Pan Minqiang , Li Lei , Shao Xiaojia , Zeng Dehuai 
Published: January 2015

AbstractIn a laminated‐sheet microchannel reactor, several microchannel sheets with the same or different structures are mutually laminated together. The effect of microchannel and manifold structure as well as the number of laminated sheets on the velocity distribution among microchannels in each sheet with the same structure is investigated. Results indicate that a large microchannel length, a high‐aspect‐ratio microchannel, and centrosymmetric manifold structure are favorable for a relatively uniform velocity distribution in each sheet. Considering the centrosymmetric manifold structure, a shorter distance from inlet and outlet to microchannels in direction of the microchannel width and a longer distance to the microchannel array in direction of the microchannel length can contribute to a more uniform velocity distribution. The laminated‐sheet number has only a minor impact on the velocity distribution among microchannels in each sheet.
Pharmacokinetic drug–drug interaction assessment of LCZ696 (an angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor) with omeprazole, metformin or levonorgestrel‐ethinyl estradiol in healthy subjects
Authors: Gan Lu , Jiang Xuemin , Mendonza Anisha , Swan Therese , Reynolds Christine , Nguyen Joanne , Pal Parasar , Neelakantham Srikanth , Dahlke Marion , Langenickel Thomas , Rajman Iris , Akahori Mizuki , Zhou Wei , Rebello Sam , Sunkara Gangadhar 
Published: January 2015

AbstractLCZ696 is a novel angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor in development for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Here, we assessed the potential for pharmacokinetic drug‐drug interaction of LCZ696 (400 mg, single dose or once daily [q.d.]) when co‐administered with omeprazole 40 mg q.d. (n = 28) or metformin 1000 mg q.d. (n = 27) or levonorgestrel‐ethinyl estradiol 150/30 μg single dose (n = 24) in three separate open‐label, single‐sequence studies in healthy subjects. Pharmacokinetic parameters of LCZ696 analytes (sacubitril, LBQ657, and valsartan), metformin, and levonorgestrel‐ethinyl estradiol were assessed. Omeprazole did not alter the AUCinf of sacubitril and pharmacokinetics of LBQ657; however, 7% decrease in the Cmax of sacubitril, and 11% and 13% decreases in AUCinf and Cmax of valsartan were observed. Co‐administration of LCZ696 with metformin had no significant effect on the pharmacokinetics of LBQ657 and valsartan; however, AUCtau,ss and Cmax,ss of metformin were decreased by 23%. Co‐administration of LCZ696 with levonorgestrel‐ethinyl estradiol had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of ethinyl estradiol and LBQ657 or AUCinf of levonorgestrel. The Cmax of levonorgestrel decreased by 15%, and AUCtau,ss and Cmax,ss of valsartan decreased by 14% and 16%, respectively. Co‐administration of LCZ696 with omeprazole, metformin, or levonorgestrel‐ethinyl estradiol was not associated with any clinically relevant pharmacokinetic drug interactions.
Determinants of sediment properties and organic matter in beach and dune environments based on boosted regression trees
Authors: Nylén Tua , Hellemaa Pirjo , Luoto Miska 
Published: December 2014

