bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fe3O4 nanoparticles and nanocomposites with potential application in biomedicine and in communication technologies: Nanoparticle aggregation, interaction, and effective magnetic anisotropy
Authors: Allia P. , Barrera G. , Tiberto P. , Nardi T. , Leterrier Y. , Sangermano M.
Published: September 2014

Magnetite nanoparticles with a size of 5–6 nm with potential impact on biomedicine and information/communication technologies were synthesized by thermal decomposition of Fe(acac)3 and subsequently coated with a silica shell exploiting a water-in-oil synthetic procedure. The as-produced powders (comprised of either Fe3O4 or Fe3O4@silica nanoparticles) were mixed with a photocurable resin obtaining two magnetic nanocomposites with the same nominal amount of magnetic material. The static magnetic properties of the two nanopowders and the corresponding nanocomposites were measured in the 10 K–300 K temperature range. Magnetic measurements are shown here to be able to give unambiguous information on single-particle properties such as particle size and magnetic anisotropy as well as on nanoparticle aggregation and interparticle interaction. A comparison between the size distribution functions obtained from magnetic measurements and from TEM images shows that figures estimated from properly analyzed magnetic measurements are very close to the actual values. In addition, the present analysis allows us to determine the value of the effective magnetic anisotropy and to estimate the anisotropy contribution from the surface. The Field-cooled/zero field cooled curves reveal a high degree of particle aggregation in the Fe3O4 nanopowder, which is partially reduced by silica coating and strongly decreased by dissolution in the host polymer. In all considered materials, the nanoparticles are magnetically interacting, the interaction strength being a function of nanoparticle environment and being the lowest in the nanocomposite containing bare, well-separate Fe3O4 particles. All samples behave as interacting superparamagnetic materials instead of ideal superparamagnets and follow the corresponding scaling law.
Anti-liquefaction characteristics of composite bucket foundations for offshore wind turbines
Authors: Zhang Puyang , Xiong Kangping , Ding Hongyan , Le Conghuan
Published: September 2014

Occurrence of liquefaction in saturated sandy deposits under structure foundation can cause a wide range of structural damages from minor settlement to general failure because of bearing capacity loss. By comparing traditional foundations for offshore wind turbines, the soil inside and underneath the composite bucket foundation is subjected to the overburden pressure from the foundation self-weight and constrained by a half-closed bucket skirt. The objective of this paper is to clarify the effects of the soil-foundation interaction on the soil liquefaction resistance around the skirt and under the foundation. The dynamic response of the composite bucket foundation during earthquake, including coupled soil mode of porous media, is calculated using the ADINA finite-element program. A typical configuration of composite bucket foundation is used for the analysis, and two earthquake waves (peak ground accelerations of 0.035 g and 0.22 g) are applied as the base acceleration. The results show that the composite bucket foundation exhibited good resistance to seismic action by improving the anti-liquefaction capacity of the soil inside and under the foundation because of the overburden pressure of the self-weight and the constraint effect of the skirt.
One-chip multicolor electroluminescence from an isotype heterojunction light-emitting diode
Authors: Chen Zhao , Fang Guojia , Wang Jianbo , Mo Xiaoming , Long Hao , Wang Haoning , Peng Shang , Meng Weiwei , Zhao Xingzhong
Published: September 2014

Both direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) driving electroluminescence were obtained from isotype heterojunction (n-i-n: n-ZnO/i-HfO2/n-GaN) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) fabricated by a pulsed laser deposition system. The n-ZnO film maintained the same growth orientation as the n-GaN film and was of high crystalline quality even on a polycrystalline high-k HfO2 thin film. The as-produced n-i-n LEDs can emit strong visible light or dominant ultraviolet light at ∼392 nm, depending on the polarity of the applied DC voltages. The individual spectrum under either forward or reverse bias can be integrated to one spectrum by applying 50 Hz AC driving voltages (sinusoidal signals). More importantly, near white-light can be obtained by tuning the symmetric driving AC sinusoidal signals to the asymmetric ones. This simple and facile method only by applying AC asymmetric signals to achieve white light emission on one single chip may provide an easy route for the white-light solid-state lighting industry.
Prescriptive scientific narratives for communicating usable science
Authors: Downs Julie S.
Published: September 2014

In this paper I describe how a narrative approach to science communication may help audiences to more fully understand how science is relevant to their own lives and behaviors. The use of prescriptive scientific narrative can help to overcome challenges specific to scientific concepts, especially the need to reconsider long-held beliefs in the face of new empirical findings. Narrative can captivate the audience, driving anticipation for plot resolution, thus becoming a self-motivating vehicle for information delivery. This quality gives narrative considerable power to explain complex phenomena and causal processes, and to create and reinforce memory traces for better recall and application over time. Because of the inherent properties of narrative communication, their creators have a special responsibility to ensure even-handedness in selection and presentation of the scientific evidence. The recent transformation in communication and information technology has brought about new platforms for delivering content, particularly through interactivity, which can use structured self-tailoring to help individuals most efficiently get exactly the content that they need. As with all educational efforts, prescriptive scientific narratives must be evaluated systematically to determine whether they have the desired effects in improving understanding and changing behavior.
The science of sharing and the sharing of science
Authors: Milkman Katherine L. , Berger Jonah
Published: September 2014

