bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient-oriented Computerized Clinical Guidelines for Mobile Decision Support in Gestational Diabetes
Authors: García-Sáez Gema , Rigla Mercedes , Martínez-Sarriegui Iñaki , Shalom Erez , Peleg Mor , Broens Tom , Pons Belén , Caballero-Ruíz Estefanía , Gómez Enrique J. , Hernando M. Elena
Published: March 2014

Background:

The risks associated with gestational diabetes (GD) can be reduced with an active treatment able to improve glycemic control. Advances in mobile health can provide new patient-centric models for GD to create personalized health care services, increase patient independence and improve patients’ self-management capabilities, and potentially improve their treatment compliance. In these models, decision-support functions play an essential role.

Methods:

The telemedicine system MobiGuide provides personalized medical decision support for GD patients that is based on computerized clinical guidelines and adapted to a mobile environment. The patient’s access to the system is supported by a smartphone-based application that enhances the efficiency and ease of use of the system. We formalized the GD guideline into a computer-interpretable guideline (CIG).

Results:

We identified several workflows that provide decision-support functionalities to patients and 4 types of personalized advice to be delivered through a mobile application at home, which is a preliminary step to providing decision-support tools in a telemedicine system: (1) therapy, to help patients to comply with medical prescriptions; (2) monitoring, to help patients to comply with monitoring instructions; (3) clinical assessment, to inform patients about their health conditions; and (4) upcoming events, to deal with patients’ personal context or special events.

Conclusions:

The whole process to specify patient-oriented decision support functionalities ensures that it is based on the knowledge contained in the GD clinical guideline and thus follows evidence-based recommendations but at the same time is patient-oriented, which could enhance clinical outcomes and patients’ acceptance of the whole system.
Etiology and Biomechanics of Tarsometatarsal Injuries in Professional Football Players
Authors: Kent Richard W. , Lievers W. Brent , Riley Patrick O. , Frimenko Rebecca E. , Crandall Jeff R.
Published: March 2014

Background:

Tarsometatarsal (TMT) dislocations are uncommon yet debilitating athletic injuries, particularly in American football. To date, the mechanisms of athletic TMT dislocation have been described only anecdotally. This lack of information confounds the development of preventative countermeasures.

Purpose:

To use video analysis to provide direct, independent identification of the etiologic and mechanistic variables responsible for TMT dislocations in professional football players.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Sixteen professional National Football League players who sustained publicly reported TMT dislocations were identified. Publicly broadcast game footage of the plays in which injury occurred was reviewed by a panel of 5 biomechanists. Consensus was reached regarding the details surrounding injury, and a weighting was assigned to each detail based on the panel’s confidence.

Results:

Roughly 90% of injuries occurred while the injured player was engaged with or by another player, a detail that has heretofore been undocumented. Few injuries resulted from direct loading of either the foot or the ipsilateral limb; however, the injured foot was frequently subjected to axial loading from ground engagement with the foot in plantar flexion and the toes dorsiflexed. Injurious loading was often due to external rotation of the midfoot (86%). Fifteen of 16 injuries were season ending.

Conclusion:

TMT dislocations are frequently associated with engagement by or with a second player but infrequently caused by a direct blow to the foot. Axial loading of the foot, external rotation, and pronation/supination are the most common conditions during injurious loading.
Notch signaling: switching an oncogene to a tumor suppressor
Authors: Lobry Camille , Oh Philmo , Mansour Marc R. , Look A. Thomas , Aifantis Iannis
Published: March 2014

The Notch signaling pathway is a regulator of self-renewal and differentiation in several tissues and cell types. Notch is a binary cell-fate determinant, and its hyperactivation has been implicated as oncogenic in several cancers including breast cancer and T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Recently, several studies also unraveled tumor-suppressor roles for Notch signaling in different tissues, including tissues where it was before recognized as an oncogene in specific lineages. Whereas involvement of Notch as an oncogene in several lymphoid malignancies (T-ALL, B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia, splenic marginal zone lymphoma) is well characterized, there is growing evidence involving Notch signaling as a tumor suppressor in myeloid malignancies. It therefore appears that Notch signaling pathway’s oncogenic or tumor-suppressor abilities are highly context dependent. In this review, we summarize and discuss latest advances in the understanding of this dual role in hematopoiesis and the possible consequences for the treatment of hematologic malignancies.
Pressing the right buttons: signaling in lymphangiogenesis
Authors: Coso Sanja , Bovay Esther , Petrova Tatiana V.
Published: March 2014

Lymphatic vasculature is increasingly recognized as an important factor both in the regulation of normal tissue homeostasis and immune response and in many diseases, such as inflammation, cancer, obesity, and hypertension. In the last few years, in addition to the central role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C/VEGF receptor-3 signaling in lymphangiogenesis, significant new insights were obtained about Notch, transforming growth factor β/bone morphogenetic protein, Ras, mitogen-activated protein kinase, phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase, and Ca2+/calcineurin signaling pathways in the control of growth and remodeling of lymphatic vessels. An emerging picture of lymphangiogenic signaling is complex and in many ways distinct from the regulation of angiogenesis. This complexity provides new challenges, but also new opportunities for selective therapeutic targeting of lymphatic vasculature.
Zonisamide reduces obstructive sleep apnoea: a randomised placebo-controlled study
Authors: Eskandari Davoud , Zou Ding , Karimi Mahssa , Stenlöf Kaj , Grote Ludger , Hedner Jan
Published: March 2014

Carbonic anhydrase inhibition reduces apnoeic events in sleep disordered breathing. Zonisamide inhibits carbonic anhydrase, and induces weight loss in obese patients. This study explored the relative influence of these two properties, which may both alleviate obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) was used as a standard care comparator.

