bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laparoscopic upper‐pole heminephrectomy for duplicated renal collecting system with superselective artery clamping using virtual partial nephrectomy analysis of Synapse Vincent: A case report
Authors: Yoshida Kenji , Kinoshita Hidefumi , Hayami Yutaro , Nakamoto Takahiro , Takayasu Kenta , Sugi Motohiko , Matsuda Tadashi
Published: August 2015

A 22‐year‐old woman was diagnosed with a duplicated renal collecting system with hydronephrosis and parenchymal loss in the upper pole of the left kidney. She underwent laparoscopic left upper‐pole nephrectomy. Although a complex hilar vascular anatomy was identified during the operation, preoperative three‐dimensional computed tomographic reconstruction using a three‐dimensional image analysis device (Synapse Vincent; Fuji Medical Systems, Tokyo, Japan) greatly helped to accurately identify the anatomical renal hilum. For further detail, virtual partial nephrectomy analysis using a Voronoi decomposition was used to visualize the area supplied by a selected arterial branch including the atrophic cleavage line. We controlled the bleeding with selective clamping and safely carried out upper‐pole heminephrectomy according to the preoperative plan.
Distributive Politics in Developing Federal Democracies: Compensating Governors for Their Territorial Support
Authors: González Lucas I. , Mamone Ignacio
Published: August 2015

Using original data from the period 1999–2011 on federal infrastructure investment for all subnational units in two federations, Argentina and Brazil, and a unitary nation, Colombia, this study shows that in developing federal countries with strong governors, presidents use nonearmarked transfers as a tool to compensate governors for sizable and secure territorial political support. The study argues that in these cases, resources do not make electoral power but chase it. In the unitary case, conversely, governors do not influence distributive politics. Variation also was found in the relevance of Congress, legislative overrepresentation, and programmatic criteria across cases. The article discusses possible reasons for these results and their implications for the comparative debate on distributive politics.
Influence of Nisin and Lauryl Arginine Ester Against Some Foodborne Pathogens in Recombined Feta and Processed Spread Cheese
Authors: Al‐Nemr Tareq M. , Mohamed Sameh E. , Barbabosa Alberto , Salem Abdelfattah Z.M.
Published: August 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of nisin with lauryl arginine ester (LAE) or their combination by 1: 3 (w/w) on cheese preservation. The study was carried out against the most common foodborne pathogens in recombined feta cheese (RFC) and processed cheese spread (PCS). Combination of nisin with LAE has higher synergistic preservative effect on different widespread foodborne pathogens such as Bacillus subtilis, Clostridium sporogenes and Escherichia coli compared with individual one. The most sensitive strain was E. coli with an effective minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) of 400 ppm, whereas the former spore‐forming bacterial strains were totally inhibited using 700 ppm from the combination, respectively. Synergistic combination blend was added by its recommended MIC (700 ppm) in the manufacture of both RFC and PCS. The results indicated that it is efficient enough to inhibit the growth of the most common foodborne pathogens in cheese after their storage for 7 days (RFC) and 30 days (PCS).

Practical Applications

Inhibiting the foodborne pathogens by the addition of lauryl arginine ester (LAE) and nisin together by 1: 3 (w/w) increased the cheese quality. However, the possibility of contamination of traditional cheese during the preservation in terms of food safety can be controlled by the addition of the two mentioned additives (i.e., LAE and nisin) and can be manufacture and distribute in the dairy industries.
Supportive interventions for enhancing dietary intake in malnourished or nutritionally at‐risk adults: a systematic review of nonrandomised studies
Authors: Kimber K. , Gibbs M. , Weekes C. E. , Baldwin C.
Published: August 2015

Background

Supportive interventions for enhancing dietary intake in malnourished or nutritionally at risk adults are frequently recommended. A recent systematic review of randomised controlled trials identified limited and poor quality evidence to support their use. Observational studies have been shown to compliment and extend their evidence. This review aimed to synthesise evidence from nonrandomised studies aiming to improve nutritional intake in nutritionally vulnerable individuals and to describe their effects on cost, nutritional, clinical and patient centred outcomes.

Methods

Systematic searches of 10 electronic databases were undertaken to May 2013. Reference lists of identified studies and systematic reviews were scrutinised and hand searching of relevant meeting abstracts was undertaken. Titles and abstracts were reviewed, data extracted by two research‐ers working independently and summarised using a structured narrative format.

Results

Forty‐one studies (n = 3751 participants) were identified for inclusion. Interventions identified included changes to the organisation of nutritional care (n = 15), changes to the feeding environment (n = 11), modification to meals (n = 6), supplementation of meals (n = 7) and recipients of home delivered meals (n = 2). Eighteen of 23 studies reported improvements in nutritional intake; however, effects on nutritional status, clinical outcomes and costs were reported in few studies and findings were inconsistent. Eighteen studies reported patient experience, highlighting benefits to nutritional status most commonly as judged by the carers but the methods used lacked rigour.

