bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nordihydroguaiaretic acid activates hTRPA1 and modulates behavioral responses to noxious cold in mice
Authors: Redmond William John , Camo Maxime , Mitchell Vanessa , Vaughan Christopher Walter , Connor Mark 
Published: September 2014

AbstractNordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) is a major biologically active component of the creosote bush, Larrea tridentate, widely used in unregulated therapies. NDGA is a lipoxygenase inhibitor while a derivative, terameprocol, has been trialed as a chemotherapeutic agent. When investigating fatty acid activation of the human transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily A, member 1 (hTRPA1), we found that NDGA activated the channel. Here we investigate the actions of NDGA and terameprocol at hTRPA1 and the consequences of this for noxious cold sensitivity in mice. hTRPA1 was stably expressed in HEK 293 cells (HEK 293‐TRPA1) and channel activity examined by measuring changes in intracellular calcium ([Ca]i) using a fluorescent dye and activation of membrane currents using patch clamp electrophysiology. The effects of local NDGA and terameprocol application on acetone‐induced paw flinching were examined in mice. NDGA (pEC50 of 5.4 ± 0.1, maximum change in fluorescence of 385 ± 30%) and terameprocol (pEC50 4.5 ± 0.2, maximum 550 ± 75%) increased [Ca]i in HEK 293‐hTRPA1 cells. NDGA also induced an increase in membrane conductance in HEK 293‐hTRPA1 cells. These effects were prevented by the TRPA1 antagonist HC‐030031, and were dependent on the presence of Cys621, Cys 641, and Cys 665 in hTRPA1. Neither NDGA nor terameprocol alone produced spontaneous pain behaviors in mice after hind paw injection, but both enhanced responses to acetone. NDGA and terameprocol are efficacious activators of TRPA1. NDGA should be used with care to probe lipoxygenase involvement in nociception while TRPA1 activity should be considered when considering use of these drugs in humans.
Modulation of CYP3a expression and activity in mice models of type 1 and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Patoine Dany , Petit Michaël , Pilote Sylvie , Picard Frédéric , Drolet Benoit , Simard Chantale 
Published: September 2014

AbstractCYP3A4, the most abundant cytochrome P450 enzyme in the human liver and small intestine, is responsible for the metabolism of about 50% of all marketed drugs. Numerous pathophysiological factors, such as diabetes and obesity, were shown to affect CYP3A activity. Evidences suggest that drug disposition is altered in type 1 (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). The objective was to evaluate the effect of T1D and T2D on hepatic and intestinal CYP3a drug‐metabolizing activity/expression in mice. Hepatic and intestinal microsomes were prepared from streptozotocin‐induced T1D, db/db T2D and control mice. Domperidone was selected as a probe substrate for CYP3a and formation of five of its metabolites was evaluated using high performance liquid chromatography. Hepatic CYP3a protein and mRNA expression were assessed by Western blot and reverse‐transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction respectively. Hepatic microsomal CYP3a activity was significantly increased in both T1D and T2D groups versus control group. Intestinal CYP3a activity was also significantly increased in both T1D and T2D groups. Moreover, significant increases of both hepatic CYP3a mRNAs and protein expression were observed in both T1D and T2D groups versus control group. Additional experiments with testosterone further validated the increased activity of CYP3a under the effect of both T1D and T2D. Although differences exist in the pathophysiological insults associated with T1D and T2D, our results suggest that these two distinct diseases may have the same modulating effect on the regulation of CYP3a, ultimately leading to variability in drug response, ranging from lack of effect to life‐threatening toxicity.
Imaging with biomolecular ions generated by massive cluster impact in a time‐of‐flight secondary ion microscope
Authors: Zhang Jitao , Franzreb Klaus , Williams Peter 
Published: September 2014

