bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MACv2-SP: a parameterization of anthropogenic aerosol optical properties and an associated Twomey effect for use in CMIP6
Authors: Stevens Bjorn , Fiedler Stephanie , Kinne Stefan , Peters Karsten , Rast Sebastian , Müsse Jobst , Smith Steven J. , Mauritsen Thorsten
Published: February 2017

Abstract. A simple plume implementation of the second version (v2) of the Max Planck Institute Aerosol Climatology, MACv2-SP, is described. MACv2-SP provides a prescription of anthropogenic aerosol optical properties and an associated Twomey effect. It was created to provide a harmonized description of post-1850 anthropogenic aerosol radiative forcing for climate modeling studies. MACv2-SP has been designed to be easy to implement, change and use, and thereby enable studies exploring the climatic effects of different patterns of aerosol radiative forcing, including a Twomey effect. MACv2-SP is formulated in terms of nine spatial plumes associated with different major anthropogenic source regions. The shape of the plumes is fit to the Max Planck Institute Aerosol Climatology, version 2, whose present-day (2005) distribution is anchored by surface-based observations. Two types of plumes are considered: one predominantly associated with biomass burning, the other with industrial emissions. These differ in the prescription of their annual cycle and in their optical properties, thereby implicitly accounting for different contributions of absorbing aerosol to the different plumes. A Twomey effect for each plume is prescribed as a change in the host model's background cloud-droplet population density using relationships derived from satellite data. Year-to-year variations in the amplitude of the plumes over the historical period (1850–2016) are derived by scaling the plumes with associated national emission sources of SO2 and NH3. Experiments using MACv2-SP are performed with the Max Planck Institute Earth System Model. The globally and annually averaged instantaneous and effective aerosol radiative forcings are estimated to be −0.6 and −0.5 W m−2, respectively. Forcing from aerosol–cloud interactions (the Twomey effect) offsets the reduction of clear-sky forcing by clouds, so that the net effect of clouds on the aerosol forcing is small; hence, the clear-sky forcing, which is more readily measurable, provides a good estimate of the total aerosol forcing.
BUMPER v1.0: a Bayesian user-friendly model for palaeo-environmental reconstruction
Authors: Holden Philip B. , Birks H. John B. , Brooks Stephen J. , Bush Mark B. , Hwang Grace M. , Matthews-Bird Frazer , Valencia Bryan G. , van Woesik Robert
Published: February 2017

Abstract. We describe the Bayesian user-friendly model for palaeo-environmental reconstruction (BUMPER), a Bayesian transfer function for inferring past climate and other environmental variables from microfossil assemblages. BUMPER is fully self-calibrating, straightforward to apply, and computationally fast, requiring  ∼  2 s to build a 100-taxon model from a 100-site training set on a standard personal computer. We apply the model's probabilistic framework to generate thousands of artificial training sets under ideal assumptions. We then use these to demonstrate the sensitivity of reconstructions to the characteristics of the training set, considering assemblage richness, taxon tolerances, and the number of training sites. We find that a useful guideline for the size of a training set is to provide, on average, at least 10 samples of each taxon. We demonstrate general applicability to real data, considering three different organism types (chironomids, diatoms, pollen) and different reconstructed variables. An identically configured model is used in each application, the only change being the input files that provide the training-set environment and taxon-count data. The performance of BUMPER is shown to be comparable with weighted average partial least squares (WAPLS) in each case. Additional artificial datasets are constructed with similar characteristics to the real data, and these are used to explore the reasons for the differing performances of the different training sets.
Future snow? A spatial-probabilistic assessment of the extraordinarily low snowpacks of 2014 and 2015 in the Oregon Cascades
Authors: Sproles Eric A. , Roth Travis R. , Nolin Anne W.
Published: February 2017

Abstract. In the Pacific Northwest, USA, the extraordinarily low snowpacks of winters 2013–2014 and 2014–2015 stressed regional water resources and the social-environmental system. We introduce two new approaches to better understand how seasonal snow water storage during these two winters would compare to snow water storage under warmer climate conditions. The first approach calculates a spatial-probabilistic metric representing the likelihood that the snow water storage of 2013–2014 and 2014–2015 would occur under +2 °C perturbed climate conditions. We computed snow water storage (basin-wide and across elevations) and the ratio of snow water equivalent to cumulative precipitation (across elevations) for the McKenzie River basin (3041 km2), a major tributary to the Willamette River in Oregon, USA. We applied these computations to calculate the occurrence probability for similarly low snow water storage under climate warming. Results suggest that, relative to +2 °C conditions, basin-wide snow water storage during winter 2013–2014 would be above average, while that of winter 2014–2015 would be far below average. Snow water storage on 1 April corresponds to a 42 % (2013–2014) and 92 % (2014–2015) probability of being met or exceeded in any given year. The second approach introduces the concept of snow analogs to improve the anticipatory capacity of climate change impacts on snow-derived water resources. The use of a spatial-probabilistic approach and snow analogs provide new methods of assessing basin-wide snow water storage in a non-stationary climate and are readily applicable in other snow-dominated watersheds.
Design of advanced airfoil for stall-regulated wind turbines
Authors: Grasso Francesco , Coiro Domenico , Bizzarrini Nadia , Calise Giuseppe
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Nowadays, all the modern MW-class wind turbines make use of pitch control to optimize the rotor performance and control the turbine. However, for kW-range machines, stall-regulated solutions are still attractive and largely used for their simplicity and robustness. On the design phase, the aerodynamics plays a crucial role, especially concerning the selection/design of the necessary airfoils. This is because the airfoil performance should guarantee high wind turbine performance, but also the needed machine control capabilities. In the present work, the design of a new airfoil dedicated for stall machines is discussed. The design strategy makes use of numerical optimization scheme where a gradient-based algorithm is coupled with XFOIL code and an original Bezier-curves-based parameterization to describe the airfoil shape. The performances of the new airfoil are compared in free and fixed transition conditions. In addition, the performance of the rotor is analysed comparing the impact of the new geometry with alternative candidates. The results show that the new airfoil offers better performance and control than existing candidates do.
Penser la confiance avec Paul Ricoeur
Authors: Assayag Laure
Published: February 2017

