bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pyrrolysine‐Inspired Protein Cyclization
Authors: Lee Marianne M. , Fekner Tomasz , Lu Jia , Heater Bradley S. , Behrman Edward J. , Zhang Liwen , Hsu Pang‐Hung , Chan Michael K.
Published: July 2014

The pyrrolysine translational machinery has been extensively explored for the production of recombinant proteins containing a variety of “site‐specific” non‐canonical amino acids for both in vitro and in vivo biochemical studies. In this study, we report the first use of this technology for the production of branched cyclic proteins with a tadpole‐like topology. As a proof of concept, we fused the well‐studied RGD peptide to the C terminus of an mCherry reporter protein. Previous studies have shown that cyclization of the RGD peptide enhances its internalization into cells compared to its linear counterpart. The cellular uptake efficiencies of mCherry‐cyclo(RGD), mCherry‐linear(RGD), and wild‐type mCherry determined by flow cytometry follow the trends expected, thereby confirming the feasibility and potential utility of this cyclization approach.
Structural Insights into Enzymatic Degradation of Oxidized Polyvinyl Alcohol
Authors: Yang Yu , Ko Tzu‐Ping , Liu Long , Li Jianghua , Huang Chun‐Hsiang , Chan Hsiu‐Chien , Ren Feifei , Jia Dongxu , Wang Andrew H.‐J. , Guo Rey‐Ting , Chen Jian , Du Guocheng
Published: July 2014

The ever‐increasing production and use of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) threaten our environment. Yet PVA can be assimilated by microbes in two steps: oxidation and cleavage. Here we report novel α/β‐hydrolase structures of oxidized PVA hydrolase (OPH) from two known PVA‐degrading organisms, Sphingopyxis sp. 113P3 and Pseudomonas sp. VM15C, including complexes with substrate analogues, acetylacetone and caprylate. The active site is covered by a lid‐like β‐ribbon. Unlike other esterase and amidase, OPH is unique in cleaving the CC bond of β‐diketone, although it has a catalytic triad similar to that of most α/β‐hydrolases. Analysis of the crystal structures suggests a double‐oxyanion‐hole mechanism, previously only found in thiolase cleaving β‐ketoacyl‐CoA. Three mutations in the lid region showed enhanced activity, with potential in industrial applications.
Unravelling the Relationship between Raman Enhancement and Photocatalytic Activity on Single Anisotropic Au Microplates
Authors: Sun Yudie , Liu Honglin , Zhou Fei , Yang Liangbao , He Shengnan , Sun Bai , Liu Jinhuai
Published: July 2014

Anisotropic noble‐metal structures are attracting increasing attention because of interesting size‐ and shape‐dependent properties and have emerging applications in the fields of optics and catalysis. However, it remains a significant challenge to overcome chemical contributions and acquire molecular insight into the relationship between Raman enhancement and photocatalytic activity. This study gives visualized experimental evidence of the anisotropic spatial distribution of Raman signals and photocatalytic activity at the level of single nanometer‐thin Au microtriangles and microhexagons. Theoretical simulations indicate an anisotropic spatial distribution and sharpness‐dependent strength of the electric‐field enhancement. Analysis by using statistical surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) supports this view, that is, Raman enhancement is on the order of corner>edge>face for a single microplate, but SERS measurements at different depths of focus also imply a concentration‐dependent feature of SERS signals, especially at the corners and edges. Similarly, the SERS signals of product molecules in plasmonic photocatalysis also exhibit asymmetrical strengths at different corners of the same microplate. However, by examining the variations in the relative intensities of the SERS peaks, the difference in the photocatalytic activities at the corners, edges, and faces has been successfully calculated and is highly consistent with electric‐field simulations, thus indicating that an increased number of molecules adsorbed at specific sites does not necessarily lead to a higher conversion ratio in noble‐metal photocatalysis. Our strategy weakens the assumed impact of plasmonic local heating and, to a certain extent, excludes the influence of concentration effects and chemical contributions in noble‐metal photocatalysis, thus clearly profiling plasmon‐related characteristics. This study also promises a new research direction to understand the enhancement mechanism of SERS‐active structures.
Practical Advice for Selecting the Material for Machinery and Equipment
Authors: Rähse Wilfried
Published: July 2014

Materialien für Produktionsanlage müssen korrosionsbeständig und mechanisch stabil sein. Daneben kommt es produktabhängig auch auf die Anlagen‐ und Produkthygiene an. Typische Materialien für Maschinen und Anlagen sind in der Chemie, Pharmazie und Lebensmittelindustrie hochwertige Edelstähle, aber auch Sondermetalle, Superlegierungen und Nichtmetalle sowie Kunststoffe. Zur Vermeidung von Kontaminationen erfolgt eine Politur des Edelstahls an produktberührten Oberflächen. Chemisch beständige Sonderwerkstoffe werden als massives Material eingesetzt oder oft auf ein Grundmaterial aus Stahl aufgebracht.
A Continuous Flow Strategy for the Coupled Transfer Hydrogenation and Etherification of 5‐(Hydroxymethyl)furfural using Lewis Acid Zeolites
Authors: Lewis Jennifer D. , Van de Vyver Stijn , Crisci Anthony J. , Gunther William R. , Michaelis Vladimir K. , Griffin Robert G. , Román‐Leshkov Yuriy
Published: July 2014

