bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome‐wide analysis of the oxyntic proliferative isthmus zone reveals ASPM as a possible gastric stem/progenitor cell marker over‐expressed in cancer
Authors: Vange Pål , Bruland Torunn , Beisvag Vidar , Erlandsen Sten Even , Flatberg Arnar , Doseth Berit , Sandvik Arne K , Bakke Ingunn 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe oxyntic proliferative isthmus zone contains the main stem/progenitor cells that provide for physiological renewal of the distinct mature cell lineages in the oxyntic epithelium of the stomach. These cells are also proposed to be the potential cells‐of‐origin of gastric cancer, although little is known about their molecular characteristics and specific biological markers are lacking. In this study, we developed a method for serial section‐navigated laser microdissection to isolate cells from the proliferative isthmus zone of rat gastric oxyntic mucosa for genome‐wide microarray gene expression analysis. Enrichment analysis showed a distinct gene expression profile for the isthmus zone, with genes regulating intracellular processes such as the cell cycle and ribosomal activity. The profile was also related to stem cell transcriptional networks and stomach neoplasia. Genes expressed uniquely in the isthmus zone were associated with E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1), which participates in the self‐renewal of stem cells and in gastric carcinogenesis. One of the unique genes was Aspm [Asp (abnormal spindle) homologue, microcephaly‐associated (Drosophila)]. Here we show ASPM in single scattered epithelial cells located in the proliferative isthmus zone of rat, mouse and human oxyntic mucosa, which do not seem to be actively dividing. The ASPM‐expressing cells are mainly mature cell marker‐deficient, except for a limited overlap with cells with neuroendocrine and tuft cell features. Further, both ASPM and E2F1 were expressed in human gastric cancer cell lines and increased and correlated in human gastric adenocarcinomas compared to non‐tumour mucosa, as shown by expression profile analyses and immunohistochemistry. The association between ASPM and the transcription factor E2F1 in gastric tissue is relevant, due to their common involvement in crucial cell fate‐regulatory mechanisms. Our results thus introduce ASPM as a novel possible oxyntic stem/progenitor cell marker that may be involved in both normal gastric physiology and gastric carcinogenesis. © 2015 Authors. Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Effects of a 6‐Month, Group‐Based, Therapeutic Exercise Program for Childhood Cancer Outpatients on Motor Performance, Level of Activity, and Quality of Life
Authors: Beulertz Julia , Prokop Aram , Rustler Vanessa , Bloch Wilhelm , Felsch Moritz , Baumann Freerk T. 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundExercise interventions in pediatric oncology are feasible and safe. However, scarce data are available with regard to the effectiveness of outpatient, group‐based exercise interventions. As well, the potential role of exercise to improve motor performance has not been adequately explored despite being a meaningful outcome during childhood with important implications for physical activity behavior. No study has yet demonstrated significant changes in motor performance after an exercise intervention.ProceduresThis explorative, prospective study was designed to evaluate the effects of a 6‐month, group‐based, therapeutic exercise program for a mixed childhood cancer population on motor performance, level of activity, and quality of life. After cessation of inpatient medical treatment, childhood cancer outpatients aged 4–17 years exercised once a week during a 6‐month period (IG). Comparison groups included childhood cancer outpatients receiving care as usual (CG1), as well as healthy peers (matched to IG by age and gender) (CG2).ResultsOverall motor performance, various motor dimensions, activity in sport clubs and school sports, as well as physical and emotional well‐being were significantly reduced in the IG at baseline. Significant differences between the IG and CG1 and/or CG2 were identified in the change of overall motor performance, single motor dimensions, overall level of activity, and emotional well‐being from baseline to post‐intervention.ConclusionsThe exercise intervention was beneficial in terms of motor performance, level of activity, and emotional well‐being. As such, this study provides support for group‐based exercise as a potential strategy to improve these outcomes after inpatient medical treatment. Pediatr Blood Cancer © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Polypropylene/nTiO2 nanocomposites using melt mixing and its investigation on mechanical and thermal properties
