bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Partnering: Winning the Infrastructure Derby
Authors: Basquill Edward J.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses a partnering project by the Oldham (Kentucky) County Sewer District (OCSD) and Veolia Water North America (VWNA) to handle the maintenance and operations of the wastewater district in a public‐private partnership. VWNA specializes in utility management problems and was able to work with state officials to obtain grant funds to undertake emergency rehabilitation of the county's treatment plants. VWNA did more than $1 million of capital work on the system in the first year, implemented a best practices standard internal to Veolia, and virtually eliminated unauthorized bypasses. VWNA's management team was able to bring the 13 plants owned by OCSD into compliance in dramatic fashion.
PREB editors bring decades of experience, expertise to Journal's peer‐review process
Authors: Lechevallier Mark W.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the Peer Review Editorial Board (PREB), formed in 2006 by the Journal AWWA Editorial Advisory Board (JEAB). At that time, JEAB recommended that the association acquire an online manuscript submission and review process. Since its launch in 2007, the PREB has infused the peer‐review process with the expert knowledge of respected water professionals and strengthened the overall quality of the peer‐review process.
New Study Looks at Conservation, Customers, and Communications
Authors: Silva Tony , Pape Diana , Szoc Ronald , Mayer Peter , Reekie Linda
Published: February 2018

This article discusses a study funded by the Water Research Foundation that investigated the relationships among the water conservation behaviors of customers, demographics and other factors, and effective communication. Through guidelines that water agencies can use to design effective, integrated communication approaches aimed at influencing water conservation behavior, the report, Water Conservation: Customer Behavior and Effective Communications, will assist water utilities in designing and implementing social marketing campaigns through three mechanisms that include: sharing informational resources on social marketing; sharing lessons learned from other water utilities; and, sharing research on links between demographics and effective communications for use in designing targeted communications campaigns, particularly when budgets are limited.
How the Kalahari Bushmen Can Help Us Solve Our Water Crisis
Authors: Workman James G. “Jamie” , Gardener Elizabeth V. “Liz”
Published: February 2018

James G. “Jamie” Workman, author of the award‐winning book, Heart of Dryness: How The Last Bushmen Can Help Us Endure The Coming Age of Permanent Drought, talks with Elizabeth V. “Liz” Gardener, suburban conservation coordinator for Denver Water.
Temporal variation of NOM and its effects on membrane treatment
Authors: Brinkman Bethany M. , Hozalski Raymond M.
Published: February 2018

Near real‐time monitoring of natural organic matter (NOM) concentration and composition in the upper Mississippi River was performed for 11 months. The monitoring found distinct seasonal trends in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration and ultraviolet light absorbance at 254 nm as well as short‐term (i.e., hours to days) increases that correlated with increases in river discharge during storms and snowmelt. The permeability (i.e., transmembrane pressure‐normalized flux) of hydrophilic ultrafiltration membranes was negatively correlated with river flow (p < 0.01) and raw water specific ultraviolet absorbance (p < 0.01) but not with raw water DOC concentration (p = 0.865). Overall, the potential benefits derived from the increased data provided by an on‐line monitoring system should outweigh the maintenance requirements for such instrumentation. Such data potentially could be used for real‐time control of chemical dosing rates as well as membrane backwash and cleaning schedules.
Contributions to drinking water lead from galvanized iron corrosion scales
Authors: McFadden Matthew , Giani Richard , Kwan Pierre , Reiber Steven H.
Published: February 2018

Replacement of lead service lines can cause elevated lead levels immediately after construction, even after removal of the full lead source. Recent data collected by the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority in Washington, D.C., indicated that this can be partly attributed to lead release from iron corrosion scales on old, galvanized in‐home plumbing. This article summarizes a three‐part study investigating the phenomenon of capture and release of lead mobilized from an upstream service line by iron corrosion scales in galvanized plumbing. The study used profile sampling data from homes in the District of Columbia, corrosion scale analyses, and pipe‐loop experiments to examine whether iron corrosion scales can contribute meaningfully to drinking water lead. The study concluded that iron corrosion scales can be a persistent lead source, identified factors that can trigger release, and characterized potential long‐term effects.
Effects of pH, chloride, bicarbonate, and phosphate on brass dezincification
Authors: Zhang Yaofu , Edwards Marc
Published: February 2018

Plumbing failures associated with brass dezincification have recently been reported in some areas of the United States, prompting research to identify the interplay between water chemistry and dezincification propensity. This research identified a critical pH range (8–9) at which “meringue” dezincification was problematic. In addition, the authors have refined interpretation of the classic Turner diagram by attributing beneficial effects to higher alkalinity rather than hardness (or temporary hardness). Among other findings, chloride exacerbates the dezincification propensity of water (high galvanic current/ voltage and zinc leaching) by increasing zinc solubility and decreasing pH at brass surfaces in galvanic couples to copper pipe, leading to increased weight loss and formation of corrosion products. Inhibitive effects of orthophosphate dissipated after around 100 days, calling into question the long‐term efficacy of phosphate inhibitors in mitigating brass dezincification.
Comparison of residential indoor water consumption patterns in Chiang Mai and Khon Kaen, Thailand
Authors: Otaki Yurina , Otaki Masahiro , Sugihara Haruka , Mathurasa Lada , Pengchai Petch , Aramaki Toshiya
Published: February 2018

