bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temperature Stability of Lead‐Free Niobate Piezoceramics with Engineered Morphotropic Phase Boundary
Authors: Wang Ruiping , Wang Ke , Yao Fangzhou , Li Jing‐Feng , Schader Florian H. , Webber Kyle G. , Jo Wook , Rödel Jürgen
Published: April 2015

The temperature dependence of piezoelectric properties (direct piezoelectric coefficient d33, converse piezoelectric coefficient d33(E = 0), strain S and electromechanical coupling coefficient kp) for two niobate‐based lead‐free piezoceramics have been contrasted. 0.92(Na0.5K0.5)NbO3–0.02(Bi1/2Li1/2)TiO3–0.06BaZrO3 (6BZ/2BLT/92NKN) has a morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) between rhombohedral and tetragonal at room temperature and 0.92(Na0.5K0.5)NbO3–0.03(Bi1/2Li1/2)TiO3–0.05BaZrO3 (5BZ/3BLT/92NKN) features an MPB engineered to be located below room temperature. At 30°C, d33, d33(E = 0), S (at 2 kV/mm), and kp are 252 pC/N, 230 pm/V, 0.069%, 0.51 for 5BZ/3BLT/92NKN; and 348 pC/N, 380 pm/V, 0.106%, 0.57 for 6BZ/2BLT/92NKN, respectively. With increasing temperature, the piezoelectric properties decrease. At 200°C, d33, d33(E = 0), S (at 2 kV/mm), and kp are 170 pC/N, 160 pm/V, 0.059%, 0.36 for 5BZ/3BLT/92NKN; and 181 pC/N, 190 pm/V, 0.061%, 0.39 for 6BZ/2BLT/92NKN. It is found that the electromechanical coupling coefficient has a better temperature stability than the piezoelectric coefficient in the studied system due to a large temperature‐dependent compliance change. The results demonstrate that engineering an MPB is highly effective in tailoring temperature stability of piezoceramics.
Circulating cell‐free mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid is increased in coronary heart disease patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Liu Jing , Zou Ying , Tang Yi , Xi Mingming , Xie Liang , Zhang Qigao , Gong Jianbin
Published: April 2015

Aims/Introduction

Circulating cell‐free mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (ccf‐mtDNA) is presumably derived from injured tissues or cells in the body and has been suggested to be potential biomarker in several diseases. The present study explored whether mtDNA could be used as a biomarker to evaluate disease in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients with or without diabetes mellitus (DM).

Materials and Methods

A total of 50 CHD patients with type 2 diabetes, 50 CHD patients without type 2 diabetes, and 50 age‐ and sex‐matched patients without CHD and DM (non‐CHD‐DM) were recruited. Ccf‐mtDNA levels were assessed by measuring the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase 1 gene using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of plasma mtDNA in CHD with or without DM was also determined. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out to determine the correlation between the mtDNA levels and traditional CHD risk factors.

Results

The plasma ccf‐mtDNA levels were significantly elevated in CHD patients with DM compared with those without and non‐CHD‐DM. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves of mtDNA in CHD patients with DM vs non‐CHD‐DM was 0.907%. Correlation analyses of the mtDNA levels and traditional CHD risk factors showed that the mtDNA levels were significantly correlated with fasting blood glucose in CHD patients with DM.

Conclusions

Ccf‐mtDNA levels can be used as a biomarker in CHD patients with DM.
Cutaneous mosaicism, in KRT1 pI479T patient, caused by the somatic loss of the wild‐type allele, leads to the increase in local severity of the disease
Authors: Palombo R. , Giannella E. , Didona B. , Annicchiarico‐Petruzzelli M. , Melino G. , Terrinoni A.
Published: April 2015

Background

Epidermolytic ichthyosis (BCIE, OMIM 113800), is an autosomal dominant disorder of the skin caused by mutations in keratin genes KRT1 and KRT10. We present two sporadic patients showing a mild diffuse ichthyosis with palmoplantar keratoderma. Interestingly, one of them shows a significant hyperkeratosis of palms and soles similar to those present in the Meleda disease (OMIM 248300).

Objective

In this paper we would clarify the genetic difference between the two patients, giving rise to the different phenotype.

Methods

Clinical evaluation, followed by histological and molecular analysis has been established for these patients.

Results

We demonstrated the presence of a genetic cutaneous mosaicism. Both patients carry the KRT1 pI479T substitution, but in the palmoplantar areas of one of them, only the mutated allele is expressed (hemizygous). This leads to highlight a new type of cutaneous mosaic, the palmoplantar mosaicism.
Host switching in cowbird brood parasites: how often does it occur?
Authors: Domínguez M. , de la Colina M. A. , Di Giacomo A. G. , Reboreda J. C. , Mahler B.
Published: April 2015