Authors: Shimpi Navinchandra , Shirole Sharada , Mishra Satyendra 
Published: July 2015

This study investigates the preparation of nTiO2 particle using green chemistry approach and its subsequent effect on the properties of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) nanocomposites, which is one of the most suited thermoplastic polymer. The nanocomposite of iPP with TiO2 nanoparticle (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5 wt%) were prepared on Brabender plasticorder, which was then subjected to injection molding to get a dumbbell‐shape specimens. Meanwhile, TiO2 nanoparticles (nTiO2) were prepared using ultrasonic cavitation technique using leaf extract of Murraya koenigii. The extraction of leaf was carried out using distilled water as a solvent. The size and shape of nTiO2 particle was confirmed using transmission electron microscope and found to be spherical shape of diameter ∼10–45 nm. The mechanical properties of nTiO2 reinforced iPP composites were studied using universal testing machine. Moreover, thermal properties were studied using Vicat softening temperature, thermogravimetric analyzer, and differential scanning calorimeter. The extent of dispersion of nTiO2 in iPP matrix was studied using field‐emission scanning electron microscope and X‐ray diffractometer. The mechanical and thermal properties of nTiO2‐iPP composites were found to be improved significantly with increasing amount of nTiO2 particles except elongation at break, which is a marginal increment. This improvement in properties (mechanical and thermal) was due to the uniform dispersion of nTiO2 in iPP matrix, which means that chains of polymers were well adhered with the spherical shaper particles. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:1273–1279, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Quantification of SAA1 and SAA2 in lung cancer plasma using the isotype‐specific PRM assays
Authors: Kim Yeoun Jin , Gallien Sebastien , El‐Khoury Victoria , Goswami Panchali , Sertamo Katriina , Schlesser Marc , Berchem Guy , Domon Bruno 
Published: July 2015

The quantification of plasma proteins using the high resolution and accurate mass (HR/AM)‐based parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) method provides an immediate benefit over the conventional SRM‐based method in terms of selectivity. In this study, multiplexed PRM assays were developed to analyze isotypes of serum amyloid A (SAA) proteins in human plasma with a focus on SAA1 and SAA2. Elevated plasma levels of these proteins in patients diagnosed with lung cancer have been reported in previous studies. Since SAA1 and SAA2 are highly homologous, the available immunoassays tend to overestimate their concentrations due to cross‐reactivity. On the other hand, when mass spectrometry (MS)‐based assays are used, the presence of the several allelic variants may result in a problem of underestimation. In the present study, eight peptides that represent the target proteins at three different levels: isotype‐specific (SAA1α, SAA 1β, SAA1γ, SAA2α, SAA2β), protein‐specific (SAA1 or SAA2), and pan SAA (SAA1 and SAA2) were chosen to differentiate SAAs in lung cancer plasma samples using a panel of PRM assays. The measurement of specific isotypes, leveraging the analytical performance of PRM, allowed to quantify the allelic variants of both target proteins. The isotypes detected were corroborated with the genetic information obtained from the same samples. The combination of SAA2α and SAA2β assays representing the total SAA2 concentration demonstrated a superior analytical outcome than the previously used assay on the common peptide when applied to the detection of lung cancer.
