bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Observational Constraints on Cloud Feedbacks: The Role of Active Satellite Sensors
Authors: Winker David , Chepfer Helene , Noel Vincent , Cai Xia
Published: November 2017

Cloud profiling from active lidar and radar in the A-train satellite constellation has significantly advanced our understanding of clouds and their role in the climate system. Nevertheless, the response of clouds to a warming climate remains one of the largest uncertainties in predicting climate change and for the development of adaptions to change. Both observation of long-term changes and observational constraints on the processes responsible for those changes are necessary. We review recent progress in our understanding of the cloud feedback problem. Capabilities and advantages of active sensors for observing clouds are discussed, along with the importance of active sensors for deriving constraints on cloud feedbacks as an essential component of a global climate observing system.
The conserved ancient role of chordate PIAS as a multilevel repressor of the NF-κB pathway
Authors: Wang Ruihua , Huang Shengfeng , Fu Xianan , Huang Guangrui , Yan Xinyu , Yue Zirui , Chen Shangwu , Li Yingqiu , Xu Anlong
Published: November 2017

In vertebrates, PIAS genes encode versatile cellular regulators, with functions extremely complex and redundant. Here we try to understand their functions from an evolutionary perspective. we evaluate the sequences, expression and molecular functions of amphioxus PIAS genes and compare them with their vertebrate counterparts. Phylogenetic analysis suggests a single PIAS gene in ancestral chordates, which has been duplicated into four families (PIAS1-4) in vertebrates by 2R-WGD but remained single in a basal chordate (amphioxus). Amphioxus PIAS encodes two variants with and without a Serine/Threonine-rich tail, which are retained in human PIAS1-3 but lost in PIAS4. We show that amphioxus PIAS binds C-terminus of NF-κB Rel and blocks the DNA binding activity. In humans, such function is retained in PIAS1, altered in PIAS4, and lost in PIAS2-3. Instead, PIAS3 has evolved new ability to inhibit Rel by binding RHD and promoting SUMOylation. We show that amphioxus PIAS also inhibits NF-κB by binding with upstream signalling adaptor TICAM-like and MyD88. Finally, we verify that human PIAS1, 3 and 4, but not 2, were capable of these newly-discovered functions. Our study offers insight into the sub- and neo-functionalization of PIAS genes and suggests a conserved ancient role for chordate PIAS in NF-κB signalling.
Nitric oxide mediates apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction and plays a role in growth hormone deficiency by nivalenol in GH3 cells
Authors: Huang Deyu , Cui Luqing , Guo Pu , Xue Xijuan , Wu Qinghua , Hussain Hafiz Iftikhar , Wang Xu , Yuan Zonghui
Published: November 2017

Nivalenol (NIV), a type B trichothecenes commonly found in cereal crops, can cause growth impairment in animals. However, limited information about its mechanisms is available. Trichothecenes have been characterized as an inhibitor of protein synthesis and induce apoptosis in cells. Oxidative stress is considered an underlying mechanism. However, whether NIV can induce oxidative stress and apoptosis in rat pituitary cells line GH3 is unclear. The present study showed that NIV significantly reduced the viability of cells and caused oxidative stress in GH3 cells. Further experiments showed that nitric oxide (NO), but not ROS, mediated NIV-induced oxidative stress. Additionally, NIV induced caspase-dependent apoptosis, decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial ultrastructural changes. However, NIV-induced caspase activation, mitochondrial damage and apoptosis were partially alleviated by Z-VAD-FMK or NO scavenger hemoglobin. Finally, NIV changed the expression of growth-associated genes and pro-inflammatory cytokines. NIV also reduced the GH secretion in GH3 cells, which was reversed by hemoglobin. Taken together, these results suggested that NIV induced apoptosis in caspase-dependent mitochondrial pathway in GH3 cells, which might be an underlying mechanism of NIV-induced GH deficiency. Importantly, NO played a critical role in the induction of oxidative stress, apoptosis and GH deficiency in NIV-treated GH3 cells.
Dissociation of haemolytic and oligomer-preventing activities of gramicidin S derivatives targeting the amyloid-β N-terminus
Authors: Chen Daoyuan , Qin Wenjing , Wen Gesi , Shi Bihua , Liu Ziyi , Wang Youqiao , Zhou Qiang , Quan Junmin , Zhou Binhua , Bu Xianzhang
Published: November 2017

We successfully dissociated haemolysis from Aβ oligomer-preventing activity of the gramicidin S derivative GS-2viaAla-scanning-based amphiphilicity regulation.
“Bleaching” glycerol in a microfluidic fuel cell to produce high power density at minimal cost
Authors: Martins Cauê A. , Ibrahim Omar A. , Pei Pei , Kjeang Erik
Published: November 2017

Glycerol/bleach flow-through microfluidic fuel cells are presented.
Direct characterization of graphene doping state by in situ photoemission spectroscopy with Ar gas cluster ion beam sputtering
Authors: Yun Dong-Jin , Kim Seyun , Jung Changhoon , Lee Chang-Seok , Sohn Hiesang , Won Jung Yeon , Kim Yong Su , Chung JaeGwan , Heo Sung , Kim Seong Heon , Seol Minsu , Shin Weon Ho
Published: November 2017

We propose a novel, direct diagnosis method for graphene doping states at organic semiconductor/electrode interfaces by an in situ photoemission spectroscopy method.
Understanding the reaction mechanism of the oxidative addition of ammonia by (PXP)Ir(i) complexes: the role of the X group
Authors: Munarriz J. , Velez E. , Casado M. A. , Polo V.
Published: November 2017

A mechanistic study on the kinetics and thermodynamics of the oxidative addition of ammonia for a set of five [(PXP)Ir] pincer complexes (X = B, CH, O, N, SiH) is performed combining electron localization function and interacting quantum atoms methodologies.
On-demand acoustic droplet splitting and steering in a disposable microfluidic chip
Authors: Park Jinsoo , Jung Jin Ho , Park Kwangseok , Destgeer Ghulam , Ahmed Husnain , Ahmad Raheel , Sung Hyung Jin
Published: November 2017

An acoustofluidic device for on-demand droplet splitting and steering in a disposable microfluidic chip.
Organoids, organs-on-chips and other systems, and microbiota
Authors: May Stephanie , Evans Samantha , Parry Lee
Published: November 2017

The human gut microbiome is considered an organ in its entirety and has been the subject of extensive research due to its role in physiology, metabolism, digestion, and immune regulation. Disequilibria of the normal microbiome have been associated with the development of several gastrointestinal diseases, but the exact underlying interactions are not well understood. Conventional in vivo and in vitro modelling systems fail to faithfully recapitulate the complexity of the human host–gut microbiome, emphasising the requirement for novel systems that provide a platform to study human host–gut microbiome interactions with a more holistic representation of the human in vivo microenvironment. In this review, we outline the progression and applications of new and old modelling systems with particular focus on their ability to model and to study host–microbiome cross-talk.
Metabolic phenotyping for understanding the gut microbiome and host metabolic interplay
Authors: Basson Abigail R. , Wijeyesekera Anisha
Published: November 2017

There is growing interest in the role of the gut microbiome in human health and disease. This unique complex ecosystem has been implicated in many health conditions, including intestinal disorders, inflammatory skin diseases and metabolic syndrome. However, there is still much to learn regarding its capacity to affect host health. Many gut microbiome research studies focus on compositional analysis to better understand the causal relationships between microbial communities and disease phenotypes. Yet, microbial diversity and complexity is such that community structure alone does not provide full understanding of microbial function. Metabolic phenotyping is an exciting field in systems biology that provides information on metabolic outputs taking place in the system at a given moment in time. These readouts provide information relating to by-products of endogenous metabolic pathways, exogenous signals arising from diet, drugs and other lifestyle and environmental stimuli, as well as products of microbe–host co-metabolism. Thus, better understanding of the gut microbiome and host metabolic interplay can be gleaned using such analytical approaches. In this review, we describe research findings focussed on gut microbiota–host interactions, for functional insights into the impact of microbiome composition on host health. We evaluate different analytical approaches for capturing metabolic activity and discuss analytical methodological advancements that have made a contribution to the field. This information will aid in developing novel approaches to improve host health in the future, and therapeutic modulation of the microbiome may soon augment conventional clinical strategies.
The Influence of Target and Masker Characteristics on Infants' and Adults' Detection of Speech
Authors: Oster Monika-Maria , Werner Lynne A.
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Several investigators have compared infants' detection of speech in speech and nonspeech maskers to evaluate developmental differences in masking. Such comparisons have produced contradictory results, possibly because each investigation used different stimuli. The current study examined target and masker effects on infants' and adults' detection of speech.

Method

An observer-based procedure was used to compare infants' and adults' detection of the vowel /ʌ/ and the word “baby” in a 2-talker speech masker and matched speech-spectrum noise. The measure of performance was
d′
. A total of 43 7-month-old infants and 41 young adults were randomly assigned to 1 target–masker combination condition, and mean performance was compared across conditions at each age.

Results

Adults' detection was influenced by an interaction between the target and the masker: Adults detected the vowel better in the 2-talker masker than in speech-spectrum noise but detected the word equally well in the 2 maskers. In contrast, infants detected both targets better in speech-spectrum noise than in the 2-talker masker.

Conclusions

The relative effects of the masker on target detection by infants and adults depend on the target to be detected. Thus, conclusions drawn about differences between infants and adults in the mechanisms responsible for masking will depend on the stimuli. Standardization of speech stimuli in developmental research would help clarify the nature of infants' segregation difficulties.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.5613139
Uniform constant composition codes derived from repeated‐root cyclic codes
Authors: da Rocha V.C. , de Lemos‐Neto J.S. , Alcoforado M.L.M.G.
Published: November 2017

Uniform constant composition (UCC) codes are introduced, which are p‐ary constant composition codes with block length mp where each p‐ary symbol appears exactly m times in each codeword, being m a positive integer and p a prime. UCC codes are derived from a new class of p‐ary repeated‐root cyclic codes and two constructions are presented. Both constructions are at least asymptotically optimal with increasing p when compared with known best bounds for constant composition codes.
Modelling of low-temperature/large-area distributed antenna array microwave-plasma reactor used for nanocrystalline diamond deposition
Authors: Bénédic Fabien , Baudrillart Benoit , Achard Jocelyn
Published: November 2017

In this paper we investigate a distributed antenna array Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition system, composed of 16 microwave plasma sources arranged in a 2D matrix, which enables the growth of 4-in. diamond films at low pressure and low substrate temperature by using H2/CH4/CO2 gas chemistry. A self-consistent two-dimensional plasma model developed for hydrogen discharges is used to study the discharge behavior. Especially, the gas temperature is estimated close to 350 K at a position corresponding to the substrate location during the growth, which is suitable for low temperature deposition. Multi-source discharge modeling evidences that the uniformity of the plasma sheet formed by the individual plasmas ignited around each elementary microwave source strongly depends on the distance to the antennas. The radial profile of the film thickness homogeneity may be thus linked to the local variations of species density.
A Rare Case of Triceps Brachii Injury after Electrocution
Authors: Lana Debora , Tarallo Luigi , Catani Fabio
Published: November 2017

Injuries of the triceps brachii muscle are a rare entity and mostly concern its distal tendon. These represent the least common of all muscle and tendons injuries. The most common reported causes are repeated strong physical efforts, a fall on an outstretched forearm when a sudden deceleration is put on contract triceps, or a direct trauma. High-dosed and prolonged corticosteroid therapies, repeated local steroid injections, chronic renal failure, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, hyperparathyroidism, and osteogenesis imperfecta are reported as systemic causes. Even rarer are lesions of muscle fibers and avulsions or rupture at its musculotendinous junction, and these can be caused by direct trauma or by forced elbow flexion during triceps contraction. To the best of our knowledge, there is no article in the literature describing this type of injury that occurred after electrocution. In this article, we report an uncommon case of intramuscular tear associated with insertional distal tendon injury occurred in a man survived to high-voltage electric discharge.
Uterocervical Angle Measurement Improves Prediction of Preterm Birth in Twin Gestation
Authors: Tenbrink Emily , Onslow Mitchell , Patil Avinash , Knight Jordan
Published: November 2017

Objective Twin pregnancies are associated with an increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth. Our objective was to compare the performance of uterocervical angle to cervical length as predictors of spontaneous preterm birth in this population.

Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of twin gestations at a single center from May 2008 to 2016 who received a transvaginal ultrasound for the evaluation of the cervix between 16 0/7 and 23 0/7 weeks. The primary outcome was prediction of preterm birth <28 and <32 weeks by uterocervical angle and cervical length.

Results Among 259 women with twin gestation, the mean gestational age at birth was 34.83 ± 3.48 weeks. Receiver operator characteristic curves demonstrated optimal prediction of spontaneous preterm birth prior to 32 weeks at a uterocervical angle >110° (80% sensitivity, 82% specificity) [odds ratio (OR), 15.7 (95% confidence interval (CI), 7.2–34.4)] versus cervical length <20 mm (53% sensitivity, 85% specificity; p < 0.001, OR, 6.4 [95% CI, 2.3–17.8]) and similarly, prior to 28 weeks at a uterocervical angle >114° (OR, 24.3 [95% CI, 6.7–88.5]) compared with cervical length <20 mm (OR, 11.4 [95% CI, 3.5–36.7]).

Conclusion Uterocervical angles >110° performed better than cervical length for the prediction of spontaneous preterm birth in twin gestations.
Cerebral Ischemia in Active Giant Cell Arteritis: Clinical and Diagnostic Aspects in 36 Patients
Authors: Pfadenhauer K. , Ertl M. , Hittinger M. , Berlis A.
Published: November 2017

Background: Cerebral ischemia (CI) is an uncommon, sometimes life-threatening complication of active giant cell arteritis (aGCA) due to affection of the precerebral arteries.

Aim of the Study: To analyze and describe clinical findings and results of multimodal vascular imaging of the craniocervical arteries.

Patients and Methods: Out of 317 aGCA patients, 36 (11%) presented with CI. All patients underwent vascular imaging including ultrasonography (US) of the temporal arteries (TA) and precerebral arteries, biopsies were taken in 27, CTA/MRA were performed in 21 and FDG-PET in 18 patients.

Results: In 72% of patients, CI was located in the posterior circulation and in14% of patients, it occurred after beginning of steroid therapy. TA were normal on clinical and US examination in 10 patients (with normal biopsies in 5) but PET demonstrated GCA of the precerebral arteries in 9 of them. Abnormalities of the precerebral arteries typical of GCA were demonstrated by US as halos in 67% (in 61% halos of the vertebral arteries), CTA/MRA in 43% and PET in 72% of patients. Concurrent etiologies for CI were evident in 19% of patients (including >50% ICA stenosis in 3 and atrial fibrillation in 4 patients).

Conclusions: Awareness for GCA as a cause of CI requiring specific diagnostic and therapeutic steps is important. US, CTA, MRA and PET are valuable diagnostic tools for rapid detection of GCA involving the precerebral arteries in different stages of the disease even if the TA look normal.
Mengenentwicklung stationärer Behandlungen bei Erkrankungen der Wirbelsäule – Analyse der deutschlandweiten Krankenhausabrechnungsdaten von 2005 bis 2014
Authors: Nimptsch Ulrike , Bolczek Claire , Spoden Melissa , Schuler Ekkehard , Zacher Josef , Mansky Thomas
Published: November 2017

Hintergrund Seit der Einführung der Diagnosis related Groups (DRG) zur Vergütung akutstationärer Krankenhausleistungen wurden Anstiege der stationären Fallzahlen zur Behandlung von Erkrankungen der Wirbelsäule beobachtet. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist, diese Mengenentwicklung bevölkerungsbezogen und nach Behandlungsarten differenziert darzustellen.