AbstractGrain size properties and the variation of organic matter in coastal beach and dune environments are assumed to be controlled by the intensity of aeolian processes, time and the sediment source. However, assumptions are based on relatively limited empirical studies. In this study, we examined which environmental variables are the main predictors of multiple topsoil properties. To achieve this, we analysed an extensive dataset systematically collected across all beach zones and a large geographical area at the Finnish Baltic Sea coast characterized by post‐glacial land uplift. We included a comprehensive set of predictors in the analysis and applied boosted regression trees, a modern modelling technique particularly suited for analysis without prior assumptions of the data model. The results suggest that mean grain size and sorting are mainly determined by northing and fetch. Northing, disturbance and fetch predicted the variation of soil organic matter while litter cover was strongly related to disturbance. Based on the analyses, we were able to identify the main drivers of multiple topsoil properties on land uplift beaches. Parent material is suggested to determine sediment textural properties, which largely masks the effects of transient processes. Mean grain size and sorting are highly interdependent: grains become finer and sorting improves with increasing shore exposure. The intensity of momentary geomorphic processes controls the accumulation of litter whereas the slower accumulation of organic matter in the soil is influenced also by the static exposure setting. Skewness and kurtosis of the grain size distribution are mainly influenced by unmeasured processes, potentially relating to the geomorphological origin of the sediment. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Co‐evolution of riparian vegetation and channel dynamics in an aggrading braided river system, Mount Pinatubo, Philippines
Authors: Gran Karen B. , Tal Michal , Wartman Emily D. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIncreased bank stability by riparian vegetation can have profound impacts on channel morphology and dynamics in low‐energy systems, but the effects are less clear in high‐energy environments. Here we investigate the role of vegetation in active, aggrading braided systems at Mount Pinatubo, Philippines, and compare results with numerical modeling results. Gradual reductions in post‐eruption sediment loads have reduced bed reworking rates, allowing vegetation to finally persist year‐round on the Pasig‐Potrero and Sacobia Rivers. From 2009–2011 we collected data detailing vegetation extent, type, density, and root strength. Incorporating these data into the RipRoot model and BSTEM (Bank Stability and Toe Erosion Model) shows cohesion due to roots increases from zero in unvegetated conditions to > 10·2 kPa in densely‐growing grasses. Field‐based parameters were incorporated into a cellular model comparing vegetation strength and sediment mobility effects on braided channel dynamics. The model shows both low sediment mobility and high vegetation strength lead to less active systems, reflecting trends observed in the field. The competing influence of vegetation strength versus channel dynamics is a concept encapsulated in a dimensionless ratio between timescales for vegetation growth and channel reworking known as T*. An estimated T* between 1·5 and 2·3 for the Pasig‐Potrero River suggests channels are still very mobile and likely to remain braided until aggradation rates decline further. Vegetation does have an important effect on channel dynamics, however, by focusing flow and thus aggradation into the unvegetated fraction of braidplain, leading to an aggradational imbalance and transition to a more avulsive state. The future trajectory of channel–vegetation interactions as sedimentation rates decline is complicated by strong seasonal variability in precipitation and sediment loads, driving incision and armoring in the dry season. By 2011, incision during the dry season was substantial enough to lower the water‐table, weaken existing vegetation, and allow for vegetation removal in future avulsions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of radium-226 bioavailability and bioaccumulation downstream of decommissioned uranium operations, using the caged oligochaete (Lumbriculus variegatus)
Authors: Wiramanaden Cheryl I.E. , Orr Patricia L. , Russel Cynthia K. 
Published: January 2015

Abstract

The present study investigated the integrated effects of several geochemical processes that control radium-226 (226Ra) mobility in the aquatic environment and bioaccumulation in in situ caged benthic invertebrates. Radium-226 bioaccumulation from sediment and water was evaluated using caged oligochaetes (Lumbriculus variegatus) deployed for 10 d in 6 areas downstream of decommissioned uranium operations in Ontario and Saskatchewan, Canada. Measured 226Ra radioactivity levels in the retrieved oligochaetes did not relate directly to water and sediment exposure levels. Other environmental factors that may influence 226Ra bioavailability in sediment and water were investigated. The strongest mitigating influence on 226Ra bioaccumulation factors was sediment barium concentration, with elevated barium (Ba) levels being related to use of barium chloride in effluent treatment for removing 226Ra through barite formation. Observations from the present study also indicated that 226Ra bioavailability was influenced by dissolved organic carbon in water, and by gypsum, carbonate minerals, and iron oxyhydroxides in sediment, suggestive of sorption processes. Environmental factors that appeared to increase 226Ra bioaccumulation were the presence of other group (II) ions in water (likely competing for binding sites on organic carbon molecules), and the presence of K-feldspars in sediment, which likely act as a dynamic repository for 226Ra where weak ion exchange can occur. In addition to influencing bioavailability to sediment biota, secondary minerals such as gypsum, carbonate minerals, and iron oxyhydroxides likely help mitigate 226Ra release into overlying water after the dissolution of sedimentary barite. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:507–517. © 2014 SETAC
Hippocampal dendritic spines remodeling and fear memory are modulated by GABAergic signaling within the basolateral amygdala complex
Authors: Giachero Marcelo , Calfa Gaston D. , Molina Victor A. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTGABAergic signaling in the basolateral amygdala complex (BLA) plays a crucial role on the modulation of the stress influence on fear memory. Moreover, accumulating evidence suggests that the dorsal hippocampus (DH) is a downstream target of BLA neurons in contextual fear. Given that hippocampal structural plasticity is proposed to provide a substrate for the storage of long‐term memories, the main aim of this study is to evaluate the modulation of GABA neurotransmission in the BLA on spine density in the DH following stress on contextual fear learning. The present findings show that prior stressful experience promoted contextual fear memory and enhanced spine density in the DH. Intra‐BLA infusion of midazolam, a positive modulator of GABAa sites, prevented the facilitating influence of stress on both fear retention and hippocampal dendritic spine remodeling. Similarly to the stress‐induced effects, the blockade of GABAa sites within the BLA ameliorated fear memory emergence and induced structural remodeling in the DH. These findings suggest that GABAergic transmission in BLA modulates the structural changes in DH associated to the influence of stress on fear memory. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Investigation of the pruritus‐induced functional activity in the rat brain using manganese‐enhanced MRI
Authors: Jeong Keun‐Yeong , Kang Ji‐Hyuk 
Published: December 2014