Conclusions

This systematic review describes a range of interventions that may be implemented in clinical practice. A limited range of outcomes are reported and it is difficult to draw any meaningful conclusions on the effect of the different methods.
Hair care practices and structural evaluation of scalp and hair shaft parameters in African American and Caucasian women
Authors: Lewallen Robin , Francis Shani , Fisher Brian , Richards Jeanette , Li Jim , Dawson Tom , Swett Katrina , McMichael Amy
Published: August 2015

How African American hair fragility relates to hair care practices and biologic differences between races is not well understood. To assess the differences between perceptions of hair health, hair care practices, and several biologic hair parameters between Caucasian and African American women. A questionnaire on perceptions of hair health and hair care practices was administered. Biological and structural parameters of hair shaft and scalp, including growth, density, diameter, cycle, breakage, and scalp blood flow were also assessed in this case–control study. Significant differences between the Caucasian and African American women were observed in the questionnaire and biologic study data. Regarding self‐reported perceptions of hair health, there were differences in the following: hair shaft type (P < 0.001), hair breakage (P = 0.040), and desire to change hair (P = 0.001). Regarding self‐reported hair care practices, there were differences in the following: location of haircutting (P = 0.002) and washing (P = 0.010), washing frequency (P < 0.001), chemical relaxer use (P < 0.001), hooded hair dryer use (P < 0.001), and hair shaft conditioner use (P = 0.005). The two groups had similar practices in regard to the use of hair color, frequency of hair color use, chemical curling agents, and handheld blow dryer use. Regarding biological and structural parameters, there were differences in the following: hair growth rate (P < 0.001), density (P = 0.0016), diameter (P = 0.01), number of broken hairs (P < 0.001), and blood flow (P = 0.03). There was no significant difference in hair cycle parameters.The differences in hair care practices and hair fiber morphology among African American women may contribute to clinically observed variation in hair fragility and growth.
Melatonin decreases breast cancer metastasis by modulating Rho‐associated kinase protein‐1 expression
Authors: Borin Thaiz Ferraz , Arbab Ali Syed , Gelaleti Gabriela Bottaro , Ferreira Lívia Carvalho , Moschetta Marina Gobbe , Jardim‐Perassi Bruna Victorasso , Iskander ASM , Varma Nadimpalli Ravi S. , Shankar Adarsh , Coimbra Verena Benedick , Fabri Vanessa Alves , de Oliveira Juliana Garcia , Zuccari Debora Aparecida Pires de Campos
Published: August 2015

The occurrence of metastasis, an important breast cancer prognostic factor, depends on cell migration/invasion mechanisms, which can be controlled by regulatory and effector molecules such as Rho‐associated kinase protein (ROCK‐1). Increased expression of this protein promotes tumor growth and metastasis, which can be restricted by ROCK‐1 inhibitors. Melatonin has shown oncostatic, antimetastatic, and anti‐angiogenic effects and can modulate ROCK‐1 expression. Metastatic and nonmetastatic breast cancer cell lines were treated with melatonin as well as with specific ROCK‐1 inhibitor (Y27632). Cell viability, cell migration/invasion, and ROCK‐1 gene expression and protein expression were determined in vitro. In vivo lung metastasis study was performed using female athymic nude mice treated with either melatonin or Y27832 for 2 and 5 wk. The metastases were evaluated by X‐ray computed tomography and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and by immunohistochemistry for ROCK‐1 and cytokeratin proteins. Melatonin and Y27632 treatments reduced cell viability and invasion/migration of both cell lines and decreased ROCK‐1 gene expression in metastatic cells and protein expression in nonmetastatic cell line. The numbers of ‘hot’ spots (lung metastasis) identified by SPECT images were significantly lower in treated groups. ROCK‐1 protein expression also was decreased in metastatic foci of treated groups. Melatonin has shown to be effective in controlling metastatic breast cancer in vitro and in vivo, not only via inhibition of the proliferation of tumor cells but also through direct antagonism of metastatic mechanism of cells rendered by ROCK‐1 inhibition. When Y27632 was used, the effects were similar to those found with melatonin treatment.
Central Somatosensory Networks Respond to a De Novo Innervated Penis: A Proof of Concept in Three Spina Bifida Patients
Authors: Kortekaas Rudie , Nanetti Luca , Overgoor Max L.E. , de Jong Bauke M. , Georgiadis Janniko R.
Published: August 2015

Introduction

Spina bifida (SB) causes low spinal lesions, and patients often have absent genital sensation and a highly impaired sex life. TOMAX (TO MAX-imize sensation, sexuality and quality of life) is a surgical procedure whereby the penis is newly innervated using a sensory nerve originally targeting the inguinal area. Most TOMAX-treated SB patients initially experience penile stimulation as inguinal sensation, but eventually, the perception shifts to penis sensation with erotic feelings. The brain mechanisms mediating this perceptual shift, which are completely unknown, could hold relevance for understanding the brain's role in sexual development.

Aim

The aim of this study was to study how a newly perceived penis would be mapped onto the brain after a lifelong disconnection.

Methods

Three TOMAX-treated SB patients participated in a functional magnetic resonance imagery experiment while glans penis, inguinal area, and index finger were stimulated with a paint brush.

