bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activity of Extracts from Selected Probiotic Bacteria
Authors: Nyanzi Richard , Shuping Daniel S. S. , Jooste Piet J. , Eloff Jacobus N.
Published: September 2015

Probiotic extracts can potentially be used as bio-preservatives and in reduction of oxidative stress. The study investigated the antibacterial and antioxidant activity of methanol extracts from freeze-dried cells of probiotic Lactobacillus strains identified using molecular techniques. The quantitative microplate method, which employed p-iodonitrotetrazolium (INT) and the method by Brand-Williams et al. (1995) were employed to investigate quantitatively the antibacterial and the antioxidant activity, respectively, of probiotic extracts. The MIC values extracts from most probiotic strains, tested against indicator bacterial pathogens, were in the range of 1.25 – 5 mg/mL while that of Lb. casei strain B and Lc. lactis subsp lactis strain X was at least 20 mg/mL after 24 h of incubation at 37°C. At the highest extract concentration of 20 mg/mL used in the study, Lb. acidophilus, Lb. rhamnosus and Lb. casei strains had 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activities of 77.9 - 86.1%, 45.7 - 86.4% and 36.9 – 45.8% respectively. Quantitative antibacterial and antioxidant activities of methanol extracts from freeze-dried cells of probiotic Lactobacillus strains was determined for the first time.
Implementing a Graduate-Level Research Data Management Course: Approach, Outcomes, and Lessons Learned
Authors: Whitmire Amanda L.
Published: September 2015

INTRODUCTION As data-driven research becomes the norm, practical knowledge in data stewardship is critical for researchers. Despite its growing importance, formal education in research data management (RDM) is rare at the university level. Academic librarians are now playing a leadership role in developing and providing RDM training and support to faculty and graduate students. This case study describes the development and implementation of a new, credit-bearing course in RDM for graduate students from all disciplines. DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM The purpose of the course was to enable students to acquire foundational knowledge and skills in RDM that would support long-term habits in the planning, management, preservation, and sharing of research data. The pedagogical approach for the course combined outcomescentered course design with active learning techniques. Periodic course assessment was performed through anonymous student surveys, with the objective of gauging course efficacy and quality, and to obtain suggested modifications or improvements. These assessment results indicated that the course content and scope were appropriate and that the active learning approach was effective. Assessments of student learning demonstrated that all major learning objectives were achieved. NEXT STEPS Information derived from the student surveys was used to determine how the course could be modified to improve student experience and the overall quality of the course and the instruction.
Covariation of finite‐amplitude wave activity and the zonal mean flow in the midlatitude troposphere: 1. Theory and application to the Southern Hemisphere summer
Authors: Wang Lei , Nakamura Noboru
Published: September 2015

Tropospheric eddy‐mean flow interaction is formulated in terms of the vertically integrated budget of finite‐amplitude wave activity (FAWA). At each latitude the dynamics is governed by three coupled equations for the interior and surface FAWA and barotropic zonal mean zonal flow. In midlatitude austral summer, the budget reveals a largely adiabatic, antiphase covariation of FAWA and the mean flow. A marked periodicity is found for FAWA around 20–30 days, but not the mean flow, consistent with the recently discovered baroclinic annular mode. The difference in the spectra of FAWA and the mean flow arises from (i) distinct spectra of low‐level meridional eddy heat flux and the barotropic eddy momentum flux convergence and (ii) a strong thermal damping of surface wave activity: the latter makes the FAWA respond largely to the low‐level meridional eddy heat flux at low frequencies, whereas the zonal mean flow responds to the momentum flux convergence whose spectrum is broader and occupies higher frequencies.
Gestational Age and Autism Spectrum Disorder: Trends in Risk Over Time
Authors: Atladóttir H.Ó. , Schendel D.E. , Henriksen T.B. , Hjort L. , Parner E.T.
Published: September 2015

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a serious neurodevelopmental disorder. Several previous studies have identified preterm birth as a risk factor for ASD but none has studied whether the association between gestational age and ASD has changed over time. This is a Danish population‐based follow‐up study including live‐born singletons born in Denmark between 1980 and 2009, identified in the Danish Medical Birth Registry, a study population of 1,775,397 children. We used a Cox regression model combined with spline to study the risk for ASD by gestational age across three decades of birth cohorts. We included 19,020 children diagnosed with ASD. Across all birth year cohorts, we found that the risk of being diagnosed with ASD increased with lower gestational age (P‐value: <0.01). Across all gestational weeks, we found a statistically significant higher risk estimates in birth cohort 1980 to 1989, compared to birth cohorts 1990 to 1999 and 2000 to 2009, respectively. No statistically significant difference in risk estimates was observed between birth cohort 1990 to 1999 and 2000 to 2009. The observed time trend in risk of ASD after preterm birth may reflect: (1) a change in the risk profile of persons with ASD due to the broadening of ASD diagnostic criteria over time; or (2) improved neonatal care for low GA infants, which has reduced risk of adverse outcomes like ASD in preterm children. Autism Res 2016, 9: 224–231. © 2015 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Abnormal Brain Dynamics Underlie Speech Production in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Pang Elizabeth W. , Valica Tatiana , MacDonald Matt J. , Taylor Margot J. , Brian Jessica , Lerch Jason P. , Anagnostou Evdokia
Published: September 2015

A large proportion of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have speech and/or language difficulties. While a number of structural and functional neuroimaging methods have been used to explore the brain differences in ASD with regards to speech and language comprehension and production, the neurobiology of basic speech function in ASD has not been examined. Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is a neuroimaging modality with high spatial and temporal resolution that can be applied to the examination of brain dynamics underlying speech as it can capture the fast responses fundamental to this function. We acquired MEG from 21 children with high‐functioning autism (mean age: 11.43 years) and 21 age‐ and sex‐matched controls as they performed a simple oromotor task, a phoneme production task and a phonemic sequencing task. Results showed significant differences in activation magnitude and peak latencies in primary motor cortex (Brodmann Area 4), motor planning areas (BA 6), temporal sequencing and sensorimotor integration areas (BA 22/13) and executive control areas (BA 9). Our findings of significant functional brain differences between these two groups on these simple oromotor and phonemic tasks suggest that these deficits may be foundational and could underlie the language deficits seen in ASD. Autism Res 2016, 9: 249–261. © 2015 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Monitoring of biogenic amines and drugs of various therapeutic groups in urine samples with use of HPLC
Authors: Baranowska Irena , Płonka Joanna
Published: September 2015

A high‐performance liquid chromatography method for simultaneous separation and determination of biogenic amines [dopamine, epinephrine, serotonin and its six metabolites (normetanephrine, metanephrine, 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, 4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxyphenylglycol, homovanilic acid and 5‐hydroxyindoloacetic acid)] with drugs from different therapeutically groups [analgesics (paracetamol, metamizol), diuretics (furosemide) and antibiotics (cefazolin, fluconazole)] was developed. A chromatographic column with pre‐column with octadecylsilane phase (C18e) and two detectors – diode array serial connected and fluorescence – was used. Gradient elution of mixture of acetate buffer (pH 4.66) and methanol as a mobile phase was applied. The limit of detection (LOD) of 8–10 ng/mL and limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 24–30 ng/mL for biogenic amines, as well as the LOD of 50–100 ng/mL and the LOQ of 150–300 ng/mL for drugs, were determined. The applied sample preparation method allowed recoveries of 93% for the biogenic amines and 92% for the drugs to be achieved. The developed procedure has been applied to simultaneous determination of the examined compounds in urine samples and could be used in clinical analysis. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis gas production with simultaneous CO2 capturing and consuming: Application of chemical looping combustion by employing Fe45‐Al2O3 and Mn40/Mg–ZrO2 oxygen carriers
Authors: Abbasi Mohsen , Farniaei Mehdi , Rahimpour Mohammad Reza , Shariati Alireza , Abbasi Saeid
Published: September 2015

In this study, thermal coupling of chemical looping combustion (CLC) and dry reforming of methane (DR) via employment of Fe45‐Al2O3 and Mn40/Mg–ZrO2 oxygen carriers (OCs) were investigated. The main aim of this configuration (CLC‐DR) is the prevention of large CO2 emissions to the atmosphere by CLC and simultaneous consumption of the captured gas to synthesis gas through a DR reaction. For this purpose, a steady state one‐dimensional heterogeneous catalytic reaction model is applied to analyze the performance and applicability of the proposed CLC‐DR configuration using both OCs. Simulation results indicate that for both OCs, combustion efficiency reaches 1 in the fuel reactor (FR) of CLC‐DR. Additionally, results illustrate that CH4 conversion in the DR side of CLC‐DR reaches 0.7235 and 0.7213 with Fe45‐Al2O3 and Mn40/Mg–ZrO2 OCs respectively.

Results show that application of CLC‐DR employing Fe45‐Al2O3 and Mn40/Mg–ZrO2 OCs produces 8611 and 8585 kmol h−1 of synthesis gas, respectively. Synthesis gases with H2/CO mole ratios of 0.9519 and 0.9612 are achieved using Fe45‐Al2O3 and Mn40/Mg–ZrO2 OCs respectively. In addition, results demonstrate that by increasing the feed temperature of CLC‐DR from 800 to 1000 K, synthesis gas production reaches 11 210 and 11 340 kmol h−1 when using Fe45‐Al2O3 and Mn40/Mg–ZrO2, respectively.

Finally, thermal and molar behaviours of CLC‐DR configuration indicate that it is applicable, and by utilization of this configuration 547.8 tonne day−1 can be captured and converted to synthesis gas.
Gully catchments as a sediment sink, not just a source: Results from a long‐term (~12 500 year) sediment budget
Authors: Larsen Annegret , Heckmann Tobias , Larsen Joshua R. , Bork Hans‐Rudolf
Published: September 2015

Sediment delivery from hillslopes to trunk streams represents a significant pathway of mass transfer in the landscape, with a large fraction facilitated by gully systems.

The internal gully geomorphic dynamics represent a considerable gap in many landscape and empirical erosion models, therefore a better understanding of these processes over longer timescales (10–104 years) is needed. This study analyses the sediment mass balance and storage dynamics within a headwater gully catchment in central Europe over the last ~12 500 years. Human induced erosion resulted in hillslope erosion rates ~2.3 times higher than under naturally de‐vegetated conditions (during the Younger Dryas), however the total sediment inputs to the gully system (and therefore gully aggradation), were similar. Net gully storage has consistently increased to become the second largest term in the sediment budget after hillslope erosion (storage is ~45% and ~73% of inputs during two separate erosion and aggradation cycles). In terms of the depletion of gully sediment storage, the sediment mass balance shows that export beyond the gully fan was not significant until the last ~500 years, due to reduced gully fan accommodation space. The significance of storage effects on the gully sediment mass balance, particularly the export terms, means that it would be difficult to determine the influences of human impact and/or climatic changes from floodplain or lake sedimentary archives alone and that the sediment budgets of the headwater catchments from which they drain are more likely to provide these mechanistic links. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A simple finite element method for Stokes flows with surface tension using unfitted meshes
Authors: Ji H. , Zhang Q.
Published: September 2015

This paper presents a simple finite element method for Stokes flows with surface tension. The method uses an unfitted mesh that is independent of the interface. Due to the surface force, the pressure has a jump across the interface. Based on the properties of the level set function that implicitly represents the interface, the jump of the pressure is removed, and a new problem without discontinuities is formulated. Then, classical stable finite element methods are applied to solve the new problem. Some techniques are used to show that the method is equivalent to an easy‐to‐implement method that can be regarded as a traditional method with a modified pressure space. However, the matrix of the resulting linear system of equations is the same as that of the traditional method. Optimal error estimates are derived for the proposed method. Finally, some numerical tests are presented to confirm the theoretical results. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Immuno‐chemistry of hydroxyl radical modified GAD‐65: A possible role in experimental and human diabetes mellitus
Authors: Moinuddin  , Ansari Nadeem A. , Shahab Uzma , Habeeb Safia , Ahmad Saheem
Published: September 2015

The repertoire of known auto‐antigens is limited to a very small proportion of all human proteins, and the reason why only some proteins become auto‐antigens is unclear. The 65 kDa isoform of the enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD‐65) is a major auto‐antigen in type I diabetes, and in various neurological diseases. Most patients with type I diabetes (70–80%) have auto‐antibodies against GAD‐65, which often appear years before clinical onset of the autoimmune diabetes. Thus, the aim of the study is to focus on the immunogenicity of GAD65 and its reactive oxygen species (ROS) conformer in STZ‐induced diabetic rats and on human diabetic patients. In the present study, GAD‐65 was modified by hydroxyl radical following Fenton's reaction. The modifications in the structure of the GAD‐65 are supported by UV–vis and fluorescence spectral studies. Immunogenicity of both native and hydroxyl radical modified GAD‐65 (ROS‐GAD‐65) was studied in experimental rabbits and was confirmed by inducing type I diabetes in experimental male albino rats using streptozotocin (45 mg/kg). We found that ROS‐GAD‐65 was a better immunogen as compared to the native GAD‐65. A considerable high binding to ROS‐GAD‐65 was observed as compared to native GAD‐65 in both the serum antibodies from diabetes animal models and as well as in the serum samples of type I diabetes. Hydrogen peroxide under the exposure of UV light produces hydroxyl radical (·OH) which is most potent oxidant, and could cause protein damage (GAD‐65) to the extent of generating neo‐epitopes on the molecule, thus making it immunogenic. © 2015 IUBMB Life, 67(10):746–756, 2015
In vivo monitoring of the inflammatory response in a stented mouse aorta model
Authors: Kapnisis Konstantinos K. , Pitsillides Costas M. , Prokopi Marianna S. , Lapathitis George , Karaiskos Christos , Eleftheriou Polyvios C. , Brott Brigitta C. , Anderson Peter G. , Lemons Jack E. , Anayiotos Andreas S.
Published: September 2015

The popularity of vascular stents continues to increase for a variety of applications, including coronary, lower limb, renal, carotid, and neurovascular disorders. However, their clinical effectiveness is hindered by numerous postdeployment complications, which may stimulate inflammatory and fibrotic reactions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the vessel inflammatory response via in vivo imaging in a mouse stent implantation model. Corroded and noncorroded self‐expanding miniature nitinol stents were implanted in mice abdominal aortas, and novel in vivo imaging techniques were used to assess trafficking and accumulation of fluorescent donor monocytes as well as cellular proliferation at the implantation site. Monocytes were quantitatively tracked in vivo and found to rapidly clear from circulation within hours after injection. Differences were found between the test groups with respect to the numbers of recruited monocytes and the intensity of the resulting fluorescent signal. Image analysis also revealed a subtle increase in matrix metalloproteinase activity in corroded compared with the normal stented aortas. In conclusion, this study has been successful in developing a murine stent inflammation model and applying novel in vivo imaging tools and methods to monitor the complex biological processes of the host vascular wall response. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 227–238, 2016.
The cause and influence of sequentially assembling higher and lower deacetylated chitosans on the membrane formation of microcapsule
Authors: Zheng Guoshuang , Zheng Huizhen , Xie Hongguo , Liu Xiudong , Yu Weiting , Ma Xiaojun
Published: September 2015

Alginate‐chitosan (AC) microcapsules with desired strength and biocompatibility are preferred in cell‐based therapy. Sequential assembly of higher and lower deacetylated chitosans (C1 and C2) on alginate has produced AC1C2 microcapsule with improved membrane strength and biocompatibility. In this article, the assembly and complexation processes of two cationic chitosans on anionic alginate were concerned, and the cause and influence of sequentially assembling chitosans on AC1C2 microcapsules membrane formation were evaluated. It was found that C1 complexation was the key factor for deciding the membrane thickness of AC1C2 microcapsule. Specifically, the binding amount of C2 positively related to the binding amount of C1, which suggested the first layer by C1 complexation on alginate had no obvious resistance on the sequential cationic C2 complexation. Further analyses demonstrated that outward migration of alginate molecules and inward diffusion of both chitosans under electrostatic interaction contributed to the sequential coating of C2 on first C1 layer. Moreover, C2 complexation through the surface to inner layer of membrane helped smoothen the first layer by C1 complexation that displayed a synergy role on the formation of AC1C2 microcapsule membrane. Therefore, the two chitosans played different roles and synergistically contributed to membrane properties that can be easily regulated with membrane complexation time. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 257–263, 2016.
Practical considerations to drug dosing in children with acute kidney injury
Authors: Assadi Farahnak , Sharbaf Fatemeh Ghane
Published: September 2015

Medication dosing for children with acute kidney injury (AKI) needs to be individualized based on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles of the prescribed drugswhenever possible to optimize therapeutic outcome and to minimize toxicity. The pediatric RIFLE criteria should be prospectively utilized to identify patients at highest risk of developing AKI. Serum creatinine and urine output along with volume status should be utilized to guide drug dosing when urinary biomarkers including kidney injury molecule 1, interleukin‐18, or neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin are not readily available. Because of the presence of a positive fluid balance in early stages of AKI, the dosing regimen for many drugs, especially antimicrobial agents, should be initiated at a larger loading dose based on the expected volume of distribution to achieve target serum concentrations.When possible, therapeutic drug monitoring should be utilized for those medications where serum drug concentrations can be obtained in a clinically relevant time frame. For these medications, close monitoring of serum drug concentrations is highly recommended. This review addresses drug‐dosing strategies in pediatric patients with AKI including the roles of therapeutic drug monitoring and newer kidney injury biomarkers.
Positivity and incidence of human papillomavirus in women attending gynecological department of a major comprehensive hospital in Kunming, China 2012–2014
Authors: Zou Huachun , Sun Yi , Zhang Guiqian , Tu Yuanquan , Meng Xiaojun , Liu Tieniu , Ping Zhuxian , Fan Xin , Gao Yuhong
Published: September 2015

HPV DNA testing is receiving increasing popularity in cervical cancer screening. There is a lack of universal guidelines on HPV testing. Our study aimed to assess age‐specific and year‐on‐year trend of HPV positivity and incidence and HPV retesting among 26,457 individual women attending the gynecological department at the First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province (FPHY) who had an HPV testing between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2014. HPV 16, HPV 52, and cp8304 ranked among top 5 with regard to positivity in each year and overall incidence. The positivity of various HPV types peaked among women aged 15–19 years, then sharply decreased with age, stabilized among women aged 25–49 years and then surged again among women aged 50 years and older. The positivity of high‐risk (HR) HPV types, including HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 56 and 58, were on the rise during the time period (P < 0.05 for all). HR HPV types tended to be more likely to persist than LR HPV types (P < 0.05). Additionally, the incidence rate for any HR HPV type was also significantly higher than that for any LR HPV type (42.8 vs. 12.6 per 100 person‐years, P < 0.001). The majority (57.3–77.5%) of women detected with HR HPV types did not retest within 12 months. Clinical guidelines on HPV DNA testing are needed and education, and counseling about HPV infection and its implications for women detected with HPV at clinical settings, are warranted. J. Med. Virol. 88:703–711, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Three dimensionality of gleno‐humeral deformities in obstetrical brachial plexus palsy
Authors: Brochard Sylvain , Mozingo Joseph D. , Alter Katharine E. , Sheehan Frances T.
Published: September 2015

The primary objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that gleno‐humeral deformity in children and adolescent with obstetrical brachial plexus palsy is three‐dimensional (3D). The study also compared the metrological properties of typical two‐dimensional gleno‐humeral measures to the newly developed 3D measures. Thirteen individuals (age = 11.8 ± 3.3 years) with obstetrical brachial plexus palsy participated in this IRB‐approved study. 3D axial magnetic resonance images were acquired for both shoulders. Glenoid and humeral models were created in order to quantify 3D glenoid version, humeral head migration, and glenoid concavity. Two‐dimensional (2D) measures were acquired as recommended in the literature. All measures were completed by two observers in this observer‐blind study. Compared to the non‐involved side, the glenoid was more retroverted (7.91°, p = 0.003) and inferiorly oriented (7.28°, p = 0.009). The humeral head was migrated more posteriorly (5.54 mm, p = 0.007), inferiorly (−3.96 mm, p = 0.013), and medially (−3.63 mm,p = 0.002). Eleven of the 13 glenoids were concave, based on the 3D glenoid models. The concurrent validity between three‐ and 2D measures were highly dependent of the parameter measured, the slice level used for the 2D analysis, and the presence/absence of pathology (0.63 < r < 0.91). The standard error of measurement for the 2D anterior–posterior version (>3°) was larger than that for the 3D measure of version (<1°) on the involved side. This study clearly demonstrated that the gleno‐humeral deformation in obstetrical brachial plexus palsy is 3D, emphasizing the need for 3D subject specific gleno‐humeral shape analysis for follow‐up and treatment plans in children with obstetrical brachial plexus palsy. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:675–682, 2016.
Radial q‐space sampling for DSI
Authors: Baete Steven H. , Yutzy Stephen , Boada Fernando E.
Published: September 2015