Hf‐, Zr‐ and Sn‐Beta zeolites effectively catalyze the coupled transfer hydrogenation and etherification of 5‐(hydroxymethyl)furfural with primary and secondary alcohols into 2,5‐bis(alkoxymethyl)furans, thus making it possible to generate renewable fuel additives without the use of external hydrogen sources or precious metals. Continuous flow experiments reveal nonuniform changes in the relative deactivation rates of the transfer hydrogenation and etherification reactions, which impact the observed product distribution over time. We found that the catalysts undergo a drastic deactivation for the etherification step while maintaining catalytic activity for the transfer hydrogenation step. 119Sn and 29Si magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR studies show that this deactivation can be attributed to changes in the local environment of the metal sites. Additional insights were gained by studying effects of various alcohols and water concentration on the catalytic reactivity.
Coming into focus: The role of extracellular matrix in vertebrate optic cup morphogenesis
Authors: Kwan Kristen M.
Published: July 2014

The vertebrate eye acquires its basic form during the process of optic cup morphogenesis, during which the optic vesicle emerges from the brain neuroepithelium and, through a series of cell and tissue movements, transforms itself into the multilayered optic cup, containing neural retina (comprised of retinal progenitors), retinal pigmented epithelium, and the lens, which is derived from the overlying ectoderm. While great strides have been made to understand the developmental signals controlling specification, patterning, and differentiation of the optic cup, only in recent years have the cellular and molecular bases of optic cup morphogenesis begun to be unraveled. One critical component of the morphogenetic process is the extracellular matrix: the complex, glycoprotein‐rich layer that surrounds the optic vesicle and lens. Though the extracellular matrix has long been visualized by classical histological techniques and postulated to play various roles in optic cup development, its functional role was uncertain. This is now beginning to change, as live imaging techniques, quantitative image analyses, molecular genetics and in vitro models yield new insights into the process of optic cup morphogenesis and the specific influences of particular extracellular matrix components and their associated signaling pathways. Developmental Dynamics 243:1242–1248, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nickel‐Catalyzed One‐Pot Suzuki–Miyaura Cross‐Coupling of Phenols and Arylboronic Acids Mediated by N,N‐Ditosylaniline
Authors: Chen Liangshun , Lang Hongyue , Fang Lei , Zhu Mengyun , Liu Jinqian , Yu Jianjun , Wang Limin
Published: July 2014

An efficient method for the construction of two distinct Caryl–Caryl bonds through the Ni‐catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling of phenols with arylboronic acids has been developed. This reaction proceeds through the in situ tosylation of phenols by using N,N‐ditosylaniline as the sulfonylating reagent, which is highly active, markedly stable, and easily prepared. The scope with respect to the coupling partners – phenols and boronic acids – is broad, and sensitive functional groups are tolerated. Phenols, especially those containing an unprotected amino group, which are generally problematic for coupling under conventional one‐pot conditions, are also viable substrates in this transformation.
Optical dating and soil micromorphology at MacCauley's Beach, New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Jankowski Nathan R. , Jacobs Zenobia , Goldberg Paul
Published: July 2014

The ability to position landscapes in a context of time and space is a particular goal of Quaternary science research. The lack of context for dating samples published previously for MacCauley's Beach, an important site for the reconstruction of Australian sea levels, warranted a re‐evaluation of both the site stratigraphy and chronology. In this study, we combined optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating of sedimentary quartz grains and soil micromorphology of the same samples to improve our understanding of the depositional history and chronology of the sediments. This combination allowed the contextualization of samples not only in time and space, but also in terms of their depositional histories. The latter is important in OSL dating, where pre‐, syn‐ and post‐depositional processes can all influence the accuracy and precision of the final age estimates. The sediment profile at MacCauley's Beach is made up of three major units. The basal mottled mud layer has undergone extensive pedogenesis since deposition, and only a minimum age of 14.7 ± 2.7 ka could be calculated. The overlying grey mud, with OSL ages from the bottom and top of the unit of 10.0 ± 0.7 and 7.7 ± 0.5 ka, respectively, shows evidence of soil structure collapse. This unit correspond to the onset of the mid‐Holocene sea‐level high stand for this region. The overlying sand layer was first deposited at 7.5 ± 0.4 ka, with deposition continuing beyond 6.6 ± 0.4 ka. Not only does the chronology presented constrain the timing of deposition (and the extent of post‐depositional processes) at MacCauley's Beach, but the methodological approach used here can be applied to any site to aid in the interpretation of formation processes and assess their influence on OSL age determination. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recurrent RHOA mutations in pediatric Burkitt lymphoma treated according to the NHL‐BFM protocols
Authors: Rohde Marius , Richter Julia , Schlesner Matthias , Betts Matthew J. , Claviez Alexander , Bonn Bettina R. , Zimmermann Martin , Damm‐Welk Christine , Russell Robert B. , Borkhardt Arndt , Eils Roland , Hoell Jessica I. , Szczepanowski Monika , Oschlies Ilske , Klapper Wolfram , Burkhardt Birgit , Siebert Reiner ,   on behalf of the German ICGC MMML‐Seq‐Project and the NHL‐BFM Study Group
Published: July 2014

