bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corosolic acid inhibits the proliferation of glomerular mesangial cells and protects against diabetic renal damage
Authors: Li Xiao-Qiang , Tian Wen , Liu Xiao-Xiao , Zhang Kai , Huo Jun-Cheng , Liu Wen-Juan , Li Ping , Xiao Xiong , Zhao Ming-Gao , Cao Wei
Published: May 2016

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the major complications of diabetes mellitus (DM). This study aimed to explore the effects of corosolic acid (CA) on the renal damage of DM and the mechanisms behind these effects. The renoprotective effect of CA was investigated in type 1 diabetic rats and db/db mice. The kidneys and glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs) were used to study the proliferation of GMCs by immunostaining and MTT assay. Further immunoblotting, siRNA, qPCR analysis and detecting of NADPH oxidase activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation were performed to explore relevant molecular mechanisms. In CA-treated diabetic animals, diabetes-induced albuminuria, increased serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen were significantly attenuated and glomerular hypertrophy, mesangial expansion and fibrosis were ameliorated. Furthermore, CA significantly inhibited proliferation of GMCs and phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK in both diabetic animals and high glucose (HG)-induced GMCs. CA also normalized Δψm and inhibited HG-induced NADPH oxidase activity, ROS generation and NOX4, NOX2, p22phox and p47phox expression. More importantly, CA inhibited GMC proliferation mediated by NADPH/ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways. These findings suggest that CA exert the protective effect on DN by anti-proliferation resulted from inhibition of p38 MAPK- and NADPH-mediated inactivation of ERK1/2.
Pathway Compartmentalization in Peroxisome of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to Produce Versatile Medium Chain Fatty Alcohols
Authors: Sheng Jiayuan , Stevens Joseph , Feng Xueyang
Published: May 2016

Fatty alcohols are value-added chemicals and important components of a variety of industries, which have a >3 billion-dollar global market annually. Long chain fatty alcohols (>C12) are mainly used in surfactants, lubricants, detergents, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics while medium chain fatty alcohols (C6–C12) could be used as diesel-like biofuels. Microbial production of fatty alcohols from renewable feedstock stands as a promising strategy to enable sustainable supply of fatty alcohols. In this study, we report, for the first time, that medium chain fatty alcohols could be produced in yeast via targeted expression of a fatty acyl-CoA reductase (TaFAR) in the peroxisome of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. By tagging TaFAR enzyme with peroxisomal targeting signal peptides, the TaFAR could be compartmentalized into the matrix of the peroxisome to hijack the medium chain fatty acyl-CoA generated from the beta-oxidation pathway and convert them to versatile medium chain fatty alcohols (C10 & C12). The overexpression of genes encoding PEX7 and acetyl-CoA carboxylase further improved fatty alcohol production by 1.4-fold. After medium optimization in fed-batch fermentation using glucose as the sole carbon source, fatty alcohols were produced at 1.3 g/L, including 6.9% 1-decanol, 27.5% 1-dodecanol, 2.9% 1-tetradecanol and 62.7% 1-hexadecanol. This work revealed that peroxisome could be engineered as a compartmentalized organelle for producing fatty acid-derived chemicals in S. cerevisiae.
The Balance between Conventional DCs and Plasmacytoid DCs Is Pivotal for Immunological Tolerance during Pregnancy in the Mouse
Authors: Fang Wen-ning , Shi Meng , Meng Chao-yang , Li Dan-dan , Peng Jing-pian
Published: May 2016

Dendritic cells (DCs), which can shape their functions depending on the microenvironment, are crucial for the delicate balance of immunity and tolerance during pregnancy. However, the mechanism underlying the microenvironment-educated plasticity of DC differentiation during pregnancy remains largely unclear. Here, we found that the differentiation of conventional DCs (cDCs) and plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) is regulated in a tissue-specific manner during pregnancy. The ratio of cDCs and pDCs remained constant in the spleen. However, the ratio changed in the para-aortic lymph nodes (LNs), where cDC percentages were significantly reduced concurrent with an increase in pDCs from E8.5 to E16.5. Moreover, the expansion of pDCs and T regulatory (Treg) cells was correlated in the para-aortic LNs and pDCs had more potential to induce regulatory T cells (Tregs) compared with cDCs (independent of IDO expression). Notably, the balance between cDCs and pDCs is disrupted in IFN-γ-induced abnormal pregnancy, accompanied by lower Treg percentages in the para-aortic LNs and decidua. To further identify the underlying mechanism, we found that elevated IFN-γ can increase the levels of GM-CSF to alter the differentiation of pDCs into cDCs in vivo. Therefore, we provide a novel regulatory mechanism underlying pregnancy-related immune tolerance that involves the balance of DC subsets, which may offer a new target for the prevention of human spontaneous abortion.
Butyrate upregulates endogenous host defense peptides to enhance disease resistance in piglets via histone deacetylase inhibition
Authors: Xiong Haitao , Guo Bingxiu , Gan Zhenshun , Song Deguang , Lu Zeqing , Yi Hongbo , Wu Yueming , Wang Yizhen , Du Huahua
Published: May 2016

