bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PM1 geochemical and mineralogical characterization using SEM-EDX to identify particle origin – Agri Valley pilot area (Basilicata, southern Italy)
Authors: Margiotta S. , Lettino A. , Speranza A. , Summa V.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. A PM1 geochemical and mineralogical study using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was performed on a pilot site in the Agri Valley which is close to the oil pre-treatment plant (C.O.V.A) of Europe's largest on-shore hydrocarbon reservoir. The study identified PM1 geochemical and mineralogical characters in the period before, during and immediately after a burning torch flare event. The finer fraction (DFe < 0.7 μm) consisted mainly of secondary particles and soot. In the coarser fraction (DFe ≥ 0.7 μm), natural particles originating from crustal erosion and soot were abundant. Fine quartz particles and lower Al / Si ratios are markers for desert dust origin, proving that a Saharan dust episode which occurred during the observation period played a significant role in supplying geogenic aerosol components to the PM1. Largest amounts of ≥ 0.7 μm fraction particles observed on the day of flare event may be due to a greater supply of Saharan geogenic particles. Soot had been significantly increasing long before the flare event, suggesting that this increase is also related to other causes, although we cannot exclude a contribution from flaring. S-rich aerosol consisted mainly of mixed particles originating from deposition and heterogeneous nucleation of secondary sulfates on mineral dust. Only-S particles were identified in the ≥ 0.7 μm fraction following the flare event. These particles may be indicators of larger amounts of sulphur in the atmosphere.
Accuracy of the mean sea level continuous record with future altimetric missions: Jason-3 vs. Sentinel-3a
Authors: Zawadzki L. , Ablain M.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. The current mean sea level (MSL) continuous record, essential for the understanding of climate evolution, is computed with the altimetric measurements of the TOPEX/Poseidon mission, succeeded by Jason-1 and later Jason-2. The accurate continuity of the record is ensured by the conservation of the "historical" TOPEX orbit, but also by calibration phases between the successive missions which enable a rigorous computation of their relative biases. In order to extend the current MSL record, Jason-3 will be the natural successor of Jason-2: on the same orbit with a calibration phase. Shortly after Jason-3, another altimetric climate-oriented mission, Sentinel-3a, will be launched on a different orbit. In this paper, simulated altimetric sea level data is used to study the sensitivity of the MSL continuous record to the change of the "historical" orbit for the new Sentinel-3a orbit. By estimating the impact of the absence of calibration phase on the MSL continuous record trend accuracy at global and regional scale and the impact of the orbit change on the long-term continuity of this MSL record, this study shows that linking Sentinel-3a data instead of Jason-3 to the MSL continuous record would prevent from meeting climate users requirements regarding the MSL trend accuracy.
The Challenge of Action Research Book Review of the UNESCO-Book Action Research to Improve Youth and Adult Literacy – Empowering Learners in a Multilingual World
Authors: Muskens George
Published: July 2015

This is a Book Review by George Muskens on the UNESCO-Book Action Research to Improve Youth and Adult Literacy – Empowering Learners in a Multilingual World.
Technical feasibility of robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in renal transplant recipients: Results of a series of 12 consecutive cases
Authors: Le Clerc Quentin-Côme , Lecornet Emilie , Leon Gregoire , Rigaud Jerome , Glemain Pascal , Branchereau Julien , Karam Georges
Published: July 2015

Introduction: We evaluate the technical feasibility of robotic prostatectomy in renal transplant recipients.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed preoperative and perioperative settings, as well as functional and oncologic results of 12 patients operated on between 2009 and 2013. Prostatectomy was performed via a transperitoneal approach without any changing in the ports position. The average age was 61.92 ± 2.98 years. The period between transplant and the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma was 79.7 months. The mean PSA was 7.34 ng/mL (range: 4.9–11).Results: The operative time was 241.3 ± 35.6 minutes with only one conversion and one transfusion. The intervention was difficult due to adhesions on the side of the graft in 50% of cases. There was a case of obstructive acute renal failure resulting from a hematoma of the Retzius treated by percutaneous nephrostomy at D20. There was a majority of pT2c (72.7%), including 3 positive margins (27.3%) and 2 biochemical relapses treated with radiotherapy and hormonotherapy, respectively. The end point prostate-specific antigen was undetectable. There was no significant difference between preoperative and J7 creatinine (p = 0. 22).Conclusions: Robotic prostatectomy in renal transplant recipients is a safe technique with no serious effects on the allograft.
Impact of drainage technique on pediatric pyeloplasty: Comparative analysis of externalized uretero-pyelostomy versus double-J internal stents
Authors: Lee Linda C. , Kanaroglou Niki , Gleason Joseph M. , Pippi Salle Joao L. , Bägli Darius J. , Koyle Martin A. , Lorenzo Armando J.
Published: July 2015