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is the most frequent B‐cell lymphoma in childhood. Genetically, it is characterized by the presence of an IG‐MYC translocation which is supposed to be an initiating but not sufficient event in Burkitt lymphomagenesis. In a recent whole‐genome sequencing study of four cases, we showed that the gene encoding the ras homolog family member A (RHOA) is recurrently mutated in pediatric BL. Here, we analyzed RHOA by Sanger sequencing in a cohort of 101 pediatric B‐cell lymphoma patients treated according to Non‐Hodgkin's Lymphoma Berlin–Frankfurt–Münster (NHL‐BFM) study protocols. Among the 78 BLs in this series, an additional five had RHOA mutations resulting in a total incidence of 7/82 (8.5%) with c.14G>A (p.R5Q) being present in three cases. Modeling the mutational effect suggests that most of them inactivate the RHOA protein. Thus, deregulation of RHOA by mutation is a recurrent event in Burkitt lymphomagenesis in children. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Toll‐like receptor 4 deficiency impairs microglial phagocytosis of degenerating axons
Authors: Rajbhandari Labchan , Tegenge Million Adane , Shrestha Shiva , Ganesh Kumar Nishant , Malik Adeel , Mithal Aditya , Hosmane Suneil , Venkatesan Arun
Published: July 2014

Microglia are rapidly activated in the central nervous system (CNS) in response to a variety of injuries, including inflammation, trauma, and stroke. In addition to modulation of the innate immune response, a key function of microglia is the phagocytosis of dying cells and cellular debris, which can facilitate recovery. Despite emerging evidence that axonal debris can pose a barrier to regeneration of new axons in the CNS, little is known of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie clearance of degenerating CNS axons. We utilize a custom micropatterned microfluidic system that enables robust microglial‐axon co‐culture to explore the role of Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) in microglial phagocytosis of degenerating axons. We find that pharmacologic and genetic disruption of TLR4 blocks induction of the Type‐1 interferon response and inhibits phagocytosis of axon debris in vitro. Moreover, TLR4‐dependent microglial clearance of unmyelinated axon debris facilitates axon outgrowth. In vivo, microglial phagocytosis of CNS axons undergoing Wallerian degeneration in a dorsal root axotomy model is impaired in adult mice in which TLR4 has been deleted. Since purinergic receptors can influence TLR4‐mediated signaling, we also explored a role for the microglia P2 receptors and found that the P2X7R contributes to microglial clearance of degenerating axons. Overall, we identify TLR4 as a key player in axonal debris clearance by microglia, thus creating a more permissive environment for axonal outgrowth. Our findings have significant implications for the development of protective and regenerative strategies for the many inflammatory, traumatic, and neurodegenerative conditions characterized by CNS axon degeneration. GLIA 2014;62:1982–1991
Breadth of neutralization and synergy of clinically relevant human monoclonal antibodies against HCV genotypes 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 2c, and 3a
Authors: Carlsen Thomas H.R. , Pedersen Jannie , Prentoe Jannick C. , Giang Erick , Keck Zhen-Yong , Mikkelsen Lotte S. , Law Mansun , Foung Steven K.H. , Bukh Jens
Published: July 2014

Human monoclonal antibodies (HMAbs) with neutralizing capabilities constitute potential immune-based treatments or prophylaxis against hepatitis C virus (HCV). However, lack of cell culture-derived HCV (HCVcc) harboring authentic envelope proteins (E1/E2) has hindered neutralization investigations across genotypes, subtypes, and isolates. We investigated the breadth of neutralization of 10 HMAbs with therapeutic potential against a panel of 16 JFH1-based HCVcc-expressing patient-derived Core-NS2 from genotypes 1a (strains H77, TN, and DH6), 1b (J4, DH1, and DH5), 2a (J6, JFH1, and T9), 2b (J8, DH8, and DH10), 2c (S83), and 3a (S52, DBN, and DH11). Virus stocks used for

in vitro

neutralization analysis contained authentic E1/E2, with the exception of full-length JFH1 that acquired the N417S substitution in E2. The 50% inhibition concentration (IC50) for each HMAb against the HCVcc panel was determined by dose-response neutralization assays in Huh7.5 cells with antibody concentrations ranging from 0.0012 to 100 μg/mL. Interestingly, IC50 values against the different HCVcc's exhibited large variations among the HMAbs, and only three HMAbs (HC-1AM, HC84.24, and AR4A) neutralized all 16 HCVcc recombinants. Furthermore, the IC50 values for a given HMAb varied greatly with the HCVcc strain, which supports the use of a diverse virus panel. In cooperation analyses, HMAbs HC84.24, AR3A, and, especially HC84.26, demonstrated synergistic effects towards the majority of the HCVcc's when combined individually with AR4A.

Conclusion

: Through a neutralization analysis of 10 clinically relevant HMAbs against 16 JFH1-based Core-NS2 recombinants from genotypes 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 2c, and 3a, we identified at least three HMAbs with potent and broad neutralization potential. The neutralization synergism obtained when pooling the most potent HMAbs could have significant implications for developing novel strategies to treat and control HCV. (Hepatology 2014;60:1551–1562)
Ergonomics Service Learning Project: Implementing an Alternative Educational Method in an Industrial Engineering Undergraduate Ergonomics Course
Authors: Page Lenore T. , Stanley Laura M.
Published: July 2014