Electrostatics, structure prediction, and the energy landscapes for protein folding and binding
Authors: Tsai Min‐Yeh , Zheng Weihua , Balamurugan D. , Schafer Nicholas P. , Kim Bobby L. , Cheung Margaret S. , Wolynes Peter G. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractWhile being long in range and therefore weakly specific, electrostatic interactions are able to modulate the stability and folding landscapes of some proteins. The relevance of electrostatic forces for steering the docking of proteins to each other is widely acknowledged, however, the role of electrostatics in establishing specifically funneled landscapes and their relevance for protein structure prediction are still not clear. By introducing Debye‐Hückel potentials that mimic long‐range electrostatic forces into the Associative memory, Water mediated, Structure, and Energy Model (AWSEM), a transferable protein model capable of predicting tertiary structures, we assess the effects of electrostatics on the landscapes of thirteen monomeric proteins and four dimers. For the monomers, we find that adding electrostatic interactions does not improve structure prediction. Simulations of ribosomal protein S6 show, however, that folding stability depends monotonically on electrostatic strength. The trend in predicted melting temperatures of the S6 variants agrees with experimental observations. Electrostatic effects can play a range of roles in binding. The binding of the protein complex KIX‐pKID is largely assisted by electrostatic interactions, which provide direct charge‐charge stabilization of the native state and contribute to the funneling of the binding landscape. In contrast, for several other proteins, including the DNA‐binding protein FIS, electrostatics causes frustration in the DNA‐binding region, which favors its binding with DNA but not with its protein partner. This study highlights the importance of long‐range electrostatics in functional responses to problems where proteins interact with their charged partners, such as DNA, RNA, as well as membranes.
Diffusion accessibility as a method for visualizing macromolecular surface geometry
Authors: Tsai Yingssu , Holton Thomas , Yeates Todd O. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractImportant three‐dimensional spatial features such as depth and surface concavity can be difficult to convey clearly in the context of two‐dimensional images. In the area of macromolecular visualization, the computer graphics technique of ray‐tracing can be helpful, but further techniques for emphasizing surface concavity can give clearer perceptions of depth. The notion of diffusion accessibility is well‐suited for emphasizing such features of macromolecular surfaces, but a method for calculating diffusion accessibility has not been made widely available. Here we make available a web‐based platform that performs the necessary calculation by solving the Laplace equation for steady state diffusion, and produces scripts for visualization that emphasize surface depth by coloring according to diffusion accessibility. The URL is http://services.mbi.ucla.edu/DiffAcc/.
Evaluating the dynamics and electrostatic interactions of folded proteins in implicit solvents
Authors: Hua Duy P. , Huang He , Roy Amitava , Post Carol Beth 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThree implicit solvent models, namely GBMVII, FACTS, and SCPISM, were evaluated for their abilities to emulate an explicit solvent environment by comparing the simulated conformational ensembles, dynamics, and electrostatic interactions of the Src SH2 domain and the Lyn kinase domain. This assessment in terms of structural features in folded proteins expands upon the use of hydration energy as a metric for comparison. All‐against‐all rms coordinate deviation, average positional fluctuations, and ion‐pair distance distribution were used to compare the implicit solvent models with the TIP3P explicit solvent model. Our study shows that the Src SH2 domains solvated with TIP3P, GBMVII, and FACTS sample similar global conformations. Additionally, the Src SH2 ion‐pair distance distributions of solvent‐exposed side chains corresponding to TIP3P, GBMVII, and FACTS do not differ substantially, indicating that GBMVII and FACTS are capable of modeling these electrostatic interactions. The ion‐pair distance distributions of SCPISM are distinct from others, demonstrating that these electrostatic interactions are not adequately reproduced with the SCPISM model. On the other hand, for the Lyn kinase domain, a non‐globular protein with bilobal structure and a large concavity on the surface, implicit solvent does not accurately model solvation to faithfully reproduce partially buried electrostatic interactions and lobe‐lobe conformations. Our work reveals that local structure and dynamics of small, globular proteins are modeled well using FACTS and GBMVII. Nonetheless, global conformations and electrostatic interactions in concavities of multi‐lobal proteins resulting from simulations with implicit solvent models do not match those obtained from explicit water simulations.