Butyrate has been used to treat different inflammatory disease with positive outcomes, the mechanisms by which butyrate exerts its anti-inflammatory effects remain largely undefined. Here we proposed a new mechanism that butyrate manipulate endogenous host defense peptides (HDPs) which contributes to the elimination of Escherichia coli O157:H7, and thus affects the alleviation of inflammation. An experiment in piglets treated with butyrate (0.2% of diets) 2 days before E. coli O157:H7 challenge was designed to investigate porcine HDP expression, inflammation and E. coli O157:H7 load in feces. The mechanisms underlying butyrate-induced HDP gene expression and the antibacterial activity and bacterial clearance of macrophage 3D4/2 cells in vitro were examined. Butyrate treatment (i) alleviated the clinical symptoms of E. coli O157:H7-induced hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and the severity of intestinal inflammation; (ii) reduced the E. coli O157:H7 load in feces; (iii) significantly upregulated multiple, but not all, HDPs in vitro and in vivo via histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition; and (iv) enhanced the antibacterial activity and bacterial clearance of 3D4/2 cells. Our findings indicate that butyrate enhances disease resistance, promotes the clearance of E. coli O157:H7, and alleviates the clinical symptoms of HUS and inflammation, partially, by affecting HDP expression via HDAC inhibition.
The impact of structure dimensions on initial bacterial adhesion
Authors: Helbig Ralf , Günther Denise , Friedrichs Jens , Rößler Florian , Lasagni Andrés , Werner Carsten
Published: May 2016

The changes in structure periods in the microscale strongly affect initial bacterial adhesion.
In vivo target bio-imaging of Alzheimer's disease by fluorescent zinc oxide nanoclusters
Authors: Lai Lanmei , Zhao Chunqiu , Su Meina , Li Xiaoqi , Liu Xiaoli , Jiang Hui , Amatore Christian , Wang Xuemei
Published: May 2016

In vivobiosynthesized fluorescent zinc oxide nanoclusters provide a new way for the target bio-imaging of Alzheimer's disease.
Deformation of a concrete matrix subject to a cyclic freeze–thaw process
Authors: Du P. , Yao Y. , Wang L. , Xu D. Y. , Zhou Z. H. , Huang S. F. , Cheng X.
Published: May 2016

With cyclic freeze–thaw process, the strain hysteretic loop of concrete matrix is raised upwards indicating that residual strain occurs, which proves that the damage is continuously accumulated and an irreversible deterioration process is generated.
Identification of modes of interactions between 9-aminoacridine hydrochloride hydrate and serum proteins by low and high resolution spectroscopy and molecular modeling
Authors: Mitra Piyali , Pal Uttam , Chandra Maiti Nakul , Ghosh Anirban , Bhunia Anirban , Basu Samita
Published: May 2016

Photophysical studies on binding interactions of 9-aminoacridine hydrochloride hydrate (9AA-HCl) with serum proteins using low and high resolution spectroscopic techniques in conjunction with molecular modeling.
Structure and performance of anionic–cationic-organo-montmorillonite in different organic solvents
Authors: Sun Jinlong , Zhuang Guanzheng , Wu Sanqin , Zhang Zepeng
Published: May 2016

With an increase of polarity and surfactant loading, the dispersibility of ACOMt in organic solvents increased.
Coupling catalytic hydrolysis and oxidation on metal-modified activated carbon for HCN removal
Authors: Wang Xueqian , Jing Xuli , Wang Fei , Ma Yixing , Cheng Jinhuan , Wang Langlang , Xu Ke , Cheng Chen , Ning Ping
Published: May 2016

HCN removal by coupling catalytic hydrolysis and oxidation on AC-Cu, which showed >96% conversion of HCN at 200–350 °C.
A novel material of HfScMo2VO12 with negative thermal expansion and intense white-light emission
Authors: Cheng Yongguang , Liang Yuan , Ge Xianghong , Liu Xiansheng , Yuan Baohe , Guo Juan , Chao Mingju , Liang Erjun
Published: May 2016

A novel material of HfScMo2VO12 with negative thermal expansion (NTE) and intense white-light emission is presented.
Ordered mesoporous crystalline titania with high thermal stability from comb-like liquid crystal block copolymers
Authors: Cao Shubo , Zhao Yongbin , Qu Ting , Wang Pingping , Guan Song , Xu Yawei , Rao Fan , Li Yayuan , Chen Aihua , Iyoda Tomokazu
Published: May 2016

Ordered mesoporous crystalline titania with high thermal stability was synthesized by using a comb-like liquid crystal block copolymer PEO-b-PMA(Az) as the template.
Enhanced efficacy and a better pharmacokinetic profile of tamoxifen employing polymeric micelles
Authors: Yadav Harsh , Kumar Pramod , Sharma Vikas , Sharma Gajanand , Raza Kaisar , Katare O. P.
Published: May 2016

The present work aims to develop tamoxifen-loaded polymeric micelles and explore their potential in topical delivery of the drug to breast cancer cells.
Influence of TiO2 surface coating on the electrochemical properties of V2O5 micro-particles as a cathode material for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Zhou Xiaowei , He Taoling , Chen Xu , Sun Li , Liu Zhu
Published: May 2016

Based on V2O5 micro-particle, TiO2-coated V2O5 micro-particle was obtained by hydroxylation of tetrabutyl titanate, whose electrochemical cyclic stability as cathode for LIBs is improved due to the protective role of TiO2 coating layer.
Hierarchically macroporous/mesoporous POC composite scaffolds with IBU-loaded hollow SiO2microspheres for repairing infected bone defects
Authors: Chen Fangping , Song Zhiyan , Gao Li , Hong Hua , Liu Changsheng
Published: May 2016