Material und Methode In den deutschlandweiten Krankenhausabrechnungsdaten (DRG-Statistik) wurden Behandlungsfälle mit operativer sowie nicht operativer Versorgung von Wirbelsäulenerkrankungen identifiziert. Unter Berücksichtigung der demografischen Entwicklung wurde analysiert, in welchem Umfang sich die Fallzahlen im Zeitraum von 2005 bis 2014 verändert haben und in welchen Altersgruppen und bei welchen Eingriffs- bzw. Behandlungsarten Anstiege zu verzeichnen sind.

Ergebnisse Im Jahr 2014 (2005) wurden 289 000 (177 000) operativ versorgte und 463 000 (287 000) nicht operativ versorgte Behandlungsfälle identifiziert. Nach Bereinigung um demografische Faktoren wurden sowohl bei operativen als auch bei nicht operativen Behandlungen relative Fallzahlanstiege um jeweils ca. 50% beobachtet, die in höheren Altersgruppen und bei Frauen besonders ausgeprägt waren. Die Mengenentwicklung fiel je nach Art des Eingriffs bzw. der Behandlung sehr unterschiedlich aus. Bei den operativ versorgten Behandlungsfällen hat sich die Anzahl der Bandscheibenoperationen demografiebereinigt nur um + 5% erhöht während sich Wirbelkörperversteifungs- und -ersatzeingriffe, Kypho- und Vertebroplastien und alleinige Dekompressionen der Wirbelsäule mehr als verdoppelt haben. Bei den nicht operativ versorgten Behandlungsfällen wurde bei Behandlungen mit lokaler Schmerztherapie der Wirbelsäule ein demografiebereinigter Anstieg von + 142% beobachtet. Bei rein konservativen Behandlungen lag der demografiebereinigte Anstieg bei + 22%.

Schlussfolgerung Welche Ursachen den nicht demografiebedingten Fallzahlanstiegen zugrunde liegen, kann diese Untersuchung nicht direkt klären. Die stratifizierte Betrachtung der Fallzahlen in den verschiedenen Untergruppen kann aber dazu beitragen, die Entwicklungen differenziert einzuordnen und damit die Diskussion um eine mögliche Über- oder Fehlversorgung zielgerichteter als bisher zu führen.
Aufbau einer Präventionsberichterstattung in Bayern – Konzept und erste Umsetzungsschritte
Authors: Reisig Veronika , Kuhn Joseph , Poppe Franziska , Caselmann Wolfgang
Published: November 2017

Hintergrund Zur Weiterentwicklung der Prävention und Gesundheitsförderung im Rahmen der Umsetzung des Bayerischen Präventionsplans und des Gesetzes zur Stärkung der Gesundheitsförderung und Prävention (Präventionsgesetz) soll in Bayern eine systematische Präventionsberichterstattung aufgebaut werden.

Zielsetzung Das Konzept zur Präventionsberichterstattung in Bayern sieht vor, präventionsrelevante Daten aus der allgemeinen Gesundheitsberichterstattung mit Blick auf die Handlungsfelder des Bayerischen Präventionsplans um weitere Indikatoren zu ergänzen. Dabei geht es v. a. um Ergänzungen bei präventionsrelevanten Gesundheitsdeterminanten, den Präventionsaktivitäten und Präventionsausgaben sowie um eine Abbildung der Handlungsfelder und Zielsetzungen des Bayerischen Präventionsplans. Durch eine periodische Berichterstattung sollen Trends erkenntlich und ein Monitoring ermöglicht werden. Das Berichtswesen soll modular aufgebaut werden mit kürzeren, eher der Öffentlichkeitsarbeit dienenden Materialien und umfangreicheren Fachberichten. Nach Möglichkeit sollen auch regionale Daten für die Gesundheitsregionenplus bzw. die Gesundheitsämter bereitgestellt werden.

Umsetzung und erste Ergebnisse Eine umfassende Erhebung zur Präventionslandschaft in Bayern 2014/2015 sowie eine Befragung der Partner des Bayerischen Bündnisses für Prävention 2016 liefern Übersichtsdaten zum Präventionsgeschehen in Bayern. 2016 wurde ein Kernindikatorenset für die Begleitung der Umsetzung des Bayerischen Präventionsplans fertiggestellt und ein Datenfaltblatt zur Prävention veröffentlicht. Ein Tabellenband und ein Präventionsbericht sind für 2017 bzw. 2018 geplant.