This article proposes to retrace the path of trust that Paul Ricœur has drawn across his works. If the concept of trust is never themed as such, nevertheless it unfolds in subtle ways in fields as diverse as ethics, morality, politics, and religion. We will argue that trust is a solid but fragile foundation for Ricœur’s recognition theory. Rooted in man’s structural disproportion, trust is a perpetual tension between the finitude of existence and the infinitude of mutual recognition, between the ability and fallibility of the human being -it is thus a continuous search, always disappointing but always renewed, of a mediation between the self and the other, the hope of happiness and the reality of evil. The analysis of various forms of trust, including interpersonal and institutional forms, will then be coupled with a study of trust in practical terms, based on Ricœur’s approach to healthcare relationships, or the perception of foreigners.
Le jugement et sa logique dans la philosophie de Ricœur (Première partie)
Authors: Lacour Philippe
Published: February 2017

Dans cet article, je souligne le lien profond qui relie la philosophie pratique de Ricœur à la question du langage. J’insiste sur le fait que celle-ci donne son unité à celle-là, parce qu’elle en constitue l’axe privilégié, pour des raisons méthodologiques. Je rappelle la définition que Ricœur donne du discours et explique ses différentes dimensions transphrastiques. Je montre ensuite que cette philosophie du langage est soigneusement réinvestie dans une logique du jugement très cohérente, qui sous-tend ses développements épistémologiques touchant les disciplines normatives (éthique, droit, politique). J’insiste tout particulièrement sur la logique du jugement judiciaire.
Introduction (fr)
Authors: Lelièvre Samuel , Inizan Yvon
Published: February 2017

[introduction]
Desafíos deontológicos del periodismo digital en Bélgica
Authors: Suárez Villegas Juan Carlos
Published: February 2017

El periodismo digital plante nuevos retos deontológicos en la profesión periodística. En el marco de un análisis comparativo del periodismo online en tres países europeos, España, Italia y Bélgica, se exponen los resultados de la segunda fase del trabajo de campo llevado a cabo en Bélgica, el cual consistió en una serie de entrevistas en profundidad a periodistas que desarrollan su actividad en el medios online para conocer su posición sobre cuestiones que afectan a sus decisiones éticas en este contexto más interactivo y dinámico en el que se lleva a cabo el trabajo periodístico.
Violencia escolar en la ciudad de Bluefields, RACCS Nicaragua
Authors: Hodgson Suárez Eva , Donaire Mena Verónica , Ibarra Ramírez Dora
Published: February 2017

Este estudio ha analizado las manifestaciones de Acoso Escolar (Bullying), causas y alteraciones psicológicas que ocasiona en estudiantes de Educación Secundaria de la ciudad de Bluefields. Es de tipo cuantitativo y cualitativo; la encuesta fue aplicada a 263 estudiantes de un universo de 536; estos datos fueron procesados a través del SPSS 0.17. También se desarrollaron dos grupos focales con la participación de 14 estudiantes y entrevistas individuales a 15 docentes. La información brindada fue analizada con las técnicas de análisis de contenido y discurso.Los resultados han revelado que los centros educativos de la ciudad de Bluefields no están exentos a la problemática del acoso escolar. Las manifestaciones de este fenómeno incluyen agresiones verbales, psicológicas, físicas y en menor escala las de índole sexual. Estas acciones desencadenan alteraciones emocionales en las víctimas de acoso, tales como el aislamiento social, baja autoestima, temor e ideas suicidas, esto también disminuye su rendimiento escolar. Las principales causas del acoso escolar es la violencia intrafamiliar, y la discriminación por pertenecer a grupos étnicos minoritarios. En cuanto a las estrategias de afrontamientos más utilizadas por los estudiantes para manejar situaciones de acoso escolar se refieren las centradas en la resolución y las estrategias de evitación.
Using Learning Trajectories to Enhance Formative Assessment
Authors: Ebby Caroline B. , Petit Marjorie
Published: February 2017

Numerous research studies have shown that formative assessment is a classroom practice that when carried out effectively can improve student learning (Black and Wiliam 1998). Formative assessment is not just giving tests and quizzes more frequently. When assessment is truly formative, the evidence that is generated is interpreted by the teacher and the student and then used to make adjustments in the teaching and learning process. In other words, the formative assessment generates feedback, and that feedback is used to enhance student learning. Formative assessment is therefore fundamentally an interpretive process: It is less about the structure, format, or timing of the assessment and more about the function and use by both the teacher and student (Wiliam 2011). For teachers of mathematics, the heart of this process is making sense of and understanding student thinking in relation to content goals.
Untargeted metabolomics approach for unraveling robust biomarkers of nutritional status in fasted gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata)
Authors: Gil-Solsona Ruben , Nácher-Mestre Jaime , Lacalle-Bergeron Leticia , Sancho Juan Vicente , Calduch-Giner Josep Alvar , Hernández Félix , Pérez-Sánchez Jaume
Published: February 2017