Purpose

Diffusion spectrum imaging (DSI) has been shown to be an effective tool for noninvasively depicting the anatomical details of brain microstructure. Existing implementations of DSI sample the diffusion encoding space using a rectangular grid. Here we present a different implementation of DSI whereby a radially symmetric q‐space sampling scheme for DSI is used to improve the angular resolution and accuracy of the reconstructed orientation distribution functions.

Methods

Q‐space is sampled by acquiring several q‐space samples along a number of radial lines. Each of these radial lines in q‐space is analytically connected to a value of the orientation distribution functions at the same angular location by the Fourier slice theorem.

Results

Computer simulations and in vivo brain results demonstrate that radial diffusion spectrum imaging correctly estimates the orientation distribution functions when moderately high b‐values (4000 s/mm2) and number of q‐space samples (236) are used.

Conclusion

The nominal angular resolution of radial diffusion spectrum imaging depends on the number of radial lines used in the sampling scheme, and only weakly on the maximum b‐value. In addition, the radial analytical reconstruction reduces truncation artifacts which affect Cartesian reconstructions. Hence, a radial acquisition of q‐space can be favorable for DSI. Magn Reson Med 76:769–780, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Minimally invasive in tumor multidrug comparative analysis with contrast‐enhanced MRI in mice
Authors: Kerwin William S. , Tretyak Ilona , Grenley Marc O. , You Sheng , Hatton Beryl A. , Moreno‐Gonzalez Alicia , Thirstrup Derek J. , Klinghoffer Richard A.
Published: September 2015

Purpose

To facilitate decision making in the oncology clinic, technologies have recently been developed to independently inject and assess multiple anticancer agents directly in a patient's tumor. To increase the flexibility of this approach beyond histological readouts of response, contrast‐enhanced MRI was evaluated for the detection of cell death in living tumors after injection.

Methods

A six‐needle arrayed microinjection device designed to provide head‐to‐head comparisons of chemotherapy responses in living tumors was used. Xenografted non‐Hodgkin lymphoma tumors in athymic Nude‐Foxn1nu mice were injected either with different doses of vincristine or with one needle each of vincristine, doxorubicin, bendamustine, prednisolone, mafosfamide, and a vehicle control. To assess drug responses, measurements of enhancement by T1‐weighted contrast‐enhanced MRI were made for individual sites at 24, 48, and 72 h after injection. For comparison, histological evaluations of cell death were obtained after tumor resection.

Results

Measurements of MRI enhancement at injection sites showed a significant (P < 0.001) positive regression slope as a function of vincristine dose. Average MRI measurements were closely correlated with cell death by hematoxylin and eosin staining (R = 0.81; P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Contrast‐enhanced MRI has the potential to replace or augment histological analyses of tumor responses to microinjected doses of chemotherapy agents with potential application in selecting optimal chemotherapy regimens. Magn Reson Med 76:946–952, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optimization of power‐efficient wireless mesh networks in outdoor and indoor environments in Japan
Authors: Kamimura Kohei , Hayashi Hitoshi
Published: September 2015

This paper proposes the optimization of power‐efficient wireless mesh networks in outdoor and indoor environments, particularly for gas metering in Japan. We investigate the effect on total power consumption by changing the output power and allocated frequency band of a gas metering system. From the simulation results, we show that these changes are effective in achieving low power consumption. © 2015 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Interdisciplinary research in climate and energy sciences
Authors: Xu Xiaofeng , Goswami Santonu , Gulledge Jay , Wullschleger Stan D. , Thornton Peter E.
Published: September 2015

Due to the complex nature of climate change, interdisciplinary research approaches involving knowledge and skills from a broad range of disciplines have been adopted for studying changes in the climate system as well as strategies for mitigating climate change (i.e., greenhouse gas emissions reductions) and adapting to its impacts on society and natural systems. Harnessing of renewable energy sources to replace fossil fuels is widely regarded as a long‐term mitigation strategy that requires the synthesis of knowledge from engineering, technology, and natural and social sciences. In this study, we examine how the adoption of interdisciplinary approaches has evolved over time and in different geographic regions. We conducted a comprehensive literature survey using an evaluation matrix of keywords, in combination with a word cloud analysis, to evaluate the spatiotemporal dynamics of scholarly discourse about interdisciplinary approaches to climate change and renewable energy research and development (R&D). Publications that discuss interdisciplinary approaches to climate change and renewable energy have substantially increased over the last 60 years; it appears, however, that the nature, timing, and focus of these publications vary across countries and through time. Over the most recent three decades, the country‐level contribution to interdisciplinary research for climate change has become more evenly distributed, but this was not true for renewable energy research, which remained dominated by the United Sates and a few other major economies. The research topics have also evolved: Water resource management was emphasized from 1990s to 2000s, policy and adaptation were emphasized from the 2000s to 2010–2013, while vulnerability became prominent during the most recent years (2010–2013). Our analysis indicates that the rate of growth of interdisciplinary research for renewable energy lags behind that for climate change, possibly because knowledge emanating from climate change science has motivated the subsequent upswing in renewable energy R&D. WIREs Energy Environ 2016, 5:49–56. doi: 10.1002/wene.180

