bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TNF-Induced Death Signaling Triggers Alveolar Epithelial Dysfunction in Acute Lung Injury
Authors: Patel Brijesh V. , Wilson Michael R. , O’Dea Kieran P. , Takata Masao
Published: March 2013

The ability of the alveolar epithelium to prevent and resolve pulmonary edema is a crucial determinant of morbidity and mortality in acute lung injury (ALI). TNF has been implicated in ALI pathogenesis, but the precise mechanisms remain undetermined. We evaluated the role of TNF signaling in pulmonary edema formation in a clinically relevant mouse model of ALI induced by acid aspiration and investigated the effects of TNF p55 receptor deletion, caspase-8 inhibition, and alveolar macrophage depletion on alveolar epithelial function. We found that TNF plays a central role in the development of pulmonary edema in ALI through activation of p55-mediated death signaling, rather than through previously well-characterized p55-mediated proinflammatory signaling. Acid aspiration produced pulmonary edema with significant alveolar epithelial dysfunction, as determined by alveolar fluid clearance (AFC) and intra-alveolar levels of the receptor for advanced glycation end-products. The impairment of AFC was strongly correlated with lung caspase-8 activation, which was localized to type 1 alveolar epithelial cells by flow cytometric analysis. p55-deficient mice displayed markedly attenuated injury, with improved AFC and reduced caspase-8 activity but no differences in downstream cytokine/chemokine production and neutrophil recruitment. Caspase-8 inhibition significantly improved AFC and oxygenation, whereas depletion of alveolar macrophages attenuated epithelial dysfunction with reduced TNF production and caspase-8 activity. These results provide in vivo evidence for a novel role for TNF p55 receptor–mediated caspase-8 signaling, without substantial apoptotic cell death, in triggering alveolar epithelial dysfunction and determining the early pathophysiology of ALI. Blockade of TNF-induced death signaling may provide an effective early-phase strategy for ALI.
Conversion of Peripheral Blood NK Cells to a Decidual NK-like Phenotype by a Cocktail of Defined Factors
Authors: Cerdeira Ana Sofia , Rajakumar Augustine , Royle Caroline M. , Lo Agnes , Husain Zaheed , Thadhani Ravi I. , Sukhatme Vikas P. , Karumanchi S. Ananth , Kopcow Hernan D.
Published: March 2013

NK cells that populate the decidua are important regulators of normal placentation. In contrast to peripheral blood NK cells, decidual NK (dNK) cells lack cytotoxicity, secrete proangiogenic factors, and regulate trophoblast invasion. In this study we show that exposure to a combination of hypoxia, TGF-β1, and a demethylating agent results in NK cells that express killer cell Ig-like receptors, the dNK cell markers CD9 and CD49a, and a dNK pattern of chemokine receptors. These cells secrete vascular endothelial growth factor (a potent proangiogenic molecule), display reduced cytotoxicity, and promote invasion of human trophoblast cell lines. These findings have potential therapeutic applications for placental disorders associated with altered NK cell biology.
IL-1β Promotes Antimicrobial Immunity in Macrophages by Regulating TNFR Signaling and Caspase-3 Activation
Authors: Jayaraman Pushpa , Sada-Ovalle Isabel , Nishimura Tomoyasu , Anderson Ana C. , Kuchroo Vijay K. , Remold Heinz G. , Behar Samuel M.
Published: March 2013

In vivo control of Mycobacterium tuberculosis reflects the balance between host immunity and bacterial evasion strategies. Effector Th1 cells that mediate protective immunity by depriving the bacterium of its intracellular niche are regulated to prevent overexuberant inflammation. One key immunoregulatory molecule is Tim3. Although Tim3 is generally recognized to downregulate Th1 responses, we recently described that its interaction with Galectin-9 expressed by M. tuberculosis–infected macrophages stimulates IL-1β secretion, which is essential for survival in the mouse model. Why IL-1β is required for host resistance to M. tuberculosis infection is unknown. In this article, we show that IL-1β directly kills M. tuberculosis in murine and human macrophages and does so through the recruitment of other antimicrobial effector molecules. IL-1β directly augments TNF signaling in macrophages through the upregulation of TNF secretion and TNFR1 cell surface expression, and results in activation of caspase-3. Thus, IL-1β and downstream TNF production lead to caspase-dependent restriction of intracellular M. tuberculosis growth.
Cutting Edge: Cell Surface Linker for Activation of T Cells Is Recruited to Microclusters and Is Active in Signaling
Authors: Balagopalan Lakshmi , Barr Valarie A. , Kortum Robert L. , Park Anna K. , Samelson Lawrence E.
Published: March 2013

A controversy has recently emerged regarding the location of the cellular pool of the adapter linker for activation of T cells (LAT) that participates in propagation of signals downstream of the TCR. In one model phosphorylation and direct recruitment of cell surface LAT to activation-induced microclusters is critical for T cell activation, whereas in the other model vesicular, but not surface, LAT participates in these processes. By using a chimeric version of LAT that can be tracked via an extracellular domain, we provide evidence that LAT located at the cell surface can be recruited efficiently to activation-induced microclusters within seconds of TCR engagement. Importantly, we also demonstrate that this pool of LAT at the plasma membrane is rapidly phosphorylated. Our results provide support for the model in which the cell utilizes LAT from the cell surface for rapid responses to TCR stimulation.
Long-term changes in the algal composition of the Vaal River, South Africa – did the Lesotho Highlands Water Project play a role?
Authors: Janse van Vuuren Sanet , Swanepoel Annelie , Van Zyl Germarie
Published: March 2013

