bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Solution of Generalized Space Time Fractional Telegraph Equation
Authors: Alkahtani Badr S. , Gulati Vartika , Goswami Pranay
Published: August 2015

We present the solution of generalized space time fractional telegraph equation by using Sumudu variational iteration method which is the combination of variational iteration method and Sumudu transform. We tried to overcome the difficulties in finding the value of Lagrange multiplier by this new technique.
Lifting the veil of ignorance: An experiment on the contagiousness of norm violations
Authors: Diekmann Andreas , Przepiorka Wojtek , Rauhut Heiko
Published: August 2015

Norm violations can be contagious. Previous research analyzed two mechanisms of why knowledge about others’ norm violations triggers its spread: (1) actors lower their subjective beliefs about the probability or severity of punishment or (2) they condition their compliance on others’ compliance. While earlier field studies could hardly disentangle both effects, we use a laboratory experiment which eliminates any punishment threat. Subjects (n = 466) can throw a die and are paid according to their reported number. Our design rules out any possibility of personal identification so that subjects can lie about their thrown number and claim inflated payoffs without risking detection. The aggregate distribution of reported payoffs allows the estimation of the extent to which the honesty norm is violated. We compare two treatment conditions in which subjects are informed about lying behavior of others with a control condition without information feedback. Observations from a subsequent die throw reveal that knowledge about liars triggers the spread of lying compared to the control condition. Results from a follow-up experiment show that this effect is moderated by subjects’ beliefs about the prevalence of norm violations of others. Our results demonstrate the contagiousness of norm violations, where actors imitate norm violations of others under the exclusion of strategic motives.
CUDA-enabled hierarchical ward clustering of protein structures based on the nearest neighbour chain algorithm
Authors: Dang Hoang-Vu , Schmidt Bertil , Hildebrandt Andreas , Tran Tuan Tu , Hildebrandt Anna Katharina
Published: August 2015

Clustering of molecular systems according to their three-dimensional structure is an important step in many bioinformatics workflows. In applications such as docking or structure prediction, many algorithms initially generate large numbers of candidate poses (or decoys), which are then clustered to allow for subsequent computationally expensive evaluations of reasonable representatives. Since the number of such candidates can easily range from thousands to millions, performing the clustering on standard central processing units (CPUs) is highly time consuming. In this paper, we analyse and evaluate different approaches to parallelize the nearest neighbour chain algorithm to perform hierarchical Ward clustering of protein structures, using both atom-based root mean square deviation (RMSD) and rigid-body RMSD molecular distances on a graphics processing unit (GPU). This leads to a speedup of around one order of magnitude of our CUDA implementation on a GeForce Titan GPU compared to a multi-threaded CPU implementation on a Core-i7 2700. Furthermore, the runtimes compare favourably with ClusCo, another state-of-the-art CUDA-enabled protein structure clustering method, while achieving similar accuracy on the iTasser benchmark dataset. Our implementation has also been incorporated into the Biochemical Algorithms library to allow easy integration into biologists’ workflows.
Genome sequence of the pink–pigmented marine bacterium Loktanella hongkongensis type strain (UST950701–009PT), a representative of the Roseobacter group
Authors: Lau Stanley CK , Riedel Thomas , Fiebig Anne , Han James , Huntemann Marcel , Petersen Jörn , Ivanova Natalia N. , Markowitz Victor , Woyke Tanja , Göker Markus , Kyrpides Nikos C. , Klenk Hans-Peter , Qian Pei-Yuan
Published: August 2015

Loktanella hongkongensis UST950701-009PT is a Gram-negative, non-motile and rod-shaped bacterium isolated from a marine biofilm in the subtropical seawater of Hong Kong. When growing as a monospecies biofilm on polystyrene surfaces, this bacterium is able to induce larval settlement and metamorphosis of a ubiquitous polychaete tubeworm Hydroides elegans. The inductive cues are low-molecular weight compounds bound to the exopolymeric matrix of the bacterial cells. In the present study we describe the features of L. hongkongensis strain DSM 17492T together with its genome sequence and annotation and novel aspects of its phenotype. The 3,198,444 bp long genome sequence encodes 3104 protein-coding genes and 57 RNA genes. The two unambiguously identified extrachromosomal replicons contain replication modules of the RepB and the Rhodobacteraceae-specific DnaA-like type, respectively.
Anxiogenic and Stressor Effects of the Hypothalamic Neuropeptide RFRP-3 Are Overcome by the NPFFR Antagonist GJ14
Authors: Kim Joon S. , Brownjohn Phil W. , Dyer Blake S. , Beltramo Massimiliano , Walker Christopher S. , Hay Debbie L. , Painter Gavin F. , Tyndall Joel D. A. , Anderson Greg M.
Published: August 2015

