bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validity of Egyptian Na‐montmorillonite for adsorption of Pb2+, Cd2+ and Ni2+ under acidic conditions: characterization, isotherm, kinetics, thermodynamics and application study
Authors: Taha A.A. , Shreadah M.A. , Heiba Hany Fathy , Ahmed A.M.
Published: February 2017

This study investigated the applicability of natural Egyptian Na‐montmorillonite (Na‐MMT) to remove Pb2+, Cd2+ and Ni2+ under acidic conditions that mimic industrial wastewater acidity. Cation exchange capacity of Na‐MMT was found 91 meq/100 g and the specific surface area 42 m2 g−1. The adsorbent was characterized using X‐ray fluorescence, scanning electron micrograph that showed significant morphological changes after adsorption and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, which confirmed that the adsorption occurred mainly in the lattice region. Removal efficiency was evaluated as a function of pH, contact time, initial concentration, and adsorbent mass. Acidic pH value was chosen for the following experiments. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were applied. Freundlich model showed better fitting suggesting heterogeneous adsorption scenario. Freundlich capacity values decreased in the order of Pb2+ (3.71 mg g−1) > Cd2+ (2.45 mg g−1) > Ni2+ (1.76 mg g−1). Kinetic data were accurately fitted to pseudo‐second‐order, indicating the adsorption occurrence in the interior surface of Na‐MMT and the contribution of internal diffusion mechanism was significant. Intraparticle diffusion model gave multi‐linear curves so more than one‐step controlled the adsorption process. Under temperature range 290–328 K, thermodynamic parameters revealed that adsorption of Pb2+ and Cd2+ was spontaneous but Ni2+ non‐spontaneous. Adsorption was exothermic for Pb2+ and Ni2+ but endothermic for Cd2+. Arrhenius activation energy values were 5.78, 8.51 and 11.45 kJ mol−1 for Pb2+, Cd2+ and Ni2+ respectively stating the physical adsorption. Na‐MMT reusability was confirmed by regeneration experiments. Application study showed excellent efficiency of Na‐MMT within range (23.4–81.2%) removal for Pb2+, Cd2+ and Ni2+ from textile dyeing and tannery wastewater. Copyright © 2017 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the Reactivity of Dihydro‐p‐coumaryl Alcohol towards Reductive Processes Catalyzed by Raney Nickel
Authors: Calvaruso Gaetano , Burak Jorge Augusto , Clough Matthew T. , Kennema Marco , Meemken Fabian , Rinaldi Roberto
Published: February 2017

There are several established approaches for the reductive fractionation of lignocellulose (e.g., “catalytic upstream biorefining” and “lignin‐first” approaches) that lead to a lignin oil product that is composed primarily of dihydro‐p‐monolignols [e.g., 4‐(3‐hydroxypropyl)‐2‐methoxyphenol and 4‐(3‐hydroxypropyl)‐2,6‐dimethoxyphenol]. Although effective catalytic methods have been developed to perform reductive or deoxygenative processes on the lignin oil, the influence of the 3‐hydroxypropyl substituent on catalyst activity has previously been overlooked. Herein, to better understand the reactivity of the depolymerized lignin oil obtained from catalytic upstream biorefining processes, dihydro‐p‐coumaryl alcohol was selected as a model compound. Hydrogenation of this species in the presence of Raney Ni with molecular hydrogen led to ring saturation (100 % selectivity) in the absence of hydrodeoxygenation, whereas under hydrogen‐transfer conditions with 2‐propanol, hydrogenation occurred (≈55 % selectivity) simultaneously with hydrodeoxygenation (≈40 % selectivity). In a broader context, this study sheds light not only on the reactivity of dihydro‐p‐monolignols but also on the intricacies of the catalytic upstream biorefining reaction network in which these species are revealed to be key intermediates in the formation of less‐functionalized p‐alkylphenols.
Enantioselective Transfer Hydrogenation of Ketones Catalyzed by a Manganese Complex Containing an Unsymmetrical Chiral PNP′ Tridentate Ligand
Authors: Zirakzadeh Afrooz , de Aguiar Sara R. M. M. , Stöger Berthold , Widhalm Michael , Kirchner Karl
Published: February 2017

Manganese complexes of the types [Mn(PNP′)(Br)(CO)2] and [Mn(PNP′)(H)(CO)2] containing a tridentate ligand with a planar chiral ferrocene and a centro chiral aliphatic unit were synthesized, characterized, and tested in the enantioselective transfer hydrogenations of 13 ketones. The catalytic reactions proceeded with conversions up to 96 % and ee values up to 86 %. The absolute configuration of all products was determined to be (S). Notably, the presence of dihydrogen (up to 20 bar) did not affect the reduction. On the basis of DFT calculations, preliminary mechanistic details including the origin of the (S) selectivity are presented. The molecular structure of [Mn(PNP′)(Br)(CO)2] was studied by X‐ray diffraction.
Hydratisierung von und auf Oberflächen
Authors: Morgenstern Karina
Published: February 2017

