bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Managing Information Privacy and Information Access in the Public Sector
Authors: Duncan George T.
Published: October 2013

Government agencies collect and disseminate data that bear on the most important issues of public interest. Advances in information technology, particularly the Internet, have multiplied the tension between demands for evermore comprehensive databases and demands for the shelter of privacy. In mediating between these two conflicting demands, agencies must address a host of difficult problems. These include providing access to information while protecting confidentiality, coping with health information databases, and ensuring consistency with international standards. The policies of agencies are determined by what is right for them to do, what works for them, and what they are required to do by law. They must interpret and respect the ethical imperatives of democratic accountability, constitutional empowerment, and individual autonomy. They must keep pace with technological developments by developing effective measures for making information available to a broad range of users. They must both abide by the mandates of legislation and participate in the process of developing new legislation that is responsive to changes that affect their domain. In managing confidentiality and data access functions, agencies have two basic tools: techniques for disclosure limitation through restricted data and administrative procedures through restricted access. The technical procedures for disclosure limitation involve a range of mathematical and statistical tools. The administrative procedures can be implemented through a variety of institutional mechanisms, ranging from privacy advocates, through internal privacy review boards, to a data and access protection commission. 
Leading Edge Information Technologies and Their Adoption
Authors: Norris Donald F.
Published: October 2013

Based on a national study of the adoption of leading edge technologies, this essay surveys the range of information technology innovation in American cities and outlines the management and environmental characteristics associated with successful innovation diffusion and adoption. In part because city governments believe that leading edge information technologies produce largely positive impacts, one obvious future trend will be that more city governments will adopt these technologies. Additionally, more leading edge technologies will be adopted by cities. A third trend is that leading edge information technologies will continue to penetrate cities more deeply, and as deeper penetration occurs, so will greater payoffs from use. A fourth trend is that as new and more sophisticated information technologies are adopted by city governments, integration of and support for them will become even more critical than is currently the case. Finally, although more of a finding than a trend, city population as a measure of city size will remain a key determinant in the number and type of leading edge information technologies adopted. While the overall extent of adoption of leading edge information technologies among city governments can be expected to increase, the greatest extent of adoption will be among larger jurisdictions. 
World Wide Web Site Design and Use in Public Management
Authors: Scavo Carmine , Shi Yuhang
Published: October 2013

The Word Wide Web (WWW) represents a major opportunity for local government to better the ways by which it interacts with local residents. The promise and reality of WWW applications are explored in this chapter. Four types of WWW applications are analyzed– bulletin board applications, promotion applications, service delivery applications, and citizen input applications. A survey of 145 municipality and county government web sites was conducted and the data is used to examine how local governments are actually using the WWW. The chapter concludes that the promise of the WWW has not yet been realized. Local government, while doing a fairly good job of implementing the less sophisticated uses of the WWW, must rethink the ways that it interacts with the citizenry in order to fully utilize WWW technologies. 
Estimation of waste water treatment plant methane emissions: methodology and results from a short campaign
Authors: Yver-Kwok C. E. , Müller D. , Caldow C. , Lebegue B. , Mønster J. G. , Rella C. W. , Scheutz C. , Schmidt M. , Ramonet M. , Warneke T. , Broquet G. , Ciais P.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. This paper describes different methods to estimate methane emissions at different scales. These methods are applied to a waste water treatment plant (WWTP) located in Valence, France. We show that Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) measurements as well as Cavity Ring Down Spectroscopy (CRDS) can be used to measure emissions from the process to the regional scale. To estimate the total emissions, we investigate a tracer release method (using C2H2) and the Radon tracer method (using 222Rn). For process-scale emissions, both tracer release and chamber techniques were used. We show that the tracer release method is suitable to quantify facility- and some process-scale emissions, while the Radon tracer method encompasses not only the treatment station but also a large area around. Thus the Radon tracer method is more representative of the regional emissions around the city. Uncertainties for each method are described. Applying the methods to CH4 emissions, we find that the main source of emissions of the plant was not identified with certainty during this short campaign, although the primary source of emissions is likely to be from solid sludge. Overall, the waste water treatment plant represents a small part (3%) of the methane emissions of the city of Valence and its surroundings,which is in agreement with the national inventories.
Cesena experience in the management of trauma induced coagulopathy: where are we going?
Authors: Agostini Vanessa
Published: October 2013

In recent years the management of the Trauma Center has witnessed the implementation of a significant change in the approach to critical bleeding and acute trauma-induced coagulopathy. The Trauma Center of “Bufalini” Hospital in Cesena has achieved a leading position in this system, especially with a multidisciplinary approach that has strongly influenced the organization of the Trauma Center. Thus, it is of particular interest the involvement of specialists in Transfusion Medicine within the Trauma Center: “Bufalini” Hospital was among the first in Italy to bring hematologists from Transfusion Medicine Department in the Trauma Team. This approach, which has led to very significant improvements in the way we manage polytrauma patients, is now spreading widely in other national centers. In 2009 the first Massive Transfusion Protocol (MTP) was implemented in the Trauma Center, with the aim of identifying patients at risk, improving the communication between different healthcare professionals and achieving a blood components fixed ratio. Transfusion support was part of the context of the Damage Control Resuscitation (DCR) based on the principles of permissive hypotension, Damage Control Surgery (DCS) and Haemostatic Resuscitation. Considering the major medical and scientific knowledge and new data available, in 2011 the “Bufalini” Hospital Working Group modified its MTP with the aim of obtaining a rapid diagnosis of hyperfibrinolisis, an early diagnosis of hypofibrinogenemia and reduce therapy with blood components. It has also been developed an algorithm for the proper interpretation of Point-Of-Care Device results (ROTEM®).
Jewishness and the Covent Garden OP War: Satiric Perceptions of John Philip Kemble
Authors: Baker James
Published: October 2013