A metabolomic study has been performed to identify sensitive and robust biomarkers of malnutrition in farmed fish, using gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) as a model. The metabolomic fingerprinting of serum from fasted fish was assessed by means of ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. More than 15,000 differentm/zions were detected and Partial Least Squares–Discriminant analysis allowed a clear differentiation between the two experimental groups (fed and 10-day fasted fish) with more than 90% of total variance explained by the two first components. The most significant metabolites (up to 45) were elucidated on the basis of their tandem mass spectra with a broad representation of amino acids, oligopeptides, urea cycle metabolites, L-carnitine-related metabolites, glutathione-related metabolites, fatty acids, lysophosphatidic acids, phosphatidylcholines as well as biotin- and noradrenaline-related metabolites. This untargeted approach highlighted important adaptive responses in energy and oxidative metabolism, contributing to identify robust and nutritionally-regulated biomarkers of health and metabolic condition that will serve to assess the welfare status of farmed fish.
Study of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction in Patients Undergoing Cataract Surgery from Rural Ophthalmology Camps
Authors: Murali Anand , Krishnaswamy Malavika
Published: February 2017

This study was performed to determine the prevalence of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction in patients undergoing cataract surgery at rural ophthalmology camps. McMonnies Dry Eye questionnaire was used to evaluate the symptoms.

The patients were subjected to slit lamp examination, Schirmer’s Test, fluorescein staining and Tear film break-up time (TBUT). After examining 209 patients with varying cataract status, dry eye was found to have a prevalence of 37.8% with TBUT <10 seconds, but only 5.26% showed apparent signs of MGD. 33.5% subjects had a deficient aqueous component.

The results suggest that the cause of dry eyes is not attributed to MGD.
Production of alkenes and novel secondary products by P450 OleTJE using novel H2O2‐generating fusion protein systems
Authors: Matthews Sarah , Tee Kang Lan , Rattray Nicholas J. , McLean Kirsty J. , Leys David , Parker David A. , Blankley Richard T. , Munro Andrew W.
Published: February 2017

Jeotgalicoccus sp. 8456 OleTJE (CYP152L1) is a fatty acid decarboxylase cytochrome P450 that uses hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to catalyse production of terminal alkenes, which are industrially important chemicals with biofuel applications. We report enzyme fusion systems in which Streptomyces coelicolor alditol oxidase (AldO) is linked to OleTJE. AldO oxidizes polyols (including glycerol), generating H2O2 as a coproduct and facilitating its use for efficient OleTJE‐dependent fatty acid decarboxylation. AldO activity is regulatable by polyol substrate titration, enabling control over H2O2 supply to minimize oxidative inactivation of OleTJE and prolong activity for increased alkene production. We also use these fusion systems to generate novel products from secondary turnover of 2‐OH and 3‐OH myristic acid primary products, expanding the catalytic repertoire of OleTJE.
High‐speed MCP anodes for high time resolution low‐energy charged particle spectrometers
Authors: Saito Yoshifumi , Yokota Shoichiro , Asamura Kazushi , Krieger Amanda
Published: February 2017

The time resolution of low‐energy charged particle measurements is becoming higher and higher. In order to realize high time resolution measurements, a 1‐D circular delay line anode has been developed as a high‐speed microchannel plate (MCP) anode. The maximum count rate of the 1‐D circular delay line anode is around 1 × 107/s/360°, which is much higher than the widely used resistive anode, whose maximum count rate is around 1 × 106/s/360°. In order to achieve much higher speeds, an MCP anode with application‐specific integrated circuit (ASIC) has been developed. We have decided to adopt an anode configuration in which a discrete anode is formed on a ceramic substrate, and a bare ASIC chip is installed on the back of the ceramic. It has been found that the anode can detect at a high count rate of 2 × 108/s/360°. Developments in both delay line and discrete anodes, as well as readout electronics, will be reviewed.
On the origin of low‐energy electrons in the inner magnetosphere: Fluxes and pitch‐angle distributions
Authors: Denton M. H. , Reeves G. D. , Larsen B. A. , Friedel R. H. W. , Thomsen M. F. , Fernandes P. A. , Skoug R. M. , Funsten H. O. , Sarno‐Smith L. K.
Published: February 2017

Accurate knowledge of the plasma fluxes in the inner magnetosphere is essential for both scientific and programmatic applications. Knowledge of the low‐energy electrons (approximately tens to hundreds of eV) in the inner magnetosphere is particularly important since these electrons are acted upon by various physical processes, accelerating the electrons to higher energies, and also causing their loss. However, measurements of low‐energy electrons are challenging, and as a result, this population has been somewhat neglected previously. This study concerns observations of low‐energy electrons made by the Helium Oxygen Proton Electron instrument on board the Van Allen Probes satellites and also observations from geosynchronous orbit made by the Magnetospheric Plasma Analyzer on board Los Alamos National Laboratory satellites. The fluxes of electrons from ~30 eV to 1 keV are quantified as a function of pitch‐angle, McIlwain L parameter, and local time for both quiet and active periods. Results indicate two sources for low‐energy electrons in this energy range: the low‐energy tail of the electron plasma sheet and the high‐energy tail of the dayside ionosphere. These populations are identified primarily as a result of their different pitch‐angle distributions. Field‐aligned outflows from the dayside ionosphere are observed at all L shells during quiet and active periods. Our results also demonstrate that the dayside electron field‐aligned fluxes at ~30 eV are particularly strong between L values of 6 and 7, indicating an enhanced source within the polar ionosphere.
EDR signatures observed by MMS in the 16 October event presented in a 2‐D parametric space
Authors: Alm L. , Argall M. R. , Torbert R. B. , Farrugia C. J. , Burch J. L. , Ergun R. E. , Russell C. T. , Strangeway R. J. , Khotyaintsev Y. V. , Lindqvist P.‐A. , Marklund G. T. , Giles B. L. , Shuster J.
Published: February 2017