The Vaal River has become so nutrient-enriched that algal blooms pose problems. A unique opportunity arose to determine if there were changes in the chemistry en algal composition of the Vaal River after oligomesotrophic Katse Dam (Lesotho) water was imported to augment supplies in the light of growing water demands in the Vaal River catchment area. Algal concentration and composition in the Vaal River during three periods (between 1992 and 1994, 1998 and 2000, as well as 2004 and 2006) were compared to those in the Katse Dam (1998–2006). Some algal species, initially absent from the Vaal River, appeared in the river during and after transfer. Mixed algal assemblages found in the Vaal River before transfer of Katse Dam water gradually changed after transfer to assemblages mainly composed of cyanobacteria. The total algal concentration in the Vaal River Barrage doubled from the period between 1992 and 1994 to that between 2004 and 2006, indicating that the transfer of clear, oligomesotrophic Katse Dam water did not dilute the eutrophic Vaal River water sufficiently in order to reduce algal concentrations. Results showed that continuous downstream pollution and eutrophication of the Vaal River system eliminated the diluting effect of Katse imports. This resulted in changes in algal composition and concentration in the Vaal, characteristic of those associated with increasing eutrophication.
Interests among Older People in Relation to Gender, Function and Health-Related Quality of Life
Authors: Källdalen Anette , Marcusson Jan , Wressle Ewa
Published: March 2013

Introduction:

Older people should have opportunities to be active participants in society because aspects such as lifestyle, physical and social environment and physical and mental status have influence on active ageing. The purpose of this study was to explore the interests pursued by 85-year-old people living in ordinary housing in relation to gender, cognition, depression and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Method:

A sample of 240 participants completed a postal questionnaire, including the EuroQoL HRQoL measurement. Additional instruments used during a subsequent home visit were the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, Mini Mental State Examination and Geriatric Depression Scale.

Results:

Women experienced poorer health than men, lived alone to a greater extent and used more mobility devices. Compared with men, women had a larger number of interests within household management, but there were no gender differences in the leisure area. A lower number of interests in active recreation was associated with lower cognitive function, poorer HRQoL and a higher risk of depressive symptoms.

Conclusion:

The main finding is that engaging in active recreation interests is associated with better cognition, less depression and higher HRQoL in these 85-year-old people and is, therefore, a concern of occupational therapists.
Enablement through Provision of Assistive Technology: Case Reports of Two Children with Physical Disabilities
Authors: Dalton Cherie , Hoyt-Hallett Gillian
Published: March 2013