Between 6 and 14 October 1809 Jewish boxers were employed by the management of Covent Garden theatre to curtail the Old Price (OP) war. The significance of this phase of rioting far outweighs its brevity, for accusations that actor-manager John Philip Kemble hired these Jewish boxers would underpin his representation for the remainder of the conflict - often at the expense of accurate chronology. This essay explores those textual and visual commentaries on the conflict, and by doing so demonstrates how contemporaries situated the OP war within narratives of racial conspiracy taking place beyond the physical boundaries of theatrical space.
Age of riverine carbon suggests rapid export of terrestrial primary production in tropics
Authors: Martin Erin E. , Ingalls Anitra E. , Richey Jeffrey E. , Keil Richard G. , Santos Guaciara M. , Truxal Laura T. , Alin Simone R. , Druffel Ellen R. M.
Published: October 2013

The balance between the storage of vascular plant carbon in soils, oxidation to carbon dioxide, and export via rivers affects calculations of the strength of terrestrial ecosystems as carbon sinks. The magnitude and timescale of the riverine export pathway are not well constrained. Here we use radiocarbon dating of lignin phenols to show that plant‐derived carbon carried by suspended sediment of the Mekong River is very young, having been produced within the last 18 years. Further, this plant‐derived carbon remains young during times of the year when bulk carbon varies from modern to over 3000 radiocarbon years old. Our results demonstrate that primary‐production derivatives are exported rapidly and suggest that the age of riverine lignin is similar to estimates of the residence time of terrestrial organic carbon in tropical catchments. These results are relevant for modeling predictions of the influence of the terrestrial biosphere on atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
Continued decline of South Pole neutron monitor counting rate
Authors: Bieber John , Clem John , Evenson Paul , Oh Suyeon , Pyle Roger
Published: October 2013

The counting rate of a neutron monitor at South Pole, Antarctica, displays a long‐term decline over the 49 year span from March 1964 to the present. The counting rate follows an 11 year cycle with maxima at times of low solar activity. However, after adjusting for the unusually high overall cosmic ray fluxes in 2009, we find that the 2009 peak rate (based on 27 day averages) was approximately 10% lower than the 1965 peak rate. This change is much larger than that recorded by any other neutron monitor. We suggest that the South Pole monitor, owing to its unique position at both high latitude and high altitude may have a hitherto unsuspected sensitivity to secular changes in the magnetic field of the Earth.
Are ionospheric storms the same during different solar cycles?
Authors: Mendillo Michael , Narvaez Clara , Marusiak Angela G.
Published: October 2013

The ionosphere's response to geomagnetic storms has been studied since the earliest days of terrestrial space physics. In terms of temporal coverage, the largest data sets used extensively have been from the global network of ionosondes. Many previous investigations examined the behavior of the F layer's maximum electron density (Nmax)—often contrasting the difference seen between storms that occur during solar maximum years versus those during solar minimum years. We report on the first attempt to study systematically the patterns of ionospheric disturbance seen during different solar cycles. We select two midlatitude sites with long‐term consistency in data: Wallops Island (Virginia) and Hobart (Tasmania)—stations with comparable geographic and geomagnetic coordinates—but in different hemispheres and widely separated longitude sectors. We compare average ionospheric storm patterns using over 200 moderate to severe geomagnetic storms within each of solar cycle #20 (October 1964 to June 1976) and cycle #23 (May 1996 to December 2008). We compute average patterns of ΔNmax(%), measured with respect to monthly mean conditions, following storm and local time. The overall results show remarkable consistency in characteristic patterns of an ionospheric storm: a short positive phase that occurs during the daytime hours on the first day of a storm, with a prolonged negative phase on subsequent days. Statistical differences occur in the overall magnitudes and longevities of these patterns, consistently showing that cycle #23 had less severe ionospheric storms. An analysis of geomagnetic indices shows that degrees of disturbance were, in fact, lower during solar cycle #23 than cycle #20.
Height‐dependent energy exchange rates in the high‐latitude E region ionosphere
Authors: Cai L. , Aikio A. T. , Nygrén T.
Published: October 2013

