bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
STATISTICAL GRAPHICS: MAPPING THE PATHWAYS OF SCIENCE
Authors: Wainer Howard , Velleman Paul F. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTIn this paper we trace the evolution of statistical graphics from its departure from the common noun structure of Cartesian determinism, through William Playfair's revolutionary grammatical shift to graphs as proper nouns and alight on the modern conception of graph as an active participant in the scientific process of discovery. The ubiquitous availability of data, software, and cheap, high‐powered computing when coupled with the broad acceptance of the ideas in Tukey's 1977 treatise on exploratory data analysis has yielded a fundamental change in the way that the role of statistical graphics is thought of within science — as a dynamic partner and guide to the future rather than as a static monument to the discoveries of the past. We commemorate and illustrate this development while pointing readers to the new tools available and provide some indications of their potential.
Effects of N‐Acetyl‐L‐Cysteine‐Capped CdTe Quantum Dots on Bovine Serum Albumin and Bovine Hemoglobin: Isothermal Titration Calorimetry and Spectroscopic Investigations
Authors: Sun Haoyu , Cui Erqian , Tan Zhigang , Liu Rutao 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTThe interactions of N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine‐capped CdTe quantum dots (QDs) with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and bovine hemoglobin (BHb) were investigated by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), fluorescence, synchronous fluorescence, fluorescence lifetime, ultraviolet–visible absorption, and circular dichroism techniques. Fluorescence data of BSA–QDs and BHb–QDs revealed that the quenching was static in every system. While CdTe QDs changed the microenvironment of tryptophan in BHb, the microenvironment of BSA kept unchanged. Adding CdTe QDs affected the skeleton and secondary structure of the protein (BSA and BHb). The ITC results indicated that the interaction between the protein (BSA and BHb) and QDs‐612 was spontaneous and the predominant force was hydrophobic interaction. In addition, the binding constants were determined to be 1.19 × 105 L mol−1 (BSA–QDs) and 2.19 × 105 L mol−1 (BHb–QDs) at 298 K. From these results, we conclude that CdTe QDs have a larger impact on the structure of BHb than BSA.
Apoptotic Effects of Two COX‐2 Inhibitors on Breast Adenocarcinoma Cells Through COX‐2 Independent Pathway
Authors: Norouzi Mahnaz , Norouzi Shaghayegh , Amini Mohsen , Amanzadeh Amir , Irian Saeed , Salimi Mona 
Published: August 2014

AbstractRecently, much effort has been directed toward the search for compounds that influence apoptosis and to understand their mechanisms of action. Cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 inhibitors may induce apoptosis through the COX‐2‐independent mechanism via a mitochondrial pathway. In view of the reported antiproliferative activities of two COX‐2 inhibitor derivatives (1,2) in breast cancer cells (MCF‐7), the present study was undertaken to evaluate the potential of these compounds to induce apoptosis and unravel the associated mechanisms. The apoptotic activities of the two compounds were assessed using flow cytometry, fluorescence microscope, and Western blot analysis. Compounds1and2‐treated MCF‐7 cells revealed the apoptotic cell death, as confirmed by the changes in nuclear morphology and the increased annexin‐V/PI staining. Elevation of Bax to Bcl‐2 ratio and activation of caspase‐3 were found to be associated with the initiation of apoptosis induced by compound1. Further investigation showed that compounds1and2inhibited NF‐κB, FHC, and ERK activation, while no dramatic change was revealed in c‐Myc and EGR‐1 levels. Our data suggest that induction of apoptosis by compounds1and2is not associated with COX‐2 expression and occurs through the NF‐κB pathway, which sequentially inhibits P‐ERK and FHC expression. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 81–90, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reduction of Myeloid‐Derived Suppressor Cells and Lymphoma Growth by a Natural Triterpenoid
Authors: Radwan Faisal F.Y. , Hossain Azim , God Jason M. , Leaphart Nathan , Elvington Michelle , Nagarkatti Mitzi , Tomlinson Stephen , Haque Azizul 
Published: August 2014