Main Outcome Measure

Brush stimulation-induced activation of the primary somatosensory cortex (SI) and functional connectivity between SI and remote cerebral regions.

Results

Stimulation of the re-innervated side of the glans penis and the intact contralateral inguinal area activated a very similar location on SI. Yet, connectivity analysis identified distinct SI functional networks. In all three subjects, the middle cingulate cortex (MCC) and the parietal operculum-insular cortex (OIC) were functionally connected to SI activity during glans penis stimulation, but not to SI activity induced by inguinal stimulation.

Conclusions

Investigating central somatosensory network activity to a de novo innervated penis in SB patients is feasible and informative. The consistent involvement of MCC and OIC above and beyond the brain network expected on the basis of inguinal stimulation suggests that these areas mediate the novel penis sensation in these patients. The potential role of MCC and OIC in this process is discussed, along with recommendations for further research.
The Constitution of Violence Through the Language of Law: Legal
Hermenutics in Second‐Century Roman Egypt
Authors: Richland Justin B.
Published: August 2015

This essay examines the linguistic anthropological themes emergent in
Violence in Roman Egypt (2013). Viewing law
as a discourse, it explores how language is constitutive of law and is the
primary modality of acting upon, and enacting the world(s) that it shapes,
giving meaning to the lives of people who engage each other in and through
it. Violence petitions in second‐century Egypt are a fundamental mode of
sense making and problem solving, calling on legal authorities to interpret
claims of iniuria, or legal battery, into a language that they understand
and remedy. In doing so, law changes the discourse of violence,
specifically, and social life, more broadly.
Understanding Law as a Democratic Institution Through US Constitutional
Development
Authors: Novkov Julie
Published: August 2015

This essay reviews Howard Gillman, Mark Graber, and Keith Whittington,
American Constitutionalism: Volume I: Structures of
Government (New York: Oxford University Press, 2012), and
Howard Gillman, Mark Graber, and Keith Whittington, American
Constitutionalism: Volume II: Rights and Liberties (New
York: Oxford University Press, 2012). It defends developmental approaches in
the study of US constitutional law. It explains how law has been studied in
political science, illustrating how political development became part of the
story. It outlines how American political development approaches work when
applied to law, noting how studying law transforms these approaches. It
notes the insights produced through the blending of American political
development and constitutional law, explaining how these insights provide
more leverage for understanding the role of courts as democratic
institutions. The essay closes by discussing the promising directions these
approaches suggest, defending their value beyond political science.
Are unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) the future of wildlife monitoring? A review of accomplishments and challenges
Authors: Linchant Julie , Lisein Jonathan , Semeki Jean , Lejeune Philippe , Vermeulen Cédric
Published: August 2015

Regular monitoring of animal populations must be established to ensure wildlife protection, especially when pressure on animals is high. The recent development of drones or unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) opens new opportunities. UASs have several advantages, including providing data at high spatial and temporal resolution, providing systematic, permanent data, having low operational costs and being low‐risk for the operators. However, UASs have some constraints, such as short flight endurance.

We reviewed studies in which wildlife populations were monitored by using drones, described accomplishments to date and evaluated the range of possibilities UASs offer to provide new perspectives in future research.

We focused on four main topics: 1) the available systems and sensors; 2) the types of survey plan and detection possibilities; 3) contributions towards anti‐poaching surveillance; and 4) legislation and ethics.

We found that small fixed‐wing UASs are most commonly used because these aircraft provide a viable compromise between price, logistics and flight endurance. The sensors are typically electro‐optic or infrared cameras, but there is the potential to develop and test new sensors.

Despite various flight plan possibilities, mostly classical line transects have been employed, and it would be of great interest to test new methods to adapt to the limitations of UASs. Detection of many species is possible, but statistical approaches are unavailable if valid inventories of large mammals are the purpose.

Contributions of UASs to anti‐poaching surveillance are not yet well documented in the scientific literature, but initial studies indicate that this approach could make important contributions to conservation in the next few years.

Finally, we conclude that one of the main factors impeding the use of UASs is legislation. Restrictions in the use of airspace prevent researchers from testing all possibilities, and adaptations to the relevant legislation will be necessary in future.
Transcriptomics of colour patterning and coloration shifts in crows
Authors: Poelstra J. W. , Vijay N. , Hoeppner M. P. , Wolf J. B. W.
Published: August 2015