RFamide-related peptide-3 (RFRP-3) is a recently discovered neuropeptide that has been proposed to play a role in the stress response. We aimed to elucidate the role of RFRP-3 and its receptor, neuropeptide FF (NPFF1R), in modulation of stress and anxiety responses. To achieve this, we characterized a new NPFF1R antagonist because our results showed that the only commercially available putative antagonist, RF9, is in fact an agonist at both NPFF1R and the kisspeptin receptor (KISS1R). We report here the identification and pharmacological characterization of GJ14, a true NPFFR antagonist. In in vivo tests of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function, GJ14 completely blocked RFRP-3-induced corticosterone release and neuronal activation in CRH neurons. Furthermore, chronic infusion of GJ14 led to anxiolytic-like behavior, whereas RFRP-3 infusion had anxiogenic effects. Mice receiving chronic RFRP-3 infusion also had higher basal circulating corticosterone levels. These results indicate a stimulatory action of RFRP-3 on the HPA axis, consistent with the dense expression of NPFF1R in the vicinity of CRH neurons. Importantly, coinfusion of RFRP-3 and GJ14 completely reversed the anxiogenic and HPA axis-stimulatory effects of RFRP-3. Here we have established the role of RFRP-3 as a regulator of stress and anxiety. We also show that GJ14 can reverse the effects of RFRP-3 both in vitro and in vivo. Infusion of GJ14 causes anxiolysis, revealing a novel potential target for treating anxiety disorders.
A Stochastic Optimization Model for Designing Last Mile Relief Networks
Authors: Noyan Nilay , Balcik Burcu , Atakan Semih
Published: August 2015

In this study, we introduce a distribution network design problem that determines the locations and capacities of the relief distribution points in the last mile network, while considering demand- and network-related uncertainties in the post-disaster environment. The problem addresses the critical concerns of relief organizations in designing last mile networks, which are providing accessible and equitable service to beneficiaries. We focus on two types of supply allocation policies and propose a hybrid version considering their different implications on equity and accessibility. Then, we develop a two-stage stochastic programming model that incorporates the hybrid allocation policy and achieves high levels of accessibility and equity simultaneously. We devise a branch-and-cut algorithm based on Benders decomposition to solve large problem instances in reasonable times and conduct a numerical study to demonstrate the computational effectiveness of the solution method. We also illustrate the application of our model on a case study based on real-world data from the 2011 Van earthquake in Turkey.
The Sociopolitical Lives of Dead Bodies: Tibetan Self-Immolation Protest as Mass Media
Authors: Makley Charlene
Published: August 2015

Drawing on fieldwork between 2007–2013 in Amdo Tibetan regions in northwestern China, this article considers the unprecedented spate of self-immolation-by-fire protests among Tibetans in light of the military crackdown on Tibetan unrest beginning in 2008. The author takes a performative approach to Tibetan self-immolation protest as a new and deeply contested genre of mass media in the context of severe state repression. The author argues that such an approach accounts for the always unresolved yet socially and politically constitutive meaning and efficacy of dead bodies in a necropolitics particular to modern Sino-Tibetan relations.
Designing with Ethnography: Tabletops and the Importance of their Physical Setup for Group Interactions in Exhibitions
Authors: Storz Michael , Kanellopoulos Kalja , Fraas Claudia , Eibl Maximilian
Published: August 2015

Designing interactive surfaces for walk-up-and-use scenarios in semi-public spaces like museums is a challenging task, since they need to be intuitive and appealing for a broad range of users. We describe the iterative development of two tabletop prototypes and their applications with a combination of interaction design and different types of ethnography. We outline the extensive development process and describe a user study with our second prototype, conducted in an exhibition about new media and digital cooperation for one week. Especially the physical setup of our tabletops distinguishes them from others. It consists of several seating elements to make interaction more comfortable for a heterogeneity of active users and onlookers. As an example for the analysis of the collected data we outline an interaction session of a group of 15 people. Results show that the artifact was well received and that groups and their interactions benefited from the physical setup.
Multi-step streamflow forecasting using data-driven non-linear methods in contrasting climate regimes
Authors: Karran Daniel J. , Morin Efrat , Adamowski Jan
Published: August 2015

Considering the popularity of using data-driven non-linear methods for forecasting streamflow, there has been no exploration of how well such models perform in climate regimes with differing hydrological characteristics, nor has the performance of these models, coupled with wavelet transforms, been compared for lead times of less than 1 month. This study compares the use of four different models, namely artificial neural networks (ANNs), support vector regression (SVR), wavelet-ANN, and wavelet-SVR in a Mediterranean, Oceanic, and Hemiboreal watershed. Model performance was tested for 1, 2 and 3 day forecasting lead times, measured by fractional standard error, the coefficient of determination, Nash–Sutcliffe model efficiency, multiplicative bias, probability of detection and false alarm rate. SVR based models performed best overall, but no one model outperformed the others in more than one watershed, suggesting that some models may be more suitable for certain types of data. Overall model performance varied greatly between climate regimes, suggesting that higher persistence and slower hydrological processes (i.e. snowmelt, glacial runoff, and subsurface flow) support reliable forecasting using daily and multi-day lead times.
Structure-Activity Relationships of the Bioactive Thiazinoquinone Marine Natural Products Thiaplidiaquinones A and B
Authors: Harper Jacquie , Khalil Iman , Shaw Lisa , Bourguet-Kondracki Marie-Lise , Dubois Joëlle , Valentin Alexis , Barker David , Copp Brent
Published: August 2015