Schlussfolgerung Die Präventionsberichterstattung, wie sie in Bayern konzipiert wurde, stellt wie die allgemeine Gesundheitsberichterstattung Übersichtsdaten bereit und ermöglicht auf dieser Basis ein Monitoring der Prävention. Für spezifischere Steuerungs- oder Evaluationsaufgaben sind vertiefende Verfahren notwendig. Herausforderungen bestehen u. a. in der (Weiter)Entwicklung valider, präventionsspezifischer Indikatoren, der Generierung einer prozessbegleitenden empirischen Datenbasis und nach Möglichkeit einer länderübergreifenden Abstimmung.
Preparation, in vitro Characterization and Pharmacokinetic Study of Coenzyme Q10 Long-Circulating Liposomes
Authors: Yang Shuoye
Published: November 2017

Long-circulating liposomal delivery systems of encapsulated Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a ubiquinone anti-cataract agent, were developed with different molar ratios of PEGylated lipids and/or cholesterol. The resulting samples were contrasted through observation of morphology, analysis of particle size and Zeta potential, and in vivo pharmacokinetics. A protamine aggregation method with high selectivity was developed to determine the encapsulation efficiency (EE), after which the liposome formulation was further optimized by applying a Box Behnken design (BBD) using EE as the evaluation index. The results showed that liposomes had a large, unilamellar structure, and that particle sizes of cholesterol-containing liposomes increased along with the increase of cholesterol molar percentage, while the size of PEGylated vesicles decreased slightly as PEG-lipid contents increasing. The optimum formulation and optimal values of each influencing factor were quantitatively obtained, and the measured value was highly consistent with the predicted results. In vivo evaluation performed by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) demonstrated that liposomal encapsulation largely prolonged half-lives and improved bioavailability for vectors prepared with either lipid component, and the liposomes composed of both cholesterol and PEG-lipid possessed the best pharmacokinetic properties. The results suggest that incorporating high contents of cholesterol and PEG modification could be a potentially useful method for enhancing the length of circulation and the sustained release effect for liposome-encapsulated chemicals.
Evidence for nitrogen-related deep acceptor states in SnO2 grown by chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Jiang Jie , Ostheim Lars , Kleine-Boymann Matthias , Hofmann Detlev M. , Klar Peter J. , Eickhoff Martin
Published: November 2017

Nitrogen-doped SnO2 thin films were deposited on r-plane sapphire by chemical vapor deposition with different NH3 flow rates. Hydrogen of the precursor led to a dominant unintentional n-type behavior in the as grown samples, i.e., SnO2:N,H. Thermal annealing increased the ratio of N concentration to H concentration in the samples. A significant increase in resistivity and a decrease in carrier concentration, both by almost four orders of magnitude, were observed in the annealed SnO2:N,H thin films. Unfortunately, the carrier type in the samples annealed at the highest temperatures, i.e., with low carrier concentrations of ∼1015 cm−3, could not be determined. Nevertheless, our findings suggest that the samples annealed at the highest temperatures above 500 °C were close to becoming p-type (scenario A) or are even p-type (scenario B). The analysis of temperature-dependent conductivity measurements yielded activation energies in the range of 280 to 350 meV, which must be either due to activation from a deep donor state to the conduction band (scenario A) or due to activation from a nitrogen acceptor state to the valence band (scenario B). Independent of the scenario, our results indicate that achieving stable p-type conductivity by nitrogen doping of SnO2 should be possible.
A theoretical study of electron multiplication coefficient in a cold-cathode Penning ion generator
Authors: Noori H. , Ranjbar A. H. , Rahmanipour R.
Published: November 2017

The discharge mechanism of a Penning ion generator (PIG) is seriously influenced by the electron ionization process. A theoretical approach has been proposed to formulate the electron multiplication coefficient, M, of a PIG as a function of the axial magnetic field and the applied voltage. A numerical simulation was used to adjust the free parameters of expression M. Using the coefficient M, the values of the effective secondary electron emission coefficient, γeff, were obtained to be from 0.09 to 0.22. In comparison to the experimental results, the average value of γeff differs from the secondary coefficient of clean and dirty metals by the factors 1.4 and 0.5, respectively.
Major pathway for multiphoton air ionization at 248 nm laser wavelength
Authors: Shutov A. V. , Ustinovskii N. N. , Smetanin I. V. , Mokrousova D. V. , Goncharov S. A. , Ryabchuk S. V. , Sunchugasheva E. S. , Seleznev L. V. , Ionin A. A. , Zvorykin V. D.
Published: November 2017

Multiphoton ionization mechanisms and ionization rates of atmospheric air and constituent gases are studied at the 248-nm KrF laser wavelength within a laser pulse intensity range of 108–1013 W/cm2 using both long 25-ns and short 160-fs pulses. We have experimentally shown that it is the photoionization of water vapor naturally contained in atmospheric air that acts as the dominant process of air ionization. (2 + 1) Resonance-Enhanced Multiphoton Ionization (REMPI) occurs through 2-photon resonant excitation of water molecules, which results in a quadratic dependence of electron density on laser intensity at lower laser intensities of 108–1010 W/cm2 in the long pulse and in a cubic dependence at higher intensities of 1010–1013 W/cm2 in the short pulse. Direct 3-photon ionization and (3 + 1) REMPI take place in pure O2 and N2, respectively, and their contributions to air ionization are in the ratio of 5:3. The total ionization rate of O2 and N2 in atmospheric air is about an order of magnitude less than that of water vapor. Relevant ionization coefficients (effective multiphoton ionization cross sections) have been measured and that for the H2O molecule is more than 2–3 orders of magnitude larger than the others.
Gα
s
protein binds ubiquitin to regulate epidermal growth factor receptor endosomal sorting
Authors: Li Xuezhi , Létourneau Danny , Holleran Brian , Leduc Richard , Lavigne Pierre , Lavoie Christine
Published: November 2017