The statistical properties of the altitude profiles of the different energy transfer rates in the auroral ionosphere are studied by using the European Incoherent Scatter radar measurements in Tromsø (67° cgmLat). Aikio et al. (2012) found that during active conditions, winds reduce the height‐integrated Joule heating rates in the evening but enhance them in the morning. Here we show that the reduction in the evening takes place close to and above the peak altitude of Joule heating, so that the Joule heating peak descends from the Pedersen conductivity maximum at 120 km down to about 115 km. Values close to the peak are reduced also in the morning, but the positive effect by winds above the peak makes the net effect positive. The altitude range where the electromagnetic energy of magnetospheric origin is converted to the mechanical energy of the neutrals is only 20–35 km wide in the E region and shows a clear magnetic local time variation. Model calculations are made to study the effect of the angle between the wind and electric field directions on the energy transfer rates and to explain the observed features.
Uncertainty in atmospheric profiles and its impact on modeled convection development at Nam Co Lake, Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Gerken Tobias , Babel Wolfgang , Sun Fanglin , Herzog Michael , Ma Yaoming , Foken Thomas , Graf Hans‐F.
Published: October 2013

This work investigates the influence of atmospheric temperature and relative humidity profiles obtained from radio soundings, NCEP‐I and ERA‐Int reanalysis and GFS‐FNL analysis data on the simulated evolution of clouds and convection at Nam Co Lake on the Tibetan Plateau. In addition to differences in moisture, the initial atmospheric profiles exhibit considerable differences in near‐surface temperatures that affect vertical stability. Our analysis is carried out during 2 days in summer 2012 using a 2‐D high‐resolution modeling approach with a fully interactive surface model so that surface fluxes react to changes in cloud cover. Modeled convection for the radio‐sounding profile compares reasonably well with weather observations for the first day, but less well for the second day, when large‐scale synoptic effects, not included in the model, become more important. The choice of vertical profile information leads to strongly differing convection development, translating into modifications of the surface energy balance and of the energy and water cycle for the basin. There are strong differences spanning one order of magnitude in the generated precipitation between the model simulations driven by different vertical profiles. This highlights the importance of correct and high‐resolution vertical profiles for model initialization.
Synthesis, Electronic Structure, and Charge Transport Characteristics of Naphthalenediimide‐Based Co‐Polymers with Different Oligothiophene Donor Units
Authors: Luzio Alessandro , Fazzi Daniele , Natali Dario , Giussani Ester , Baeg Kang‐Jun , Chen Zhihua , Noh Yong‐Young , Facchetti Antonio , Caironi Mario
Published: October 2013

Naphthalenediimide (NDI)‐based polymers co‐polymerized with thienyl units are an interesting class of polymer semiconductors because of their good electron mobilities and unique film microstructure. Despite these properties, understanding how the extension of the thienyl co‐monomer affects charge transport properties remains unclear. With this goal in mind, we have synthesized a series of NDI derivatives of the parent poly{[N,N′‐bis(2‐octyldodecyl)‐naphthalene‐1,4,5,8‐bis(dicarboximide)‐2,6‐diyl]‐alt‐5,5′‐(2,2′‐bithiophene) (P(NDI2OD‐T2)), which exhibited excellent electron mobility. The strategy comprises both the extension of the donor o‐conjugation length and the heteroatomic fusion of the thiophene rings. These newly synthesized compounds are characterized experimentally and theoretically vis‐à‐vis with P(NDI2OD‐T2) as the reference. UV‐vis data and cyclic‐voltammetry are adopted to assess the effect of the donor modification on the frontier energy levels and on the bandgap. Intra‐molecular polaronic effects are accounted for by computing the internal reorganization energy with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Finally electrons and holes transport is experimentally investigated in field‐effect transistors (FETs), by measuring current‐voltage characteristics at variable temperatures. Overall we have identified a regime where inter‐molecular effects, such as the wavefunction overlap and the degree of energetic disorder, induced by the different donor group prevail over polaronic effects and are the leading factors in determining electrons mobility.
Exome sequencing identifies a novelEP300frame shift mutation in a patient with features that overlap cornelia de lange syndrome
Authors: Woods Susan A. , Robinson Haynes B. , Kohler Lisa J. , Agamanolis Dimitris , Sterbenz George , Khalifa Mohamed
Published: October 2013

Rubinstein–Taybi syndrome (RTS) and Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) are genetically heterogeneous multiple anomalies syndromes, each having a distinctive facial gestalt. Two genes (CREBBPandEP300) are known to cause RTS, and five (NIPBL,SMC1A,SMC3,RAD21, andHDAC8) have been associated with CdLS. A diagnosis of RTS or CdLS is molecularly confirmed in only 65% of clinically identified cases, suggesting that additional causative genes exist for both conditions. In addition, althoughEP300andCREBBPencode homologous proteins and perform similar functions, only eightEP300positive RTS patients have been reported, suggesting that patients withEP300mutations might be escaping clinical recognition. We report on a child with multiple congenital abnormalities and intellectual disability whose facial features and complex phenotype resemble CdLS. However, no mutations in CdLS‐related genes were identified. Rather, a novelEP300mutation was found on whole exome sequencing. Possible links betweenEP300and genes causing CdLS are evident in the literature. BothEP300andHDAC8are involved in the regulation ofTP53transcriptional activity. In addition, p300 and other chromatin associated proteins, including NIPBL, SMCA1, and SMC3, have been found at enhancer regions in different cell types. It is therefore possible thatEP300and CdLS‐related genes are involved in additional shared pathways, producing overlapping phenotypes. As whole exome sequencing becomes more widely utilized, the diverse phenotypes associated withEP300mutations should be better understood. In the meantime, testing forEP300mutations in those with features of CdLS may be warranted. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optimization of Biological Elimination of Ammonia and Chemical Oxygen Demand from Wastewater Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Ray Sanak , Mohanty Ayusman , Mohanty Shakti S. , Mishra Snehasish , Chaudhury Gautam Roy
Published: October 2013