RATIONALEImaging mass spectrometry can allow the correlation of molecular identification and spatial organization in biological samples. A useful technique would rapidly generate, from untreated samples, images of lipids, peptides and small proteins with intracellular spatial resolution. We describe the use of massive, highly charged glycerol cluster impact to produce images using ionized, intact biomolecules, with few‐micrometer lateral resolution and few‐minute acquisition times.METHODSAn electrospray primary ion source generating massive clusters of electrolyte‐doped glycerol was coupled with a microscope‐imaging time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometer. A continuous stream of primary cluster ions ejected secondary ions from the sample surface. The secondary ion stream was pulsed in the secondary column and either time‐of‐flight mass spectra or mass‐selected ion images were projected onto a position‐sensitive ion detector. The image acquisition times were a few minutes.RESULTSIonized intact molecules of some common lipids, peptides and small proteins have been detected. A lateral image resolution of ~3 µm has been measured for a bradykinin ion image.CONCLUSIONSMassive cluster impact (MCI) combined with microscope‐mode ion imaging allows rapid imaging using ionized intact biomolecules, with a lateral resolution acceptable for applications with biological samples. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sulforaphane interaction with amyloid beta 1‐40 peptide studied by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Nagaveni V. , Lakshmi V. V. S. , Prabhakar S. 
Published: September 2014

RATIONALEAggregation of amyloid beta 1‐40 (Aβ) in the brain causes Alzheimer's disease (AD) and several small molecules are known to inhibit the aggregation process. Sulforaphane (SFN) is a natural isothiocyanate which is known to prevent various neurodegenerative processes. However, its interaction with Aβ is yet to be explored. Such studies could provide new mechanistic insights for its neuroprotective properties.METHODSLiquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC/ESI‐MS) and in‐source fragmentation experiments were performed on an Orbitrap mass spectrometer. The solution of Aβ and SFN was incubated and analyzed by mass spectrometry. Isotopic distribution patterns, accurate mass values and theoretical product ions were used to analyze the mass spectrometry data. The nature of binding of SFN and its binding sites with Aβ were evaluated by LC/MS and trypsin digestion experiments.RESULTSESI‐MS analysis of the incubated solution of Aβ and SFN showed a 1:1 complex of [Aβ+SFN]. LC/MS analysis revealed that the solution contains three different [Aβ+SFN] complexes due to covalent binding of SFN to Aβ at three different sites. The in‐source fragmentation experiments revealed that SFN is binding to free NH2 groups (N‐terminal amino acid and lysines) in Aβ. Trypsin digestion experiments further confirmed the SFN binding sites in Aβ.CONCLUSIONSThe interaction of SFN, an anticancer agent, with Aβ was studied using ESI‐MS. SFN is found to bind covalently and specifically with the free NH2 group of N‐terminal aspartic acid and the ε‐amino group of lysine at positions 16 and 28. Aggregation assay studies showed a lesser inclination of Aβ to aggregate when SFN is present. Hence the present study helps in understanding the mechanism of the action of SFN on the Aβ peptide. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis of branched fructans produced in vitro with 13C‐labeled substrates
Authors: Verspreet Joran , Holmgaard Hansen Anders , Dornez Emmie , Delcour Jan A. , Harrison Scott J. , Courtin Christophe M. 
Published: September 2014

RATIONALEFructans are carbohydrates predominantly based on fructose which are generally considered to be soluble dietary fibers with health‐promoting properties. It is known that the nutritional properties of fructans are affected by their structure. This study focused on structural determination of branched fructans, as the most important dietary fructans are branched graminan‐type fructans.METHODSBranched fructans were synthesized enzymatically by incubation of a heterologously expressed sucrose:fructan 6‐fructosyltransferase (6‐SFT) from Pachysandra terminalis with native or 13C‐labeled substrates. Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) was used for the structural identification of branched fructans. The MS2 fragmentation of these compounds is described for the first time. Analytes were charged by electrospray ionization in negative mode and a quadrupole mass analyzer was used for MS2 analysis.RESULTSThe MS2 fragmentation patterns of branched and linear fructans were shown to differ and distinctive ion formation allowed differentiation between all branched fructan isomers formed. P. terminalis 6‐SFT preferred extending the existing fructan branch rather than creating a new branch.CONCLUSIONSThe MS2 fragmentation patterns described in the current paper now allow rapid screening of large sample sets for the presence of branched, graminan‐type fructans. Furthermore, the data enables the characterization of fructan‐metabolizing enzymes by identification of the fructan structures produced by in vitro reactions as described here for P. terminalis 6‐SFT. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High strength steel in seismic resistant building frames
Authors: Dubina Dan , Stratan Aurel , Vulcu Cristian , Ciutina Adrian 
Published: September 2014

AbstractSeismic resistant building frames designed as dissipative structures, must allow for plastic deformations to develop in specific members, whose behaviour is expected to be predicted and controlled by proper calculation and detailing. Members designed to remain elastic during earthquake, such as columns, are characterized by high strength demands. Dual‐steel structural systems, optimized according to a Performance Based Design (PBD) philosophy, in which High Strength Steel (HSS) is used in predominantly “elastic” members, while Mild Carbon Steel (MCS) is used in dissipative members, can be very reliable and cost efficient. Because present seismic design codes do not cover this specific configuration, an extensive European research project [1], HSS‐SERF − High Strength Steel in Seismic Resistant Building Frames, was carried out with the aim to investigate and evaluate the seismic performance of dual‐steel building frames. On this purpose, and based on a large numerical and experimental program, the following objectives have been focused into the project:1. to find reliable structural typologies and joint/connection detailing for dual‐steel building frames, (e. g. of HSS and MCS members), and to validate them by tests and advanced numerical simulations,2. to develop design criteria and performance based design methodology for dual‐steel structures using high strength steel,3. to recommend relevant design parameters (i. e. behaviour factor q, overstrength factor Ω) to be implemented in further versions of the seismic design code, EN 1998‐1 [1], in order to apply capacity design approach for dual‐steel framing typologies,4. to evaluate technical and economic benefit of dual‐steel approach involving HSS.
Tests of cold‐formed steel portal frames with slender sections
Authors: Zhang Xi , Rasmussen Kim 
Published: September 2014

AbstractCold‐formed steel sections are widely used in many applications such as structural frames, scaffolding systems, purlins and storage racks. In particular, cold‐formed steel portal frames can be an alternative to conventional hot‐rolled steel portal frames for industrial, rural and residential low rise buildings. The advantages of using cold‐formed steels include a higher strength‐to‐weight ratio and reduced material, erection and transportation costs.Over the past two decades a number of researchers [1] to [3] have undertaken tests on cold‐formed steel portal frames. The tests mainly focused on the behaviour of joints, and employed relatively stocky sections. Hence, they provided little insight into the effects of cross‐sectional instability on the overall stability of the frame.In this paper, three portal frame tests are described, the main purpose of which was to study the effect of cross‐sectional instability on the two‐dimensional sway failure of cold‐formed steel. The tests demonstrated significant local and distortional buckling before reaching the ultimate load. Finite element models were calibrated against the tests. The calibrated models therefore can be used for a parametric study to investigate the significance of the additional second‐order effects caused by local/distortional bucking. The paper details the tests and the numerical simulations.
Building system for a composite steel‐timber structure
Authors: Fujita Masanori , Sakai Junpei , Oda Hirotaka , Iwata Mamoru 
Published: September 2014

AbstractIn order to address global environmental issues, there is an urgent need for the building structure field to use as much timber as possible to contribute to reforestation, as well as to research and develop a building system that does not diminish the structure’s functionality and safety [1]. The building structure field is required to actively use this wood as timber, but the timber is too weak to use for large buildings. Research and development of an appropriate building system that can utilize such timber is necessary.This study examines the possibility of developing a building system for a composite steel‐timber structure utilizing the authors’ wealth of expertise in steel structure construction. Different types of composite steel‐timber structure building systems are categorized, and their features are described. Furthermore, the individual types are evaluated for the performance requirements needed to develop a building system.
Influence of Gender on Tourette Syndrome Beyond Adolescence
Authors: Lichter D.G. , Finnegan S.G. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAlthough boys are disproportionately affected by tics in Tourette syndrome (TS), this gender bias is attenuated in adulthood and a recent study has suggested that women may experience greater functional interference from tics than men. The authors assessed the gender distribution of adults in a tertiary University-based TS clinic population and the relative influence of gender and other variables on adult tic severity (YGTSS score) and psychosocial functioning (GAF score). We also determined retrospectively the influence of gender on change in global tic severity and overall TS impairment (YGTSS) since adolescence. Females were over-represented in relation to previously published epidemiologic surveys of both TS children and adults. Female gender was associated with a greater likelihood of tic worsening as opposed to tic improvement in adulthood; a greater likelihood of expansion as opposed to contraction of motor tic distribution; and with increased current motor tic severity and tic-related impairment. However, gender explained only a small percentage of the variance of the YGTSS global severity score and none of the variance of the GAF scale score. Psychosocial functioning was influenced most strongly by tic severity but also by a variety of comorbid neuropsychiatric disorders.
Vital registration and under‐reporting of maternal mortality in Jamaica
Authors: McCaw‐Binns Affette M. , Mullings Jasneth A. , Holder Yvette 
Published: September 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo identify why vital registration under‐reports maternal deaths in Jamaica.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was undertaken to identify all maternal deaths (during pregnancy or ≤ 42 days after pregnancy ended) occurring in 2008. Data sources included vital registration, hospital records, forensic pathology records, and an independent maternal mortality surveillance system. Potential cases were cross‐referenced to registered live births and stillbirths, and hospital records to confirm pregnancy status, when the pregnancy ended, and registration. Medical certificates were inspected for certification, transcription, and coding errors. Maternal mortality ratios (MMRs) for registered and/or unregistered deaths were calculated.ResultsOf 50 maternal deaths identified, 10 (20%) were unregistered. Eight unregistered deaths were coroners’ cases. Among 40 registered deaths, pregnancy was undocumented in 4 (10%). Among the other 36, 24 (67%) had been misclassified (59% direct and 89% indirect deaths). Therefore, only 12 (30%) registered maternal deaths had been coded as maternal deaths, yielding an MMR of 28.3 per 100 000 live births (95% confidence interval [CI] 12.3–48.3), which was 76% lower than the actual MMR of 117.8 (95% CI 85.2–150.4).ConclusionUnder‐reporting of maternal deaths in Jamaica in 2008 was attributable to delayed registration of coroners’ cases and misclassification. Timely registration of coroners’ cases and training of nosologists to recognize and code maternal deaths is needed.
Numerical investigation of tandem-cylinder noise reduction using plasma-based flow control
Authors: Eltaweel Ahmed , Wang Meng , Kim Dongjoo , Thomas Flint O. , Kozlov Alexey V. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe noise of flow over tandem cylinders at $\def \xmlpi #1{}\def \mathsfbi #1{\boldsymbol {\mathsf {#1}}}\let \le =\leqslant \let \leq =\leqslant \let \ge =\geqslant \let \geq =\geqslant \def \Pr {\mathit {Pr}}\def \Fr {\mathit {Fr}}\def \Rey {\mathit {Re}}{\mathit{Re}}_D= 22\, 000$ and its reduction using single dielectric barrier discharge (SDBD) plasma actuators are simulated numerically both to confirm and extend experimental results. The numerical approach is based on large-eddy simulation (LES) for the turbulent flow field, a semi-empirical plasma actuation model, and Lighthill’s theory for acoustic calculation. Excellent agreement between LES and experimental results is obtained for both the baseline flow and flow with plasma control in terms of wake velocity profiles, turbulence intensity, and frequency spectra of pressure fluctuations on the downstream cylinder. The validated flow-field results allow an accurate acoustic analysis based on Lighthill’s equation, which is solved using a boundary-element method. The effectiveness of plasma actuators for reducing noise is clearly demonstrated. In the baseline flow, the acoustic field is dominated by the interaction between the downstream cylinder and the upstream wake. Through suppression of vortex shedding from the upstream cylinder, the interaction noise is reduced drastically by the plasma flow control, and the vortex-shedding noise from the downstream cylinder becomes equally important. At a free-stream Mach number of 0.2, the peak sound pressure level is reduced by approximately 16 dB. This suggests the viability of plasma actuation for active aeroacoustic control of airframe noise.
Evolution of a turbulent cloud under rotation
Authors: Ranjan A. , Davidson P. A. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractLocalized patches of turbulence frequently occur in geophysics, such as in the atmosphere and oceans. The effect of rotation, $\def \xmlpi #1{}\def \mathsfbi #1{\boldsymbol {\mathsf {#1}}}\let \le =\leqslant \let \leq =\leqslant \let \ge =\geqslant \let \geq =\geqslant \def \Pr {\mathit {Pr}}\def \Fr {\mathit {Fr}}\def \Rey {\mathit {Re}}\boldsymbol{\Omega}$, on such a region (a ‘turbulent cloud’) is governed by inhomogeneous dynamics. In contrast, most investigations of rotating turbulence deal with the homogeneous case, although inhomogeneous turbulence is more common in practice. In this paper, we describe the results of $512^3$ direct numerical simulations (DNS) of a turbulent cloud under rotation at three Rossby numbers ($\mathit{Ro}$), namely 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5. Using a spatial filter, fully developed homogeneous turbulence is vertically confined to the centre of a periodic box before the rotation is turned on. Energy isosurfaces show that columnar structures emerge from the cloud and grow into the adjacent quiescent fluid. Helicity is used as a diagnostic and confirms that these structures are formed by inertial waves. In particular, it is observed that structures growing parallel to the rotation axis (upwards) have negative helicity and those moving antiparallel (downwards) to the axis have positive helicity, a characteristic typical of inertial waves. Two-dimensional energy spectra of horizontal wavenumbers, $k_{\perp }$, versus dimensionless time, $2 \varOmega t$, confirm that these columnar structures are wavepackets which travel at the group velocities of inertial waves. The kinetic energy transferred from the turbulent cloud to the waves is estimated using Lagrangian particle tracking to distinguish between turbulent and ‘wave-only’ regions of space. The amount of energy transferred to waves is 40 % of the initial at $\mathit{Ro}=0.1$, while it is 16 % at $\mathit{Ro}=0.5$. In both cases the bulk of the energy eventually resides in the waves. It is evident from this observation that inertial waves can carry a significant portion of the energy away from a localized turbulent source and are therefore an efficient mechanism of energy dispersion.
Growth promotion in broilers by both oxytetracycline andMacleaya cordataextract is based on their anti-inflammatory properties
Authors: Khadem Alireza , Soler Laura , Everaert Nadia , Niewold Theo A. 
Published: September 2014

The non-antibiotic anti-inflammatory theory of antimicrobial growth promoters (AGP) predicts that alternatives can be selected by simplein vitrotests.In vitro, the known AGP oxytetracycline (OTC) and aMacleaya cordataextract (MCE) had an anti-inflammatory effect with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration of 88 and 132 mg/l, respectively.In vivo, chickens received three different concentrations of MCE in drinking-water, OTC in feed and a control. Body weight (BW), feed intake (FI) and gain:feed (G:F) ratio were determined on days 14, 21 and 35. On day 35, body composition was determined. Plasma α1-acid glycoprotein (α1-AG) concentration was measured on days 21 and 35, and the expression of several jejunal inflammatory genes was determined on day 35. OTC-fed chickens showed a significantly higher BW, FI and G:F ratio compared with the control group at all time points. MCE had a significant linear effect on BW on days 21 and 35, and the G:F ratio was improved only over the whole period, whereas FI was not different. Only MCE but not OTC decreased the percentage of abdominal fat. Plasma α1-AG concentration increased from day 21 to 35, with the values being lower in the treatment groups. Both OTC and MCE significantly reduced the jejunal mucosal expression of inducible NO synthase. For most parameters measured, there was a clear linear dose–response to treatment with MCE. In conclusion, the results are consistent with the anti-inflammatory theory of growth promotion in production animals.