Introduction: Pediatric pyeloplasty with double J (DJ) stent drainage requires manipulation of the uretero-vesical junction (UVJ) and a second anesthetic for removal. Externalized uretero-pyelostomy (EUP) stents avoid these issues. We report outcomes of laparoscopic and open pyeloplasty with EUP compared to DJ stents in children.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 76 consecutive children who underwent pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction over a 1-year period by 5 pediatric urologists at a single institution. The exclusion criteria included patients with concomitant urological procedures, other urinary drainage strategies, “stentless” pyeloplasty or patients without follow-up data. Based on surgeon preference, 24 patients had a EUP stent and 38 had a DJ stent placed.Results: The mean follow-up was 23.8 ± 10.9 months and 21.1 ± 11.1 months for the EUP and DJ stent groups, respectively (p = 0.32). The mean age was 40 ± 54 months and 80 ± 78 months for the EUP and DJ groups, respectively (p = 0.04). The EUP group had a greater proportion of open pyeloplasties (n = 17, 71%) versus the DJ group (n = 16, 42%; p = 0.04). There were no statistically significant differences in operative time, length of stay, and overall complication rate between groups. Complications were divided by timing of complication (intraoperative, before and after 3 months) and according to the Clavien Classification system. There were no statistically significant differences between these subgroups. The limitations of this study include small sample size, potential selection bias, and heterogeneity between both study groups.Conclusions: Pyeloplasty using EUP stents does not incur prolonged operative time, longer length of stay or higher complication rate when compared to DJ stents. Within the limitations of this study, EUP stents may be a safe alternative to DJ stents.
Renal vein leiomyosarcoma and renal cell carcinoma presenting together: A case report and discussion on the follow up.
Authors: Devlin Conor M. , Gill Kanwar , Thomas Jennifer , Biyani Chandra Shekhar
Published: July 2015

Leiomyosarcoma affecting the renal vein is rare, with about 30 documented cases in the English literature. The appearance on computed tomography can be difficult to interpret and is often confused with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). This confusion can have implications on the perioperative care of patients presenting with this disease. We report a case with an usual radiological appearance of a renal vein leiomyosarcoma, alongside a separate RCC. This case highlights the need for a high index of suspicion in radiological reporting and provides a dilemma in regards to postoperative surveillance.
Comprehensive Succession Planning: Preparing the Next Generation for Success
Authors: Clark David K.
Published: July 2015

Faced with projected high turnover resulting from an approaching retirement wave, the Engineering Services Group of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California has designed a two‐part approach to succession planning.
Communication Without Words: How Utilities Can Become Visible to Their Customers
Authors: Goetz Melanie K.
Published: July 2015

A water utility doesn't need to be large or prominently located to promote its product of high‐quality drinking water. It can follow the example of Apple's marketing strategy with a nonverbal appeal to human emotions and values.
Calgary's Glenmore Water Treatment Plant: Historical Beauty and Modern Technology
Authors: Jagorinec John
Published: July 2015

The Glenmore Water Treatment Plant is a highly efficient and architecturally significant structure that has supplied high‐quality drinking water to the city of Calgary, Alta., Canada, for 82 years. The advanced treatment technology and dedicated staff allowed the plant to maintain drinking water quality in 2013 when the city saw the worst flood in its recorded history.
Manager to Manager
Authors: Bernosky Joseph
Published: July 2015

Countless management training courses stress the importance of good, clear communication, but it seems that despite ubiquitous cell phones, tablets, e‐mail, and the whole social media universe, that good, clear communication ‐ so vital to effective management and leadership ‐ is often lacking. Why? In the paragraphs to follow, I proffer a couple of reasons this may be occurring, one relating to the communication medium and the other to the messaging itself. A third consideration is how the receiver “decodes” the message and whether he or she understands the intent or has a different takeaway from what was intended.
A Comparative Study of the Therapeutic Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Limbal Epithelial Stem Cells for Ocular Surface Reconstruction
Authors: Holan Vladimir , Trosan Peter , Cejka Cestmir , Javorkova Eliska , Zajicova Alena , Hermankova Barbora , Chudickova Milada , Cejkova Jitka
Published: July 2015

Stem cell-based therapy has become an attractive and promising approach for the treatment of severe injuries or thus-far incurable diseases. However, the use of stem cells is often limited by a shortage of available tissue-specific stem cells; therefore, other sources of stem cells are being investigated and tested. In this respect, mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) have proven to be a promising stem cell type. In the present study, we prepared MSCs from bone marrow (BM-MSCs) or adipose tissue (Ad-MSCs) as well as limbal epithelial stem cells (LSCs), and their growth, differentiation, and secretory properties were compared. The cells were grown on nanofiber scaffolds and transferred onto the alkali-injured eye in a rabbit model, and their therapeutic potential was characterized. We found that BM-MSCs and tissue-specific LSCs had similar therapeutic effects. Clinical characterization of the healing process, as well as the evaluation of corneal thickness, re-epithelialization, neovascularization, and the suppression of a local inflammatory reaction, were comparable in the BM-MSC- and LSC-treated eyes, but results were significantly better than in injured, untreated eyes or in eyes treated with a nanofiber scaffold alone or with a nanofiber scaffold seeded with Ad-MSCs. Taken together, the results show that BM-MSCs' therapeutic effect on healing of injured corneal surface is comparable to that of tissue-specific LSCs. We suggest that BM-MSCs can be used for ocular surface regeneration in cases when autologous LSCs are absent or difficult to obtain.