Why do members of the public share some scientific findings and not others? What can scientists do to increase the chances that their findings will be shared widely among nonscientists? To address these questions, we integrate past research on the psychological drivers of interpersonal communication with a study examining the sharing of hundreds of recent scientific discoveries. Our findings offer insights into (
i
) how attributes of a discovery and the way it is described impact sharing, (
ii
) who generates discoveries that are likely to be shared, and (
iii
) which types of people are most likely to share scientific discoveries. The results described here, combined with a review of recent research on interpersonal communication, suggest how scientists can frame their work to increase its dissemination. They also provide insights about which audiences may be the best targets for the diffusion of scientific content.
Creating a national citizen engagement process for energy policy
Authors: Pidgeon Nick , Demski Christina , Butler Catherine , Parkhill Karen , Spence Alexa
Published: September 2014

This paper examines some of the science communication challenges involved when designing and conducting public deliberation processes on issues of national importance. We take as our illustrative case study a recent research project investigating public values and attitudes toward future energy system change for the United Kingdom. National-level issues such as this are often particularly difficult to engage the public with because of their inherent complexity, derived from multiple interconnected elements and policy frames, extended scales of analysis, and different manifestations of uncertainty. With reference to the energy system project, we discuss ways of meeting a series of science communication challenges arising when engaging the public with national topics, including the need to articulate systems thinking and problem scale, to provide balanced information and policy framings in ways that open up spaces for reflection and deliberation, and the need for varied methods of facilitation and data synthesis that permit access to participants’ broader values. Although resource intensive, national-level deliberation is possible and can produce useful insights both for participants and for science policy.
Functional over-redundancy and high functional vulnerability in global fish faunas on tropical reefs
Authors: Mouillot David , Villéger Sébastien , Parravicini Valeriano , Kulbicki Michel , Arias-González Jesus Ernesto , Bender Mariana , Chabanet Pascale , Floeter Sergio R. , Friedlander Alan , Vigliola Laurent , Bellwood David R.
Published: September 2014

Significance

Our results indicate that, even in highly diverse systems like coral reefs, we can no longer assume that the erosion of species diversity can be discounted by the high probability of functional redundancy: i.e., that several species can support the same function. Indeed, we show that fish species tend to disproportionately pack into a few particular functions while leaving many functions highly vulnerable, i.e., they are supported by just one species. Even the Coral Triangle, which has a high concentration of tropical-reef fishes, may experience a loss of functional diversity following fisheries pressure and local species extirpation. Our results suggest that the promised benefits of functional insurance from high species diversity may not be as strong as we once hoped.
Leveraging scientific credibility about Arctic sea ice trends in a polarized political environment
Authors: Hall Jamieson Kathleen , Hardy Bruce W.
Published: September 2014

This work argues that, in a polarized environment, scientists can minimize the likelihood that the audience’s biased processing will lead to rejection of their message if they not only eschew advocacy but also, convey that they are sharers of knowledge faithful to science’s way of knowing and respectful of the audience’s intelligence; the sources on which they rely are well-regarded by both conservatives and liberals; and the message explains how the scientist arrived at the offered conclusion, is conveyed in a visual form that involves the audience in drawing its own conclusions, and capsulizes key inferences in an illustrative analogy. A pilot experiment raises the possibility that such a leveraging–involving–visualizing–analogizing message structure can increase acceptance of the scientific claims about the downward cross-decade trend in Arctic sea ice extent and elicit inferences consistent with the scientific consensus on climate change among conservatives exposed to misleadingly selective data in a partisan news source.
Noble gases identify the mechanisms of fugitive gas contamination in drinking-water wells overlying the Marcellus and Barnett Shales
Authors: Darrah Thomas H. , Vengosh Avner , Jackson Robert B. , Warner Nathaniel R. , Poreda Robert J.
Published: September 2014

Significance

Hydrocarbon production from unconventional sources is growing rapidly, accompanied by concerns about drinking-water contamination and other environmental risks. Using noble gas and hydrocarbon tracers, we distinguish natural sources of methane from anthropogenic contamination and evaluate the mechanisms that cause elevated hydrocarbon concentrations in drinking water near natural-gas wells. We document fugitive gases in eight clusters of domestic water wells overlying the Marcellus and Barnett Shales, including declining water quality through time over the Barnett. Gas geochemistry data implicate leaks through annulus cement (four cases), production casings (three cases), and underground well failure (one case) rather than gas migration induced by hydraulic fracturing deep underground. Determining the mechanisms of contamination will improve the safety and economics of shale-gas extraction.
Hemolysis-induced lethality involves inflammasome activation by heme
Authors: Dutra Fabianno F. , Alves Letícia S. , Rodrigues Danielle , Fernandez Patricia L. , de Oliveira Rosane B. , Golenbock Douglas T. , Zamboni Dario S. , Bozza Marcelo T.
Published: September 2014