The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) and the Engineer of 2020, an engineering education initiative, have recommended that engineering students be provided with opportunities to participate in real‐world projects to supply them with the skills they will need in the workplace. Service learning is a pedagogical approach where students apply skills they learn in a classroom to a real‐world problem identified by a community organization. In 2009, a service learning project was introduced in an undergraduate Ergonomics Industrial Engineering course composed of engineering and nonengineering students at Montana State University (MSU). Its integration and development in the existing course required creating a detailed project description and finding a partner organization. Students worked with clients or staff at the partner organization to develop ergonomic solutions for workplace health and safety issues and manufacturing productivity. At the end‐of‐semester presentations, the community partners, instructor, and other students assessed each solution's effectiveness. These assessments found that students, compared to the partner's feedback, undervalued their prototypes with regard to how they improved worker and process efficiency, and they overvalued their solution's creativity, cost, and implementation feasibility. In addition, the service learning course's technical and professional skills ranked above the average ABET course outcomes of MSU's Industrial Engineering fall courses. This demonstrates how the service learning project and the intended goals from ABET and Engineer 2020 come together—service learning exposes students to real‐world situations that better prepare and inform them of the skills that will be needed after graduation.
Generalizability of established prostate cancer risk variants in men of African ancestry
Authors: Han Ying , Signorello Lisa B. , Strom Sara S. , Kittles Rick A. , Rybicki Benjamin A. , Stanford Janet L. , Goodman Phyllis J. , Berndt Sonja I. , Carpten John , Casey Graham , Chu Lisa , Conti David V. , Rand Kristin A. , Diver W. Ryan , Hennis Anselm J.M. , John Esther M. , Kibel Adam S. , Klein Eric A. , Kolb Suzanne , Le Marchand Loic , Leske M. Cristina , Murphy Adam B. , Neslund‐Dudas Christine , Park Jong Y. , Pettaway Curtis , Rebbeck Timothy R. , Gapstur Susan M. , Zheng S. Lilly , Wu Suh‐Yuh , Witte John S. , Xu Jianfeng , Isaacs William , Ingles Sue A. , Hsing Ann ,   The PRACTICAL Consortium,   The ELLIPSE GAME‐ON Consortium, Easton Douglas F. , Eeles Rosalind A. , Schumacher Fredrick R. , Chanock Stephen , Nemesure Barbara , Blot William J. , Stram Daniel O. , Henderson Brian E. , Haiman Christopher A.
Published: July 2014

Genome‐wide association studies have identified more than 80 risk variants for prostate cancer, mainly in European or Asian populations. The generalizability of these variants in other racial/ethnic populations needs to be understood before the loci can be used widely in risk modeling. In our study, we examined 82 previously reported risk variants in 4,853 prostate cancer cases and 4,678 controls of African ancestry. We performed association testing for each variant using logistic regression adjusted for age, study and global ancestry. Of the 82 known risk variants, 68 (83%) had effects that were directionally consistent in their association with prostate cancer risk and 30 (37%) were significantly associated with risk at p < 0.05, with the most statistically significant variants being rs116041037 (p = 3.7 × 10−26) and rs6983561 (p = 1.1 × 10−16) at 8q24, as well as rs7210100 (p = 5.4 × 10−8) at 17q21. By exploring each locus in search of better markers, the number of variants that captured risk in men of African ancestry (p < 0.05) increased from 30 (37%) to 44 (54%). An aggregate score comprised of these 44 markers was strongly associated with prostate cancer risk [per‐allele odds ratio (OR) = 1.12, p = 7.3 × 10−98]. In summary, the consistent directions of effects for the vast majority of variants in men of African ancestry indicate common functional alleles that are shared across populations. Further exploration of these susceptibility loci is needed to identify the underlying biologically relevant variants to improve prostate cancer risk modeling in populations of African ancestry.
Validity of the dipole approximation in TEM‐EELS studies
Authors: Egerton R.F. , Mcleod R.A. , Malac M.
Published: July 2014

Nondipole effects in electron energy‐loss spectroscopy are evaluated in terms of deviation of the inelastic scattering from a Lorentzian angular distribution, which is assumed in established procedures for plural‐scattering deconvolution, thickness measurement, and Kramers‐Kronig analysis. The deviation appears to be small and may be outweighed by the effect of plural (elastic + inelastic) scattering, which is not removed by conventional deconvolution methods. In the core‐loss region of the spectrum, non‐Lorentzian behaviour stems from a reduction of the generalized oscillator strength from its optical value and (for energies far above an ionization threshold) formation of a Bethe‐ridge angular distribution. At incident energies above 200 keV, retardation effects further distort the angular dependence, even for core losses just above threshold. With an on‐axis collection aperture, non‐dipole effects are masked by the rapid falloff of intensity with scattering angle, but they may become important for off‐axis measurements. Near‐edge fine structure is sensitive to nondipole effects but these can be minimized by use of an angle‐limiting collection aperture. Microsc. Res. Tech. 77:773–778, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Soil Conservation Through Sediment Trapping: A Review
Authors: Mekonnen Mulatie , Keesstra Saskia D. , Stroosnijder Leo , Baartman Jantiene E. M. , Maroulis Jerry
Published: July 2014