47 patients with moderate-to-severe OSA and a body mass index of 27–35 kg·m−2were randomised to receive either zonisamide, placebo or CPAP for 4 weeks. The open extension phase (20 weeks) compared CPAP and zonisamide. Polysomnography, biochemistry and symptoms were evaluated.

At 4 weeks, zonisamide reduced apnoea/hypopnoea index (AHI) by a mean±sd33±39% and oxygen desaturation index by 28±31% (p=0.02 and 0.014, respectively; placebo adjusted). The mean compliance adjusted reduction of AHI after zonisamide and CPAP was 13 and 61%, respectively, (p=0.001) at 24 weeks. Body weight was marginally changed at 4 weeks, but reduced after zonisamide and increased after CPAP at 24 weeks (-2.7±3.0 kgversus2.3±2.0 kg, p<0.001). Zonisamide decreased bicarbonate at 4 and 24 weeks. Side-effects were more common after zonisamide.

Zonisamide reduced OSA independent of body weight potentially by mechanisms related to carbonic anhydrase inhibition. The effect was less pronounced than that obtained by CPAP.
Regression methods for investigating risk factors of chronic kidney disease outcomes: the state of the art
Authors: Boucquemont Julie , Heinze Georg , Jager Kitty J , Oberbauer Rainer , Leffondre Karen
Published: March 2014

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive and usually irreversible disease. Different types of outcomes are of interest in the course of CKD such as time-to-dialysis, transplantation or decline of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Statistical analyses aiming at investigating the association between these outcomes and risk factors raise a number of methodological issues. The objective of this study was to give an overview of these issues and to highlight some statistical methods that can address these topics.

Methods

A literature review of statistical methods published between 2002 and 2012 to investigate risk factors of CKD outcomes was conducted within the Scopus database. The results of the review were used to identify important methodological issues as well as to discuss solutions for each type of CKD outcome.

Results

Three hundred and four papers were selected. Time-to-event outcomes were more often investigated than quantitative outcome variables measuring kidney function over time. The most frequently investigated events in survival analyses were all-cause death, initiation of kidney replacement therapy, and progression to a specific value of GFR. While competing risks were commonly accounted for, interval censoring was rarely acknowledged when appropriate despite existing methods. When the outcome of interest was the quantitative decline of kidney function over time, standard linear models focussing on the slope of GFR over time were almost as often used as linear mixed models which allow various numbers of repeated measurements of kidney function per patient. Informative dropout was accounted for in some of these longitudinal analyses.

Conclusions

This study provides a broad overview of the statistical methods used in the last ten years for investigating risk factors of CKD progression, as well as a discussion of their limitations. Some existing potential alternatives that have been proposed in the context of CKD or in other contexts are also highlighted.
Association of blood manganese level with diabetes and renal dysfunction: a cross-sectional study of the Korean general population
Authors: Koh Eun Sil , Kim Sung Jun , Yoon Hye Eun , Chung Jong Hee , Chung Sungjin , Park Cheol Whee , Chang Yoon Sik , Shin Seok Joon
Published: March 2014

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between blood manganese levels and the prevalence of chronic diseases in the Korean population.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study based on the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNAHNES). The study included 3996 participants 20 years of age or older whose blood manganese levels had been measured. The participants were also evaluated for the presence of five chronic diseases: diabetes, renal dysfunction, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and stroke.

Results

Blood manganese levels were significantly lower in the diabetes group compared with the non-diabetes group (1.26 ± 0.02 vs. 1.35 ± 0.01 μg/dL; p = 0.001) and the renal dysfunction group compared with those with normal renal function (1.28 ± 0.03 vs. 1.35 ± 0.01 μg/dL; p = 0.04). There was no significant association between blood manganese levels and the presence of ischemic heart disease or stroke. A multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index was performed; the odds ratio was 0.652 (95% CI: 0.46–0.92) for diabetes and 0.589 (95% CI: 0.39–0.88) for renal dysfunction when comparing the higher quartiles (Q2-4) with the lowest quartile (Q1) of blood manganese level. The prevalence of diabetes was 7.6% in Q1 and 5.3% in Q2-4 (p = 0.02). Similarly, the prevalence of renal dysfunction was 6.8% in Q1, compared with 4.6% in Q2-4 (p = 0.02).

Conclusion

The prevalence of diabetes and renal dysfunction increased in participants with low blood manganese levels, suggesting that blood manganese may play a role in glucose homeostasis and renal function.
Artemisia capillaris inhibits atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in Dermatophagoides farinae-sensitized Nc/Nga mice
Authors: Ha Hyekyung , Lee Hoyoung , Seo Chang Seob , Lim Hye-Sun , Lee Jun Kyoung , Lee Mee-Young , Shin Hyeunkyoo
Published: March 2014

Background

Artemisia capillaries Thunb. (AC) has been used to treat inflammatory and hepatic disorders such as hepatic injury, hepatic fibrosis and hepatitis. However, the efficacy of AC against atopic dermatitis (AD), an inflammatory disease, has not been examined. In the present study, AC was evaluated for anti-inflammatory and anti-AD effects using both in vitro and in vivo systems.