In an effort to more accurately define the mechanism of cell death and to establish structure-activity relationship requirements for the marine meroterpenoid alkaloids thiaplidiaquinones A and B, we have evaluated not only the natural products but also dioxothiazine regioisomers and two precursor quinones in a range of bioassays. While the natural products were found to be weak inducers of ROS in Jurkat cells, the dioxothiazine regioisomer of thiaplidiaquinone A and a synthetic precursor to thiaplidiaquinone B were found to be moderately potent inducers. Intriguingly, and in contrast to previous reports, the mechanism of Jurkat cell death (necrosis vs. apoptosis) was found to be dependent upon the positioning of one of the geranyl sidechains in the compounds with thiaplidiaquinone A and its dioxothiazine regioisomer causing death dominantly by necrosis, while thiaplidiaquinone B and its dioxothiazine isomer caused cell death via apoptosis. The dioxothiazine regioisomer of thiaplidiaquinone A exhibited more potent in vitro antiproliferative activity against human tumor cells, with NCI sub-panel selectivity towards melanoma cell lines. The non-natural dioxothiazine regioisomers were also more active in antiplasmodial and anti-farnesyltransferase assays than their natural product counterparts. The results highlight the important role that natural product total synthesis can play in not only helping understand the structural basis of biological activity of natural products, but also the discovery of new bioactive scaffolds.
Absorption-Enhancing Effects of Bile Salts
Authors: Moghimipour Eskandar , Ameri Abdulghani , Handali Somayeh
Published: August 2015

Bile salts are ionic amphiphilic compounds with a steroid skeleton. Among the most important physiological properties of bile salts are lipid transport by solubilization and transport of some drugs through hydrophobic barriers. Bile salts have been extensively studied to enhance transepithelial permeability for different marker molecules and drugs. They readily agglomerate at concentrations above their critical micelle concentration (CMC). The mechanism of absorption enhancement by bile salts appears to be complex. The aim of the present article was to review bile salt structure and their application as absorption enhancers and the probable mechanism for increasing permeation based on previous studies.
Development of nuclear and chloroplast microsatellite markers for the endangered conifer Callitris sulcata (Cupressaceae)
Authors: Sakaguchi Shota , Lannuzel Guillaume , Fogliani Bruno , Wulff Adrien S. , L'Huillier Laurent , Kurata Seikan , Ueno Saneyoshi , Isagi Yuji , Tsumura Yoshihiko , Ito Motomi
Published: August 2015

Premise of the study:

Microsatellite markers were developed for Callitris sulcata (Cupressaceae), an endangered conifer species in New Caledonia.

Methods and Results:

Using sequencing by synthesis (SBS) of an RNA‐Seq library, 15 polymorphic nuclear and chloroplast microsatellite markers were developed. When evaluated with 48 individuals, these markers showed genetic variations ranging from two to 15 alleles and expected heterozygosity ranging from 0 to 0.881.

Conclusions:

These markers will be useful for examining the genetic diversity and structure of remaining wild populations and improving the genetic status of ex situ populations.
Against motivational efficacy of beliefs
Authors: Park Seungbae
Published: August 2015

Danielle Bromwich (2010) argues that a belief is motivationally efficacious in that, other things being equal, it disposes an agent to answer a question in accordance with that belief. I reply that what we are disposed to do is largely determined by our genes, whereas what we believe is largely determined by stimuli from the environment. We have a standing and default disposition to answer questions honestly, ceteris paribus, even before we are exposed to environmental stimuli. Since this standing and default disposition is innate, and our beliefs have their source in environmental stimuli, our beliefs cannot be the source of the disposition. Moreover, a recent finding in neuroscience suggests that motivation is extrinsic to belief.
Energy Loss for Swift Heavy Ions in Different Elemental Absorbers: A Different Approach for Effective Charge Parameterization
Authors: Rani B. , Sharma Kalpana , Neetu  , Anupam  , Kumar Shyam , Virk Hardev Singh
Published: August 2015

The energy loss for swift heavy ions, covering Z=3-29(~0.2 - 5.0MeV/n), has been calculated in the elemental absorbers like C, Al and Ti. The present calculations are based on Bohr’s approach applicable in both classical and quantum mechanical regimes. The major input parameter, the effective charge, has been calculated in a different way without any empirical/semi-empirical parameterization. The calculated energy loss values have been compared with the available experimental data which results in a close agreement.
Review: Redesigning Canadian prairie cropping systems for profitability, sustainability, and resilience
Authors: Martens Joanne R. Thiessen , Entz Martin H. , Wonneck Mark D.
Published: August 2015