Avian obligate brood parasites lay their eggs in nests of host species, which provide all parental care. Brood parasites may be host specialists, if they use one or a few host species, or host generalists, if they parasitize many hosts. Within the latter, strains of host‐specific females might coexist. Although females preferentially parasitize one host, they may occasionally successfully parasitize the nest of another species. These host switching events allow the colonization of new hosts and the expansion of brood parasites into new areas. In this study, we analyse host switching in two parasitic cowbirds, the specialist screaming cowbird (Molothrus rufoaxillaris) and the generalist shiny cowbird (M. bonariensis),and compare the frequency of host switches between these species with different parasitism strategies. Contrary to expected, host switches did not occur more frequently in the generalist than in the specialist brood parasite. We also found that migration between hosts was asymmetrical in most cases and host switches towards one host were more recurrent than backwards, thus differing among hosts within the same species. This might depend on a combination of factors including the rate at which females lay eggs in nests of alternative hosts, fledging success of the chicks in this new host and their subsequent success in parasitizing it.
Estimating Emissions from Electricity Generation Using Electricity Dispatch Models: The Importance of System Operating Constraints
Authors: Raichur Vineet , Callaway Duncan S. , Skerlos Steven J.
Published: April 2015

This article develops a modeling approach for estimating emissions (e.g., carbon dioxide) from nuclear, coal, natural gas, and hydropower generators in reaction to short‐term changes to electricity demand. The modeling approach accounts for a set of operating constraints (OCs), including scheduled maintenance, forced outage, spinning reserves, fuel switching, seasonal output capacities, and seasonal hydro resource availability. It is found that these OCs are important to achieve reasonable estimates of electricity production by fuel type as well as associated emissions. This conclusion follows from an analysis of electric power generation by networks of power plants in Texas and New York in 2004 and 2005. The inputs to the model with operating constraints (OC model) developed in this article include hourly electricity demand, fuel costs, a list of power plants in the network, their basic generation characteristics, and the set of OCs developed in this article. Given these inputs, the OC model estimates the hourly amount of electricity generation by each power plant in the network, which leads to estimates of marginal resource consumption and emissions. Our central result is that historical annual and monthly generation by fuel type and efficiency are well estimated by the OC model and that the exclusion of OCs leads to poor estimates. This work can be combined with emerging work on wind and solar generation to provide a complete picture of contemporary grid dispatch and associated emissions.
Challenges of microtome‐based serial block‐face scanning electron microscopy in neuroscience
Authors: WANNER A. A. , KIRSCHMANN M. A. , GENOUD C.
Published: April 2015

Serial block‐face scanning electron microscopy (SBEM) is becoming increasingly popular for a wide range of applications in many disciplines from biology to material sciences. This review focuses on applications for circuit reconstruction in neuroscience, which is one of the major driving forces advancing SBEM. Neuronal circuit reconstruction poses exceptional challenges to volume EM in terms of resolution, field of view, acquisition time and sample preparation. Mapping the connections between neurons in the brain is crucial for understanding information flow and information processing in the brain. However, information on the connectivity between hundreds or even thousands of neurons densely packed in neuronal microcircuits is still largely missing. Volume EM techniques such as serial section TEM, automated tape‐collecting ultramicrotome, focused ion‐beam scanning electron microscopy and SBEM (microtome serial block‐face scanning electron microscopy) are the techniques that provide sufficient resolution to resolve ultrastructural details such as synapses and provides sufficient field of view for dense reconstruction of neuronal circuits. While volume EM techniques are advancing, they are generating large data sets on the terabyte scale that require new image processing workflows and analysis tools. In this review, we present the recent advances in SBEM for circuit reconstruction in neuroscience and an overview of existing image processing and analysis pipelines.
Oxytocin: Parallel Processing in the Social Brain?
Authors: Dölen Gül
Published: April 2015

Early studies attempting to disentangle the network complexity of the brain exploited the accessibility of sensory receptive fields to reveal circuits made up of synapses connected both in series and in parallel. More recently, extension of this organisational principle beyond the sensory systems has been made possible by the advent of modern molecular, viral and optogenetic approaches. Here, evidence supporting parallel processing of social behaviours mediated by oxytocin is reviewed. Understanding oxytocinergic signalling from this perspective has significant implications for the design of oxytocin‐based therapeutic interventions aimed at disorders such as autism, where disrupted social function is a core clinical feature. Moreover, identification of opportunities for novel technology development will require a better appreciation of the complexity of the circuit‐level organisation of the social brain.
The Neuroimaging Spectrum of Septum Posticum Derangement and Associated Thoracic Myelopathy
Authors: Hakky Michael M. , Justaniah Almamoon I. , David Carlos , French Robert J. , Martin Dann , Kwok Nathan , Erbay Sami H.
Published: April 2015

BACKGROUND

Arachnoid cysts and meningeal membranes are among the differential diagnostic considerations of extra‐medullary causes of thoracic myelopathy. In this case series of 7 patients, we present compressive meningeal membranes mimicking dorsal arachnoid cyst. The propensity of the meningeal membranes for the dorsal aspect of upper thoracic spine may reflect derangements of the septum posticum.

OBJECTIVE

To provide the spectrum of imaging appearances and clinical presentations of pathology of the septum posticum to improve imaging utilization and to better guide treatment planning.

METHODS

Seven patients aged 40 to 75 with MRI findings of ventral displacement and dorsal cord compression in the upper thoracic spine were further evaluated with CT‐myelograms. The primary indication was to exclude dorsal arachnoid cyst. Two patients with progressive symptoms and lower extremity weakness were operated for decompression.

RESULTS

CT‐myelogram excluded space occupying lesions and cord herniation in all cases. Intradural dorsal meningeal webs and membranes were inconsistently visualized. In the 2 operated cases, thick coalescing membranes and hyperdynamic turbulent CSF flow were severely compressing the thoracic cord.