Methods

The contents of six compounds (chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, isochlorogenic acid A, hyperoside, isoquercitrin and scoparone) in AC were simultaneously assayed using HPLC system. To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of AC, NO production was measured in RAW264.7 cell stimulated with 1 μg/mL LPS. Histamine levels were assayed in MC/9 cells stimulated with 50 nM PMA and 1 μM A23187. To examine the role of AC in vivo, AC (10 mg/mouse/day) was topically applied for four weeks the back and ears of Dermatophagoides farinae-sensitized Nc/Nga mice. Protopic ointment (0.1% tacrolimus) was used as a positive control.

Results

The contents of the six components in AC range from 0.44 to 43.14 mg/g. Chlorogenic acid (21.06 ± 0.08 mg/g) and isochlorogenic acid A (43.14 ± 0.12 mg/g) were major components in AC. AC inhibited NO and histamine production in cells respectively. In D. farinae-sensitized Nc/Nga mice, the topical application of AC reduced dermatitis scores, hemorrhage, hypertrophy and hyperkeratosis of the epidermis in the dorsal skin and ear. The treatment of AC also reduced the plasma levels of histamine (1.5 fold) and IgE (1.4 fold).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that AC should be explored as a potential therapeutic agent to treat atopic dermatitis and analysis by HPLC will help to improve the quality of AC.
Structural and electronic properties of germanene/MoS2 monolayer and silicene/MoS2 monolayer superlattices
Authors: Li Xiaodan , Wu Shunqing , Zhou Sen , Zhu Zizhong
Published: March 2014

Superlattice provides a new approach to enrich the class of materials with novel properties. Here, we report the structural and electronic properties of superlattices made with alternate stacking of two-dimensional hexagonal germanene (or silicene) and a MoS2 monolayer using the first principles approach. The results are compared with those of graphene/MoS2 superlattice. The distortions of the geometry of germanene, silicene, and MoS2 layers due to the formation of the superlattices are all relatively small, resulting from the relatively weak interactions between the stacking layers. Our results show that both the germanene/MoS2 and silicene/MoS2 superlattices are manifestly metallic, with the linear bands around the Dirac points of the pristine germanene and silicene seem to be preserved. However, small band gaps are opened up at the Dirac points for both the superlattices due to the symmetry breaking in the germanene and silicene layers caused by the introduction of the MoS2 sheets. Moreover, charge transfer happened mainly within the germanene (or silicene) and the MoS2 layers (intra-layer transfer), as well as some part of the intermediate regions between the germanene (or silicene) and the MoS2 layers (inter-layer transfer), suggesting more than just the van der Waals interactions between the stacking sheets in the superlattices.
The effect of multileaf collimator leaf width on the radiosurgery planning for spine lesion treatment in terms of the modulated techniques and target complexity
Authors: Chae Soo-Min , Lee Gi Woong , Son Seok Hyun
Published: March 2014

Purpose

We aim to evaluate the effects of multileaf collimator (MLC) leaf width (5 mm vs. 2.5 mm) on the radiosurgery planning for the treatment of spine lesions according to the modulated techniques (intensity-modulated radiotherapy [IMRT] vs. volumetric-modulated arc therapy [VMAT]) and the complexity of the target shape.

Methods

For this study, artificial spinal lesions were contoured and used for treatment plans. Three spinal levels (C5, T5, and L2 spines) were selected, and four types of target shapes reflecting the complexity of lesions were contoured. The treatment plans were performed using 2.5-mm and 5-mm MLCs, and also using both static IMRT and VMAT. In total, 48 treatment plans were established. The efficacy of each treatment plan was compared using target volume coverage (TVC), conformity index (CI), dose gradient index (GI), and V30%.

Results

When the 5-mm MLC was replaced by the 2.5-mm MLC, TVC and GI improved significantly by 5.68% and 6.25%, respectively, while CI did not improve. With a smaller MLC leaf width, the improvement ratios of the TVC were larger in IMRT than VMAT (8.38% vs. 2.97%). In addition, the TVC was improved by 14.42-16.74% in target type 4 compared to the other target types. These improvements were larger in IMRT than in VMAT (27.99% vs. 6.34%). The V30% was not statistically different between IMRT and VMAT according to the MLC leaf widths and the types of target.

Conclusion

The smaller MLC leaf width provided improved target coverage in both IMRT and VMAT, and its improvement was larger in IMRT than in VMAT. In addition, the smaller MLC leaf width was more effective for complex-shaped targets.
Gene silencing of Sugar-dependent 1 (JcSDP1), encoding a patatin-domain triacylglycerol lipase, enhances seed oil accumulation in Jatropha curcas
Authors: Kim Mi Jung , Yang Seong Wook , Mao Hui-Zhu , Veena Sivaramakrishnan P , Yin Jun-Lin , Chua Nam-Hai
Published: March 2014

Background

Triacylglycerols (TAGs) are the most abundant form of storage oil in plants. They consist of three fatty acid chains (usually C16 or C18) covalently linked to glycerol. SDP1 is a specific lipase for the first step of TAG catabolism in Arabidopsis seeds. Arabidopsis mutants deficient in SDP1 accumulate high levels of oils, probably due to blockage in TAG degradation. We applied this knowledge from the model plant, Arabidopsis thaliana, to engineer increased seed oil content in the biodiesel plant Jatropha curcas using RNA interference (RNAi) technology.