Significance

Damage of ocular surface represents one of the most common causes of impaired vision or even blindness. Cell therapy, based on transplantation of stem cells, is an optimal treatment. However, if limbal stem cells (LSCs) are not available, other sources of stem cells are tested. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a convenient type of cell for stem cell therapy. The therapeutic potential of LSCs and MSCs was compared in an experimental model of corneal injury, and healing was observed following chemical injury. MSCs and tissue-specific LSCs had similar therapeutic effects. The results suggest that bone marrow-derived MSCs can be used for ocular surface regeneration in cases when autologous LSCs are absent or difficult to obtain.
Low-Dose Irradiation Enhances Gene Targeting in Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Hatada Seigo , Subramanian Aparna , Mandefro Berhan , Ren Songyang , Kim Ho Won , Tang Jie , Funari Vincent , Baloh Robert H. , Sareen Dhruv , Arumugaswami Vaithilingaraja , Svendsen Clive N.
Published: July 2015

Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) are now being used for both disease modeling and cell therapy; however, efficient homologous recombination (HR) is often crucial to develop isogenic control or reporter lines. We showed that limited low-dose irradiation (LDI) using either γ-ray or x-ray exposure (0.4 Gy) significantly enhanced HR frequency, possibly through induction of DNA repair/recombination machinery including ataxia-telangiectasia mutated, histone H2A.X and RAD51 proteins. LDI could also increase HR efficiency by more than 30-fold when combined with the targeting tools zinc finger nucleases, transcription activator-like effector nucleases, and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats. Whole-exome sequencing confirmed that the LDI administered to hPSCs did not induce gross genomic alterations or affect cellular viability. Irradiated and targeted lines were karyotypically normal and made all differentiated lineages that continued to express green fluorescent protein targeted at the AAVS1 locus. This simple method allows higher throughput of new, targeted hPSC lines that are crucial to expand the use of disease modeling and to develop novel avenues of cell therapy.

Significance

The simple and relevant technique described in this report uses a low level of radiation to increase desired gene modifications in human pluripotent stem cells by an order of magnitude. This higher efficiency permits greater throughput with reduced time and cost. The low level of radiation also greatly increased the recombination frequency when combined with developed engineered nucleases. Critically, the radiation did not lead to increases in DNA mutations or to reductions in overall cellular viability. This novel technique enables not only the rapid production of disease models using human stem cells but also the possibility of treating genetically based diseases by correcting patient-derived cells.
Ending overly broad HIV criminalization: Canadian scientists and clinicians stand for justice
Authors: Kazatchkine Cécile , Bernard Edwin , Eba Patrick
Published: July 2015

In Canada, people living with HIV who do not disclose their HIV status prior to sexual acts risk prosecution for aggravated sexual assault even if they have sex with a condom or while having a low (or undetectable) viral load, they had no intent to transmit HIV, and no transmission occurred. In 2013, six distinguished Canadian HIV scientists and clinicians took ground‐breaking action to advance justice by co‐authoring the “Canadian consensus statement on HIV and its transmission in the context of the criminal law.” This effort was born out of the belief that the application of criminal law to HIV non‐disclosure was being driven by a poor appreciation of the science of HIV. More than 75 HIV scientists and clinicians Canada‐wide have now endorsed the statement, agreeing that “[they] have a professional and ethical responsibility to assist those in the criminal justice system to understand and interpret current medical and scientific evidence regarding HIV.” As some 61 countries have adopted laws that specifically allow for HIV criminalization, and prosecutions for HIV non‐disclosure, exposure and transmission have been reported in at least 49 countries, the authors hope that others around the world will take similar action.
Robo2 acts in trans to inhibit Slit-Robo1 repulsion in pre-crossing commissural axons
Authors: Evans Timothy A , Santiago Celine , Arbeille Elise , Bashaw Greg J
Published: July 2015

During nervous system development, commissural axons cross the midline despite the presence of repellant ligands. In Drosophila, commissural axons avoid premature responsiveness to the midline repellant Slit by expressing the endosomal sorting receptor Commissureless, which reduces surface expression of the Slit receptor Roundabout1 (Robo1). In this study, we describe a distinct mechanism to inhibit Robo1 repulsion and promote midline crossing, in which Roundabout2 (Robo2) binds to and prevents Robo1 signaling. Unexpectedly, we find that Robo2 is expressed in midline cells during the early stages of commissural axon guidance, and that over-expression of Robo2 can rescue robo2-dependent midline crossing defects non-cell autonomously. We show that the extracellular domains required for binding to Robo1 are also required for Robo2's ability to promote midline crossing, in both gain-of-function and rescue assays. These findings indicate that at least two independent mechanisms to overcome Slit-Robo1 repulsion in pre-crossing commissural axons have evolved in Drosophila.
Wave structure and polarization electric field development in the bottomside F layer leading to postsunset equatorial spread F
Authors: Abdu M. A. , de Souza J. R. , Kherani E. A. , Batista I. S. , MacDougall J. W. , Sobral J. H. A.
Published: July 2015