PurposeTo provide clear information on the activation regions of itching, we investigated the functional activity of cerebral regions in the pruritus‐induced rat model using manganese‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MEMRI).Materials and MethodsItching was induced via neonatal capsaicin treatment in Sprague‐Dawley rats (itching rats), and scratching behavior of the control, itching, and gabapentin (GBP)‐treated itching rats was compared. Then the activated or deactivated brain regions were investigated in the control, itching, and GBP‐treated itching rats using a 4.7T MRI system.ResultsWhile the itching rats engaged in vigorous scratching (121.2 ± 22.4 times), the scratching behavior was decreased in the GBP‐treated itching rats (30.6 ± 8.8 times). GBP induced the attenuation of functional activity in two regions −7.10 mm from bregma, in one region −6.65 mm from bregma, and in one region −6.06 mm from bregma. The brain regions related to itching were as follows: parafascicular nucleus, thalamus, superior/inferior colliculus, periaqueductal gray, cingulate cortex, amygdala, midbrain regions, lateral habenula, and hypothalamic areas.ConclusionOur MEMRI investigation indicates new functional activity of cerebral regions in rats due to the effect of itching or GBP. This information could be used to monitor the therapeutic effects of novel agents or for clinical strategies to treat pathological itch. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:709–716.
Multiyear greenhouse gas flux measurements on a temperate fen soil used for cropland or grassland
Authors: Beyer Colja , Liebersbach Horst , Höper Heinrich 
Published: January 2015

AbstractTo date there is still a lack of reliable data on greenhouse gas emissions from drained fens needed to determine the climatic relevance of land use and land use change on peatlands and to supply the National Inventory Report for the German Greenhouse Gas Inventory. In this study we present the results of monthly‐based multiyear measurements of CO2, N2O and CH4 flux rates in two drained agriculturally used fen ecosystems in NW Germany (cropland and grassland) over a period of 4.5 y using transparent and opaque closed chambers. CO2 exchange was modelled at high resolution with temperature and photosynthetic active radiation. The measured and modelled values fit very well (R2 ≥ 0.93). Annual GHG and Global Warming Potential (GWP) balances were determined. Net CO2 emissions at the cropland and grassland sites were similarly high, taking into account changes in management; net ecosystem C balance amounted to about 4.0 to 5.0 Mg C ha−1 y−1. Emissions of N2O and CH4 were low at both sites. The mean GWP balance for a time frame of 100 y (GWP100) amounted to about 17.0 to 19.0 Mg CO2‐eq. ha−1 y−1. The unexpectedly low greenhouse gas emissions from the cropland site are attributed to the high water table and a change in crop management. The change from corn for silage to corn‐cob mix lead transiently to rather small greenhouse gas emissions. The study confirms the need for multiyear measurements taking climatic and management variation into account.
Engineering of a thermostable β‐1,3‐1,4‐glucanase from Bacillus altitudinisYC‐9 to improve its catalytic efficiency
Authors: Mao Shurui , Gao Peng , Lu Zhaoxin , Lu Fengxia , Zhang Chong , Zhao Haizhen , Bie Xiaomei 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDError‐prone polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is frequently used in directed evolution of enzymes to modify their quality. In this study, error‐prone PCR was used to improve the catalytic efficiency of β‐1,3‐1,4‐glucanase from Bacillus altitudinis YC‐9.RESULTSBy screening, the mutant Glu‐3060 with higher activity was selected among 5000 transformants. After induction with isopropyl β‐d‐1‐thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG), the activity of the mutant Glu‐3060 reached 474.6 U mL−1, resulting in a 48.6% increment of the parent enzyme activity. Research on the characterization of the mutated enzyme showed the optimal pH of the mutated enzyme to be 5.0, which is lower than the parent enzyme, but thermal stability was almost the same between them. Sequence analysis of the mutated enzyme revealed that three amino acids were changed compared with the parent enzyme, including K142N, Q203L and N214D.CONCLUSIONThe three‐dimensional structure predicted by SWISS‐MODEL of the mutated enzyme Glu‐3060 showed that the substitution of three amino acids had an effect on the catalytic activity, stability and optimal pH of the enzyme, through changing the charge properties or electron density, forming secondary keys, the acidity of the amino acids and the side chain group. The sum effects of all the factors were increased activity of the mutated enzyme and decreased optimal pH, while the same thermostability was maintained, thereby increasing the suitability of the enzyme for industrial use. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry