bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low-salinity-induced surface sound channel in the western sea of Jeju Island during summer
Authors: Kim Juho , Kim Hansoo , Paeng Dong-Guk , Bok Tae-Hoon , Lee Jongkil
Published: March 2015

Surface salinity in the western sea of Jeju Island in Korea becomes low due to the inflow of the Chinese coastal waters during summer. One of the characteristics of low salinity water is the formation of a surface sound channel (SSC) due to the decrease in sound speed by salinity. However, a quantitative analysis between low salinity water and SSC has not been fully investigated yet. In this paper, a temperature-salinity (T-S) gradient diagram is introduced in order to assess SSC formation and its acoustic characteristics are also investigated through a case study of low salinity waters. Maximum angles of limiting rays were less than 4.6° and low frequency cutoffs were higher than 2.0 kHz for the SSCs formed in low salinity water. When the salinity gradients were large (>0.5 psu/m), a SSC was formed more efficiently than other cases whose salinity gradients were small. On the other hand, a SSC was not formed in spite of highly positive salinity gradients when the amount of temperature gradients was negatively high enough (<−0.5 °C/m). However, the acoustic energy transfer in the surface ducts was dependent on frequency and position of source.
ACOUSTICAL STANDARDS NEWS
Authors: Blaeser Susan B. , Schomer Paul D.
Published: March 2015

American National Standards (ANSI Standards) developed by Accredited Standards Committees S1, S2, S3, and S12 in the areas of acoustics, mechanical vibration and shock, bioacoustics, and noise, respectively, are published by the Acoustical Society of America (ASA). In addition to these standards, ASA publishes catalogs of Acoustical Standards, both National and International. To receive copies of the latest Standards catalogs, please contact Susan B. Blaeser.

Comments are welcomed on all material in Acoustical Standards News.

This Acoustical Standards News section in JASA, as well as the National and International Catalogs of Acoustical Standards, and other information on the Standards Program of the Acoustical Society of America, are available via the ASA Standards home page: http://acousticalsociety.org/standards.
Focus Issue: Noncoding RNAs in cancer
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: March 2015

Science Signaling
features work that shows how noncoding RNAs—particularly miRNAs—regulate mechanisms driving tumor growth and progression.
An innate ability to resist obesity
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: March 2015

A subset of innate lymphoid cells promotes the conversion of fat-storing white adipocytes into fat-burning beige adipocytes.
Modeling the impact on virus transmission of
Wolbachia
-mediated blocking of dengue virus infection of
Aedes aegypti
Authors: Ferguson Neil M. , Hue Kien Duong Thi , Clapham Hannah , Aguas Ricardo , Trung Vu Tuan , Bich Chau Tran Nguyen , Popovici Jean , Ryan Peter A. , O’Neill Scott L. , McGraw Elizabeth A. , Long Vo Thi , Dui Le Thi , Nguyen Hoa L. , Vinh Chau Nguyen Van , Wills Bridget , Simmons Cameron P.
Published: March 2015

Experimental work and modeling studies reveal that
Aedes aegypti
infected with the
Wolbachia
bacterium have reduced vector competence for the transmission of dengue viruses.
MG53-mediated cell membrane repair protects against acute kidney injury
Authors: Duann Pu , Li Haichang , Lin Peihui , Tan Tao , Wang Zhen , Chen Ken , Zhou Xinyu , Gumpper Kristyn , Zhu Hua , Ludwig Thomas , Mohler Peter J. , Rovin Brad , Abraham William T. , Zeng Chunyu , Ma Jianjie
Published: March 2015

Recombinant MG53 translocates to sites of injury in the proximal tubule of the kidney and protects mice from acute kidney injury induced by ischemia or drugs.
Improved antitumor activity of immunotherapy with BRAF and MEK inhibitors in
BRAF

V600E

melanoma
Authors: Hu-Lieskovan Siwen , Mok Stephen , Homet Moreno Blanca , Tsoi Jennifer , Robert Lidia , Goedert Lucas , Pinheiro Elaine M. , Koya Richard C. , Graeber Thomas G. , Comin-Anduix Begoña , Ribas Antoni
Published: March 2015

MEK inhibition enhanced the antitumor activity of combined BRAF inhibition and immunotherapy.
Small RNA: From development to regeneration
Authors: Tao Ge , Wang Jun , Martin James F.
Published: March 2015

A microRNA cluster that targets the Hippo pathway can reintroduce terminally differentiated cardiomyocytes into the cell cycle, promoting heart regeneration (Tian
et al
., this issue).
Intercellular Diffusion of a Fluorescent Sucrose Analog via the Septal Junctions in a Filamentous Cyanobacterium
Authors: Nürnberg Dennis J. , Mariscal Vicente , Bornikoel Jan , Nieves-Morión Mercedes , Krauß Norbert , Herrero Antonia , Maldener Iris , Flores Enrique , Mullineaux Conrad W.
Published: March 2015

Many filamentous cyanobacteria produce specialized nitrogen-fixing cells called heterocysts, which are located at semiregular intervals along the filament with about 10 to 20 photosynthetic vegetative cells in between. Nitrogen fixation in these complex multicellular bacteria depends on metabolite exchange between the two cell types, with the heterocysts supplying combined-nitrogen compounds but dependent on the vegetative cells for photosynthetically produced carbon compounds. Here, we used a fluorescent tracer to probe intercellular metabolite exchange in the filamentous heterocyst-forming cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120. We show that esculin, a fluorescent sucrose analog, is incorporated by a sucrose import system into the cytoplasm of Anabaena cells. The cytoplasmic esculin is rapidly and reversibly exchanged across vegetative-vegetative and vegetative-heterocyst cell junctions. Our measurements reveal the kinetics of esculin exchange and also show that intercellular metabolic communication is lost in a significant fraction of older heterocysts. SepJ, FraC, and FraD are proteins located at the intercellular septa and are suggested to form structures analogous to gap junctions. We show that a Δ
sepJ
Δ
fraC
Δ
fraD
triple mutant shows an altered septum structure with thinner septa but a denser peptidoglycan layer. Intercellular diffusion of esculin and fluorescein derivatives is impaired in this mutant, which also shows a greatly reduced frequency of nanopores in the intercellular septal cross walls. These findings suggest that FraC, FraD, and SepJ are important for the formation of junctional structures that constitute the major pathway for feeding heterocysts with sucrose.

IMPORTANCE
Anabaena and its relatives are filamentous cyanobacteria that exhibit a sophisticated form of prokaryotic multicellularity, with the formation of differentiated cell types, including normal photosynthetic cells and specialized nitrogen-fixing cells called heterocysts. The question of how heterocysts communicate and exchange metabolites with other cells in the filament is key to understanding this form of bacterial multicellularity. Here we provide the first information on the intercellular exchange of a physiologically important molecule, sucrose. We show that a fluorescent sucrose analog can be imported into the Anabaena cytoplasm by a sucrose import system. Once in the cytoplasm, it is rapidly and reversibly exchanged among all of the cells in the filament by diffusion across the septal junctions. Photosynthetically produced sucrose likely follows the same route from cytoplasm to cytoplasm. We identify some of the septal proteins involved in sucrose exchange, and our results indicate that these proteins form structures functionally analogous to metazoan gap junctions.
Cyclic GMP Balance Is Critical for Malaria Parasite Transmission from the Mosquito to the Mammalian Host
Authors: Lakshmanan Viswanathan , Fishbaugher Matthew E. , Morrison Bob , Baldwin Michael , Macarulay Michael , Vaughan Ashley M. , Mikolajczak Sebastian A. , Kappe Stefan H. I.
Published: March 2015

Transmission of malaria occurs during Anopheles mosquito vector blood meals, when Plasmodium sporozoites that have invaded the mosquito salivary glands are delivered to the mammalian host. Sporozoites display a unique form of motility that is essential for their movement across cellular host barriers and invasion of hepatocytes. While the molecular machinery powering motility and invasion is increasingly well defined, the signaling events that control these essential parasite activities have not been clearly delineated. Here, we identify a phosphodiesterase (
PDE
γ) in Plasmodium, a regulator of signaling through cyclic nucleotide second messengers. Reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) analysis and epitope tagging of endogenous PDEγ detected its expression in blood stages and sporozoites of
Plasmodium yoelii
. Deletion of
PDE
γ (
pde
γ
−
) rendered sporozoites nonmotile, and they failed to invade the mosquito salivary glands. Consequently, PDEγ deletion completely blocked parasite transmission by mosquito bite. Strikingly,
pde
γ
−
sporozoites showed dramatically elevated levels of cyclic GMP (cGMP), indicating that a perturbation in cyclic nucleotide balance is involved in the observed phenotypic defects. Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis of
pde
γ
−
sporozoites revealed reduced transcript abundance of genes that encode key components of the motility and invasion apparatus. Our data reveal a crucial role for
PDE
γ in maintaining the cyclic nucleotide balance in the malaria parasite sporozoite stage, which in turn is essential for parasite transmission from mosquito to mammal.

IMPORTANCE
Malaria is a formidable threat to human health worldwide, and there is an urgent need to identify novel drug targets for this parasitic disease. The parasite is transmitted by mosquito bite, inoculating the host with infectious sporozoite stages. We show that cellular signaling by cyclic nucleotides is critical for transmission of the parasite from the mosquito vector to the mammalian host. Parasite phosphodiesterase γ is essential for maintaining cyclic nucleotide balance, and its deletion blocks transmission of sporozoites. A deeper understanding of the signaling mechanisms involved in transmission might inform the discovery of novel drugs that interrupt this essential step in the parasite life cycle.
Intestinal Microbiota Composition Modulates Choline Bioavailability from Diet and Accumulation of the Proatherogenic Metabolite Trimethylamine-
N
-Oxide
Authors: Romano Kymberleigh A. , Vivas Eugenio I. , Amador-Noguez Daniel , Rey Federico E.
Published: March 2015

Choline is a water-soluble nutrient essential for human life. Gut microbial metabolism of choline results in the production of trimethylamine (TMA), which upon absorption by the host is converted in the liver to trimethylamine-
N
-oxide (TMAO). Recent studies revealed that TMAO exacerbates atherosclerosis in mice and positively correlates with the severity of this disease in humans. However, which microbes contribute to TMA production in the human gut, the extent to which host factors (e.g., genotype) and diet affect TMA production and colonization of these microbes, and the effects TMA-producing microbes have on the bioavailability of dietary choline remain largely unknown. We screened a collection of 79 sequenced human intestinal isolates encompassing the major phyla found in the human gut and identified nine strains capable of producing TMA from choline
in vitro
. Gnotobiotic mouse studies showed that TMAO accumulates in the serum of animals colonized with TMA-producing species, but not in the serum of animals colonized with intestinal isolates that do not generate TMA from choline
in vitro
. Remarkably, low levels of colonization by TMA-producing bacteria significantly reduced choline levels available to the host. This effect was more pronounced as the abundance of TMA-producing bacteria increased. Our findings provide a framework for designing strategies aimed at changing the representation or activity of TMA-producing bacteria in the human gut and suggest that the TMA-producing status of the gut microbiota should be considered when making recommendations about choline intake requirements for humans.

IMPORTANCE
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death and disability worldwide, and increased trimethylamine
N
-oxide (TMAO) levels have been causally linked with CVD development. This work identifies members of the human gut microbiota responsible for both the accumulation of trimethylamine (TMA), the precursor of the proatherogenic compound TMAO, and subsequent decreased choline bioavailability to the host. Understanding how to manipulate the representation and function of choline-consuming, TMA-producing species in the intestinal microbiota could potentially lead to novel means for preventing or treating atherosclerosis and choline deficiency-associated diseases.
Efficacy and safety of diosmectite in acute childhood diarrhoea: a meta-analysis
Authors: Das Rashmi Ranjan , Sankar Jhuma , Naik Sushree Samiksha
Published: March 2015

Objective

We evaluated the role of diosmectite as an add-on treatment to the ‘recommended treatment’ of acute diarrhoea in children.

Methods

We searched all published literature through the major databases: Medline via Ovid, PubMed, CENTRAL, Embase and Google Scholar till May 2014. Randomised clinical trials comparing diosmectite versus placebo were included (PROSPERO registration: CRD42014013783).

Main outcome measures

The primary outcome measures were duration of acute diarrhoea (h), and day-to-day cure rates (%). The secondary outcome measures were stool output (volume), stool output (frequency) and adverse events.

Results

Of 384 citations retrieved, a total of 13 randomised clinical trials (2164 children, 1–60 months old) were included in the meta-analysis. A dose of 3–6 grams per day of diosmectite was given for a duration from 3 days until recovery. Compared with placebo, diosmectite significantly decreased the duration of acute diarrhoea (mean difference, −23.39; 95% CI −28.77 to −18.01), and increased the cure rate (%) at day 5 (OR, 4.44; 95% CI 1.66 to 11.84), without any increases in the risk of adverse events. Diosmectite was effective in all types of acute childhood diarrhoea except dysentery. Because, most of the trials were open-label, and there was a high possibility of publication bias, the GRADE evidence generated was of ‘low quality’.

Conclusions

Diosmectite may be a useful additive in the treatment of acute childhood diarrhoea. As the evidence generated was of ‘low quality’, future research is needed with higher quality designs before any firm recommendations can be made.

Trial registration number

PROSPERO registration: CRD42014013783.
Endogenous endophthalmitis with a visual acuity of 6/6
Authors: Siu Gillian Denise Ji-Yee , Lo Ernie Chi-Fung , Young Alvin
Published: March 2015

A 43-year-old man suffering fromKlebsiellaliver abscess and bacteraemia presented with left eye visual disturbance a few days after admission. His visual acuity was 6/6. There was a whitish subretinal mass located at the temporal periphery without vitritis. His visual acuity dropped to 6/120 with marked vitritis 1 day later and a diagnosis of a subretinal abscess was made. The vitreous cultures were negative. Response was suboptimal with intravitreal antibiotics, and retinotomy, vitrectomy, antibiotic irrigation and silicone oil tamponade were required. His vision gradually improved to 6/60 with silicone oil in situ. This case illustrates the rare presentation of a subretinal abscess in endogenous endophthalmitis with no initial associated vitritis, and the importance of maintaining a high level of suspicion despite good visual acuity on presentation in cases with relevant history. Early detection and intervention, and close monitoring may salvage the patient's vision in such cases.
A delayed presentation of bilateral leg compartment syndrome following non-stop dancing
Authors: Jefferies James Gordon , Carter Tom , White Tim Oliver
Published: March 2015

We present the case of a young man with a 48 h delayed presentation of bilateral lower limb acute compartment syndrome (ACS) affecting the anterior compartments following an extended period of dancing at a music festival. On making the diagnosis of ACS, the patient was immediately taken to theatre for fasciotomies and compartmental decompression. Repeat look fasciotomies revealed further necrosis to the muscles of the anterior compartments bilaterally and, effectively, all the muscle bellies within the anterior compartments were excised. The patient has been left with a significant functional deficit and disability. This case highlights the importance of timely diagnosis of ACS as delay in presentation can impact significantly on subsequent functional outcome and quality of life.
Doctors’ approaches to PSA testing and overdiagnosis in primary healthcare: a qualitative study
Authors: Pickles Kristen , Carter Stacy M , Rychetnik Lucie
Published: March 2015

Objectives

(1) To explain general practitioners’ (GPs’) approaches to prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing and overdiagnosis; (2) to explain how GPs reason about their PSA testing routines and (3) to explain how these routines influence GPs’ personal experience as clinicians.

Setting

Primary care practices in Australia including men's health clinics and rural practices with variable access to urology services.

Participants

32 urban and rural GPs within Australia. We included GPs of varying ages, gender (11 female), clinical experience and patient populations. All GPs interested in participating in the study were included.

Primary and secondary outcome measure(s)

Data were analysed using grounded theory methods to determine how and why GPs provide (or do not provide) PSA testing to their asymptomatic male patients.

Results

We observed patterned variation in GP practice, and identified four heuristics to describe GP preference for, and approaches to, PSA testing and overdiagnosis: (1) GPs who prioritised avoiding underdiagnosis, (2) GPs who weighed underdiagnosis and overdiagnosis case by case, (3) GPs who prioritised avoiding overdiagnosis and (4) GPs who did not engage with overdiagnosis at all. The heuristics guided GPs’Routine Practice(usual testing, communication and responses to patient request). The heuristics also reflected GPs’ differentPractice Rationales(drawing on experience, medicolegal obligations, guidelines and evidence) and produced differentPractice Outcomes(GPs’ experiences of the consequences of their PSA testing decisions). Some of these heuristics were more responsive to patient preferences than others.

Conclusions

Variation in GPs’ PSA testing practices is strongly related to their approach to overdiagnosis and underdiagnosis of prostate cancer. Men receive very different care depending on their GP's reasoning and practice preferences. Future policy to address overdiagnosis will be more likely to succeed if it responds to these patterned variations.
The pathway to diagnosis of type 1 diabetes in children: a questionnaire study
Authors: Usher-Smith Juliet A , Thompson Matthew J , Zhu Hannah , Sharp Stephen J , Walter Fiona M
Published: March 2015

Objective

To explore the pathway to diagnosis of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in children.

Design

Questionnaire completed by parents.

Participants

Parents of children aged 1 month to 16 years diagnosed with T1D within the previous 3 months.

Setting

Children and parents from 11 hospitals within the East of England.

Results

88/164 (54%) invited families returned the questionnaire. Children had mean±SD age of 9.41±4.5 years. 35 (39.8%) presented with diabetic ketoacidosis at diagnosis. The most common symptoms were polydipsia (97.7%), polyuria (83.9%), tiredness (75.9%), nocturia (73.6%) and weight loss (64.4%) and all children presented with at least one of those symptoms. The time from symptom onset to diagnosis ranged from 2 to 315 days (median 25 days). Most of this was the appraisal interval from symptom onset until perceiving the need to seek medical advice. Access to healthcare was good but one in five children presenting to primary care were not diagnosed at first encounter, most commonly due to waiting for fasting blood tests or alternative diagnoses. Children diagnosed at first consultation had a shorter duration of symptoms (p=0.022) and children whose parents suspected the diagnosis were 1.3 times more likely (relative risk (RR) 1.3, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.67) to be diagnosed at first consultation.

Conclusions

Children present with the known symptoms of T1D but there is considerable scope to improve the diagnostic pathway. Future interventions targeted at parents need to address the tendency of parents to find alternative explanations for symptoms and the perceived barriers to access, in addition to symptom awareness.
Small-for-gestational age and large-for-gestational age thresholds to predict infants at risk of adverse delivery and neonatal outcomes: are current charts adequate? An observational study from the Born in Bradford cohort
Authors: Norris T , Johnson W , Farrar D , Tuffnell D , Wright J , Cameron N
Published: March 2015

Objectives

Construct an ethnic-specific chart and compare the prediction of adverse outcomes using this chart with the clinically recommended UK-WHO and customised birth weight charts using cut-offs for small-for-gestational age (SGA: birth weight <10th centile) and large-for-gestational age (LGA: birth weight >90th centile).

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Born in Bradford (BiB) study, UK.

Participants

3980 White British and 4448 Pakistani infants with complete data for gestational age, birth weight, ethnicity, maternal height, weight and parity.

Main outcome measures

Prevalence of SGA and LGA, using the three charts and indicators of diagnostic utility (sensitivity, specificity and area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC)) of these chart-specific cut-offs to predict delivery and neonatal outcomes and a composite outcome.

Results

In White British and Pakistani infants, the prevalence of SGA and LGA differed depending on the chart used. Increased risk of SGA was observed when using the UK-WHO and customised charts as opposed to the ethnic-specific chart, while the opposite was apparent when classifying LGA infants. However, the predictive utility of all three charts to identify adverse clinical outcomes was poor, with only the prediction of shoulder dystocia achieving an AUROC>0.62 on all three charts.

Conclusions

Despite being recommended in national clinical guidelines, the UK-WHO and customised birth weight charts perform poorly at identifying infants at risk of adverse neonatal outcomes. Being small or large may increase the risk of an adverse outcome; however, size alone is not sensitive or specific enough with current detection to be useful. However, a significant amount of missing data for some of the outcomes may have limited the power needed to determine true associations.
Development and validation of risk prediction algorithms to estimate future risk of common cancers in men and women: prospective cohort study
Authors: Hippisley-Cox Julia , Coupland Carol
Published: March 2015

Objective

To derive and validate a set of clinical risk prediction algorithm to estimate the 10-year risk of 11 common cancers.

Design

Prospective open cohort study using routinely collected data from 753 QResearch general practices in England. We used 565 practices to develop the scores and 188 for validation.