AbstractLymphoma is a potentially life threatening disease. The goal of this study was to investigate the therapeutic potential of a natural triterpenoid, Ganoderic acid A (GA‐A) in controlling lymphoma growth both in vitro and in vivo. Here, we show that GA‐A treatment induces caspase‐dependent apoptotic cell death characterized by a dose‐dependent increase in active caspases 9 and 3, up‐regulation of pro‐apoptotic BIM and BAX proteins, and a subsequent loss of mitochondrial membrane potential with release of cytochrome c. In addition to GA‐A's anti‐growth activity, we show that lower doses of GA‐A enhance HLA class II‐mediated antigen (Ag) presentation and CD4+ T cell recognition of lymphoma cells in vitro. The therapeutic relevance of GA‐A treatment was also tested in vivo using the EL4 syngeneic mouse model of metastatic lymphoma. GA‐A‐treatment significantly prolonged survival of EL4 challenged mice and decreased tumor metastasis to the liver, an outcome accompanied by a marked down‐regulation of STAT3 phosphorylation, reduction myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and enhancement of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells in the host. Thus, GA‐A not only selectively induces apoptosis in lymphoma cells, but also enhances cell‐mediated immune responses by attenuating MDSCs, and elevating Ag presentation and T cell recognition. The demonstrated therapeutic benefit indicates that GA‐A is a candidate for future drug design for the treatment of lymphoma. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 102–114, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Coevolution of caudal skeleton and tail feathers in birds
Authors: Felice Ryan N. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTBirds are capable of a wide range of aerial locomotor behaviors in part because of the derived structure and function of the avian tail. The tail apparatus consists of a several mobile (free) caudal vertebrae, a terminal skeletal element (the pygostyle), and an articulated fan of tail feathers that may be spread or folded, as well as muscular and fibroadipose structures that facilitate tail movements. Morphological variation in both the tail fan and the caudal skeleton that supports it are well documented. The structure of the tail feathers and the pygostyle each evolve in response to functional demands of differing locomotor behaviors. Here, I test whether the integument and skeleton coevolve in this important locomotor module. I quantified feather and skeletal morphology in a diverse sample of waterbirds and shorebirds using a combination of linear and geometric morphometrics. Covariation between tail fan shape and skeletal morphology was then tested using phylogenetic comparative methods. Pygostyle shape is found to be a good predictor of tail fan shape (e.g., forked, graduated), supporting the hypothesis that the tail fan and the tail skeleton have coevolved. This statistical relationship is used to reconstruct feather morphology in an exemplar fossil waterbird, Limnofregata azygosternon. Based on pygostyle morphology, this taxon is likely to have exhibited a forked tail fan similar to that of its extant sister clade Fregata, despite differing in inferred ecology and other aspects of skeletal anatomy. These methods may be useful in reconstructing rectricial morphology in other extinct birds and thus assist in characterizing the evolution of flight control surfaces in birds. J. Morphol. 275:1431–1440, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of different drying methods on chlorophyll, ascorbic acid and antioxidant compounds retention of leaves of Hibiscus sabdariffa L.
Authors: Kumar Sandopu Sravan , Manoj Prabhakaran , Shetty Nandini P , Giridhar Parvatam 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDUse of the indigenous, easily accessible leafy vegetable roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) for value addition is gaining impetus as its nutritive and nutraceutical compounds are exposed by investigations. Being a perishable, storage is challenging, hence different methods of drying have been an attractive alternative for its postharvest usage in foods without much compromising its quality and antioxidant potential.RESULTSRoom‐ and freeze‐dried samples were found to have best quality in terms of colour, total flavonoid content (18.53 ± 2.39 and 18.66 ± 1.06 g kg−1 respectively), total phenolic content (17.76 ± 1.93 and 18.91 ± 0.48 g kg−1), chlorophyll content (1.59 ± 0.001 and 1.55 ± 0.001 g kg−1) and ascorbic acid content (11.11 ± 1.04 and 8.92 ± 0.94 g kg−1) compared with those subjected to infrared, crossflow, microwave, oven or sun drying. Samples treated by room and freeze drying retained maximum antioxidant potential as shown by the phosphomolybdate method and the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl free radical‐scavenging activity and ferric‐reducing antioxidant power assays. Cold water and hot water extracts showed significantly higher total phenolic content and total antioxidant activity owing to the greater solubility of phenolics and destruction of cellular components in polar solvents than in organic solvents.CONCLUSIONThe data obtained show the potential for retaining quality parameters of roselle leaf under suitable drying methods. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
High‐ but not low‐intensity light leads to oxidative stress and quality loss of cold‐stored baby leaf spinach
Authors: Glowacz Marcin , Mogren Lars M , Reade John PH , Cobb Andrew H , Monaghan James M 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDQuality management in the fresh produce industry is an important issue. Spinach is exposed to various adverse conditions (temperature, light, etc.) within the supply chain. The present experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of light conditions (dark, low‐intensity light (LL) and high‐intensity light (HL)) and photoperiod (6 h HL and 18 h dark) on the quality changes of cold‐stored spinach.RESULTSHL exposure resulted in oxidative stress, causing tissue damage and quality loss as evidenced by increased membrane damage and water loss. The content of total ascorbic acid was reduced under HL conditions. On the other hand, storage of spinach under LL conditions gave promising results, as nutritional quality was not reduced, while texture maintenance was improved. No significant differences, with the exception of nutritional quality, were found between spinach leaves stored under continuous (24 h) low‐intensity light (30–35 µmol m−2 s−1) and their counterparts stored under the same light integral over 6 h (130–140 µmol m−2 s−1).CONCLUSIONLL extended the shelf‐life of spinach. The amount of light received by the leaves was the key factor affecting produce quality. Light intensity, however, has to be low enough not to cause excess oxidative stress and lead to accelerated senescence. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Regional forecasts of photovoltaic power generation according to different data availability scenarios: a study of four methods
Authors: Fonseca Junior Joao Gari da Silva , Oozeki Takashi , Ohtake Hideaki , Takashima Takumi , Ogimoto Kazuhiko 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe development of methods to forecast photovoltaic (PV) power generation regionally is of utmost importance to support the spread of such power systems in current power grids. The objective of this study is to propose and to evaluate methods to forecast regional PV power 1 day ahead of time and to compare their performances. Four forecast methods were regarded, of which two are new ones proposed in this study. Together, they characterize a set of forecast methods that can be applied in different scenarios regarding availability of data and infrastructure to make the forecasts. The forecast methods were based on the use of support vector regression and weather prediction data. Evaluations were performed for 1 year of hourly forecasts using data of 273 PV systems installed in two adjacent regions in Japan, Kanto, and Chubu. The results show the importance of selecting the proper forecast method regarding the region characteristics. For Chubu, the region with a variety of weather conditions, the forecast methods based on single systems' forecasts and the one based on stratified sampling provided the best results. In this case, the best annual normalized root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) were 0.25 and 0.15 kWh/kWhavg, respectively. For Kanto, with homogeneous weather conditions, the four methods performed similarly. In this case, the lowest annual forecast errors were 0.33 kWh/kWhavg for the normalized RMSE and 0.202 kWh/kWhavg for the normalized MAE. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynameomics: Data‐driven methods and models for utilizing large‐scale protein structure repositories for improving fragment‐based loop prediction
Authors: Rysavy Steven J. , Beck David A.C. , Daggett Valerie 
Published: August 2014

AbstractProtein function is intimately linked to protein structure and dynamics yet experimentally determined structures frequently omit regions within a protein due to indeterminate data, which is often due protein dynamics. We propose that atomistic molecular dynamics simulations provide a diverse sampling of biologically relevant structures for these missing segments (and beyond) to improve structural modeling and structure prediction. Here we make use of the Dynameomics data warehouse, which contains simulations of representatives of essentially all known protein folds. We developed novel computational methods to efficiently identify, rank and retrieve small peptide structures, or fragments, from this database. We also created a novel data model to analyze and compare large repositories of structural data, such as contained within the Protein Data Bank and the Dynameomics data warehouse. Our evaluation compares these structural repositories for improving loop predictions and analyzes the utility of our methods and models. Using a standard set of loop structures, containing 510 loops, 30 for each loop length from 4 to 20 residues, we find that the inclusion of Dynameomics structures in fragment‐based methods improves the quality of the loop predictions without being dependent on sequence homology. Depending on loop length, ∼25–75% of the best predictions came from the Dynameomics set, resulting in lower main chain root‐mean‐square deviations for all fragment lengths using the combined fragment library. We also provide specific cases where Dynameomics fragments provide better predictions for NMR loop structures than fragments from crystal structures. Online access to these fragment libraries is available at http://www.dynameomics.org/fragments.