In this paper we present the results of a study on the characteristics of large‐scale wave structure in the equatorial ionospheric F region that serve as precursor to postsunset development of the spread F/plasma bubble irregularities. The study is based on analysis of Digisonde data from three equatorial sites in Brazil (Fortaleza, Sao Luis, and Cachimbo) for a period of about 2 months at a medium solar activity phase. Small‐amplitude oscillations in the F layer heights, extracted at a number of plasma frequencies, present characteristics as them being generated from upward propagating gravity waves. They represent wave structures in polarization electric field having zonal scale of a few hundred kilometers. Their amplitudes in the afternoon hours undergo amplification toward evening, leading to postsunset development of equatorial spread F/plasma bubble irregularities, on a statistical basis. On the days of their larger amplitudes they appear to occur in phase coherence on all days, and correspondingly, the evening prereversal vertical drift velocities are larger than on days of the smaller amplitudes of the wave structure that appear at random phase on the different days. The sustenance of these precursor wave structures is supported by the relatively large ratio (approaching unity) of the F region‐to‐total field line‐integrated Pedersen conductivities as calculated using the Sheffield University Plasmasphere‐Ionosphere Model simulation of the low‐latitude ionosphere. The significant amplification in the wave structure toward sunset and the “phase coherent” nature of their occurrences on different days are explained tentatively on the basis of the spatial resonance mechanism.
Wind‐driven upwelling around grounded tabular icebergs
Authors: Stern Alon A. , Johnson Eric , Holland David M. , Wagner Till J.W. , Wadhams Peter , Bates Richard , Abrahamsen E. Povl , Nicholls Keith W. , Crawford Anna , Gagnon Jonathan , Tremblay Jean‐Eric
Published: July 2015

Temperature and salinity data collected around grounded tabular icebergs in Baffin Bay in 2011, 2012, and 2013 indicate wind‐induced upwelling at certain locations around the icebergs. These data suggest that along one side of the iceberg, wind forcing leads to Ekman transport away from the iceberg, which causes upwelling of the cool saline water from below. The upwelling water mixes with the water above the thermocline, causing the mixed layer to become cooler and more saline. Along the opposite side of the iceberg, the surface Ekman transport moves towards the iceberg, which causes a sharpening of the thermocline as warm fresh water is trapped near the surface. This results in higher mixed layer temperatures and lower mixed layer salinities on this side of the iceberg. Based on these in situ measurements, we hypothesize that the asymmetries in water properties around the iceberg, caused by the opposing effects of upwelling and sharpening of the thermocline, lead to differential deterioration around the iceberg. Analysis of satellite imagery around iceberg PII‐B‐1 reveals differential decay around the iceberg, in agreement with this mechanism.
2‐Propenal (Acrolein) [BAT Value Documentation in German language, 2015]
Authors: Jäger T.
Published: July 2015

Veröffentlicht in der Reihe
Biologische Arbeitsstoff‐Toleranz‐Werte (BAT‐Werte), Expositionsäquivalente für krebserzeugende Arbeitsstoffe (EKA) und Biologische Leitwerte (BLW)
, 22. Lieferung, Ausgabe 2015

Der Artikel enthält folgende Kapitel:

Metabolismus und Toxikokinetik

Aufnahme, Verteilung und Elimination

Metabolismus

Kritische Toxizität

Belastung und Beanspruchung

Auswahl der Indikatoren

Untersuchungsmethoden

Hintergrundbelastung

Evaluierung

Interpretation
Immune Defence: Microbial Interference
Authors: Merino Susana , Tomás Juán M
Published: July 2015

To cause diseases, pathogens must first breach physical barriers and then successfully replicate and disseminate while avoiding destruction by immune system. The immune system control is achieved by two defence mechanisms: the innate immune defence, which consists in a non‐specific mechanism present in organisms across all kingdoms, and the adaptive immunity defence, acquired over time following infections or vaccination. Despite the sophisticated immune system, extracellular and intracellular pathogens have developed numerous, and often ingenious strategies, to evade, interfere or eradicate the effectiveness of host immune defences. Although the strategies used by viral and bacterial pathogens are numerous, there are several general mechanisms shared between these microbial pathogens. The success of each pathogen depends on the coordinated activities of its virulence factors to overcome host barriers to colonisation and its ability to mount an effective anti‐immune response within the infected host, which can ultimately result in acute disease or chronic infection.

Key Concepts

Immunoglobulin proteases cleave antibodies rendering them non‐functional and leading to deficiencies in the immune system.

Complement regulators prevent complement activation and cell destruction.

Interference with major histocompatibility complexes overcomes T‐cell recognition.

Microbial interference with cytokines modulates intracellular signalling critical to the regulation, proliferation and differentiation of lymphocytes, which drive inflammation.

Intracellular resistance allows microorganisms to circumvent humoral defence mechanisms and spread within the host.