Using a statistical technique, i.e. response surface methodology (RSM), optimization studies were carried out for different parameters like nitrogen ammonia (N‐NH3), chemical oxygen demand (COD) and time, to optimize overall method for maximum elimination of N‐NH3 and COD from synthetic waste water using heterotrophic biomass conversion (HBC) process, and simultaneously minimizing the N‐N2O emission. Ammonium hydroxide and glucose were used as nitrogen and carbon source. Central composite design technique was used to optimize the parameters with RSM. In this experiment, N‐NH3 and organic nutrient concentrations were varied keeping the biomass (total volatile suspended solids) concentration invariable. The pH during HBC process showed a decreasing trend may be due to consumption of alkalinity. Analyses of variance were carried out for quadratic model and were observed to be highly significant. The model was verified through experiments and tested statistically. Under optimized conditions (N‐NH3: 210 mg/L, COD: 2.90 g/L, time: 38 h) N‐NH3 and COD removal efficiency were observed to be 82.72 and 84.78%, respectively. N‐N2O emissions were minimized to 2.96 µg. The total desirability factor obtained was 0.9.
Activation of IL‐27 signalling promotes development of postinfluenza pneumococcal pneumonia
Authors: Cao Ju , Wang Dongsheng , Xu Fang , Gong Yi , Wang Hong , Song Zixin , Li Dageng , Zhang Hua , Li Dairong , Zhang Liping , Xia Yun , Xu Huajian , Lai Xaiofei , Lin Shihui , Zhang Xuemei , Ren Guosheng , Dai Yubing , Yin Yibing
Published: October 2013

Postinfluenza pneumococcal pneumonia is a common cause of death in humans. However, the role of IL‐27 in the pathogenesis of secondary pneumococcal pneumonia after influenza is unknown. We now report that influenza infection induced pulmonary IL‐27 production in a type I IFN‐α/β receptor (IFNAR) signalling‐dependent manner, which sensitized mice to secondary pneumococcal infection downstream of IFNAR pathway. Mice deficient in IL‐27 receptor were resistant to secondary pneumococcal infection and generated more IL‐17A‐producing γδ T cells but not αβ T cells, thereby leading to enhanced neutrophil response during the early phase of host defence. IL‐27 treatment could suppress the development of IL‐17A‐producing γδ T cells activated by Streptococcus pneumoniae and dendritic cells. This suppressive activity of IL‐27 on γδ T cells was dependent on transcription factor STAT1. Finally, neutralization of IL‐27 or administration of IL‐17A restored the role of γδ T cells in combating secondary pneumococcal infection. Our study defines what we believe to be a novel role of IL‐27 in impairing host innate immunity against pneumococcal infection.
Clinical and pathological impact of VHL, PBRM1, BAP1, SETD2, KDM6A, and JARID1c in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Gossage Lucy , Murtaza Muhammed , Slatter Andrew F. , Lichtenstein Conrad P. , Warren Anne , Haynes Beverley , Marass Francesco , Roberts Ian , Shanahan Susan J. , Claas Andreas , Dunham Andrew , May Andrew P. , Rosenfeld Nitzan , Forshew Tim , Eisen Tim
Published: October 2013

VHL is mutated in the majority of patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), with conflicting clinical relevance. Recent studies have identified recurrent mutations in histone modifying and chromatin remodeling genes, including BAP1, PBRM1, SETD2, KDM6A, and JARID1c. Current evidence suggests that BAP1 mutations are associated with aggressive disease. The clinical significance of the remaining genes is unknown. In this study, targeted sequencing of VHL and JARID1c (entire genes) and coding regions of BAP1, PBRM1, SETD2, and KDM6A was performed on 132 ccRCCs and matched normal tissues. Associations between mutations and clinical and pathological outcomes were interrogated. Inactivation of VHL (coding mutation or promoter methylation) was seen in 75% of ccRCCs. Somatic noncoding VHL alterations were identified in 29% of ccRCCs and may be associated with improved overall survival. BAP1 (11%), PBRM1 (33%), SETD2 (16%), JARID1c (4%), and KDM6A (3%) mutations were identified. BAP1‐mutated tumors were associated with metastatic disease at presentation (P = 0.023), advanced clinical stage (P = 0.042) and a trend towards shorter recurrence free survival (P = 0.059) when compared with tumors exclusively mutated for PBRM1. Our results support those of recent publications pointing towards a role for BAP1 and PBRM1 mutations in risk stratifying ccRCCs. Further investigation of noncoding alterations in VHL is warranted. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Complex karyotype in mantle cell lymphoma is a strong prognostic factor for the time to treatment and overall survival, independent of the MCL international prognostic index
Authors: Sarkozy Clémentine , Terré Christine , Jardin Fabrice , Radford Isabelle , Roche‐Lestienne Catherine , Penther Dominique , Bastard Christian , Rigaudeau Sophie , Pilorge Sylvain , Morschhauser Franck , Bouscary Didier , Delarue Richard , Farhat Hassan , Rousselot Philippe , Hermine Olivier , Tilly Hervé , Chevret Sylvie , Castaigne Sylvie
Published: October 2013