Significance

Heme causes inflammation in sterile and infectious conditions, contributing to the pathogenesis of sickle cell disease, malaria, and sepsis, but the mechanisms by which heme operates are not completely understood. Here we show that heme induces IL-1β processing through the activation of the nucleotide-binding domain and leucine rich repeat containing family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in macrophages. Our results suggest that among NLRP3 activators, heme has common as well as unique requirements to trigger inflammasome activation. In vivo, hemolysis and heme cause inflammasome activation. Importantly, macrophages, inflammasome components, and IL-1R contribute to hemolysis-induced lethality. These results highlight the potential of understanding the molecular mechanisms by which heme is sensed by innate immune receptors as a way to identify new therapeutic strategies to treat the pathological consequences of hemolytic diseases.
A common neural code for similar conscious experiences in different individuals
Authors: Naci Lorina , Cusack Rhodri , Anello Mimma , Owen Adrian M.
Published: September 2014

Significance

Although in our daily lives we engage in many of the same activities as others, we are not privy to their conscious experiences, and can only understand them through their self-reports. Patients who are conscious, but are unable to speak or exhibit willful behavior, are, therefore, unable to report their conscious experiences to others. Indeed, in most cases, it is impossible to know whether they are conscious or not. We introduce a neural index that, in a group of healthy participants, predicted each individual’s conscious experience. Moreover, this approach provided strong evidence for intact conscious experiences in a brain-injured patient who had remained behaviorally nonresponsive for 16 y. These findings have implications for understanding the common basis of human consciousness.
Engagement of myelomonocytic Siglecs by tumor-associated ligands modulates the innate immune response to cancer
Authors: Läubli Heinz , Pearce Oliver M. T. , Schwarz Flavio , Siddiqui Shoib S. , Deng Lingquan , Stanczak Michal A. , Deng Liwen , Verhagen Andrea , Secrest Patrick , Lusk Chrissy , Schwartz Ann G. , Varki Nissi M. , Bui Jack D. , Varki Ajit
Published: September 2014

Significance

In vitro and in vivo data indicate that hypersialylated tumor cells can engage Siglec-9 on myelomonocytic cells and influence the outcome of the interaction, depending on the stage of tumor growth and the microenvironment. On one hand, engagement of Siglec-9 or Siglec-E by tumor-associated ligands inhibited immunosurveillance and tumor cell killing during establishment of autologous tumors and new metastatic foci. On the other hand, inhibition of tumor-associated macrophages through Siglec-9 led to M1 polarization and reduced growth-promoting inflammation within the tumor microenvironment. This demonstrates a previously unidentified dualistic function of Siglec-9 during cancer progression. A functional polymorphism of Siglec-9 correlated with altered survival of lung cancer patients, suggesting that Siglec-9 might be therapeutically targeted.
Dysfunction of dendritic cells in aged C57BL/6 mice leads to failure of natural killer cell activation and of tumor eradication
Authors: Guo Zhenhong , Tilburgs Tamara , Wong Bonnie , Strominger Jack L.
Published: September 2014

Significance

Immunosenescence is an important phenomenon that leads to enhanced susceptibility both to bacterial and virus infections and to tumorigenesis. The reciprocal activation of dendritic cells (DCs) and natural killer cells (NKs) is a critical point in the maturation of both the adaptive and innate immune systems. Its failure could be a key point in immunosenescence. In this article, we show that in aged C57BL/6 mice that were known to be susceptible to mousepox virus, DCs are dysfunctional and unable to activate NKs. This defect also results in failure to eliminate RMA-S lymphoma mutant tumor cells in an NK-sensitive tumor model. A more complex situation regarding DC dysfunction is also described in a small sample of the outbred human population.
Vivid, full-color aluminum plasmonic pixels
Authors: Olson Jana , Manjavacas Alejandro , Liu Lifei , Chang Wei-Shun , Foerster Benjamin , King Nicholas S. , Knight Mark W. , Nordlander Peter , Halas Naomi J. , Link Stephan
Published: September 2014

Significance

Full-color displays are typically fabricated using a combination of chromatic materials of various types, introduced into an addressable pixel-based electronic device. Here we show that brightly colored, highly vivid pixels, directly suitable for RGB displays, can be fabricated using periodic areas of Al nanorods in each pixel. Both nanorod length and spacing are critically important in achieving strong and spectrally distinct scattering signatures across the visible spectrum. This use of a low-cost, abundant metal for achieving full-spectrum coloration is compatible with complementary metal-oxide semiconductor manufacturing methods and directly applicable to current liquid crystal display technology.
Molecular basis for premature senescence induced by surfactants in normal human cells
Authors: Yamakami Yoshimi , Miki Kensuke , Yonekura Ryuzo , Kudo Ikuru , Fujii Michihiko , Ayusawa Dai
Published: September 2014

Sublethal doses of surfactants as exemplified by NP-40 clearly induce premature senescence in normal human cells. To understand molecular basis for this phenomenon, we tried to suppress it with use of various inhibitors. An inhibitor of p38 of the MAPK family almost completely suppressed growth arrest and morphological changes induced by surfactants; however, other inhibitors tested had no effect. Oleic acid, a weak inducer of premature senescence, was found to suppress the effect of NP-40. Fluorescein-labeled oleic acid rapidly bound to the cell surface, and this binding was clearly blocked by pre-treatment with surfactants, suggesting that surfactants and oleic acid compete for binding to the cell surface. Moderate concentrations of cycloheximide, an inhibitor of protein synthesis, also suppressed the senescent features induced by NP-40. These results suggest that surfactants activate p38 signaling pathway by binding to the cell surface, and induce cellular senescence.
James Hillman's approach to architecture and the built environment: some conceptual complications and an attempt to resolve them
Authors: Huskinson Lucy
Published: September 2014