Knowledge of the various microcomponents of residential water consumption can play an essential role in setting effective water supply plans and policies. However, there is insufficient data regarding the microcomponents of domestic water use (toilet, laundry, bath, and kitchen) in developing countries. This study measured the microcomponents of residential water use in Chiang Mai and Khon Kaen, Thailand, using a small accumulative water meter attached directly to each household tap. In addition, residents were surveyed to obtain information about income, home bathing facilities, and laundering methods. Results showed water consumption per capita for every use to be distributed lognormally in Chiang Mai and Khon Kaen. Water consumption for toilet use was higher in Chiang Mai than in Khon Kaen, but the study found little difference between the two cities in other microcomponents of residential water consumption. In this research, historical differences in the cities' water resources appeared to have no effect on residential water consumption.
Seattle's Race and Social Justice Initiative: Eliminating Disparities in Government
Authors: Blake J. Paul , Howe Donna
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the city of Seattle's Race and Social Justice Initiative (RSJI), coordinated by Seattle's Office for Civil Rights. The initiative is a citywide effort to end institutionalized racism and race‐based disparities in city government and envisions a city in which racial disparities have been eliminated and racial equity achieved. Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) created a new Environmental Justice and Service Equity Division to ensure that all utility customers receive equitable services as well as have access to SPU decision‐making processes. The article discusses research by SPU to determine whether service levels were being delivered equitably to ratepayers. Results are discussed along with measures taken by SPU in response to these findings.
The Coming Global Urbanization: What it Means for Freshwater Provision
Authors: McDonald Robert
Published: February 2018

This article discusses a pair of recent scientific studies that show in stark relief the depth of the challenge of urban water provision in the rapidly urbanizing developing world. Data from a recent Journal AWWA article published by the author is used for considering the implications for water availability of demographic growth and climate change. Another study published by the author this year discovered that even more cities are affected by water quality problems than those affected by demographic growth and climate change. This article suggests two solutions by which cities can deal with these challenges: develop new sources of water, known as the classic “gray” infrastructure solution; and, supplement with “green” solutions that make wiser use of existing water.
Nitrosamines from pipeline materials in drinking water distribution systems
Authors: Morran Jim , Whittle Margaret , Fabris Rolando B. , Harris Martin , Leach Jules S. , Newcombe Gayle , Drikas Mary
Published: February 2018

The formation of nitrosamines in drinking water was first reported in the early 1990s. These compounds are classified as probable human carcinogens, so their control presents a challenge to authorities in providing a safe water supply to the public. Generally, nitrosamines in water supplies are the result of disinfection by chlorine or chloramines, and the standard control strategy has been to minimize their formation by changing treatment processes, often including the addition of an ultraviolet irradiation stage. This problem has now been exacerbated by the discovery that high levels of N‐nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) in newly constructed pipelines result from NDMA leaching from the rubber sealing rings used to connect the pipes. This study strongly suggests that NDMA and other nitrosamines could be present for several years in distribution systems with rubber components. Furthermore, the occurrence of nitrosamines in drinking water was independent of both the type and presence of disinfectant.
USEPA to Review Additional Drinking Water Regulations
Authors: Holmes Tommy , Roberson J. Alan
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA's) Final Plan for Periodic Retrospective Review of Existing Regulations (USEPA, 2011). This review is in addition to the regular six‐year review of existing regulations required by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). In its final plan, USEPA added reviews of the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) regulation and the Long‐Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (LT2ESWTR) to its planned review of the Lead and Copper Rule and to the development of a group regulation for Carcinogenic Volatile Organic Chemicals. The article also discusses the creation of the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Authority (WIFIA) that would provide direct, low‐interest loans for water projects too large for state revolving loan funds (SRFs).
2012 to be a Pivotal Year for Journal AWWA
Authors: Lacey Marcia
Published: February 2018

Some significant changes are coming to the Journal in January 2012. In order to better serve the needs of our members and to better inform our readership as a whole, we will be expanding the number of peer‐reviewed articles published in each issue. Because of budgetary realities, however, effective with the January issue, all peer‐reviewed articles will be published online only.
Detection of Aeromonas hydrophila in water using PCR
Authors: Pandove Gulab , Sahota Param Pal , Achal V. , Vikal Yogesh
Published: February 2018

Aeromonas genus is considered an emerging pathogen in drinking water supplies as is evident from surveillance studies carried out in Punjab, India. This study proposes the detection of Aeromonas by a molecular method. A total of 544 isolates of Aeromonas hydrophila were isolated from 690 drinking water samples and were further characterized phenotypically and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification using specific primers targeting a 685 base‐pair fragment of the 16S rRNA gene. Validation of the assay was done for all 544 biochemically characterized A. hydrophila isolates. At the assay time of 6 h, the PCR protocol showed reproducibility, specificity, and sensitivity, and proved to be an inexpensive alternative to conventional phenotypic assay, which has limitations (e.g., duration of incubation, antagonistic organism interference, lack of specificity, poor detection of viable but nonculturable microorganisms). The isolates showed multiple antibiotic resistances with a score > 0.5 on the multiple antibiotic resistance indexes. This may be ascribed as a potential human health hazard.
Putting the Plans in Place
Authors: Lacey Marcia
Published: February 2018