Immunosuppression reduces T or B lymphocytes' defence.
Cilia and Flagella
Authors: Linck Richard W
Published: July 2015

Eukaryotic cilia and flagella are hair‐like cellular appendages composed of specialised microtubules and covered by a specialised extension of the cellular membrane. Their structure, genes, proteins and functions are highly conserved throughout evolution from protists to humans. Ciliary defects lead to physiological dysfunctions, developmental disorders and disease. Cilia and flagella have three, often interrelated functions: (1) As motile organelles beating like whips or oars, they propel cells through their environment or transport fluids along the surfaces of ciliated epithelia. (2) Both motile and nonmotile cilia act as antennae, sensing environmental cues and metabolic compounds and initiating specific cellular responses. (3) Their microtubules act as railroad tracks, along which molecular motors transport other molecules out to the ciliary tip and back to the cell body – a process called intraflagellar transport. Given these functions, cilia and flagella are micromachines and they act as cybernetic devices to receive, process and communicate information.

Key Concepts

Structural concepts in ciliary/flagellar axoneme assembly and function include the template function of the basal body, the polarity of the microtubules and the enantiomorphic asymmetry (handedness) of the axoneme.

The assembly of the axoneme is tightly regulated by the expression of specific genes, by the limited amount of axonemal precursor proteins and by kinase enzymes.

The mechanochemical force for motility is provided by dynein arms (large multisubunit ATPase enzymes) that cause the doublet microtubules to slide past each other.

The beating of cilia and flagella depends on many biochemical factors including the different effects of outer versus inner dynein arm motors, the DRC (dynein regulatory complex) and DRC–radial spoke interactions mediated by kinases.

The waveform of beating cilia/flagella also depends on the precise geometric assemblage of the axoneme structures, the mechanical properties of those structures and principles of the Geometric Clutch hypothesis.

Associated with ciliary/flagellar membranes are numerous ion channels and signalling molecules.

Intraflagellar transport (IFT) involves anterograde and retrograde transport of specific molecules along the axoneme (via kinesin and dynein motors respectively), and it is an essential process for ciliary/flagellar assembly and their signalling functions.

The ciliary gate is formed by the membrane collar at the base of the cilium and by the stellate fibres of the basal body; it functions to sort, modify and permit entry of only membrane and protein constituents destined for transport and incorporation into the developing cilium.

Mutations in genes encoding structural and functional proteins of cilia and flagella lead to innumerable diseases and disorders called ciliopathies.

Eukaryotic cilia and flagella are estimated to have evolved roughly a billion years ago, following the appearance of the genes for tubulin (from bacteria) and proteins that establish the ninefold symmetry.
Major Histocompatibility Complex: Disease Associations
Authors: Alper Chester A , Larsen Charles E
Published: July 2015

Human major histocompatibility complex (MHC) alleles can be used as markers for a wide variety of autoimmune and other disorders. The interpretation of and possible bases for these associations should be considered in relation to conserved extended MHC haplotypes (CEHs). The latter are fixed stretches of up to several million base pairs of genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). CEHs constitute at least a third of normal European Caucasian MHC haplotypes and contribute most of the MHC disease susceptibility genetic markers. While this has facilitated the detection of MHC gene–disease association, it paradoxically makes the identification of true susceptibility genetic loci (as distinguished from genetic markers) more difficult. It is likely that the great majority of true susceptibility genes for MHC‐associated diseases are yet to be discovered. It may take new methods and new approaches to identify the true MHC susceptibility genes and their relation to many of the polygenic MHC‐associated diseases.

Key Concepts

Most human major histocompatibility complex (MHC)‐associated diseases and physiological disorders are complex conditions whose genetic architecture remains largely unknown.

The genetic architecture of simple Mendelian MHC‐associated conditions help us understand the bases for MHC associations in more complex conditions.

The genomic architecture of the MHC, strongly influenced by the presence of conserved extended haplotypes (CEHs), which are 1–5 megabase essentially identical by descent common population MHC haplotypes, should be considered when analysing MHC disease markers.

Association studies that dissect disease genetic architecture (including MHC‐linked mode of inheritance) provide far greater biological insight than ‘risk’‐based statistical associations.

Family‐based association studies provide far better insight into MHC‐linked diseases and are less affected by population stratification than case
versus
control association studies.

Significant deviation from random affected sib pair allele/haplotype sharing is required to confirm the biological relevance of detected MHC associations.

Hypotheses based on the statistical association of particular single nucleotide polymorphisms or particular amino acids in candidate disease genes are moot until biological evidence is provided that such candidate genes play a causal role in such diseases.

The era of ‘personalised’ or ‘precision’ genetics will require both family‐based and directly observed data and should not rely on statistically associated and/or imputed results.
Filoviruses: Ebola, Marburg and Disease
Authors: Groseth Allison , Eickmann Markus , Ebihara Hideki , Becker Stephan , Hoenen Thomas
Published: July 2015

Ebola‐ and marburgviruses belong to the family of filoviruses and cause severe haemorrhagic fevers in humans and nonhuman primates. Since their discovery in 1967, during outbreaks in Germany and former Yugoslavia originating with nonhuman primates imported from Uganda, they have been responsible for numerous disease outbreaks in Africa, including that of unprecedented size, which is currently ongoing in West Africa. Filoviruses have also been implicated in massive die‐offs of great apes, and in recent years there have been several cases of imported infections into Europe and North America. Filoviral haemorrhagic fevers are severe diseases with case fatality rates of up to 90%. Currently, there is neither a licensed vaccine nor a specific therapy available, although experimental vaccines and treatments have shown promise in nonhuman primates, and are now being vigorously pursued in human clinical trials.