Animal coloration is one of the most conspicuous phenotypic traits in natural populations and has important implications for adaptation and speciation. Changes in coloration can occur over surprisingly short evolutionary timescales, while recurrence of similar colour patterns across large phylogenetic distances is also common. Even though the genetic basis of pigment production is well understood, little is known about the mechanisms regulating colour patterning. In this study, we shed light on the molecular elements regulating regional pigment production in two genetically near‐identical crow taxa with striking differences in a eumelanin‐based phenotype: black carrion and grey‐coated hooded crows. We produced a high‐quality genome annotation and analysed transcriptome data from a 2 × 2 design of active melanogenic feather follicles from head (black in both taxa) and torso (black in carrion and grey in hooded crow). Extensive, parallel expression differences between body regions in both taxa, enriched for melanogenesis genes (e.g. ASIP, CORIN, and ALDH6), indicated the presence of cryptic prepatterning also in all‐black carrion crows. Meanwhile, colour‐specific expression (grey vs. black) was limited to a small number of melanogenesis genes in close association with the central transcription factor MITF (most notably HPGDS, NDP and RASGRF1). We conclude that colour pattern differences between the taxa likely result from an interaction between divergence in upstream elements of the melanogenesis pathway and genes that provide an underlying prepattern across the body through positional information. A model of evolutionary stable prepatterns that can be exposed and masked through simple regulatory changes may explain the phylogenetically independent recurrence of colour patterns that is observed across corvids and many other vertebrate groups.
Functional assignment to positively selected sites in the core type III effector RipG7 from Ralstonia solanacearum
Authors: Wang Keke , Remigi Philippe , Anisimova Maria , Lonjon Fabien , Kars Ilona , Kajava Andrey , Li Chien‐Hui , Cheng Chiu‐Ping , Vailleau Fabienne , Genin Stéphane , Peeters Nemo
Published: August 2015

The soil‐borne pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum causes bacterial wilt in a broad range of plants. The main virulence determinants of R. solanacearum are the type III secretion system (T3SS) and its associated type III effectors (T3Es), translocated into the host cells. Of the conserved T3Es among R. solanacearum strains, the Fbox protein RipG7 is required for R. solanacearum pathogenesis on Medicago truncatula. In this work, we describe the natural ripG7 variability existing in the R. solanacearum species complex. We show that eight representative ripG7 orthologues have different contributions to pathogenicity on M. truncatula: only ripG7 from Asian or African strains can complement the absence of ripG7 in GMI1000 (Asian reference strain). Nonetheless, RipG7 proteins from American and Indonesian strains can still interact with M. truncatula SKP1‐like/MSKa protein, essential for the function of RipG7 in virulence. This indicates that the absence of complementation is most likely a result of the variability in the leucine‐rich repeat (LRR) domain of RipG7. We identified 11 sites under positive selection in the LRR domains of RipG7. By studying the functional impact of these 11 sites, we show the contribution of five positively selected sites for the function of RipG7CMR15 in M. truncatula colonization. This work reveals the genetic and functional variation of the essential core T3E RipG7 from R. solanacearum. This analysis is the first of its kind on an essential disease‐controlling T3E, and sheds light on the co‐evolutionary arms race between the bacterium and its hosts.
Aristolochia phuphathanaphongiana sp. nov. from southwestern Thailand
Authors: Van Do Truong , Wanke Stefan , Neinhuis Christoph , Pooma Rachun
Published: August 2015

Aristolochia phuphathanaphongiana Do sp. nov. from southwestern Thailand is described here. The new species is most similar to A. acuminata and A. kongkandae, but it is distinguished by having a broad‐ovate to cordate bracteole that is sessile and 8–15 × 6–12 mm, the entire perianth being dark purple to maroon black, with lanceolate limb and abaxial surface densely covered with long grey hairs, as well as by non‐winged seeds. In addition to the description, a key to the species of Aristolochia subsect. Podanthemum from the Himalayan region and Indochina is provided.
Heritable alteration of DNA methylation induced by whole‐chromosome aneuploidy in wheat
Authors: Gao Lihong , Diarso Moussa , Zhang Ai , Zhang Huakun , Dong Yuzhu , Liu Lixia , Lv Zhenling , Liu Bao
Published: August 2015

Aneuploidy causes changes in gene expression and phenotypes in all organisms studied. A previous study in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana showed that aneuploidy‐generated phenotypic changes can be inherited to euploid progenies and implicated an epigenetic underpinning of the heritable variations.

Based on an analysis by amplified fragment length polymorphism and methylation‐sensitive amplified fragment length polymorphism markers, we found that although genetic changes at the nucleotide sequence level were negligible, extensive changes in cytosine DNA methylation patterns occurred in all studied homeologous group 1 whole‐chromosome aneuploid lines of common wheat (Triticum aestivum), with monosomic 1A showing the greatest amount of methylation changes. The changed methylation patterns were inherited by euploid progenies derived from the aneuploid parents. The aneuploidy‐induced DNA methylation alterations and their heritability were verified at selected loci by bisulfite sequencing.

Our data have provided empirical evidence supporting earlier suggestions that heritability of aneuploidy‐generated, but aneuploidy‐independent, phenotypic variations may have an epigenetic basis.

That at least one type of aneuploidy – monosomic 1A – was able to cause significant epigenetic divergence of the aneuploid plants and their euploid progenies also lends support to recent suggestions that aneuploidy may have played an important and protracted role in polyploid genome evolution.
Boron bridging of rhamnogalacturonan‐II is promoted in vitro by cationic chaperones, including polyhistidine and wall glycoproteins
Authors: Chormova Dimitra , Fry Stephen C.
Published: August 2015

Dimerization of rhamnogalacturonan‐II (RG‐II) via boron cross‐links contributes to the assembly and biophysical properties of the cell wall. Pure RG‐II is efficiently dimerized by boric acid (B(OH)3) in vitro only if nonbiological agents for example Pb2+ are added. By contrast, newly synthesized RG‐II domains dimerize very rapidly in vivo. We investigated biological agents that might enable this.