This paper examines ambiguities and tensions within James Hillman's ideas about the psychological value of the architecture of the built environment in contrast to that of the natural world. In his published works Hillman often describes the built environment and the natural world as equivalent in value, but on other occasions he celebrates the latter to the detriment of former. These contrasting approaches have significant implications for his celebrated conception of anima mundi, where psyche is found in the ‘outside’ word as much as ‘within’ our individual minds. The decisive question therefore is whether the psyche for Hillman is found as readily within the built environment as it is the natural world. This paper argues that Hillman's overall position does not allow a split between city spaces and the natural world: that the built environment is no less a site for psyche than the natural world. After describing instances of Hillman's apparent denigration of the built environment within his published and unpublished archival material, I outline a resolution to the perceived split by utilising his notions of ‘pathologizing’ and aesthetics. The paper concludes that not all, but most, buildings and urban spaces fail to house psyche in the world. For Hillman, only a built environment that is able to engage our aesthetic sensibilities can succeed in doing so, but the vast majority of urban spaces remain anaesthetised by the ego's preoccupation with all things superficial, pleasurable, pretty, and functional.
The Src family kinases Hck, Fgr, and Lyn are critical for the generation of the in vivo inflammatory environment without a direct role in leukocyte recruitment
Authors: Kovács Miklós , Németh Tamás , Jakus Zoltán , Sitaru Cassian , Simon Edina , Futosi Krisztina , Botz Bálint , Helyes Zsuzsanna , Lowell Clifford A. , Mócsai Attila
Published: September 2014

Although Src family kinases participate in leukocyte function in vitro, such as integrin signal transduction, their role in inflammation in vivo is poorly understood. We show that Src family kinases play a critical role in myeloid cell–mediated in vivo inflammatory reactions. Mice lacking the Src family kinases Hck, Fgr, and Lyn in the hematopoietic compartment were completely protected from autoantibody-induced arthritis and skin blistering disease, as well as from the reverse passive Arthus reaction, with functional overlap between the three kinases. Though the overall phenotype resembled the leukocyte recruitment defect observed in β2 integrin–deficient (CD18−/−) mice, Hck−/−Fgr−/−Lyn−/− neutrophils and monocytes/macrophages had no cell-autonomous in vivo or in vitro migration defect. Instead, Src family kinases were required for the generation of the inflammatory environment in vivo and for the release of proinflammatory mediators from neutrophils and macrophages in vitro, likely due to their role in Fcγ receptor signal transduction. Our results suggest that infiltrating myeloid cells release proinflammatory chemokine, cytokine, and lipid mediators that attract further neutrophils and monocytes from the circulation in a CD18-dependent manner. Src family kinases are required for the generation of the inflammatory environment but not for the intrinsic migratory ability of myeloid cells.
Farmland Prices: Is This Time Different?
Authors: Lence Sergio H.
Published: September 2014

The historical behavior of farmland prices, rental rates, and rates of return are examined by treating farmland as an asset with an infinitely long life. It is found that high (low) farmland prices relative to rents have historically preceded extended periods of low (high) net rates of return, rather than greater (smaller) growth in rents. Our analysis shows that this attribute is shared with stocks and housing, and the financial literature provides ample evidence that other assets feature it as well. The long‐run relationship linking farmland prices, rents, and rates of return is analyzed. Based on this relationship, we conclude that recent trends are unlikely to be sustainable. The study explores the expected paths that farmland prices and rates of return might follow if they were to eventually conform to the average values observed in the historical sample, and concludes with a discussion of the policy implications. Recommendations for policy makers include close monitoring of farmland lending practices and institutions to allow early identification of potential problems, and identifying in advance appropriate interventions in case recent farmland market trends were to suddenly change.
Mycobacterium tuberculosispromotes Th17 expansionviaregulation of human dendritic cells toward a high CD14 and low IL-12p70 phenotype that reprograms upon exogenous IFN-γ
Authors: Søndergaard Jonas Nørskov , Laursen Janne Marie , Rosholm Lisbeth Buus , Brix Susanne
Published: September 2014

The capacity to develop protective immunity against mycobacteria is heterogeneously distributed among human beings, and it is currently unknown why the initial immune response induced against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) does not provide proper clearance of this pathogen. Dendritic cells (DCs) are some of the first cells to interact with Mtb and they play an essential role in development of protective immunity against Mtb. Given that Mtb-infected macrophages have difficulties in degrading Mtb, they need help from IFN-γ-producing CD4+ T cells propagated via IL-12p70-producing DCs. Here we report that Mtb modifies human DC plasticity by expanding a CD14+ DC subset with weak IL-12p70-producing capacity. The CD14+ Mtb-promoted subset was furthermore poor inducers of IFN-γ by naive CD4+ T cells, but instead prompted IL-17A-producing RORγT+ CD4+ T cells. Mtb-derived peptidoglycan and mannosylated lipoarabinomannan partly recapitulated the subset partition induced by Mtb. Addition of IFN-γ, but neither IL-17A nor IL-22, which are potentially produced by Mtb-exposed γ/δ-T cells in mucosal linings, inhibited the differentiation toward CD14+ DCs and promoted high-level IL-12p70 in Mtb-challenged DCs. We conclude that Mtb exploits DC plasticity to reduce production of IL-12p70, and that this process is entirely divertible by exogenous IFN-γ. These data suggest that strategies to increase local IFN-γ production in the lungs of tuberculosis patients may boost host immunity toward Mtb.
Management of high-grade gliomas in the pediatric patient: Past, present, and future
Authors: Vanan Magimairajan Issai , Eisenstat David D.
Published: September 2014