Thiessen Martens, J. R., Entz, M. H. and Wonneck, M. D. 2015. Review: Redesigning Canadian prairie cropping systems for profitability, sustainability, and resilience. Can. J. Plant Sci. 95: 1049–1072. Redesign of agricultural systems according to ecological principles has been proposed for the development of sustainable systems. We review a wide variety of ecologically based crop production practices, including crop varieties and genetic diversity, crop selection and rotation, cover crops, annual polyculture, perennial forages, perennial grains, agroforestry systems, reducing tillage, use of animal manures and green manures, soil biological fertility, organic production systems, integrated crop–livestock systems, and purposeful design of farm landscapes (farmscaping), and discuss their potential role in enhancing the profitability, environmental sustainability, and resilience of Canadian prairie cropping systems. Farming systems that most closely mimic natural systems through appropriate integration of diverse components, within a context of supportive social and economic structures, appear to offer the greatest potential benefits, while creating a framework in which to place all other farming practices. Our understanding of ecological relationships within agricultural systems is currently lacking, and a major shift in research, education, and policy will be required to purposefully and proactively redesign Canadian prairie agricultural systems for long-term sustainability.
Impact of the oceanic geothermal heat flux on a glacial ocean state
Authors: Ballarotta M. , Roquet F. , Falahat S. , Zhang Q. , Madec G.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. The oceanic geothermal heating (OGH) has a significant impact on the present-day ocean state, but its role during glacial periods, when the ocean circulation and stratification were different from those of today, remains poorly known. In the present study, we analyzed the response of the glacial ocean to OGH, by comparing ocean simulations of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, ∼ 21 ka ago) including or not geothermal heating. We found that applying the OGH warmed the Antarctic Bottom Waters (AABW) by ∼ 0.4 °C and increased the abyssal circulation by 15 to 30 % north of 30° S in the deep Pacific and Atlantic basins. The geothermally heated deep waters were then advected toward the Southern Ocean where they upwelled to the surface due to the Ekman transport. The extra heat transport towards Antarctica acted to reduce the amount of sea ice contributing to the freshening of the whole AABW overturning cell. The global amount of salt being conserved, this bottom freshening induced a salinification of the North Atlantic and North Pacific surface and intermediate waters, contributing to the deepening of the North Atlantic Deep Water. This indirect mechanism is responsible for the largest observed warming, found in the North Atlantic deep western boundary current between 2000 and 3000 m (up to 2 °C). The characteristic time scale of the ocean response to the OGH corresponds to an advective time scale (associated with the overturning of the AABW cell) rather than a diffusive time scale. The OGH might facilitate the transition from a glacial to an inter-glacial state but its effect on the deep stratification seems insufficient to drive alone an abrupt climate change.
Minimal fat renal angiomyolipoma with lymph node involvement: A case report and literature review
Authors: Liu Guangxiang , Yao Dongwei , Zhang Shiwei , Zhao Xiaozhi , Liu Tieshi , Li Xiaogong , Guo Hongqian
Published: August 2015

Renal angiomyolipomas (AML), consisting of fatty tissue, blood vessels, and smooth muscular cells in various proportions, is a relatively common benign renal neoplasm. Simultaneous involvement of the kidney and lymph nodes is uncommon and might be confused with an advanced renal cancer. AML is divided into minimal fat AML and fat-predominant AML. However, minimal fat AML with lymph node involvement is extremely rare and difficult to differentiate from RCC on images. We report such a case and review the literature.
What Moves the Ex Post Variable Profit of Natural-Gas-Fired Generation in California?
Authors: Woo Chi-Keung , Horowitz Ira , Zarnikau Jay , Moore Jack , Schneiderman Brendan , Ho Tony , Leung Eric
Published: August 2015

We use a large California database of over 32,000 hourly observations in the 45-month period of April 2010 through December 2013 to document the ex post variable profit effects of multiple fundamental drivers on natural-gas-fired electricity generation. These drivers are the natural-gas price, system loads, nuclear capacities available, hydro conditions, and renewable generation. We find that profits are reduced by increases in generation from nuclear plants and wind farms, and are increased by increases in the natural-gas price and loads. Solar generation has a statistically insignificant effect, although this will likely change as solar energy increases its generation share in California’s electricity market. Our findings support California’s adopted resource adequacy program under which the state’s load-serving entities may sign long-term bilateral contracts with generation developers to provide sufficient revenues to enable construction of new natural-gas-fired generation plants.
Ambient noise‐based monitoring of seismic velocity changes associated with the 2014 Mw 6.0 South Napa earthquake
Authors: Taira Taka'aki , Brenguier Florent , Kong Qingkai
Published: August 2015

We perform an ambient noise‐based monitoring to explore temporal variations of crustal seismic velocities before, during, and after the 24 August 2014 Mw 6.0 South Napa earthquake. A velocity drop of about 0.08% is observed immediately after the South Napa earthquake. Spatial variability of the velocity reduction is most correlated with the pattern of the peak ground velocity of the South Napa mainshock, which suggests that fracture damage in rocks induced by the dynamic strain is likely responsible for the coseismic velocity change. About 50% of the velocity reduction is recovered at the first 50 days following the South Napa mainshock. This postseismic velocity recovery may suggest a healing process of damaged rocks.
The Influence of Control on Belief in Conspiracy Theories: Conceptual and Applied Extensions
Authors: van Prooijen Jan‐Willem , Acker Michele
Published: August 2015