We present a method for mapping the position of satellites relative to the X line using the measured BL and BN components of the magnetic field and apply it to the Magnetospheric multiscale (MMS) encounter with the electron diffusion region (EDR) which occurred on 13:07 UT on 16 October 2015. Mapping the data to our parametric space succeeds in capturing many of the signatures associated with magnetic reconnection and the electron diffusion region. This offers a method for determining where in the reconnection region the satellites were located. In addition, parametric mapping can also be used to present data from numerical simulations. This facilitates comparing data from simulations with data from in situ observations as one can avoid the complicated process using boundary motion analysis to determine the geometry of the reconnection region. In parametric space we can identify the EDR based on the collocation of several reconnection signatures, such as electron nongyrotropy, electron demagnetization, parallel electric fields, and energy dissipation. The EDR extends 2–3 km in the normal direction and in excess of 20 km in the tangential direction. It is clear that the EDR occurs on the magnetospheric side of the topological X line, which is expected in asymmetric reconnection. Furthermore, we can observe a north‐south asymmetry, where the EDR occurs north of the peak in out‐of‐plane current, which may be due to the small but finite guide field.
Combining CrIS double CO2 bands for detecting clouds located in different layers of the atmosphere
Authors: Lin Lin , Zou Xiaolei , Weng Fuzhong
Published: February 2017

Detection of clouds within certain vertical layers of the atmosphere from satellite infrared instruments is challenging, especially of those optically thin clouds due to their small thermal contrasts to the background. This study develops a new method for cloud detection by using the Cross‐track Infrared Sounder (CrIS) hyperspectral radiances at shortwave (~4.3 µm) and longwave (~15 µm) CO2 bands. Specifically, CrIS longwave channels are first paired with shortwave channels based on weighting function altitudes and sensitivity to clouds. A linear relationship of brightness temperatures between each paired channel is then derived for predicting the shortwave channel from the longwave channel in clear‐sky conditions. A cloud emission and scattering index (CESI) can finally be defined as the difference of the paired shortwave channel between the clear‐sky, regression model predicted and the observed brightness temperatures. Spatial distributions of such derived CESI for several paired channels in the troposphere are examined for a winter storm that occurred in the eastern part of the United States during 22–24 January 2016. It is shown that the CESI values over the storm regions with optically thin cirrus, fog, and supercooled water clouds are positively larger than those over optically thick opaque ice and overshooting clouds or in clear‐sky conditions. Of particular interest is that an area of fog and water clouds over Gulf of Mexico, which are indicated by the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite day and night band observations, is identified by the CESI. The global distribution of CESIs derived from CrIS double CO2 bands with weighting functions peak around 321 hPa agrees well with the distribution of ice cloud optical thickness from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder version 6 cloud product data set in both daytime and nighttime.
Direct radiative effect of aerosols based on PARASOL and OMI satellite observations
Authors: Lacagnina Carlo , Hasekamp Otto P. , Torres Omar
Published: February 2017

Accurate portrayal of the aerosol characteristics is crucial to determine aerosol contribution to the Earth's radiation budget. We employ novel satellite retrievals to make a new measurement‐based estimate of the shortwave direct radiative effect of aerosols (DREA), both over land and ocean. Global satellite measurements of aerosol optical depth, single‐scattering albedo (SSA), and phase function from PARASOL (Polarization and Anisotropy of Reflectances for Atmospheric Sciences coupled with Observations from a Lidar) are used in synergy with OMI (Ozone Monitoring Instrument) SSA. Aerosol information is combined with land‐surface bidirectional reflectance distribution function and cloud characteristics from MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) satellite products. Eventual gaps in observations are filled with the state‐of‐the‐art global aerosol model ECHAM5‐HAM2. It is found that our estimate of DREA is largely insensitive to model choice. Radiative transfer calculations show that DREA at top‐of‐atmosphere is −4.6 ± 1.5 W/m2 for cloud‐free and −2.1 ± 0.7 W/m2 for all‐sky conditions, during year 2006. These fluxes are consistent with, albeit generally less negative over ocean than, former assessments. Unlike previous studies, our estimate is constrained by retrievals of global coverage SSA, which may justify different DREA values. Remarkable consistency is found in comparison with DREA based on CERES (Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System) and MODIS observations.
O3 variability in the troposphere as observed by IASI over 2008–2016: Contribution of atmospheric chemistry and dynamics
Authors: Wespes C. , Hurtmans D. , Clerbaux C. , Coheur P.‐F.
Published: February 2017