Hydrothermal Synthesis and Characterization of a Novel 2D Luminescent Silver(I) Microporous Framework with 4‐(4‐Aminobenzene)‐1, 2, 4‐triazole using Tetranuclear Silver(I) Clusters as Secondary Building Blocks
Authors: Liu Yuan Yuan , Xu Yao Yao , Wang You You , Huo Jian Zhong , Ding Bin , Wang Ying , Wang Xiu Guang 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe two‐dimensional (2D) cluster‐based silver(I) complex {[Ag2(μ3‐L1)2(μ2‐HL1)]·H2O·3NO3}n (1) was isolated under hydrothermal conditions using the multi‐dentate triazole derivative ligand 4‐(4‐aminobenzene)‐1, 2, 4‐triazole (L1) and the corresponding silver(I) salts. The results indicate that 1 is constructed by tetranuclear AgI clusters as secondary building blocks. Each tetranuclear AgI cluster links four neighboring AgI clusters by eight bridging μ3‐L1 ligands forming a two‐dimensional (2D) microporous cluster‐based framework. Compound 1 also represents a scarcely reported example of coordination frameworks with 4‐(4‐aminobenzene)‐1, 2, 4‐triazole. The solid‐state fluorescence spectrum of 1 exhibits strong red‐shifted enhanced photoluminescence emission in comparison with that of free L1. The versatile bidentate and tridentate coordination modes of L1 in 1 together with flexible dihedral angles between aromatic benzene and triazole rings also reveal great potential in the construction of functional frameworks with L1.
Human genetic disorders of sphingolipid biosynthesis
Authors: Astudillo Leonardo , Sabourdy Frédérique , Therville Nicole , Bode Heiko , Ségui Bruno , Andrieu‐Abadie Nathalie , Hornemann Thorsten , Levade Thierry 
Published: August 2014

AbstractMonogenic defects of sphingolipid biosynthesis have been recently identified in human patients. These enzyme deficiencies affect the synthesis of sphingolipid precursors, ceramides or complex glycosphingolipids. They are transmitted as autosomal recessive or dominant traits, and their resulting phenotypes often replicate the abnormalities seen in murine models deficient for the corresponding enzymes. In quite good agreement with the known critical roles of sphingolipids in cells from the nervous system and the epidermis, these genetic defects clinically manifest as neurological disorders, including paraplegia, epilepsy or peripheral neuropathies, or present with ichthyosis. The present review summarizes the genetic alterations, biochemical changes and clinical symptoms of this new group of inherited metabolic disorders. Hypotheses regarding the molecular pathophysiology and potential treatments of these diseases are also discussed.
Dissolution kinetics of Si and Al from montmorillonite in carbonic acid solution
Authors: Ni Xiaoming , Li Quanzhong , Chen Wenxue 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe reaction between carbonic acid and montmorillonite minerals was studied in order to provide a theoretical basis for analyzing changes in the physical properties of coal seams after CO2 injection and for optimizing CO2 pumping parameters. A single montmorillonite mineral of purity >90 % was selected and subjected to reactions at 25, 35, and 45 °C in carbonic acid solutions of varying acidity. The Si and Al concentrations in the solutions and the structure and elemental compositions of the montmorillonite before and after the reactions were analyzed using a spectrophotometer, an X-ray diffractometer, and an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer; kinetic reaction models were established for the dissolution of Si and Al in carbonic acid solutions in order to estimate the apparent activation energy of Si dissolution under different acidity conditions. The results indicate that Al dissolved rapidly and soon reached solubility equilibrium. On the other hand, Si concentration in the solutions increased rapidly and then gradually declined with vibrations, with maximum values at 25, 35, and 45 °C, which were observed at approximately 96, 72, and 48 h, respectively. In addition, Si dissolution fitted the diffusion-controlled reaction model well; as the pH value decreased, the apparent activation energy of Si dissolution decreased, and Si became easier to dissolve. Furthermore, it was concluded that as a weak acid, carbonic acid causes little damage to the mineral structure of montmorillonite.