Preventing the off‐site effects of soil erosion is an essential part of good catchment management. Most efforts are in the form of on‐site soil and water conservation measures. However, sediment trapping can be an alternative (additional) measure to prevent the negative off‐site effects of soil erosion. Therefore, not all efforts should focus solely on on‐site soil conservation but also on the safe routing of sediment‐laden flows and on creating sites and conditions where sediment can be trapped. Sediment trapping can be applied on‐site and off‐site and involves both vegetative and structural measures. This paper provides an extensive review of scientific journal articles, case studies and other reports that have assessed soil conservation efforts and the sediment trapping efficacy (STE) of vegetative and structural measures. The review is further illustrated through participatory field observation and stakeholders' interview. Vegetation type and integration of two or more measures are important factors influencing STE. In this review, the STE of most measures was evaluated either individually or in such combinations. In real landscape situations, it is not only important to select the most efficient erosion control measures but also to determine their optimum location in the catchment. Hence, there is a need for research that shows a more integrated determination of STE at catchment scale. If integrated measures are implemented at the most appropriate spatial locations within a catchment where they can disconnect landscape units from each other, they will decrease runoff velocity and sediment transport and, subsequently, reduce downstream flooding and sedimentation problems. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of long‐term corrosion behavior in mortars containing recycled ladle furnace slag using computerized tomography and SEM
Authors: Rodríguez A. , Gutiérrez‐González S. , Prieto M. I. , Cobo A. , Calderón V.
Published: July 2014

A series of mortars subjected to accelerated corrosion in a humid environment form the basis for this study. In particular, we studied the corrosion behavior of steel reinforcement bars that were embedded in cement mortars that contained white ladle furnace slag (LFS) in partial substitution for fines and cement. The effects were observed using computerized axial tomography and scanning electron microscopy. Zones with fissures resulting from corrosion and the degree of damage due to passivation were identified from the imaging analysis. Mortars with and without white LFS behaved in a similar manner in the presence of chlorides. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed that the formation of different hematite and goethite‐type iron oxides was mainly responsible for the corrosion that was observed.
Characterizing Premotor Parkinson's Disease: Clinical Features and Objective Markers
Authors: Chahine Lama M. , Stern Matthew B.
Published: July 2014

Increasingly, it has been recognized that in order to affect underlying neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease (PD), individuals must be identified before onset of the classic motor symptoms. Thus, for research purposes, a redefinition of PD has been proposed into preclinical, premotor, and motor phases. In the preclinical phase, no clinical signs or symptoms of PD are present. In the premotor phase, nonmotor manifestations are detectable. These include olfactory, neuropsychiatric, sleep, gastrointestinal, and autonomic changes. A multi‐modal approach is needed to maximize both sensitivity and specificity of any assessment of the premotor phase. To that end, several objective markers, such as dopaminergic imaging and electrophysiologic techniques, exist and are of potential utility. This review discusses the candidate nonmotor features and potential objective measures that may be used to define the premotor phase of PD.
Chapter 1: The conditions of neurogenic detrusor overactivity and overactive bladder
Authors: Haab Francois
Published: July 2014

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a symptom syndrome consisting of urinary urgency, usually accompanied by frequency and nocturia, with or without urgency urinary incontinence (UUI), in the absence of a causative infection or pathological conditions. The prevalence of OAB is approximately 11–19% in both men and women, and leads to a significant negative effect on a patient's health‐related quality of life (HRQOL). OAB is also associated with comorbidities such as urinary tract infection (UTI) and an increased risk of falls. Following behavioral therapy, anticholinergic agents are commonly prescribed, but these often fail because of lack of efficacy and/or poor tolerability. Evaluation of treatment success in OAB should include pre‐defined, patient‐centered goals. Patients for whom oral therapy has failed to meet such goals may be considered refractory to oral therapy and candidates for minimally invasive therapy. Neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) is a bladder dysfunction frequently observed in patients with conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and spinal cord injury (SCI). Increased storage pressure can put the upper urinary tract at risk of deterioration and reducing this risk is a primary aim of therapy. Urinary incontinence (UI) is reported by approximately 50% of MS patients, and most SCI patients will develop some bladder dysfunction. NDO leads to a negative impact on HRQOL, independent of the impact of the primary condition. NDO patients in whom oral therapy has failed to normalize storage pressure may be considered refractory and are candidates for minimally invasive therapy. Neurourol. Urodynam. 33:S2–S5, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Multisample Model Validation of the Evidence‐Based Practice Questionnaire
Authors: Sesé‐Abad Albert , De Pedro‐Gómez Joan , Bennasar‐Veny Miquel , Sastre Pedro , Fernandez‐Dominguez Juan C. , Morales‐Asencio Jose M.
Published: July 2014

Evidence‐based practice may be implemented more successfully if the barriers to its implementation have been previously identified. Many of the available instruments to measure these barriers have been validated in single samples or without confirmatory analyses. The objective of the study was to contrast the goodness of fit of two measurement models (24 items and 19 items) for the Spanish version of the Evidence‐Based Practice Questionnaire (EBPQ) in a sample of 1,673 full‐time registered nurses in 10 hospitals and 57 primary health care centers in the Spanish Public Health Service. The 19‐item model performed better in all four subsamples. A hypothesis of strict invariance, with equal factor loadings, intercepts, and error variance in all contexts in which it was evaluated, was supported. Goodness‐of‐fit indices provided strong evidence of good fit according to standard cut‐off criteria in a multisample confirmatory factor analysis. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Properties of biodegradable PVA/sepiolite‐based nanocomposite fiber mats
Authors: Can M.F. , Avdan L. , Bedeloglu A. Celik
Published: July 2014