We analyze the ozone (O3) variability in the troposphere (from ground to 300 hPa) using 8 years (January 2008 to March 2016) of O3 profile measurements provided by the Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) on board the MetOp satellite. The capability of IASI to monitor the year‐to‐year variability in that layer is examined first in terms of vertical sensitivity, a priori contribution, and correlations in the deseasonalized anomalies with the upper layers. We present global patterns of the main geophysical drivers (e.g., solar flux, Quasi‐biennal Oscillation—QBO, North Atlantic Oscillation—NAO, and El Niño–Southern Oscillation—ENSO) of IASI O3 variations, obtained by applying appropriate annual and seasonal multivariate regression models on time series of spatially gridded averaged O3. The results show that the models are able to explain most of the O3 variability captured by IASI. Large O3 changes in the North Arctic/Euro‐Atlantic sector and over the equatorial band are attributed to the NAO and the QBO effects, respectively. ENSO is modeled as the main contributor to the O3 variations in the tropical band where direct effects of warm and cool ENSO phases are highlighted with a clear tropical‐extratropical gradient. A strong west‐east gradient in the tropics is also found and likely reflects an indirect effect related to ENSO dry conditions. Finally, we also show that the ENSO perturbs the O3 variability far from the tropics into middle and high latitudes where a significant 4‐month time‐lag in the response of O3 to ENSO is identified for the first time.
Myostatin promotes tenogenic differentiation of C2C12 myoblast cells through Smad3
Authors: Uemura Kazutaka , Hayashi Masanori , Itsubo Toshiro , Oishi Ayumu , Iwakawa Hiroko , Komatsu Masatoshi , Uchiyama Shigeharu , Kato Hiroyuki
Published: February 2017

Myostatin, a member of the transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) superfamily, is expressed in developing and adult skeletal muscle and negatively regulates skeletal muscle growth. Recently, myostatin has been found to be expressed in tendons and increases tendon fibroblast proliferation and the expression of tenocyte markers. C2C12 is a mouse myoblast cell line, which has the ability to transdifferentiate into osteoblast and adipocyte lineages. We hypothesized that myostatin is capable of inducing tenogenic differentiation of C2C12 cells. We found that the expression of scleraxis, a tendon progenitor cell marker, is much higher in C2C12 than in the multipotent mouse mesenchymal fibroblast cell line C3H10T1/2. In comparison with other growth factors, myostatin significantly up‐regulated the expression of the tenogenic marker in C2C12 cells under serum‐free culture conditions. Immunohistochemistry showed that myostatin inhibited myotube formation and promoted the formation of spindle‐shaped cells expressing tenomodulin. We examined signaling pathways essential for tenogenic differentiation to clarify the mechanism of myostatin‐induced differentiation of C2C12 into tenocytes. The expression of tenomodulin was significantly suppressed by treatment with the ALK inhibitor SB341542, in contrast to p38MAPK (SB203580) and MEK1 (PD98059) inhibitors. RNAi silencing of Smad3 significantly suppressed myostatin‐induced tenomodulin expression. These results indicate that myostatin has a potential role in the induction of tenogenic differentiation of C2C12 cells, which have tendon progenitor cell characteristics, through activation of Smad3‐mediated signaling.
Inhibition of the TGFβ signalling pathway by cGMP and cGMP‐dependent kinase I in renal fibrosis
Authors: Schinner Elisabeth , Wetzl Veronika , Schramm Andrea , Kees Frieder , Sandner Peter , Stasch Johannes‐Peter , Hofmann Franz , Schlossmann Jens
Published: February 2017

Agents that enhance production of nitric oxide (NO) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) ameliorate the progression of renal fibrosis. However, the molecular mechanism of this process is not fully understood. We hypothesize that the antifibrotic effects of cGMP and cGMP‐dependent kinase I (cGKI) are mediated via regulation of the TGFβ signalling pathway, both via ERK and the Smad‐dependent route. Kidney fibrosis was induced by unilateral ureter obstruction (UUO) in wild‐type and cGKI‐deficient (cGKI‐KO) mice. The cGMP/cGKI signalling pathway was activated by application of the soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulator BAY 41‐8543 (BAY), beginning 1 day after UUO. After 7 days, the antifibrotic effects of BAY were analysed by measuring mRNA and protein expression of characteristic fibrotic biomarkers. The effects of cGMP/TGFβ on cultured fibroblasts were also analysed in vitro. BAY application influenced the activity of the extracellular matrix (ECM)‐degrading matrix metalloproteases (MMP2 and MMP9) and their inhibitor tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase‐1, the secretion of cytokines (e.g. IL‐6) and the expression pattern of ECM proteins (e.g. collagen, fibronectin) and profibrotic mediators (e.g. connective tissue growth factors and plasminogen‐activator inhibitor‐1). Activation of the cGMP/cGKI signalling pathway showed protective effects against fibrosis which were mediated by inhibition of P‐Erk1/2 and translocation of P‐smad3. The elucidation of these signalling mechanisms might support the development of new therapeutic options regarding cGMP/cGKI‐mediated antifibrotic actions.
Do Community Characteristics Relate to Young Adult College Students’ Credit Card Debt? The Hypothesized Role of Collective Institutional Efficacy
Authors: Friedline Terri , West Stacia , Rosell Nehemiah , Serido Joyce , Shim Soyeon
Published: February 2017