Die Methode der Rastertunnelmikroskopie erlaubt es, die Eisbildung auf Oberflächen von einzelnen Wassermolekülen bis zu geschlossenen Wasserschichten auf molekularer Ebene abzubilden und so die Eisbildung zu verstehen. Durch Variation der Wachstumsbedingungen werden die verschiedensten Eisformen gebildet, amorphe wie kristalline. Diese Studien eröffnen die Möglichkeit, die Solvatisierung sowohl von Oberflächen als auch einzelner adsorbierter Moleküle und den Einfluss der Solvatatisierung auf Photoreaktionen auf molekularer Ebene zu untersuchen und so zum Verständnis des Einflusses des Lösungsmittels auf Reaktionen in dem hochaktuellen Gebiet der Solvatationswissenschaften beizutragen.
Web Sites of Interest to Immunologists
Authors: Lefranc Marie‐Paule
Published: February 2017

This appendix includes a selection of links of interest to immunologists from the international ImMunoGeneTics (IMGT) database, covering a wide variety of subject matter. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Modification of Cysteine
Authors: Grant Gregory A.
Published: February 2017

This unit describes a number of methods for modifying cysteine residues of proteins and peptides. A general procedure for alkylation of cysteine residues in a protein of known size and composition with haloacyl reagents or N‐ethylmaleimide (NEM) is presented, and alternate protocols describe similar procedures for use when the size and composition are not known and when only very small amounts of protein are available. Alkylations that introduce amino groups using bromopropylamine and N‐(iodoethyl)‐trifluoroacetamide are also presented. Two procedures that are often used for subsequent sequence analysis of the protein, alkylation with 4‐vinylpyridine and acrylamide, are described, and a specialized procedure for 4‐vinylpyridine alkylation of protein that has been adsorbed onto a sequencing membrane is also presented. Reversible modification of cysteine residues by way of sulfitolysis is described, and a protocol for oxidation with performic acid for amino acid compositional analysis is also provided. Gentle oxidation of cysteine residues to disulfides by exposure to air is described. Support protocols are included for recrystallization of iodoacetic acid, colorimetric detection of free sulfhydryls, and desalting of modified samples. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A novel joint transmission and caching optimizing scheme in multirelay networks: Video service quality assurance scheme
Authors: Liu Bowen , Zhang Heli , Ji Hong , Li Xi
Published: February 2017

The demands of instant video communication have recently increased as a means to improve user experience. Meanwhile, the cache mechanism has become an effective technology used in video transmission so that delay jitter could be reduced to a insignificant value. We propose a novel video service quality assurance scheme in multirelay networks (MRNs) with cache. Both wireless channel state information on the transmitting side and optimal receiver schemes on the receiving side are considered in the proposed scheme. We derive closed form expressions of video streaming for cache‐based MRN and investigate the impact of cache length when it is changed. Then, we proved that the optimal solution is difficult to acquire, and the suboptimal solution could be achieved by decomposing the original optimization problem into several simpler subproblems, which include graph and convex optimization. Specifically, we obtain a limit for the cache queuing model in MRNs. Detailed algorithms with corresponding theoretical reasoning are provided as well. Simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed scheme by comparing with some other existed high–video‐quality transmission schemes. The analysis also shows that our scheme outperforms others in jitter reducing.
Evaluation of novel biodegradable three‐armed‐ and hyper‐branched tissue adhesives in a meniscus explant model
Authors: Bochyńska A. I. , Hannink G. , Verhoeven R. , Grijpma D. W. , Buma P.
Published: February 2017

Current treatment methods to repair meniscal tears do not bring fully satisfactory results. Tissue adhesives are considered promising alternatives, since they are easy to apply and cause minimal tissue trauma. The first aim of this study was to analyze the adhesive properties of and tissue response to two recently developed biodegradable block copolymeric three‐armed‐ and hyper‐branched tissue adhesives. The second aim was to investigate if tissue surface modification with collagenase improves the attachment of the adhesives and increases the healing potential of the tissue. Cylindrical explants were harvested from bovine menisci. The central core of the explants was removed and glued back into the defect, with or without incubation in collagenase solution prior to gluing, using one of the novel glues, Dermabond® or fibrin glue. The repair constructs were cultured in vitro for 1 and 28 days. Adhesion tests and histology were performed to analyze the effects of the glue in combination with the additional treatment. The adhesive strength of the novel glues was 40‐50 kPa, which was significantly higher than that of fibrin glue (15 kPa). Cells were present in direct contact with the glues, and the tissue remained vital during the whole culture period. Increased cellularity around the tear in the collagenase treated explants was observed after 1 day. The two newly developed tissue adhesives are attractive materials to be used for repair of meniscal tears. The beneficial influence of collagenase treatment in treating meniscal tears with glues still needs to be confirmed in more clinical relevant studies. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1405–1411, 2017.
Effectiveness of anti‐oxidant polyethylene: What early retrievals can tell us
Authors: Currier Barbara H. , Currier John H. , Holdcroft Lindsay A. , Van Citters Douglas W.
Published: February 2017