Children with physical disabilities may experience occupational deprivation due to a poor fit between their physical skills and the surrounding environment. Assistive technology may facilitate occupational engagement in children with physical disabilities and mitigate their experience of occupational deprivation. This practice analysis explored, through case reports, occupational engagement changes for two pre-teen girls with physical disabilities pre and post provision of technology. Once provided with appropriate assistive technology, each child participated in meaningful occupation. These powerful stories of occupational engagement could encourage occupational therapists to consider how occupational deprivation may be reduced through assistive technologies among children with physical disabilities.
Atmospheric nitric oxide and ozone at the WAIS Divide deep coring site: a discussion of local sources and transport in West Antarctica
Authors: Masclin S. , Frey M. M. , Rogge W. F. , Bales R. C.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. First measurements of atmospheric nitric oxide (NO) along with observations of ozone (O3), hydroperoxides (H2O2 and MHP) and snow nitrate (NO3−), on the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) were carried out at the WAIS Divide deep ice-coring site between 10 December 2008 and 11 January 2009. Average ±1σ mixing ratios of NO were 19 ± 31 pptv and confirmed prior model estimates for the summer boundary layer above WAIS. Mean ±1σ mixing ratios of O3 of 14 ± 4 ppbv were in the range of previous measurements from overland traverses across WAIS during summer, while average ±1σ concentrations of H2O2 and MHP revealed slightly higher levels with mixing ratios of 743 ± 362 and 519 ± 238 pptv, respectively. An upper limit for daily average NO2 emission fluxes of 4.6–6.6 × 108 molecule cm−2 s−1 was estimated based on photolysis of measured NO3− in surface snowpack. Assuming rapid and complete mixing into the overlying atmosphere, and steady state of NOx, these snow emissions are equivalent to an average (range) production of atmospheric NO2 of 7 (2–53) pptv h−1 for a typical atmospheric boundary-layer depth of 130 (490–20) m. This indicates that local emissions from the snowpack are a significant source of short-lived nitrogen oxides above the inner WAIS. The origins of the air masses reaching WAIS Divide during this campaign were investigated with a 4-day back-trajectory analysis every 4 h. The resulting 168 back trajectories revealed that in 73% of all runs air originated from East Antarctic Plateau regions below 2500 m (41%), coastal Antarctica (17%) and inner WAIS (15%). For these air sources O3 levels were on average 13 ± 3 ppbv. The remaining 27% are katabatic outflows from the East Antarctic Plateau above 2500 m. When near-surface air from the East Antarctic Plateau reaches WAIS Divide through a rapid transport of less than 3 days, O3 levels are on average 19 ± 4 ppbv with maximum mixing ratios of 30 ppbv. Episodes of elevated ozone at WAIS Divide are therefore linked to air mass export off the East Antarctic Plateau, demonstrating that outflows from the highly oxidizing summer atmospheric boundary layer in the interior of the continent can episodically raise the mixing ratios of long-lived atmospheric chemical species such as O3 and enhance the oxidative capacity of the atmosphere above WAIS.
Sensitivity of aerosol retrieval to geometrical configuration of ground-based sun/sky-radiometer observations
Authors: Torres B. , Dubovik O. , Toledano C. , Berjon A. , Cachorro V. E. , Lapyonok T. , Goloub P.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. A sensitivity study of the aerosol optical properties retrieval to the geometrical configuration of the ground-based sky radiometer observations is carried out through the inversion tests. Specifically, the study is focused on the principal plane and almucantar observation, since these geometries are employed in Aeronet (AErosol RObotic NETwork). The following effects has been analyzed with simulated data for both geometries: sensitivity of the retrieval to variability of the observed scattering angle range, uncertainties in the assumptions of the aerosol vertical distribution and surface reflectance, possible instrument pointing errors and the effects of the finite field of view. The synthetic observations of radiometer in the tests were calculated using a previous climatology data of retrieved aerosol over three Aeronet sites: Mongu (Zambia) for biomass burning aerosol, Goddard Space Flight Center (Maryland-USA) for urban aerosol and Solar Village (Saudi Arabia) for desert dust aerosol. The results show that almucantar retrievals, in general, are more reliable than principal plane retrievals in presence of the analyzed error sources. This fact partially can be explained by to practical advantages of almucantar geometry: the symmetry between its left and right branches that helps to eliminate some observational uncertainties and the constant value of optical mass constant during the measurements that makes almucantar observations nearly independent on vertical variability of aerosol. Nevertheless, almucantar retrievals present instabilities at high sun observations due to the reduction of the scattering angle range coverage resulting in decrease of information content. The last part of the study is devoted to identification of possible differences between the aerosol retrieval results obtained from real Aeronet data using both geometries. In particular, we have compared Aeronet retrievals at three different key sites: Mongu (biomass burning), Beijing (urban) and Solar Village (desert dust). Overall this analysis shows robust consistency between the retrievals from simultaneous observations in principle plane and almucantar. All identified differences are within uncertainties estimated for Aeronet aerosol retrieval. The differences in the size distribution are generally under 10% for radii between 0.1 μm and 5 μm and outside this size range, the differences can be as large as 50%. For the absorption parameters, i.e. single scattering albedo and imaginary part of refractive index, the differences are typically under 0.01 and 0.002 respectively. The real part of the refractive index showed an error of 0.01 for biomass burning and urban aerosol and around 0.03 for desert dust.
Nitrification and growth of autotrophic nitrifying bacteria and Thaumarchaeota in the coastal North Sea
Authors: Veuger B. , Pitcher A. , Schouten S. , Sinninghe Damsté J. S. , Middelburg J. J.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. Nitrification and the associated growth of autotrophic nitrifiers, as well as the contributions of bacteria and Thaumarchaeota to total autotrophic C-fixation by nitrifiers were investigated in the Dutch coastal North Sea from October 2007 to March 2008. Rates of nitrification were determined by incubation of water samples with 15N-ammonium and growth of autotrophic nitrifiers was measured by incubation with 13C-DIC (dissolved inorganic carbon) in the presence and absence of nitrification inhibitors (nitrapyrin and chlorate) in combination with compound-specific stable isotope (13C) analysis of bacterial and Thaumarchaeotal lipid biomarkers. Net nitrification during the sampling period was evident from the concentration dynamics of ammonium, nitrite and nitrate. Measured nitrification rates were high (41–221 nmol N L−1 h−1). Ammonium assimilation was always substantially lower than nitrification – with nitrification on average contributing 89% (range 73–97%) to total ammonium consumption. 13C-DIC fixation into bacterial and Thaumarchaeotal lipids was strongly reduced by the nitrification inhibitors (27–95 %). The inhibitor-sensitive 13C-PLFA (phospholipid-derived fatty acid) pool was dominated by the common PLFAs 16:0, 16:1ω7c and 18:1ω7c throughout the whole sampling period and occasionally also included the polyunsaturated fatty acids 18:2ω6c and 18:3ω3. 13C-DIC fixation activity of the nitrifying bacteria was much higher than that of the nitrifying Thaumarchaeota throughout the whole sampling period, even during the peak in Thaumarchaeotal abundance and activity. This suggests that the contribution of autotrophic Thaumarchaeota to nitrification during winter in the coastal North Sea may have been smaller than expected from their gene abundance (16S rRNA and amoA (ammonia monooxygenase)). These results emphasize the importance of direct measurements of the actual activity of bacteria and Thaumarchaeota, rather than abundance measurements only, in order to elucidate their biogeochemical importance. The ratio between rates of nitrification versus DIC fixation by bacterial nitrifiers was higher or even much higher than typical values for autotrophic nitrifiers, indicating that little DIC was fixed relative to the amount of energy that was generated by nitrification.
On the impact of atmospheric waves on fluxes and turbulence statistics during nighttime conditions: a case study
Authors: Durden D. J. , Nappo C. J. , Leclerc M. Y. , Duarte H. F. , Zhang G. , Pires L. B. M. , Parker M. J. , Kurzeja R. J.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. The interpretation of flux measurements in the nocturnal stable boundary layer is typically fraught with difficulties. This paper reports on how the presence of waves in a time series leads to an overestimation of turbulence statistics and errors in turbulent flux calculations. Using time series of the pressure signal from a microbarograph, the presence of waves at a flux measurement site near Aiken, SC is identified and removed. Our findings suggest that filtering of eddy-covariance data in the presence of wave events prevents both an overestimation of turbulence statistics and errors in turbulent flux calculations. The results showed that large amplitude wave-like events occurred on 31% of the nights considered in the present study. Remarkably, in low-turbulence environments, the presence of a gravity wave can enhance turbulence statistics more than 50%. The presence of the wave modulates the calculated turbulent fluxes of CO2, resulting in erroneous flux calculations of the order of 10% depending on the averaging time and pressure perturbation threshold criteria. In addition, u∗ was affected by the presence of the wave, and in at least one case, a 10% increase caused u∗ to exceed the arbitrary 0.25 ms–1 threshold used in many studies. These preliminary results suggest that biases due to nocturnal atmospheric phenomena can easily creep unnoticed into flux data. The impact of different averaging periods was found to depend on the choice of the variables. This is a product of the width of the averaging window in relation to the wave cycle and dealt with the phase relationship of the variables being analyzed; hence, these errors are primarily introduced through our processing methods. These results provide a novel insight into errors introduced in turbulent fluxes. By contributing more accurate inputs of both turbulent kinetic energy and u∗, these results could be invaluable in improving modeling efforts applied to nocturnal exchange.
Sediment yield model implementation based on check dam infill stratigraphy in a semiarid Mediterranean catchment
Authors: Bussi G. , Rodríguez-Lloveras X. , Francés F. , Benito G. , Sánchez-Moya Y. , Sopeña A.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. Soil loss and sediment transport in Mediterranean areas are driven by complex non-linear processes which have been only partially understood. In order to facilitate the comprehension of these phenomena, distributed models can be very helpful tools for sediment yield estimation. In this work, a modelling approach is proposed to reproduce and evaluate erosion and sediment yield processes in a Mediterranean catchment (Rambla del Poyo, Valencia, Spain). Due to the lack of sediment transport records for model calibration and validation, a detailed description of the alluvial stratigraphy infilling a check dam that drains a 12.9 km2 sub-catchment was used as an indirect evidence of sediment yield data. These dam infill sediments showed evidences of at least 15 depositional events (floods) over the time period 1990–2009. The TETIS-SED model, a distributed conceptual hydrological and sediment model, was coupled to the Sediment Trap Efficiency for Small Ponds (STEP) model for reproducing reservoir retention, and it was calibrated and validated using the sedimentation volume estimated for the depositional units associated with discrete runoff events. The results show relatively low net erosion rates compared to other Mediterranean catchments (14 t km−2 yr−1), probably due to the extensive outcrops of limestone bedrock and rather homogeneous vegetation cover, and confirms the ephemeral behaviour of the stream. The modelled sediment production rates offer satisfactory results, further supported by palaeohydrological evidences, showing its great potential for the quantitative analysis of sediment dynamics in ungauged Mediterranean basins.
Three new species of Humicola from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Area, China
Authors: Wu Yue-Ming , Zhang Tian-Yu
Published: March 2013