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is usually an aggressive disease. However, a few patients do have an “indolent” evolution (iMCL) defined by a long survival time without intensive therapy. Many studies highlight the prognostic role of additional genetic abnormalities, but these abnormalities are not routinely tested for and do not yet influence the treatment decision. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic impact of these additional abnormalities detected by conventional cytogenetic testing, as well as their relationships with the clinical characteristics and their value in identifying iMCL. All consecutive MCL cases diagnosed between 1995 and 2011 at four institutions were retrospectively selected on the basis of an informative karyotype with a t(11;14) translocation at the time of diagnosis. A total of 125 patients were included and followed for an actual median time of 35 months. The median overall survival (OS) and survival without treatment (TFS) were 73.7 and 1.3 months, respectively. In multivariable Cox models, a high mantle cell lymphoma international prognostic index score, a complex karyotype, and blastoid morphology were independently associated with a shortened OS. Spleen enlargement, nodal presentation, extra‐hematological involvement, and complex karyotypes were associated with shorter TFS. A score based on these factors allowed for the identification of “indolent” patients (median TFS 107 months) from other patients (median TFS: 1 month). In conclusion, in this multicentric cohort of MCL patients, a complex karyotype was associated with a shorter survival time and allowed for the identification of iMCL at the time of diagnosis. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Paleointensity results from the Jurassic: New constraints from submarine basaltic glasses of ODP Site 801C
Authors: Tauxe L. , Gee J. S. , Steiner M. B. , Staudigel H.
Published: October 2013

Tholeiite of the oldest oceanic crust was drilled during ODP Legs 129 and 185 at Hole 801C in the western Pacific. Fresh appearing submarine basaltic glass (SBG) was recovered from the tholeiites (∼167 Ma) which has been shown to be nearly ideal for determining absolute paleointensity. Paleointensities of the younger, off‐axis, alkalic basalts (∼160 Ma), overlying the tholeiites, had been studied earlier. Here we report results from the older tholeiitic (on‐axis) sequence. We subjected a total of 73 specimens from 17 cooling units to absolute paleointensity experiments. Of these, 30 specimens and six cooling unit averages met our strictest reliability criteria, yielding an average of 11.9 ± 3.9 μT. The bulk of evidence suggests a paleolatitude of the site of 14°S (with an uncertainty of 10°). This translates the intensity to a value for the virtual axial dipole moment of 28 ZAm2, slightly lower than values determined from the plagioclase crystals in the three cooling units of the younger alkalic basalts overlying the tholeiites (Tarduno & Cottrell, 2005). Our value is low when compared to the long‐term median value of the field of 42 ZAm2. Our results and those of the published literature therefore support the contention of a low magnetic field strength in the Jurassic (average of 28 ± 14 ZAm2; N = 138 individual estimates), as initially suggested by Prévot et al. (1990). Our interpretation of the body of available data argue for low field strengths for the entire Jurassic extending into the early Cretaceous.
Use of prototyping in preoperative planning for patients with head and neck tumors
Authors: de Farias Terence Pires , Dias Fernando Luiz , Galvão Mário Sérgio , Boasquevisque Edson , Pastl Ana Carolina , Albuquerque Sousa Bruno
Published: October 2013

Background

Prototyping technologies for reconstructions consist of obtaining a 3‐dimensional model of the object of interest. Solid models are constructed by the deposition of materials in successive layers. The purpose of this study was to perform a double‐blind, randomized, prospective study to evaluate the efficacy of prototype use in head and neck surgeries.

Methods

Thirty‐seven cases were randomized into prototype and nonprototype groups. The following factors were recorded: the time of plate and locking screw apposition, flap size, time for reconstruction, and an aesthetic evaluation.

Results

The prototype group exhibited a reduced surgical time (43.7 minutes vs 127.7 minutes, respectively; p = .001), a tendency to reduce the size of the bone flap taken for reconstruction, and better aesthetic results than the group that was not prototyped.

Conclusion

The use of prototyping demonstrated a trend toward a reduced surgical time, smaller bone flaps, and better aesthetic results. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: 1773–1782, 2014
Protection against RNA-induced liver damage by myeloid cells requires type I interferon and IL-1 receptor antagonist in mice
Authors: Conrad Elea , Resch Theresa K. , Gogesch Patricia , Kalinke Ulrich , Bechmann Ingo , Bogdan Christian , Waibler Zoe
Published: October 2013