We tested for three such agents: novel enzymes, borate‐transferring ligands and cationic ‘chaperones’ that facilitate the close approach of two polyanionic RG‐II molecules. Dimerization was monitored electrophoretically.

Parsley shoot cell‐wall enzymes did not affect RG‐II dimerization in vitro. Borate‐binding ligands (apiose, dehydroascorbic acid, alditols) and small organic cations (including polyamines) also lacked consistent effects. Polylysine bound permanently to RG‐II, precluding electrophoretic analysis. However, another polycation, polyhistidine, strongly promoted RG‐II dimerization by B(OH)3 without irreversible polyhistidine–RG‐II complexation. Likewise, partially purified spinach extensins (histidine/lysine‐rich cationic glycoproteins), strongly promoted RG‐II dimerization by B(OH)3 in vitro.

Thus certain polycations, including polyhistidine and wall glycoproteins, can chaperone RG‐II, manoeuvring this polyanionic polysaccharide domain such that boron‐bridging is favoured. These chaperones dissociate from RG‐II after facilitating its dimerization, indicating that they act catalytically rather than stoichiometrically. We propose a natural role for extensin–RG‐II interaction in steering cell‐wall assembly.
Do changes in spring phenology affect earlywood vessels? Perspective from the xylogenesis monitoring of two sympatric ring‐porous oaks
Authors: Pérez‐de‐Lis Gonzalo , Rossi Sergio , Vázquez‐Ruiz Rosa Ana , Rozas Vicente , García‐González Ignacio
Published: August 2015

This study addresses relationships between leaf phenology, xylogenesis, and functional xylem anatomy in two ring‐porous oak species, the temperate Quercus robur and the sub‐Mediterranean Q. pyrenaica.

Earlywood vessel (EV) formation and leaf phenology were monitored in 2012 and 2013. Ten individuals per species were sampled at each of three sites located in NW Iberian Peninsula. EV areas measured on microcore sections were used to calculate the hydraulic tree diameter (Dh), in order to model relationships to phenology. Thermal requirements were evaluated using growing degree days (GDD).

A species‐specific timing of growth resumption was found. The onset of EV formation and budburst were associated to a particular GDD in each species. The onset and duration of EV enlargement affected Dh (and EV size) in Q. robur, but hardly in Q. pyrenaica.

The relationship between the timings of EV formation and xylem structure appears to be stronger for the temperate oak, whose larger vessels may result from thermal‐induced earlier resumption. In contrast, the sub‐Mediterranean oak would maintain a more conservative hydraulic architecture under warming conditions.
Hyponatremia, hypo‐osmolality, and seizures in children early post‐kidney transplant
Authors: Drake Keri , Nehus Edward , Goebel Jens
Published: August 2015

Post‐transplant seizures are uncommon in young kidney transplant recipients but can be harbingers of devastating outcomes such as cerebral edema and death. We reviewed all transplants performed at our institution from January 2013 to January 2014 and compared three patients who seized within 24 h post‐transplant (cases) with the remaining 33 transplant recipients (controls). Records were reviewed for hyponatremia, hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, BUN clearance, osmolality shifts, and blood pressure control in the first 24 h post‐transplant. All cases had more pronounced (p < 0.001) shifts in serum sodium and calculated serum osmolality, with their sodium decreasing by >15 mmol/L to nadir values of 124, 131, and 131 mmol/L, respectively. There were no differences in serum calcium corrected for hypoalbuminemia, serum magnesium, urine output, or blood pressure control between the groups. Our study suggests that mild hyponatremia and an acute decrease in serum osmolality are risk factors for potentially severe postoperative neurologic complications following kidney transplantation. Thus, peri‐transplant management should be optimized to anticipate and prevent these abnormalities.
A homologue of vitamin K epoxide reductase in Solanum lycopersicum is involved in resistance to osmotic stress
Authors: Yu Zhi‐Bo , Yang Xiao‐Jian , Du Jia‐Jia , Wan Chun‐Mei , Xu Jia‐Ning , Wang Wen‐Jun , Feng Yue‐Guang , Wang Xiao‐Yun
Published: August 2015