CONCLUSION

Derangements of septum posticum may present a spectrum of findings that should be considered in the differential of thoracic myelopathy. Flattening of the posterior cord margin is a reliable imaging clue for a dorsal extra‐medullary compressive lesion. Cord compression results from combination of adhesive membranes and turbulent CSF flow. The clinical course may be difficult to predict. Periodic imaging follow up can be helpful to confirm stability of findings in expectantly managed cases.
Toluhydroquinone from A
spergillus sp. suppress inflammatory mediators via nuclear factor-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinases pathways in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells
Authors: Hwang Dukhyun , Son Byeng-Wha , Shin Pyung-Gyun , Choi Jae-Sue , Seo Yong-Bae , Kim Gun-Do
Published: April 2015

Objectives

The purpose of this study is to investigate anti-inflammatory effects of toluhydroquinone in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells.

Methods

Toluhydroquinone was purified from a fungal strain, Aspergillus sp. We investigated that levels of nitric oxide (NO) using Griess reagent, production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and pro-inflammatory cytokines using ELISA assay. We conducted Western blot analysis to investigate regulatory effects of toluhydroquinone on expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxyganse-2 (COX-2), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. The translocation of NF-κB was detected by immunofluorescence staining.

Key findings

Toluhydroquinone inhibited production of NO and PGE2 via suppressing protein expression of iNOS and COX-2, respectively. Secretion and expression of inflammatory cytokines were down-regulated by toluhydroquinone as well. Toluhydroquinone reduced phosphorylation of Akt, NF-κB and MAPKs. Moreover, toluhydroquinone inhibited translocation of NF-κB from the cytosol into the nucleus.

Conclusions

We revealed that inhibitory effects of toluhydroquinone on expression of inflammatory mediators are induced through inactivation of Akt, NF-κB and MAPKs. Thus, our results suggest that toluhydroquinone may be used for a potential anti-inflammatory reagent.
Evaluation of in‐hospital electrocardiography versus 24‐hour Holter for rate control in dogs with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Gelzer A. R. , Kraus M. S. , Rishniw M.
Published: April 2015

Objectives

To determine if the in‐clinic ECG‐derived heart rate could predict the at‐home Holter‐derived 24‐hour average heart rate (Holter24h), and whether it is useful to identify slow versus fast atrial fibrillation in dogs.

Materials and Methods

82 pairs of 1‐minute ECGs and 24‐hour Holter recordings were acquired in 34 dogs with atrial fibrillation. The initial 24‐hour Holter was used to test if the ECG heart rate can identify dogs with “slow” versus “fast” atrial fibrillation based on a Holter24h threshold value of 140 bpm.

Results

ECG heart rate overestimated Holter24h by 26 bpm (95% CI: 3 bpm, 48 bpm; P < 0 · 015) with a 95% limit of agreement of −21 to 83 bpm. The in‐clinic ECG‐derived heart rate Ä155 bpm had a sensitivity of 73% and a specificity of 100% for identifying a Holter24h HR Ä140 bpm; an in‐clinic ECG‐derived HR <160 bpm had a sensitivity and specificity of 91% each.

Clinical Significance

In‐clinic ECG assessment of heart rate in dogs with atrial fibrillation does not reliably predict the heart rate in their home environment. However, an in‐clinic heart rate greater than 155 bpm is useful in identifying “fast” atrial fibrillation, allowing clinicians to stratify which case may benefit from antiarrhythmic therapy.
Quality Improvement of Reduced‐Salt, Phosphate‐Free Fish Patties from Processed By‐Products of Nile Tilapia Using Textural Additives and Bioactive Rice Bran Compounds
Authors: Wongthahan Peerapong , Thawornchinsombut Supawan
Published: April 2015

Over 60% of tilapia by‐products from the frozen fillet industry are wasted. In response to the increased health consciousness of consumers, we investigated the effects of lowered salt content, phosphate substitute additives and natural antioxidants on the quality improvement of patties made from processed by‐products of tilapia. We determined the effect of 0.5% k‐carrageenan, Citri‐Fi 100 fine granulated and xanthan gum combined with 0.5% microbial transglutaminase and 0.3% NaHCO3 on the textural qualities of reduced‐salt (1% NaCl) Nile tilapia patties (made from an 80:20 ratio of trimmed meat to belly flap) then compared this with a control with sodium tripolyphosphate (0.3%). After 12 freeze‐thaw cycles, k‐carrageenan was observed to improve the textural quality and lower cooking losses better than other treatments (P ≤ 0.05). Rice bran protein hydrolysate and red jasmine rice bran extract (2%) could be used instead of butylated hydroxyanisole (0.02%) to prevent lipid oxidation in reduced‐salt, k‐carrageenan‐supplemented patties during freezing and thawing.

