bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hyperammonaemia‐induced skeletal muscle mitochondrial dysfunction results in cataplerosis and oxidative stress
Authors: Davuluri Gangarao , Allawy Allawy , Thapaliya Samjhana , Rennison Julie H. , Singh Dharmvir , Kumar Avinash , Sandlers Yana , Van Wagoner David R. , Flask Chris A. , Hoppel Charles , Kasumov Takhar , Dasarathy Srinivasan
Published: August 2016

Key points

Hyperammonaemia occurs in hepatic, cardiac and pulmonary diseases with increased muscle concentration of ammonia.

We found that ammonia results in reduced skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiration, electron transport chain complex I dysfunction, as well as lower NAD+/NADH ratio and ATP content.

During hyperammonaemia, leak of electrons from complex III results in oxidative modification of proteins and lipids.

Tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates are decreased during hyperammonaemia, and providing a cell‐permeable ester of αKG reversed the lower TCA cycle intermediate concentrations and increased ATP content.

Our observations have high clinical relevance given the potential for novel approaches to reverse skeletal muscle ammonia toxicity by targeting the TCA cycle intermediates and mitochondrial ROS.

Ammonia is a cytotoxic metabolite that is removed primarily by hepatic ureagenesis in humans. Hyperammonaemia occurs in advanced hepatic, cardiac and pulmonary disease, and in urea cycle enzyme deficiencies. Increased skeletal muscle ammonia uptake and metabolism are the major mechanism of non‐hepatic ammonia disposal. Non‐hepatic ammonia disposal occurs in the mitochondria via glutamate synthesis from α‐ketoglutarate resulting in cataplerosis. We show skeletal muscle mitochondrial dysfunction during hyperammonaemia in a comprehensive array of human, rodent and cellular models. ATP synthesis, oxygen consumption, generation of reactive oxygen species with oxidative stress, and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates were quantified. ATP content was lower in the skeletal muscle from cirrhotic patients, hyperammonaemic portacaval anastomosis rat, and C2C12 myotubes compared to appropriate controls. Hyperammonaemia in C2C12 myotubes resulted in impaired intact cell respiration, reduced complex I/NADH oxidase activity and electron leak occurring at complex III of the electron transport chain. Consistently, lower NAD+/NADH ratio was observed during hyperammonaemia with reduced TCA cycle intermediates compared to controls. Generation of reactive oxygen species resulted in increased content of skeletal muscle carbonylated proteins and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances during hyperammonaemia. A cell‐permeable ester of α‐ketoglutarate reversed the low TCA cycle intermediates and ATP content in myotubes during hyperammonaemia. However, the mitochondrial antioxidant MitoTEMPO did not reverse the lower ATP content during hyperammonaemia. We provide for the first time evidence that skeletal muscle hyperammonaemia results in mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Use of anaplerotic substrates to reverse ammonia‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction is a novel therapeutic approach.
Comparison of Leakage Characteristics of Viton and Polytetrafluoroethylene Seals in Gas-Lift Valve Applications
Authors: Dev Bodhayan , Samudrala Omprakash , Wang Jifeng
Published: August 2016

The present research article focuses on comparing the leakage characteristics of Viton and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) seals used in enhanced oil-recovery system. The objective of the study is also to validate if each sealing material met the stringent gas leakage requirements of less than 2 SCCM as required by several enhanced oil recovery systems. The present effort mainly deals with the gas-lift valve barrier check valve applications. The article describes the development of a high-pressure (HP) test rig for measuring the performance of seals in barrier check valves. The rig is capable of measuring valve leakage at pressures up to 10,000 psi with either gases or liquids. A boost pump is employed for achieving pressures greater than 2000 psi (typical nitrogen bottle pressure). Rig validation tests were conducted on a check valve that is part of an injection-pressure-operated (IPO) gas lift valve. A test chamber was fabricated to contain the check valve and was mounted inside the enclosure to evaluate the performance of each sealing material and validate the rig capabilities using water and nitrogen as the working fluid. Finite-element analysis (FEA) on each sealing composition under 100 and 10,000 psi were performed to determine contact pressures and identify appropriate contact pairs at each pressure differentials. It is observed that a brand new PTFE seal never seals efficiently unless it is subjected to a pressure sweep. Viton seals appeared to be insensitive to the pressure sweep as it effectively sealed for the entire pressure range.
Thermal Modeling of an Intermediate Pressure Steam Turbine by Means of Conjugate Heat Transfer—Simulation and Validation
Authors: Born Dominik , Stein Peter , Marinescu Gabriel , Koch Stefan , Schumacher Daniel
Published: August 2016

Today's power market asks for highly efficient turbines which can operate at a maximum flexibility, achieving a high lifetime and all of this on competitive product costs. In order to increase the plant cycle efficiency, during the past years, nominal steam temperatures and pressures have been continuously increased. To fulfill the lifetime requirements and still achieve the product cost requirements, accurate mechanical integrity based assessments on cyclic lifetime became more and more important. For this reason, precise boundary conditions in terms of local temperatures as well as heat transfer coefficients are essential. In order to gain such information and understand the flow physics behind them, more and more complex thermal modeling approaches are necessary, like computational fluid dynamics (CFD) or even conjugate heat transfer (CHT). A proper application of calculation rules and methods is crucial regarding the determination of thermal stresses, thermal expansion, lifetime, or creep. The aim is to exploit during turbine developments the limits of the designs with the selected materials. A huge effort especially in validation and understanding of those methodologies was done with detailed numerical investigations associated to extensive measurement studies at onsite turbines in operation. This paper focuses on the validation of numerical models based on CHT calculations against experimental data of a large intermediate pressure steam turbine module regarding the temperature distribution at the inner and outer casing for nominal load as well as transient shut-down.
Unusual stoichiometry control in the atomic layer deposition of manganese borate films from manganese bis(tris(pyrazolyl)borate) and ozone
Authors: Klesko Joseph P. , Bellow James A. , Saly Mark J. , Winter Charles H. , Julin Jaakko , Sajavaara Timo
Published: August 2016

The atomic layer deposition (ALD) of films with the approximate compositions Mn3(BO3)2 and CoB2O4 is described using MnTp2 or CoTp2 [Tp = tris(pyrazolyl)borate] with ozone. The solid state decomposition temperatures of MnTp2 and CoTp2 are ∼370 and ∼340 °C, respectively. Preparative-scale sublimations of MnTp2 and CoTp2 at 210 °C/0.05 Torr afforded >99% recoveries with <0.1% nonvolatile residues. Self-limited ALD growth was demonstrated at 325 °C for MnTp2 or CoTp2 with ozone as the coreactant. The growth rate for the manganese borate process was 0.19 Å/cycle within the ALD window of 300–350 °C. The growth rate for the cobalt borate process was 0.39–0.42 Å/cycle at 325 °C. X-ray diffraction of the as-deposited films indicated that they were amorphous. Atomic force microscopy of 35–36 nm thick manganese borate films grown within the 300–350 °C ALD window showed root mean square surface roughnesses of 0.4–0.6 nm. Film stoichiometries were assessed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and time of flight-elastic recoil detection analysis. The differing film stoichiometries obtained from the very similar precursors MnTp2 and CoTp2 are proposed to arise from the oxidizing ability of the intermediate high valent manganese oxide layers and lack thereof for cobalt.
Direct transfer of corrugated graphene sheets as stretchable electrodes
Authors: Ding Junjun , Fisher Frank T. , Yang Eui-Hyeok
Published: August 2016

The authors present the fabrication and characterization of corrugated graphene sheets on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates for flexible and stretchable electrodes. The graphene sheets were grown on imprinted Cu foil via atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition. The grown graphene sheets with both corrugated and flat surfaces were then transferred from the Cu foil to PDMS substrates using a novel, direct transfer method, where PDMS was directly casted and cured on the graphene sheets followed by removal of Cu via wet etching. This process largely eliminated the formation of cracks in the graphene caused by traditional transfer processes. The corrugated graphene sheets were characterized using Raman spectroscopy and conductivity measurements under the application of lateral strain parallel and perpendicular to the graphene corrugation on the PDMS substrates, demonstrating a smaller shift of the two dimensional Raman peak for the corrugated graphene electrodes as compared to the flat graphene. It was shown that the maximum achievable strain prior to a change in electrode resistance increased from 8% for the flat graphene sheet to 15% for the corrugated graphene electrode. Preliminary results also showed that the corrugated graphene sheet maintained its material integrity and electrical conductivity under multiple cycles of high strains.
Green's function calculation from equipartition theorem
Authors: Perton Mathieu , Sánchez-Sesma Francisco José
Published: August 2016

A method is presented to calculate the elastodynamic Green's functions by using the equipartition principle. The imaginary parts are calculated as the average cross correlations of the displacement fields generated by the incidence of body and surface waves with amplitudes weighted by partition factors. The real part is retrieved using the Hilbert transform. The calculation of the partition factors is discussed for several geometrical configurations in two dimensional space: the full-space, a basin in a half-space and for layered media. For the last case, it results in a fast computation of the full Green's functions. Additionally, if the contribution of only selected states is desired, as for instance the surface wave part, the computation is even faster. Its use for full waveform inversion may then be advantageous.
The impact of high-end climate change on agricultural welfare
Authors: Stevanović Miodrag , Popp Alexander , Lotze-Campen Hermann , Dietrich Jan Philipp , Müller Christoph , Bonsch Markus , Schmitz Christoph , Bodirsky Benjamin Leon , Humpenöder Florian , Weindl Isabelle
Published: August 2016

Welfare losses from climate change in agriculture will mainly affect consumers, particularly in the low-latitude regions.
A method to convert mRNA into a gRNA library for CRISPR/Cas9 editing of any organism
Authors: Arakawa Hiroshi
Published: August 2016

A researcher developed a method to convert mRNA of any species into a CRISPR guide RNA library using a semi-random primer.
Structure of the STRA6 receptor for retinol uptake
Authors: Chen Yunting , Clarke Oliver B. , Kim Jonathan , Stowe Sean , Kim Youn-Kyung , Assur Zahra , Cavalier Michael , Godoy-Ruiz Raquel , von Alpen Desiree C. , Manzini Chiara , Blaner William S. , Frank Joachim , Quadro Loredana , Weber David J. , Shapiro Lawrence , Hendrickson Wayne A. , Mancia Filippo
Published: August 2016

A window into the cell for vitamin A

Vitamin A is an essential nutrient for mammals, and its metabolites affect diverse biological processes. It is carried in the bloodstream as retinol by retinol binding protein (RBP); a protein called STRA6 is implicated in facilitating retinol translocation across the cell membrane. Chen
et al.
determined the structure of zebrafish STRA6 to a resolution of 3.9 Å by electron microscopy. A lipophilic cleft is a likely binding site for RBP, and an opening in the cleft may allow retinol to diffuse into the membrane. Unexpectedly, the structure also includes bound calcium-modulated protein, but its function remains unclear.

Science
, this issue p.
887
A 15-step synthesis of (+)-ryanodol
Authors: Chuang Kangway V. , Xu Chen , Reisman Sarah E.
Published: August 2016

Rapid ryanodol route

The plant-derived compound ryanodine and its hydrolyzed cousin ryanodol are biochemically interesting for their calcium-regulating capacity and chemically interesting for their dense tangle of carbon rings brimming with oxygen appendages. Chuang
et al.
report an efficient 15-step asymmetric synthesis of ryanodol from the structurally much simpler terpene pulegone (see the Perspective by Verdaguer). Key steps include a Pauson-Khand cyclization of a tethered alkene and alkyne with carbon monoxide to set the ring motifs, followed by an oxidation using selenium dioxide that delivers three different oxygen substituents in tandem.

Science
, this issue p.
912
; see also p.
866
Attosecond dynamical Franz-Keldysh effect in polycrystalline diamond
Authors: Lucchini M. , Sato S. A. , Ludwig A. , Herrmann J. , Volkov M. , Kasmi L. , Shinohara Y. , Yabana K. , Gallmann L. , Keller U.
Published: August 2016

Shining a fast light on diamonds

Conceptually, the electronic structure of matter is a fixed scaffold of energy levels, which electrons climb with the help of light absorption. In reality, the light's electromagnetic field distorts the scaffold, a phenomenon that becomes increasingly evident with rising field intensity. Lucchini
et al.
studied a manifestation of this phenomenon, termed the dynamical Franz Keldysh effect, in diamond substrates exposed to sudden, moderately intense infrared fields. Using attosecond probe pulses and accompanying theoretical simulations, they resolved and accounted for the extremely rapid ensuing electron dynamics.

Science
, this issue p.
916
Navigating today's job market
Next Gen PhD A Guide to Career Paths in Science
Melanie V. Sinche
Harvard University Press, 2016, 272 pp.
Authors: Dellibovi-Ragheb Teegan A.
Published: August 2016

A step-by-step guide offers practical science career advice
Lyme Borreliosis Serology: Performance of Several Commonly Used Laboratory Diagnostic Tests and a Large Resource Panel of Well-Characterized Patient Samples
Authors: Molins Claudia R. , Delorey Mark J. , Sexton Christopher , Schriefer Martin E.
Published: August 2016

The current recommendation for the laboratory confirmation of Lyme disease is serology-based diagnostics. Specifically, a standardized two-tiered testing (STTT) algorithm is applied that utilizes a first-tier immunofluorescence assay or enzyme immunoassay (EIA) that, if the result is positive or equivocal, is followed by second-tier immunoblotting. Despite the standardization and performance achievements, STTT is considered technically complex and subjective, as well as insensitive for early acute infection. These issues have prompted development of novel algorithms and testing platforms. In this study, we evaluated the performance of several commonly used assays for STTT. Several modified two-tiered testing (MTTT) algorithms, including a 2-EIA algorithm and modified criteria for second-tier IgG immunoblots, were also evaluated. All tests were performed on sera from a recently available, well-defined archive of positive- and negative-control patients. Our study demonstrates differences in the results between individual first- and second-tier tests, although the overall agreement of the different STTT algorithms used was strong. In addition, the MTTT algorithm utilizing 2-EIAs was found to be equivalent to all STTT algorithms tested, with agreement ranging from 94 to 97%. The 2-EIA MTTT algorithm slightly enhanced sensitivity in early disease compared to the STTT algorithms evaluated. Furthermore, these data add to the mounting evidence that a 2-EIA-based MTTT algorithm, where immunoblotting is replaced by the C6 EIA, performs as well or better than STTT.
Reduction of Neuraminidase Activity Exacerbates Disease in 2009 Pandemic Influenza Virus-Infected Mice
Authors: Ranadheera Charlene , Hagan Mable W. , Leung Anders , Collignon Brad , Cutts Todd , Theriault Steven , Embury-Hyatt Carissa , Kobasa Darwyn
Published: August 2016

During the first wave of the 2009 pandemic, caused by a H1N1 influenza virus (pH1N1) of swine origin, antivirals were the only form of therapeutic available to control the proliferation of disease until the conventional strain-matched vaccine was produced. Oseltamivir is an antiviral that inhibits the sialidase activity of the viral neuraminidase (NA) protein and was shown to be effective against pH1N1 viruses in ferrets. Furthermore, it was used in humans to treat infections during the pandemic and is still used for current infections without reported complication or exacerbation of illness. However, in an evaluation of the effectiveness of oseltamivir against pH1N1 infection, we unexpectedly observed an exacerbation of disease in virus-infected mice treated with oseltamivir, transforming an otherwise mild illness into one with high morbidity and mortality. In contrast, an identical treatment regime alleviated all signs of illness in mice infected with the pathogenic mouse-adapted virus A/WSN/33 (H1N1). The worsened clinical outcome with pH1N1 viruses occurred over a range of oseltamivir doses and treatment schedules and was directly linked to a reduction in NA enzymatic activity. Our results suggest that the suppression of NA activity with antivirals may exacerbate disease in a host-dependent manner by increasing replicative fitness in viruses that are not optimally adapted for replication in that host.