This article is categorized under:

Bioenergy > Climate and Environment

Energy and Climate > Climate and Environment
Analysis of degenerate cross-diffusion population models with volume filling
Authors: Zamponi Nicola , Jüngel Ansgar
Published: September 2015

A class of parabolic cross-diffusion systems modeling the interaction of an arbitrary number of population species is analyzed in a bounded domain with no-flux boundary conditions. The equations are formally derived from a random-walk lattice model in the diffusion limit. Compared to previous results in the literature, the novelty is the combination of general degenerate diffusion and volume-filling effects. Conditions on the nonlinear diffusion coefficients are identified, which yield a formal gradient-flow or entropy structure. This structure allows for the proof of global-in-time existence of bounded weak solutions and the exponential convergence of the solutions to the constant steady state. The existence proof is based on an approximation argument, the entropy inequality, and new nonlinear Aubin–Lions compactness lemmas. The proof of the large-time behavior employs the entropy estimate and convex Sobolev inequalities. Moreover, under simplifying assumptions on the nonlinearities, the uniqueness of weak solutions is shown by using the

H^{−1}

method, the
E
-monotonicity technique of Gajewski, and the subadditivity of the Fisher information.
Down‐regulated expression of miR‐134 contributes to paclitaxel resistance in human ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Shuang Ting , Wang Min , Shi Cong , Zhou Yingying , Wang Dandan
Published: September 2015

MiR‐134 has been reported to have a role in the development and progression of various cancers. In this study, we found that miR‐134 expression was significantly decreased in chemo‐resistant serous epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients. Over‐expression of miR‐134 enhanced the sensitivity of SKOV3‐TR30 cells to paclitaxel, and increased paclitaxel‐induced apoptosis. Further, Pak2 was identified as a direct target of miR‐134, and Pak2‐specific siRNA increased cell inhibition rate and promoted paclitaxal‐induced apoptosis. By regulating Pak2 expression, miR‐134 could mediate Bad phosphorylation at Ser112 and Ser136, which affected cell survival and apoptosis. In conclusion, our findings indicate that repression of miR‐134 and consequent up‐regulation of Pak2 might contribute to paclitaxel resistance.
To Help Fix the Hole in the Ozone Layer, Just Add Ice
Authors: Shultz David
Published: September 2015

Computer simulations show that adding tiny droplets of ice to the atmosphere during the spring could help eliminate chlorofluorocarbons and repair the hole in the ozone layer.
NOAA Predicts Strong El Niño
Authors: Klein Kerry
Published: September 2015

This winter could bring warmer temperatures to northern states and much-needed rain and snow to southern California and the Southwest.
Factors Influencing Choices of Contextualized Versus Traditional Practices With Children and Adolescents Who Have Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Koole Heather , Nelson Nickola W. , Curtis Amy B.
Published: September 2015

Purpose

This preliminary investigation examined speech-language pathologists' (SLPs') use of contextualized practices (i.e., functional, personally relevant, nonhierarchical, and collaborative) compared with traditional practices (i.e., clinical, generic, hierarchical, and expert driven) with school-age children and adolescents with traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Methods

An electronic survey asked SLPs about their use of clinical activities described as more or less contextualized. Research questions focused on frequency of using contextualized practices and factors associated with their use or nonuse.

Results

Seventy responses met criteria for analysis; 98% of these participants reported using at least 1 contextualized practice. Higher use of contextualized practices was associated with working in schools compared to health care settings, access to experts, and greater experience with TBI. Most frequently cited reasons for not using contextualized practices included not fitting the student and scheduling issues.

Conclusions

Factors associated with using contextualized practices suggest that access to experts and experience with TBI are critical components for facilitating contextualized practice recommendations. Reasons for not using certain contextualized practices highlight the need to address scheduling issues and to increase education about practices that may best meet the unique needs of students with TBI.
Islam without Fuqahāʾ: Ibn al-Muqaffaʿ and His Perso-Islamic Solution to the Caliphate's Crisis of Legitimacy (70–142 AH/690–760 CE)
Authors: Yousefi Najm al-Din
Published: September 2015