High-grade gliomas (HGGs) constitute ∼15% of all primary brain tumors in children and adolescents. Routine histopathological diagnosis is based on tissue obtained from biopsy or, preferably, from the resected tumor itself. The majority of pediatric HGGs are clinically and biologically distinct from histologically similar adult malignant gliomas; these differences may explain the disparate responses to therapy and clinical outcomes when comparing children and adults with HGG. The recently proposed integrated genomic classification identifies 6 distinct biological subgroups of glioblastoma (GBM) throughout the age spectrum. Driver mutations in genes affecting histone H3.3 (K27M and G34R/V) coupled with mutations involving specific proteins (TP53, ATRX, DAXX, SETD2, ACVR1, FGFR1, NTRK) induce defects in chromatin remodeling and may play a central role in the genesis of many pediatric HGGs. Current clinical practice in pediatric HGGs includes surgical resection followed by radiation therapy (in children aged > 3 years) with concurrent and adjuvant chemotherapy with temozolomide. However, these multimodality treatment strategies have had a minimal impact on improving survival. Ongoing clinical trials are investigating new molecular targets, chemoradiation sensitization strategies, and immunotherapy. Future clinical trials of pediatric HGG will incorporate the distinction between GBM molecular subgroups and stratify patients using group-specific biomarkers.
Acute Small-Bowel Obstruction From Intestinal Anisakiasis After the Ingestion of Raw Clams; Documenting a New Method of Marine-to-Human Parasitic Transmission
Authors: Shweiki Ehyal , Rittenhouse David W. , Ochoa Joana E. , Punja Viren P. , Zubair Muhammad H. , Baliff Jeffrey P.
Published: September 2014

Enteric anisakiasis is a known parasitic infection. To date, human infection has been reported as resulting from the inadvertent ingestion of the anisakis larvae when eating raw/undercooked fish, squid, or eel. We present a first reported case of intestinal obstruction caused by anisakiasis, after the ingestion of raw clams.
Effects of Neostigmine Reversal of Nondepolarizing Neuromuscular Blocking Agents on Postoperative Respiratory Outcomes
Authors: Sasaki Nobuo , Meyer Matthew J. , Malviya Sanjana A. , Stanislaus Anne B. , MacDonald Teresa , Doran Mary E. , Igumenshcheva Arina , Hoang Alan H. , Eikermann Matthias
Published: September 2014

Background:

We tested the hypothesis that neostigmine reversal of neuromuscular blockade reduced the incidence of signs and symptoms of postoperative respiratory failure.

Methods:

We enrolled 3,000 patients in this prospective, observer-blinded, observational study. We documented the intraoperative use of neuromuscular blocking agents and neostigmine. At postanesthesia care unit admission, we measured train-of-four ratio and documented the ratio of peripheral oxygen saturation to fraction of inspired oxygen (S/F). The primary outcome was oxygenation at postanesthesia care unit admission (S/F). Secondary outcomes included the incidence of postoperative atelectasis and postoperative hospital length of stay. Post hoc, we defined high-dose neostigmine as more than 60 μg/kg and unwarranted use of neostigmine as neostigmine administration in the absence of appropriate neuromuscular transmission monitoring.

Results:

Neostigmine reversal did not improve S/F at postanesthesia care unit admission (164 [95% CI, 162 to 164] vs. 164 [161 to 164]) and was associated with an increased incidence of atelectasis (8.8% vs. 4.5%; odds ratio, 1.67 [1.07 to 2.59]). High-dose neostigmine was associated with longer time to postanesthesia care unit discharge readiness (176 min [165 to 188] vs. 157 min [153 to 160]) and longer postoperative hospital length of stay (2.9 days [2.7 to 3.2] vs. 2.8 days [2.8 to 2.9]). Unwarranted use of neostigmine (n = 492) was an independent predictor of pulmonary edema (odds ratio, 1.91 [1.21 to 3.00]) and reintubation (odds ratio, 3.68 [1.10 to 12.4]).

Conclusions:

Neostigmine reversal did not affect oxygenation but was associated with increased atelectasis. High-dose neostigmine or unwarranted use of neostigmine may translate to increased postoperative respiratory morbidity.
Results of Dose-adapted Salvage Radiotherapy After Radical Prostatectomy Based on an Endorectal MRI Target Definition Model
Authors: Zilli Thomas , Jorcano Sandra , Peguret Nicolas , Caparrotti Francesca , Hidalgo Alberto , Khan Haleem G. , Vees Hansjörg , Miralbell Raymond
Published: September 2014

Objectives:

To assess the outcome of patients treated with a dose-adapted salvage radiotherapy (SRT) protocol based on an endorectal magnetic resonance imaging (erMRI) failure definition model after radical prostatectomy (RP).