Cell types and mechanisms involved in type I interferon (IFN)-mediated anti-inflammatory effects are poorly understood. Upon injection of artificial double-stranded RNA (poly(I:C)), we observed severe liver damage in type I IFN-receptor (IFNAR) chain 1-deficient mice, but not in wild-type (WT) controls. Studying mice with conditional IFNAR ablations revealed that IFNAR triggering of myeloid cells is essential to protect mice from poly(I:C)-induced liver damage. Accordingly, in poly(I:C)-treated WT, but not IFNAR-deficient mice, monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) were recruited to the liver. Comparing WT and IFNAR-deficient mice with animals deficient for the IFNAR on myeloid cells only revealed a direct IFNAR-dependent production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) that could be assigned to liver-infiltrating cells. Upon poly(I:C) treatment, IFNAR-deficient mice displayed both a severe lack of IL-1RA production and an increased production of proinflammatory IL-1β, indicating a severely imbalanced cytokine milieu in the liver in absence of a functional type I IFN system. Depletion of IL-1β or treatment with recombinant IL-1RA both rescued IFNAR-deficient mice from poly(I:C)-induced liver damage, directly linking the deregulated IL-1β and IL-1RA production to liver pathology. Conclusion: Type I IFN signaling protects from severe liver damage by recruitment of monocytic MDSCs and maintaining a balance between IL-1β and IL-1RA production. (HEPATOLOGY 2014;59:1555-1563)
Enhanced function of TRPV1 via up‐regulation by insulin‐like growth factor‐1 in a rat model of bone cancer pain
Authors: Li Y. , Cai J. , Han Y. , Xiao X. , Meng X.L. , Su L. , Liu F.Y. , Xing G.G. , Wan Y.
Published: October 2013

Background

Up‐regulation of transient receptor potential vanilloid subfamily, member 1 (TRPV1) is associated with the development and maintenance of cancer pain. The present study aimed to investigate the electrophysiological function of the up‐regulated TRPV1 and the potential regulatory effects of insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) on TRPV1 expression in peripheral nerves in a rat model of bone cancer pain.

Methods

A bone cancer pain model of rats was established by injecting MRMT‐1 (rat mammary gland carcinoma cells) breast cancer cells into the tibia bone cavity. Thermal hyperalgesia was assessed by paw‐withdrawal latency to a thermal stimulus, and mechanical allodynia was measured with von Frey monofilaments. TRPV1 and IGF‐1 expression were examined with immunohistochemical staining and Western blot. TRPV1 current density of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons was measured with whole‐cell patch clamping recording technique.

Results

Rats showed thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia 14–21 days after MRMT‐1 inoculation into the tibia bone marrow. TRPV1 protein expression and its current density increased in DRG neurons. At the same time, IGF‐1 expression increased in tibia bone cavity, and IGF‐1 incubation increased total or membrane TRPV1 protein expression and TRPV1 current in primary cultured DRG neurons. Inhibition of IGF‐1 receptors in vivo reversed mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in rats with bone cancer pain.

Conclusion

Our results provide novel evidence for the increase of IGF‐1 in tibia bone marrow, which is responsible for the up‐regulation of TRPV1 expression and function in the peripheral nerves of bone cancer pain rats.
Preparation of cardiac extracellular matrix scaffolds by decellularization of human myocardium
Authors: Oberwallner Barbara , Brodarac Andreja , Choi Yeong‐Hoon , Saric Tomo , Anić Petra , Morawietz Lars , Stamm Christof
Published: October 2013

Extracellular matrix (ECM) derived by tissue decellularization has applications as a tissue engineering scaffold and for support of cellular regeneration. Myocardial ECM from animals has been produced by whole‐organ perfusion or immersion processes, but methods for preparation of human myocardial ECM for therapy and research have not been compared in detail, yet. We analyzed the impact of decellularization processes on human myocardial ECM, and tested its ability to serve as a scaffold for cell seeding. Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)‐based decellularization, but not treatments based on Triton X‐100, deoxycholate or hypo/hypertonic incubations, removed cells satisfactorily, and incubation with fetal bovine serum (FBS) eliminated residual DNA. ECM architecture was best preserved by a protocol consisting of 2 h lysis, 6 h SDS, and 3 h FBS, but age and pathology of the donor tissue are highly important for producing reproducible, high‐quality scaffolds. We also studied ECM repopulation with mesenchymal stem cells (CB‐MSC), cardiomyocytes derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS‐CM), and naïve neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes. Cells attached to the matrix and proliferated and displayed higher viability than in standard culture. We conclude that human cardiac ECM sheets may be suitable scaffold for cell‐matrix interaction studies and as a biomaterial for tissue regeneration and engineering. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 3263–3272, 2014
A Novel Visible Spectrophotometric Method for the Determination of Methanol Using Sodium Nitroprusside as Spectroscopic Probe
Authors: Zhan Yan‐Yan , Zhang Yan , Li Quan‐Min , Du Xin‐Zhen
Published: October 2013

A novel, rapid and reliable method has been established for the determination of methanol using sodium nitroprusside as a spectroscopic probe. This method indicates that the sodium nitroprusside can react with the methanol to form a colored product in the basic solution. The absorbance of the product is measured at the maximal absorption wavelength of 481 nm, and the amount of methanol can be calculated based on this absorbance. A good linear relationship of the concentration of methanol versus absorbance is observed with a linear range of 0.02‐6.0 mg mL−1. The linear regression equation is A = 0.02484 + 0.29457C (mg mL−1), with a correlation coefficient of 0.9991. The detection limit (3σ/k) is 0.012 mg mL−1, while its R.S.D. is 1.5% and the recovery rate is 97.5‐102.5%. The parameters with regard to determination are optimized, and the reaction mechanism is discussed. This method has been successfully applied to determine methanol in variety of samples. Analytical results obtained by this new method were very gratifying.
MRI hemodynamic markers of progressive bicuspid aortic valve‐related aortic disease
Authors: Hope Michael D. , Sigovan Monica , Wrenn S. Jarrett , Saloner David , Dyverfeldt Petter
Published: October 2013

Purpose

To determine the reproducibility of MRI aortic hemodynamic markers and to assess their relationship to aortic growth in a cohort of patients with bicuspid aortic valves (BAV).