Significance

Gα
s
protein is classically known as a signaling component of cell surface G protein-coupled receptor transduction pathways. However, Gα
s
has also been localized on endosomes, where it plays a role in receptor sorting to lysosomes. How Gα
s
regulates this trafficking step is unclear. Although Gα
s
structure has been known for years, we found a motif in Gα
s
that allows its interaction with ubiquitin, a key signal for cargo sorting to the lysosomal pathway. We show that disrupting the ubiquitin-interacting motif (UIM) in Gα
s
impairs its interaction with components of the endosomal sorting machinery and the lysosomal degradation of epidermal growth factor receptor. This study provides molecular insights on the mechanism by which Gα
s
is involved in this noncanonical function.
Morcellation equipment: past, present, and future
Authors: Miller Charles E.
Published: November 2017

Purpose of review

This review was written in an effort to describe the evolution of power morcellation equipment from their creation to their current state. In addition, this review addresses the continuously evolving equipment involved with power morcellation and looks to describe where the field is headed in the future. In addition, recent professional and federal recommendations have changed the way power morcellation is being approached and has led to the development of contained morcellation systems, which, although in their infancy, are also being proven to be well tolerated options.

Recent findings

This article will review the most current research on electronic power morcellation and the multiple attempts to prove superiority from the many different types of equipment, and also the many different approaches to morcellation. In addition, with the adaptation to contained morcellation, this review will cover research focused on optimizing a containment system and the techniques involved.

In summary, this review is aimed at describing many of the currently available power morcellation products and contained morcellation systems in an effort to allow physicians to understand the different options available, and to discuss well tolerated, effective, and clinically proven techniques that can lead to improved surgical outcomes in the future.
Predictive Factors for Visual Field Conversion: Comparison of Scanning Laser Polarimetry and Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Diekmann Theresa , Schrems-Hoesl Laura M. , Mardin Christian Y. , Laemmer Robert , Horn Folkert K. , Kruse Friedrich E. , Schrems Wolfgang A.
Published: November 2017

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to compare the ability of scanning laser polarimetry (SLP) and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) to predict future visual field conversion of subjects with ocular hypertension and early glaucoma.

Methods:

All patients were recruited from the Erlangen glaucoma registry and examined using standard automated perimetry, 24-hour intraocular pressure profile, and optic disc photography. Peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL) measurements were obtained by SLP (GDx-VCC) and SD-OCT (Spectralis OCT). Positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) were calculated for morphologic parameters of SLP and SD-OCT. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were plotted and log-rank tests were performed to compare the survival distributions. Contingency tables and Venn-diagrams were calculated to compare the predictive ability.

Results:

The study included 207 patients—75 with ocular hypertension, 85 with early glaucoma, and 47 controls. Median follow-up was 4.5 years. A total of 29 patients (14.0%) developed visual field conversion during follow-up. SLP temporal-inferior RNFL [0.667; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.281-0.935] and SD-OCT temporal-inferior RNFL (0.571; 95% CI, 0.317-0.802) achieved the highest PPV; nerve fiber indicator (0.923; 95% CI, 0.876-0.957) and SD-OCT mean (0.898; 95% CI, 0.847-0.937) achieved the highest NPV of all investigated parameters. The Kaplan-Meier curves confirmed significantly higher survival for subjects within normal limits of measurements of both devices (P<0.001). Venn diagrams tested with McNemar test statistics showed no significant difference for PPV (P=0.219) or NPV (P=0.678).

Conclusions:

Both GDx-VCC and SD-OCT demonstrate comparable results in predicting future visual field conversion if taking typical scans for GDx-VCC. In addition, the likelihood ratios suggest that GDx-VCC’s nerve fiber indicator<30 may be the most useful parameter to confirm future nonconversion. (http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov number, NTC00494923; Erlangen Glaucoma Registry).
Updates on the biology of serotonin and tryptophan hydroxylase
Authors: Swami Tara , Weber H. Christian
Published: November 2017

Purpose of review

To summarize the most recent findings relevant to the biology of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) and the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) in human gastrointestinal disease.

Recent findings

Serotonin is synthesized in the central nervous system (CNS) and the gastrointestinal tract where it is secreted from enteroendocrine cells. Its biosynthesis is regulated by two isoforms of the enzyme TPH of which TPH1 is localized predominantly in gastrointestinal enteroendocrine cells. Serotonin activates the peristaltic reflexes, regulates gastrointestinal motility, and has a role in intestinal inflammation. Inhibition of TPH with novel molecules represents a new pharmacological tool in the successful management of carcinoid syndrome in patients with gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors (GI-NETs). Certain 5-HT receptor subtype agonists and antagonists are useful in the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders.

The gastrointestinal tract is the largest storage organ for serotonin where its biosynthesis is regulated by TPH1. It has several important functions in gastrointestinal motility, secretion, and inflammation. Furthermore, TPH represents a target for inhibitory pharmacological therapy of serotonin access states such as the carcinoid syndrome.
Controllability in an islet specific regulatory network identifies the transcriptional factor NFATC4, which regulates Type 2 Diabetes associated genes
Authors: Sharma Amitabh , Halu Arda , Decano Julius L. , Menche Jörg , Liu Yang-Yu , Prasad Rashmi B. , Fadista Joao , Santolini Marc , Padi Megha , Weiss Scott T. , Vidal Marc , Silverman Edwin K. , Aikawa Masanori , Barabási Albert-László , Groop Leif , Loscalzo Joseph
Published: November 2017