Figure illustration of the hierarchically porous IBU-loaded SiO2/β-TCP/POC scaffold.
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells contribute to systemic lupus erythaematosus by regulating differentiation of Th17 cells and Tregs
Authors: Ji Jianjian , Xu Jingjing , Zhao Shuli , Liu Fei , Qi Jingjing , Song Yuxian , Ren Jing , Wang Tingting , Dou Huan , Hou Yayi
Published: May 2016

Although major advancements have made in investigating the aetiology of SLE (systemic lupus erythaematosus), the role of MDSCs (myeloid-derived suppressor cells) in SLE progression remains confused. Recently, some studies have revealed that MDSCs play an important role in lupus mice. However, the proportion and function of MDSCs in lupus mice and SLE patients are still poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the proportion and function of MDSCs using different stages of MRL/lpr lupus mice and specimens from SLE patients with different activity. Results showed that splenic granulocytic (G-)MDSCs were significantly expanded by increasing the expression of CCR1 (CC chemokine receptor 1) in diseased MRL/lpr lupus mice and in high-disease-activity SLE patients. However, the proportion of monocytic (M-)MDSCs remains similar in MRL/lpr lupus mice and SLE patients. G-MDSCs produce high levels of ROS (reactive oxygen species) through increasing gp91phox expression, and activated TLR2 (Toll-like receptor 2) and AIM2 (absent in melanoma 2) inflammasome in M-MDSCs lead to IL-1β (interleukin 1β) expression in diseased MRL/lpr mice and high-disease-activity SLE patients. Previous study has revealed that MDSCs could alter the plasticity of Th17 (T helper 17) cells and Tregs (regulatory T-cells) via ROS and IL-1β. Co-culture experiments showed that G-MDSCs impaired Treg differentiation via ROS and M-MDSCs promoted Th17 cell polarization by IL-1β in vitro. Furthermore, adoptive transfer or antibody depletion of MDSCs in MRL/lpr mice confirmed that MDSCs influenced the imbalance of Tregs and Th17 cells in vivo. Our results indicate that MDSCs with the capacity to regulate Th17 cell/Treg balance may be a critical pathogenic factor in SLE.
Catch and Exploitation of Shoal Bass in the Flint River, Georgia, USA: Implications for Harvest Restrictions
Authors: Sammons Steven M.
Published: May 2016

Shoal Bass Micropterus cataractae are endemic to the Apalachicola River basin (Alabama, Florida, and Georgia) and support popular fisheries, yet little is known about the population dynamics or angler harvest of this species. To estimate the annual exploitation rate (u), 376 Shoal Bass were tagged at 16 sites over a 208-km stretch of the Flint River, Georgia, during 2008–2011. Mean annual u varied from 0.22 to 0.26, but because of the high movement rates of tagged fish, it was not possible to calculate true u for specific sites along the Flint River. The catch rate of tagged, sedentary Shoal Bass was relatively similar between areas that were accessible by motorboat (0.38) and those accessible only by canoe or kayak (0.32); however, u was 2.5 times higher in the motorboat-accessible areas (0.22) than in motorboat-inaccessible areas (0.09). The effects of three length limits (the current minimum length limit [MLL] of 305 mm TL; an MLL of 381 mm TL; and a protected slot limit of 356–432 mm TL) on the Shoal Bass population were explored by using an age-structured model. Results indicated that growth overfishing did not occur with the current (305-mm) MLL under the observed range of u, but few fish (≤3%) reached 457 mm, indicating that the population's size structure was likely limited by harvest. The 381-mm MLL was predicted to cause little decline in yield while (1) decreasing the number of harvested Shoal Bass by 41–42% and (2) increasing the number reaching 457 mm by 37–66%. Performance of the slot limit was similar to that of the 381-mm MLL in terms of yield and the number of fish reaching 457 mm, but the slot limit was predicted to increase the number of harvested fish by 15–17% relative to the 305-mm MLL and by almost two-fold relative to the 381-mm MLL. The Flint River Shoal Bass fishery is unlikely to achieve a trophy component under the 305-mm MLL at the observed levels of u. Based on the results of this study, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources adopted a 381-mm MLL for this reach of the Flint River on September 17, 2014.

Received May 27, 2015; accepted January 19, 2016 Published online May 26, 2016
Two-Stage Boosted Regression Tree Model to Characterize Southern Flounder Distribution in Texas Estuaries at Varying Population Sizes
Authors: Froeschke John T. , Froeschke Bridgette F.
Published: May 2016

Linking trends in fish population abundance to environmental characteristics is often difficult because fish use a variety of habitats throughout their ontogeny and may exhibit large interannual fluctuations in abundance. We developed a two-stage boosted regression tree model to investigate spatiotemporal patterns of Southern Flounder Paralichthys lethostigma abundance and distribution in Texas estuaries. We used a 36-year fishery-independent data set (1977–2012) to correlate distribution with environmental conditions and seasonal or long-term changes in abundance. Adult Southern Flounder were sampled with gill nets using a random-stratified design. Predictions of abundance were made to grids of environmental data to identify “hot spots” as well as seasonal or decadal shifts in distribution. Models were fit using cross validation, and variance was estimated using nonparametric bootstrapping. Depth, temperature, distance to a tidal inlet, and salinity were the primary environmental determinants of Southern Flounder distribution and abundance. Because distribution and response to environmental conditions can depend on population abundance, we also developed a standardized index of annual abundance using the same two-stage boosted regression tree model. The index identifies a long-term decline in abundance punctuated by recent recovery (possibly in response to management actions). Mapped results identify a coastwide decline in abundance between 1980–1984 and 2005–2009 but the magnitude varied substantially, suggesting disproportionate changes in abundance across the study area.