Key Concepts

Human pathogenic filoviruses (Ebola virus (EBOV), Sudan virus (SUDV), Taï Forest virus (TAFV), Bundibugyo virus (BDBV) and Marburg virus (MARV)) are found in Africa, primarily in bats and nonhuman primates. In contrast, Reston virus (RESTV), which is nonpathogenic in humans, originates in the Philippines, where it is found in both nonhuman primates and pigs.

Imported nonhuman primates have been the cause of outbreaks of filoviral haemorrhagic fever in Europe and North America, both among humans and nonhuman primates. Tourism and the return of medical aid workers have also resulted in several imported infections during the last years.

Bats represent the most likely reservoir for filoviruses.

The recent outbreak in West Africa has been responsible for over 27 000 cases (as of 27 May 2015) and is still ongoing; highlighting the threat that filovirus infection continues to pose to human health.

While the absolute number of filoviral haemorrhagic fever cases remain low compared to other diseases, the severe disease picture and high case fatality rates have led to a high public profile of filoviral haemorrhagic fevers.

The pathophysiology of filoviral haemorrhagic fevers involves vascular dysfunction, impairment of the immune system and massive dysregulation of cytokine production.

Death is caused by multiple organ failure as result of a syndrome resembling septic shock.

Currently, the only measures to combat filovirus infections are supportive therapy and patient isolation. However, basic public health measures are very effective at controlling outbreaks, when consistently and rigorously implemented.

Experimental treatments and vaccines in nonhuman primates exist, but are not yet licensed for use in humans. However, public interest in the current West African EBOV outbreak has accelerated efforts to see several of the more advanced therapeutic and vaccination approaches licenced.
Bioethics – Overview
Authors: Chadwick Ruth F
Published: July 2015

Bioethics is a multidisciplinary field of study including ethical, legal, philosophical and social aspects of developments in life sciences and medicine. Its remit includes not only questions about options for action in relation to such developments but also definition of terms such as “life”, “death” and “person” as well as questions about the implications for how we understand human life in changing social contexts. There are multiple theoretical approaches to bioethics and this gives rise to controversy about its aims, objectives and methodologies, including the roles of contributory disciplines and the relations between them. The global dimension of many bioethical issues, such as differences in life expectancy, access to resources and the problems caused by pandemics, raise questions regarding the feasibility of a global bioethics.

Key Concepts

Bioethics is a multidisciplinary field of study.

Bioethics is wider than medical ethics.

Bioethics and genomics have co‐evolved.

Bioethics has moved from being predominantly individual‐centred to a greater emphasis on public health.

Questions of definition, for example, of life and death, are affected by technological developments and are part of the subject matter of bioethics.

The relation between philosophical work and empirical research is a matter for ongoing reflection.

Bioethics has both a theoretical aspect and a public policy role.

In the context of global challenges such as pandemics, the possibility of global bioethics becomes increasingly important.
Splicing Modulation as Therapy for Human Genetic Disease
Authors: Srirangalingam Umasuthan , Khoo Bernard
Published: July 2015

The sequencing of the human genome has led to a greater appreciation of the contribution that genetic abnormalities and splicing errors make to the burden of human disease. The modulation of splicing using antisense oligonucleotides provides an attractive therapeutic option for tailored interventions in rare genetic disease. In this review, we outline the various approaches to splicing modulation and provide examples of each strategy. Finally, we address some of the practical issues facing the field in trying to bring this technology towards clinical application using the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy as examples.

Key Concepts

Ninety‐five percent of human genes undergo splicing.

An estimated 50% of all human genetic diseases result from splicing abnormalities.

Splicing modulation using antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) technology offers the future prospect of personalised medicine tailored to specific mutations.

Strategies to modulate splicing include suppression of an aberrant splice isoform, switching between known splicing variants or generating a novel variant with a potential therapeutic attribute.

ASO chemistries are varied and have been optimised to improve target binding and resist nuclease degradation.

ASO targets include all pre‐mRNA sites which influence the splicing process.

Splicing events can be complex and unpredictable. Therefore an iterative method of design and test is required to optimise ASO efficacy.

ASO side‐effects are likely to stem from the ASO chemistry, off‐target effects as the result of nonspecific binding, and ASO distribution to organs when given in vivo.