Threats to control have been found to increase belief in conspiracy theories. We argue, however, that previous research observing this effect was limited in two ways. First, previous research did not exclude the possibility that affirming control might reduce conspiracy beliefs. Second, because of artificial lab procedures, previous findings provide little information about the external validity of the control threat–conspiracy belief relationship. In Study 1, we address the first limitation and find that affirming control indeed reduces belief in conspiracy theories as compared with a neutral baseline condition. In Study 2, we address the second limitation of the literature. In a large‐scale US sample, we find that a societal threat to control, that citizens actually experienced, predicts belief in a range of common conspiracy theories. Taken together, these findings increase insight in the fundamental relationship between the human need for control and the tendency to believe in conspiracy theories. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tailoring the Optical Absorption of Water‐Stable ZrIV‐ and HfIV‐Based Metal–Organic Framework Photocatalysts
Authors: Doan Tan L. H. , Nguyen Ha L. , Pham Hung Q. , Pham‐Tran Nguyen‐Nguyen , Le Thach N. , Cordova Kyle E.
Published: August 2015

New ZrIV‐ and HfIV‐based metal–organic framework photocatalysts, termed VNU‐1 and VNU‐2 (where VNU=Vietnam National University), were synthesized and their resulting structures fully characterized. By employing a highly π‐conjugated linker, namely 1,4‐bis(2‐[4‐carboxyphenyl]ethynyl)benzene, the optical absorption properties were effectively red‐shifted into the visible light region. This strategy, coupled with the high water stability of the materials, led to enhanced MOF‐driven photocatalytic degradation, under ultraviolet‐visible light, of organic dye pollutants commonly found in wastewater.
Halogenase Engineering for the Generation of New Natural Product Analogues
Authors: Brown Stephanie , O'Connor Sarah E.
Published: August 2015

Halogenases catalyze the incorporation of halogen atoms into organic molecules. Given the importance that halogenation has on the biological activity of small molecules, these enzymes have been subjected to intense engineering efforts to make them more suitable for biotechnology applications. The ability to biohalogenate complex molecules provides, in principle, the opportunity for rapid generation of a series of analogues with new or improved properties. Here we discuss the potential and limitations of using halogenases as biocatalysts, including recent advances in engineering halogenases to generate halogenated natural product analogues.
Rates of vascular access use in transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A look into the next generation
Authors: Basir Mir Babar , Velez Carlos , Fuller Brittany , Wyman Janet , Paone Gaetano , Wang Dee Dee , Guerrero Mayra , Greenbaum Adam , O'Neill William
Published: August 2015

Objective/Background

As smaller TAVR delivery systems emerge we sought to identify differences in vascular access use.

Methods

We analyzed all patients who had undergone TAVR in a single‐center from March 2012 to May 2014. We identified all patients who had undergone nonfemoral TAVR and reviewed their femoral dimensions using CT imaging taking into vascular pathology and minimal lumen diameter (MLD). We then identified those patients in whom a smaller delivery system could have been used if such technology was available at that time.

Results

In total 208 consecutive TAVRs were performed, 129 cases using femoral arterial access and 75 cases using non‐femoral access; 28 transapical, 27 transcaval, 12 transaortic, and 8 via an antegrade transseptal venous approach. Of the 75 nonfemoral access cases, 63 were completed using commercially available first‐generation valves (Sapien Valve) and 12 using second‐generation valves under research protocols (Sapien XT Valve). Of the 63 cases performed via a non‐femoral route using a first generation valve, 31 cases could have been approached via a transfemoral (TF) route using second‐generation delivery systems; and 48 cases could have been approached via a TF route using third generation delivery systems (S3 Valve). Of the 12 cases performed via a nonfemoral route using a second‐generation valve, 4 cases could have been approached via a TF route using a third‐generation delivery system. In total, only 11% of patients undergoing TAVR could not accommodate smaller second and third generation devices.

Conclusions

As second and third generation devices become commercially available, we anticipate that 89% of cases will be preformed using a TF approach. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Small Molecules in the Treatment of Psoriasis
Authors: Torres Tiago , Filipe Paulo
Published: August 2015

Preclinical Research

Psoriasis is an inflammatory systemic skin disease that affects various parts of the body requiring long‐term management due to its chronic nature. Available treatment options include topical, systemic or biological therapies, which have long‐term limitations associated to toxicity, tolerability and risk for adverse effects requiring its intermittent use and close monitoring. Small molecules modulate proinflammatory cytokines, selectively inhibit signaling pathways and showing potential to treat inflammatory diseases in patients not responding to conventional treatments. Presently, small molecules available are phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors or Janus kinase inhibitors. Other small molecules under development for psoriasis include fumaric acid esters, amygdalin analogs, protein kinase C inhibitors, mitogen‐activated protein kinase inhibitors, spleen protein kinase inhibitors, other tyrosine kinase inhibitors, sphingosine 1‐phosphate receptor agonists, and A3 adenosine receptor agonists. These new treatment options represent important advances in the development of specific drugs to respond to the goals of treatment and improve patient quality of life. Drug Dev Res 76 : 215‐227, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Controlled vaporized cannabis, with and without alcohol: subjective effects and oral fluid‐blood cannabinoid relationships
Authors: Hartman Rebecca L. , Brown Timothy L. , Milavetz Gary , Spurgin Andrew , Gorelick David A. , Gaffney Gary , Huestis Marilyn A.
Published: August 2015