Isolated Tympanic Plate Fracture Frequency and Its Relationship to Mandibular Trauma
Authors: Altay Canan , Erdoğan Nezahat , Batkı Ozan , Eren Erdem , Altay Sedat , Karasu Şebnem , Mete Berna , Uluç Engin 
Published: August 2014

Purpose This study evaluated the prevalence of isolated tympanic fractures and their correlation with mandibular fractures by using maxillofacial computed tomography (CT). Materials and Methods We retrospectively evaluated the maxillofacial CT of 1590 patients who presented to our emergency department with maxillofacial trauma between December 2010 and December 2012. Maxillofacial CT was used as the criterion standard for evaluating patients with maxillofacial fractures. The CT images were evaluated by using an electronic picture archiving and communications system and interpreted independently by 2 radiologists. Results The maxillofacial CT images revealed mandibular fractures in 167 of the patients and isolated tympanic plate fractures in 35 of these 167 patients. Four patients (11%) had a bilateral tympanic plate fracture, and 31 patients (89%) had unilateral tympanic plate fracture. Of all the tympanic plate fractures, 19 (54%) were on the right side and 16 (46%) were on the left side ( P > .05). In our results, a significant correlation between the presence of a right-sided tympanic plate fracture and fracture of the ipsilateral condylar process was found ( P = .036). However, a statistically significant difference between the presence of a tympanic plate fracture and other mandible fractures, additional soft-tissue findings, or the number of fractures was not determined ( P > .05). Sex had no impact on the presence of tympanic plate fracture ( P > .05). Conclusion The frequency of isolated tympanic plate fractures in maxillofacial trauma is low, but it is an important anatomic location. Condyle fractures are significantly associated with isolated tympanic plate fractures. The presence of these injuries should raise suspicion of a concomitant isolated tympanic plate fracture.
Effect of almond consumption on the serum fatty acid profile: a dose–response study
Authors: Nishi Stephanie , Kendall Cyril W. C. , Gascoyne Ana-Maria , Bazinet Richard P. , Bashyam Balachandran , Lapsley Karen G. , Augustin Livia S. A. , Sievenpiper John L. , Jenkins David J. A. 
Published: August 2014

Consumption of almonds has been shown to be associated with a decreased risk of CHD, which may be related to their fatty acid (FA) composition. However, the effect of almond consumption on the serum FA composition is not known. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated whether almond consumption would alter the serum FA profile and risk of CHD, as calculated using Framingham's 10-year risk score, in a dose-dependent manner in hyperlipidaemic individuals when compared with a higher-carbohydrate control group using dietary interventions incorporating almonds. A total of twenty-seven hyperlipidaemic individuals consumed three isoenergetic (mean 1770 kJ/d) supplements during three 1-month dietary phases: (1) full-dose almonds (50–100 g/d); (2) half-dose almonds with half-dose muffins; (3) full-dose muffins. Fasting blood samples were obtained at weeks 0 and 4 for the determination of FA concentrations. Almond intake (g/d) was found to be inversely associated with the estimated Framingham 10-year CHD risk score (P= 0·026). In both the half-dose and full-dose almond groups, the proportions of oleic acid (OA) and MUFA in the TAG fraction (half-almond: OAP= 0·003; MUFAP= 0·004; full-almond: OAP< 0·001; MUFAP< 0·001) and in the NEFA fraction (half-almond: OAP= 0·01; MUFAP= 0·04; full-almond: OAP= 0·12; MUFAP= 0·06) increased. The estimated Framingham 10-year CHD risk score was inversely associated with the percentage change of OA (P= 0·011) and MUFA (P= 0·016) content in the TAG fraction. The proportions of MUFA in the TAG and NEFA fractions were positively associated with changes in HDL-cholesterol concentrations. Similarly, the estimated Framingham 10-year CHD risk score was inversely associated with the percentage change of OA (P= 0·069) and MUFA content in the NEFA fraction (P= 0·009). In conclusion, the results of the present study indicate that almond consumption increases OA and MUFA content in serum TAG and NEFA fractions, which are inversely associated with CHD lipid risk factors and overall estimated 10-year CHD risk.