Optimising tissue delivery of ASO remains a significant challenge.
Aneuploidy and Protein Homeostatic Imbalance
Authors: Tang Yun‐Chi
Published: July 2015

Aneuploidy is an aberrant condition that a cell harbours incorrect chromosome numbers or identities often resulted from mitotic errors. Aneuploidy impacts cellular functions, developmental programme and affects individual fitness, and leads to examples such as Down syndrome and tumours. The gain or loss of large amount of genes caused by chromosome copy‐number changes can alter metabolic programmes and protein homeostasis. In most circumstances, the elicited stress responses which are detrimental to cellular and organismal fitness. However, in cancer cells, same stresses may be beneficial to pose adaptive potentials. In this article, the paradox of aneuploidy is discussed, and the triggering of aneuploidy‐associated protein homeostatic imbalance which may serve as a strategy to treat cancer.

Key Concepts

Aneuploidy is a situation that a cell harbours aberrant number of chromosomes that is not a multiple of the haploid complement.

Aneuploidy is mostly caused by mitotic errors and is irreversible in cells.

Aneuploidy generally resulted in adverse effect in both cellular and organismal levels; however, in stress conditions it may facilitate adaptation.

Aneuploidy causes protein homeostatic imbalance; thus, the proteotoxic property in cancer cells may apply as treatment for tumours.
Celebrity Politics
Authors: Richardson Kay
Published: July 2015

This essay defines and delimits the scope of “celebrity politics” and surveys the research that has attempted to study this phenomenon. It indicates the range of different starting points for such research, since these have been undertaken with varying theoretical emphases, methodological tools, and critical positions. It concludes with an account of four recent and exemplary studies that have attempted to produce empirical findings in this area.
Blogging, Political
Authors: Vaccari Cristian
Published: July 2015

Political blogs are online journals published by individuals, groups, and organizations to communicate, and usually facilitate discussion on, their political viewpoints. Blogs' impact on political communication is relevant in at least two domains: the flow of political information and the promotion and organization of political action. Political blogs are an integral part of contemporary hybrid media systems and share many functions and affordances with social media, although they maintain their distinctive features as a specific genre.
Introduction: Clean Energy Conversion Technologies
Authors: Desideri Umberto , Yan Jinyue
Published: July 2015

The power plants that have provided energy in the last century are facing a difficult future as renewable energy sources are taking a higher and higher share of the power generation. This is more evident in some areas of Europe, but the trend is towards a significant increase of renewable energy in the near future.

Conventional power plants, such as vapor cycles, gas turbines and internal combustion engines, which have powered our lives in the last 150 years, are now required new performance and environmental goals: high efficiency, flexibility and low or zero emissions. The research and development in the last 60 years have provided several solutions to improve the performance of those power plants. There are clear directions to follow to achieve low or zero emissions, but knowledge is not enough to reach the goals. Therefore, there is still a great need to find new and innovative solutions that will be a breakthrough towards the clean energy systems of the future.

This volume presents a number of energy conversion processes and systems which are currently being used in very large numbers, their development to the current state of art, the efforts that are still necessary to make this systems really “clean”, in order to stimulate the readers, either researchers or students, in using their brain to improve them in order to have “clean”, available and reliable systems for power generation.
Homogeneous Combustion Catalysts for Efficiency Improvements and Emission Reduction in Diesel Engines
Authors: Zhang Dongke , Zhu Mingming , Ma Yu , Millin Noel
Published: July 2015

This article presents an innovative catalytic technology of the use of ferrous‐picrate‐based homogeneous combustion catalysts that can be easily applied to improve fuel efficiency and reduce pollutant emissions from diesel engines. The homogeneous combustion catalysts, also referred to asfuel performance catalysts(FPC), can be dosed into the diesel at merely trace levels and are capable of improving fuel efficiency and reducing the emissions of smoke, unburned hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide from diesel engines, which is supported by numerous laboratory diesel engine tests and field trials. The use of the catalysts enhances the fuel combustion rate and leads to more complete combustion and smaller sizes of primary soot particles and aggregates, which have lower ignition temperature and higher oxidative reaction rates. The catalysts are also capable of improving the fuel efficiency of biodiesel combustion in diesel engines. A sample case study of the economic and environmental benefits of this catalytic technology is also presented at the end of this article to illustrate the very significant benefits to be gained should the catalyst be widely adopted.
Smart Grid Impact on Operation and Planning of Electric Energy Systems
Authors: Su Wencong , Wang Jianhui , Ton Dan
Published: July 2015

The next‐generation electric power grid, also known as the Smart Grid, is expected to address the operational challenges of the nation's aging and outmoded electrical grid infrastructure. This article investigates the impacts of the Smart Grid technologies on operations and planning of electric energy systems at both the transmission and the distribution levels. This article presents a comprehensive overview of the emerging technologies (e.g., plug‐in electric vehicles, microgrids, distributed renewable energy sources and storage, demand‐side management and smart metering) and the development of distribution automation in Smart Grid. This article also discusses the technical information regarding the emerging technologies (e.g., wide‐area monitoring and measurements) and developments for transmission system operations in Smart Grid. There is still a significant amount of investigation to be done before the full vision of Smart Grid comes to fruition. Therefore, this article lists the future research needs covering both transmission and distribution systems in a Smart Grid environment.
Gasification and Combustion of Biomass: Physical Description and Mathematical Modeling
Authors: Fatehi Hesameddin , Bai Xue‐Song
Published: July 2015