Methods:

We report on 171 relapsing patients after RP who had undergone an erMRI before SRT. 64 Gy were prescribed to the prostatic bed with, in addition, a boost of 10 Gy to the suspected local relapse as detected on erMRI in 131 patients (76.6%).

Results:

The 3-year biochemical relapse-free survival (bRFS), local relapse-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival, cancer-specific survival, and overall survival were 64.2±4.3%, 100%, 85.2±3.2%, 100%, and 99.1±0.9%, respectively. A PSA value >1 ng/mL before salvage (P=0.006) and an absence of biochemical progression during RT (P=0.001) were both independently correlated with bRFS on multivariate analysis. No significant difference in 3-year bRFS was observed between the boost and no-boost groups (68.4±4.6% vs. 49.7±10%, P=0.251).

Conclusions:

A PSA value >1 ng/mL before salvage and a biochemical progression during RT were both independently correlated with worse bRFS after SRT. By using erMRI to select patients who are most likely expected to benefit from dose-escalated SRT protocols, this dose-adapted SRT approach was associated with good biochemical control and outcome, serving as a hypothesis-generating basis for further prospective trials aimed at improving the therapeutic ratio in the salvage setting.
Intralesional Injection of Interferon-α2b in Orbital Eosinophilic Granuloma
Authors: Kashkouli Mohsen Bahmani , Shahrzad Sahab
Published: September 2014

Considering the immune system dysfunction in unifocal orbital eosinophilic granuloma; possible complications of surgery, intralesional steroid, and radiotherapy; immunomodulatory and cytoreductive effects of interferon-α2b; and its safety profile in treatment of ocular surface neoplasia, intralesional interferon-α2b was first commenced in treatment of 3 cases (8-, 25-, and 43–year-old men) with biopsy proven orbital eosinophilic granuloma (2007–2014). Three intralesional injections of interferon-α2b (1.5 million units/0.5 ml) were given every other day. Cases 1 and 3 showed a rapid response with no recurrence in 86 and 29 months follow up. Case 2, however, required a second course of injection 2 months after the first one due to a partial response to the first injections with no recurrence at last follow up (57 months). Transient flulike symptom was the only side effect that was observed in Cases 2 and 3.
Brain circuitry outside the synaptic cleft
Authors: Rusakov Dmitri A. , Dityatev Alexander E.
Published: September 2014

A growing body of experimental evidence suggests that astroglia, and possibly microglia, play an important part in regulating synaptic networking of the brain. It has also emerged that extracellular matrix (ECM) structures that enwrap synaptic connections can generate molecular signals affecting both neuronal and glial activity. Thus it appears that the mechanism of information processing in the brain, which has hitherto been associated almost exclusively with neural circuits, could also involve informative signal exchange outside the synaptic cleft. In this
Theme Issue
, research teams including leading experts on astroglia–neuron communication and on ECM signalling report their recent findings, share their views and discuss future conceptual advances in the field. Potential implications for drug development and new therapeutic targets with regard to some common neurological conditions are discussed throughout the issue.
Fine-tuning the central nervous system: microglial modelling of cells and synapses
Authors: Xavier Anna L. , Menezes João R. L. , Goldman Steven A. , Nedergaard Maiken
Published: September 2014

Microglia constitute as much as 10–15% of all cells in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS) and are the only glial cells that do not arise from the neuroectoderm. As the principal CNS immune cells, microglial cells represent the first line of defence in response to exogenous threats. Past studies have largely been dedicated to defining the complex immune functions of microglial cells. However, our understanding of the roles of microglia has expanded radically over the past years. It is now clear that microglia are critically involved in shaping neural circuits in both the developing and adult CNS, and in modulating synaptic transmission in the adult brain. Intriguingly, microglial cells appear to use the same sets of tools, including cytokine and chemokine release as well as phagocytosis, whether modulating neural function or mediating the brain's innate immune responses. This review will discuss recent developments that have broadened our views of neuro-glial signalling to include the contribution of microglial cells.
Heterogeneity in expression of functional ionotropic glutamate and GABA receptors in astrocytes across brain regions: insights from the thalamus
Authors: Höft Simon , Griemsmann Stephanie , Seifert Gerald , Steinhäuser Christian
Published: September 2014

Astrocytes may express ionotropic glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, which allow them to sense and to respond to neuronal activity. However, so far the properties of astrocytes have been studied only in a few brain regions. Here, we provide the first detailed receptor analysis of astrocytes in the murine ventrobasal thalamus and compare the properties with those in other regions. To improve voltage-clamp control and avoid indirect effects during drug applications, freshly isolated astrocytes were employed. Two sub-populations of astrocytes were found, expressing or lacking α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors. AMPA receptor-bearing astrocytes displayed a lower Kir current density than cells lacking the receptors. In contrast, all cells expressed GABA
A
receptors. Single-cell RT-PCR was employed to identify the receptor subunits in thalamic astrocytes. Our findings add to the emerging evidence of functional heterogeneity of astrocytes, the impact of which still remains to be defined.
Volume transmission signalling via astrocytes
Authors: Hirase Hajime , Iwai Youichi , Takata Norio , Shinohara Yoshiaki , Mishima Tsuneko
Published: September 2014