Vaporized cannabis and concurrent cannabis and alcohol intake are commonplace. We evaluated the subjective effects of cannabis, with and without alcohol, relative to blood and oral fluid (OF, advantageous for cannabis exposure screening) cannabinoid concentrations and OF/blood and OF/plasma vaporized‐cannabinoid relationships. Healthy adult occasional‐to‐moderate cannabis smokers received a vaporized placebo or active cannabis (2.9% and 6.7% Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol, THC) with or without oral low‐dose alcohol (~0.065g/210L peak breath alcohol concentration [BrAC]) in a within‐subjects design. Blood and OF were collected up to 8.3 h post‐dose and subjective effects measured at matched time points with visual‐analogue scales and 5‐point Likert scales. Linear mixed models evaluated subjective effects by THC concentration, BrAC, and interactions. Effects by time point were evaluated by dose‐wise analysis of variance (ANOVA). OF versus blood or plasma cannabinoid ratios and correlations were evaluated in paired‐positive specimens. Nineteen participants (13 men) completed the study. Blood THC concentration or BrAC significantly associated with subjective effects including ‘high’, while OF contamination prevented significant OF concentration associations <1.4 h post‐dose. Subjective effects persisted through 3.3–4.3 h, with alcohol potentiating the duration of the cannabis effects. Effect‐versus‐THC concentration and effect‐versus‐alcohol concentration hystereses were counterclockwise and clockwise, respectively. OF/blood and OF/plasma THC significantly correlated (all Spearman r≥0.71), but variability was high. Vaporized cannabis subjective effects were similar to those previously reported after smoking, with duration extended by concurrent alcohol. Cannabis intake was identified by OF testing, but OF concentration variability limited interpretation. Blood THC concentrations were more consistent across subjects and more accurate at predicting cannabis' subjective effects. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Norovirus immunology: Of mice and mechanisms
Authors: Newman Kira L. , Leon Juan S.
Published: August 2015

Noroviruses (NoVs) are the most common cause of sporadic and epidemic gastroenteritis in the United States and Europe and are responsible for 20% of acute gastroenteritis worldwide. Over the past decade, the understanding of NoV immunology has grown immensely. Studies of the natural immune response to NoV in humans and animal models have laid the foundation for innovations in cell culture systems for NoV and development of new therapeutics. Evidence from animal models, NoV surrogates, observational human research, and human challenge studies suggest that the innate immune response is critical for limiting NoV infection but is insufficient for viral clearance. NoV may antagonize the innate immune response to establish or prolong infection. However, once a robust adaptive immune response is initiated, the immune system clears the infection through the action of T and B cells, simultaneously generating highly specific protective immunologic memory. We review here both the current knowledge on NoV immunity and exciting new developments, with a focus on ongoing vaccine development work, novel cell culture systems, and advances in understanding the role of the gut microbiome. These changes reinforce the need for a better understanding of the human immune response to NoV and suggest novel hypotheses.
Enhanced Anodic Electrochemiluminescence of Dissolved Oxygen with 2‐(Dibutylamino) ethanol at TiO2 Nanoparticles Modified Platinum Electrode for Dopamine Detection
Authors: Guo Yun‐Xia , Li Qi‐Le , Ding Shou‐Nian , Bao Ning
Published: August 2015

The anodic electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of dissolved oxygen with 2‐(dibutylamino) ethanol (DBAE) on platinum electrode has been reported previously by our group. Interestingly, the ECL intensity can be greatly amplified at TiO2 nanoparticles modified platinum electrode (TiO2/Pt), which is due to the catalytic effect of TiO2 nanoparticles to electrochemical oxidation of DBAE. It is the first case to obtain the enhanced ECL from luminophor by electrochemical catalysis of co‐reactant. The enhanced anodic ECL intensity can be quenched by dopamine sensitively. And the ECL intensity versus the logarithm of concentration of dopamine was linear over the 4.0×10−12–1.8×10−8 M (R2=0.9957), with the limit of detection of 2.7×10−12 M (S/N=3).
Parameter inference and model selection in deterministic and stochastic dynamical models via approximate Bayesian computation: modeling a wildlife epidemic
Authors: Sun Libo , Lee Chihoon , Hoeting Jennifer A.
Published: August 2015

