bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling the impact of urbanisation on regional climate in the Greater London Area
Authors: Grawe David , Thompson Heather L. , Salmond Jennifer A. , Cai Xiao‐Ming , Schlünzen K. Heinke
Published: September 2012

Urban areas have well‐documented effects on climate, such as the urban heat island (UHI) effect, reduction of wind speeds, enhanced turbulence and boundary layer heights, and changes in cloud cover and precipitation. The aim of this study is to quantify the impact of the urban area of London on local and regional climate. This is achieved through the coupling of the non‐hydrostatic mesoscale model METRAS with the sophisticated urban canopy scheme BEP. The model is configured for case studies of the London region, for typical UHI conditions, and the model results are evaluated using data from meteorological monitoring sites. This study develops a methodology to quantify the regional impact of urbanisation from numerical model results. The urban area, in its current form, is found to affect near surface temperature, the diurnal temperature range, the UHI, and the near surface wind speed and direction. For the selected cases, peak UHI intensities of up to 2.5 K are found during night time hours, with the timing and magnitude of the peak showing good agreement with previous experimental studies for London. The timing of the UHI peak intensity for the current urban land cover for London shows a good agreement with the results of measurements. A significant reduction in wind speed over the urban area was also simulated during both daytime and night time, due to the higher roughness of the city compared to the rural domain. The effect is shown to have a regional character, with both urban and surrounding rural areas demonstrating a significant impact. Thus, the UHI can not only be understood when focussing on local data, but the interaction with the surrounding needs to be considered.
Thermal growing season trends in east China, with emphasis on urbanization effects
Authors: Yang Xuchao , Tian Zhan , Chen Baode
Published: September 2012

Dense meteorological station network‐derived data on daily surface air temperatures over the period 1961–2007 were used to investigate the changes in the thermal growing season (GS) indicators for east China. The 394 stations are classified into six categories: metropolises, large cities, medium‐sized cities, small cities, suburbs, and rural area using satellite‐measured night‐time light imagery and census data. Only the temperature data on 258 small cities and rural stations were used to calculate the GS indicators to reflect more ‘natural’ changes in thermal GS parameters. During the studied period, the regional mean length of the GS significantly extended by 3.05 and 2.61 d decade−1 for base temperatures of 5 and 10 °C, respectively. This extension is attributed primarily to the GS initiating at an earlier time (2.49 and 2.10 d decade−1 for base temperatures of 5 and 10 °C, respectively), rather than to the delayed end of the GS (0.55 and 0.51 d decade−1 for base temperatures of 5 and 10 °C, respectively). The mean growing degree days (GDD) has increased by 51.84 and 35.89 degree days decade−1 on average at temperatures higher than 5 and 10 °C. When the temperature data from all the 394 stations(including metropolis, large city, medium city, and suburban) were used to calculate the GS indicators, urban heat island (UHI) effects were evident, especially in highly urbanized Yangtze River Delta. The GS extension and GDD increase in metropolises increased by more than onefold over those observed for rural areas. This result indicates significant UHI effects on climatic GS changes. On the basis of the GDD changes, we find that UHI effects contributed to more than 10% in the GDD increase at temperatures higher than 10 °C. Therefore, excluding the urbanization effects from station observational data in evaluating changes in GS indices is necessary, especially for regions characterized by rapid urbanization.
On the drivers of inter‐annual and decadal rainfall variability in Queensland, Australia
Authors: Klingaman N. P. , Woolnough S. J. , Syktus J.
Published: September 2012

Queensland experiences considerable inter‐annual and decadal rainfall variability, which impacts water‐resource management, agriculture and infrastructure. To understand the mechanisms by which large‐scale atmospheric and coupled air–sea processes drive these variations, empirical orthogonal teleconnection (EOT) analysis is applied to 1900–2010 seasonal Queensland rainfall. Fields from observations and the 20th Century Reanalysis are regressed onto the EOT timeseries to associate the EOTs with large‐scale drivers. In winter, spring and summer the leading, state‐wide EOTs are highly correlated with the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO); the Inter‐decadal Pacific Oscillation modulates the summer ENSO teleconnection. In autumn, the leading EOT is associated with locally driven, late‐season monsoon variations, while ENSO affects only tropical northern Queensland. Examining EOTs beyond the first, southeastern Queensland and the Cape York peninsula emerge as regions of coherent rainfall variability. In the southeast, rainfall anomalies respond to the strength and moisture content of onshore easterlies, controlled by Tasman Sea blocking. The summer EOT associated with onshore flow and blocking has been negative since 1970, consistent with the observed decline in rainfall along the heavily populated coast. The southeastern Queensland EOTs show considerable multi‐decadal variability, which is independent of large‐scale drivers. Summer rainfall in Cape York is associated with tropical‐cyclone activity.
Synoptic components of rainfall variability and trends in southeast Australia
Authors: Risbey James S. , McIntosh Peter C. , Pook Michael J.
Published: September 2012