This paper seeks to advance the existing scholarship on Persian secretary and belles-lettrist, ʿAbd Allāh Ibn al-Muqaffaʿ (d. 139/757) and his Risāla fī ’l-Ṣaḥāba (Epistle Concerning the Entourage). It argues that the Risāla, addressed to the second Abbasid caliph al-Manṣūr, set out to tackle the political ills of the caliphate, especially the crisis of political legitimacy. As the first documented articulation of the Islamic polity, the Risāla made a series of recommendations, including a proposal for legal codification that attempted to reinvent the caliphate by reuniting the institution's political and legal authority at the expense of private jurists (fuqahāʾ). The paper illustrates how Ibn Muqaffaʿ’s solution relied on a creative integration of Iranian and Islamic ideas of statecraft and legitimate rule. Ironically, this creative integration may have played a part in the Risāla’s failure to garner necessary support to effect change.
Regulation of the chitin degradation and utilization system by the ChiX small RNA in Serratia marcescens 2170
Authors: Suzuki Kazushi , Shimizu Mari , Sasaki Naomi , Ogawa Chisana , Minami Haruka , Sugimoto Hayuki , Watanabe Takeshi
Published: September 2015

Serratia marcescens 2170 produces three different types of chitinases and chitin-binding protein CBP21. We found that transposon insertion into the 5′ untranslated region (5′ UTR) of chiPQ-ctb led to defective chitinase and CBP21 production. ChiX small RNA possessed the complementary sequence of the 5′ UTRs of the chiPQ-ctb and chiR and repressed the expression of chiP and chiR. ChiX was detected in a medium containing glucose, glycerol, GlcNAc, and (GlcNAc)2, but the expression of both chiP and chiR was only observed in a medium containing (GlcNAc)2. ∆chiX mutant produced chitinases, CBP21, and chitobiase without induction. chiP transcripts were more abundant than those of chiR or chiX in a medium containing (GlcNAc)2. These results suggest that the constitutively expressed ChiX binds to the highly abundant chiP 5′ UTR, thereby leading to the induction of chiR mRNA translation and the subsequent expression of chitinases and CBP21.
When speech enhances Spatial Musical Association of Response Codes: Joint spatial associations of pitch and timbre in nonmusicians
Authors: Weis Tina , Estner Barbara , Lachmann Thomas
Published: September 2015

Previous studies have shown that the effect of the Spatial Musical Association of Response Codes (SMARC) depends on various features, such as task conditions (whether pitch height is implicit or explicit), response dimension (horizontal vs. vertical), presence or absence of a reference tone, and former musical training of the participants. In the present study, we investigated the effects of pitch range and timbre: in particular, how timbre (piano vs. vocal) contributes to the horizontal and vertical SMARC effect in nonmusicians under varied pitch range conditions. Nonmusicians performed a timbre judgement task in which the pitch range was either small (6 or 8 semitone steps) or large (9 or 12 semitone steps) in a horizontal and a vertical response setting. For piano sounds, SMARC effects were observed in all conditions. For the vocal sounds, in contrast, SMARC effects depended on pitch range. We concluded that the occurrence of the SMARC effect, especially in horizontal response settings, depends on the interaction of the timbre (vocal and piano) and pitch range if vocal and instrumental sounds are combined in one experiment: the human voice enhances the attention, both to the vocal and the instrumental sounds.
Balanced harvesting in fisheries: economic considerations
Authors: Charles A. , Garcia S. M. , Rice J.
Published: September 2015

This paper explores economic aspects of a recent proposal to shift fisheries to a “Balanced Harvesting” (BH) strategy, as a means to achieve the goal, set by the Convention on Biological Diversity and related to the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries, of “conservation of ecosystem structure and functioning” within fishery ecosystems. Studies indicate that a BH strategy—broadening the range of species and sizes caught in the aquatic ecosystem, and lowering exploitation rates for some conventionally targeted species—may provide improved ecological performance relative to conventional harvesting strategies. However, the potential economic implications have received little attention to date. This paper provides a preliminary economic assessment of BH, focusing on six main themes: (i) assessing benefits and costs, (ii) factors affecting the economics of BH, (iii) economic issues in implementing the ingredients of BH, (iv) effects of incremental and/or partial implementation of BH, (v) transition options within the harvesting sector of the fishery, and (vi) distributional impacts arising across fisheries, fleet sectors, and fishing gears, and between the present and the future.
Antitumor Necrosis Factor-α Therapy Is Associated With Reduced Risk of Thromboembolic Events in Hospitalized Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: deFonseka Arushi M. , Tuskey Anne , Conaway Mark R. , Behm Brian W.
Published: September 2015

Background:

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at increased risk of thromboembolic events. The aim of this study was to assess whether treatment with anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) therapy was associated with a decreased risk of thromboembolism.

Methods:

We identified IBD patients hospitalized between July 2002 and July 2011 at our institution. Demographic data, medications, indication for hospitalization, and type of thromboembolic event were obtained by chart review. Wald tests were used to calculate an association between clinical characteristics and risk of thromboembolism. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify independent risk factors for thromboembolic events.