Last month's column regarding the upcoming increase in the number of peer‐reviewed articles to be published in Journal generated a number of comments. The majority were positive in regard to the planned expansion, with many expressing their excitement about the opportunity this will provide to also expand the number of topics that can be addressed in the general‐interest‐type materials. Several others commended AWWA's commitment to publishing more scientific research and content, pointing out that online publishing is the new reality for most journals.
The Epidemic of Corrosion, Part 1: Examining Pipe Life
Authors: Baird Gregory M.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the magnitude of the problem of corrosion in our water distribution systems. This corrosion epidemic is driving up utility operating, maintenance, and capital costs while also degrading water quality and jeopardizing the public health. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) recognizes deterioration of the quality of water in our distribution systems as an important public health concern. The article discusses the difference between uniform corrosion and localized corrosion, identifies many types of localized corrosion, and provides prevention methods for each type. Discussion and data is provided for emergency recommendations, life expectancy of pipes, and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation's corrosion standards.
Token reinforcement: Translational research and application
Authors: Hackenberg Timothy D.
Published: February 2018

The present paper provides an integrative review of research on token reinforcement systems, organized in relation to basic behavioral functions and economic variables. This type of functional taxonomy provides a useful way to organize the literature, bringing order to a wide range of findings across species and settings, and revealing gaps in the research and areas especially ripe for analysis and application. Unlike standard translational research, based on a unidirectional model in which the analysis moves from laboratory to the applied realm, work in the area of token systems is best served by a bidirectional interplay between laboratory and applied research, where applied questions inspire research on basic mechanisms. When based on and contributing to an analysis, applied research on token economies can be on the leading edge of theoretical advances, helping set the scientific research agenda.
Remote treatment of sleep‐related trichotillomania and trichophagia
Authors: Lichtblau Katherine R. , Romani Patrick W. , Greer Brian D. , Fisher Wayne W. , Bragdon Allie K.
Published: February 2018

We used a biobehavioral treatment consisting of melatonin and a standardized bed and wake time to decrease one girl's head and mouth touches associated with sleep‐related trichotillomania and trichophagia. We remotely coached the girl's caregiver to implement all procedures and monitored response to treatment using a DropCam Pro video camera equipped with night‐vision capabilities. Head and mouth touches decreased, and her sleep pattern improved with the combination of treatment strategies. We discuss our use of a novel mode of service delivery to treat sleep‐related problem behavior.
Effect of spatial arrangement and structure of hierarchically patterned fibrous scaffolds generated by a femtosecond laser on cardiomyoblast behavior
Authors: Jun Indong , Kim Kyeongsoo , Chung Yong‐Woo , Shin Hyeok Jun , Han Hyung‐Seop , Edwards James R. , Ok Myoung‐Ryul , Kim Yu‐Chan , Seok Hyun‐Kwang , Shin Heungsoo , Jeon Hojeong
Published: February 2018

Biological responses on biomaterials occur either on their surface or at the interface. Therefore, surface characterization is an essential step in the fabrication of ideal biomaterials for achieving effective control of the interaction between the material surface and the biological environment. Herein, we applied femtosecond laser ablation on electrospun fibrous scaffolds to fabricate various hierarchical patterns with a focus on the alignment of cells. We investigated the simultaneously stimulated response of cardiomyoblasts based on multiple topographical cues, including scales, oriented directions, and spatial arrangements, in the fibrous scaffolds. Our results demonstrated a synergistic effect on cell behaviors of one or more structural arrangements in a homogeneous orientation, whereas antagonistic effects were observed for cells arranged on a surface with heterogeneous directions. Taken together, these results indicate that our hierarchically patterned fibrous scaffolds may be useful tools for understanding the cellular behavior on fibrous scaffolds used to mimic an extracellular matrix‐like environment. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1732–1742, 2018.
Modulation of Schlemm's canal endothelial cell stiffness via latrunculin loaded block copolymer micelles
Authors: Stack Trevor , Vahabikashi Amir , Johnson Mark , Scott Evan
Published: February 2018