This study examines the extent of emergent, outstanding credit card debt among young adult college students and investigates whether any associations existed between this credit card debt and the characteristics of the communities in which these students grew up or lived. Using data (N = 748) from a longitudinal survey and merging community characteristics measured at the zip code level, we confirmed that a community's unemployment rate, average total debt, average credit score, and number of bank branch offices were associated with a young adult college student's acquisition and accumulation of credit card debt. For example, a community's higher unemployment rate and lower number of bank branches were associated with a young adult college student's greater accumulated debt. Community characteristics had the strongest associations with credit card debt, especially after controlling for individual characteristics (i.e., a young adult college student's race and financial independence) and familial characteristics (i.e., their parents’ income and parents’ discussions of financial matters while growing up at home). The findings may help to understand the unique roles that communities play in shaping children and young adults’ financial capability, and how communities can be better capacitated to support the financial goals of their residents.
Not just a fallback food: global patterns of insect consumption related to geography, not agriculture
Authors: Lesnik Julie J.
Published: February 2017

Objectives

Insects as food are often viewed as fallback resources and associated with marginal environments. This study investigates the relationship between insect consumption and noncultivated landscapes as well as with other independent variables including latitude, area, population, and gross domestic product.

Methods

Data were obtained from online databases including the World List of Edible Insects, the World Bank, and the World Factbook.

Results

A logistic regression model found that latitude could correctly predict the presence of edible insects 80% of the time and that arable land and gross domestic product showed no effect. Spearman rank‐order correlation with number of insect species found significant relationships between area and population (but not density) and per capita gross domestic product as well as latitude. Further analysis of latitude using paired Mann‐Whitney tests identified a general gradient pattern in reduction of edible insects with increased latitude.

Conclusions

Results suggest that insect consumption represents a dynamic human‐environment interaction, whereby insects are utilized in some of the world's lushest environments as well as areas where people have had great impact on the ecosystem. The concept that insects are a fallback food is an oversimplification that is likely rooted in Western bias against this food source.
Individual (f,tA)‐ and (f,tC)‐Fullerene‐Based Nickel(II) Glycinates: Protected Chiral Amino Acids Directly Linked to a Chiral π‐Electron System
Authors: Levitskiy Oleg A. , Grishin Yuri K. , Semivrazhskaya Olesya O. , Ambartsumyan Asmik A. , Kochetkov Konstantin A. , Magdesieva Tatiana V.
Published: February 2017

Stereoselective electrosynthesis of the first individual (f,tA)‐ and (f,tC)‐1,4‐fullerene derivatives with a non‐inherently chiral functionalization pattern is described, as well as the first example of an optically pure protected primary amino acid directly linked to the fullerene through only the chiral α‐amino‐acid carbon atom. An application of an auxiliary chiral nickel‐Schiff base moiety as derivatizing agent allowed separation of (f,tA)‐ and (f,tC)‐1,4‐fullerene derivatives using an achiral stationary phase, a separation which has never been done before.
Mechanistische Studien an zwei bakteriellen Diterpencyclasen: Spiroviolen‐Synthase und Tsukubadien‐Synthase
Authors: Rabe Patrick , Rinkel Jan , Dolja Etilia , Schmitz Thomas , Nubbemeyer Britta , Luu T. Hoang , Dickschat Jeroen S.
Published: February 2017

Die Mechanismen von zwei Diterpencyclasen aus Streptomyceten – eine mit unbekanntem Produkt, das als der spirocyclische Kohlenwasserstoff Spiroviolen identifiziert wurde, und eine mit dem bekannten Produkt Tsukubadien – wurden detailliert durch Isotopenmarkierungsexperimente untersucht. Obwohl die Strukturen der Produkte sehr unterschiedlich sind, beginnen die Cyclisierungsmechanismen beider Enzyme mit derselben Cyclisierungsreaktion, bevor sie auf dem Weg zu ihren individuellen Produkten divergieren. Dies spiegelt die nahe phylogenetische Verwandtschaft der Enzyme wider.
Mccrearamycins A–D, Geldanamycin‐Derived Cyclopentenone Macrolactams from an Eastern Kentucky Abandoned Coal Mine Microbe
Authors: Wang Xiachang , Zhang Yinan , Ponomareva Larissa V. , Qiu Qingchao , Woodcock Ryan , Elshahawi Sherif I. , Chen Xiabin , Zhou Ziyuan , Hatcher Bruce E. , Hower James C. , Zhan Chang‐Guo , Parkin Sean , Kharel Madan K. , Voss S. Randal , Shaaban Khaled A. , Thorson Jon S.
Published: February 2017

Four cyclopentenone‐containing ansamycin polyketides (mccrearamycins A–D), and six new geldanamycins (Gdms B–G, including new linear and mycothiol conjugates), were characterized as metabolites of Streptomyces sp. AD‐23‐14 isolated from the Rock Creek underground coal mine acid drainage site. Biomimetic chemical conversion studies using both simple synthetic models and Gdm D confirmed that the mccrearamycin cyclopentenone derives from benzilic acid rearrangement of 19‐hydroxy Gdm, and thereby provides a new synthetic derivatization strategy and implicates a potential unique biocatalyst in mccrearamycin cyclopentenone formation. In addition to standard Hsp90α binding and cell line cytotoxicity assays, this study also highlights the first assessment of Hsp90α modulators in a new axolotl embryo tail regeneration (ETR) assay as a potential new whole animal assay for Hsp90 modulator discovery.
Enrichment of Specifically Labeled Proteins by an Immobilized Host Molecule
Authors: Murray James , Sim Jaehwan , Oh Kyunghoon , Sung Gihyun , Lee Ara , Shrinidhi Annadka , Thirunarayanan Ayyavu , Shetty Dinesh , Kim Kimoon
Published: February 2017