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐five patients previously studied with four‐dimensional (4D) Flow imaging who had at least two separate cross‐sectional imaging studies to assess for aortic growth were included: tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) controls without valvular disease (n = 12) and patients with BAV (n = 13). Flow data from the ascending aorta was used for calculation of peak velocity, normalized flow displacement, maximum wall shear stress (WSS), mean WSS, and minimal WSS. Pearson's correlation was used to evaluate interobserver agreement, and linear regression to evaluate the correlation between the different hemodynamic markers and growth. Patient informed consent was waived by the institutional review board that approved the study.

Results

Peak velocity and flow displacement were very reproducible (r = 0.90–1.0 and r = 0.91–0.98, respectively). The range of WSS parameters was largely reproducible (0.47 < r < 0.96) with the greatest variability at the data extraction stage of analysis (0.47 < r < 0.85). Flow displacement best correlated with interval aortic growth (r = 0.65), peak velocity was moderately correlated (r = 0.35), but the WSS parameters did not correlate well with growth (r < 0.17).

Conclusion

Flow displacement is a simple and reproducible hemodynamic marker that shows good correlation with aortic growth in patients with bicuspid aortic valves. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;40:140–145. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Outcomes of Long Storage Times for Cryopreserved Vascular Grafts in Outflow Reconstruction in Living Donor Liver Transplantation
Authors: Wang Chih-Chi , Lopez-Valdes Salvador , Lin Ting-Lung , Yap Anthony , Yong Chee-Chien , Li Wei-Feng , Wang Shih-Ho , Lin Chih-Che , Liu Yueh-Wei , Lin Tsan-Shiun , Concejero Allan M. , Eng Hock-Liew , Henry Douglas , Cheng Yu-Fan , Jawan Bruno , Chen Chao-Long
Published: October 2013

The outflow reconstruction of the right anterior sector in a right liver graft (RLG) with cryopreserved vascular grafts (CVGs) is crucial for preventing graft congestion in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). The impact of the duration of cryopreservation has not been evaluated so far. From 2006 to 2009, 250 LDLT were performed: 47 of these patients (group 1) received CVGs stored for ≦1 year, and 33 patients (group 2) received CVGs stored for >1 year. Single or multiple segment 8 hepatic veins were reconstructed. The number of anastomoses did not affect vascular graft patency (P = 0.21). The length of the cryopreservation time did not affect the histological findings for CVGs. The preoperative and postoperative liver graft volumes were 783.8 ± 129.7 and 1102 ± 194.7 cc, respectively, for group 1 and 753.7 ± 158.5 and 1097.2 ± 178.7 cc, respectively, for group 2. The regeneration indices for liver grafts in the whole patient group, group 1, and group 2 were 48.9%, 47.4%, and 51.05%, respectively. In conclusion, the storage duration has no impact on the patency of CVGs in outflow reconstruction or on the regeneration of RLGs in LDLT. CVGs stored for >1 year can be safely used for the outflow reconstruction of RLGs in LDLT. Liver Transpl 20:173-181, 2014. © 2013 AASLD.
A necessary and sufficient condition for Hardy's operator in
Authors: Mamedov Farman I. , Mammadova Firana M.
Published: October 2013

The equivalent conditions are proved for the Hardy inequality

urn:x-wiley:dummy:mana201200291:equation:mana201200291-math-0002to be fulfilled in the norms of a Lebesgue space with variable exponent . It is assumed that the function is monotone and positive on (0, 1).
Probabilistic models of decreasing failure rate processes
Authors: Cozzolino John M.
Published: October 2013

The “infant mortality” effect observed in the statistical treatment of reliability consists of a decreasing with age of the conditional probability of equipment failure (failure rate). One widely applicable explanatory hypothesis is that of population heterogeneity. This is developed here as a basis for several specific models of decreasing failure rate processes. Since, in the case of repairable devices, decreasing failure rate is often observed after the occurrence of failure and repair, consideration is extended to include repair in an explicit way. This union of failure and repair models is a fruitful one in view of the interaction between the two processes and gives a complete picture of the life of the device in terms of a stochastic process, usually with non‐independent interfailure times. Four models, of particular significance due to their plausibility, mathematical tractability, and frugality of parameterization, are presented.
A complete importance ranking for components of binary coherent systems, with extensions to multi‐state systems
Authors: Butler David A.
Published: October 2013

Means of measuring and ranking a system's components relative to their importance to the system reliability have been developed by a number of authors. This paper investigates a new ranking that is based upon minimal cuts and compares it with existing definitions. The new ranking is shown to be easily calculated from readily obtainable information and to be most useful for systems composed of highly reliable components. The paper also discusses extensions of importance measures and rankings to systems in which both the system and its components may be in any of a finite number of states. Many of the results about importance measures and rankings for binary systems are shown to extend to the more sophisticated multi‐state systems. Also, the multi‐state importance measures and rankings are shown to be decomposable into a number of sub‐measures and rankings.
Pass the popcorn: “Obesogenic” behaviors and stigma in children's movies
Authors: Throop Elizabeth M. , Skinner Asheley Cockrell , Perrin Andrew J. , Steiner Michael J. , Odulana Adebowale , Perrin Eliana M.
Published: October 2013

Objective

To determine the prevalence of obesity‐related behaviors and attitudes in children's movies.