Received April 10, 2015; accepted July 28, 2015
Cosmological N-body simulations with suppressed variance
Authors: Angulo Raul E. , Pontzen Andrew
Published: May 2016

We present and test a method that dramatically reduces variance arising from the sparse sampling of wavemodes in cosmological simulations. The method uses two simulations which are fixed (the initial Fourier mode amplitudes are fixed to the ensemble average power spectrum) and paired (with initial modes exactly out of phase). We measure the power spectrum, monopole and quadrupole redshift-space correlation functions, halo mass function and reduced bispectrum at z = 1. By these measures, predictions from a fixed pair can be as precise on non-linear scales as an average over 50 traditional simulations. The fixing procedure introduces a non-Gaussian correction to the initial conditions; we give an analytic argument showing why the simulations are still able to predict the mean properties of the Gaussian ensemble. We anticipate that the method will drive down the computational time requirements for accurate large-scale explorations of galaxy bias and clustering statistics, and facilitating the use of numerical simulations in cosmological data interpretation.
The Physiological Basis and Clinical Use of the Binaural Interaction Component of the Auditory Brainstem Response
Authors: Laumen Geneviève , Ferber Alexander T. , Klump Georg M. , Tollin Daniel J.
Published: May 2016

The auditory brainstem response (ABR) is a sound-evoked noninvasively measured electrical potential representing the sum of neuronal activity in the auditory brainstem and midbrain. ABR peak amplitudes and latencies are widely used in human and animal auditory research and for clinical screening. The binaural interaction component (BIC) of the ABR stands for the difference between the sum of the monaural ABRs and the ABR obtained with binaural stimulation. The BIC comprises a series of distinct waves, the largest of which (DN1) has been used for evaluating binaural hearing in both normal hearing and hearing-impaired listeners. Based on data from animal and human studies, the authors discuss the possible anatomical and physiological bases of the BIC (DN1 in particular). The effects of electrode placement and stimulus characteristics on the binaurally evoked ABR are evaluated. The authors review how interaural time and intensity differences affect the BIC and, analyzing these dependencies, draw conclusion about the mechanism underlying the generation of the BIC. Finally, the utility of the BIC for clinical diagnoses are summarized.
The Influence of Patient and Provider Communication on Diabetes Care Delivery
Authors: Young Staci A. , Azam Laila S. , Meurer John R. , Hill Renee S. , Cui Chen
Published: May 2016

Purpose:

To elicit the perspective of patients with type 2 diabetes, specific to communication with providers and health care teams.

Methods:

We conducted 21 focus groups with 115 adults in Midwestern primary care, endocrinology, and bariatric surgery clinics. Facilitators analyzed the transcripts using an iterative coding method.

Results:

The themes of encouragement and motivation, relationship building, compassion, and communication preferences highlighted effective strategies consistent with the core components of patient-centered care.

Conclusions:

Patients and providers benefit from systems in which patients are efficiently and compassionately supported in self-management within their abilities and in partnership with their support networks.
The Influence of Different OK Lens Designs on Peripheral Refraction
Authors: Kang Pauline , Swarbrick Helen
Published: May 2016

Purpose

To compare peripheral refraction changes along the horizontal and vertical meridians induced by three different orthokeratology (OK) lens designs: BE, Paragon CRT, and Contex lenses.

Methods

Nineteen subjects (6M, 13F, mean age 28 ± 7 years) were initially fitted with BE OK lenses in both eyes which were worn overnight for 14 days. Central and peripheral refraction and corneal topography were measured at baseline and after 14 nights of lens wear. After a minimum 2-week washout period, one randomly selected eye was re-fitted with a Paragon CRT lens and the other eye with a Contex OK lens. Measurements were repeated before and after 14 nights of lens wear.

Results

The three different OK lenses caused significant changes in peripheral refraction along both the horizontal and vertical visual fields (VFs). BE and Paragon CRT lenses induced a significant hyperopic shift within the central ±20° along the horizontal VF and at all positions along the vertical meridian except at 30° in the superior VF. There were no significant differences in peripheral refraction changes induced between BE and Paragon CRT lenses. When comparing BE and Contex OK lens designs, BE caused greater hyperopic shifts at 10° and 30° in the temporal VF and at center, 10°, and 20° in the superior VF along the vertical meridian. Furthermore, BE lenses caused greater reduction in Flat and Steep K values compared to Contex OK.

Conclusions

OK lenses induced significant changes in peripheral refraction along the horizontal and vertical meridians. Despite the clinically significant difference in central corneal flattening induced by BE and Contex OK lenses, relative peripheral refraction changes differed minimally between the three OK lens designs. If the peripheral retina influences refractive error development, these results suggest that myopia control effects are likely to be similar between different OK lens designs.
Heavy Alcohol Use Is Associated With Worse Retention in HIV Care
Authors: Monroe Anne K. , Lau Bryan , Mugavero Michael J. , Mathews William C. , Mayer Kenneth H. , Napravnik Sonia , Hutton Heidi E. , Kim Hongseok S. , Jabour Sarah , Moore Richard D. , McCaul Mary E. , Christopoulos Katerina A. , Crane Heidi C. , Chander Geetanjali
Published: May 2016

Background:

Poor retention in HIV care is associated with worse clinical outcomes and increased HIV transmission. We examined the relationship between self-reported alcohol use, a potentially modifiable behavior, and retention.