In this study, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanocomposite fiber mats with sepiolite were prepared via electrospinning technique. The measurements of fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), contact angle, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were used for the characterization. The effect of polymer/sepiolite ratio and heat treatment on the properties of samples was investigated. The heat treatment which decreased the solubility of nanofibers and the addition of sepiolite resulted in a decrease in nanofiber diameter, contact angle with water, and water drop spreading rate on the material, and also resulted in an increase in water drop spreading rate inside the material. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:2334–2342, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Canine prostate cancer cell line (Probasco) produces osteoblastic metastases in vivo
Authors: Simmons Jessica K. , Dirksen Wessel P. , Hildreth Blake E. , Dorr Carlee , Williams Christina , Thomas Rachael , Breen Matthew , Toribio Ramiro E. , Rosol Thomas J.
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND

In 2012, over 240,000 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer and over 28,000 died from the disease. Animal models of prostate cancer are vital to understanding its pathogenesis and developing therapeutics. Canine models in particular are useful due to their similarities to late‐stage, castration‐resistant human disease with osteoblastic bone metastases. This study established and characterized a novel canine prostate cancer cell line that will contribute to the understanding of prostate cancer pathogenesis.

METHODS

A novel cell line (Probasco) was derived from a mixed breed dog that had spontaneous prostate cancer. Cell proliferation and motility were analyzed in vitro. Tumor growth in vivo was studied by subcutaneous, intratibial, and intracardiac injection of Probasco cells into nude mice. Tumors were evaluated by bioluminescent imaging, Faxitron radiography, µCT, and histology. RT‐PCR and genome‐wide DNA copy number profiling were used to characterize the cell line.

RESULTS

The Probasco cells grew in vitro (over 75 passages) and were tumorigenic in nude mice. Probasco cells expressed high levels of BMP2, CDH1, MYOF, FOLH1, RUNX2, and SMAD5 modest CXCL12, SLUG, and BMP, and no PTHrP mRNA. Following intracardiac injection, Probasco cells metastasized primarily to the appendicular skeleton, and both intratibial and intracardiac injections produced osteoblastic tumors in bone. Comparative genomic hybridization demonstrated numerous DNA copy number aberrations throughout the genome, including large losses and gains in multiple chromosomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The Probasco prostate cancer cell line will be a valuable model to investigate the mechanisms of prostate cancer pathogenesis and osteoblastic bone metastases. Prostate 74: 1251–1265, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Self‐consistent analysis of InAsSb quantum‐well heterostructures
Authors: Zhang Yuwei , Zhang Yang , Guan Min , Cui Lijie , Wang Chengyan , Zeng Yiping
Published: July 2014

Based on our self‐consistent calculation of the Schrödinger–Poisson equation by taking into consideration both the strain effect and the nonparabolicity effect, we propose a material design for InAsSb‐based quantum‐well heterostructures. A two‐dimensional electron gas concentration exceeding 3 × 1012 cm−2 could be achieved within AlSb/InAs0.4Sb0.6 heterostructures without the occurrence of intersubband scattering, higher than that in AlSb/InAs heterostructures. Our InAsSb‐based quantum‐well heterostructure is proved to be advantageous for applications as high electron mobility transistors.
Remote impact of North Atlantic hurricanes on the Mediterranean during episodes of intense rainfall in autumn 2012
Authors: Pantillon Florian , Chaboureau Jean‐Pierre , Richard Evelyne
Published: July 2014

Autumn is the most favourable season for tropical cyclones to undergo extratropical transition and interact with the midlatitude flow over the North Atlantic. Autumn is also the season when intense rainfall over the Mediterranean is often triggered by Rossby wave breaking. The impact of tropical cyclones on downstream wave breaking is investigated here during three episodes of intense rainfall which were the target of HyMeX (Hydrological cycle in Mediterranean eXperiment) in autumn 2012. Five‐day simulations of hurricanes Leslie, Rafael and Sandy were performed with the Meso‐NH model in a domain encompassing the North Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Control simulations were compared to simulations in which the hurricanes were filtered out from the initial conditions. In each case, the hurricane locally impeded the forward progression of an upstream trough, then reintensified as an extratropical cyclone during the wrap‐up of the trough. The local impact of Leslie and Rafael on the midlatitude flow quickly propagated downstream along a polar jet and amplified Rossby wave breaking but decreased the intensity of the forecast precipitation over the Mediterranean. The local impact of Sandy propagated downstream along a subtropical jet in addition to the polar jet and resulted in a weak impact of the forecast precipitation on the Mediterranean. This study suggests that the interaction of tropical cyclones with the midlatitude flow over the western North Atlantic may be considered a perturbation to, rather than a source of, downstream wave breaking.
Model selection and diagnostics for joint modeling of survival and longitudinal data with crossing hazard rate functions
Authors: Park Ka Young , Qiu Peihua
Published: July 2014

Comparison of two hazard rate functions is important for evaluating treatment effect in studies concerning times to some important events. In practice, it may happen that the two hazard rate functions cross each other at one or more unknown time points, representing temporal changes of the treatment effect. Also, besides survival data, there could be longitudinal data available regarding some time‐dependent covariates. When jointly modeling the survival and longitudinal data in such cases, model selection and model diagnostics are especially important to provide reliable statistical analysis of the data, which are lacking in the literature. In this paper, we discuss several criteria for assessing model fit that have been used for model selection and apply them to the joint modeling of survival and longitudinal data for comparing two crossing hazard rate functions. We also propose hypothesis testing and graphical methods for model diagnostics of the proposed joint modeling approach. Our proposed methods are illustrated by a simulation study and by a real‐data example concerning two early breast cancer treatments. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The liquid carbon challenge: evolving views on transportation fuels and climate
Authors: DeCicco John M.
Published: July 2014