Three new species from soil in China, Humicola chlamydospora, H. tuberculata and H. verruculosa are described and illustrated. The type specimens (dried cultures) and living cultures are deposited in the Herbarium of Shandong Agricultural University, Plant Pathology (HSAUP).
Isotypes are kept in the Herbarium of Institute of Microbiology, Academia Sinica (HMAS).
Two species of Agaricus sect. Xanthodermatei from Thailand
Authors: Zhao Rui-Lin , Desjardin Dennis E. , Callac Philippe , Parra Luis A. , Guinberteau Jacques , Soytong Kasem , Karunarathna Samantha , Zhang Ying , Hyde Kevin D.
Published: March 2013

Agaricus murinocephalus is described and illustrated as a new species. This taxon, presently known only from Thailand, is characterized by a context that generally does not discolor on exposure, the lack of a phenolic odor, a cap covered by very fine, appressed, dark grey squamules
outside the grey disc on a whitish background, and a broken collar-like annulus. Agaricus endoxanthus, previously reported from South America, Europe, and Asia, is recorded for the first time in Thailand. Morphological and published molecular analyses place both taxa in A. sect.
Xanthodermatei based on.
Hymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus, the correct name for Lambertella albida reported from Japan
Authors: Zhao Yan-Jie , Hosoya Tsuyoshi , Baral Hans-Otto , Hosaka Kentaro , Kakishima Makoto
Published: March 2013