The optimum UHMWPE orthopedic implant bearing surface must balance wear, oxidation, and fatigue resistance. Antioxidant polyethylene addresses free radicals, resulting from irradiation used in cross‐linking, that could oxidize and potentially lead to fatigue damage under cycles of in vivo use. This study evaluates what short‐term antioxidant UHMWPE retrievals can reveal about: (1) oxidation‐resistance and (2) fatigue‐resistance of these new materials. Retrievals of three different antioxidant polyethylene materials (n = 25) were analyzed by FTIR and uniaxial tensile tests and compared to conventional (n = 20) and remelted highly cross‐linked (n = 30) polyethylene retrievals of similar in vivo duration. Maximum oxidation values differed significantly across material types (p = 0.018). No antioxidant retrieval exhibited a subsurface oxidation peak, in contrast to conventional gamma‐sterilized (55%) and highly cross‐linked (37%) retrievals that exhibited subsurface oxidation peaks over the same in vivo time. Trans‐vinylene index (TVI) correlated positively with nominal irradiation dose (p < 0.001). Tensile toughness correlated negatively with increasing TVI (p < 0.001). The antioxidant materials in this study prevented in vivo oxidation more effectively than remelted HXL polyethylene at least over the in vivo period represented. The comparison of antioxidant retrieval tensile properties can be used as a guide for clinicians in choosing appropriate materials for the applications represented by their patients. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 353–359, 2018.
The impact of gallium content on degradation, bioactivity, and antibacterial potency of zinc borate bioactive glass
Authors: Rahimnejad Yazdi Alireza , Torkan Lawrence , Stone Wendy , Towler Mark R.
Published: February 2017

Zinc borate glasses with increasing gallium content (0, 2.5, 5, 10, and 15 Wt % Ga) were synthesized and their degradation, bioactivity in simulated body fluid (SBF), and antibacterial properties were investigated. ICP measurements showed that increased gallium content in the glass resulted in increased gallium ion release and decreased release of other ions. Degradability declined with the addition of gallium, indicating the formation of more symmetric BO3 units with three bridging oxygens and asymmetric BO3 units with two bridging oxygens in the glass network as the gallium content in the series increased. The formation of amorphous CaP on the glass surface after 24 h of incubation in SBF was confirmed by SEM, XRD, and FTIR analyses. Finally, antibacterial evaluation of the glasses using the agar disc‐diffusion method demonstrated that the addition of gallium increased the antibacterial potency of the glasses against P. aeruginosa (Gram‐negative) while decreasing it against S. epidermidis (Gram‐positive); considering the ion release trends, this indicates that the gallium ion is responsible for the glasses’ antibacterial behavior against P. aeruginosa while the zinc ion controls the antibacterial activity against S. epidermidis. The statistical significance of the observed trends in the measurements were confirmed by applying the Kruskal‐Wallis H Test. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 367–376, 2018.
Quantifying the influence of respiration and cardiac pulsations on cerebrospinal fluid dynamics using real‐time phase‐contrast MRI
Authors: Yildiz Selda , Thyagaraj Suraj , Jin Ning , Zhong Xiaodong , Heidari Pahlavian Soroush , Martin Bryn A. , Loth Francis , Oshinski John , Sabra Karim G.
Published: February 2017

Purpose

To validate a real‐time phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging (RT‐PCMRI) sequence in a controlled phantom model, and to quantify the relative contributions of respiration and cardiac pulsations on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) velocity at the level of the foramen magnum (FM).

Materials and Methods

To validate the 3T MRI techniques, in vitro studies used a realistic model of the spinal subarachnoid space driven by pulsatile flow waveforms mimicking the respiratory and cardiac components of CSF flow. Subsequently, CSF flow was measured continuously during 1‐minute RT‐PCMRI acquisitions at the FM while healthy subjects (N = 20) performed natural breathing, deep breathing, breath‐holding, and coughing. Conventional cardiac‐gated PCMRI was obtained for comparison. A frequency domain power ratio analysis determined the relative contribution of respiration versus cardiac ([r/c]) components of CSF velocity.

Results

In vitro studies demonstrating the accuracy of RT‐PCMRI within 5% of input values showed that conventional PCMRI measures only the cardiac component of CSF velocity (0.42 ± 0.02 cm/s), averages out respiratory effects, and underestimates the magnitude of CSF velocity (0.96 ± 0.07 cm/s). In vivo RT‐PCMRI measurements indicated the ratio of respiratory to cardiac velocity pulsations averaged over all subjects as [r/c = 0.14 ± 0.27] and [r/c = 0.40 ± 0.47] for natural and deep breathing, respectively. During coughing, the peak CSF velocity increased by a factor of 2.27 ± 1.40.

Conclusion

RT‐PCMRI can noninvasively measure instantaneous CSF velocity driven by cardiac pulsations, respiration, and coughing in real time. A comparable contribution of respiration and cardiac pulsations on CSF velocity was found during deep breathing but not during natural breathing.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 1

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;46:431–439
Is it better to include necrosis in apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements? The necrosis/wall ADC ratio to differentiate malignant and benign necrotic lung lesions: Preliminary results
Authors: Karaman Adem , Durur‐Subasi Irmak , Alper Fatih , Durur‐Karakaya Afak , Subasi Mahmut , Akgun Metin
Published: February 2017

Purpose

To determine whether the use of necrosis/wall apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) ratios in the differentiation of necrotic lung lesions is more reliable than measuring the wall alone.

Materials and Methods

In this retrospective study, a total of 76 patients (54 males and 22 females, 71% vs. 29%, with a mean age of 53 ± 18 years, range, 18–84) were enrolled, 33 of whom had lung carcinoma and 43 had a benign necrotic lung lesion. A 3T scanner was used. The calculation of the necrosis/wall ADC ratio was based on ADC values measured from necrosis and the wall of the lesions by diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI). Statistical analyses were performed with the independent samples t‐test and receiver operating characteristic analysis. Intraobserver and interobserver reliability were calculated for ADC values of wall and necrosis.