Carbon‐based liquid fuels are highly valued for transportation; they are the world's largest form of commercial energy and second largest source of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Strategies to address their CO2 emissions have been shaped by fuel cycle analysis (FCA), a version of lifecycle assessment that examines fuel products and their supply chains. FCA studies have diverse findings and large uncertainties. Disagreements are particularly sharp for biofuels, which are seen as key replacements for petroleum fuels. A critical reading of the evolving literature reveals problems of model structure, including system boundary misspecification, flawed carbon cycle representation, and use of a static framework to analyze dynamic systems. New analytic paradigms are needed for liquid fuels, given their tradability, the realities of the carbon cycle, and the implausibility of capturing carbon from mobile sources. Logical decomposition of options shows that, beyond measures to limit fuel demand, CO2 emissions from liquid fuels must be balanced by increasing the rate of net carbon fixation. Further analysis and discussion are needed of carbon accounting methods, energy research priorities, ways to link CO2 removal options to fuel‐related mitigation efforts, and the transportation elements of climate policy. WIREs Energy Environ 2015, 4:98–114. doi: 10.1002/wene.133

This article is categorized under:

Bioenergy > Climate and Environment

Energy and Climate > Economics and Policy

Energy Research & Innovation > Science and Materials
Small noncoding RNAs and male infertility
Authors: Gou Lan‐Tao , Dai Peng , Liu Mo‐Fang
Published: July 2014

Small noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a novel class of gene regulators that modulate gene expression at transcriptional, post‐transcriptional, and epigenetic levels, and they play crucial roles in almost all cellular processes in eukaryotes. Recent studies have indicated that several types of small noncoding RNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs), endo‐small interference RNAs (endo‐siRNAs), and Piwi‐interacting RNAs (piRNAs), are expressed in the male germline and are required for spermatogenesis in animals. In this review, we summarize the recent knowledge of these small noncoding RNAs in male germ cells and their biological functions and mechanisms of action in animal spermatogenesis. WIREs RNA 2014, 5:733–745. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1252

This article is categorized under:

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development
The effect of environmental dynamism on returns to inventory leanness
Authors: Eroglu Cuneyt , Hofer Christian
Published: July 2014

This paper adds to the empirical inventory management literature by examining the moderating effects of environmental dynamism on the relationship between inventory leanness and financial performance. While the financial implications of inventory management practices have been extensively studied in the literature, it is clear that lean inventory strategies may not have the same payoff for all firms in all industries. Grounded in inventory theory, this study explores how firm characteristics and environmental dynamism—measured in terms of innovative intensity, demand uncertainty and competitive intensity—moderate the inventory leanness–performance link. We use hierarchical linear modeling to analyze a data set of 5749 firm‐year observations from 123 U.S. manufacturing industries. In line with the hypotheses set forth, the results indicate that innovative intensity in an industry increases the effect of inventory leanness on firm performance while competitive intensity has the opposite effect. The hypothesis with respect to the moderating role of demand uncertainty is not supported. Another interesting and important finding is that inventory leanness accounts for nearly one third of the variation in firm performance after controlling for firm size and growth, thus underlining the importance of efficient and effective inventory management for overall firm success.
Die Bayerische Landesarbeitsgemeinschaft Multiresistente Erreger (LARE)
Authors: Kandler Ulla , Höller Christiane , Liebl Bernhard
Published: July 2014

Einleitung

Die bayerische Landesarbeitsgemeinschaft multiresistente Erreger hat es sich zur Aufgabe gemacht, das Vorkommen dieser Erreger im gesamten bayerischen Gesundheitswesen zu reduzieren. Dieses Ziel kann nur erreicht werden, wenn die Einrichtungen des Gesundheitswesens gemeinsam an einem Strang ziehen und für die Umsetzung einheitlicher Strategien zur Bekämpfung multiresistenter Erreger sorgen.
Cathepsin S is increased in cerebrospinal fluid from patients with neuropathic pain—A support of the microglia hypothesis in humans
Authors: Gordh Torsten , Lind Anne-Li , Bodolea Constantin , Hewitt Ellen , Larsson Anders
Published: July 2014

Aims

Cathepsin S has been reported to be a biomarker of spinal microglial activation, a process suggested to be involved in the pathophysiology of chronic neuropathic pain. So far this has been shown only in animal experiments. The aim of this study was to investigate the concentrations of cathepsin S in human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from a well-defined patient cohort suffering from neuropathic pain as compared to controls.

Methods

CSF samples from patients suffering from chronic neuropathic pain (n = 14) were analyzed for cathepsin S levels using commercial sandwich ELISAs (DY1183, R&D Systems, Minneapolis, MN, USA). Control CSF was sampled from patients undergoing minor urological surgical procedures under spinal anaesthesia (n = 70), having no obvious pain suffering.

Results

The neuropathic pain group had significantly higher levels of CSF cathepsin S (median 15189 pg/mL, range 3213–40,040), than the control group (median 5911 pg/mL, range 1909–17,188) (p < 0.005, Mann–Whitney U-test).