Chemical proteomics relies primarily on click‐chemistry‐based protein labeling and biotin‐streptavidin enrichment, but these techniques have inherent limitations. Enrichment of intracellular proteins using a totally synthetic host–guest complex is described, overcoming the problem associated with the classical approach. We achieve this by affinity‐based protein labeling with a target‐specific probe molecule conjugated to a high‐affinity guest (suberanilohydroxamic acid–ammonium‐adamantane; SAHA‐Ad) and then enriching the labeled species using a cucurbit[7]uril bead. This method shows high specificity for labeled molecules in a MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cell lysate. Moreover, this method shows promise for labeling proteins in live cells.
Messtechnik für den Erdkabeltrassenbau – Ermittlung der Wärmeleitfähigkeit von Bettungsmaterialien
Authors: Stegner Johannes , Drefke Christoph , Hailemariam Henok , Anbergen Hauke , Wuttke Frank , Sass Ingo
Published: February 2017

Im Zuge der Energiewende erfolgt eine Netzumstrukturierung zur Übertragung der dezentral und aus erneuerbaren Quellen erzeugten elektrischen Energie. Ein Schlüsselelement des Energietransportes und der Verteilung stellt hierbei der Ausbau von Erdkabel trassen dar. In den kommenden Jahren werden dazu massive Netzausbaumaßnahmen notwendig.

Ein entscheidender Auslegungsparameter für Kabeltrassen ist die Einhaltung der zulässigen Betriebstemperaturen des Kabels. Die Wärmeentwicklung des sich unter Last aufheizenden Kabels muss möglichst effizient an den umgebenden Untergrund abgegeben werden. Die physikalischen Eigenschaften von Bettungsmaterialien, welche zum Einbau der Kabel mechanisch verdichtet werden, können durch diese Verdichtung zum Teil erheblichen Veränderungen unterliegen. In der Praxis werden diese Größen häufig auf Grundlage tabellierter Werte angenommen. In der Realität finden jedoch vielfältige thermisch‐hydraulisch gekoppelte Transportprozesse statt, deren genaue Analyse eine ökonomischere Auslegung einer Trasse ermöglichen kann. So können Kabel in Böden mit hohen effektiven Wärmeleitfähigkeiten höher belastet werden und Böden mit geringer effektiver Wärmeleitfähigkeit bereits im Bau erkannt und ausgetauscht oder durch bauliche Maßnahmen entsprechend verbessert werden. Damit können u. a. auch Kabelschäden aufgrund von Überhitzung vermieden werden. In den vergangenen Jahren wurden die hier vorgestellten Messverfahren entwickelt, welche eine zügige Laboruntersuchung der relevanten thermischen und hydraulischen Parameter von Bettungsmaterialien ermöglichen.
Simultaneous determination of mycophenolic acid and its glucuronide and glycoside derivatives in canine and feline plasma by UHPLC‐UV
Authors: Rivera Sol Maiam , Hwang Julianne K. , Slovak Jeniffer E. , Court Michael H. , Villarino Nicolas F.
Published: February 2017

Cats and dogs can suffer from multiple autoimmune diseases. Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is a potentially useful immunosuppressant drug in cats and dogs, because of its well‐documented efficacy in controlling autoimmune disease in humans. However, the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in these species remain to be determined. We have developed and validated a sensitive, precise, accurate and reproducible method that provides consistent quantification of MPA and its major derivatives, MPA phenol glucoside and MPA phenol glucuronide, in canine and feline plasma using ultra‐high‐pressure liquid chromatography coupled to an ultraviolet detector. The main advantages of this novel method include a small sample volume, easy sample preparation, a short chromatographic analysis time and the option to select either phenolphthalein β‐d‐glucuronide or mycophenolic acid carboxybutoxy ether as internal standard. Results of validation indicate that this analytical method is suitable to study the plasma disposition of MPA and its derivatives in dogs and cats.
SoFA: A matlab‐based educational software for the shallow foundation analysis and design
Authors: Nikolaou Konstantinos , Pitilakis Dimitris
Published: February 2017

Shallow Foundation Analysis (SoFA) software is a newly‐developed free stand‐alone program based on Matlab for the calculation of bearing capacity and settlements of shallow foundations. SoFA uses several well‐known formulas from the literature and design codes that are preferred in engineering practice and not complicated numerical methods. The main goal is to provide the end‐user (student, academic, or professional civil engineer) with a simple, useful, user‐friendly tool to perform preliminary assessment of foundation analysis. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 25:214–221, 2017; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21791
Bailout polytetrafluoroethylene‐covered stent implantation for left main bifurcation perforation using the kissing stent technique
Authors: Moriyama Noriaki , Tanaka Yutaka , Saito Shigeru
Published: February 2017

Coronary artery perforation during percutaneous coronary intervention is a rare, but potentially lethal complication. Immediate balloon expansion at the perforation site can halt the bleeding. Implantation of a coronary polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)‐covered stent enables the efficient endovascular repair of a coronary artery perforation. However, if the perforation occurs at a bifurcation, a PTFE‐covered stent may jail the side branch. We report a difficult case of blowout coronary perforation (Ellis type III) at a left main coronary artery bifurcation, which was successfully sealed with a PTFE‐covered stent without interference with the side branch coronary artery circulation. This new strategy might represent a useful salvage option for some patients with a coronary bifurcation perforation. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Maneuvers for technical success with transcatheter mitral valve repair
Authors: Sorajja Paul , Kanda Brinder , Bae Richard , Pedersen Wesley A. , Gössl Mario
Published: February 2017