Results

As Jatropha is a biodiesel crop, any significant increase in its seed oil content would be an important agronomic trait. Using A. thaliana as a model plant, we found that a deficiency of SDP1 led to higher TAG accumulation and a larger number of oil bodies in seeds compared with wild type (Columbia-0; Col-0). We cloned Jatropha JcSDP1, and verified its function by complementation of the Arabidopsis sdp1-5 mutant. Taking advantage of the observation with Arabidopsis, we used RNAi technology to generate JcSDP1 deficiency in transgenic Jatropha. We found that Jatropha JcSDP1-RNAi plants accumulated 13 to 30% higher total seed storage lipid, along with a 7% compensatory decrease in protein content, compared with control (CK; 35S:GFP) plants. Free fatty acid (FFA) content in seeds was reduced from 27% in control plants to 8.5% in JcSDP1-RNAi plants.

Conclusion

Here, we showed that SDP1 deficiency enhances seed oil accumulation in Arabidopsis. Based on this result, we generated SDP1-deficient transgenic Jatropha plants using by RNAi technology with a native JcSDP1 promoter to silence endogenous JcSDP1 expression. Seeds of Jatropha JcSDP1-RNAi plants accumulated up to 30% higher total lipid and had reduced FFA content compared with control (CK; 35S:GFP) plants. Our strategy of improving an important agronomic trait of Jatropha can be extended to other oil crops to yield higher seed oil.
Treatment outcomes of carotid artery stenting with two types of distal protection filter device
Authors: Iko Minoru , Aikawa Hiroshi , Go Yoshinori , Nakai Kanji , Tsutsumi Masanori , Yu Iwae , Mizokami Taichiro , Sakamoto Kimiya , Inoue Ritsuro , Mitsutake Takafumi , Eto Ayumu , Hanada Hayatsura , Kazekawa Kiyoshi
Published: March 2014

Purpose

Preventing cerebral embolism from debris produced during carotid artery stenting (CAS) is important. This study compared the treatment outcomes of CAS using two types of filter-based embolic protection devices currently in use in Japan.

Materials and methods

We assessed 121 consecutive cases of CAS performed with FilterWire EZ™ between July 2010 and November 2012 and 37 consecutive cases of CAS performed with the Spider FX™ between November 2012 and June 2013. A Carotid Wallstent™ was used in all cases. The incidence of positive lesions on diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) and stroke were compared between the groups.

Results

Postoperative DWI-positive lesions were observed in 38 (31.4%) and 14 (37.8%) patients in the FilterWire and Spider groups, respectively. In the FilterWire group, complications were transient ischemic attacks in 3 (2.5%) patients, cerebral infarction in 2 (1.7%) patients (1 patient each with minor and major stroke), and cerebral hemorrhage due to hyperperfusion syndrome in 1 (0.8%) patient. In the Spider group, except for cerebral infarction (minor stroke) in 1 (2.7%) patient, no complications were observed. No significant differences were observed in the incidence of complications between the groups.

Conclusion

FilterWire EZ and Spider FX are comparable in terms of treatment outcome.
Daily stressors and negative life events in children at elevated risk of developing schizophrenia
Authors: Cullen Alexis E. , Fisher Helen L. , Roberts Ruth E. , Pariante Carmine M. , Laurens Kristin R.
Published: March 2014

Background

Psychological stress is implicated in the development of schizophrenia, but little is known about experiences of stress among children at elevated risk for the disorder.

Aims

To examine stressor exposure and reactivity in children with different vulnerability profiles for schizophrenia: (a) children presenting multiple antecedents of schizophrenia (ASz group), (b) children with a family history of schizophrenia (FHx group) and (c) typically developing low-risk (TD) children.

Method

Ninety-five children (ASz = 29; FHx = 19; ASz+FHx = 5; TD = 42), identified aged 9–12 years using a community-based screening procedure or as relatives of individuals with schizophrenia, completed questionnaires assessing environmental stressors and psychopathology at age 11–14 years.

Results

Relative to their typically developing peers, children in the FHx and ASz groups were exposed to a greater number of negative life events and a higher frequency of daily stressors, respectively; and were more distressed by these experiences.

Conclusions

Stress exposure and reactivity may constitute useful targets of early intervention for psychosis.
Nestin regulates prostate cancer cell invasion by influencing FAK and integrin localisation and functions
Authors: Hyder Claire L. , Lazaro G. , Pylvänäinen J. W. , Roberts M.W.G. , Rosenberg S. M. , Eriksson John E.
Published: March 2014