Methods:

A total of 9694 people living with HIV from 7 participating US HIV clinical sites (the Centers for AIDS Research Network of Integrated Clinical Systems) contributed 23,225 observations from January 2011 to June 2014. The retention outcomes were (1) Institute of Medicine (IOM) retention: 2 visits within 1 year at least 90 days apart and (2) visit adherence [proportion of kept visits/(scheduled + kept visits)]. Alcohol use was measured with Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-C, generating drinking (never, moderate, and heavy) and binge frequency (never, monthly/less than monthly, weekly/daily) categories. Adjusted multivariable logistic models, accounting for repeat measures, were generated.

Results:

Of our sample, 82% was men, 46% white, 35% black, and 14% Hispanic. At first assessment, 37% of participants reported never drinking, 38% moderate, and 25% heavy, and 89% of the patients were retained (IOM retention measure). Participants' mean (SD) visit adherence was 84% (25%). Heavy alcohol use was associated with inferior IOM-defined retention (adjusted odds ratio 0.78, 95% confidence interval: 0.69 to 0.88), and daily/weekly binge drinking was associated with lower visit adherence (adjusted odds ratio = 0.90, 95% confidence interval: 0.82 to 0.98).

Conclusions:

Both heavy drinking and frequent binge drinking were associated with worse retention in HIV care. Increased identification and treatment of heavy and binge drinking in HIV clinical care settings may improve retention in HIV care, with downstream effects of improved clinical outcomes and decreased HIV transmission.
TheZ′ = 12 superstructure of Λ-cobalt(III) sepulchrate trinitrate governed by C—H...O hydrogen bonds
Authors: Dey Somnath , Schönleber Andreas , Mondal Swastik , Prathapa Siriyara Jagannatha , van Smaalen Sander , Larsen Finn Krebs
Published: May 2016

Λ-Cobalt(III) sepulchrate trinitrate crystallizes inP6322 withZ= 2 (Z′ = 1/6) at room temperature. Slabs perpendicular to the hexagonal axis comprise molecules Co(sepulchrate) alternating with nitrate groupsAandB. Coordinated by six sepulchrate molecules, highly disordered nitrate groupsCare accommodated between the slabs. Here we report the fully ordered, low-temperature crystal structure of Co(sep)(NO3)3. It is found to be a high-Z′ structure withZ′ = 12 of the 12-fold 6a_{h}\times\sqrt{3}b_{h}\times c_{h} superstructure with monoclinic symmetryP21(cunique). Correlations between structural parameters are effectively removed by refinements within the superspace approach. Superstructure formation is governed by a densification of the packing in conjunction with ordering of nitrate groupC, the latter assuming different orientations for each of theZ′ = 12 independent copies in the superstructure. The Co(sep) moiety exhibits small structural variations over its 12 independent copies, while orientations of nitrate groupsAandBvary less than the orientations of the nitrate groupCdo. Molecular packing in the superstructure is found to be determined by short C—H...H—C contacts, with H...H distances of 2.2–2.3 Å, and by short C—H...O contacts, with H...O distances down to 2.2 Å. These contacts presumably represent weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds, but in any case they prevent further densification of the structure and strengthening of weak N—H...O hydrogen bonds with observed H...O distances of 2.4–2.6 Å.
Operations and maintenance issues in the offshore wind energy sector
Authors: Baagøe-Engels Victoria , Stentoft Jan
Published: May 2016

Purpose

There is increasing research interest in the expansion of the offshore wind energy sector. Recent research shows that operations and maintenance (O&M) account for around 20-35 per cent of the total energy costs in this sector. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of O&M issues in the offshore wind energy sector to propose initiatives that can help reduce the cost of energy used by offshore wind farms.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on an in-depth literature review and a Delphi study of a panel of 16 experts on O&M.

Findings

Consisting primarily of conceptual papers and/or modelling papers, the extant literature identifies several challenges for O&M in the offshore wind energy sector. These challenges can be grouped into four categories: issues related with industry immatureness; distance/water depth; weather window; and policy issues. The Delphi study identified three other major issues that lead to increased O&M costs: too many predefined rules that limit development; lack of coordinated planning of the different services offered at the wind farms; and lack of a common approach on how O&M should be managed strategically.

Research limitations/implications

The present study is based only on Danish respondents. Future research needs to include various respondents from different countries to identify country-specific contingencies.

Practical implications

The paper provides an overview of the O&M issues in the offshore wind energy sector to prioritize where future resources should be invested and, thus, reduce O&M costs.

Originality/value

This is the first paper on O&M issues that bridges both literature studies and industry expert opinions.
Corporate social entrepreneurship in India
Authors: Agrawal Anirudh , Sahasranamam Sreevas
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyze how corporations create social and economic value through corporate social entrepreneurial activities.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper employs a multiple case study approach. The selected cases cover companies that have a clear corporate social enterprise model in operation and address different prevailing social problems.