Results

The mean necrosis/wall ADC ratio was 1.67 ± 0.23 for malignant lesions and 0.75 ± 0.19 for benign lung lesions (P < 0.001). To estimate malignancy the area under the curve (AUC) values for necrosis ADC, wall ADC, and the necrosis/wall ADC ratio were 0.720, 0.073, and 0.997, respectively. A wall/necrosis ADC ratio cutoff value of 1.12 demonstrated a 100% sensitivity and 98% specificity in the estimation of malignancy. Positive predictive value was 100%, and negative predictive value 98% and diagnostic accuracy 99%. There was a good intraobserver and interobserver reliability for wall and necrosis.

Conclusion

The necrosis/wall ADC ratio appears to be a reliable and promising tool for discriminating lung carcinoma from benign necrotic lung lesions than measuring the wall alone.

Level of Evidence: 4

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;46:1001–1006.
Integrated HPTLC‐based Methodology for the Tracing of Bioactive Compounds in Herbal Extracts Employing Multivariate Chemometrics. A Case Study on Morus alba
Authors: Chaita Eliza , Gikas Evagelos , Aligiannis Nektarios
Published: February 2017

Introduction

In drug discovery, bioassay‐guided isolation is a well‐established procedure, and still the basic approach for the discovery of natural products with desired biological properties. However, in these procedures, the most laborious and time‐consuming step is the isolation of the bioactive constituents. A prior identification of the compounds that contribute to the demonstrated activity of the fractions would enable the selection of proper chromatographic techniques and lead to targeted isolation.

Objective

The development of an integrated HPTLC‐based methodology for the rapid tracing of the bioactive compounds during bioassay‐guided processes, using multivariate statistics.

Materials and Methods – The methanol extract of Morus alba was fractionated employing CPC. Subsequently, fractions were assayed for tyrosinase inhibition and analyzed with HPTLC. PLS‐R algorithm was performed in order to correlate the analytical data with the biological response of the fractions and identify the compounds with the highest contribution. Two methodologies were developed for the generation of the dataset; one based on manual peak picking and the second based on chromatogram binning.

Results and Discussion – Both methodologies afforded comparable results and were able to trace the bioactive constituents (e.g. oxyresveratrol, trans‐dihydromorin, 2,4,3′‐trihydroxydihydrostilbene). The suggested compounds were compared in terms of Rf values and UV spectra with compounds isolated from M. alba using typical bioassay‐guided process.

Conclusion

Chemometric tools supported the development of a novel HPTLC‐based methodology for the tracing of tyrosinase inhibitors in M. alba extract. All steps of the experimental procedure implemented techniques that afford essential key elements for application in high‐throughput screening procedures for drug discovery purposes. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perovskite/Carbon Composites: Applications in Oxygen Electrocatalysis
Authors: Zhu Yinlong , Zhou Wei , Shao Zongping
Published: February 2017

Oxygen electrocatalysis, i.e., oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), plays an extremely important role in oxygen‐based renewable‐energy technologies such as rechargeable metal‐air batteries, regenerative fuel cells and water splitting. Perovskite oxides have recently attracted increasing interest and hold great promise as efficient ORR and OER catalysts to replace noble‐metal‐based catalysts, owing to their high intrinsic catalytic activity, abundant variety, low cost, and rich resources. The introduction of perovskite‐carbon interfaces by forming perovskite/carbon composites may bring a synergistic effect between the two phases, thus benefiting the oxygen electrocatalysis. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in perovskite/carbon composites for oxygen electrocatalysis in alkaline media, aiming to provide insights into the key parameters that influence the ORR/OER performance of the composites, including the physical/chemical properties and morphologies of the perovskites, the multiple roles of carbon, the synthetic method and the synergistic effect. A special emphasis is placed on the origin of the synergistic effect associated with the interfacial interaction between the perovskite and the carbon phases for enhanced ORR/OER performance. Finally, the existing challenges and the future directions for the synthesis and development of more efficient oxygen catalysts based on perovskite/carbon composites are proposed.
ANCESTRAL O'ODHAM: AKIMEL O'ODHAM CULTURAL TRADITIONS AND THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL RECORD
Authors: Loendorf Chris , Lewis Barnaby V.
Published: February 2017

Archaeologists have long used the prehistoric inhabitants of the Phoenix Basin in south-central Arizona as an example of a failed or collapsed society, and most prehistorians still assert that Hohokam material culture patterns ended at the close of the Classic period (circa A.D. 1150–1450). Although researchers are increasingly recognizing connections between prehistoric and modern indigenous people, little consensus exists regarding the cause or causes of the dramatic alterations in material culture patterns that occurred in the region. Most archaeologists who have studied the changes at the end of the Classic period, however, have not fully considered the implications of previous and subsequent conditions, including similar and seemingly abrupt shifts in cultural practices that occurred both before and after this time. This paper uses Akimel O'Odham (i.e., Pima) cultural knowledge to contextualize the “Hohokam Collapse.” We show that this perspective of culture history explains the relationship between prehistoric and historic populations and answers many of the long-standing questions regarding cultural variation in the Phoenix Basin.
HOW TO MAKE A POLITY (IN THE CENTRAL MESA VERDE REGION)
Authors: Crabtree Stefani A. , Bocinsky R. Kyle , Hooper Paul L. , Ryan Susan C. , Kohler Timothy A.
Published: February 2017