We consider the problem of selecting deterministic or stochastic models for a biological, ecological, or environmental dynamical process. In most cases, one prefers either deterministic or stochastic models as candidate models based on experience or subjective judgment. Because of the complex or intractable likelihood in most dynamical models, likelihood‐based approaches for model selection are not suitable. We use approximate Bayesian computation for parameter estimation and model selection to gain further understanding of the dynamics of two epidemics of chronic wasting disease in mule deer. The main novel contribution of this work is that, under a hierarchical model framework, we compare three types of dynamical models: ordinary differential equation, continuous‐time Markov chain, and stochastic differential equation models. To our knowledge, model selection between these types of models has not appeared previously. Because the practice of incorporating dynamical models into data models is becoming more common, the proposed approach may be very useful in a variety of applications. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bacterial removal of sulfur from the China lignite by a newly isolated bacterium, Sinomonas flava XL4
Authors: Liu Tong , Hou Jinhui , Peng Yaoli
Published: August 2015

The lignite coal collected from Shengli coalfield of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in China contains about 5.22% by mass total sulfur with a gross calorific value of 6329 cal g−1. In the present work, the coal sample was subjected to desulfurization by using a new bacterium isolated from the native coal mine site. The native bacterium was identified to be Sinomonas flava XL4 based on the 16S rDNA gene sequence analysis, and reported first time for the capability to remove about 44% of total sulfur from the lignite coal. The influence of various process parameters such as medium pH, incubation time, pulp density, particle size, incubation temperature on sulfur removal from the lignite after S. flava XL4 treatment was investigated, and the experimental results showed that the total sulfur content of lignite coal was reduce to 2.92% under optimum reaction conditions. In addtion, the calorific value of lignite coal after bacterium desulfurization increased from 6329 to 6678 cal g−1, and the ash content was eliminated. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 374–379, 2016
Contrasting effects of chloride on growth, reproduction, and toxicant sensitivity in two genetically distinct strains of Hyalella azteca
Authors: Soucek David J. , Mount David R. , Dickinson Amy , Hockett J. Russell , McEwen Abigail R.
Published: August 2015

The strain of Hyalella azteca (Saussure: Amphipoda) commonly used for aquatic toxicity testing in the United States has been shown to perform poorly in some standardized reconstituted waters frequently used for other test species. In 10-d and 42-d experiments, the growth and reproduction of the US laboratory strain of H. azteca was shown to vary strongly with chloride concentration in the test water, with declining performance observed below 15 mg/L to 20 mg/L. In contrast to the chloride-dependent performance of the US laboratory strain of H. azteca, growth of a genetically distinct strain of H. azteca obtained from an Environment Canada laboratory in Burlington, Ontario, Canada, was not influenced by chloride concentration. In acute toxicity tests with the US laboratory strain of H. azteca, the acute toxicity of sodium nitrate increased with decreasing chloride in a pattern similar not only to that observed for control growth, but also to previous acute toxicity testing with sodium sulfate. Subsequent testing with the Burlington strain showed no significant relationship between chloride concentration and the acute toxicity of sodium nitrate or sodium sulfate. These findings suggest that the chloride-dependent toxicity shown for the US laboratory strain may be an unusual feature of that strain and perhaps not broadly representative of aquatic organisms as a whole. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:2354–2362. © 2015 SETAC
Decision framework for platform decommissioning in California
Authors: Bernstein Brock B
Published: August 2015

This article describes the overall decision framework for eventual decisions about decommissioning the 27 operating oil and gas platforms offshore southern California. These platforms will eventually reach the end of their useful lifetimes (estimated between 2015 and 2030, although specific dates have not been determined). Current law and regulations allow for alternative uses in lieu of the complete removal required in existing leases. To prepare for eventual decommissioning, the California Natural Resources Agency initiated an in-depth process to identify and investigate issues surrounding possible decommissioning alternatives. The detailed evaluation of alternatives focused on 2—complete removal and artificial reefing that included partial removal to 85 feet below the waterline. These were selected after a comparison of the technical and economic feasibility of several potential alternatives, availability of a legal framework for implementation, degree of interest from proponents, and relative acceptance by state and federal decision makers. Despite California's history of offshore oil and gas production, only 7 decommissioning projects have been completed and these were all relatively small and close to shore. In contrast, nearly 30% of the California platforms are in water depths (as much as 1200 feet) that exceed any decommissioning project anywhere in the world. Most earlier projects considered an artificial reefing alternative but none were implemented and all platforms were completely removed. Future decisions about decommissioning must grapple with a more complex decision context involving greater technological and logistical challenges and cost, a wider range of viable options, tradeoffs among environmental impacts and benefits, and an intricate maze of laws, regulations, and authorities. The specific engineering differences between complete and partial removal provide an explicit basis for a thorough evaluation of their respective impacts. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2015;9999:XX–XX. © 2015 SETAC

Key Points

Complete and partial removal with artificial reefing were chosen as the most feasible decommissioning options due to viability over time, existing legal context, technical and economic feasibility, degree of acceptance by state and federal managers, interest from proponents, and relevance to platforms. Legal authorities involved in decommissioning depend on a platform's location, but agencies with regulatory authority include BOEM and BSEE on the OCS, and SLC in California state waters. Decommissioning procedures for the options retained for detailed analysis are well established; however, the complete removal of the deeper platforms may pose challenges, because no platforms at the depths of the largest California platforms have yet been decommissioned anywhere in the world. The PLATFORM model enables users to investigate the cost and implications of the large number of decommissioning options in detail, including cost estimates and scenarios of environmental and socioeconomic impacts of each option.
TE = 32 ms vs TE = 100 ms echo‐time 1H‐magnetic resonance spectroscopy in prostate cancer: Tumor metabolite depiction and absolute concentrations in tumors and adjacent tissues
Authors: Basharat Meer , Payne Geoffrey S. , Morgan Veronica A. , Parker Chris , Dearnaley David , deSouza Nandita M.
Published: August 2015

Purpose

To compare the depiction of metabolite signals in short and long echo time (TE) prostate cancer spectra at 3T, and to quantify their concentrations in tumors of different stage and grade, and tissues adjacent to tumor.