Design of networked freeway traffic controllers based on event‐triggered control concepts
Authors: Ferrara Antonella , Sacone Simona , Siri Silvia 
Published: July 2015

SummaryIn this paper, an event‐triggered model predictive networked scheme is proposed to control traffic in freeway networks. The freeway network is a spatially distributed system in which sensors and actuators act locally on portions of the overall system; measurements and control actions are transmitted to/from the feedback controllers via a shared communication network. In this sense, the considered plant can be properly controlled by relying on a design framework typical of networked control systems, a major feature of which is the necessity of taking care of both the computational effort and the communication effort. The proposed control scheme allows to reduce the computational load with a feedback model predictive controller in which suitable triggering conditions are defined. As for the communication effort, local triggering conditions are included in sensors, inducing transmissions of the system state only when such conditions are verified. The robustness properties of the controlled system are investigated in the paper by analyzing the input‐to‐state practical stability of the plant under the action of the proposed control strategy. The effectiveness of this proposal is also analyzed via simulation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of wind shear on wind turbine rotor loads and planetary bearing reliability
Authors: Gould B. J. , Burris D. L. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractRecent studies suggest that wind shear and the resulting pitch moments increase bearing loads and thereby contribute to premature wind turbine gearbox failure. In this paper, we use momentum‐based modeling approaches to predict the pitch moments from wind shear. The non‐dimensionalized results, which have been validated against accepted aeroelastic results, can be used to determine thrust force, pitch moment and power of a general rotor as a function of the wind shear exponent. Even in extreme wind shear (m = 1), the actual thrust force and power for a typical turbine (R* < 0.5) were within 8% and 20% of the nominal values (those without wind shear), respectively. The mean pitch moment increased monotonically with turbine thrust, rotor radius and wind shear exponent. For extreme wind shear (m = 1) on a typical turbine (R* = 0.5), the mean pitch moment is ~25% the product of thrust force and rotor radius. Analysis of wind shear for a typical 750 kW turbine revealed that wind shear does not significantly affect bearing loads because it counteracts the effects of rotor weight. Furthermore, even though general pitch moments did significantly increase bearing loads, they were found to be unlikely to cause bearing fatigue. Analyses of more common low wind‐speed cases suggest that bearing under‐loading and wear are more likely to contribute to premature bearing failure than overloading and classical surface contact fatigue. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Medical education in the United States: do residents feel prepared?
Authors: Chen Chen (Amy) , Kotliar Dylan , Drolet Brian C. 
Published: July 2015

Background Medical schools face a growing challenge in providing a comprehensive educational experience. Students must graduate with not only the medical knowledge but also the requisite skills to care for patients and serve as physicians-in-training.
Objective To assess whether residents felt prepared by their medical school training.
Method We developed a questionnaire to assess resident attitudes towards various aspects of their medical school training and electronically distributed it among 107 United States training institutions.
Results A total of 2287 residents responded. Overall, a majority (53.8 %) agreed that ‘medical school prepared me well to be a resident.’ Most residents felt very well or mostly prepared in medical knowledge and clinical skills such as collecting a history (92.3 %), presenting a physical exam (86.1 %), or pathophysiology (81.6 %), but not for applied medical and psychosocial practices including end-of-life care (41.7 %), dealing with a patient death (46.3 %), and considering cost-effective care (28.7 %). Additionally, many residents reported feeling underprepared for time and fatigue management, debt, and medical-legal issues.
Conclusions Medical school graduates generally feel well prepared for residency. However, they may be less prepared to face important psychosocial, cultural and professional issues. Ultimately, a greater emphasis on skills and psychosocial experience may yield graduates who feel better prepared for today's residency challenges.
International note: Are Emirati parents' attitudes toward mathematics linked to their adolescent children's attitudes toward mathematics and mathematics achievement?