The degree to which prehispanic societies in the northern upland Southwest were hierarchical or egalitarian is still debated and seems likely to have changed through time. This paper examines the plausibility of village-spanning polities in the northern Southwest by simulating the coevolution of hierarchy and warfare using extensions to the Village Ecodynamics Project's agent-based model. We additionally compile empirical data on the population size distribution of habitations and ritual spaces (kivas) and the social groups that used them in three large regions of the Pueblo Southwest and analyze these through time. All lines of evidence refute an “autonomous village” model during the Pueblo II period (A.D. 890–1145); rather, they support the existence of village-spanning polities during the Pueblo II and probably into the Pueblo III period (A.D. 1145–1285) in some areas. One or more polities connecting the northern Southwest, with tribute flowing to an apex in Chaco Canyon, appears plausible during Pueblo II for the areas we examine. During Pueblo III, more local organizations likely held sway until depopulation in the late thirteenth century.
Erosion and transformation in the ecology of gender: women's political representation and gender relations in the Ugandan parliament
Authors: Refki Dina , Abbas Diana , Avci Bilge , Kim Eunhyoung , Berger Iris , Faerman Sue
Published: February 2017

Previous literature on women's representation in the Ugandan Parliament painted a grim picture of women exploited by political leaders, and brought into Parliament and other political spaces by a benevolent dictator who allowed their entry to extend and deepen his political networks. These women were expected to accept a subordinate and inferior place, and to defer to male authority. Female members cooperated dutifully by ‘knowing their place’ and by actively supporting the ‘hand that fed them’. Studies noted that women lacked gender consciousness and even the analytical power to understand the implications of the policies they helped pass. There was a general consensus that patriarchal attitudes in Parliament diminished women's influence and undermined their political efficacy. This paper analyses gender relations, and examines the status of female members through their words, actions and behaviours in the Ugandan Parliament. The three primary sources of data for this study were surveys, semi-structured interviews of male and female members of Parliament, and the proceedings of parliamentary debates in 2014. Analysis of parliamentary debates and personal accounts of gender relations in the 9th Parliament reveal a changing landscape. Women are moving from marginal roles to more central roles in Parliament, and are becoming active participants in shaping parliamentary discourse and policy outcomes. There is a newfound sense of empowerment among respondents. Women articulated a new sense of being respected in Parliament, a sense of self- and collective efficacy that they can advance policy priorities. There is a change in women's performance on the Chamber's floor. Parliamentary proceedings offer evidence of an ability to successfully engage in vigorous debates, effectively advance their policy agendas, and utilise sophisticated political strategising and manoeuvring. While there are still elements of continuity, a new gender schema is emerging – a schema that challenges traditional values and attempts to reconcile these values with requirements for running a modern government.
Payments for Ecosystem Services in Sustainable Mangrove Forest Management in Bangladesh
Authors: Razzaque Jona
Published: February 2017

In the context of sustainable development, both developed and developing countries are implementing policies that encourage economic growth, environmental protection and social well-being in resource decisions. According to the 2012 Rio+20 Declaration, market-based instruments that complement regulations can offer an economically efficient push to sustainable growth. Market-based instruments, such as payments for ecosystem services (PES) and other market incentives, may play a crucial role in enhancing the livelihoods and wider well-being of poor people. However, for economic tools such as PES to prove valuable in managing natural resources, the decision-making and implementation processes must integrate adequate rights allocation and participatory mechanisms. This article examines forest ecosystem services in the context of the mangrove reserve forest of the Sundarbans in Bangladesh. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest remaining areas of mangroves in the world with an exceptional level of biodiversity. The article argues for a more realistic and equitable approach to PES projects in Bangladesh. It underscores the need for effective participatory tools, third-party monitoring and multi-service PES schemes to improve multiple mangrove ecosystem services in the Sundarbans.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Epigenetic regulation of HGF/Met receptor axis is critical for the outgrowth of bone metastasis from breast carcinoma
Authors: Bendinelli Paola , Maroni Paola , Matteucci Emanuela , Desiderio Maria Alfonsina
Published: February 2017

Our translational research deals with the influence of microenvironment on the phenotype and colonization of bone metastases from breast carcinoma, and on pre-metastatic niche formation. The aim of the present study was to clarify the origin of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), ligand of Met receptor, the control of the axis HGF/Met by DNA methylation, and its importance for the nexus supportive cells-metastatic cells and for metastasis outgrowth. In bone metastasis of the 1833-xenograft model, DNA methyltransferase blockade using the chemotherapic drug 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (decitabine) strongly reduced the expression of HGF/Met receptor axis and of E-cadherin, with decrease of metastasis wideness and osteolysis, prolonging mice survival. Thus, DNA methylation events acted as commanders of breast carcinoma cells metastatizing to bone influencing the epithelial phenotype. HGF emerged as a bone-marrow stimulus, and the exosomes seemed to furnish HGF to metastatic cells. In fact, decitabine treatment similarly affected some markers of these microvesicles and HGF, indicating that its supply to recipient cells was prevented. Notably, in bone metastasis the hypomethylation of HGF, Met and E-cadherin promoters did not appear responsible for their elevated expression, but we suggest the involvement of hypermethylated regulators and of Wwox oncosuppressor, the latter being affected by decitabine. Wwox expression increased under decitabine strongly localizing in nuclei of bone metastases. We hypothesize a role of Wwox in Met activity since in vitro Wwox overexpression downregulated the level of nuclear-Met protein fragment and Met stability, also under long exposure of 1833 cells to decitabine. HGF enhanced phosphoMet and the activity in nuclei, an effect partially prevented by decitabine. Altogether, the data indicated the importance to target the tumor microenvironment by blocking epigenetic mechanisms, which control critical events for colonization such as HGF/Met axis and Wwox, as therapy of bone metastasis.
Molecular basis for protection of ribosomal protein L4 from cellular degradation
Authors: Huber Ferdinand M. , Hoelz André
Published: February 2017