Recent molecular analyses separate Hymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus (causal agent of ash dieback in Europe) from the morphologically scarcely distinguishable H. albidus. Hymenoscyphus albidus was reported (as "Lambertella albida") on petioles of Fraxinus mandshurica
in Japan. Phylogenetic analysis in the present study shows Japanese "L. albida" to be conspecific with H. pseudoalbidus but with a higher genetic variability compared to European isolates. The presence of croziers at the ascus base was found to be a clear distinguishing character
of H. pseudoalbidus. Our phylogenetic analysis of the combined ITS and LSU-D1/D2 dataset supports Hymenoscyphus as more appropriate than Lambertella for H. pseudoalbidus. As the Hymenoscyphus clade includes members with two major characters (presence of substratal
stroma and brown ascospores) currently used to circumscribe Lambertella, the generic delimitation of Lambertella requires redefinition.
An efficient protocol for DNA extraction from Meliolales and the description of Meliola centellae sp. nov.
Authors: Pinho Danilo B. , Firmino Andre L. , Ferreira-Junior Walnir G. , Pereira Olinto L.
Published: March 2013

The first black mildew fungus associated with Apiaceae is collected from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The new species is described, illustrated, and compared morphologically with species reported on hosts belonging to the related Araliaceae. Additionally, two efficient
methods for extracting DNA from biotrophic fungi are described. Phylogenetic 28S rDNA sequence analyses confirm Meliolales as a distinct order within Sordariomycetes.
Synonymy of Suillus imitatus, the imitator of two species within the S. caerulescens/ponderosus complex
Authors: Nguyen Nhu H. , Kerekes Jennifer F. , Vellinga Else C. , Bruns Thomas D.
Published: March 2013

Identification of three species of Suillus, S. caerulescens, S. ponderosus, and S. imitatus, has always been difficult because of overlapping and non-discrete morphological characters. To solidify the identification of these taxa, we compared the nucleotide
sequences from the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) of the type specimens of S. caerulescens, S. ponderosus, S. imitatus var. imitatus, and S. imitatus var. viridescens with field collected specimens which we identified as S. caerulescens,
S. ponderosus, and S. imitatus in northern California. Based on ITS sequence identity and phylogenetic inference, specimens of S. caerulescens and S. ponderosus formed well-supported clades with the holotype of the respective species. However, S. imitatus var.
imitatus fits within the S. caerulescens clade and S. imitatus var. viridescens fits within the S. ponderosus clade. Therefore, we synonymize S. imitatus var. imitatus with S. caerulescens and S. imitatus var. viridescens
with S. ponderosus, and show that the species can indeed be recognized morphologically based on annulus characteristics.
Passalora acrocomiae sp. nov. and Exosporium acrocomiae from the palm Acrocomia aculeata in Puerto Rico
Authors: Guatimosim Eduardo , Pinto Henrique Jorge , Barreto Robert Weingart
Published: March 2013

Collections determined by J. A. Stevenson as Cercospora acrocomiae [≡ Exosporium acrocomiae] from leaf spots of Acrocomia media [= A. aculeata] in Puerto Rico were reexamined. Two different fungi were identified: a previously unnoticed authentic cercosporoid
taxon that we describe herein as Passalora acrocomiae and Exosporium acrocomiae, which we illustrate here for the first time and for which we designate a lectotype to substitute for the missing holotype.
Lichenized and lichenicolous fungi new to Babia Góra National Park (Poland, Western Carpathians)
Authors: Czarnota Paweł , Węgrzyn Michał
Published: March 2013

46 lichenized fungi and 1 lichenicolous fungus new to the Babia Góra Massif, a Polish and Slovak transborder mountain range, the highest in the flysch Western Carpathians, are presented here. Taxonomic and ecological remarks, as well as the distribution of some noteworthy taxa
in other Carpathian ranges, are included. Helocarpon crassipes is reported in detail for the first time from the Western Beskidy Mts and Leptogium intermedium is rediscovered in the Polish Carpathians.
Indigenous Psychology
Authors: Hwang Kwang‐Kuo
Published: March 2013

In reaction to the blind implantation of Western mainstream psychology, the emergence of the indigenization movement in psychology can be traced to the early days when Wilhelm Wundt (1832–1920) established his first laboratory at Leipzig in 1879. He conducted experiments on consciousness using scientific methods of the so‐called
physiological psychology
, and recognizing the difficulty of linking science to culture, he studied cultural issues with historical methods in his
Völkerpsychologie
.
Undrawable Architecture: Heritage Buildings and Digital Tectonic
Authors: Dritsas Stylianos , Yeo Kang Shua
Published: March 2013

Traditionally architecture in Asia was not graphically represented or formalised, and relied on received knowledge being passed down from generation to generation. Stylianos Dritsas and Kang Shua Yeo describe the Heritage Buildings and Digital Tectonic research project they have been undertaking at Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) , exploring the potential of a start‐to‐end digital design process for historical building conservation.
GECO™: Architectural Design Through Environmental Feedback
Authors: Grabner Thomas , Frick Ursula
Published: March 2013

In recent years there has been a disconnect between the early stages of design and the power of evolving analysis tools. Thomas Grabner and Ursula Frick, the founding directors of design research and development consultancy [uto], explain how their plug‐in GECO™ creates essential connections between modelling and analysis software, providing the opportunity to restructure conceptual design.
Firefly: Interactive Prototypes for Architectural Design
Authors: Payne Andrew O , Johnson Jason Kelly
Published: March 2013