Increased stiffness of Schlemm's canal endothelial cells (SC cells) is a major contributing factor to the increased pressure characteristic of primary open‐angle glaucoma. New treatments for glaucoma are being developed using actin depolymerizers and rho kinase inhibitors to address this increased stiffness. However, these agents have off‐target effects and are not as potent as had been hoped. We have developed a micellar nanocarrier assembled from poly(ethylene glycol)‐bl‐poly(propylene sulfide) copolymers capable of encapsulating latrunculin A (Lat A) with the goal of modulating SC cell stiffness. Lat A‐loaded nanocarriers were similar in size and morphology to unloaded poly (ethylene glycol)‐bl‐poly(propylene sulfide) (PEG‐bl‐PPS) micelles, loaded Lat A at 62% encapsulation efficiency, and retained loaded Lat A for at least 22 days. The continued functional activity of Lat A following encapsulation within micelles was verified in murine macrophages, which are known to display decreased endocytosis in response to Lat A‐dependent cytoskeletal disruption. Endocytic inhibition remained unchanged when comparing equal concentrations of micelle‐loaded versus free form Lat A. Uptake of Lat A‐loaded micelles by human SC cells was verified in vitro with no sign of cytotoxicity, and modulation of SC cell stiffness was measured by atomic force microscopy. Lat A‐loaded micelles significantly decreased SC cell stiffness, which resulted in visible changes in cell morphology as observed by confocal microscopy. Our results demonstrate that PEG‐bl‐PPS micelles represent a tunable platform for the controlled intracellular delivery of latrunculin. These self‐assembled polymeric nanobiomaterials may support the rational design and engineering of delivery systems for the treatment of glaucoma. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1771–1779, 2018.
Aligned nanofiber material supports cell growth and increases osteogenesis in canine adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells in vitro
Authors: Pandey Sony , Rathore Kusum , Johnson Jed , Cekanova Maria
Published: February 2018

Tissue engineering shows great promise for the treatment of degenerative diseases, including bone repair. Polymer nanofibers provide a three‐dimensional (3‐D) scaffold for attachment and growth of mesenchymal stem cells. Increasing evidence supports that fiber alignment on scaffolds plays a major role in the viability and differentiation of stem cells. We compared the cell viability of canine adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (cADMSCs) cultured in the aligned‐ (NanoAligned™) and random‐ (NanoECM™) oriented polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofiber‐coated plates to control polystyrene tissue culture plates using a proliferation assay. Ability of the plates to induce differentiation of cADMSCs into osteocytes, adipocytes, and neurons was evaluated based on expression of the osteocyte markers, COL1A1 and osterix; adipocyte markers PPARγ2 and LPL; and neuronal marker nestin using RT‐PCR. Proliferation results demonstrated that aligned‐oriented PCL nanofiber‐coated plates were more suitable substrate for cADMSCs after 7 days in culture compared to random‐oriented PCL nanofiber‐coated or control plates. Additionally, we demonstrated that both 3‐D PCL nanofiber‐coated plates were a better scaffold for cADMSCs differentiation into osteocytes compared to control plates. In conclusion, our results confirm that PCL nanofiber is a suitable tissue engineering material for use in regenerative medicine for canine patients in vivo. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 1780–1788, 2018.
Spheroid‐based 3D cell cultures identify salinomycin as a promising drug for the treatment of chondrosarcoma
Authors: Perut Francesca , Sbrana Francesca V. , Avnet Sofia , De Milito Angelo , Baldini Nicola
Published: February 2018

Chondrosarcoma (CS) is a cartilage malignancy of adulthood that is treated by surgery alone, since chemotherapy is considered ineffective. Unfortunately, a large proportion of patients with CS develop lung metastases, and several die of the disease. In this study, we compared 3D‐spheroid cultures and conventional cell monolayer models in order to identify the best way to select anticancer agents that could be effective for the systemic control of CS. Using SW1353 cells, we developed a three‐dimensional (3D) in vitro culture model to mimic in vivo features of CS microenvironment and evaluated the efficacy of different drugs to modulate CS cell proliferation and survival in 2D versus 3D‐cultures. Doxorubicin (DXR) and cisplatin, that are widely employed in sarcomas, were less effective on 3D‐CS spheroids when compared to standard monolayer models, whereas treatment with the ionophore salinomycin (SAL) had a strong cytotoxic effect both on 2D and 3D‐cultures. Furthermore, as demonstrated by the reduced viability and the enhanced DXR nuclear localization, SAL enhanced DXR cytotoxicity in 3D‐CS spheroids also at sub‐lethal doses. SAL activity on 3D‐CS spheroids was mediated by a significant induction of apoptosis via caspase activation. This study demonstrates that preclinical tests significantly differ in monolayer and 3D cultures of CS cells. Using this approach, SAL, alone or, at sub‐lethal concentrations, in combination with DXR, represents a promising agent for the systemic treatment of CS. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2305–2312, 2018.
Influence of periodontitis and scaling and root planing on insulin resistance and hepatic CD36 in obese rats
Authors: Ni Jia , Chen Lei , Zhong Sulan , Chai Qiaoxue , Zhang Lin , Wang Dan , Li Shaobing , Zhang Jincai
Published: February 2018

Background

The aim of the study was to explore the influence of periodontitis and scaling and root planing (SRP) on insulin resistance and hepatic CD36 in obese rats with periodontitis.