Subjects

4.96 million patients aged 25–84 years in the derivation cohort; 1.64 million in the validation cohort. Patients were free of the relevant cancer at baseline.

Methods

Cox proportional hazards models in the derivation cohort to derive 10-year risk algorithms. Risk factors considered included age, ethnicity, deprivation, body mass index, smoking, alcohol, previous cancer diagnoses, family history of cancer, relevant comorbidities and medication. Measures of calibration and discrimination in the validation cohort.

Outcomes

Incident cases of blood, breast, bowel, gastro-oesophageal, lung, oral, ovarian, pancreas, prostate, renal tract and uterine cancers. Cancers were recorded on any one of four linked data sources (general practitioner (GP), mortality, hospital or cancer records).

Results

We identified 228 241 incident cases during follow-up of the 11 types of cancer. Of these 25 444 were blood; 41 315 breast; 32 626 bowel, 12 808 gastro-oesophageal; 32 187 lung; 4811 oral; 6635 ovarian; 7119 pancreatic; 35 256 prostate; 23 091 renal tract; 6949 uterine cancers. The lung cancer algorithm had the best performance with an R2of 64.2%; D statistic of 2.74; receiver operating characteristic curve statistic of 0.91 in women. The sensitivity for the top 10% of women at highest risk of lung cancer was 67%. Performance of the algorithms in men was very similar to that for women.

Conclusions

We have developed and validated a prediction models to quantify absolute risk of 11 common cancers. They can be used to identify patients at high risk of cancers for prevention or further assessment. The algorithms could be integrated into clinical computer systems and used to identify high-risk patients.

Web calculator:

There is a simple web calculator to implement the Qcancer 10 year risk algorithm together with the open source software for download (available athttp://qcancer.org/10yr/).
Do cardiac actin mutations lead to altered actomyosin interactions?
Authors: Dahari Marissa , Dawson John F.
Published: March 2015

It is currently hypothesized that increased heart muscle contractility leads to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), and reduced contractility leads to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). To determine if changes in the core interaction between actin and myosin occur due to mutations in the cardiac actin gene (ACTC), we measured the interactions between myosin and 8 ACTC mutant proteins found in patients with HCM or DCM. R312H showed a decreased actin-activated myosin S1 ATPase rate (13.1 ± 0.63 μmol/L/min) compared to WT (15.3 ± 1.6 μmol/L/min), whereas the rate with E99K was significantly higher (20.1 ± 1.5 μmol/L/min). In vitro motility assays with varying ATP concentrations showed that the KMfor E99K remains unchanged with a significantly decreased Vmax(1.90 ± 0.37 μm/sec) compared to WT (3.33 ± 0.46 μm/sec). Based on a 5 nm myosin step size, we calculated a duty ratio of approximately 0.04 for WT and the majority of mutant actins; however, the duty ratio for E99K was twice as high. Based on our analysis of 8 ACTC mutants, we infer that mutations in ACTC lead to disease through various molecular mechanisms. While changes in actomyosin interactions with the E99K mutation might cause increased ATP usage and tension leading to HCM, measurable changes in the basic interaction between actin and myosin do not appear to be involved in the mechanisms of disease development for the other ACTC mutants tested.
In situ Raman spectroscopic observation of the temperature-dependent partition of CH4 and CO2 during the growth of double hydrate from aqueous solution
Authors: Wang Feifei , Liu Changling , Lu Wanjun , Wang Jiasheng , Ye Yuguang
Published: March 2015

Sequestration of CO2 in hydrate form within deep oceanic sediments, to simultaneously replace methane trapped in submarine hydrate, has been considered as an efficient method for CO2 reduction. Consequently, research efforts are underway to deeply understand the properties of CH4 and CO2 hydrates. In this work, CH4 + CO2 double hydrate crystals were grown from aqueous solution in a capillary high-pressure optical cell. The quantitative relationships between Raman intensity and dissolved gas (i.e., CH4 and CO2) concentration in water and in hydrate were established. The partition coefficients of CH4 and CO2 between the hydrate and aqueous phases were measured at 5 constant temperatures from 275.15 to 293.15 K. The equilibrium concentrations of dissolved CH4 and CO2 decrease with decreasing temperatures, indicating more dissolved CH4 and CO2 will be transferred from the aqueous to the hydrate phase at lower temperature. With decreasing temperature, the molality of CO2 in hydrate increases and the molality of CH4 in 51262 cavities decreases, while the sum of the molality of CH4 in 51262 cavities and molality of CO2 in hydrate keeps constant, indicating that CO2 molecules can replace more methane molecules under lower temperature only by occupying the 51262 cavities.
Investigating adsorption of organic compounds in metal-organic framework MIL-53
Authors: Ibrahim Balsam , Lucier Bryan E.G. , Xu Jun , He Peng , Huang Yining
Published: March 2015