Results:

A total of 547 patients (1048 hospitalizations) were identified. Fifty thromboembolic events occurred. Patient-related factors associated with thromboembolism included older age (P<0.0001), chronic kidney disease (P=0.001), diabetes (P=0.009), liver disease (P=0.005), and prior history of thromboembolism (P<0.0001). Acute infection (P=0.009), trauma (P=0.009), prolonged hospitalization (P<0.0001), and lack of thromboembolic prophylaxis (P<0.0001) were also associated with increased risk. Systemic corticosteroids were associated with increased risk of thromboembolism (P=0.003), whereas TNF-α inhibitors were protective (P=0.011). Multivariate regression identified systemic corticosteroid use (OR=4.62, P=0.0004) as associated with an increased risk of thromboembolism. TNF-α inhibitors were associated with a reduced risk of thromboembolism (OR=0.20, P=0.049).

Conclusions:

In this cohort of hospitalized IBD patients, TNF-α inhibitor therapy was associated with a reduced risk of thromboembolism, whereas systemic corticosteroid use was associated with an increased risk of thromboembolism.
Secondary neoplasms arising from nevus sebaceus: A retrospective study of 450 cases in Taiwan
Authors: Hsu Ming‐Chun , Liau Jau‐Yu , Hong Jin‐Liern , Cheng Yin , Liao Yi‐Hua , Chen Jau‐Shiuh , Sheen Yi‐Shuan , Hong Jin‐Bon
Published: September 2015

Nevus sebaceus is frequently associated with the development of secondary neoplasms. Incidences of malignant transformation vary among different reports and few data is available regarding Asian populations. We aimed to determine the characteristics of secondary tumors developing from nevus sebaceus in a Taiwanese population and to review the published work. Patients with clinically and histologically confirmed nevus sebaceus were identified from 1992 to 2012 in a medical center. Among the 450 cases of nevus sebaceus, 38 secondary neoplasms were noted, accounting for 8.5% of all cases. Benign tumors represented more than 80% of all tumors. Syringocystadenoma papilliferum (2.7%) was the most common benign tumor, followed by trichoblastoma (1.6%) and trichilemmoma (1.6%) whereas basal cell carcinoma (0.9%) was the most frequent malignant tumor on nevus sebaceus and its clinical features were not typical. All the malignant tumors on nevus sebaceus were noted only in adulthood and the mean age of those with basal cell carcinoma was significantly older than that of trichoblastoma (P = 0.028). Our study concludes that malignant transformation is rare in nevus sebaceus and occurs uniquely in adulthood. On the basis of the findings, prophylactic excision of nevus sebaceus can be elective during childhood but is strongly advocated at puberty due to the increased risk of malignant transformation with time.
Toxic epidermal necrolysis caused by acetaminophen featuring almost 100% skin detachment: Acetaminophen is associated with a risk of severe cutaneous adverse reactions
Authors: Watanabe Hideaki , Kamiyama Taisuke , Sasaki Shun , Kobayashi Kae , Fukuda Kenichiro , Miyake Yasufumi , Aruga Tohru , Sueki Hirohiko
Published: September 2015

Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is an adverse reaction that can be induced by various drugs; the associated mortality rate is 20–25%. A previous report showed a weak association between TEN and acetaminophen. Recently, the US Food and Drug Administration declared that acetaminophen is associated with a risk of serious skin reactions, including TEN. Here, we describe the case of a 43‐year‐old Japanese woman with TEN caused by acetaminophen. She had poorly controlled ulcerative colitis and was treated with high doses of prednisolone, infliximab, acetaminophen and lansoprazole. Nine days after administrating acetaminophen, targetoid erythematous and bullous lesions appeared on the patient's trunk, palms and the soles of her feet. The skin lesions expanded rapidly; within 3 weeks, skin detachment was detected across nearly 100% of the patient's body. However, no mucosal involvement of the eyes, oral cavity or genitalia was found. We performed lymphocyte transformation tests using various drugs; however, a high stimulation index was obtained only with acetaminophen. The patient recovered following treatment with plasmapheresis, i.v. immunoglobulin therapy, topical medication and supportive therapy. Acetaminophen is included in many prescription and over‐the‐counter products; thus, clinicians should monitor their patients for severe drug reactions, including TEN.
Case with Brunsting–Perry‐like localized subepidermal blister formations and immunoglobulin G antibodies against unidentified basement membrane zone antigen
Authors: Sato‐Shibuya Mami , Dainichi Teruki , Egawa Gyohei , Honda Tetsuya , Otsuka Atsushi , Ishii Norito , Hashimoto Takashi , Miyachi Yoshiki , Kabashima Kenji
Published: September 2015

Brunsting–Perry type bullous pemphigoid is defined by the blister formation limited to the head and neck, and autoantibodies to type VII collagen are detected in several cases. However, the pathomechanisms and autoantigens in this condition remain unknown. We report a 20‐year‐old female patient with a more than 2‐year history of recurrent tense blisters localized on the face with no distinct atrophic scar formation. The patient had neither extensive sun exposure nor a history suggestive of contact dermatitis. Oral betamethasone was effective on the skin lesions. Histopathology revealed subepidermal blister formation with dermal infiltrates of neutrophils. Although direct and indirect immunofluorescence tests detected immunoglobulin G antibodies to the basement membrane zone (BMZ), no known dermal or epidermal autoantigens were detected in immunoblot analyses. Therefore, this case may be a rare variant of Brunsting–Perry type localized bullous pemphigoid with autoantibodies to an undetermined BMZ antigen.