Findings

– This study reveals that corporate social entrepreneurship (CSE) is driven by the environmental dynamics, organizational antecedents, and organizational outcomes. In addition, the authors found that CSE provides companies with both implicit and explicit strategic benefits. Based on the findings the authors propose an integrated model of CSE.

Research limitations/implications

– As all cases originate from India the authors cannot rule out the possibility that the conclusions are only valid for a certain institutional and socio-economical context.

Practical implications

– The developed model is useful for companies operating in complex environments in developing markets as it provides recommendations on how to strengthen social and public legitimacy and earn returns on their business investments. Moreover, the developed model helps companies operating in antagonistic environments with prevailing social problems to position themselves favorably.

Social implications

– The study attempts to legitimize the practice of CSE by highlighting the positive financial, social, and political outcomes.

Originality/value

– This study presents an integrated model of CSE in the Indian context and outlines how corporations can draw implicit and explicit benefits.
Comparative genomic, proteomic and exoproteomic analyses of three Pseudomonas strains reveals novel insights into the phosphorus scavenging capabilities of soil bacteria
Authors: Lidbury Ian D. E. A. , Murphy Andrew R. J. , Scanlan David J. , Bending Gary D. , Jones Alexandra M. E. , Moore Jonathan D. , Goodall Andrew , Hammond John P. , Wellington Elizabeth M. H.
Published: May 2016

Bacteria that inhabit the rhizosphere of agricultural crops can have a beneficial effect on crop growth. One such mechanism is the microbial‐driven solubilization and remineralization of complex forms of phosphorus (P). It is known that bacteria secrete various phosphatases in response to low P conditions. However, our understanding of their global proteomic response to P stress is limited. Here, exoproteomic analysis of Pseudomonas putida BIRD‐1 (BIRD‐1), Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25 and Pseudomonas stutzeri DSM4166 was performed in unison with whole‐cell proteomic analysis of BIRD‐1 grown under phosphate (Pi) replete and Pi deplete conditions. Comparative exoproteomics revealed marked heterogeneity in the exoproteomes of each Pseudomonas strain in response to Pi depletion. In addition to well‐characterized members of the PHO regulon such as alkaline phosphatases, several proteins, previously not associated with the response to Pi depletion, were also identified. These included putative nucleases, phosphotriesterases, putative phosphonate transporters and outer membrane proteins. Moreover, in BIRD‐1, mutagenesis of the master regulator, phoBR, led us to confirm the addition of several novel PHO‐dependent proteins. Our data expands knowledge of the Pseudomonas PHO regulon, including species that are frequently used as bioinoculants, opening up the potential for more efficient and complete use of soil complexed P.
Biogenic Amines in Dairy Products: Origin, Incidence, and Control Means
Authors: Benkerroum Noreddine
Published: May 2016

Biogenic amines (BAs) are toxic compounds produced by a number of microorganisms (bacteria, yeasts, and molds) as a result of the metabolism of some amino acid, usually decarboxylation reactions. BA‐producing microorganisms are not necessarily pathogenic, such as lactic acid bacteria, which are, on the contrary, among the most beneficial microbiota to human beings and some of which even have probiotic properties. However, the incidence of BAs in dairy products and their possible implication in serious dairy‐borne intoxications has long been overlooked. Consequently, the implementation of control measures to limit such an incidence has not been considered among the priorities of the food safety authorities. Nonetheless, there is a growing concern with regard to the presence of BAs in dairy products, because their toxicological status as toxins that may have serious acute and/or chronic adverse health effects is becoming increasingly evident and well‐documented. The main BAs associated with dairy products are reviewed herein from the perspective of their incidence in these food products, and to draw the attention of readers to the shortage in data to perform pertinent risk assessment, which is considered to be a key action to provide efficient control means and to help decision makers issue appropriate legislative and regulatory measures.
Spectroscopic determination of ecologically relevant plant secondary metabolites
Authors: Couture John J. , Singh Aditya , Rubert‐Nason Kennedy F. , Serbin Shawn P. , Lindroth Richard L. , Townsend Philip A.
Published: May 2016

Spectroscopy has recently emerged as an effective method to accurately characterize leaf biochemistry in living tissue through the application of chemometric approaches to foliar optical data, but this approach has not been widely used for plant secondary metabolites. Here, we examine the ability of reflectance spectroscopy to quantify specific phenolic compounds in trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides) and paper birch (Betula papyrifera) that play influential roles in ecosystem functioning related to trophic‐level interactions and nutrient cycling.

Spectral measurements on live aspen and birch leaves were collected, after which concentrations of condensed tannins (aspen and birch) and salicinoids (aspen only) were determined using standard analytical approaches in the laboratory. Predictive models were then constructed using jackknifed, partial least squares regression (PLSR). Model performance was evaluated using coefficient of determination (R2), root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) and the per cent RMSE of the data range (%RMSE).

Condensed tannins of aspen and birch were well predicted from both combined (R2 = 0·86, RMSE = 2·4, %RMSE = 7%)‐ and individual‐species models (aspen: R2 = 0·86, RMSE = 2·4, %RMSE = 6%; birch: R2 = 0·81, RMSE = 1·9, %RMSE = 10%). Aspen total salicinoids were better predicted than individual salicinoids (total: R2 = 0·76, RMSE = 2·4, %RMSE = 8%; salicortin: R2 = 0·57, RMSE = 1·9, %RMSE = 11%; tremulacin: R2 = 0·72, RMSE = 1·1, %RMSE = 11%), and spectra collected from dry leaves produced better models for both aspen tannins (R2 = 0·92, RMSE = 1·7, %RMSE = 5%) and salicinoids (R2 = 0·84, RMSE = 1·4, %RMSE = 5%) compared with spectra from fresh leaves. The decline in prediction performance from total to individual salicinoids and from dry to fresh measurements was marginal, however, given the increase in detailed salicinoid information acquired and the time saved by avoiding drying and grinding leaf samples.