Andrew O Payne of LIFT architects and Jason Kelly Johnson of Future Cities Lab describe the Firefly plug‐in for Grasshopper® they have developed, which extends geometric control beyond the virtual parametric model to the real world of machines and mechanisms. Firefly also enables communication to flow in the other direction, allowing virtual building models to be informed by, and interact with, data from the real world.
Magnetomechanical Four‐State Memory
Authors: Watson Chad S. , Hollar Courtney , Anderson Kimball , Knowlton William B. , Müllner Peter
Published: March 2013

With current non‐volatile memory technology approaching intrinsic storage density limits, new data storage technologies are under development. Probe‐based storage systems provide alternatives to conventional mass storage technologies. Ni‐Mn‐Ga, a ferromagnetic shape memory alloy (FSMA), is proposed as a medium for multi‐bit storage using scanning probe microscopy (SPM) techniques. Local modifications of the magnetic stray field were achieved using nanoindentation. Magnetic poles collect within the indentation, which is leveraged to control the magnetic stray field for the patterning of magnetic information. Four magnetic‐based memory states are possible due to magnetic field or stress‐induced twin rearrangement along two crystal orientations, each with two possible magnetic orientations.
Xq22.3–q23 deletion including ACSL4 in a patient with intellectual disability
Authors: Gazou Anastasia , Riess Angelika , Grasshoff Ute , Schäferhoff Karin , Bonin Michael , Jauch Anna , Riess Olaf , Tzschach Andreas
Published: March 2013

Mutations or deletions of ACSL4 (FACL4, OMIM 300157) are a rare cause of non‐syndromic X‐linked intellectual disability. We report on a 10‐year‐old male patient with moderate intellectual disability, sensorineural hearing loss, facial dysmorphism, pyloric stenosis, and intestinal obstruction in whom a de novo Xq22.3–q23 deletion was detected by SNP array analysis. The deleted 1.56 Mb interval harbored ACSL4 and eight neighboring genes (GUCY2F, NXT2, KCNE1L, TMEM164, MIR3978, AMMECR1, SNORD96B, and RGAG1). In contrast to previously reported patients with chromosome aberrations in the region of the AMME complex (Alport syndrome, intellectual disability, midface hypoplasia, and elliptocytosis, OMIM 300194), this deletion did not contain the Alport syndrome gene COL4A5, suggesting that loss of one or several of the other genes in this interval is responsible for the clinical problems. In summary, the patient reported here broadens our knowledge of the phenotypic consequences of deletions of chromosome region Xq22.3–q23 and provides further proof for ACSL4 as an X‐linked intellectual disability gene. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
GPSM2 and Chudley–McCullough Syndrome: A Dutch Founder Variant Brought to North America
Authors: Almomani Rowida , Sun Yu , Aten Emmelien , Hilhorst‐Hofstee Yvonne , Peeters‐Scholte Cacha M.P.C.D. , van Haeringen Arie , Hendriks Yvonne M.C. , den Dunnen Johan T. , Breuning Martijn H. , Kriek Marjolein , Santen Gijs W.E.
Published: March 2013

Chudley–McCullough syndrome (CMS) is characterized by profound sensorineural hearing loss and brain anomalies. Variants in GPSM2 have recently been reported as a cause of CMS by Doherty et al. In this study we have performed exome sequencing of three CMS patients from two unrelated families from the same Dutch village. We identified one homozygous frameshift GPSM2 variants c.1473delG in all patients. We show that this variant arises from a shared, rare haplotype. Since the c.1473delG variant was found in Mennonite settlers, it likely originated in Europe. To support DNA diagnostics, we established an LOVD database for GPSM2 containing all variants thus far described. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Case–Control Study of Maternal Residential Atrazine Exposure and Male Genital Malformations
Authors: Agopian A.J. , Lupo Philip J. , Canfield Mark A. , Langlois Peter H.
Published: March 2013

Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals has been associated with risk for male genital malformations. However, residential prenatal exposure to atrazine, an endocrine disrupting pesticide, has not been evaluated. We obtained data from the Texas Birth Defects Registry for 16,433 cases with isolated male genital malformations and randomly selected, population‐based controls delivered during 1999–2008. County‐level estimates of atrazine exposure from the United States Geological Survey were linked to all subjects. We evaluated the relationship between estimated maternal residential atrazine exposure and risk for male genital malformations in offspring. Separate unconditional logistic regression analyses were conducted for hypospadias, cryptorchidism, and small penis. We observed modest, but consistent, associations between medium‐low and/or medium levels of estimated periconceptional maternal residential atrazine exposure and every male genital malformation category evaluated (e.g., adjusted odds ratio for medium compared to low atrazine levels and all male genital malformations: 1.2, 95% confidence interval: 1.1–1.3). Previous literature from animal and epidemiological studies supports our findings. Our results provide further evidence of a suspected teratogenic role of atrazine. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Timing of deep brain stimulation in Parkinson disease: A need for reappraisal?
Authors: deSouza Ruth‐Mary , Moro Elena , Lang Anthony E. , Schapira Anthony H. V.
Published: March 2013

We review the current application of deep brain stimulation (DBS) in Parkinson disease (PD) and consider the evidence that earlier use of DBS confers long‐term symptomatic benefit for patients compared to best medical therapy.

Electronic searches were performed of PubMed, Web of Knowledge, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials to identify all article types relating to the timing of DBS in PD.