Nestin, an intermediate filament protein and marker of undifferentiated cells is expressed in several cancers. Nestin is important for neuronal survival and is a regulator of myogenesis but its function in malignancy is ambiguous. We show that nestin-downregulation led to a redistribution of pFAK to focal adhesions (FA) and alterations in FA turnover. Nestin-downregulation also led to an increase in the cell membrane (CM) protein levels of integrin α5β1, activation of β1, and an increase in integrin clustering. These effects had striking consequences for cell invasion, as nestin-downregulation led to a significant increase in pFAK and integrin -dependent matrix degradation and cell invasion. Our results indicate that nestin regulates FAK and integrin localization and functions. Since nestin has been shown to be prevalent in a number of specific cancers, our observations have broad ramifications for the roles of nestin in malignant transformation.
14-3-3γ meditated transport of plakoglobin to the cell border is required for the initiation of desmosome assembly in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Sehgal Lalit , Mukhopadhyay Amitabha , Rajan Anandi , Khapare Nileema , Sawant Mugdha , Vishal Sonali S. , Bhatt Khyati , Ambatipudi Srikant , Antao Noelle , Alam Hunain , Gurjar Mansa , Basu Srikanta , Mathur Rohit , Borde Lalit , Hosing Amol S. , Vaidya Milind M. , Thorat Rahul , Samaniego Felipe , Kolthur-Seetharam Ullas , Dalal Sorab N.
Published: March 2014

The regulation of cell-cell adhesion is important for the processes of tissue formation and morphogenesis. Here we report that loss of 14-3-3γ leads to a decrease in cell-cell adhesion and a defect in the transport of plakoglobin (PG) and other desmosomal proteins to the cell border in HCT116 cells and in the mouse testis. 14-3-3γ binds to PG in a PKCμ dependent fashion resulting in microtubule dependent transport of PG to the border. Transport of PG to the border is dependent on the KIF5B/KLC1 complex. Knockdown of KIF5B in HCT116 cells or in the mouse testis, results in a phenotype similar to that observed with 14-3-3γ knockdown. Our results suggest that loss of 14-3-3γ leads to decreased desmosome formation and a decrease in cell-cell adhesion in vitro and in vivo in the mouse testis leading to defects in testis organization and spermatogenesis.
PIPKIγi5 regulates the endosomal trafficking and degradation of E-cadherin
Authors: Schill Nicholas J. , Hedman Andrew C. , Choi Suyong , Anderson Richard A.
Published: March 2014

Phosphatidylinositol Phosphate Kinases (PIPKs) have distinct cellular targeting, which allows for site specific synthesis of PI4,5P2 to activate specific signaling cascades required for cellular processes. Several C-terminal splice variants of PIPKIγ have been identified, and these splice variants have been implicated in a multitude of cellular roles. PI4,5P2 serves as a fundamental regulator of E-cadherin transport, and PI4,5P2-generating enzymes are important signaling relays in these pathways. We present evidence that the PIPKIγi5 splice variant associates with E-cadherin and promotes E-cadherin degradation in a defined E-cadherin lysosomal degradation pathway. In addition, we show that the endosomal trafficking proteins SNX5 and SNX6 associate with PIPKIγi5 and inhibit PIPKIγi5 mediated degradation of E-cadherin. Following HGF stimulation, downstream activation of Src directly phosphorylates PIPKIγi5. Phosphorylation of the PIPKIγi5 C-terminus regulates its association with SNX5 and, consequently, E-cadherin degradation. In addition, this PIPKIγi5-mediated pathway requires Rab7 to promote degradation of internalized E-cadherin. Taken together, the data indicate that PIPKIγi5 and SNX5 are crucial regulators of E-cadherin sorting and degradation. PIPKIγi5, sorting nexin and phosphoinositide regulation of lysosomal sorting represents a novel area of PI4,5P2 signaling and research. PIPKIγi5 regulation of E-cadherin sorting for degradation may have broad implications in development, tissue maintenance and enhanced PIPKIγi5 function may have pathogenic consequences by downregulation of E-cadherin.
Procaspase-3 regulates fibronectin secretion and influences adhesion, migration and survival independent of catalytic function
Authors: Brentnall Matthew , Weir David B. , Rongvaux Anthony , Marcus Adam I. , Boise Lawrence H.
Published: March 2014

Caspase-3 is an effector caspase that is activated downstream of mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP) during apoptosis. However, previous work demonstrates that caspase-3-deficient MEFs are resistant to mitochondrial-mediated cell death and display a delay in the mitochondrial events of apoptosis including Bax activation, MOMP and release of cytochrome c. Here we show that caspase-3 regulates fibronectin secretion and impacts cell morphology, adhesion and migration. Surprisingly, the catalytic activity of caspase-3 is not required for these non-apoptotic functions. Moreover, we found that caspase-3-deficient MEFs are not resistant to death induced by anoikis and exogenous fibronectin protects WT MEFs from serum withdrawal-induced cell death. Together, our data indicate that procaspase-3 has a non-apoptotic function, which regulates the secretion of fibronectin and influences morphology, adhesion and migration. Furthermore, this novel procaspase-3 function may alter the apoptotic threshold of the cell.
Rapamycin increases mitochondrial efficiency by mtDNA-dependent reprogramming of mitochondrial metabolism in Drosophila
Authors: Villa-Cuesta Eugenia , Holmbeck Marissa A. , Rand David M.
Published: March 2014