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are versatile materials that incorporate metal centers along with organic linkers in highly ordered, intricate structures. MIL-53 is a MOF that exhibits a “breathing effect,” where the pore size and MOF topology are profoundly influenced by the identity and binding mechanism of guest molecules. This phenomenon renders MIL-53 a promising candidate for sensing applications. In this report, the adsorption of various organic compounds within MIL-53 is investigated using a combination of complementary techniques. Thermal gravimetric analysis experiments confirm loading of the guest molecules and yield insight into adsorption interactions and strengths. Significant guest-induced changes in the crystal structure of MIL-53 are revealed by powder X-ray diffraction experiments; specific unique phases of MIL-53 are related to the identity of the guest molecule and its binding mechanism to the framework. 27Al and 13C solid-state NMR experiments probe the interaction between guest molecules and MIL-53. The relationship between the nature of the guest, the structure of MIL-53, and 27Al NMR parameters is explored. 27Al NMR parameters are sensitive to the host-guest binding mechanism (i.e., hydrogen-bonding or π–π stacking interactions) and yield valuable information regarding the influence of the adsorbates on the local aluminum environment. This combination of physical characterization techniques is a useful probe of guest adsorption and the breathing effect within MIL-53 and should prove useful for investigation of related MOFs.
Shikonin inhibits TNF-α-induced growth and invasion of rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Zhang Xuemin , Hu Wenyu , Wu Fang , Yuan Xue , Hu Jian
Published: March 2015

Shikonin is a naphthoquinone compound extracted from the Chinese herb purple gromwell. Shikonin has broad antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor activities. The tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced proliferation and invasion of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is an important factor that contributes to atherosclerosis. The effects of shikonin on the proliferation and apoptosis of VSMCs have been reported; however, the function of shikonin on TNF-α-mediated growth and invasion of VSMCs during atherosclerosis remains unclear. In this study, we used Western blot, flow cytometry, real-time quantitative PCR, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to investigate the effect of shikonin on the TNF-α-induced growth and invasion of VSMCs and to determine the underlying mechanism. Our results showed that shikonin inhibits the TNF-α-mediated growth and invasion. Further study revealed that shikonin regulates the activation of nuclear factor kappa B and phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase signaling pathways; modulates the expression of cyclin D1, cyclin E, B-cell lymphoma 2, and Bax; activates caspase-3 and caspase-9; induces cell cycle arrest; and promotes the apoptosis of VSMCs. Together, our results indicate that shikonin may become a promising agent for the treatment of atherosclerosis and they also establish foundation for the development of anti-atherosclerosis drugs.
Soil pollution and site remediation policies in China: A review
Authors: Li X.N. , Jiao W.T. , Xiao R.B. , Chen W.P. , Chang A.C.
Published: March 2015

It was not until the 1980s that China’s policy makers became aware of the detrimental impacts on urban health from soil pollution as a result of industrial waste emissions. For the past three decades, the Chinese government has strived to prevent and control industrial pollution. Setting appropriate environmental policies is the key to mitigating the legacy of industrial waste emissions accumulated for three decades. In this paper, we review the development process by outlining the evolution of the policies and the resulting legal infrastructure in terms of acts, regulations, ordinances, and standards. Deficiencies of the existing policies are identified. In the early stages, environmental policies were fragmented, consisting of single-purpose laws that are narrowly focused. With time, these policies gradually evolved to become better integrated and comprehensive management plans. However, the laws emphasize contaminated site restoration instead of preventing soil pollution. The legal framework shows that the policies that are in place often lack clear mandates because the authorizations are piggybacked on environmental acts and regulations that do not directly address issues of soil pollution. Furthermore, implementation plans are impractical due to outdated soil quality standards, unclear soil cleanup goals, unenforceable liability and supervision mechanisms, limited funding, lack of transparency and public outreach, and the unreliable financial and technical capabilities of the remediation industries.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined with EEG Reveals Covert States of Elevated Excitability in the Human Epileptic Brain
Authors: Kimiskidis Vasilios K. , Koutlis Christos , Tsimpiris Alkiviadis , Kälviäinen Reetta , Ryvlin Philippe , Kugiumtzis Dimitris
Published: March 2015

Background: Transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with electroencephalogram (TMS-EEG) can be used to explore the dynamical state of neuronal networks. In patients with epilepsy, TMS can induce epileptiform discharges (EDs) with a stochastic occurrence despite constant stimulation parameters. This observation raises the possibility that the pre-stimulation period contains multiple covert states of brain excitability some of which are associated with the generation of EDs. Objective: To investigate whether the interictal period contains "high excitability" states that upon brain stimulation produce EDs and can be differentiated from "low excitability" states producing normal appearing TMS-EEG responses. Methods: In a cohort of 25 patients with Genetic Generalized Epilepsies (GGE) we identified two subjects characterized by the intermittent development of TMS-induced EDs. The high-excitability in the pre-stimulation period was assessed using multiple measures of univariate time series analysis. Measures providing optimal discrimination were identified by feature selection techniques. The "high excitability" states emerged in multiple loci (indicating diffuse cortical hyperexcitability) and were clearly differentiated on the basis of 14 measures from "low excitability" states (accuracy = 0.7). Conclusion: In GGE, the interictal period contains multiple, quasi-stable covert states of excitability a class of which is associated with the generation of TMS-induced EDs. The relevance of these findings to theoretical models of ictogenesis is discussed.
A matrix model for QCD: QCD color is mixed
Authors: Balachandran A. P. , de Queiroz Amilcar , Vaidya Sachindeo
Published: March 2015