Authors: Areepattamannil Shaljan , Khine Myint Swe , Melkonian Michael , Welch Anita G. , Al Nuaimi Samira Ahmed , Rashad Fatimah F. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractDrawing on data from the 2012 Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) and employing multilevel modeling as an analytic strategy, this study examined the relations of adolescent children's perceptions of their parents' attitudes towards mathematics to their own attitudes towards mathematics and mathematics achievement among a sample of 5116 adolescents from 384 schools in the United Arab Emirates. The results of this cross‐sectional study revealed that adolescents who perceived that their parents liked mathematics and considered mathematics was important for their children not only to study but also for their career tended to report higher levels of intrinsic and instrumental motivation to learn mathematics, mathematics self‐concept and self‐efficacy, and mathematics work ethic. Moreover, adolescents who perceived that their parents liked mathematics and considered mathematics was important for their children's career tended to report positive intentions and behaviors toward mathematics. However, adolescents who perceived that their parents considered mathematics was important for their children's career tended to report higher levels of mathematics anxiety. Finally, adolescents who perceived that their parents considered mathematics was important for their children to study performed significantly better on the mathematics assessment than did their peers whose parents disregarded the importance of learning mathematics.
Adaptive Fuzzy Vibration Control of Smart Structure with VFIFE Modeling
Authors: Xu R. , Li D.-X. , Jiang J.-P. , Liu W. 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTThe vibration control of smart structure is considered in this paper. Membrane SAR antenna structure with piezoelectric sensors and actuators is taken as an example. The dynamic model is build up based on vector form intrinsic finite element (VFIFE) method. The four nodes membrane element, sensor element and actuator element for VFIFE are presented. By decentralized control stratagem, the bending and torsional vibrations of the membrane SAR antenna can be decoupled on measurement and driving control. The fuzzy control and adaptive fuzzy control are applied to suppress the bending and torsional vibrations of the membrane SAR structure. In the numerical experiment section, form finding is first carried out, then vibration control simulations are studied. The results demonstrate that adaptive fuzzy control algorithm can suppress the vibrations more effectively than the fuzzy control algorithm.
Minimal impact of an iron-fortified lipid-based nutrient supplement on Hb and iron status: a randomised controlled trial in malnourished HIV-positive African adults starting antiretroviral therapy
Authors: James Philip , Friis Henrik , Woodd Susannah , Rehman Andrea M. , PrayGod George , Kelly Paul , Koethe John R. , Filteau Suzanne 
Published: July 2015

Anaemia, redistribution of Fe, malnutrition and heightened systemic inflammation during HIV infection confer an increased risk of morbidity and mortality in HIV patients. We analysed information on Fe status and inflammation from a randomised, double blind, controlled phase-III clinical trial in Lusaka, Zambia and Mwanza, Tanzania. Malnourished patients (n1815) were recruited at referral to antiretroviral therapy (ART) into a two-stage nutritional rehabilitation programme, randomised to receive a lipid-based nutrient supplement with or without added micronutrients. Fe was included in the intervention arm during the second stage, given from 2 to 6 weeks post-ART. Hb, serum C-reactive protein (CRP), serum ferritin and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) were measured at recruitment and 6 weeks post-ART. Multivariable linear regression models were used to assess the impact of the intervention, and the effect of reducing inflammation from recruitment to week 6 on Hb and Fe status. There was no effect of the intervention on Hb, serum ferritin, sTfR or serum CRP. A one-log decrease of serum CRP from recruitment to week 6 was associated with a 1·81 g/l increase in Hb (95 % CI 0·85, 2·76;P< 0·001), and a 0·11 log decrease in serum ferritin (95 % CI − 0·22, 0·03;P= 0·012) from recruitment to week 6. There was no association between the change in serum CRP and the change in sTfR over the same time period (P= 0·78). In malnourished, HIV-infected adults receiving dietary Fe, a reduction in inflammation in the early ART treatment period appears to be a precondition for recovery from anaemia.
Capital Structure Decisions around the World: Which Factors Are Reliably Important?
Authors: Öztekin Özde 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThis article examines the international determinants of capital structure using a large sample of firms from 37 countries. The reliable determinants for leverage are firm size, tangibility, industry leverage, profits, and inflation. The quality of the countries’ institutions affects leverage and the adjustment speed toward target leverage in significant ways. High-quality institutions lead to faster leverage adjustments, whereas laws and traditions that safeguard debt holders relative to stockholders (e.g., more effective bankruptcy procedures and stronger creditor protection) lead to higher leverage.