Vitamin K epoxide reductase (VKOR) exists widely in the chloroplasts of higher plants and plays important roles in redox regulation. However, investigations of plant VKOR function have primarily focused on VKOR from Arabidopsis, and knowledge concerning this function is therefore quite limited. In this study, Solanum lycopersicum was used to study the function of VKOR. Transcription level analysis revealed that SlVKOR (S. lycopersicum VKOR) expression was upregulated by salt or drought stress. To further investigate the function of SlVKOR in plants, we generated sense and antisense transgenic S. lycopersicum homozygotes at T2 generation plants. Compared with wild‐type (WT) plants, the leaf disks of the SlVKOR overexpression plants retained a much higher percentage of chlorophyll after salt or drought treatment, whereas the antisense transgenic plants displayed an opposite response. The overexpressed plants displayed lower levels of H2O2 and superoxide anion radical (O2·−) than WT plants, whereas antisense plants accumulated considerably more H2O2 and O2·−. The activities of reactive oxygen scavenger enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase and catalase, were consistent with the accumulation of reactive oxygen species. Based on these results, we suggest that SlVKOR is involved in resistance to salt or drought stress.
Further evidence for sustained systemic inflammation in xenograft recipients (SIXR)
Authors: Iwase Hayato , Ekser Burcin , Zhou Huidong , Liu Hong , Satyananda Vikas , Humar Rishab , Humar Pooja , Hara Hidetaka , Long Cassandra , Bhama Jay K. , Bajona Pietro , Wang Yi , Wijkstrom Martin , Ayares David , Ezzelarab Mohamed B. , Cooper David K. C.
Published: August 2015

Introduction

In pig‐to‐baboon heart/artery patch transplantation models, adequate costimulation blockade prevents a T‐cell response. After heart transplantation, coagulation dysfunction (thrombocytopenia, reduced fibrinogen, increased D‐dimer) and inflammation (increased C‐reactive protein [CRP]) develop. We evaluated whether coagulation dysfunction and/or inflammation can be detected following pig artery patch transplantation.

Methods

Baboons received heart (n = 8) or artery patch (n = 16) transplants from genetically engineered pigs and a costimulation blockade‐based regimen. Heart grafts functioned for 15–130 days. Artery recipients were euthanized after 28–84 days. Platelet counts, fibrinogen, D‐dimer, and CRP were measured.

Results

Thrombocytopenia and reduced fibrinogen developed only in recipients of hearts not expressing a coagulation‐regulatory protein (n = 4), but not in other heart or patch recipients. However, in heart recipients (n = 8), there were sustained increases in D‐dimer (<0.5 to 1.9 ug/ml [P < 0.01]) and CRP (0.26–2.2 mg/dl [P < 0.01]). In recipients of artery patches, there were also sustained increases in D‐dimer (<0.5 to 1.4 ug/ml [P < 0.01]) and CRP (0.26 to 1.5 mg/dl [P < 0.001]). An IL‐6R antagonist suppressed the increase in CRP, but not D‐dimer.

Conclusion

The pig artery patch model has proved valuable for determining immunosuppressive regimens that prevent sensitization to pig antigens. This model also provides information on the sustained systemic inflammation in xenograft recipients (SIXR). An IL‐6R antagonist may help suppress this response.
No evidence for αGal epitope transfer from media containing FCS onto human endothelial cells in culture
Authors: Ramm Robert , Hartmann Thorsten , Tudorache Igor , Haverich Axel , Hilfiker Andres
Published: August 2015

Background

Current clinical applications of cell therapies and tissue engineered (TE) constructs aim to generate non‐immunogenic cells in the best‐case scenario of autologous origin. As the cells are cultured, it is theoretically possible that immunoreactive molecules present in xenogenic cell culture media components, such as fetal calf serum (FCS), are transmitted in the culturing process. This problem has propelled the search for xeno‐free culture media; however, in vitro culturing of many cell types, especially TE constructs which consist of several cell types, still relies to a great extent on FCS. In this study, we investigated the degree to which xenoantigens are transmitted to human endothelial cells (EC) cultured in medium containing FCS.

Methods

Human EC were isolated from pulmonary artery fragments and atrial appendage tissue samples by enzymatic digestion followed by magnetic‐activated cell separation (MACS) utilizing CD31 antibodies. The cells were cultured in EGM‐2 medium containing 10% FCS for several passages. Griffonia Simplicifolia Lectin I – Isolectin B4 (GSL I‐B4) was used to detect cell surface‐bound αGal epitopes either microscopically or flow cytometrically. Antibody binding to cells exposed to human sera prepared from healthy blood donors was investigated to detect surface‐located xenoantigens. An antibody‐dependent cytotoxicity assay was conducted with heat‐inactivated human serum supplemented with rabbit complement and analyzed by flow cytometry after staining for living and dead cells (LIVE/DEAD assay kit). In all experiments, cells cultured in EGM‐2 supplemented with 10% human serum (HS) served as controls.

Results

Human EC were isolated and cultured successfully for ≥6 passages. GSL I‐B4 staining showed no difference between human EC cultured in FCS and in HS. In contrast to porcine EC which showed strong staining with GSL I‐B4 and binding of preformed human serum antibodies, human EC cultured in FCS media did not bind human antibodies from high titer anti‐αGal and anti‐Neu5GC antibody serum. Along these lines, the antibody‐dependent cytotoxicity assay showed that human EC cultures independent of FCS or HS usage were not affected, whereas about 40% of porcine EC did not survive.