Down-regulation of the mTOR pathway by its inhibitor rapamycin is emerging as a potential pharmacological intervention that mimics the beneficial effects of dietary restriction. Modulation of mTOR has diverse effects on mitochondrial metabolism and biogenesis, but the role of mitochondrial genotype in mediating these effects remains unknown. Here we use novel mitochondrial genome replacement strains in Drosophila to test the hypothesis that genes encoded in mtDNA influence the mTOR pathway. We show that rapamycin increases mitochondrial respiration and succinate dehydrogenase activity, decreases H2O2 production and generates distinct shifts in the metabolite profiles of isolated mitochondria versus whole Drosophila. These effects are disabled when divergent mitochondrial genomes from D. simulans are placed into a common nuclear background, demonstrating that the benefits of rapamycin to mitochondrial metabolism depend on genes encoded in the mtDNA. Rapamycin is able to enhance mitochondrial respiration when succinate dehydrogenase activity is blocked, suggesting that the beneficial effects of rapamycin on these two processes are independent. Overall, this study provides the first evidence for a link between mitochondrial genotype and the effects of rapamycin on mitochondrial metabolic pathways.
Distinct genome protective vs. ribosome synthetic functions of the paralogous nucleolar proteins nucleostemin and GNL3L
Authors: Lin Tao , Meng Lingjun , Lin Tsung-Chin , Wu Laura J. , Pederson Thoru , Tsai Robert Y. L.
Published: March 2014

The mammalian nucleolar proteins nucleostemin (NS) and GNL3L (for GNL3-like) are encoded by paralogous genes that arose from an invertebrate ancestral gene, GNL3. Invertebrate GNL3 has been implicated in ribosome biosynthesis as has its mammalian descendent GNL3L, whereas the paralogous mammalian NS gene has instead been implicated in cell renewal. Here we found that NS depletion in a human breast carcinoma cell line triggered a prompt and significant effect of DNA damage in S-phase cells without perturbing the initial step of rRNA synthesis and only mildly affected the total ribosome production. In contrast, GNL3L depletion markedly impaired ribosome production without inducing appreciable DNA damage. These results indicate that during vertebrate evolution GNL3L retained the role of the ancestral gene in ribosome biosynthesis while the paralogous NS acquired a novel genome-protective function. Our results provide a coherent explanation for what had seemed to be contradictory findings about the functions of the invertebrate vs. vertebrate genes, and also speak to how the nucleolus was fine-tuned for a role in genome protection and cell cycle control as the vertebrates evolved.
Different roles of cadherins in the assembly and structural integrity of the desmosome complex
Authors: Lowndes Molly , Rakshit Sabyasachi , Shafraz Omer , Borghi Nicolas , Harmon Robert , Green Kathleen , Sivasankar Sanjeevi , Nelson W. James
Published: March 2014

Adhesion between cells is established by the formation of specialized intercellular junctional complexes, such as desmosomes. Desmosomes comprise two members of the cadherin superfamily of cell adhesion proteins, desmocollin (Dsc) and desmoglein (Dsg), but their combinatorial roles in desmosome assembly is not understood. To uncouple desmosome assembly from other cell-cell adhesion complexes, we used micro-patterned substrates of Dsc2aFc and/or Dsg2Fc and collagen IV; we show that Dsc2aFc, but not Dsg2Fc, was necessary and sufficient to recruit desmosome-specific desmoplakin into desmosome puncta and produce strong adhesive binding. Single Molecule Force Spectroscopy showed that monomeric Dsc2a, but not Dsg2, formed Ca2+-dependent homophilic bonds, and that Dsg2 formed Ca2+-independent heterophilic bonds with Dsc2a. A W2A mutation in Dsc2a inhibited Ca2+-dependent homophilic binding, similar to classical cadherins, and Dsc2aW2A, but not Dsg2W2A, was excluded from desmosomes in MDCK cells. These results indicate that Dsc2a, not Dsg2, is required for desmosome assembly via homophilic Ca2+- and W2/strand swap-dependent binding, and that Dsg2 may be involved later in regulating a switch to Ca2+-independent adhesion in mature desmosomes.
Co-Optimizing Enhanced Oil Recovery and CO2 Storage by Simultaneous Water and CO2 Injection
Authors: Kamali Fatemeh , Cinar Yildiray
Published: March 2014

This paper presents a numerical simulation study to investigate whether simultaneous water and gas (SWAG) injection can co-optimize CO2 storage and enhanced oil recovery. Compositional displacements in a three-dimensional, layered reservoir model are modeled to examine different injection scenarios for maximizing oil recovery and CO2 storage capacity. The effects of various CO2-water ratios and different miscibility conditions on sweep efficiency, incremental oil recovery and CO2 storage capacity are investigated. Compositional changes of oil and gas phases, in the presence of mobile water in immiscible, near miscible or miscible SWAG injection are examined. Simulation results show that SWAG injection can enhance oil recovery compared to waterflooding and continuous CO2 injection by 6 to 21% the original oil in place. The optimum gas fraction in injection fluid increases as miscibility develops. When CO2 is injected simultaneously with water, 30–60% of injected CO2 can be stored with optimum injection ratios depending on the miscibility condition. On the contrary, in continuous gas injection, both oil recovery and CO2 storage capacity increase with miscibility. The simulation results also reveal that, for the reservoir studied, near miscible SWAG injection yields the highest oil recovery and storage efficiency in shortest operating duration.
The Geological Characteristics of Reservoirs and Major Controlling Factors of Hydrocarbon Accumulation in the Ordovician of Tazhong Area, Tarim Basin
Authors: Yang Haijun , Zhu Guangyou , Wang Yu , Su Jin , Zhang Baotao
Published: March 2014