Eukaryotic ribosome biogenesis requires the nuclear import of ∼80 nascent ribosomal proteins and the elimination of excess amounts by the cellular degradation machinery. Assembly chaperones recognize nascent unassembled ribosomal proteins and transport them together with karyopherins to their nuclear destination. We report the crystal structure of ribosomal protein L4 (RpL4) bound to its dedicated assembly chaperone of L4 (Acl4), revealing extensive interactions sequestering 70 exposed residues of the extended RpL4 loop. The observed molecular recognition fundamentally differs from canonical promiscuous chaperone–substrate interactions. We demonstrate that the eukaryote-specific RpL4 extension harbours overlapping binding sites for Acl4 and the nuclear transport factor Kap104, facilitating its continuous protection from the cellular degradation machinery. Thus, Acl4 serves a dual function to facilitate nuclear import and simultaneously protect unassembled RpL4 from the cellular degradation machinery.
Atmospheric oxygen regulation at low Proterozoic levels by incomplete oxidative weathering of sedimentary organic carbon
Authors: Daines Stuart J. , Mills Benjamin J. W. , Lenton Timothy M.
Published: February 2017

It is unclear why atmospheric oxygen remained trapped at low levels for more than 1.5 billion years following the Paleoproterozoic Great Oxidation Event. Here, we use models for erosion, weathering and biogeochemical cycling to show that this can be explained by the tectonic recycling of previously accumulated sedimentary organic carbon, combined with the oxygen sensitivity of oxidative weathering. Our results indicate a strong negative feedback regime when atmospheric oxygen concentration is of order pO2∼0.1 PAL (present atmospheric level), but that stability is lost at pO2<0.01 PAL. Within these limits, the carbonate carbon isotope (δ13C) record becomes insensitive to changes in organic carbon burial rate, due to counterbalancing changes in the weathering of isotopically light organic carbon. This can explain the lack of secular trend in the Precambrian δ13C record, and reopens the possibility that increased biological productivity and resultant organic carbon burial drove the Great Oxidation Event.
Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma management: a case series and literature review
Authors: Raasck Kyle , Habis Ahmed A , Aoude Ahmed , Simões Leonardo , Barros Fernando , Reindl Rudy , Jarzem Peter
Published: February 2017

Objective:

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) manifests from blood accumulating in the epidural space, compressing the spinal cord and leading to acute neurological deficits. Standard therapy is decompressive laminectomy, although spontaneous recoveries have been reported. Sub-optimal therapeutic principles contribute to SSEH’s 5.7% mortality—which patient will benefit from surgery remains unclear. This study aims to investigate parameters that affect SSEH’s progression, outlining a best-practice therapeutic approach.

Materials and methods:

Literature review yielded 65 cases from 12 studies. Furthermore, 6 cases were presented from our institution. All data were analyzed under American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) score guidelines.

Results:

Fifty percent of SSEH patients do not fully recover. In all, 30% of patients who presented with an ASIA score of A did not improve with surgery, although every SSEH patient who presented at C or D improved. Spontaneous recovery is rare—only 23% of patients were treated conservatively. Seventy-three percent of those made a full recovery, as opposed to the 48% improvement in patients managed surgically. Thirty-three percent of patients managed conservatively had an initial score of A or B, all improving to a score of D or E without surgery. Regardless, conservative management tends toward low-risk presentations. Patients managed conservatively were three times as likely to have an initial score of D than their surgically managed counterparts.

Discussion:

The degree of pre-operative neural deficit is a major prognostic factor. Conservative management has proven effective, although feasible only if spontaneous recovery is manifested. Decompressive laminectomy should continue to remain readily available, given the inverse correlation between operative interval and recovery.
Repair of bone defects with prefabricated vascularized bone grafts and double-labeled bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in a rat model
Authors: Jiang Xiao-Rui , Yang Hui-Ying , Zhang Xin-Xin , Lin Guo-Dong , Meng Yong-Chun , Zhang Pei-Xun , Jiang Shan , Zhang Chun-Lei , Huang Fei , Xu Lin
Published: February 2017