Mitral valve regurgitation (MR) is common, with a prevalence that exceeds 9% for those patients >75 years of age. For symptomatic patients with prohibitive surgical risk, transcatheter mitral valve repair with the MitraClip® system (Abbott Vascular, Menlo Park, CA) is available for clinical use and is effective in reducing MR in select patients. For optimal clinical success, the procedure requires mastery of complex catheterization skills with application of an in‐depth understanding of the mitral valve anatomy. We herein describe elementary and advanced maneuvers for successful transcatheter mitral valve repair with MitraClip®. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Safety of catheter‐directed thrombolysis for massive and submassive pulmonary embolism: Results of a multicenter registry and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bloomer Tyler L. , El‐Hayek Georges E. , McDaniel Michael C. , Sandvall Breck C. , Liberman Henry A. , Devireddy Chandan M. , Kumar Gautam , Fong Pete P. , Jaber Wissam A.
Published: February 2017

Objectives

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of catheter‐directed thrombolysis (CDT) in the treatment of acute pulmonary embolism (PE).

Background

The use of CDT for the treatment of acute submassive and massive PE is increasing in frequency. However, its safety and efficacy have not been well elucidated.

Methods

This study is made of two parts: one is a two‐center registry of acute PE patients treated with CDT. The safety outcome evaluated was any major complication including fatal, intracranial (ICH), intraocular, or retroperitoneal hemorrhage or any overt bleeding requiring transfusion or surgical repair. The efficacy outcome was acute change in invasive pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP). The second part is a meta‐analysis of all contemporary studies that used CDT for PE. Reported outcomes are the same as in the registry, with the addition of right ventricular to left ventricular (RV/LV) ratio change.

Results

In the registry, 137 patients were included (age 59 ± 15, 50% male, 88% submassive PE). ICH occurred in two patients and major complications in 13 (9.4%). PASP decreased post procedure by 19 ± 15 mm Hg (95% CI 16–23). In the meta‐analysis, 16 studies were included with 860 patients. Rate of ICH was 0.35% and the major complication rate was 4.65%, most requiring transfusion only. In‐hospital mortality was 12.9% in the massive and 0.74% in the submassive group. All studies showed improvement in PASP and/or RV/LV ratio post CDT.

Conclusions

CDT is associated with a low major complication rate. Randomized studies are needed to evaluate its efficacy relative to anticoagulation alone. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intraluminal bioresorbable vascular scaffold dismantling with aneurysm formation leading to very late thrombosis
Authors: Patel Amisha , Nazif Tamim , Stone Gregg W. , Ali Ziad A.
Published: February 2017

Coronary artery aneurysm formation has been described in patients after the placement of first‐generation drug‐eluting stents (DES), but is less common with newer generation metallic stents. In contrast, coronary artery aneurysm formation may be more common with the use of bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) due to the frequent formation of evaginations in the arterial wall seen with BVS. In this article, we describe a unique case of BVS dismantling and thrombus formation leading to an acute coronary syndrome thirty‐two months after initial BVS placement. We also discuss existing literature and the pathophysiology of BVS degradation, in addition to the utility of optical coherence tomography in the identification of associated conditions, such as strut fracture, intraluminal scaffold dismantling (ILSD), under‐expansion, and/or malapposition. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Case report: apixaban‐induced thrombocytopenia
Authors: Snellgrove Oliver
Published: February 2017

Key Clinical Message

Apixaban is a relatively new drug, and its safety profile is still being established. Thrombocytopenia is an uncommon, but life‐threatening side effect with no previous published case repots. Clinicians must be aware of this and exercise caution particularly as some studies hint that it may be used in the management of HIT.
Cyclometalated N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Platinum(II) Complexes with Bridging Pyrazolates: Enhanced Photophysical Properties of Binuclear Blue Emitters
Authors: Pinter P. , Unger Y. , Strassner T.
Published: February 2017

The synthesis of the first examples of phosphorescent binuclear cyclometalated N‐heterocyclic carbene C^C* μ‐pyrazolate platinum(II) complexes are reported and the photophysical characterization of the single isomers is described. The complexes exhibit a strong phosphorescent emission in the blue region of the visible spectrum with very high quantum yields of up to 86 % at room temperature (PMMA film) and 98 % at 77 K (2‐MeTHF).
Flow‐Cytometry‐Based Method to Detect Escherichia coli and Shigella Spp. Using 16S rRNA‐Based Probe
Authors: Xue Yong , Wilkes Jon G. , Moskal Ted J. , Williams Anna J. , Cooper Willie M. , Buzatu Dan A.
Published: February 2017

Detection of microbial contamination in foods before they go on to the market can help prevent the occurrence of foodborne illness outbreaks. Current methods for the detection of Escherichia coli are limited by time‐consuming procedures, which include multiple culture incubation steps, and require several days to get results. This unit describes the development of an improved rapid flow‐cytometry‐based detection method that has greater sensitivity and specificity. This method requires less time‐to‐results (TTR) and can detect a small number of E. coli in the presence of large numbers of other bacteria. Clear step‐by‐step protocols for cell concentration determination, sample preparation, and flow cytometric analysis are provided. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.