Conclusion

Despite culturing cells in an environment containing xenoantigens, we were unable to demonstrate the translocation of xenogenic epitopes onto the surface of human EC or find an increased sensitivity in preformed human xenoantibody‐dependent complement activity. Therefore, our results suggest that the use of human cells for TE or cell therapy grown in cell culture systems complemented with FCS does not necessarily lead to an acute rejection reaction upon implantation.
Mitochondrial function in ageing: coordination with signalling and transcriptional pathways
Authors: Yin Fei , Sancheti Harsh , Liu Zhigang , Cadenas Enrique
Published: August 2015

Mitochondrial dysfunction entailing decreased energy‐transducing capacity and perturbed redox homeostasis is an early and sometimes initiating event in ageing and age‐related disorders involving tissues with high metabolic rate such as brain, liver and heart. In the central nervous system (CNS), recent findings from our and other groups suggest that the mitochondrion‐centred hypometabolism is a key feature of ageing brains and Alzheimer's disease. This hypometabolic state is manifested by lowered neuronal glucose uptake, metabolic shift in the astrocytes, and alternations in mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid cycle function. Similarly, in liver and adipose tissue, mitochondrial capacity around glucose and fatty acid metabolism and thermogenesis is found to decline with age and is implicated in age‐related metabolic disorders such as obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. These mitochondrion‐related disorders in peripheral tissues can impact on brain functions through metabolic, hormonal and inflammatory signals. At the cellular level, studies in CNS and non‐CNS tissues support the notion that instead of being viewed as autonomous organelles, mitochondria are part of a dynamic network with close interactions with other cellular components through energy‐ or redox‐sensitive cytosolic kinase signalling and transcriptional pathways. Hence, it would be critical to further understand the molecular mechanisms involved in the communication between mitochondria and the rest of the cell. Therapeutic strategies that effectively preserves or improve mitochondrial function by targeting key component of these signalling cascades could represent a novel direction for numerous mitochondrion‐implicated, age‐related disorders.
Discussion of Some Myths/Features Associated With Gas Turbine Inlet Fogging and Wet Compression
Authors: Wang Ting , Khan Jobaidur R.
Published: August 2015

Gas turbine (GT) inlet fogging and overspray (high-fogging) have been considered the most cost-effective means of boosting a GT's total power output, especially under hot or dry weather conditions. The result of employing fogging or overspray is indisputably clear—total power output is increased; however, development of the theory and explanation of the phenomena associated with fogging and overspray are not always consistent and are sometimes misleading and incorrect. This paper focuses on reviewing several interesting features and commonly discussed topics, including (a) entropy production of water evaporation, (b) the effect of centrifugal force on water droplets, and (c) whether water droplets can survive the journey in the compressor and enter the combustor. Furthermore, three turbine myths that fogging/overspray increases the air density in the compressor, reduces the compressor power consumption, and noticeably enhances the GT efficiency are examined and discussed. Some common mistakes in describing the compressor work are identified and corrected. A newly constructed multiphase T–s diagram is used to explain the physics of water droplet evaporation process and corresponding entropy production during wet compression.
Systematic Fluid Selection for Organic Rankine Cycles and Performance Analysis for a Combined High and Low Temperature Cycle
Authors: Roedder Maximilian , Neef Matthias , Laux Christoph , Priebe Klaus-P.
Published: August 2015

The organic Rankine cycle (ORC) is an established thermodynamic process that converts waste heat to electric energy. Due to the wide range of organic working fluids available the fluid selection adds an additional degree-of-freedom to the early design phase of an ORC process. Despite thermodynamic aspects such as the temperature level of the heat source, other technical, economic, and safety aspects have to be considered. For the fluid selection process in this paper, 22 criteria were identified in six main categories while distinguishing between elimination (EC) and tolerance criteria (TC). For an ORC design, the suggested method follows a practical engineering approach and can be used as a structured way to limit the number of interesting working fluids before starting a detailed performance analysis of the most promising candidates. For the first time, the selection process is applied to a two-stage reference cycle, which uses the waste heat of a large reciprocating engine for cogeneration power plants. It consists of a high temperature (HT) and a low temperature (LT) cycle in which the condensation heat of the HT cycle provides the heat input of the LT cycle. After the fluid selection process, the detailed thermodynamic cycle design is carried out with a thermodynamic design tool that also includes a database for organic working fluids. The investigated ORC cycle shows a net thermal efficiency of about 17.4% in the HT cycle with toluene as the working fluid and 6.2% in LT cycle with isobutane as the working fluid. The electric efficiency of the cogeneration plant increases from 40.4% to 46.97% with the both stages of the two-stage ORC in operation.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling of Low Pressure Steam Turbine Radial Diffuser Flow by Using a Novel Multiple Mixing Plane Based Coupling—Simulation and Validation
Authors: Stein Peter , Pfoster Christoph , Sell Michael , Galpin Paul , Hansen Thorsten
Published: August 2015