This study aims to investigate the repair of bone defects with prefabricated vascularized bone grafts and double-labeled bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in a rat model. BMSCs were separated from rat bone marrow. LTR-CMVpro-RFP and LTR-CMVpro-GFP were transfected into the BMSCs for in vitro and in vivo tracking. BMSCs-RFP and BMSCs-GFP were induced into endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and osteoblasts (OBs). Rats were divided into five groups: Group A: in vitro prefabrication with EPCs-RFP + in vivo prefabrication with arteriovenous vascular bundle + secondary OBs-GFP implantation; Group B: in vitro prefabrication with EPCs-RFP + secondary OBs-GFP implantation; Group C: in vivo prefabrication with arteriovenous vascular bundle + secondary OBs-GFP implantation; Group D: implantation of EPCs-RFP + implantation of with arteriovenous vascular bundle + simultaneous OBs-GFP implantation; Group E: demineralized bone matrix (DBM) grafts (blank control). Among five groups, Group A had the fastest bone regeneration and repair, and the regenerated bone highly resembled normal bone tissues; Group D also had fast bone repair, but the repair was slightly slower than Group A. Therefore, in vitro prefabrication with EPCs-RFP plus in vivo prefabrication with arteriovenous vascular bundle and secondary OBs-GFP implantation could be the best treatment for bone defect.
Distinct requirement of Runx complexes for TCRβ enhancer activation at distinct developmental stages
Authors: Seo Wooseok , Muroi Sawako , Akiyama Kaori , Taniuchi Ichiro
Published: February 2017

A TCRβ enhancer, known as the Eβ enhancer, plays a critical role in V(D)J recombination and transcription of the Tcrb gene. However, the coordinated action of trans-acting factors in the activation of Eβ during T cell development remains uncharacterized. Here, we characterized the roles of Runx complexes in the regulation of the Eβ function. A single mutation at one of the two Runx binding motifs within the Eβ severely impaired Tcrb activation at the initiation phase in immature thymocytes. However, TCRβ expression level in mature thymocytes that developed under such a single Runx site mutation was similar to that of the control. In contrast, mutations at two Runx motifs eliminated Eβ activity, demonstrating that Runx complex binding is essential to initiate Eβ activation. In cells expressing Tcrb harboring rearranged V(D)J structure, Runx complexes are dispensable to maintain TCRβ expression, whereas Eβ itself is continuously required for TCRβ expression. These findings imply that Runx complexes are essential for Eβ activation at the initiation phase, but are not necessary for maintaining Eβ activity at later developmental stages. Collectively, our results indicate that the requirements of trans-acting factor for Eβ activity are differentially regulated, depending on the developmental stage and cellular activation status.
Characterisation of a divergent progenitor cell sub-populations in human osteoarthritic cartilage: the role of telomere erosion and replicative senescence
Authors: Fellows Christopher R. , Williams Rebecca , Davies Iwan R. , Gohil Kajal , Baird Duncan M. , Fairclough John , Rooney Paul , Archer Charles W. , Khan Ilyas M.
Published: February 2017

In recent years it has become increasingly clear that articular cartilage harbours a viable pool of progenitor cells and interest has focussed on their role during development and disease. Analysis of progenitor numbers using fluorescence-activated sorting techniques has resulted in wide-ranging estimates, which may be the result of context-dependent expression of cell surface markers. We have used a colony-forming assay to reliably determine chondroprogenitor numbers in normal and osteoarthritic cartilage where we observed a 2-fold increase in diseased tissue (P  < 0.0001). Intriguingly, cell kinetic analysis of clonal isolates derived from single and multiple donors of osteoarthritic cartilage revealed the presence of a divergent progenitor subpopulation characterised by an early senescent phenotype. Divergent sub-populations displayed increased senescence-associated β–galactosidase activity, lower average telomere lengths but retained the capacity to undergo multi-lineage differentiation. Osteoarthritis is an age-related disease and cellular senescence is predicted to be a significant component of the pathological process. This study shows that although early senescence is an inherent property of a subset of activated progenitors, there is also a pool of progenitors with extended viability and regenerative potential residing within osteoarthritic cartilage.
Dynamic-Sensitive centrality of nodes in temporal networks
Authors: Huang Da-Wen , Yu Zu-Guo
Published: February 2017

Locating influential nodes in temporal networks has attracted a lot of attention as data driven and diverse applications. Classic works either looked at analysing static networks or placed too much emphasis on the topological information but rarely highlighted the dynamics. In this paper, we take account the network dynamics and extend the concept of Dynamic-Sensitive centrality to temporal network. According to the empirical results on three real-world temporal networks and a theoretical temporal network for susceptible-infected-recovered (SIR) models, the temporal Dynamic-Sensitive centrality (TDC) is more accurate than both static versions and temporal versions of degree, closeness and betweenness centrality. As an application, we also use TDC to analyse the impact of time-order on spreading dynamics, we find that both topological structure and dynamics contribute the impact on the spreading influence of nodes, and the impact of time-order on spreading influence will be stronger when spreading rate b deviated from the epidemic threshold bc, especially for the temporal scale-free networks.
Eumelanin broadband absorption develops from aggregation-modulated chromophore interactions under structural and redox control
Authors: Micillo Raffaella , Panzella Lucia , Iacomino Mariagrazia , Prampolini Giacomo , Cacelli Ivo , Ferretti Alessandro , Crescenzi Orlando , Koike Kenzo , Napolitano Alessandra , d’Ischia Marco
Published: February 2017