Probing the dynamic control features of biological networks represents a new frontier in capturing the dysregulated pathways in complex diseases. Here, using patient samples obtained from a pancreatic islet transplantation program, we constructed a tissue-specific gene regulatory network and used the control centrality (Cc) concept to identify the high control centrality (HiCc) pathways, which might serve as key pathobiological pathways for Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). We found that HiCc pathway genes were significantly enriched with modest GWAS p-values in the DIAbetes Genetics Replication And Meta-analysis (DIAGRAM) study. We identified variants regulating gene expression (expression quantitative loci, eQTL) of HiCc pathway genes in islet samples. These eQTL genes showed higher levels of differential expression compared to non-eQTL genes in low, medium and high glucose concentrations in rat islets. Among genes with highly significant eQTL evidence, NFATC4 belonged to four HiCc pathways. We asked if the expressions of T2D-associated candidate genes from GWAS and literature are regulated by Nfatc4 in rat islets. Extensive in vitro silencing of Nfatc4 in rat islet cells displayed reduced expression of 16, and increased expression of 4 putative downstream T2D genes. Overall, our approach uncovers the mechanistic connection of NFATC4 with downstream targets including a previously unknown one, TCF7L2, and establishes the HiCc pathways’ relationship to T2D.
Label-free non-invasive quantitative measurement of lipid contents in individual microalgal cells using refractive index tomography
Authors: Jung JaeHwang , Hong Seong-Joo , Kim Han-Byeol , Kim Geon , Lee Moosung , Shin Seungwoo , Lee SangYun , Kim Dong-Jin , Lee Choul-Gyun , Park YongKeun
Published: November 2017

Microalgae are promising candidates for biofuel production due to their high lipid content. To facilitate utilization of the microalgae for biofuel, rapid quantification of the lipid contents in microalgae is necessary. However, conventional methods based on the chemical extraction of lipids require a time-consuming destructive extraction process. Here, we demonstrate label-free, non-invasive, rapid quantification of the lipid contents in individual micro-algal cells measuring the three-dimensional refractive index tomograms. We measure three-dimensional refractive index distributions withinNannochloropsis oculatacells and find that lipid droplets are identifiable in tomograms by their high refractive index. In addition, we alterN. oculataunder nitrogen deficiency by measuring the volume, lipid weight, and dry cell weight of individual cells. Characterization of individual cells allows correlative analysis between the lipid content and size of individual cells.
Differentiation of primate primordial germ cell-like cells following transplantation into the adult gonadal niche
Authors: Sosa Enrique , Chen Di , Rojas Ernesto J. , Hennebold Jon D. , Peters Karen A. , Wu Zhuang , Lam Truong N. , Mitchell Jennifer M. , Tailor Ramesh C. , Meistrich Marvin L. , Orwig Kyle E. , Shetty Gunapala , Clark Amander T.
Published: November 2017

A major challenge in stem cell differentiation validation is the availability of bioassays to prove cell types generated in vitro are equivalent to cells in vivo. In the mouse model, differentiation of primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs) from pluripotent cells was validated by transplantation, leading to the generation of spermatogenesis and to the birth of offspring. Here we report the use of xenotransplantation (monkey to mouse) and homologous transplantation (monkey to monkey) to validate our in vitro protocol for differentiating male rhesus macaque PGCLCs (rPGCLCs) from rhesus macaque induced pluripotent stem cells (riPSCs). Specifically, transplantation of aggregates containing rPGCLCs into mouse and nonhuman primate testicles overcomes a major bottleneck in rPGCLC differentiation with the expression of VASA and MAGEA4, but not ENO2. These findings suggest that immature rPGCLCs once transplanted into an adult gonadal niche commit to differentiate towards late PGCs and spermatogonia-like cells but do not complete the conversion into ENO2-positive spermatogonia.
Grassroots organizations and influencing public policy processes: Lessons from around the world
Authors: Coston Jennifer M.
Published: November 2017

This overview article for the Symposium on Grassroots Organizations and Public Policy Processes for the International Journal of Organization Theory and Behavior, addresses three questions: 1) To what extent are grassroots organizations (GOs) capable of having an impact on public policy processes9 2) How do they influence public policy processes? and 3) what lessons can we draw to inform GOs’ effectiveness in the future? More specifically, the article reviews the strategies of GOs presented in the eight articles included in the Symposium, examines the type of policy influence in which they engage, discusses the structures, resources, and tools they have at their disposal, and draws implications for GOs’ approaches to influencing public policy processes The Symposium and its analysis in this article reveals 1) the flexibility of GOs in adopting a variety of structures and strategies; 2) the resilience of GOs in operating in a range of political and cultural contexts with varied degrees of favorability, and 3) the resourcefulness of GOs in fully utilizing all their resources, gaining access to new ones, and conserving latent capacity for when it really counts.
Nongovernmental organizations and policy influence in latin america and the caribbean
Authors: Sutphe Julie
Published: November 2017

Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in Latin America and the Caribbean affect policy through strategies conditioned by the structure and program focus of the NGO, and the level of tolerance of government to NGO activity. In low tolerance contexts local NGOs may collaborate with international NGOs, such as human rights and environmental organizations for protection from government repression and to focus external pressure on governments to change policies. Where there is a moderate level of government tolerance, NGOs may affect policy by generating effective local development models, or providing services to citizens at the request of governments. Successful projects may lead skeptical governments, at the local or national levels, to adopt new policies and practices. When governments encourage and accept the work of NGOs as part of a democratic, civil society, NGOs can collaborate with governments as full partners, participating in the formulation of public policies and implementing ensuing programs of social and economic development. At the medium and high levels of government tolerance, NGO leaders may directly affect policy by entering government service through election or appointment to policymaking positions.
Values, program evaluation and the new public management
Authors: Cruise Peter L.
Published: November 2017

The Information Age, while offering public managers great opportunities in networked organizations and relationships using New Public Management (NPM) techniques, also presents great challenges if traditional public sector ethical approaches and value orientations have been replaced with postmodernist logic. Using the backdrop of NPM and postmodernism, this article examines the ability of one tool - program evaluation - to continue to offer useful information for public managers and the elected leaders they serve.
Improving the quality of public administration research on nonprofits: Dismantling the three-sector model
Authors: Cheever kathryn , Kinney Nancy T. , Wolfe Pete
Published: November 2017

Does the three sector model of public (government), private (business), private/nonprofit still have validity? Did it ever? The following article examines the definitions, history, economic constructs, and evolving position of nonprofit organizations in the United States and finds the three sector model lacking. A briefcase study of a Denver-based not-for-profit community development corporation illustrates the many overlapping roles these organizations play including for-profit business, governmental functions as well as traditional nonprofit sen ice-oriented activities. A new paradigm is called for that reflects the "brave new world" of collaboration between and among public and private entities.
Doubt and deliberation: Making strategy in ontario’s food bank system
Authors: Roberts Alasdair
Published: November 2017

Deliberation may be used by organizations or networks of organizations to manage the moral and technical uncertainties that are associated with threshold strategies - that is, strategies whose superiority over alternatives is unclear. Much academic literature underestimates the importance of deliberation, largely because of its reliance on paradigms that view organizational life as though it were mechanistic or game-like. A new heuristic, based on the metaphor of organizations as assemblies, is proposed. The experience of Ontario's food bank community is used to illustrate how deliberation is used to manage threshold strategies. The paper discusses some difficulties in promoting deliberation.
Beyond african humanism: Economic reform in post-independent zambia
Authors: Sekwat Alex
Published: November 2017

This study examines distinctive economic reform measures pursued in post-independent Zambia and ethical problems which plagued the reform process. The study begins with a review of the philosophy of Zambian Humanism, the ideology which guided Zambia’s early reform initiatives. Specific reform measures pursued within the framework of humanism focused on: increased state control of the economy; indigenization of the public and private sectors, accelerated development of the rural sector, and use of a series of policy measures to curb domestic exploitation. Beginning in the mid-1980s, deepening economic crisis forced the government to retract most humanist-based reform measures in favor of World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) induced reforms within the framework of structural adjustment and economic liberalization. Post-Humanism reform initiatives built on previous World Bank and IMF formulated framework, but stalled due in part to increase in ethical misbehavior in higher levels of government.
Cross-cultural issues in latin america
Authors: Robertson Christopher J.
Published: November 2017

In this issue of the International Journal of Organization Theory and Behavior a myriad of topics are covered with an eye toward culture, change, and development in Latin America. The actual special issue theme of “Cross-cultural issues in Latin America” was somewhat broadly defined by design. Because this corner of the world has received little attention in the management and public administration literature, I thought that it would be interesting to dedicate an entire issue to this topic. As the Western Hemisphere continues to build cultural and economic bridges, it will be inevitable that many social science researchers will follow suit with more interest.1
Optimizing the silver collar worker: in the shoes of the older employee
Authors: Nichols Kenneth L.
Published: November 2017

Older workers are increasingly prized in the workplace, though they still represent an undertapped resource. What can be done to meet the needs of employees over the age of fifty so that they can enjoy a sense of self accomplishment, job satisfaction, personal growth and self respect—all while optimizing their contributions to the organization? This article uses the situations of six diverse “silver collar” employees to consider meaningful actions employers can take.
Customized cranial implant manufactured by incremental sheet forming using a biocompatible polymer
Authors: Bagudanch Isabel , García-Romeu María Luisa , Ferrer Ines , Ciurana Joaquim
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the feasibility of incremental sheet forming (ISF), using the most common variants, single-point incremental forming (SPIF) and two-point incremental forming (TPIF), to produce prototypes of customized cranial implants using a biocompatible polymer (ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene, UHMWPE), ensuring an appropriate geometric accuracy and cost.

Design/methodology/approach

The cranial implant is designed based on computerized tomographies (CT) of the patient, converting them into a 3D model using the software InVesalius. To generate the toolpath for the forming operation computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software is used. Once the cranial implant is manufactured, a 3D scanning system is used to determine the geometric deviation between the real part and the initial design.

Findings

The results corroborate that it is possible to successfully manufacture a customized cranial implant using ISF, being able to improve the geometric accuracy using the TPIF variant with a negative die.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first research works in which a customized cranial implant is successfully manufactured using a flexible technology, ISF and a biocompatible polymer. The use of polymeric implants in cranioplasty is advantageous because of their lightweight, low heat conductivity and mechanical properties similar to bone. Furthermore, the cost of the implant has been calculated considering not only the raw materials and manufacturing time but also the environmental impact, revealing that it is a cheap process with a low lead-time.