Methods

Thirty‐two specific pathogen free Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups of eight animals each as follows: healthy rats (healthy group), obese rats (obesity group), obese rats with periodontitis (non‐therapy group), and obese rats with periodontitis who underwent periodontal SRP (therapy group). Rats were fed with a high‐fat diet for 16 weeks to build an obesity model. Periodontal inflammation was induced by performing periodontal ligation with Porphyromonas gingivalis. The tissue around the maxillary second molars, bilaterally, were collected. The periodontal attachment level (from the cemento‐enamel junction to the bottom of the periodontal pocket) of the second molars was measured in all groups. All rats were subjected to fasting blood glucose, insulin, and serum C‐reactive protein tests (CRP). Insulin resistance was evaluated by homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and area under the curve (AUC). The liver was excised to detect intrahepatic free fatty acid (FFA) levels and pathologic observation. Real‐time quantification PCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry were applied to detect hepatic CD36 expression.

Results

Compared with the obesity group, HOMA‐IR, AUC, intrahepatic FFA, and protein expression, and mRNA levels of hepatic CD36 in the non‐therapy group were significantly increased (P < 0.05). HOMA‐IR, AUC, CRP, protein expression, and mRNA levels of hepatic CD36 were all significantly decreased (P < 0.05) 2‐weeks after SRP.

Conclusions

Periodontitis increases insulin resistance while scaling and root planning could improve insulin resistance. Hepatic CD36 regulation may be considered a potential mechanism for this phenomenon.
The KCNQ1 gene polymorphism as a shared genetic risk for rheumatoid arthritis and chronic periodontitis in Japanese adults: A pilot case‐control study
Authors: Kobayashi Tetsuo , Kido Jun‐ichi , Ishihara Yuichi , Omori Kazuhiro , Ito Satoshi , Matsuura Takato , Bando Takashi , Wada Jun , Murasawa Akira , Nakazono Kiyoshi , Mitani Akio , Takashiba Shogo , Nagata Toshihiko , Yoshie Hiromasa
Published: February 2018

Background

A number of studies have suggested a bidirectional relationship of periodontitis with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, the genetic factors that underlie these relationships have not been elucidated.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter case‐control study that included 185 patients with RA and chronic periodontitis (CP), 149 patients with T2DM and CP, 251 patients with CP, and 130 systemically and periodontally healthy controls from a cohort of Japanese adults to assess the shared genetic risk factors for RA and CP as well as for T2DM and CP. A total of 17 candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with RA, T2DM, and CP were genotyped.

Results

Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that the KCNQ1 rs2237892 was significantly associated with comorbidity of RA and CP (P = 0.005) after adjustment for age, sex, and smoking status. The carriers of the T allele among patients with RA and CP showed significantly higher disease activity scores including 28 joints using C‐reactive protein values than the non‐carriers (P = 0.02), although the age, female percentage, and smoking status were comparable. Other SNPs were not associated with comorbidity of RA and CP, T2DM and CP, or susceptibility to CP.

Conclusion

The results of the present pilot study suggest for the first time that the KCNQ1 rs2237892 may constitute a shared genetic risk factor for RA and CP, but not for T2DM and CP in Japanese adults.
Asiaticoside induces osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament cells through the Wnt pathway
Authors: Fitri Atika Resti , Pavasant Prasit , Chamni Supakarn , Sumrejkanchanakij Piyamas
Published: February 2018

Background

Asiaticoside is a compound isolated from Herb Centella asiatica, which has been shown to promote osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament (hPDL) cells. This study investigated the molecular mechanism underlying the asiaticoside‐induced osteogenic differentiation of hPDL cells.

Methods

hPDL cells were incubated with various concentrations of asiaticoside to test cell viability by MTT assay. The mRNA expression levels were analyzed by using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Osteogenic differentiation was determined by alkaline phosphatase activity assay and alizarin red staining. The subcellular localization of β‐catenin was analyzed by both immunofluorescence and western blot.

Results

The results showed that asiaticoside had no effect on the cell viability at any of the tested concentrations. Real‐time PCR revealed that osterix (OSX) and dentin matrix protein1 (DMP1) mRNA were significantly enhanced by asiaticoside treatment. Alkaline phosphatase activity and in vitro mineralization were also significantly induced. Interestingly, asiaticoside dose‐dependently increased WNT3A mRNA expression, but not WNT5A and WNT10B. The activation of Wnt signaling was shown to result in nuclear accumulation of β‐catenin as evaluated by immunofluorescence staining and western blot analysis. Pre‐treatment with recombinant human Dickkopf1 (rhDKK1) inhibited asiaticoside‐induced β‐catenin nuclear translocation and osteoblast marker gene expression. Moreover, rhDKK1 attenuated asiaticoside‐induced DMP1 protein expression.