Practical Applications

Thailand boasts robust production, consumption and export of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus Linn); notwithstanding, over 60% of by‐products are discarded including the trimmed and belly flap meat. These are, however, low‐value, high‐fat meats, which limit shelf life and create an undesirable flavor and texture in processed products. Appropriate textural additives (i.e., MTGase, various hydrocolloids) and natural antioxidants (i.e., bioactive rice bran compounds) are promising as additives because they enhance the textural qualities and stability in reduced‐salt, phosphate‐free fish patties made from processed tilapia by‐products. Supportive findings would lead to efficient, industrial‐scale use of these by‐products.
Muscle‐Specific Variation in Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Meat Texture: Biochemical, Ultrastructural and Proteome Characterization
Authors: Kiran M. , Naveena B.M. , Reddy K.S. , Shashikumar M. , Reddy V.R. , Kulkarni V.V. , Rapole S. , More T.H.
Published: April 2015

This study was conducted to unravel the variation in meat quality between tender (psoas major, PM) and less tender (longissimus lumborum, LL) muscles of Indian water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). PM and LL were subjected to physicochemical analysis, ultrastructural study and proteome characterization using two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2‐DE) and mass spectrometry. Higher (P < 0.05) muscle fiber diameter and Warner–Bratzler shear force was observed in LL, whereas higher (P < 0.05) water‐holding capacity and myofibrillar protein extractability was observed in PM. Transmission electron microscopy revealed higher (P < 0.05) sarcomere length in PM compared with LL. Proteome analysis using 2‐DE revealed 123 differentially abundant proteins in PM and LL. The MALDI‐TOF‐TOF MS analysis of selected protein spots from LL and PM with significant (P < 0.05) differences identified the proteins mainly consisting of calcium‐transporting ATPase.

Practical Applications

Owing to its low fat, low cholesterol and other healthier attributes, meat produced from water buffaloes has gained increased popularity in several Asian and African countries. Tenderness, which is considered to be the most important attribute of meat quality and a trait highly valued by consumers, varies substantially between muscles. In spite of advancements in optimizing tenderness, an unacceptable level of variation does exist. Findings from the present study illustrate the basis of tenderness variability in psoas major and longissimus lumborum muscles of Indian water buffaloes. Our results indicated complex nature of tenderness development and demonstrated a significant variation in biochemical parameters, ultrastructure and proteome expression. Understanding the variation in texture between muscles is a logical first step to develop strategies for better utilization and for delivering highly palatable product to consumers. This study suggests the necessity to develop muscle‐specific tenderization strategies to minimize the variation between tender and less tender muscles.
Microstructural evidence for complex formation histories of amoeboid olivine aggregates from the ALHA77307 CO3.0 chondrite
Authors: Han Jangmi , Brearley Adrian J.
Published: April 2015

The microstructures and compositions of olivine and refractory components in six amoeboid olivine aggregates (AOAs) in the Allan Hills A77307 CO3.0 chondrite have been characterized in detail using the focused ion beam sample preparation technique with transmission electron microscopy. In the AOAs, refractory components (perovskite, melilite, spinel, anorthite, and Al‐Ti‐bearing diopside) provide evidence of a high degree of textural and compositional heterogeneity, suggesting that these phases have formed by disequilibrium gas–solid condensation at high temperatures under highly dynamic conditions. We infer different possible reactions of early‐condensed solid minerals (perovskite and spinel) with a nebular gas, forming diopside with wide ranges of Al and Ti contents and/or anorthite. The progressive, incomplete consumption of spinel in these reactions may have resulted in the Cr enrichment in the remaining, unreacted spinel in the AOAs. In contrast to the refractory components, olivines in the AOAs have equilibrated textures with 120° triple junctions, indicating that the AOAs were subjected to high‐temperature annealing after agglomeration of olivine and refractory components. Because the AOAs consist of fine‐grained olivine grains with numerous pores, the annealing is constrained by experimental data to have occurred for a short duration of the order of a few hours to tens of hours depending on the annealing temperature. In comparison, the effects of annealing on the refractory components are minimal, probably due to pinning of grain boundaries in the multiphase assemblages that inhibited grain growth.
Staphylococcus aureus haem biosynthesis: characterisation of the enzymes involved in final steps of the pathway
Authors: Lobo Susana A. L. , Scott Alan , Videira Marco A. M. , Winpenny David , Gardner Mark , Palmer Mike J. , Schroeder Susanne , Lawrence Andrew D. , Parkinson Tanya , Warren Martin J. , Saraiva Lígia M.
Published: April 2015

Haem is a life supporting molecule that is ubiquitous in all major kingdoms. In Staphylococcus aureus, the importance of haem is highlighted by the presence of systems both for the exogenous acquisition and endogenous synthesis of this prosthetic group. In this work, we show that in S. aureus the formation of haem involves the conversion of coproporphyrinogen III into coproporphyrin III by coproporphyrin synthase HemY, insertion of iron into coproporphyrin III via ferrochelatase HemH, and oxidative decarboxylation of Fe‐coproporphyrin III into protohaem IX by Fe‐coproporphyrin oxidase/dehydrogenase HemQ. Together, this route represents a transitional pathway between the classic pathway and the more recently acknowledged alternative biosynthesis machinery. The role of the haem biosynthetic pathway in the survival of the bacterium was investigated by testing for inhibitors of HemY. Analogues of acifluorfen are shown to inhibit the flavin‐containing HemY, highlighting this protein as a suitable target for the development of drugs against S. aureus. Moreover, the presence of a transitional pathway for haem biosynthesis within many Gram positive pathogenic bacteria suggests that this route has the potential not only for the design of antimicrobials but also for the selective discrimination between bacteria operating different routes to the biosynthesis of haem.
Serum posaconazole levels during acute myeloid leukaemia induction therapy: correlations with breakthrough invasive fungal infections
Authors: Cattaneo Chiara , Panzali Annafranca , Passi Angela , Borlenghi Erika , Lamorgese Cinzia , Petullà Marta , Re Alessandro , Caimi Luigi , Rossi Giuseppe
Published: April 2015