The ancient deep-buried marine carbonate reservoir takes on strong heterogeneity and fluid complexity, and features large acreage and low abundance. For the ancient deep carbonate exploration in China now, it is challenging to find accumulating positions with high abundance and deploy high-efficiency wells. Based on the E&D practices of Ordovician carbonate reservoir and the high-efficiency well correlation in the Tazhong area, Tarim Basin, it is found that the high-efficiency wells distribute along the peaks of third-order structure zone and the relative high parts of platform, about 0.31.5km away from the strike-slip fault, and longitudinally, mainly in large unfilled Ordovician fracture-cavity reservoirs in the lower O1y1, the lower O1y2 and the O3l3. The large scale unfilled fracture-cave system (as favorable reservoir space), the strike-slip fault (as pathway for efficient hydrocarbon charge in late stage) and the sufficient hydrocarbons (charged intensively in multi-stages) contribute to the high abundance hydrocarbon enrichment in the Ordovician karst carbonate reservoir across the Tazhong area. This research recommends to use precise structure interpretation and palaeogeomorphic and palaeotectonic reconstruction to identify the gas source faults and favorable charging position, use precise fracture-cavity description to assess the cavity quantitatively, and use seismic wave impedance inversion and hydrocarbon detection to predict the distribution of large unfilled cavity reservoirs, in order to effectively estimate the high-abundant oil/gas area, locate the high-efficiency well area and improve the E&D performance in ancient deep carbonate rocks.
Release Characteristics of Heavy Metals from Coal Gangue under Simulation Leaching Conditions
Authors: Zhang Hongjian , Ouyang Sailan
Published: March 2014

There are more than 30 waste dumps in the area around Handan city. These waste dumps contain many harmful metals, which may migrate into the soil by raining water. In order to study the migration mechanism and regularity of the harmful metals, a leaching test of the coal gangues was carried out in the laboratory. The results showed that the metal concentrations dissolved out and the release rate from coal gangue were not only related to the pH value of leachate, but also related to the element concentrations in coal gangues. The concentrations of Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd in the filter water and collected rainwater were beyond the limits in the Environmental Quality Standards for third Class Surface Water (GB15618–1995).
New Systematic Errors in Anomalies of Global Mean Temperature Time-Series
Authors: Limburg Michael
Published: March 2014

Existing uncertainty assessments and mathematical models used for error estimation of global average temperature anomalies are examined. The error assessment model of Brohan et al 06 [1] was found not to describe the reality comprehensively and precisely enough. This was already shown for some type of errors by Frank [2];[3] hereinafter named F 10 and F 11. In addition to the findings in both papers by Frank a very common but new systematic error was isolated and defined here named “algorithm error” This error was so far regarded as self canceling or corrected by some unknown and unnamed homogenization processes. But this was not the case. It adds therefore a minimum additional systematic uncertainty of + 0.3 °C and −0.23°C respectively to any global mean anomaly calculation. This result is obtained when comparing only the most used algorithms against a “true” algorithm of measuring the daily temperature continuously. Due to the fact, that the real distribution of all applied algorithms (acc. as Griffith [4] showed is > 100) over time and space is not known, neither for land based temperature data nor for SST (Sea Surface Temperatures) the minimum value of said error is chosen here.
Application of the Carbon Emission Pricing Model in the Korean Market
Authors: Kim Eunyoung , Ahn Youngcheul , Ryu Doojin
Published: March 2014

The international debate on carbon emission reduction to mitigate the global warming phenomenon has focused the attention of scholars and policy makers on finding rational solutions. The optimal level of carbon emission is determined by the equilibrium carbon emission price, where the marginal damage by climate change is equal to the marginal cost of carbon emission reduction. This study has been conducted because the international trade of carbon emission allowances requires the optimal carbon emission prices of each region to be estimated. By using the carbon emission pricing model of Nordhaus (1991), which considers both economic and environmental factors, this study estimates the optimal carbon emission prices in the Korean market, which is expected to play a crucial role in carbon emission pricing power regionally and internationally due to the passage of the “Act on the Allocation and Trading of Greenhouse-Gas Emission Permits” on May 2, 2012. We find that the marginal cost of carbon emission reduction generally increases with increasing sensitivity of temperature to concentrations of carbon emission and with increasing economic growth rate, but decreases with increasing real capital return.
Road Freight Transport and Carbon Dioxide Emissions: Policy Options for Tunisia
Authors: Mraïhi Rafaa , Harizi Riadh
Published: March 2014

This paper seeks to analyze the relationship between annual carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from road freight transport and some influencing factors in Tunisia, namely, energy emission, fuel use, and road freight transport intensities. To do so, a decomposition method of emission intensity has been applied. The fossil fuel emission intensity is found to be the main factor in emission reduction while energy and transport intensities are the main drivers of emission growth. In order to reduce CO2 emissions, the Tunisian transport authorities are invited to approve several instruments (economic, fiscal, and regulatory) to reduce both energy and transport intensities. Decoupling road freight activity from economic growth by shifting to rail mode would be one main solution to reduce transport intensity. Incentives to use clean fuel and clean vehicles are also considered be to be helpful tools to enhance energy efficiency.
Evaluation of Metal Emissions from Biomass Fuel Combustion in China
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhu Yan
Published: March 2014