Current evidence suggests that DBS is typically performed in late stage PD, a mean of 14 to 15 years after diagnosis. Current guidelines recommend that PD patients who are resistant to medical therapies, have significant medication side effects and lengthening off periods, but are otherwise cognitively intact and medically fit for surgery be considered for DBS.

If these criteria are rigidly interpreted, it may be that, by the time medical treatment options have been exhausted, the disease has progressed to the point that the patient may no longer be fit for neurosurgical intervention. From the evidence available, we conclude that surgical management of PD alone or in combination with medical therapy results in greater improvement of motor symptoms and quality of life than medical treatment alone. There is evidence to support the use of DBS in less advanced PD and that it may be appropriate for earlier stages of the disease than for which it is currently used. The improving short and long‐term safety profile of DBS makes early application a realistic possibility. Ann Neurol 2013;73:565–575
Hydrogenated petroleum resin effect on the crystallization of isotactic polypropylene
Authors: Kang Jian , Li Jingping , Chen Shaohua , Zhu Shipeng , Li Huilin , Cao Ya , Yang Feng , Xiang Ming
Published: March 2013

The influence of the hydrogenated petroleum resin P125 on the crystallization behavior, crystallization kinetics, and optical properties of polypropylene (PP) were investigated. The results of differential scanning calorimetry, successive self‐nucleation, and annealing fractionation demonstrated that P125 reduced the interaction between the PP molecules, decreased the crystallization, prevented PP from forming thick lamellae, and encouraged the formation of thin lamellae. The isothermal crystallization kinetics, self‐nucleation isothermal crystallization kinetics, and polarized optical microscopy observations showed that P125 slightly decreased the nucleation rate, significantly decreased the crystal growth rate, generally reduced the overall crystallization rate, and effectively deceased the crystallite sizes of PP. The optical properties studies showed that P125 effectively decreased the haze and increased the surface glossiness and yellowness index of PP. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Network transformations of highly dispersed MMT/SBR nanocomposites during processing
Authors: Quan Yannan , Wang Yiqing , Wu Youping , Lu Ming , Zha Chao , Wu Xiaohui , Zhang Liqun
Published: March 2013

A highly dispersed montmorillonite (MMT)/styrene‐butadiene rubber (SBR) nanocomposite is prepared by combining the latex compounding method and spray‐drying process. The MMT layers exhibit a nearly exfoliated structure in the spray‐dried powder. But when subjected to strains higher than 40%, the sprayed powdered nanocomposite goes through an irreversible transformation of the MMT network, showing a dramatic decrease in the storage modulus. XRD, SEM, and high resolution transmission electron microscopy results confirm the structure transformation of the MMT/SBR nanocomposite during processing. With intensive shearing during milling, the MMT layers are oriented, and further aggregations are observed in the vulcanizate. The processing procedures greatly alter the structures of the MMT/SBR nanocomposite. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
The optical properties of PVA/TiO2 composite nanofibers
Authors: Ahmadpoor Parastoo , Nateri Ali Shams , Motaghitalab Vahid
Published: March 2013

The electrospun nanofibers emerge several advantages because of extremely high specific surface area and small pore size. This work studies the effect of PVA nanofibers diameter and nano‐sized TiO2 on optical properties as reflectivity of light and color of a nanostructure assembly consisting polyvinyl alcohol and titanium dioxide (PVA/TiO2) composite nanofibers prepared by electrospinning technique. The PVA/TiO2 composite spinning solution was prepared through incorporation of TiO2 nanoparticles as inorganic optical filler in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) solution as an organic substrate using the ultrasonication method. The morphological and optical properties of collected composites nanofibers were highlighted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and reflective spectrophotometer (RS). The reflectance spectra indicated the less reflectance and lightness of composite with higher nanofiber diameter. Also, the reflectance and lightness of nanofibers decreased with increasing nano‐TiO2 concentration. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Mechanical and abrasive wear behavior of glass and basalt fabric‐reinforced epoxy composites
Authors: Chairman Chelliah Anand , Kumaresh Babu Subramani Palani
Published: March 2013

Multipass two‐body abrasive wear behavior of basalt and glass fabric‐reinforced epoxy composites have been carried out by using a pin‐on‐disc machine. Basalt and glass fabric‐reinforced epoxy composites have been fabricated by hand layup technique. The mechanical properties of basalt and glass fabric reinforced epoxy composites were evaluated. Abrasive wear performance was evaluated at ambient temperature using 400 grade Silicon Carbide paper as a counter face. The elemental compositions of fabricated composites were quantitatively analyzed by using energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The abrading wear mechanisms have also been studied by worn surface analysis using scanning electron microscopy. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Modelling the distribution of the pan‐continental invasive fish Pseudorasbora parva based on landscape features in the northern Kyushu Island, Japan
Authors: Fukuda Shinji , De Baets Bernard , Onikura Norio , Nakajima Jun , Mukai Takahiko , Mouton ANS M.
Published: March 2013

Topmouth gudgeon (Pseudorasbora parva) is widely known as a highly invasive freshwater fish and has expanded from East Asia (native range) to Central Asia, Europe and Northern Africa (introduced range). Although the relationship between the occurrence of P. parva and its habitat conditions remains unclear, information on factors affecting its distribution, especially in its native range, is important for predicting its expansion.