Conclusion

The data demonstrate that asiaticoside induces osteogenic differentiation of hPDL cells by activating the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway. The findings suggest that asiaticoside could be used as a novel therapeutic drug for periodontal tissue regeneration.
Insights Into Molecular Interaction of Antitumor Drug Mitoxantrone With Anionic Surfactant Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate at Different Temperatures
Authors: Enache Mirela , Toader Ana Maria
Published: February 2018

A study of the interaction of antitumor drug mitoxantrone with anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) has been carried out by UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy at submicellar and micellar surfactant concentrations, pH 7.4 and 10, and over a temperature range of 293.15–323.15 K. The variation of the monomer drug absorbance as a function of SDS concentration indicates, at pH 7.4 and all investigated temperatures, two definite processes: process I in the submicellar range, attributed to the electrostatic interaction between mitoxantrone and SDS monomers; and process II in the micellar range, when the drug is incorporated into SDS micelles in monomer form. At pH 10, the results have indicated only the process II at micellar SDS concentrations. The monomer absorbance changes occurring as a result of the interactions between mitoxantrone and SDS were rationalized in terms of binding constant, micelle/water partition coefficient, and the corresponding thermodynamic parameters for binding and partitioning processes. Thermodynamic parameters indicate that at pH 7.4 both binding process of mitoxantrone to SDS and partition process of mitoxantrone between micellar and bulk aqueous phases are spontaneous and enthalpy controlled, while at pH 10 both processes are spontaneous and entropy controlled.
Pup‐rearing habitat use in a harvested carnivore
Authors: Jacobs Caitlin E. , Ausband David E.
Published: February 2018

Changes in behavior and habitat use are often influenced by the risk of predation, including harvest, and carnivores alter their habitat use and movements to minimize predation risk. Large carnivores are subject to harvest around the world; however, few studies examine whether habitat use is different between harvested and unharvested carnivore populations. We examined the effects of harvest on gray wolf (Canis lupus) use of pup‐rearing habitat. We predicted that in comparison to an unharvested population of wolves, wolves subject to harvest would use less suitable pup‐rearing habitat (i.e., sites with no standing water source and dense vegetation with no open areas) and locate pup‐rearing sites in areas with lower human activity. We also predicted that wolves would use less suitable pup‐rearing habitat following breeder turnover. Finally, we predicted that field surveys using a method for monitoring an unharvested wolf population would detect fewer active pup‐rearing sites and document fewer detections of scat, tracks, and howls of a harvested wolf population. We tested whether a habitat model for predicting pup‐rearing sites used by an unharvested wolf population accurately predicted sites used by a harvested wolf population. To examine the effect of human activity, we calculated the road density within a 500‐m buffer around sites used by an unharvested and harvested population of wolves. We also evaluated the habitat suitability of pup‐rearing sites following the death of a breeder. Finally, we conducted field surveys of a harvested wolf population with a monitoring technique used for unharvested wolf populations, and compared detections of pup‐rearing sites, scats, tracks, and howls between the unharvested and harvested wolf populations. Harvest did not affect wolf use of pup‐rearing habitat. Wolves subject to harvest used highly suitable habitat (i.e., areas with standing, ephemeral water) to raise pups, road density near pup‐rearing sites did not differ between harvested and unharvested wolf populations, and breeder turnover did not result in packs choosing less suitable pup‐rearing habitat. Finally, field surveys successfully detected pup‐rearing sites of wolves subject to harvest but documented fewer detections of scats and tracks, likely because of a decrease in wolf density. Wolves subject to harvest chose highly suitable habitat to raise pups, indicating that such habitat provides optimal resources in a landscape where harvest is a dominant source of mortality. In areas where such habitat is limited, it is important to consider how environmental changes affect the availability of suitable habitat. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Computational Study on the Thermal Decomposition of Phenol‐Type Monolignols
Authors: Furutani Yuki , Dohara Yuki , Kudo Shinji , Hayashi Jun‐Ichiro , Norinaga Koyo
Published: February 2018

A detailed chemical kinetic model has been developed to theoretically predict the pyrolysis behavior of phenol‐type monolignol compounds (1‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)prop‐2‐en‐1‐one, HPP; p‐coumaryl alcohol, 3‐hydroxy‐1‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)propan‐1‐one, HHPP; 1‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)propane‐1,3‐diol, HPPD) released from the primary heterogeneous pyrolysis of lignin. The possible thermal decomposition pathways involving unimolecular decomposition, H‐addition, and H‐abstraction by H and CH3 radicals were investigated by comparing the activation energies calculated at the M06–2X/6–311++G(d,p) level of theory. The results indicated that all phenol‐type monolignol compounds convert to phenol by side‐chain cleavage. p‐Coumaryl alcohol decomposes into phenol via the formation of 4‐vinylphenol, whereas HPP, HHPP, and HPPD decompose into phenol via the formation of 4‐hydroxybenzaldehyde. The pyrolytic pathways focusing on the reactivity of the hydroxyl group in HPP and producing cyclopentadiene (cyc‐C5H6) were also investigated. The transition state theory (TST) rate constants for all the proposed elementary reaction channels were calculated at the high‐pressure limit in the temperature range of 300–1500 K. The kinetic analysis predicted the two favorable unimolecular decomposition pathways in HPP: the one is the dominant channel below 1000 K to produce cyc‐C5H6, and the other is above 1000 K to yield phenol (C6H5OH).
Long‐term experience with intranasal bevacizumab therapy
Authors: Steineger Johan , Osnes Terje , Heimdal Ketil , Dheyauldeen Sinan
Published: February 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

Long‐term follow‐up of intranasal bevacizumab therapy in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT).

Study Design

Prospective, noncomparative study.