The influence of astrocytes on synaptic function has been increasingly studied, owing to the discovery of both gliotransmission and morphological ensheathment of synapses. While astrocytes exhibit at best modest membrane potential fluctuations, activation of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) leads to a prominent elevation of intracellular calcium which has been reported to correlate with gliotransmission. In this review, the possible role of astrocytic GPCR activation is discussed as a trigger to promote synaptic plasticity, by affecting synaptic receptors through gliotransmitters. Moreover, we suggest that volume transmission of neuromodulators could be a biological mechanism to activate astrocytic GPCRs and thereby to switch synaptic networks to the plastic mode during states of attention in cerebral cortical structures.
Glia selectively approach synapses on thin dendritic spines
Authors: Medvedev Nikolai , Popov Victor , Henneberger Christian , Kraev Igor , Rusakov Dmitri A. , Stewart Michael G.
Published: September 2014

This paper examines the relationship between the morphological modality of 189 dendritic spines and the surrounding astroglia using full three-dimensional reconstructions of neuropil fragments. An integrative measure of three-dimensional glial coverage confirms that thin spine postsynaptic densities are more tightly surrounded by glia. This distinction suggests that diffusion-dependent synapse–glia communication near ‘learning’ synapses (associated with thin spines) could be stronger than that near ‘memory’ synapses (associated with larger spines).
Acinetobacter gandensis sp. nov. isolated from horse and cattle
Authors: Smet Annemieke , Cools Piet , Krizova Lenka , Maixnerova Martina , Sedo Ondrej , Haesebrouck Freddy , Kempf Marie , Nemec Alexandr , Vaneechoutte Mario
Published: September 2014

We previously reported the presence of an OXA-23 carbapenemase in an undescribed species of the genusAcinetobacterisolated from horse dung at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium. Here we include six strains to corroborate the delineation of this taxon by phenotypic characterization, DNA–DNA hybridization, 16S rRNA gene andrpoBsequence analysis, % G+C determination, MALDI-TOF MS and fatty acid analysis. The nearly complete 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain UG 60467Tshowed the highest similarities with those of the type strains ofAcinetobacter bouvetii(98.4 %),Acinetobacter haemolyticus(97.7 %), andAcinetobacter schindleri(97.2 %). The partialrpoBsequence of strain UG 60467Tshowed the highest similarities with ‘Acinetobacter bohemicus’ ANC 3994 (88.6 %),A. bouvetiiNIPH 2281 (88.6 %) andA. schindleriCIP 107287T (87.3 %). Whole-cell MALDI-TOF MS analyses supported the distinctness of the group at the protein level. The predominant fatty acids of strain UG 60467Twere C12 : 03-OH, C12 : 0, C16 : 0, C18 : 1ω9cand summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7cand/or iso-C15 : 02-OH). Strains UG 60467Tand UG 60716 showed a DNA–DNA relatedness of 84 % with each other and a DNA–DNA relatedness withA. schindleriLMG 19576Tof 17 % and 20 %, respectively. The DNA G+C content of strain UG 60467Twas 39.6 mol%. The nameAcinetobacter gandensissp. nov. is proposed for the novel taxon. The type strain is UG 60467T( = ANC 4275T = LMG 27960T = DSM 28097T).
Surface adhesins and exopolymers of selected foodborne pathogens
Authors: Jaglic Zoran , Desvaux Mickaël , Weiss Agnes , Nesse Live L. , Meyer Rikke L. , Demnerova Katerina , Schmidt Herbert , Giaouris Efstathios , Sipailiene Ausra , Teixeira Pilar , Kačániová Miroslava , Riedel Christian U. , Knøchel Susanne
Published: September 2014

The ability of bacteria to bind different compounds and to adhere to biotic and abiotic surfaces provides them with a range of advantages, such as colonization of various tissues, internalization, avoidance of an immune response, and survival and persistence in the environment. A variety of bacterial surface structures are involved in this process and these promote bacterial adhesion in a more or less specific manner. In this review, we will focus on those surface adhesins and exopolymers in selected foodborne pathogens that are involved mainly in primary adhesion. Their role in biofilm development will also be considered when appropriate. Both the clinical impact and the implications for food safety of such adhesion will be discussed.
Role of Tet proteins in enhancer activity and telomere elongation
Authors: Lu Falong , Liu Yuting , Jiang Lan , Yamaguchi Shinpei , Zhang Yi
Published: September 2014

DNA methylation at the C-5 position of cytosine (5mC) is one of the best-studied epigenetic modifications and plays important roles in diverse biological processes. Iterative oxidation of 5mC by the ten-eleven translocation (Tet) family of proteins generates 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), 5-formylcytosine (5fC), and 5-carboxylcytosine (5caC). 5fC and 5caC are selectively recognized and excised by thymine DNA glycosylase (TDG), leading to DNA demethylation. Functional characterization of Tet proteins has been complicated by the redundancy between the three family members. Using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, we generated mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) deficient for all three Tet proteins (Tet triple knockout [TKO]). Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) analysis revealed that Tet-mediated DNA demethylation mainly occurs at distally located enhancers and fine-tunes the transcription of genes associated with these regions. Functional characterization of Tet TKO ESCs revealed a role for Tet proteins in regulating the two-cell embryo (2C)-like state under ESC culture conditions. In addition, Tet TKO ESCs exhibited increased telomere–sister chromatid exchange and elongated telomeres. Collectively, our study reveals a role for Tet proteins in not only DNA demethylation at enhancers but also regulating the 2C-like state and telomere homeostasis.
The SAGA coactivator complex acts on the whole transcribed genome and is required for RNA polymerase II transcription
Authors: Bonnet Jacques , Wang Chen-Yi , Baptista Tiago , Vincent Stéphane D. , Hsiao Wei-Chun , Stierle Matthieu , Kao Cheng-Fu , Tora László , Devys Didier
Published: September 2014