This study provides primary information on the distribution of P. parva in rivers and agricultural canals in northern Kyushu Island, Japan, where the fish is native. Fuzzy habitat preference models (FHPMs) and Random Forests (RF) were applied to link landscape features to the distribution of P. parva based on field observation data collected from two distinct ecoregions, the north‐western (NW) and north‐eastern (NE) parts of Kyushu Island.

The results show a clear habitat preference of P. parva for areas with a lower elevation, a gentler slope and a smaller number of river‐to‐river connections as general landscape features across the ecoregions. Weak preferences are observed for sites with a higher number of river‐to‐canal connections, a higher canal network index, a larger area of paddy fields, a larger residential area, more crop fields and fewer forests and orchards. Of these site‐specific features, five landscape features – elevation, slope, canal network index, area of paddy fields, and presence of forests and orchards – are identified as the most important features for predicting the distribution of P. parva.

The general and specific habitat preference information, as demonstrated in this study, may be important in biogeography and invasion ecology. Further research is needed to accumulate information for a better understanding of the invasion ecology and the design of improved management and control strategies against P. parva.

Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Group independent component analysis of MR spectra
Authors: Kalyanam Ravi , Boutte David , Gasparovic Chuck , Hutchison Kent E. , Calhoun Vince D.
Published: March 2013

This study investigates the potential of independent component analysis (ICA) to provide a data‐driven approach for group level analysis of magnetic resonance (MR) spectra. ICA collectively analyzes data to identify maximally independent components, each of which captures covarying resonances, including those from different metabolic sources. A comparative evaluation of the ICA approach with the more established LCModel method in analyzing two different noise‐free, artifact‐free, simulated data sets of known compositions is presented. The results from such ideal simulations demonstrate the ability of data‐driven ICA to decompose data and accurately extract components resembling modeled basis spectra from both data sets, whereas the LCModel results suffer when the underlying model deviates from assumptions, thus highlighting the sensitivity of model‐based approaches to modeling inaccuracies. Analyses with simulated data show that independent component weights are good estimates of concentrations, even of metabolites with low intensity singlet peaks, such as scyllo‐inositol. ICA is also applied to single voxel spectra from 193 subjects, without correcting for baseline variations, line‐width broadening or noise. The results provide evidence that, despite the presence of confounding artifacts, ICA can be used to analyze in vivo spectra and extract resonances of interest. ICA is a promising technique for decomposing MR spectral data into components resembling metabolite resonances, and therefore has the potential to provide a data‐driven alternative to the use of metabolite concentrations derived from curve‐fitting individual spectra in making group comparisons.
Novel Indole Alkaloids from Nauclea latifolia and Their Renin‐Inhibitory Activities
Authors: Agomuoh Anthony A. , Ata Athar , Udenigwe Chibuike C. , Aluko Rotimi E. , Irenus Iwu
Published: March 2013

Chemical studies on the crude MeOH extract of stems and barks of Nauclea latifolia resulted in the isolation of five new indole alkaloids, latifoliamides A–E (1–5, resp.), along with one known alkaloid, angustoline (6). The structures of these compounds were elucidated by means of extensive NMR spectral studies. Compound 1 has a 20‐ethylidenetetrahydrofuran ring incorporated in its structure and represents the first example of this class of indole alkaloids. All of the isolates exhibited moderate in vitro renin inhibitory activities.
Inhibitory Effects of Maleimide Derivatives from the Mycelia of the Fungus Antrodia cinnamomea BCRC 36799 on Nitric Oxide Production in Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐Activated RAW264.7 Macrophages
Authors: Wu Ming‐Der , Cheng Ming‐Jen , Yech Yi‐Jen , Yuan Gwo‐Fang , Chen Jih‐Jung
Published: March 2013

Four new maleimide derivatives, antrocinnamomins E–H (1–4, resp.), together with (3S,4R)‐1‐hydroxy‐3‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐4‐(2‐methylpropyl)pyrrolidine‐2,5‐dione (5) and ergosterol were isolated from the mycelia of Antrodia cinnamomea BCRC 36799. The structures were elucidated by 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. Compounds 1–5 were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on nitric oxide (NO) production by macrophages. Compounds 2 and 4 showed stronger inhibition of NO production than the positive control quercetin.
Phytochemical Investigation of Annulohypoxylon ilanense, an Endophytic Fungus Derived from Cinnamomum Species
Authors: Wu Ming‐Der , Cheng Ming‐Jen , Chen Ih‐Sheng , Su Yung‐Shun , Hsieh Sung‐Yuan , Chang Hsun‐Shuo , Chang Chun‐Wei , Yuan Gwo‐Fang
Published: March 2013

Cultivation of the fungal strain Annulohypoxylon ilanense, an endophytic fungus isolated from the wood of medicinal plant Cinnamomum species, resulted in the isolation of one new furanoid derivative, ilanefuranone (1), one new pyrrole alkaloid, ilanepyrrolal (2), and one new biarylpropanoid derivative, ilanenoid (3), together with 22 known compounds, of which one α‐tetralone analog, (−)‐(4R)‐3,4‐dihydro‐4,6‐dihydroxynaphthalen‐1(2H)‐one (4) was isolated for the first time from a natural source. The structures were elucidated on the basis of physicochemical evidence, in‐depth NMR spectroscopic analysis, and high‐resolution mass spectrometry, and the antimycobacterial activities were also evaluated.