The usefulness of posaconazole therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is still a matter of debate. A correlation between posaconazole serum levels and breakthrough invasive fungal infections (IFI) has not been clearly demonstrated so far. We analysed posaconazole serum levels in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) during induction therapy and correlated them with the incidence of breakthrough IFI and the need of systemic antifungal therapy. Overall, 77 AML patients receiving posaconazole were evaluated for serum levels; breakthrough IFI were observed in five with at least one posaconazole TDM (6.5%). Median serum level was 534 ng ml−1 (IQ range: 298.5–750.5 ng ml−1) and did not change significantly over time. Four of the 40 patients with median posaconazole levels <500 ng ml−1 developed IFI, as compared with only 1 of the 37 patients with median levels ≥500 (10% vs. 2.7%, P = 0.19). Median posaconazole levels on day 7 were 384.5 ng ml−1 (IQ range: 207–659 ng ml−1) and 560.5 ng ml−1 (IQ range: 395–756 ng ml−1) in patients requiring or not systemic antifungal treatment respectively (P = 0.067). These results seem to confirm that higher median serum levels of posaconazole correlate with higher prophylactic efficacy against proven/probable IFI and with lesser need of systemic antifungal therapy.
Micro‐vesicles derived from bone marrow stem cells protect the kidney both in vivo and in vitro by microRNA‐dependent repairing
Authors: He Juan , Wang Yan , Lu Xingyan , Zhu Bei , Pei Xiaohua , Wu Jianqing , Zhao Weihong
Published: April 2015

Aims

Micro‐vesicles (MVs) from bone mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been shown to contribute to the recovery of damaged kidney. The aims of the present study are to investigate the biological effects and repair mechanisms of MVs.

Methods

Micro‐vesicles were obtained from MSC supernatants. In vitro, the proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK‐2) were treated with transforming growth factor (TGF‐β1). The expressions of E‐cadherin and α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) were evaluated. In vitro, the mice were divided into: control, unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), UUO+MSC, and UUO+MV group. MVs and MSCs were injected after surgery. The mice were killed 7/14 days after surgery and handled for further tests. The micro‐RNA expressions were labeled using the miRCURY Hy3/Hy5 Power labeling kit and hybridized on the miRCURY LNA Array.

Results

In vitro, MV reversed transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1)‐induced morphological changes, and firmed the expression of E‐cadherin and reduced the secretion of α‐SMA in HK2 cells. In vivo, the level of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in the MV and MSC group was lower than the UUO (P < 0.01). The Scr level decreased after 7 days of MV treatment (P < 0.05). Administration of MSC and MV reduced Scr level at day 14 (P < 0.05). The level of serum UA decreased with MV administration (day 7,14, P < 0.01). Herein, a total of 503 expressed miRNAs were detected, of which, 266 were in MSC, including 237 in MVs.

Conclusion

Micro‐vesicles (MVs) protect kidneys both in vivo and vitro, and MVs are superior to MSCs in some respects. MVs can be a potential therapy in treatment of kidney diseases.
Growth duration is a better predictor of stem increment than carbon supply in a Mediterranean oak forest: implications for assessing forest productivity under climate change
Authors: Lempereur Morine , Martin‐StPaul Nicolas K. , Damesin Claire , Joffre Richard , Ourcival Jean‐Marc , Rocheteau Alain , Rambal Serge
Published: April 2015

Understanding whether tree growth is limited by carbon gain (source limitation) or by the direct effect of environmental factors such as water deficit or temperature (sink limitation) is crucial for improving projections of the effects of climate change on forest productivity.

We studied the relationships between tree basal area (BA) variations, eddy covariance carbon fluxes, predawn water potential (Ψpd) and temperature at different timescales using an 8‐yr dataset and a rainfall exclusion experiment in a Quercus ilex Mediterranean coppice.

At the daily timescale, during periods of low temperature (< 5°C) and high water deficit (< −1.1 MPa), gross primary productivity and net ecosystem productivity remained positive whereas the stem increment was nil. Thus, stem increment appeared limited by drought and temperature rather than by carbon input. Annual growth was accurately predicted by the duration of BA increment during spring (Δtt0–t1). The onset of growth (t0) was related to winter temperatures and the summer interruption of growth (t1) to a threshold Ψpd value of −1.1 MPa.

We suggest that using environmental drivers (i.e. drought and temperature) to predict stem growth phenology can contribute to an improvement in vegetation models and may change the current projections of Mediterranean forest productivity under climate change scenarios.
The evolution of mate choice: a dialogue between theory and experiment
Authors: Roff Derek A.
Published: April 2015

Research on the evolution of mate choice has followed three avenues of investigation: (1) theoretical models of the evolution of preference and the preferred trait; (2) proposed models of mate choice; and (3) experiments and observations on mate choice, both in the laboratory and with free‐ranging animals. However, there has been relatively little dialogue among these three areas. Most attempts to account for observations of mate choice using theoretical mate‐choice models have focused only upon a subset of particular models and have generally failed to consider the difference between probabilistic and deterministic models. In this review, I outline the underlying reasoning of the commonly cited mate‐choice models and review the conclusions of the empirical investigations. I present a brief outline of how one might go about testing these models. It remains uncertain if, in general, mate‐choice models can be realistically analyzed. Although it is clear that females frequently discriminate among males, data also suggest that females may typically have a very limited number of males from which to choose. The extent to which female choice under natural conditions is relatively random because of limited opportunities remains an open question for the majority of species.
Personalized medicine in diabetes mellitus: current opportunities and future prospects
Authors: Kleinberger Jeffrey W. , Pollin Toni I.
Published: April 2015