Materials and Methods

First, single‐voxel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) spectra were acquired from voxels consisting entirely of tumor, as defined on T2‐weighted and diffusion‐weighted (DW)‐MRI and from a biopsy‐positive octant, at TEs of 32 msec and 100 msec in 26 prostate cancer patients. Then, in a separate cohort of 26 patients, single‐voxel TE = 32 msec MR spectroscopy (MRS) was performed over a partial‐tumor region and a matching, contralateral normal‐appearing region, defined similarly. Metabolite depiction was compared between TEs using Cramér‐Rao lower bounds (CRLB), and absolute metabolite concentrations were calculated from TE = 32 msec spectra referenced to unsuppressed water spectra.

Results

Citrate and spermine resonances in tumor were better depicted (had significantly lower CRLB) at TE = 32 msec, while the choline resonance was better depicted at TE = 100 msec. Citrate and spermine concentrations were significantly lower in patients of more advanced stage, significantly lower in Gleason grade 3+4 than 3+3 tumors, and significantly lower than expected from the tumor fraction in partial‐tumor voxels (by 14 mM and 4 mM, respectively, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Citrate and spermine resonances are better depicted at short TE than long TE in tumors. Reduction in these concentrations is related to increasing tumor stage and grade in vivo, while reductions in the normal‐appearing tissues immediately adjacent to tumor likely reflect tumor field effects. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:1086–1093.
Reduced perfusion in normal‐appearing white matter in mild to moderate hypertension as revealed by 3D pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling
Authors: Wang Ting , Li Yanhua , Guo Xinhong , Huang Diandian , Ma Lin , Wang Danny J.J. , Lou Xin
Published: August 2015

Purpose

To investigate the hemodynamic changes of normal‐appearing white matter (NAWM) in hypertension using the 3D pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL) technique.

Materials and Methods

Seventy‐three subjects, including a patient group (n = 41; 30 males; age = 47.7 ± 8.3 years; test‐time blood pressure [BP] = 155 ± 23/98 ± 11 mmHg) and an age‐matched control group (n = 32; 14 males; age = 46 ± 8.3 years; test‐time BP = 117 ± 8/76 ± 10 mmHg), were recruited and scanned on a 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system using routine MRI sequences and 3D pCASL sequence. The routine MRI sequences were used to further define the NAWM. The cerebral blood flow (CBF) values in various regions of interest (ROIs) were extracted. One‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and unpaired t‐test were performed to evaluate the significance of the intergroup difference in CBF modifications.

Results

Compared to healthy volunteers, CBF values in global gray matter (GM) and various NAWM regions were found to be lower (P < 0.05) in hypertensive patients, except for genu of corpus callosum (CC), cingulate gyrus, amygdala, pallidum, putamen, and thalamus (P > 0.05). Furthermore, compared to the control group, mild hypertension showed significantly reduced CBF in various ROIs (P < 0.05), but no intergroup differences in GM, R anterior horn of periventricular WM, and genu of CC (P > 0.05), while moderate hypertension showed reduced CBF in all ROIs (P < 0.05). However, it was observed that, between mild and moderate hypertensive patients, there were no statistically significant difference in CBF values except for genu of CC (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

3D pCASL has the ability to detect subtle hemodynamic abnormalities in NAWM regions at relatively early stages of hypertension. The observed decreases in CBF in these regions may suggest an increased risk of cerebral small vessel diseases. J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2016;43:635–643.
Simultaneous separation of three isomeric sennosides from senna leaf (Cassia acutifolia) using counter‐current chromatography
Authors: Park Sait Byul , Kim Yeong Shik
Published: August 2015

Senna leaf is widely consumed as tea to treat constipation or to aid in weight loss. Sennoside A, A1, and B are dirheinanthrone glucosides that are abundant and the bioactive constituents in the plant. They are isomers that refer to the (R*R*), (S*S*), and (R*S*) forms of protons on C‐10 and C‐10′ centers and it is difficult to refine them individually due to their structural similarities. The new separation method using counter‐current chromatography successfully purified sennoside A, A1, and B from senna leaf (Cassia acutifolia) while reversed‐phase medium‐pressure liquid chromatography yielded sennoside A only. n‐Butanol/isopropanol/water (5:1:6, v/v/v) was selected as the solvent system for counter‐current chromatography operation, and the partition coefficients were carefully determined by adding different concentrations of formic acid. High‐resolution mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy were performed to verify the chemical properties of the compounds.