The SAGA (Spt–Ada–Gcn5 acetyltransferase) coactivator complex contains distinct chromatin-modifying activities and is recruited by DNA-bound activators to regulate the expression of a subset of genes. Surprisingly, recent studies revealed little overlap between genome-wide SAGA-binding profiles and changes in gene expression upon depletion of subunits of the complex. As indicators of SAGA recruitment on chromatin, we monitored in yeast and human cells the genome-wide distribution of histone H3K9 acetylation and H2B ubiquitination, which are respectively deposited or removed by SAGA. Changes in these modifications after inactivation of the corresponding enzyme revealed that SAGA acetylates the promoters and deubiquitinates the transcribed region of all expressed genes. In agreement with this broad distribution, we show that SAGA plays a critical role for RNA polymerase II recruitment at all expressed genes. In addition, through quantification of newly synthesized RNA, we demonstrated that SAGA inactivation induced a strong decrease of mRNA synthesis at all tested genes. Analysis of the SAGA deubiquitination activity further revealed that SAGA acts on the whole transcribed genome in a very fast manner, indicating a highly dynamic association of the complex with chromatin. Thus, our study uncovers a new function for SAGA as a bone fide cofactor for all RNA polymerase II transcription.
Community assembly, coexistence and the environmental filtering metaphor
Authors: Kraft Nathan J. B. , Adler Peter B. , Godoy Oscar , James Emily C. , Fuller Steve , Levine Jonathan M.
Published: September 2014

One of the most pervasive concepts in the study of community assembly is the metaphor of the environmental filter, which refers to abiotic factors that prevent the establishment or persistence of species in a particular location. The metaphor has its origins in the study of community change during succession and in plant community dynamics, although it has gained considerable attention recently as part of a surge of interest in functional trait and phylogenetic‐based approaches to the study of communities.

While the filtering metaphor has clear utility in some circumstances, it has been challenging to reconcile the environmental filtering concept with recent developments in ecological theory related to species coexistence. These advances suggest that the evidence used in many studies to assess environmental filtering is insufficient to distinguish filtering from the outcome of biotic interactions.

We re‐examine the environmental filtering metaphor from the perspective of coexistence theory. In an effort to move the discussion forward, we present a simple framework for considering the role of the environment in shaping community membership, review the literature to document the evidence typically used in environmental filtering studies and highlight research challenges to address in coming years.

The current usage of the environmental filtering term in empirical studies likely overstates the role abiotic tolerances play in shaping community structure. We recommend that the term ‘environmental filtering’ only be used to refer to cases where the abiotic environment prevents establishment or persistence in the absence of biotic interactions, although only 15% of the studies in our review presented such evidence. Finally, we urge community ecologists to consider additional mechanisms aside from environmental filtering by which the abiotic environment can shape community pattern.
An overview of laboratory apparatuses to measure seismic attenuation in reservoir rocks
Authors: Subramaniyan Shankar , Quintal Beatriz , Tisato Nicola , Saenger Erik H. , Madonna Claudio
Published: September 2014

Intrinsic wave attenuation at seismic frequencies is strongly dependent on rock permeability, fluid properties, and saturation. However, in order to use attenuation as an attribute to extract information on rock/fluid properties from seismic data, experimental studies on attenuation are necessary for a better understanding of physical mechanisms that are dominant at those frequencies. An appropriate laboratory methodology to measure attenuation at seismic frequencies is the forced oscillation method, but technical challenges kept this technique from being widely used. There is a need for the standardization of devices employing this method, and a comparison of existing setups is a step towards it. Here we summarize the apparatuses based on the forced oscillation method that were built in the last 30 years and were used to measure frequency‐dependent attenuation in fluid‐saturated and/or dry reservoir rocks under small strains (10−8–10−5). We list and discuss important technical aspects to be taken into account when working with these devices or in the course of designing a new one. We also present a summary of the attenuation measurements in reservoir rock samples performed with these apparatuses so far.
The Modigliani and Miller Propositions: The History of a Failed Foundation for Corporate Finance?
Authors: Dempsey Mike
Published: September 2014

The Modigliani and Miller (MM) propositions provide a foundation for corporate finance theory. Nevertheless, this paper argues that their adoption has led to a disengagement of such theory from the humanity of business, as well as, more broadly, from concepts of corporate strategic management. As a result, the context within which textbooks allow corporate investment and financial decisions to take place is severely distorted from reality. The paper argues that we require the context of behavioural and strategic corporate management if we are to accommodate the reality of business, the behaviour of formalised groups, and an ethical dimension to business.