Diabetes mellitus affects approximately 382 million individuals worldwide and is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Over 40 and nearly 80 genetic loci influencing susceptibility to type 1 and type 2 diabetes, respectively, have been identified. In addition, there is emerging evidence that some genetic variants help to predict response to treatment. Other variants confer apparent protection from diabetes or its complications and may lead to development of novel treatment approaches. Currently, there is clear clinical utility to genetic testing to find the at least 1% of diabetic individuals who have monogenic diabetes (e.g., maturity‐onset diabetes of the young and KATP channel neonatal diabetes). Diagnosing many of these currently underdiagnosed types of diabetes enables personalized treatment, resulting in improved and less invasive glucose control, better prediction of prognosis, and enhanced familial risk assessment. Efforts to enhance the rate of detection, diagnosis, and personalized treatment of individuals with monogenic diabetes should set the stage for effective clinical translation of current genetic, pharmacogenetic, and pharmacogenomic research of more complex forms of diabetes.
Optimal line of hepatotomy for left lateral living donor liver transplantation according to the anatomical variations of left hepatic duct system
Authors: Kiss Mátyás , Deshpande Rahul R. , Nemeskéri Ágnes , Nguyen Tien T. , Kürti Zsuzsanna , Kovács Sándor , Pápai Zsolt , Németh Károly , Szuák András , Dudás Ibolyka , Kóbori László
Published: April 2015

Multiple duct anastomoses during LLS transplantation increase the incidence of biliary complications. The optimal plane of hepatotomy that results in the least number of bile ducts at the surface was investigated according to LHD variations. Ducts of 30 human livers were injected with resin and LHD branching on 3D‐CT reconstructions were analyzed. Ducts on the virtual hepatotomy surface were estimated in three splitting lines. Variations with subtypes were described. Ia (66.7%): ducts from segments (S.) II–III form a common trunk and S.IV duct joins it. Ib (10%): common trunk formed by ducts from S.II–S.III while S.IV duct joins the common hepatic duct. IIa (16.67%): S.IV duct drains into S.III duct. IIc (3.33%): S.IV duct drains into both S.II and S.III ducts. III (3.33%): trifurcation of S.II, S.III and S.IV ducts. When the virtual hepatotomy line was on the FL, there was a single duct for the anastomosis in 30% of cases but two, three, or four ducts in 53.3%, 10%, and 3.3%, respectively. Division 1 cm to the right of the FL resulted in one duct (70%), but S.IV duct injury may occur. LLS hepatotomy should not necessarily be performed along the FL. Variations must be taken into consideration to minimize the number of biliary anastomoses during liver implantation.
Population genetic analysis of Phytophthora infestans in northwestern China
Authors: Tian Y. E. , Yin J. L. , Sun J. P. , Ma Y. F. , Wang Q. H. , Quan J. L. , Shan W. X.
Published: April 2015

Late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans is the most devastating disease of potato worldwide. To understand the P. infestans population structure and dynamics in northwestern China, 959 single‐lesion isolates were purified in three consecutive years (2009–2011) and were characterized for mating type, pathotype, mtDNA haplotype and molecular variation at eight SSR loci. The results showed that the distribution of mating types changed significantly over years, with self‐fertile isolates dominant in 2010 and 2011. SSR genotyping distinguished 959 isolates into 151 genotypes, and association analysis indicated that P. infestans populations in 2010 and 2011 were strictly asexual while in 2009 they showed signs of sexual reproduction. Population analysis showed that the majority of genetic variation was within P. infestans populations. Isolates sharing identical SSR genotypes were detected in distant regions, indicating that migration of P. infestans could have occurred between regions. Pathogenicity assays on a set of potato differential lines containing R1 to R11 resistance genes detected four pathotypes from 74 selected isolates, with the pathotype virulent against all 11 R genes being dominant. Three mtDNA haplotypes (Ia, IIa, IIb) were detected with Ia being dominant among 507 isolates examined. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that P. infestans populations in northwestern China are distant from European lineages including 13‐A2 (blue‐13) at the time of this survey. The results have implications for the trade of healthy seed tubers as a means of managing late blight.
Accountability and global governance: The view from paternalism
Authors: Barnett Michael
Published: April 2015

A standard view is that global governance institutions require strong accountability mechanisms to perform effectively and legitimately. Yet these institutions are much better at preaching than practicing accountability. A standard explanation for this gap references interests. For various reasons, institutions and their creators would rather be less than more accountable, and they are quite content to live with the hypocrisy. This article points to an alternative possibility: the public interest. An article of faith is that modern governance should be staffed by relatively autonomous experts who use their specialized knowledge for the greater good; accordingly, they cannot be accountable to those who are affected by their decisions. Too much democracy, therefore, can be a source of dysfunction. Yet expert authority's virtues also can become vices; namely, insulation from those affected by their decisions can also be a source of dysfunction, most closely associated with the “iron cage.” Although the possibility that expertise is both a virtue (effectiveness) and a vice (dysfunction) is well known in the literature on domestic governance, it has been neglected in discussions of global governance. Indeed, the dangers of, and dysfunctions associated with the iron cage might be greater in global governance than in domestic governance precisely because of the absence of institutional checks that often are produced by a preexisting social contract between the rulers and the ruled. I probe this possibility in the area of humanitarian governance.
The Vitamin D Analogue Calcipotriol Reduces the Frequency of CD8+IL‐17+ T Cells in Psoriasis Lesions
Authors: Dyring‐Andersen B. , Bonefeld C. M. , Bzorek M. , Løvendorf M. B. , Lauritsen J. P. H. , Skov L. , Geisler C.
Published: April 2015