Eumelanins, the chief photoprotective pigments in man and mammals, owe their black color to an unusual broadband absorption spectrum whose origin is still a conundrum. Excitonic effects from the interplay of geometric order and disorder in 5,6-dihydroxyindole (DHI)-based oligomeric/polymeric structures play a central role, however the contributions of structural (scaffold-controlled) and redox (π-electron-controlled) disorder have remained uncharted. Herein, we report an integrated experimental-theoretical entry to eumelanin chromophore dynamics based on poly(vinyl alcohol)-controlled polymerization of a large set of 5,6-dihydroxyindoles and related dimers. The results a) uncover the impact of the structural scaffold on eumelanin optical properties, disproving the widespread assumption of a universal monotonic chromophore; b) delineate eumelanin chromophore buildup as a three-step dynamic process involving the rapid generation of oxidized oligomers, termed melanochromes (phase I), followed by a slow oxidant-independent band broadening (phase II) leading eventually to scattering (phase III); c) point to a slow reorganization-stabilization of melanochromes via intermolecular redox interactions as the main determinant of visible broadband absorption.
Bioengineering a bacterial pathogen to assemble its own particulate vaccine capable of inducing cellular immunity
Authors: Lee Jason W. , Parlane Natalie A. , Wedlock D. Neil , Rehm Bernd H. A.
Published: February 2017

Many bacterial pathogens naturally form cellular inclusions. Here the immunogenicity of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) inclusions and their use as particulate vaccines delivering a range of host derived antigens was assessed. Our study showed that PHA inclusions of pathogenic Pseudomonas aeruginosa are immunogenic mediating a specific cell-mediated immune response. Protein engineering of the PHA inclusion forming enzyme by translational fusion of epitopes from vaccine candidates outer membrane proteins OprI, OprF, and AlgE mediated self-assembly of PHA inclusions coated by these selected antigens. Mice vaccinated with isolated PHA inclusions produced a Th1 type immune response characterized by antigen-specific production of IFN-γ and IgG2c isotype antibodies. This cell-mediated immune response was found to be associated with the production of functional antibodies reacting with cells of various P. aeruginosa strains as well as facilitating opsonophagocytic killing. This study showed that cellular inclusions of pathogenic bacteria are immunogenic and can be engineered to display selected antigens suitable to serve as particulate subunit vaccines against infectious diseases.
Palmdelphin promotes myoblast differentiation and muscle regeneration
Authors: Nie Yaping , Chen Hu , Guo Cilin , Yuan Zhuning , Zhou Xingyu , Zhang Ying , Zhang Xumeng , Mo Delin , Chen Yaosheng
Published: February 2017

Differentiation of myoblasts is essential in the development and regeneration of skeletal muscles to form multinucleated, contractile muscle fibers. However, the process of myoblast differentiation in mammals is complicated and requires to be further investigated. In this study, we found Palmdelphin (Palmd), a cytosolic protein, promotes myoblast differentiation. Palmd is predominantly expressed in the cytosol of myoblasts and is gradually up-regulated after differentiation. Knockdown of Palmd by small interfering RNA (siRNA) in C2C12 markedly inhibits myogenic differentiation, suggesting a specific role of Palmd in the morphological changes of myoblast differentiation program. Overexpression of Palmd in C2C12 enhances myogenic differentiation. Remarkably, inhibition of Palmd results in impaired myotube formation during muscle regeneration after injury. These findings reveal a new cytosolic protein that promotes mammalian myoblast differentiation and provide new insights into the molecular regulation of muscle formation.
The conserved macrodomains of the non-structural proteins of Chikungunya virus and other pathogenic positive strand RNA viruses function as mono-ADP-ribosylhydrolases
Authors: Eckei Laura , Krieg Sarah , Bütepage Mareike , Lehmann Anne , Gross Annika , Lippok Barbara , Grimm Alexander R. , Kümmerer Beate M. , Rossetti Giulia , Lüscher Bernhard , Verheugd Patricia
Published: February 2017

Human pathogenic positive single strand RNA ((+)ssRNA) viruses, including Chikungunya virus, pose severe health problems as for many neither efficient vaccines nor therapeutic strategies exist. To interfere with propagation, viral enzymatic activities are considered potential targets. Here we addressed the function of the viral macrodomains, conserved folds of non-structural proteins of many (+)ssRNA viruses. Macrodomains are closely associated with ADP-ribose function and metabolism. ADP-ribosylation is a post-translational modification controlling various cellular processes, including DNA repair, transcription and stress response. We found that the viral macrodomains possess broad hydrolase activity towards mono-ADP-ribosylated substrates of the mono-ADP-ribosyltransferases ARTD7, ARTD8 and ARTD10 (aka PARP15, PARP14 and PARP10, respectively), reverting this post-translational modification both in vitro and in cells. In contrast, the viral macrodomains possess only weak activity towards poly-ADP-ribose chains synthesized by ARTD1 (aka PARP1). Unlike poly-ADP-ribosylglycohydrolase, which hydrolyzes poly-ADP-ribose chains to individual ADP-ribose units but cannot cleave the amino acid side chain - ADP-ribose bond, the different viral macrodomains release poly-ADP-ribose chains with distinct efficiency. Mutational and structural analyses identified key amino acids for hydrolase activity of the Chikungunya viral macrodomain. Moreover, ARTD8 and ARTD10 are induced by innate immune mechanisms, suggesting that the control of mono-ADP-ribosylation is part of a host-pathogen conflict.