Global agreements in support of renewable sources of energy are driving increasing demand for biomass fuels. However, there is limited quantitative information on metal emission from biomass fuels combustion, particularly those measured in field in developing countries, causing insufficient information in the evaluation of the environmental impact of biomass fuels combustion. This study was performed to compare the emission characteristics of metals (Cu, Cd, Pb, Ni, As) from biomass pellets and uncompressed biomass fuels burnt in residential household in rural China. Results showed that metal concentrations in flue gas and bottom ash from biomass pellets were mostly higher than uncompressed biomass fuels. However, when energy-based metal emissions were calculated, metal emissions from biomass pellets were mostly close to or lower than uncompressed fuels. Therefore, delivering unit energy using biomass pellets would produce less metal emissions than uncompressed biomass fuels.
Approaching a Mortuary Monument Landscape Using GIS- and ALS-Generated 3D Models
Authors: Risbøl Ole , Petersen Troels , Jerpåsen Gro B.
Published: March 2014

In this study we examined how a GIS-based viewshed analysis that integrates movement could be used to provide substantial knowledge about the placement of Bronze Age grave cairns along the coast in a study area in Brunlanes, Larvik in South-East Norway. Additionally we studied the significance of digital elevation model quality for the interpretation of the viewshed analysis and for encluding palaeo-environmental changes (uplifting of land) in the analysis. Two sets of viewshed analyses were carried out from seven potential sailing routes based on a 20-metre and one-metre resolution DEM. The results indicate that the grave cairns were placed on the skyline in order to stand out more clearly to observers approaching from the sea, and that the DEM quality is of importance for the interpretation. Taking palaeo-environmental issues into consideration, we found that the effects of the uplifting of land were proven to affect visibility whereas vegetation was not an obstacle.
GIS and Landscape Archaeology: A Case of Study in the Argentine Pampas
Authors: Mazzia Natalia , Gómez Juan C.
Published: March 2014

The research strategy followed in our landscape archaeology study is detailed and the materials are described.

We highlight the importance of GIS tools for the different steps of the research process: for the preparation of fieldwork, for laboratory questions and resolution of problems and for the presentation of results.
An Intercultural Approach for the Protection and Promotion of Common Cultural Heritage: The Case of Byzantine Monuments in Serbia
Authors: Oikonomopoulou E. , Delegou E. T. , Vesic N. , Sayas J. , Moropoulou A.
Published: March 2014

In this work the documentation and classification of monuments based on common characteristics in architecture and painting is examined, aiming at the protection and promotion of common cultural heritage. A comparative study was elaborated between Greek and Serbian monasteries in the Byzantine period. The fields and parameters of the study were set by historical data. The operations of a Geographical Information System were used to define the relations between Greek and Serbian monasteries and to classify the Serbian monuments by field of research: architectural typology, exterior decoration and painting style. The comparative study resulted in the consolidation of the selected monasteries into two cultural routes. It is concluded that the identification and documentation of common cultural heritage through intercultural data and information technology can advance the exchange of knowledge, technologies, practices and policies and the establishment of a common strategic plan for the safeguarding and promotion of common cultural heritage.
Using GIS to Integrate Old and New Archaeological Data from Stone Age Deposits in Karonga, Malawi
Authors: Thompson Jessica C. , Welling Menno , Gomani-Chindebvu Elizabeth
Published: March 2014

The Karonga District of northern Malawi has an extensive Stone Age archaeological record, primarily represented by stone artefacts that occur in both superficial and buried contexts. Work conducted in the 1960s provided initial documentation of this record. Some of this was presented in summary form in a small number of publications. However, most data were restricted to unpublished field notes, maps, and other static or largely inaccessible formats. GIS has been an essential tool for bringing together these diverse datasets in a digital format to facilitate integration of new research and promote reinvestigation of old sites. Examples from both the regional and site scale demonstrate how old data have been combined with recent survey and excavation data to document, analyse, interpret, and archive current knowledge about the rich Stone Age record of northern Malawi. A significant result from this approach has been the suggested reinterpretation of the Mwanganda's Village Site.
GIS-Based Tools for the Management and Dissemination of Heritage Information in Historical Towns. The Case of Santiago De Compostela (Spain)
Authors: Parcero-Oubiña César , White Pedro Vivas , Güimil-Fariña Alejandro , Blanco-Rotea Rebeca , López Marcos F. Pavo , Herrero Álvaro Silgado , Caballero Ana Hernández , García Carmen Granado
Published: March 2014

Historical towns are among the most complex cases of heritage data management. As it may be the case in any other type of heritage site, knowing the spatial distribution of heritage elements is reason enough to support the development of GIS-based tools for information management. But, besides that, two factors add up to further encourage the adoption of GIS-based technologies in those contexts. Firstly, historical towns are especially complex heritage sites, where a wide variety of interrelated material elements coexist (buildings, open spaces, buried features,…), quite often in close relationship with a significant body of documents describing them. Secondly, they are places subject to an intense daily activity and pressure that force to take frequent informed decisions on what to do with heritage elements, decisions that must be based on an accurate and updated knowledge of the evidence available. In this paper we will present the case of the SIP-Sistema de Información Patrimonial (Heritage Information System) developed for the historical town of Santiago de Compostela (Spain), a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. Designed and developed between 2006 and 2008 for the Consorcio de Santiago, the SIP is a web-based GIS tool that integrates spatial and documentary information ( http://sip.consorciodesantiago.org/ ). It was aimed at two parallel objectives. First, to assist the management needs of the Consorcio. Second, and considering the role of the town as an important cultural tourism destination, to disseminate the information produced by the numerous heritage projects developed in the town among both the general public and the specialists.