The combustion and gasification of biomass are the major approaches to the utilization of biomass energy. This article discusses the fundamental processes involved in the gasification and combustion of biomass. The focus is on the mathematical description of the various subprocesses encountered in these thermochemical conversion processes, including drying, devolatilization/pyrolysis, char oxidation and gasification, shrinking of biomass, and heat and mass transfer inside the biomass particles. Phenomenological models for the various subprocesses are reviewed for numerical simulations of the thermochemical conversion process of the biomass particles. The models are evaluated by comparing the model results with experimental data under various experimental conditions. The basic thermodynamic properties of biomass, char, tar, and volatile gases are examined. It is shown that due to the large diversity of biomass characteristics, the measurement data out of experiments conducted in different facilities show a large scatter. Corresponding to this large scatter in experimental data, one can notice that there is a large scatter in model approaches, as well as the thermodynamic and chemical kinetic data reported in the literature. Phenomenological models can simulate the various experiments, provided that certain adjustments in the chemical kinetic data have been made. The performance of various submodels and suggested model parameters is demonstrated for various test cases.
Biomass Cofiring for Emissions Management
Authors: Tillman David A.
Published: July 2015

Biomass cofiring in coal‐fired utility boilers has been demonstrated as an effective means to trim certain gaseous products of combustion including sulfur dioxide (SO2), fossil‐based carbon dioxide (CO2), and, for the most part, oxides of nitrogen (NOx). In some projects, it has also been shown to reduce mercury (Hg) emissions. As this article elucidates, the mechanisms by which biomass cofiring achieves these results include fuel composition—biomass is deficient in sulfur and its carbon is within the global carbon inventory available for recycling through the photosynthetic process. These mechanisms, when applied to NOxemissions reduction, capitalize on the high reactivity of the biomass fuel and the ability of reactive solid fuels to impart that reactivity to less reactive coals. The biomass fuels used in the United States are largely woody and herbaceous materials. Processed biomass in the form of pellets and/or torrefied wood has not been used extensively in the United States because of the high costs associated with double handling of the material and the processing itself. Animal manure has been tried but largely unsuccessfully. There have been numerous demonstrations and tests of cofiring; several such case studies are summarized in this article. These case studies document how the fuel properties of biomass are used in cofiring applications to achieve environmental benefits.
Photovoltaics: Building‐Integrated Photovoltaics
Authors: Balfour John R.
Published: July 2015

Building‐integrated photovoltaic (
BIPV
) technology is contributing to the growth and maturity of the photovoltaic (
PV
) industry by providing multi‐faceted construction products/components that generate energy while replacing building components. These projects differ from building‐attached photovoltaic (
BAPV
) in that
BIPV
is integrated into a structure and must be capable of replacement with a non‐
BIPV
component, whereas
BAPV
is
PV
attached mechanically to a building or structure.
BIPV
is a mix of energy generation, art, and architecture. Good
BIPV
is made to look simple, elegant, or stealthy. However, successful
BIPV
projects require mastering
PV
technology and its application, along with substantial
PV
and architectural knowledge, skill, education, and experience. Project effectiveness is produced by adopting a systems process where the
BIPV
is treated as a complete operational system within the building structure and not just the cobbling of products to meet local or national code. This article addresses the definitions, concepts, and considerations required to deliver effective and successful projects targeted with a 35–50‐year usable life while meeting the well‐defined goals and objectives set at the very beginning of the process.
BIPV
is not simple or easy. It can be a highly productive technology with subtle elegance.
Geothermal Fluids in Porous Media
Authors: Li Kewen , Bian Huiyuan , Cheng Changhui
Published: July 2015

Geothermal energy is clean and renewable. It is important to understand the fundamental mechanisms and basic approaches to measure the parameters of fluids (steam and water) flowing in porous media. In this article, the techniques for measuring slip factor of steam, steam‐water relative permeability, and steam‐water capillary pressure were addressed. Also included were the mathematical models to calculate these parameters.
Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Fundamentals
Authors: Grimaldi Carlo N. , Millo Federico
Published: July 2015

This is an introductory article, the purpose of which is to provide fundamental information on internal combustion engines (ICEs).

In Section 1, the different types of ICEs are presented, and their role in the framework of the energy conversion systems is discussed.

The morphology and the basic principles of operation are also described and discussed, along with the different possible classification criteria. The main performance parameters, commonly used for the comparative evaluation of different engines, are also presented and examined.

Particular attention is given to the analysis of the ideal cycles to be considered as reference for the actual engines, while the different processes that represent the sources of the losses affecting the engine efficiency are evaluated. The basic principles that underlie the major efforts aimed to the development of new technologies for the reduction of the pollutant andCO2emissions are also presented.

A section is then dedicated to the presentation and discussion of the legislation framework for the emissions generated by the ICEs, more recently extended from the standard pollutants toCO2emissions.

The last section is then dedicated to the presentation of the typical engine performance maps and of the fundamental criteria useful for matching with the requirements of a specific application.