Reflectance spectroscopy can successfully characterize specific secondary metabolites in living plant tissue and provide detailed information on individual compounds within a constituent group. The ability to simultaneously measure multiple plant traits is a powerful attribute of reflectance spectroscopy because of its potential for in situ–in vivo field deployment using portable spectrometers. The suite of traits currently estimable, however, needs to expand to include specific secondary metabolites that play influential roles in ecosystem functioning if we are to advance the integration of chemical, landscape and ecosystem ecology.
Analysis of the association of HOTAIR single nucleotide polymorphism (rs920778) and risk of cervical cancer
Authors: Qiu Haifeng , Liu Qiuli , Li Juan , Wang Xiujuan , Wang Yuan , Yuan Zhongfu , Li Jing , Pei Dong‐Sheng
Published: May 2016

We recently demonstrated that overexpression of HOTAIR (Hox transcript antisense intergenic RNA) was associated with tumor progression and radio‐resistance in human cervical cancer. Considering the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs920778 (C>T) could influence HOTAIR expression and cancer predisposition in other malignancies, we herein investigated the association between rs920778 status and cervical cancer susceptibility in a Chinese population. Using the specific TaqMan PCR assay, we genotyped rs920778 in 215 cervical cancer patients and 430 age‐matched healthy controls. As shown in our data, TT genotype of rs920778 was significantly correlated with the upregulation of HOTAIR (p = 0.008). Compared with the healthy control, TT genotype and T allele notably indicated a much higher risk of cervical cancer [TT genotype: odds ratio (OR) = 2.186, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.378–3.466, p = 0.003; T allele: OR = 1.556, 95% CI = 1.221–1.981]. In addition, we also found that the TT genotype of rs920778 was correlated with advanced tumor stage (p = 0.039), highly histological grade (p = 0.013), lympho node metastasis (p < 0.001) and positive infection of high risk HPV (p < 0.001). Among the patients who underwent concurrent chemo‐radiotherapy, TT genotype carriers present notably resistance to the combination of EBRT + ICBT + cisplatin (p = 0.023). In conclusion, we firstly reported that TT genotype of HOTAIR rs920778 was significantly associated with the cervical cancer susceptibility. Moreover, the TT genotype of rs920778 might be a potent prognostic marker in cervical cancer patients.
Worried, concerned and untroubled: antecedents and consequences of youth worry
Authors: O'Neal Catherine Walker , Mallette Jacquelyn K. , Lanier Audrey Rebeccca , Mancini Jay A. , Huebner Angela J.
Published: May 2016

Using a pattern‐based approach, worry was explored in relation to military youths' developmental and contextual characteristics, and pivotal outcomes (depressive symptoms, self‐efficacy, well‐being, coping styles, academic performance and deployment adjustment). Data were collected from parents and adolescents, age 11 to 18, living in the USA (n = 273 families). Variations in individual characteristics (age and gender), military family factors (rank, recent deployment, parents' resilient coping abilities) and family relational characteristics (parents' marital status, warm parenting, marital quality) were related to heterogeneous worry typologies. Depressive symptoms, self‐efficacy and well‐being, varied across the worry typologies. Implications are drawn from these findings for identifying potential interventions that can be accessed to modify these worry patterns and limit their harmful effects.
SmartCanvas: Context‐inferred Interpretation of Sketches for Preparatory Design Studies
Authors: Zheng Youyi , Liu Han , Dorsey Julie , Mitra Niloy J.
Published: May 2016

In early or preparatory design stages, an architect or designer sketches out rough ideas, not only about the object or structure being considered, but its relation to its spatial context. This is an iterative process, where the sketches are not only the primary means for testing and refining ideas, but also for communicating among a design team and to clients. Hence, sketching is the preferred media for artists and designers during the early stages of design, albeit with a major drawback: sketches are 2D and effects such as view perturbations or object movement are not supported, thereby inhibiting the design process. We present an interactive system that allows for the creation of a 3D abstraction of a designed space, built primarily by sketching in 2D within the context of an anchoring design or photograph. The system is progressive in the sense that the interpretations are refined as the user continues sketching. As a key technical enabler, we reformulate the sketch interpretation process as a selection optimization from a set of context‐generated canvas planes in order to retrieve a regular arrangement of planes. We demonstrate our system (available at http:/geometry.cs.ucl.ac.uk/projects/2016/smartcanvas/) with a wide range of sketches and design studies.
Geometric Flows of Curves in Shape Space for Processing Motion of Deformable Objects
Authors: Brandt Christopher , von Tycowicz Christoph , Hildebrandt Klaus
Published: May 2016