The vitamin D analogue calcipotriol is an immunomodulatory drug widely used to treat psoriasis; however, how calcipotriol affects the immune cells in psoriasis lesions is not fully understood. The aim of this atudy was to investigate the effect of calcipotriol on the frequency of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and innate lymphoid cells (ILC) and their production of IL‐17A, IFN‐γ and IL‐22 in psoriasis lesions in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis. Eighteen patients with psoriasis were included, and two similar psoriasis lesions were chosen for each patient. One lesion was treated with calcipotriol (50 μg/g) and the other with vehicle twice a day for 14 days. The clinical effect was measured by degree of erythema, scaling and induration in each lesion (SUM score). Skin biopsies were collected for histological and immunohistochemical analyses. Skin‐derived cells were isolated and analysed by flow cytometry. After 14 days of treatment with calcipotriol, a significant clinical and histological effect was seen; however, we found no differences in the frequency of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells or ILC between calcipotriol‐ and vehicle‐treated skin. The main finding was a significant decrease in CD8+IL‐17+ T cells in skin‐derived cells from calcipotriol‐treated skin, which was further supported by the absence of CD8+IL‐17+ T cells in immunohistochemical staining of calcipotriol‐treated skin. No changes in the frequency of IL‐22+ or IFN‐γ+ cells were observed. Our findings show that the vitamin D analogue calcipotriol reduces the frequency of CD8+IL‐17+ T cells in psoriasis lesions concomitant with clinical improvement.
Effects of nitric oxide and its congeners on sickle red blood cell deformability
Authors: Belanger Andrea M. , Keggi Christian , Kanias Tamir , Gladwin Mark T. , Kim‐Shapiro Daniel B.
Published: April 2015

BACKGROUND

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is characterized by hemoglobin polymerization upon deoxygenation. Polymerization causes the sickle cells to become rigid and misshapen (sickling). Red blood cell (RBC) dehydration greatly increases polymerization. Cycles of sickling and unsickling cause an influx of calcium that leads to loss of potassium via the calcium‐activated Gardos channel, which dehydrates the cells leading to increased polymerization. In this study the effects of nitric oxide (NO) and its congeners on RBC deformability were examined, focusing on sickle RBCs (sRBCs).

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

RBCs from patients with SCD and from nonpatients were exposed to various compounds that release NO or its congeners. Intracellular calcium was increased using a calcium ionophore or cycling of oxygen tension for sRBCs. Deformability was measured by laser‐assisted osmotic gradient ektacytometry.

RESULTS

Consistent with a previous report, sodium nitroprusside (SNP) was found to protect against calcium‐induced loss of deformability in normal RBCs, but (contrary to some previous reports) no effect of any NO donors was observed when calcium influx was not induced. Importantly, in studies of deoxygenation‐induced dehydration of sRBCs, SNP resulted in substantial improvements in deformability (p = 0.036) and hydration (p = 0.024). Sodium nitrite showed similar trends. SNP was shown to have no effect on calcium influx, but reduced potassium efflux.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that SNP and perhaps certain nitrogen oxides (like nitrite) inhibit the Gardos channel and may be able to protect sickle cells from dehydration and thereby improve outcome in the disease.
Elements affecting wound healing time: An evidence based analysis
Authors: Khalil Hanan , Cullen Marianne , Chambers Helen , Carroll Matthew , Walker Judi
Published: April 2015

The purpose of this study was to identify the predominant client factors and comorbidities that affected the time taken for wounds to heal. A prospective study design used the Mobile Wound Care (MWC) database to capture and collate detailed medical histories, comorbidities, healing times and consumable costs for clients with wounds in Gippsland, Victoria. There were 3,726 wounds documented from 2,350 clients, so an average of 1.6 wounds per client. Half (49.6%) of all clients were females, indicating that there were no gender differences in terms of wound prevalence. The clients were primarily older people, with an average age of 64.3 years (ranging between 0.7 and 102.9 years). The majority of the wounds (56%) were acute and described as surgical, crush and trauma. The MWC database categorized the elements that influenced wound healing into 3 groups—factors affecting healing (FAH), comorbidities, and medications known to affect wound healing. While there were a multitude of significant associations, multiple linear regression identified the following key elements: age over 65 years, obesity, nonadherence to treatment plan, peripheral vascular disease, specific wounds associated with pressure/friction/shear, confirmed infection, and cerebrovascular accident (stroke). Wound healing is a complex process that requires a thorough understanding of influencing elements to improve healing times.© 2015 by the Wound Healing Society
Control of Turbofan Lift Engines for VTOL Aircraft
Authors: Sellers J. F. , Szuch J. R.
Published: April 2015