Conclusion

The results support the existence of microglial activation in chronic neuropathic pain patients. CSF Cathepsin S may serve as a potential biomarker for this specific mechanism linked to neuropathic pain. In the future, Cathepsin S inhibiting drugs might become a new treatment alternative for neurophatic pain.
Difference in perception of heat and the thermal grill illusion (TGI) in relation to the expression of the serotonin transporter and the effect of cutaneous capsaicin sensitization on the TGI
Authors: Schaldemose E.L. , Baastrup C. , Horjales E. , Demontis D. , Svensson P. , Finnerup N.B.
Published: July 2014

Aims

The aims of this study are to investigate the differences in (1) heat pain threshold, (2) pain and temperature perception of the TGI and (3) the sensation of capsaicin between subjects with high and low expression of the serotonin transporter (5-HTT). In addition the effects of capsaicin sensitization on the thermal grill illusion are studied.

Methods

A total of 80 healthy subjects are selected on the basis of their tri-allelic 5-HTTLPR genotype. Threshold for heat pain is examined and pain and unpleasantness of cutaneous capsaicin application are rated on visual analog scales (VAS). The sensory dimensions of the TGI (before and after capsaicin) is determined i.e. description of temperature (burning hot, hot, neutral, cold or freezing cold) and potential pain and intensity of cold and warmth are rated on respective VAS-scales.

Results

The study is ongoing. We expect that the low expression group has a higher heat pain threshold and rates the TGI and capsaicin less painful. The capsaicin sensitization lowers the heat pain threshold and increases the cold pain threshold. Therefore we hypothesize a lower rating of the TGI, determined as a lower heat VAS-score.

Conclusions

No conclusions yet. Preliminary results from the study will be presented at the SASP14.
Palicella, a new genus of lichenized fungi and its phylogenetic position withinLecanoraceae
Authors: RODRIGUEZ FLAKUS Pamela , PRINTZEN Christian
Published: July 2014

Non-saxicolous lecideoid lichens form a diverse and polyphyletic group of species with a worldwide distribution. The phylogenetic relationships of the taxa and major clades are still largely unresolved. Here we introduce a new genusPalicellaRodr. Flakus & Printzen forLecidea glaucopaHook. f. & Tayl. and two closely related species. Our molecular phylogenetic results, based on maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic trees, and a combined dataset of five gene loci (ITS, nrLSU, mrSSU, RPB1 and RPB2), indicate thatPalicellaforms a monophyletic clade sister toLecanora symmictaandPyrrhospora quernea. The new genus is characterized by biatorine apothecia, which are often darkened (by the pigment Cinereorufa-green), an exciple of radiating, narrow hyphae with strongly elongate lumina, a hymenium with branched and sparsely anastomosed paraphyses, an ascus with a broad axial body surrounded by a distinct darker staining layer, and narrowly ellipsoid ascospores. Atranorin is present in all, usnic acid in two and pannarin in one species of the genus. Three new combinations are proposed:Palicella filamentosa(Stirt.) Rodr. Flakus & Printzen,P. glaucopa(Hook. f. & Taylor) Rodr. Flakus & Printzen, andP. schizochromatica(Pérez-Ortega, T. Sprib. & Printzen) Rodr. Flakus & Printzen. The molecular phylogenetic analysis confirms thatLecidea hercynicaHauck & Schmull is a synonym ofP. filamentosa. An identification key to the species is provided.
MPLA inhibits release of cytotoxic mediators from human neutrophils while preserving efficient bacterial killing
Authors: Ruchaud‐Sparagano Marie‐ Hélène , Mills Ross , Scott Jonathan , Simpson A John
Published: July 2014

Monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) is a lipopolysaccharides (LPS) derivative associated with neutrophil‐dependent anti‐inflammatory outcomes in animal models of sepsis. Little is known about the effect of MPLA on neutrophil function. This study sought to test the hypothesis that MPLA would reduce release of cytotoxic mediators from neutrophils without impairing bacterial clearance. Neutrophils were isolated from whole blood of healthy volunteers. The effects of MPLA and LPS on autologous serum‐opsonised Pseudomonas aeruginosa killing by neutrophils and phagocytosis of autologous serum‐opsonised zymosan were examined. Neutrophil oxidative burst, chemotaxis, enzyme and cytokine release as well as Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression were assessed following exposure to LPS or MPLA. LPS, but not MPLA, induced significant release of superoxide and myeloperoxidase from neutrophils. However, MPLA did not impair neutrophil capacity to ingest microbial particles and kill P. aeruginosa efficiently. MPLA was directly chemotactic for neutrophils, involving TLR4, p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase and tyrosine and alkaline phosphatases. LPS, but not MPLA, impaired N‐formyl‐methionyl‐leucyl phenylalanine‐directed migration of neutrophils, increased surface expression of TLR4, increased interleukin‐8 release and strongly activated the myeloid differentiation primary response 88 pathway. Phosphoinositide 3‐kinase inhibition significantly augmented IL‐8 release from MPLA‐treated neutrophils. The addition of MPLA to LPS‐preincubated neutrophils led to a significant reduction in LPS‐mediated superoxide release and TLR4 surface expression. Collectively, these findings suggest that MPLA directs efficient chemotaxis and bacterial killing in human neutrophils without inducing extracellular release of cytotoxic mediators and suggest that MPLA warrants further attention as a potential therapeutic in human sepsis.