This work examines the contributions of different synoptic types to rainfall variability and trends in southeast Australia, with a focus on the drought of 1996–2009. Rainfall in the Mallee region is used to characterize the southeast region. The reduction in rainfall in the Mallee region during the drought is about two‐thirds composed of a reduction in rainfall from cutoff lows and about one‐third due to a reduction in rainfall from frontal systems. The reduction in frontal rain is mostly due to a reduction in rain per frontal system, which is associated with a reduction of baroclinicity in the southeast and south of Australia. The reduction of cutoff rainfall is mostly due to a reduction in number of the most intense cutoff systems. The frequency of cutoff systems matches changes in blocking activity in the Tasman Sea region. Blocking has undergone a weak decline in the Tasman region over the period of the drought. Analysis of synoptic system contributions to the drought indicates that causal explanations of the drought should account for variation in cutoff systems and blocking.
Analytical authentication of organic products: an overview of markers
Authors: Capuano Edoardo , Boerrigter‐Eenling Rita , van der Veer Grishja , van Ruth Saskia M
Published: September 2012

Consumers' interest in organic foods is increasing and so is the need for robust analytical tools for their authentication. This review focuses on the most promising biomarkers/analytical approaches that are available for the authentication of organic produce. Food products have been subdivided into two groups: foods of plant origin (crops) and foods of animal origin (meat, milk and dairy products, eggs and fish). For each food category the most suitable biomarkers are presented and their potential for authentication is discussed. In the light of current knowledge, it is unlikely that the authentication of organic food products can be attained by the measurement of a single marker. Analytical approaches based on the measurement of multiple markers and/or complex chemical or physical profiles/fingerprints supported by multivariate statistical analysis seem considerably more promising in this respect. For the development of robust classification models, well‐designed experimental studies must be performed that rely on data sets that are both well balanced and of sufficient size to ensure that all relevant sources of variation for the target biomarkers are included in the reference database. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaluation of bacterial flora during the ripening of Kedong sufu, a typical Chinese traditional bacteria‐fermented soybean product
Authors: Feng Zhen , Gao Wei , Ren Dan , Chen Xi , Li Juan‐juan
Published: September 2012

Background

Kedong sufu is a typical bacteria‐fermented sufu in China. Isolation and identification of the autochthonous bacteria involved would allow the design of specific starters for this speciality. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the bacterial flora during the ripening of Kedong sufu using polymerase chain reaction denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR‐DGGE) and culturing.

Results

In terms of bacterial diversity, 22 strains were isolated and identified and 27 strains were detected by DGGE. Regarding bacterial dynamics, the results of culturing and PCR‐DGGE exhibited a similar trend towards dominant strains. Throughout the fermentation of sufu, Enterococcus avium, Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus carnosus were the dominant microflora, while the secondary microflora comprised Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Streptococcus lutetiensis, Kocuria rosea, Kocuria kristinae, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtilis.

Conclusion

This study is the first to reveal the bacterial flora during the ripening of Kedong sufu using both culture‐dependent and culture‐independent methods. This information will help in the design of autochthonous starter cultures for the production of Kedong sufu with desirable characteristic sensory profiles and shorter ripening times.
From the judgment of leadership to the leadership of judgment: The fallacy of heroic decision making
Authors: Davenport Thomas H. , Manville Brook
Published: September 2012

Forward‐thinking organizations in today's highly competitive world, Davenport and Manville believe, have leaders who are willing to reach out to others to arrive at the best decisions. Their research encompasses fundamental changes in operations for such disparate companies as EMC (data storage) and the Media General news firm. The same principle holds for non‐businesses, including Charlotte‐Mecklenburg Schools in North Carolina, and even NASA. Four strategies are common in these situations: “acknowledging the value of the collective, developing a participatory problem‐solving process, integrating analytical tools and information sources, and building a sustaining culture of debate and deliberation.”
The trustworthy leader: The first step toward creating high‐trust organizations
Authors: Hurley Robert
Published: September 2012

The sorry state of many of today's institutions is not one, Hurley contends, of lack of trust, but of trustworthiness. He defines trust as “confident reliance on a person, group, organization, or system (for example, the financial system) in the face of risk and uncertainty.” He says we must “develop trustworthy leaders, and enable those leaders to embed trustworthiness in the architecture (strategy, structure, culture, systems, and processes) of their organizations.” Trustworthiness must be embedded in a firm's culture, because research shows that many ethical and benevolent people will adapt to a culture of opposite values.
Giving the Expectancy‐Value Model a Heart
Authors: Henning Victor , Hennig‐Thurau Thorsten , Feiereisen Stephanie
Published: September 2012

Over the past decade, research in consumer behavior has debated the role of emotion in consumer decision making intensively but has offered few attempts to integrate emotion‐related findings with established theoretical frameworks. This manuscript augments the classical expectancy‐value model of attitude with a dimensional model of emotion. An experiment involving 308 college students who face actual purchase decisions shows that predictions of attitudes, behavioral intentions, and actual behavior can be improved through the use of the augmented model for both hedonic and utilitarian products. The augmented model has theoretical implications for marketing scholars as well as practical uses for marketers.
Palladium‐Mediated Surface‐Initiated Kumada Catalyst Polycondensation: A Facile Route Towards Oriented Conjugated Polymers
Authors: Huddleston N. Eric , Sontag S. Kyle , Bilbrey Jenna A. , Sheppard Gareth R. , Locklin Jason
Published: September 2012

Palladium‐mediated surface‐initiated Kumada catalyst transfer polycondensation is used to generate poly(3‐methyl thiophene) films with controlled thickness up to 100 nm. The palladium initiator density is measured using cyclic voltammetry and a ferrocene‐capping agent, where the surface density is found to be 55% (1.1 × 1014 molecules per cm2). UV–Vis spectroscopy and AFM show increased aggregation in palladium‐initiated films due to the higher grafting density of palladium initiators on the surface. The anisotropy of the P3MT films is determined using polarized UV–Vis spectroscopy, which indicates a degree of orientation perpendicular to the substrate. Evidence that palladium can maintain π‐complexation even at elevated temperatures, is also shown through the exclusive intramolecular coupling of both a phenyl and thiophene‐based magnesium bromide with different dihaloarenes.
The eIF4E repressor protein 4E‐BP2 is merely truncated, despite 4E‐BP1 degradation in the porcine uterine tissue during implantation
Authors: Wollenhaupt Karin , Brüssow Klaus‐Peter , Albrecht Dirk , Tomek Wolfgang
Published: September 2012

Recently, we identified an N‐terminally truncated form of the mRNA cap binding protein eIF4E in the porcine luminal epithelium during implantation. EIF4E truncation is accompanied by degradation of the eIF4E‐repressor protein 4E‐BP1. In this study, we investigated whether or not the other members of the eIF4E‐repressor family, namely 4E‐BP2 and 4E‐BP3, were also modified during early pregnancy. We did not detect 4E‐BP3 in the uterine tissue; however, 4E‐BP2 emerged in one or two stable fragments on pregnancy day 15. 4E‐BP2 truncation most likely occurs at the N‐terminus, and this calcium‐stimulated processing depends on progesterone and estradiol. The activities targeting eIF4E, 4E‐BP1, and 4E‐BP2 were found in different fractions after anionic exchange chromatography, indicating the action of different proteases. Detailed protein interaction studies with immobilized anti‐eIF4E and m7GTP‐Sepharose showed a differential binding of the 4E‐BP2 isoforms to the eIF4E variants and to the cap structure. In general, truncation of eIF4E reduces the inhibitory impact of 4E‐BP2, whereas truncation of 4E‐BP2 restores repression by binding the prototype eIF4E. In this context, we suggest long‐term translational repression by the truncated 4E‐BP2 is affected by the loss of the RAIP motif located at the N‐terminus, which is indispensable for phosphorylation and deactivation of the molecule. In conclusion, we propose a tightly balanced regulation of the truncation of the cap‐binding complex component eIF4F and degradation of 4E‐BP1 and/or truncation of 4E‐BP2 that together ensures correct translational control during the dynamic process of conceptus implantation. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 79: 767–776, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Long‐term durability of the response to desmopressin in female and male nocturia patients
Authors: Juul Kristian Vinter , Klein Bjarke M. , Nørgaard Jens Peter
Published: September 2012

Aims

To explore the durability of efficacy and gender differences during chronic administration of desmopressin in nocturia.

Methods

This pooled analysis of three short‐term efficacy studies, with extensions, of desmopressin administered as orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) or solid tablet in nocturia treatment, comprised 351 patients completing 40–56 weeks' treatment. Efficacy endpoints of change in number of nocturnal voids and duration of initial undisturbed sleep period from baseline were analyzed to determine response durability and gender differences.

Results

The mean decrease in number of nocturnal voids during short‐term treatment was maintained and further reduced during the long term. At 52 weeks, the mean decrease in number of nocturnal voids from baseline reached 1.4–2.1 voids for desmopressin ODT 25–100 µg. Following 40‐week tablet treatment, the decrease in number of nocturnal voids was 0.8–1.5 for desmopressin 100–400 µg. The mean decrease in nocturnal voids (25–50 µg ODT) was greater for females than males. For females, the improvement in initial period of undisturbed sleep was 2.5–3 hr for desmopressin ODT 25–100 µg, compared with 1.3–2.6 hr for males. No gender difference in efficacy was seen in the tablet studies.

Conclusions

The decrease in nocturnal voids and improvement in sleep with short‐term desmopressin treatment were maintained throughout long‐term treatment. A durable gender difference in efficacy in favor of females was observed with desmopressin ODT 25 µg. Further, large‐scale long‐term trials are needed to confirm the durability of efficacy with gender‐specific doses of desmopressin. Neurourol. Urodynam. 32: 363–370, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nonlinear model predictive control strategy for low thrust spacecraft missions
Authors: Starek Joseph A. , Kolmanovsky Ilya V.
Published: September 2012

In this paper, two nonlinear model predictive control (MPC) strategies are applied to solve a low thrust interplanetary rendezvous problem. Each employs a unique, nonclassical parameterization of the control to adapt the nonlinear MPC approach to interplanetary orbital dynamics with low control authority. The approach is demonstrated numerically for a minimum‐fuel Earth‐to‐Mars rendezvous maneuver, cast as a simplified coplanar circular orbit heliocentric transfer problem. The interplanetary transfer is accomplished by repeated solution of an optimal control problem over (i) a receding horizon with fixed number of control subintervals and (ii) a receding horizon with shrinking number of control subintervals, with a doubling strategy to maintain controllability. In both cases, the end time is left unconstrained. The performances of the nonlinear MPC strategies in terms of computation time, fuel consumption, and transfer time are compared for a constant thrust nuclear‐electric propulsion system. For this example, the ability to withstand unmodeled effects and control allocation errors is verified. The second strategy, with shrinking number of control subintervals, is also shown to easily handle the more complicated bounded thrust nuclear‐electric case, as well as a state‐control‐constrained solar‐electric case. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Atmospheric Pressure Deposition of Thin Functional Coatings: Polymer Surface Patterning by DBD and Post‐Discharge Polymerization of Liquid Vinyl Monomer from Surface Radicals
Authors: Borra Jean‐Pascal , Valt Alexandre , Arefi‐Khonsari Farzi , Tatoulian Michael
Published: September 2012

We present a route for grafting polyacid and polyether coatings on polymers by post‐discharge polymerization of liquid vinyl monomer. Surface modifications of polymer films by Micro‐Discharges in air Dielectric Barrier Discharge (MD, DBD) are depicted with sub‐micrometer craters homogeneously distributed. Both the energy per MD and the power density are critical to avoid thermal film deformation. Homogeneous surface composition is related to the DBD energy density. The polymerization mechanism is depicted from yields versus DBD energy density and time of exposure to air between DBD and monomer deposition. Both parameters control the surface density of radicals and peroxides, triggering the post‐DBD polymerization with 80 and 73% of monomer functionality remaining in acid and ether coatings, respectively. The effect of deposition conditions on coatings properties is shown as well as the stability of coatings upon washing.

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Improved Bonding and Conductivity of Polypyrrole on Polyester by Gaseous Plasma Treatment
Authors: Mehmood Tariq , Dai Xiujuan J. , Kaynak Akif , Kouzani Abbas
Published: September 2012

A systematic study was conducted using argon, oxygen, and nitrogen plasma to improve the adhesion of polypyrrole coating to polyester (PET) fabric for improving conductivity and to understand the mechanisms involved. PET thin film was used as a reference sample. The changes in wettability, surface chemistry and morphology were studied by water contact angle, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and atomic force and scanning electron microscopy. It was found that both the highest conductivity and the strongest interfacial bonding were achieved by oxygen plasma treatment. The increase in hydrophilicity, surface functionalization, and suitable nano‐scale roughness gave improved adhesion.

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One Step Synthesis of Gold‐Loaded Radial Mesoporous Silica Nanospheres and Supported Lipid Bilayer Functionalization: Towards Bio‐Multifunctional Sensors
Authors: Veneziano Remi , Derrien Gaelle , Tan Sisareuth , Brisson Alain , Devoisselle Jean‐Marie , Chopineau Joel , Charnay Clarence
Published: September 2012

A simple synthetic route is developed to achieve gold functionalized radial mesoporous silica nanoparticles (Au‐MsNP) synthesized by a one step procedure fully compatible with basic conditions required for the preparation of monodispersed nanospheres. In a second step, Au‐MsNP particles have been coated with phospholipid bilayers in order to design an advanced biofunctional platform with the gold metallic nanoparticles previously grown into the pore channels and responsible for a plasmonic activity relevant for biosensing. The size of Au‐MsNP is checked by dynamic light scattering while zeta potential measurements reflect their surface charge. The particle morphology is characterized by transmission and scanning electron microscopy and the Si/Au ratios are obtained from energy dispersive X‐ray analysis. The textural properties of Au‐MsNP, specific surface area and pore size, are determined from N2 adsorption. The supported bilayers are achieved from vesicles of different phospholipids incubated with Au‐MsNP particles. The coating efficiency is investigated by zeta potential and cryo‐ transmission electron microscopy. The plasmonic activities of bare Au‐MsNP particles and coated lipid bilayer Au‐MsNP platform are evidenced for two model systems: direct adsorption of bovine serum albumin and molecular recognition events between avidin molecules and biotin receptors integrated in the supported lipid bilayer.
Effects of Pretask Modeling on Attention to Form and Question Development
Authors: Kim YouJin
Published: September 2012

Over the last two decades, a growing body of research has shown positive impacts for task planning in task‐based instruction (e.g., Ellis, 2005; Foster & Skehan, 1996). However, what learners plan during pretask planning, and whether any specific planning strategies are more beneficial in encouraging learners to attend to linguistic forms and facilitating second language development, have not been systematically investigated. The present study examined the effects of pretask modeling as a planning strategy on learners' attention to question structures and their subsequent question development. Korean junior high school students from two classes were assigned to either pretask modeling or no modeling groups. They completed a pretest, three tasks in pairs, and two posttests over a period of 5 weeks. The modeling group viewed pretask modeling videos as a part of their guided planning, whereas the no modeling group was provided with unguided planning time. The individual learners' think‐aloud protocols during planning time and learner–learner interaction during task performance were audio‐recorded, and the data were analyzed in terms of language‐related episodes. Question development was determined based on Pienemann and Johnston's (1987) developmental sequence. Results indicate that pretask modeling facilitated learners' attention to form, especially during planning time, and their question development.
The wireless power transmission: inductive coupling, radio wave, and resonance coupling
Authors: Shinohara Naoki
Published: September 2012

This paper describes various wireless power transmission (WPT) technologies including inductive coupling, radio waves, and resonance coupling. Theoretically, these three WPT technologies are similar, in that all of them depend on Maxwell's equations. However, there are pros and cons for each application of the WPT. Therefore, a suitable WPT technology must be selected for each application. Herein, the theory, technologies, and applications of WPT are discussed. WPT is a useful and convenient technology that can be employed to charge the batteries in mobile phones, notebook PCs, electric vehicles, light‐emitting diodes, integrated circuits, and other equipment without the need for a wire connection. For systems that use very low power, the battery can be removed altogether, and the systems can be run on energy harvested from ambient radio frequency and microwave radiation. Therefore, the number of batteries can be reduced when wireless power is available from various locations, and because batteries can be charged wirelessly, concerns about the shortage of batteries can also be reduced. WPT via microwaves, for example, can be applied in the future to stable and CO2‐free space‐based solar power satellites. Overall, WPT will support both future energy production and the environment.

This article is categorized under:

Concentrating Solar Power > Systems and Infrastructure

Energy Infrastructure > Systems and Infrastructure

Energy Research & Innovation > Systems and Infrastructure
P2Y receptors in atherosclerosis: from lipid metabolism to vascular functions
Authors: Martinez Laurent O. , Cabou Cendrine , Pons Véronique , Malaval Camille
Published: September 2012

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the vascular wall, in large part initiated by accumulation of cholesterol‐laden macrophages (foam cells) in the walls of large and medium arteries, without adequate removal of cholesterol by high‐density lipoproteins. These lipid deposits promote an inflammatory response and the formation of atherosclerotic plaques that damage the vascular wall and can be further complicated by plaque disruption and thrombosis. The molecular mechanisms controlling atherosclerosis are sensitive to lipids and to their interactions with blood cells (platelets and immune cells), vascular cells (endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells), and peripheral cells, such as enterocytes, hepatocytes, and adipocytes, governing lipid entry, storage, and elimination within the body. This involves purinergic P2Y receptors particularly in signaling favoring inflammation and thromboses in the artery wall. However, these receptors can also promote antiatherogenic effects. This is because they are part of the molecular mechanisms determining cellular events and the disruption of which relates to atheroma formation such as the restoration of vascular endothelial function and the efflux of excess cholesterol from plaque followed by cholesterol removal via hepatobiliary lipid secretion.

We replace these different roles of P2Y receptors in atherosclerosis and specifically address recent observations determining their potential role in the regulation of both lipid and vascular homeostasis. Understanding these new functions would help in the discovery of new molecular targets for preventing atherosclerosis development. WIREs Membr Transp Signal 2012, 1:743–754. doi: 10.1002/wmts.66

For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
Molecular structure of P2Y receptors: mutagenesis, modeling, and chemical probes
Authors: Jacobson Kenneth A. , Jayasekara M.P. Suresh , Costanzi Stefano
Published: September 2012

There are eight subtypes of P2Y receptors (P2YRs) that are activated, and in some cases inhibited, by a range of extracellular nucleotides. These nucleotides are ubiquitous, but their extracellular concentration can rise dramatically in response to hypoxia, ischemia, or mechanical stress, injury, and release through channels and from vesicles. Two subclasses of P2YRs were defined based on clustering of sequences, second messengers, and receptor sequence analysis. The numbering system for P2YR subtypes is discontinuous; i.e., P2Y1–14Rs have been defined, but six of the intermediate‐numbered cloned receptor sequences (e.g., P2y3, P2y5, and P2y7–10) are not functional mammalian nucleotide receptors. Of these two clusters, the P2Y12–14 subtypes couple via Gαi to inhibit adenylate cyclase, whereas the remaining subtypes couple through Gαq to activate phospholipase C. Collectively, the P2YRs respond to both purine and pyrimidine nucleotides in the form of 5′‐mono‐ and dinucleotides and nucleoside‐5′‐diphosphosugars. In recent years, the medicinal chemistry of P2YRs has advanced significantly to provide selective agonists and antagonists for many but not all of the subtypes. Ligand design has been aided by insights from structural probing using molecular modeling and mutagenesis. Currently, the molecular modeling of the receptors is effectively based on the X‐ray structure of the CXCR4 receptor, which is the closest to the P2YRs among all the currently crystallized receptors in terms of sequence similarity. It is now a challenge to develop novel and selective P2YR ligands for disease treatment (although antagonists of the P2Y12R are already widely used as antithrombotics). WIREs Membr Transp Signal 2012, 1:815–827. doi: 10.1002/wmts.68

For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
Assessment of bone dysplasia by micro‐CT and glycosaminoglycan levels in mouse models for mucopolysaccharidosis type I, IIIA, IVA, and VII
Authors: Rowan Daniel J. , Tomatsu Shunji , Grubb Jeffrey H. , Montaño Adriana M. , Sly William S.
Published: September 2012

Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are a group of lysosomal storage diseases caused by mutations in lysosomal enzymes involved in degradation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Patients with MPS grow poorly and become physically disabled due to systemic bone disease. While many of the major skeletal effects in mouse models for MPS have been described, no detailed analysis that compares GAGs levels and characteristics of bone by micro‐CT has been done. The aims of this study were to assess severity of bone dysplasia among four MPS mouse models (MPS I, IIIA, IVA and VII), to determine the relationship between severity of bone dysplasia and serum keratan sulfate (KS) and heparan sulfate (HS) levels in those models, and to explore the mechanism of KS elevation in MPS I, IIIA, and VII mouse models. Clinically, MPS VII mice had the most severe bone pathology; however, MPS I and IVA mice also showed skeletal pathology. MPS I and VII mice showed severe bone dysplasia, higher bone mineral density, narrowed spinal canal, and shorter sclerotic bones by micro‐CT and radiographs. Serum KS and HS levels were elevated in MPS I, IIIA, and VII mice. Severity of skeletal disease displayed by micro‐CT, radiographs and histopathology correlated with the level of KS elevation. We showed that elevated HS levels in MPS mouse models could inhibit N‐acetylgalactosamine‐6‐sulfate sulfatase enzyme. These studies suggest that KS could be released from chondrocytes affected by accumulation of other GAGs and that KS could be useful as a biomarker for severity of bone dysplasia in MPS disorders.
Misoprostol for the management of postpartum bleeding: A new approach
Authors: Dabash Rasha , Blum Jennifer , Raghavan Sheila , Anger Holly , Winikoff Beverly
Published: September 2012

Excessive postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a leading cause of maternal death globally. Current approaches to address PPH at the community level focus on reducing the incidence of PPH, but often fail to address the issue of PPH treatment. Given that institutional delivery is not yet a reality for all women, comprehensive care for excessive bleeding after delivery needs to be available at the community level. A new hybrid model of “secondary prevention”—presumptive treatment for women with more than average blood loss—presents one alternative community‐based approach. If shown to be effective and feasible, this approach could support policy changes and avoid the need to provide uterotonics to all women after delivery. This Special Communication discusses some of the benefits and limitations of current community approaches using misoprostol for PPH prevention and explains why it is now opportune to translate clinical knowledge into pragmatic PPH service delivery strategies.
The Impact of Comorbidities and Complications on Burn Injury Inpatient Rehabilitation Outcomes
Authors: Schneider Jeffrey C. , Gerrard Paul , Goldstein Richard , DiVita Margaret A. , Niewczyk Paulette , Ryan Colleen M. , Kowalske Karen , Zafonte Ross
Published: September 2012

Objective

To examine the impact of comorbidities and complications on burn inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRF) outcomes.

Design

A retrospective cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Inpatient rehabilitation hospitals.

Patients

A total of 4572 patients with a primary diagnosis of burn injury from the Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation database from 2002 to 2010.

Methods or Interventions

Regression analyses were used to determine whether 3 different comorbidity measures (Charlson Comorbidity Index, Elixhauser Comoribidity Index, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Comorbidity Tiers) and 1 complication measure improved the predictive model (c‐statistic) for each outcome measure.

Main Outcome Measurements

Community discharge, Functional Independence Measure (FIM) gain, length of stay efficiency, transfer to acute care within the first 3 days of IRF stay, and transfer to acute care for all time periods.

Results

For all outcomes, there was no difference between the Standard Model and the models that include the comorbidity and complication variables as measured by the c‐statistic confidence intervals.

Conclusions

Comorbidities and complications did not significantly affect burn IRF outcomes. Future research is needed to examine the impact of comorbidities and complications on outcomes of other IRF populations to better understand the implications for current and future health care policy.
Cystic echinococcosis in slaughtered domestic ruminants from Tunisia
Authors: Lahmar S. , Trifi M. , Ben Naceur S. , Bouchhima T. , Lahouar N. , Lamouchi I. , Maâmouri N. , Selmi R. , Dhibi M. , Torgerson P.R.
Published: September 2012

A total of 10,818 domestic ruminants (3913 cattle, 2722 sheep, 3779 goats, 404 dromedaries) slaughtered in various abattoirs in Tunisia between 2003 and 2010 were examined for the presence of Echinococcus granulosus hydatid cysts. The prevalence of cystic echinococcosis (CE) was 16.42% in sheep, 8.56% in cattle, 5.94% in dromedaries and 2.88% in goats. CE prevalence increased with age according to an asymptotic model and there was evidence of variation in infection pressure depending on the region of Tunisia where the animals were slaughtered. Cattle appeared to have the highest infection pressure of the species examined. The mean intensity of hepatic cysts was higher than that of pulmonary cysts in all species. The highest mean intensity of infection with E. granulosus larvae was observed in cattle (18.14) followed by sheep (9.58), goats (2.31) and dromedaries (2.12). The abundance of infection increased in a linear fashion with age in all animal species. Cyst abundance varied with species of animal and district of Tunisia. Cysts from dromedaries were more fertile (44.44%) than those from sheep (30.25%), goats (30.32%) and cattle (0.95%). The viability of the protoscoleces from fertile cysts from cattle (78.45%) was higher than those from sheep (70.71%) and camels (69.57%). The lowest protoscolex viability was recorded for hydatid cysts from goats (20.21%). This epidemiological study confirms the importance of CE in all domestic ruminant species, particularly in sheep, throughout Tunisia and emphasizes the need to interrupt parasite transmission by preventive integrated approaches in a CE control programme.
Electron heating in a multi-dipole plasma by electrostatic plugging
Authors: MISHRA M. K. , PHUKAN A.
Published: September 2012

The effect of the electrostatic confinement potential on electron number densities and electron temperatures under bi-Maxwellian approximation for electron distribution function has been studied in an electrostatically plugged multi-dipole argon plasma system. Electrostatic plugging is implemented by biasing the electrically isolated multi-dipole magnetic cage. Experimental results show that the density ratio (N) and temperature ratio (T) of the two electron groups can be controlled by changing the voltage applied to the magnetic cage. Out of the two groups of electrons, one group has the cold electrons, which are plasma electrons produced by the ionization process, and the other group has the hot primary electrons.
Protection effects on Mediterranean fish assemblages associated with different rocky habitats
Authors: Sahyoun Rita , Bussotti Simona , Di Franco Antonio , Navone Augusto , Panzalis Pieraugusto , Guidetti Paolo
Published: September 2012

Rocky banks (i.e. sea mountain-like structures rising from the sea bottom) are hard substrate habitats of high socio-economic value (e.g. for fishermen and divers) and ecological relevance as they often host unusually high density of fish. Here we tested whether the response of fish assemblages to protection (i.e. related to the presence of a Marine Protected Area (MPA)) in rocky banks is comparable with the response of rocky reefs dropping from the coast (hereafter called ‘coastal rocky substrates’), and whether there are differences between fish assemblages associated with protected and unprotected rocky banks. Fish assemblages were assessed in shallow and deep coastal rocky substrates, and in rocky banks, in unprotected and protected conditions at a Mediterranean MPA in north-east Sardinia in August 2007 and 2008. Whole fish assemblage structures (in terms of biomass) differed between protected and unprotected conditions in both study years. Fish assemblages at rocky banks, in addition, differed from those associated with coastal rocky substrates. Total fish biomass (summing contribution of all species) was higher under protected than unprotected condition in 2007, while species richness and total fish density did not demonstrate any significant change related to protection. The responses to protection displayed by the target species Epinephelus marginatus and Diplodus sargus were clear especially in terms of greater frequency of large-sized specimens in both study years. Biomass of E. marginatus in 2007 and density of D. sargus in 2007 and 2008 were significantly higher in protected than unprotected conditions, especially in protected rocky banks. This study emphasizes the ecological and socio-economic role of protection and the potential role of rocky banks within management/conservation programmes in the Mediterranean Sea.
By yedivine arm: God and substance inDe gravitatione
Authors: KOCHIRAS HYLARIE
Published: September 2012

This article interprets Newton'sDe gravitationeas presenting a reductive account of substance, on which divine and created substances are identified with their characteristic attributes, which are present in space. God is identical to the divine power to create, and mind to its characteristic power. Even bodies lack parts outside parts, for they are not constructed from regions of actual space, as some commentators suppose, but rather consist in powers alone, maintained in certain configurations by the divine will. This interpretation thus specifies Newton's meaning when he writes that bodies subsist ‘through God alone’; yet bodies do qualify as substances, and divine providence does not extend so far as occasionalism.
Fit for purpose: the role of modern professionalism in evolving the humanitarian endeavour
Authors: Walker Peter , Russ Catherine
Published: September 2012

The humanitarian enterprise has grown in size and complexity over the past generation. Modern systems of scrutiny and accountability demand a higher level of accountability than ever before, both to programme beneficiaries and to donors. This, we believe, puts pressure on the system to become more professional and on aid workers to consider the establishment of a formal profession of humanitarian aid. This article reports on research carried out to test this hypothesis and on an approach that is presently being used to establish the necessary components of a professional system.
Megatrends and the future of humanitarian action
Authors: Ferris Elizabeth
Published: September 2012

This article assesses the implications of six megatrends for humanitarian action in the future, including changes in demography, technology and science, economics, political power, climate, and patterns of conflict. The interaction of these trends suggests a particularly complex landscape for future humanitarian response. For example, conflict in the future is more likely to take place in cities that are growing as a result of economic and environmental factors. Social media are contributing to both political change and humanitarian response, while changes in global political and economic power are likely to influence the way in which the international humanitarian system is financed and supported.
The use of force to protect civilians and humanitarian action: the case of Libya and beyond
Authors: Pommier Bruno
Published: September 2012

The Libyan crisis of 2011 has again raised the crucial problem of the choice of means in protecting civilians. Authorized by the international community as part of military operations in Libya, the use of force in protecting civilians has revived the concept of ‘humanitarian war’ and has raised a number of issues for humanitarian organizations, in particular concerning the notion of neutral, impartial, and independent humanitarian action.1 The article focuses on these humanitarian issues and, inter alia, on the possible impact on humanitarian action of the concept of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P), which was at the basis of the intervention in Libya.
Liraglutide, a Long-Acting GLP-1 Mimetic, and its Metabolite Attenuate Inflammation after Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Hou Jack , Manaenko Anatol , Hakon Jakob , Hansen-Schwartz Jacob , Tang Jiping , Zhang John H
Published: September 2012

The inflammatory response plays a pivotal role in propagating injury of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a hormone with antidiabetic effect and may also have antiinflammatory properties. Despite consensus that the glucoregulatory action is mediated by the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R), mechanisms in the brain remain unclear. We investigated the effect of a long-acting GLP-1 analog, liraglutide, and its truncated metabolite, GLP-1(9–36)a from dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) cleavage in ICH-induced brain injury. Primary outcomes were cerebral edema formation, neurobehavior, and inflammatory parameters. GLP-1(9–36)a, GLP-1R inhibitor, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation inhibitor and DPP-4 inhibitor were administered to examine the mechanisms of action. Liraglutide suppressed neuroinflammation, prevented brain edema and neurologic deficit following ICH, which were partially reversed by GLP-1R inhibitor and AMPK phosphorylation inhibitor. Liraglutide-mediated AMPK phosphorylation was unaffected by GLP-1R inhibitor, and was found to be induced by GLP-1(9–36)a. GLP-1(9–36)a showed salutary effects on primary outcomes that were reversed by AMPK phosphorylation inhibitor but not by GLP-1R inhibitor. Liraglutide and DPP-4 inhibitor co-administration reversed liraglutide-mediated AMPK phosphorylation and antiinflammatory effects. Liraglutide exerted duals actions and the antiinflammatory effects are partially mediated by its metabolite in a phosphorylated AMPK-dependent manner. Therapies that inhibit GLP-1 degradation may weaken the metabolite-mediated effects.
Active plasmonics in WDM traffic switching applications
Authors: Papaioannou Sotirios , Kalavrouziotis Dimitrios , Vyrsokinos Konstantinos , Weeber Jean-Claude , Hassan Karim , Markey Laurent , Dereux Alain , Kumar Ashwani , Bozhevolnyi Sergey I. , Baus Matthias , Tekin Tolga , Apostolopoulos Dimitrios , Avramopoulos Hercules , Pleros Nikos
Published: September 2012

With metal stripes being intrinsic components of plasmonic waveguides, plasmonics provides a “naturally” energy-efficient platform for merging broadband optical links with intelligent electronic processing, instigating a great promise for low-power and small-footprint active functional circuitry. The first active Dielectric-Loaded Surface Plasmon Polariton (DLSPP) thermo-optic (TO) switches with successful performance in single-channel 10 Gb/s data traffic environments have led the inroad towards bringing low-power active plasmonics in practical traffic applications. In this article, we introduce active plasmonics into Wavelength Division Multiplexed (WDM) switching applications, using the smallest TO DLSPP-based Mach-Zehnder interferometric switch reported so far and showing its successful performance in 4×10 Gb/s low-power and fast switching operation. The demonstration of the WDM-enabling characteristics of active plasmonic circuits with an ultra-low power × response time product represents a crucial milestone in the development of active plasmonics towards real telecom and datacom applications, where low-energy and fast TO operation with small-size circuitry is targeted.
Stabilised G protein-coupled receptors in structure-based drug design: a case study with adenosine A2A receptor
Authors: Andrews Stephen P. , Tehan Benjamin
Published: September 2012

The first example of structure-based drug design with stabilised GPCRs has enabled the identification of a preclinical candidate for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
Unfolded and macrocyclic ammonium derivatives of diterpenoids steviol and isosteviol having choline moieties. Synthesis and inhibitory activities toward acetylcholine- and butyrylcholinesterases
Authors: Korochkina Mayya G. , Nikitashina Alexandra D. , Khaybullin Ravil N. , Petrov Konstantin A. , Strobykina Irina Yu. , Zobov Vladimir V. , Kataev Vladimir E.
Published: September 2012

Derivatives of isosteviol and steviol possessing choline moieties have been synthesized and assayed for AchE and BchE inhibitory activity.
Autophagy negatively regulates cancer cell proliferation via selectively targeting VPRBP
Authors: Wang Bo-Shi , Liu Yi-Zhen , Yang Yang , Zhang Yu , Hao Jia-Jie , Yang Hai , Wang Xiao-Min , Zhang Zi-Qiang , Zhan Qi-Min , Wang Ming-Rong
Published: September 2012

There have been multiple lines of evidence suggesting that autophagy selectively targets signalling proteins and regulates cancer cell signalling in addition to bulk clearance of long-lived proteins and organelles. Protein degradation through autophagy requires receptor protein LC3B to sequester the substrates into the autophagosome. In the present study, we screened LC3B (light-chain 3B)-binding partners and identified autophagic substrates in cancer cells. With lung cancer NCI-H1975 and oesophageal cancer KYSE30 cell lines as models, we found that VPRBP (viral protein R-binding protein) was a novel LC3B-binding protein through GST (glutathione transferase)–LC3B pull-down combined with LC–MS/MS (liquid chromatography–tandem MS) methods. Co-immunoprecipitation assay showed that VPRBP–LC3/p62 were in the same protein complex as the two cell lines. Induction of autophagy led to a down-regulation of VPRPB, which could be rescued by the inhibition of autophagy degradation by BFA1 (bafilomycin A1) and by the disruption of autophagy through ATG5-knockdown. We also found that induction of autophagy promotes VPRBP–LC3/p62 interaction. Immunohistochemical examination of human NSCLC (non-small cell lung cancer) tissues showed that VPRBP was positively correlated with p62 and negatively correlated with LC3B. Moreover, p62 and VPRBP were associated with poor prognosis in lung ADC (adenocarcinoma) (p62, P=0.019; VPRBP, P=0.005). Patients with low expression of both p62 and VPRBP showed the best prognosis.