The use of turbofan engines as lift units for VTOL aircraft poses new engine control problems. At low flight speeds, the lift units must provide the fast thrust response needed for aircraft attitude and height control. This paper presents the results of an analytical study of the dynamics and control of turbofan lift engines, and proposes methods of meeting the response requirements imposed by the VTOL aircraft application. Two types of lift fan engines are discussed: the integral and remote. The integral engine is a conventional two-spool, high bypass ratio turbofan designed for low noise and short length. The remote engine employs a gas generator and a lift fan which are separated by a duct, and which need not be coaxial. For the integral engine, a control system design is presented which satisfies the VTOL response requirements. For the remote engine, two unconventional methods of control involving flow transfer between lift units are discussed. Both methods are shown to have thrust response near the required levels.
Particulate Emission Measurements From Small Emergency Power Sources
Authors: Lum R. M. , Messina F. D. , Bauer E. J.
Published: April 2015

Stack measurements of particulate emissions from small stationary gas turbine engine alternators (0.75 and 2.5 MW) used as emergency power sources have been performed. Liquid impingement, dry filtration, and multiple-jet cascade impaction measurement techniques were employed. The particulate emissions are characterized by submicron particle sizes and relatively uniform particulate concentration profiles across the stack. Comparative particulate concentrations representative of the filter alone, and of the LA and EPA methods indicate that condensible particulates collected by liquid impingement and water soluble particulates extracted from the sampling probe washings can comprise over 50 percent of the total collected particulate. Analysis of the combined probe-impinger residue reveals that 60–75 percent of this particulate is water soluble. Turbine inlet measurements suggest that a significant fraction of the total exhaust particulate collected by liquid impingement can be ingested into these engines along with the inlet air.
Status of Joint General Electric-Maritime Administration Heavy Duty Gas Turbine Development Program
Authors: Kaplan S. M. , Helfenstein H.
Published: April 2015

The United States Maritime Administration and the Gas Turbine Products Division of the General Electric Company have joined in a five-year, cost-sharing program to promote the domestic maritime industry using improved concepts of heavy duty gas turbine design. This paper describes the elements of that program and reports on the progress at its midpoint, two and one-half years following its inception. The status of project development goals and technical attainments to date indicate that the contractual objectives of both parties are being attained.
Operating Experience With Prototype Gas Turbines
Authors: Endres W.
Published: April 2015

Prototype gas turbines must have higher power and efficiency than their forerunners and therefore include new technologies and designs. A high reliability of the new gas turbine can be reached by careful evaluations of operating experience and by the choice of well proven elements for the new design. The first year’s operating experience with several prototype gas turbines, put into operation in the last decade, is given in the paper. It shows what kind of problems have been met in the past. All machines have given satisfactory service. This paper gives gas turbine users an assessment of the risks of running a prototype gas turbine.
Upstream Attenuation and Quasi-Steady Rotor Lift Fluctuations in Asymmetric Flows in Axial Compressors
Authors: Greitzer E. M.
Published: April 2015

This paper examines the quasi-steady lift variations experienced by a compressor rotor working in a circumferential inlet flow distortion. It is shown that for a given axial velocity distortion at the compressor face, the phase and magnitude of the lift fluctuations are strongly dependent not only on the geometry of the specified rotor, but on the total compressor configuration in which the rotor is operated. A simple numerical example is presented to illustrate this point. It is then demonstrated that the differences in the rotor lift fluctuation occur due to the upstream circumferential velocity component which is associated with the upstream attenuation of inlet velocity distortion. It is also pointed out that proper consideration of the circumferential component resioves an apparent discrepancy between two previous analyses of this problem. Finally, arguments are presented concerning the influence of the bound (blading) and downstream shed (wake) vorticity on the flow field upstream of the compressor. For the cases considered, it is shown that the induced velocity field associated with the upstream attenuation of inlet flow distortion is due equally to the bound and shed vorticity.
Gas Turbines for Arctic Pipeline Systems
Authors: Dacy J. R. , Mayer G. R.
Published: April 2015

This presentation attempts to highlight some of the aspects of gas turbine applications in Arctic regions and intends to magnify maintenance and operational details of gas turbine units within the total concept of a pipeline system. It suggests an extended investigation of gas turbine units intended for operation in these regions with strong emphasis of the differences of climatic and other environmental conditions encountered in these parts of the earth.
Repowering: An Economic Alternate for Meeting Mid-Range Power Requirements
Authors: Willson E. J.
Published: April 2015

This paper discusses steam turbine and process repowering. Typical examples are given to show the merits of four different steam turbine repowering schemes. The nomographs and graphs included will enable the reader to estimate performance for plants or process applications where repowering is contemplated.
Gas Turbine Vibration Limits: A Fundamental View
Authors: Ludwig G. A. , Erdmann O. D.
Published: April 2015

Test data are presented which describe the vibration response characteristic of a typical industrial gas turbine. Vibration limits are discussed and a set of “standard” limits used for a large family of industrial gas turbines is shown.
Development of the Nissan Motor Gas Turbine for Automotive Use
Authors: Kinoshita K. , Yamazaki S.
Published: April 2015

The development of the major components of the Nissan Motor gas turbine have been described earlier. In this paper the problems directly related to vehicular application are selected, that is: the fuel control system, the variable nozzle control of the power turbine, and other control systems are described.