Methods

A mixed‐methods study of the top‐grossing G‐ and PG‐rated movies, 2006‐2010 (4 per year) was performed. For each 10‐min movie segment, the following were assessed: 1) prevalence of key nutrition and physical activity behaviors corresponding to the American Academy of Pediatrics obesity prevention recommendations for families; 2) prevalence of weight stigma; 3) assessment as healthy, unhealthy, or neutral; 3) free‐text interpretations of stigma.

Results

Agreement between coders was >85% (Cohen's kappa = 0.7), good for binary responses. Segments with food depicted: exaggerated portion size (26%); unhealthy snacks (51%); sugar‐sweetened beverages (19%). Screen time was also prevalent (40% of movies showed television; 35% computer; 20% video games). Unhealthy segments outnumbered healthy segments 2:1. Most (70%) of the movies included weight‐related stigmatizing content (e.g., “That fat butt! Flabby arms! And this ridiculous belly!”).

Conclusions

These popular children's movies had significant “obesogenic” content, and most contained weight‐based stigma. They present a mixed message to children, promoting unhealthy behaviors while stigmatizing the behaviors' possible effects. Further research is needed to determine the effects of such messages on children.
Dynamic output feedback of networked control systems with partially known Markov chain packet dropouts
Authors: Mahmoud Magdi S. , Khan Gulam Dastagir
Published: October 2013

In this paper, a class of networked control systems with output feedback control and H ∞  performance is discussed. It considers packet dropouts in both measurement (S/C) and actuation (C/A) channels. Markovian chain principle is used in modeling the packet dropouts in S/C and C/A channels. The time scale adopted in these two independent homogeneous Markov chain is linear with the physical time. The model also takes into consideration the late arriving packets. The effect of interaction between packet dropouts in both channels on the stability of system, when the networks of both (S/C) and (C/A) channels overlap is also examined. Sufficient condition for the existence of H ∞  output feedback controller is presented and it is shown that it is dependent on the upper bounds of the number of consecutive packet dropouts. The developed stability analysis and control scheme is also investigated with partially known transition probability matrices. Finally, a numerical example has been given to show the effectiveness of developed method. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aspect ratio effects of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes on electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties of polycarbonate/MWCNT composites
Authors: Guo Jiaxi , Liu Yanjun , Prada‐Silvy Ricardo , Tan Yongqiang , Azad Samina , Krause Beate , Pötschke Petra , Grady Brian P.
Published: October 2013

Two multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) having relatively high aspect ratios of 313 and 474 with approximately the same diameter were melt mixed with polycarbonate (PC) in a twin‐screw conical micro compounder. The effects of aspect ratio on the electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties of the PC/MWCNT composites were investigated. Electrical conductivities and storage moduli of the filled samples are found to be independent of the starting aspect ratio for these high aspect ratio tubes; although the conductivities and storage moduli are still significantly higher than values of composites made with nanotubes having more commercially common aspect ratios of ∼100. Transmission electron microscopy results suggest that melt‐mixing reduces these longer nanotubes to the same length, but still approximately two times longer than the length of commercially common aspect ratio tubes after melt‐mixing. Molecular weight measurements show that during melt‐mixing the longer nanotubes significantly degrade the molecular weight of the polymer as compared to very similar nanotubes with aspect ratio ∼100. Because of the molecular weight reduction glass transition temperatures predictably show a large decrease with increasing nanotube concentration. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2014, 52, 73–83
Database of protein complexes with multivalent binding ability: Bival‐bind
Authors: Meyer Tim , Knapp Ernst‐Walter
Published: October 2013

Phenomena of multivalent binding of ligands with receptors are ubiquitous in biology and of growing interest in material sciences. Multivalency can enhance binding affinity dramatically. To understand the mechanism of multivalent binding in more detail model systems of bi‐ and multivalent receptors are needed, but are difficult to find. Furthermore it is useful to know about multivalent receptors, which can serve as targets to design multivalent drugs. The present contribution tries to close this gap. The Bival‐Bind database (http://agknapp.chemie.fu‐berlin.de/bivalbind) provides a relatively complete list – 2073 protein complexes with less than 90% sequence identity – out of the protein database, which can serve as bi‐ or multivalent receptors. Steric clashes of molecular spacers – necessary to connect the monomeric ligand units – with the receptor surface can diminish binding affinity dramatically and, thus, abolish the expected enhancement of binding affinity due to the multivalency. The potential multivalent receptors in the Bival‐Bind database are characterized with respect to the receptor surface topography. A height profile between the receptor binding pockets is provided, which is an important information to estimate the influence of unfavorable spacer receptor interaction. Proteins 2014; 82:744–751. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.