The diffuser and exhaust of low pressure steam turbines show significant impact on the overall turbine performance. The amount of recovered enthalpy leads to a considerable increase of the turbine power output, and therefore a continuous focus of turbine manufacturers is put on this component. On the one hand, the abilities to aerodynamically design such components are improved, but on the other hand a huge effort is required to properly predict the resulting performance and to enable an accurate modeling of the overall steam turbine and therewith plant heat rate. A wide range of approaches is used to compute the diffuser and exhaust flow, with a wide range of quality. Today, it is well known and understood that there is a strong interaction of rear stage and diffuser flow, and the accuracy of the overall diffuser performance prediction strongly depends on a proper coupling of both domains. The most accurate, but also most expensive method is currently seen in a full annulus and transient coupling. However, for a standard industrial application of diffuser design in a standard development schedule, such a coupling is not feasible and more simplified methods have to be developed. The paper below presents a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling of low pressure steam turbine diffusers and exhausts based on a direct coupling of the rear stage and diffuser using a novel multiple mixing plane (MMP). It is shown that the approach enables a fast diffuser design process and is still able to accurately predict the flow field and hence the exhaust performance. The method is validated against several turbine designs measured in a scaled low pressure turbine model test rig using steam. The results show a very good agreement of the presented CFD modeling against the measurements.
Experimental Investigation on Dynamic Stiffness of Damaged Synthetic Fiber Ropes for Deepwater Moorings
Authors: Liu Haixiao , Lian Yushun , Li Linan , Zhang Yuming
Published: August 2015

To understand the evolution of dynamic stiffness of damaged synthetic fiber mooring ropes, experimental investigations of polyester and high modulus polyethylene (HMPE) ropes are systematically performed utilizing a specially designed experimental system. An experimental procedure is proposed and test results show that the dynamic stiffness increases with increasing mean load and loading cycles, while decreases with increasing strain amplitude and damage level. The similarity criterion of dynamic stiffness is derived from the dimensional analysis for damaged ropes and verified by experiments. An empirical expression that accounts for the damage, mean load, strain amplitude, and loading cycles is proposed to describe the damage effect upon dynamic stiffness of synthetic fiber mooring ropes.
Lubrication Characteristics of Electric Sliding Contacts Consisting of Rotating Circular Grooved Disk and Stationary Rider With Spherical Surface Under Lubricated Condition
Authors: Kaneko Satoru , Taura Hiroo , Fukasawa Ryosuke , Kanai Hitoshi
Published: August 2015

Electric sliding contacts are widely used in various electrical components such as for home appliances and automobiles. The purpose of the present study is to improve the performance characteristics of the electric sliding contacts operating under the lubricated condition by the combination of circular grooved disk and rider with a spherical surface. The experimental and theoretical analyses have been carried out to investigate the effect of cross-sectional area of circular grooves provided in the rotating disk surface on the frictional characteristics and the electrical conductivity. The experimental analysis is conducted with a pin-on-disk friction tester to measure the frictional force and the contact voltage between the sliding contacts under the lubricated condition. The oil-film force and the frictional force between the rider and disk are also calculated with the Reynolds equation and they are found to be closely corresponding to the experimental results. The results obtained in the present study show that increasing the cross-sectional area of the circular grooves on the disk extends the operation condition yielding the metal contact to a higher value of the bearing characteristic number S, which is defined by ηU0L0λ/W (η is the lubricant oil viscosity, U0 is the sliding velocity, L0 is the rider arc length in the sliding direction at the middle of radial width, W is the applied load, and λ is the aspect ratio of rider), and also decreases the frictional force at the maximum value of S at which the rider could contact with the disk surface. These are expected since upstream lubricant oil dragged into the contact region tends to easily leak out along the circular grooves, yielding a lower oil-film force between the rider and disk and enhancing the metal contact.
Effect of the Inhomogeneity in Races on the Dynamic Behavior of Rolling Bearing
Authors: Wang Wen-zhong , Zhang Sheng-guang , Zhao Zi-qiang , Ai Si-yuan
Published: August 2015

This paper develops an analytical model to investigate the effect of inhomogeneity in races on the dynamic behaviors of rolling bearing. The governing differential equations are obtained based on the Hertz contact theory and bearing kinematic equations with the centrifugal force and frictions considered. The surface disturbed displacement caused by inhomogeneities is obtained by the semi-analytical method (SAM) and treated as local surface defect in equations of motion through load–deformation relation. For the first time, the effect of material inhomogeneity on dynamics of rolling bearing is explored. The result shows that the inhomogeneity can make the system motion more complicated. The inhomogeneity in the inner race has a greater influence than in the outer race.
Axial Suspension Compliance and Compression for Enhancing Performance of a Nonlinear Vibration Energy Harvesting Beam System
Authors: Harne R. L. , Wang K. W.
Published: August 2015

Developing energy harvesting platforms that are strongly sensitive to the low and diffused frequency spectra of common environmental vibration sources is a research objective receiving great recent attention. It has been found that utilizing designs and incorporating structural influences that induce small values of linear stiffness may considerably enhance the power generation capabilities of energy harvesting systems. This research examines these two factors in new light toward the development of a biologically-inspired energy harvesting beam platform that exploits axial compressive effects and compliant suspensions. Through theory and experiments, it is found that the strategic exploitation of such characteristics promotes dramatic improvements in the average power that may be generated for the same excitation conditions. Examining the origin of these performance enhancements, it is seen that large compliance in the compressed axial suspensions facilitates a favorable redistribution of dynamic energy, which thereby enables greater bending of the harvester beam and increased electromechanical transduction.