We use general arguments to show that colored QCD states when restricted to gauge invariant local observables are mixed. This result has important implications for confinement: a pure colorless state can never evolve into two colored states by unitary evolution. Furthermore, the mean energy in such a mixed colored state is infinite. Our arguments are confirmed in a matrix model for QCD that we have developed using the work of Narasimhan and Ramadas3 and Singer.2 This model, a (0+1)-dimensional quantum mechanical model for gluons free of divergences and capturing important topological aspects of QCD, is adapted to analytical and numerical work. It is also suitable to work on large N QCD. As applications, we show that the gluon spectrum is gapped and also estimate some low-lying levels for N = 2 and 3 (colors). Incidentally the considerations here are generic and apply to any non-Abelian gauge theory.
Diporphyrin magnesium complex with long-wavelength light absorption for organic solar cells
Authors: Sato Takenari , Nakagawa Takafumi , Okada Hiroshi , Matsuo Yutaka
Published: March 2015

We synthesized a diporphyrin compound [4,7-bis[5-[arylethynyl]-10,20-bis{(triisopropylsilyl)ethynyl}porphyrin-15-yl]]-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole dimagnesium(II)], in which two porphyrin units were linked using a benzodiathiazole unit as an electron-withdrawing moiety. These diporphyrins have low-lying HOMO and LUMO levels with long-wavelength light absorption property. Power conversion efficiency of the organic solar cell using this diporphyrin and mix-PCBM (a 85:15 mixture of [6,6]-phenyl- C 61-butyric acid methyl ester ( PC 61 BM ) and [6,6]-phenyl- C 71-butyric acid methyl ester ( PC 71 BM ) was 2.75% with short-circuit current density of 8.79 mA/cm2, open-circuit voltage of 0.80 V, and fill factor of 0.39. Photocurrent conversion in the near infrared region was demonstrated by the incident photon-to-current efficiency spectrum.
Preparation and characterization of cobalt(II) phthalocyanine complex-encapsulated zeolite-X
Authors: Ohata Nayumi , Ito Yurie , Nakane Daisuke , Kitamura Hideki , Masuda Hideki
Published: March 2015

Cobalt(II) phthalocyanine has been encapsulated into the supercage of X-type zeolite as an active monomer (CoPc-X) by the "ship-in-bottle" synthesis method, and furthermore the CoPc-X has been ion-exchanged with secondary metals ( M n+ = Na +, Ag +, Cu 2+, Zn 2+) to obtain CoPc-Mn+-X. They have been characterized by elemental analysis, fluorescent X-ray, UV-vis, diffuse reflectance, physisorption analysis, and ESR spectroscopic methods, and their deodorant behaviors for smell gasses, 2-nonenal and indole, have been examined.
Paleosols as Indicators of Paleoenvironment and Paleoclimate
Authors: Tabor Neil J. , Myers Timothy S.
Published: March 2015

Paleosols are ancient soils that have been incorporated into the geological record. Soils form in response to interactions among the lithosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere, so paleosols potentially record physical, biological, and chemical information about past conditions near Earth's surface. As a result, paleosols are an important resource for terrestrial environmental and climatic reconstructions. Long-standing paleosol research topics include morphology, classification, and clay mineralogy, all of which provide information about pedogenic processes and local paleoenvironments. Paleosols are also used to infer processes involved in the development of stratigraphic architecture and basin evolution. Recent paleosol research has introduced semiquantitative and quantitative measures for environmental and chronometric reconstructions that provide insight into major regional to global changes in temperature, precipitation, and atmospheric pCO2. These new proxies focus on morphological and chemical transfer functions and stable isotope geochemistry to provide estimates of precipitation, temperature, pCO2, and productivity, as well as chronometric estimates of mineral crystallization in deep-time pedogenic systems. Looking forward, consensus must be reached on terminology that most effectively communicates paleosol characteristics and implies important processes. Proxy development will continue to improve as data sets become available across greater ranges of environments and timescales.
Surface Engineering of Mo-Base Alloys for Elevated-Temperature Environmental Resistance
Authors: Perepezko J.H.
Published: March 2015

The synthesis of robust coatings that provide protection against environmental attack at ultrahigh temperatures is a difficult challenge. To achieve this goal for Mo-base alloys, the fundamental concepts of reactive diffusion pathway analysis and kinetic biasing are used to design a multilayer Mo-Si-B-base coating with a phase sequencing that allows for structural and thermodynamic compatibility and an underlying diffusion barrier to maintain coating integrity. The coating design concepts have a general applicability. The coating structure evolution during high-temperature exposure facilitates a prolonged lifetime as well as self-healing capability. The borosilicide coatings that can be synthesized by a pack cementation process yield superior environmental resistance for Mo-base systems at temperatures up to at least 1,700°C and can be adapted to apply to other refractory metal and ceramic systems.
Neuronal and Vascular Interactions
Authors: Andreone Benjamin J. , Lacoste Baptiste , Gu Chenghua
Published: March 2015

The brain, which represents 2% of body mass but consumes 20% of body energy at rest, has a limited capacity to store energy and is therefore highly dependent on oxygen and glucose supply from the blood stream. Normal functioning of neural circuits thus relies on adequate matching between metabolic needs and blood supply. Moreover, not only does the brain need to be densely vascularized, it also requires a tightly controlled environment free of toxins and pathogens to provide the proper chemical composition for synaptic transmission and neuronal function. In this review, we focus on three major factors that ensure optimal brain perfusion and function: the patterning of vascular networks to efficiently deliver blood and nutrients, the function of the blood–brain barrier to maintain brain homeostasis, and the regulation of cerebral blood flow to adequately couple energy supply to neural function.
Food System Policy, Public Health, and Human Rights in the United States
Authors: Shannon Kerry L. , Kim Brent F. , McKenzie Shawn E. , Lawrence Robert S.
Published: March 2015