We introduce techniques for the processing of motion and animations of non‐rigid shapes. The idea is to regard animations of deformable objects as curves in shape space. Then, we use the geometric structure on shape space to transfer concepts from curve processing in ℝn to the processing of motion of non‐rigid shapes. Following this principle, we introduce a discrete geometric flow for curves in shape space. The flow iteratively replaces every shape with a weighted average shape of a local neighborhood and thereby globally decreases an energy whose minimizers are discrete geodesics in shape space. Based on the flow, we devise a novel smoothing filter for motions and animations of deformable shapes. By shortening the length in shape space of an animation, it systematically regularizes the deformations between consecutive frames of the animation. The scheme can be used for smoothing and noise removal, e.g., for reducing jittering artifacts in motion capture data. We introduce a reduced‐order method for the computation of the flow. In addition to being efficient for the smoothing of curves, it is a novel scheme for computing geodesics in shape space. We use the scheme to construct non‐linear “Bézier curves” by executing de Casteljau's algorithm in shape space.
Directional Field Synthesis, Design, and Processing
Authors: Vaxman Amir , Campen Marcel , Diamanti Olga , Panozzo Daniele , Bommes David , Hildebrandt Klaus , Ben‐Chen Mirela
Published: May 2016

Direction fields and vector fields play an increasingly important role in computer graphics and geometry processing. The synthesis of directional fields on surfaces, or other spatial domains, is a fundamental step in numerous applications, such as mesh generation, deformation, texture mapping, and many more. The wide range of applications resulted in definitions for many types of directional fields: from vector and tensor fields, over line and cross fields, to frame and vector‐set fields. Depending on the application at hand, researchers have used various notions of objectives and constraints to synthesize such fields. These notions are defined in terms of fairness, feature alignment, symmetry, or field topology, to mention just a few. To facilitate these objectives, various representations, discretizations, and optimization strategies have been developed. These choices come with varying strengths and weaknesses. This report provides a systematic overview of directional field synthesis for graphics applications, the challenges it poses, and the methods developed in recent years to address these challenges.
The costs of avoiding environmental impacts from shale‐gas surface infrastructure
Authors: Milt Austin W. , Gagnolet Tamara D. , Armsworth Paul R.
Published: May 2016

Growing energy demand has increased the need to manage conflicts between energy production and the environment. As an example, shale‐gas extraction requires substantial surface infrastructure, which fragments habitats, erodes soils, degrades freshwater systems, and displaces rare species. Strategic planning of shale‐gas infrastructure can reduce trade‐offs between economic and environmental objectives, but the specific nature of these trade‐offs is not known. We estimated the cost of avoiding impacts from land‐use change on forests, wetlands, rare species, and streams from shale‐energy development within leaseholds. We created software for optimally siting shale‐gas surface infrastructure to minimize its environmental impacts at reasonable construction cost. We visually assessed sites before infrastructure optimization to test whether such inspection could be used to predict whether impacts could be avoided at the site. On average, up to 38% of aggregate environmental impacts of infrastructure could be avoided for 20% greater development costs by spatially optimizing infrastructure. However, we found trade‐offs between environmental impacts and costs among sites. In visual inspections, we often distinguished between sites that could be developed to avoid impacts at relatively low cost (29%) and those that could not (20%). Reductions in a metric of aggregate environmental impact could be largely attributed to potential displacement of rare species, sedimentation, and forest fragmentation. Planners and regulators can estimate and use heterogeneous trade‐offs among development sites to create industry‐wide improvements in environmental performance and do so at reasonable costs by, for example, leveraging low‐cost avoidance of impacts at some sites to offset others. This could require substantial effort, but the results and software we provide can facilitate the process.
Impact of multi‐modal web‐based rehabilitation on occupational performance and upper limb outcomes: pilot randomized trial in children with acquired brain injuries
Authors: Sakzewski Leanne , Lewis Melinda J , McKinlay Lynne , Ziviani Jenny , Boyd Roslyn N
Published: May 2016

Aims

To determine whether the multi‐modal web‐based rehabilitation ‘Move it to improve it’ (Mitii) is more effective than wait list control (usual care) to improve occupational performance, upper limb function, and visual perception in children with acquired brain injury (ABI).

Method

Fifty‐eight randomly allocated children (53% males; mean age 11y 11mo, SD 2y 6mo; Manual Abilities Classification Scale equivalent I=32, II=24, III=2; mean Full‐scale IQ 75.8, SD 16.2) received either 20 weeks of Mitii (n=29) or usual care (n=29). Mitii comprised upper limb, cognitive, visual perception, and gross motor tasks, recommended for 30 minutes per day, 6 days per week, over 20 weeks. Outcomes were the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS), Melbourne Assessment of Unilateral Upper Limb Function, Jebsen–Taylor Test of Hand Function, Test of Visual Perceptual Skills, Assisting Hand Assessment (AHA), and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure. The primary comparison at 20 weeks between groups on the AMPS process and motor measures used generalized estimating equations.

Results

Groups were equivalent at baseline. Participants completed on average 17.6 hours (range 0–46h) of Mitii. There were no differences between groups on the primary outcome (AMPS process: estimated mean difference −0.1, 95% CI −0.3 to 0.2, p=0.589; and AMPS motor: estimated mean difference 0.2, 95% CI −0.1 to 0.5, p=0.192). There were no differences between groups on overall visual perception, upper limb, and occupational performance outcomes.

Interpretation

Mitii led to negligible changes on all primary and secondary outcomes compared with usual care. This likely reflects the small dose achieved and poses questions around the acceptability and feasibility of home‐delivered Mitii in this population of children with ABI.