Methods

Patients treated for HHT‐associated epistaxis by intranasal submucosal bevacizumab injections between June 2011 and August 2013 were included and followed prospectively. The effectiveness of the treatment was evaluated by the epistaxis severity score (ESS); the epistaxis intensity, frequency, and the need of blood transfusion (IFT) score; and hemoglobin levels.

Results

Thirty‐three patients were included. The total number of treatments with intranasal bevacizumab injection was 210. The mean number of treatments per patient was 6.2 ± 4.6 (range, 1–16), and the mean treatment and observation period was 38.8 ± 21.8 months (range, 2–66 months). Four patients showed no improvement after treatment. Eleven patients (33.3%) showed initial improvement in both ESS and IFT, but the treatment was discontinued before the end of the study because the effect became gradually shorter lasting despite repeated injections. Twelve patients (36.3%) continued to have a positive response to the treatment at the end of the study. No local adverse effects were observed, but one patient developed osteonecrosis in both knees during the treatment period.

Conclusions

Intranasal bevacizumab injection is an effective treatment for most of the moderate and severe grades of HHT‐associated epistaxis. The duration of the effect of the treatment was variable. Primary and late resistance phenomena to the treatment were quite common.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 128:2237–2244, 2018
Authors and information technology: new challenges in publishing
Authors: Dorner Jane
Published: February 2018

Last year 1279 professional authors completed a lengthy questionnaire on their use of, and attitudes towards, technological tools for writing and publishing. The data were analysed quantitatively, by examining the most frequent responses to items on the questionnaire, and qualitatively, by looking closely at details illuminating the relationship between authors and publishers. The results, for present purposes, are divided into three broad bands of interest: first, what types of writing software authors are currently using; second, what the implications of using authors’ disks in the publication chain are; and third, how technology alters perceptions of the ‘copy’ as a unit of sale. Findings suggest that though authors are operating at basic levels, they have embraced technology with more enthusiasm than their publishers. The challenge facing those involved in books is to make provision for presenting and displaying work in electronic form: to improve contracts and licensing agreements, and to disseminate information on technology to authors.
Who pays for journal publishing? The user’s point of view
Authors: Coles Bryan R.
Published: February 2018

Scientists are users of science journals in two senses—to enter their own work and to learn of others—but are rarely the direct purchaser of them. The health of research is inextricably bound up with the learned journal. Muck is contributed by scientists to their journals in invisible ways, such as refereeing and editing. The creation of an archive of information is the primary service the journal supplies. Libraries pay for its entry into the system; research organizations and university faculties must recognize that this cost has to be met.

The views expressed here are those of a publisher as well as of a user.
Technical processing of electronic journals in libraries
Authors: McMillan Gail
Published: February 2018

Electronic journals portend tremendous advantages to libraries. Patron access is swift and sure; these journals are never missing from the shelves, and they need not be delayed for technical processing because they can be ‘sent’ to public display and serials maintenance almost simultaneously. However, how will library users know what journals are available to them? They should be able to find electronic journals through the same means they find information in all other formats—through libraries’ online catalogs. The phrase ‘mark it and park it’ has not lost its relevance in the virtual library environment.
A learned society publisher’s perspective of future opportunities
Authors: Pearce Anthony
Published: February 2018

Considers practical aspects of the transition from printed forms to electronic publishing, and the sustaining of profitability; and gives case histories of some electronic products, in particular CoDAS, emphasizing the importance of collaboration.
The role of academic libraries in the scientific information system
Authors: Law Derek
Published: February 2018

Considers the recommendations in the SIS report regarding libraries’ possible co–operative acquisition of materials; the increased use of free point–of–use services and of bulletin boards; payment for information received electronically; responsibility for training in information access; and national electronic archives.
Journals and issues of privacy and confidentiality
Authors: Sharp David W.
Published: February 2018

Considers the protection of personal information and the right to privacy in medical publishing, with the practical difficulties of preserving anonymity.
The Journal of Buddhist Ethics: an online journal
Authors: Keown Damien
Published: February 2018

Offers a ‘nuts and bolts’ perspective on setting up and running the UK’s first peer–reviewed WWW journal.
Computers used in copy–editing: master or slave?
Authors: Duckworth Sharon
Published: February 2018

Considers the practicalities of using authors’ disks for publishing academic books; how such disks are to be converted, copy–edited, conected and coded; and by whom: editors or typesetters?
Academic Reference Centre access for UK universities
Authors: Embers Bill
Published: February 2018

Describes the Academic Reference Centre, a collaborative project enabling universities on the JANET and SuperJANET network to access and search a selection of over sixty databases from within the university.
Serial selection and deselection: policies and decision–making
Authors: Jenkins Clare
Published: February 2018

Describes experience of serials selection and deselection in the academic library sector, the policy issues cunently being faced, and some of the steps being taking in confronting those issues.
Flexible and UV Resistant Films Based on Thiophene‐Substituted Conjugated Microporous Polymers Bearing Alkyl Chains: Tuning of Rigidity into Soft
Authors: Ren Feng , Wang Fei , Pan Yu , Sun Hanxue , Zhu Zhaoqi , Ma Chonghua , Xiao Chaohu , Liang Weidong , Chen Lihua , Li An
Published: February 2018

Conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) are usually formed as rigid π‐conjugated networks and insoluble in common solutions which in turn have limitations in molding or process for applications due to its unprocessability. In this work, a series of CMPs containing thiophene‐moieties (SCMPs) are obtained by dibromothiophene with carbon branched chain and ethynylbenzene monomers. The solubility of the SCMPs would be significantly improved by tuning the length of alkyl chains in alkyl‐substituted dibromothiophene monomers. SCMPs products bearing different alkyl‐substituted dibromothiophene moiety exhibit an interesting transition from insolubility to solubility in most common organic solvents, which would greatly improve its processability. Taking advantage of its solubility, freestanding SCMPs films and flexible and transparent UV resistant PDMS films based on SCMPs coatings can be easily fabricated by simple coating methods. These finding may provide a possibility for future design and fabrication of soluble and processable CMPs by rational design and tuning alkyl‐substituted aromatic monomers.
Investigation of mechanical properties of auxetic woven polymer composite material
Authors: Hussain M. , Nawab Y. , Rizwan Z. , Mumtaz A. , Basit A.
Published: February 2018

Contrary to normal materials, the auxetic/meta‐materials expand transversally as well as longitudinally when subjected to longitudinal load and contract in both directions on compression. In this work, auxeticity is obtained in composites reinforced with carbon woven fabrics placed at certain angles. The auxetic effect on the mechanical properties of the prepared carbon/epoxy composites was investigated. The mechanical properties include the tensile, flexural and impact properties. It is found that the tensile properties are not affected by the auxetic effect; however, the flexural and impact properties are significantly enhanced by the auxetic effect.
Hypolipidemic and Antioxidant Properties of Oryzanol Concentrate in Reducing Diabetic Nephropathy via SREBP1 Downregulation Rather than β‐Oxidation
Authors: G. Bhaskaragoud , V. Geetha , T. Sharanappa , A. S. Mohan Kumar , C. Hema Kumar , G. Suresh Kumar
Published: February 2018

Scope

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a micro‐vascular complication of chronic diabetes. Sterol regulatory element binding protein1 (SREBP1) participation in the development of DN is reported. Oryzanol concentrate (OC) at 0.1% and 0.3% is tested for its antioxidant and hypolipidemic effects. The aim of the work is to study the involvement of OC in the amelioration of DN in STZ‐induced diabetic animal model.

Methods and results

Animals were grouped into starch, high‐fat, and OC‐treated control/diabetic groups (SFC/SFD, HFC/HFD, OFC/OFD). The markers of DN, increased glomerular filtration rate and kidney weight, were evident in HFD and reduced in OFD group by ≈1.09 and ≈1.3 fold, respectively. The amelioration of defensive antioxidant enzyme activities and lipid peroxidation, expressions of lipid‐associated biomolecules (SREBP1 and FAS) were also observed. HFD showed increased ECM accumulation of glycoproteins, particularly Type IV collagen, fibronectin. SREBP1‐associated gene transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) was reduced on treatment (OFD ≈ 1.3 fold) as to HFD (≈2.7 fold).

Conclusion

Oryzanol concentrate, having hypolipidemic and antioxidant properties, also downregulated the lipid biosynthesis through reduced SREBP1–TGF‐β interactions (EMSA) and could effectively ameliorate DN. Gene (ACC2, Cpt1, and ACOX) expression studies showed that β‐oxidation was not involved in reducing DN.
Simultaneous multislice triple‐echo steady‐state (SMS‐TESS) T1, T2, PD, and off‐resonance mapping in the human brain
Authors: Heule Rahel , Celicanin Zarko , Kozerke Sebastian , Bieri Oliver
Published: February 2018

Purpose

To investigate the ability of simultaneous multislice triple‐echo steady‐state (SMS‐TESS) imaging to provide quantitative maps of multiple tissue parameters, i.e., longitudinal and transverse relaxation times (T1 and T2), proton density (PD), and off‐resonance (ΔB0), in the human brain at 3T from a single scan.

Methods

TESS acquisitions were performed in 2D mode to reduce motion sensitivity and accelerated by an SMS excitation scheme (CAIPIRINHA) with SENSE reconstruction. SMS‐acceleration factors (R) of 2 and 4 were evaluated. The in vitro and in vivo validation process included standard reference scans to analyze the accuracy of T1, T2, and ΔB0 estimates, as well as single‐slice TESS measurements.

Results

For R = 2, the quantification of T1, T2, PD, and ΔB0 was overall reliable with marginal noise enhancement. T1 and T2 values were in good agreement with the reference measurements and single‐slice TESS. For R = 4, the agreement of ΔB0 with the standard reference was excellent and the determination of T1, T2, and PD was reproducible; however, increased variations in T1 and T2 values with respect to single‐slice TESS were observed.

Conclusion

SMS‐TESS has shown potential to offer rapid simultaneous T1, T2, PD, and ΔB0 mapping of human brain tissues.