The US food system functions within a complex nexus of social, political, economic, cultural, and ecological factors. Among them are many dynamic pressures such as population growth, urbanization, socioeconomic inequities, climate disruption, and the increasing demand for resource-intensive foods that place immense strains on public health and the environment. This review focuses on the role that policy plays in defining the food system, particularly with regard to agriculture. It further examines the challenges of making the food supply safe, nutritious, and sustainable, while respecting the rights of all people to have access to adequate food and to attain the highest standard of health. We conclude that the present US food system is largely unhealthy, inequitable, environmentally damaging, and insufficiently resilient to endure the impacts of climate change, resource depletion, and population increases, and is therefore unsustainable. Thus, it is imperative that the US embraces policy reforms to transform the food system into one that supports public health and reflects the principles of human rights and agroecology for the benefit of current and future generations.
The Haves, the Have-Nots, and the Health of Everyone: The Relationship Between Social Inequality and Environmental Quality
Authors: Cushing Lara , Morello-Frosch Rachel , Wander Madeline , Pastor Manuel
Published: March 2015

A growing body of literature suggests that more unequal societies have more polluted and degraded environments, perhaps helping explain why more unequal societies are often less healthy. We summarize the mechanisms by which inequality can lead to environmental degradation and their relevance for public health. We review the evidence of a relationship between environmental quality and social inequality along the axes of income, wealth, political power, and race and ethnicity. Our review suggests that the evidence is strongest for air- and water-quality measures that have more immediate health implications; evidence is less strong for more dispersed pollutants that have longer-term health impacts. More attention should be paid in research and in practice to links among inequality, the environment, and health, including more within-country studies that may elucidate causal pathways and points of intervention. We synthesize common metrics of inequality and methodological considerations in an effort to bring cohesion to such efforts.
Fitness of the US Workforce
Authors: Pronk Nicolaas P.
Published: March 2015

Fitness matters for the prevention of premature death, chronic diseases, productivity loss, excess medical care costs, loss of income or family earnings, and other social and economic concerns. The workforce may be viewed as a corporate strategic asset, yet its fitness level appears to be relatively low and declining. Over the past half-century, obesity rates have doubled, physical activity levels are below par, and cardiorespiratory fitness often does not meet minimum acceptable job standards. During this time, daily occupational energy expenditure has decreased by more than 100 calories. Employers should consider best practices and design workplace wellness programs accordingly. Particular attention should be paid to human-centered cultures. Research should address ongoing surveillance needs regarding fitness of the US workforce and close gaps in the evidence base for fitness and business-relevant outcomes. Policy priorities should consider the impact of both state and federal regulations, adherence to current regulations that protect and promote worker health, and the introduction of incentives that allow employers to optimize the fitness of their workforce through supportive legislation and organizational policies.
Sleep as a Potential Fundamental Contributor to Disparities in Cardiovascular Health
Authors: Jackson Chandra L. , Redline Susan , Emmons Karen M.
Published: March 2015

Optimal sleep is integral to health but is commonly not obtained. Despite its wide-ranging public health impact, sleep health is considered only rarely by policy makers, employers, schools, and others whose policies and structures can adversely affect sleep. An inadequate duration of sleep and poor-quality sleep are prevalent in minority and low-income populations, and may be fundamental to racial and socioeconomic status inequities that contribute to a range of health conditions, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). This review examines the relationship between sleep and disparities in CVD. We describe the public health importance of sleep and the role of sleep duration, as well as the two most common disorders (sleep apnea and insomnia) as risk factors for a number of chronic diseases. We use a multilevel model focused on population health and health disparities, which is based on the notion that individual behaviors, such as sleep, are influenced by complex and dynamic interrelations among individuals and their physical and social environments. We also describe modifiable factors that contribute to insufficient sleep and circadian misalignment, propose potential interventions in various sectors (e.g., neighborhoods, schools, workplaces) that can address social structures that contribute to disparities, and recommend areas for future research. Integrating sleep into public health research will identify novel approaches for closing gaps in health disparities.
Mobile Text Messaging for Health: A Systematic Review of Reviews
Authors: Hall Amanda K. , Cole-Lewis Heather , Bernhardt Jay M.
Published: March 2015

The aim of this systematic review of reviews is to identify mobile text-messaging interventions designed for health improvement and behavior change and to derive recommendations for practice. We have compiled and reviewed existing systematic research reviews and meta-analyses to organize and summarize the text-messaging intervention evidence base, identify best-practice recommendations based on findings from multiple reviews, and explore implications for future research. Our review found that the majority of published text-messaging interventions were effective when addressing diabetes self-management, weight loss, physical activity, smoking cessation, and medication adherence for antiretroviral therapy. However, we found limited evidence across the population of studies and reviews to inform recommended intervention characteristics. Although strong evidence supports the value of integrating text-messaging interventions into public health practice, additional research is needed to establish longer-term intervention effects, identify recommended intervention characteristics, and explore issues of cost-effectiveness.