IMPORTANCE
Here, we report that treatment of pH1N1-infected mice with oseltamivir enhanced disease progression, transforming a mild illness into a lethal infection. This raises a potential pitfall of using the mouse model for evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy of neuraminidase inhibitors. We show that antiviral efficacy determined in a single animal species may not represent treatment in humans and that caution should be used when interpreting the outcome. Furthermore, increased virulence due to oseltamivir treatment was the effect of a shift in the hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) activity balance. This is the first study that has demonstrated that altering the HA/NA activity balance by reduction in NA activity can result in an increase in virulence in any animal model from nonpathogenic to lethal and the first to demonstrate a situation in which treatment with a NA activity inhibitor has an effect opposite to the intended therapeutic effect of ameliorating the infection.
Phosphorylation-Dependent Targeting of
Tetrahymena
HP1 to Condensed Chromatin
Authors: Yale Katerina , Tackett Alan J. , Neuman Monica , Bulley Emily , Chait Brian T. , Wiley Emily
Published: August 2016

Compacting the genome to various degrees influences processes that use DNA as a template, such as gene transcription and replication. This project was aimed at learning more about the cellular mechanisms that control genome compaction. Posttranslational modifications of proteins involved in genome condensation are emerging as potentially important points of regulation. To help elucidate protein modifications and how they affect the function of condensation proteins, we investigated the phosphorylation of the chromatin protein called Hhp1 in the ciliated protozoan
Tetrahymena thermophila
. This is one of the first functional investigations of these modifications of a nonhistone chromatin condensation protein that acts on the ciliate genome, and discoveries will aid in identifying common, evolutionarily conserved strategies that control the dynamic compaction of genomes.
A High-Content, Phenotypic Screen Identifies Fluorouridine as an Inhibitor of Pyoverdine Biosynthesis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa Virulence
Authors: Kirienko Daniel R. , Revtovich Alexey V. , Kirienko Natalia V.
Published: August 2016

Despite intense research effort from scientists and the advent of the molecular age of biomedical research, many of the mechanisms that underlie pathogenesis are still understood poorly, if at all. The opportunistic human pathogen
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
causes a variety of soft tissue infections and is responsible for over 50,000 hospital-acquired infections per year. In addition,
P. aeruginosa
exhibits a striking degree of innate and acquired antimicrobial resistance, complicating treatment. It is increasingly important to understand
P. aeruginosa
virulence. In an effort to gain this information in an unbiased fashion, we used a high-throughput phenotypic screen to identify small molecules that disrupted bacterial pathogenesis and increased host survival using the model nematode
Caenorhabditis elegans
. This method led to the unexpected discovery that addition of a modified nucleotide, 5-fluorouridine, disrupted bacterial RNA metabolism and inhibited synthesis of pyoverdine, a critical toxin. Our results demonstrate that this compound specifically functions as an antivirulent.
Costs associated with functional gastrointestinal disorders and related signs and symptoms in infants: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Glanville Julie , Ludwig Thomas , Lifschitz Carlos , Mahon James , Miqdady Mohamad , Saps Miguel , Hock Quak Seng , Lenoir-Wijnkoop Irene , Edwards Mary , Wood Hannah , Szajewska Hania
Published: August 2016

Introduction

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) and FGID-related signs and symptoms have a fundamental impact on the psychosocial, physical and mental well-being of infants and their parents alike. Recent reviews and studies have indicated that FGIDs and related signs and symptoms may also have a substantial impact on the budgets of third-party payers and/or parents. The objective of this systematic review is to investigate these costs.

Methods and analysis

The population of interest is healthy term infants (under 12 months of age) with colic, regurgitation and/or functional constipation. Outcomes of interest will include the frequency and volume of reported treatments, the cost to third-party payers and/or parents for prescribed or over the counter treatments, visits to health professionals and changes in infant formula purchases, and the loss of income through time taken off work and out of pocket costs. Relevant studies will be identified by searching databases from 2005 onwards (including MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, NEXIS, DARE, Health Technology Assessment database, National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database and others), conferences from the previous 3 years and scanning reference lists of eligible studies. Study selection, data extraction and quality assessment will be conducted by two independent reviewers and disagreements resolved in discussion with a third reviewer. Quality assessment will involve study design-specific checklists. Relevant studies will be summarised narratively and presented in tables. An overview of treatments and costs will be provided, with any geographical or other differences highlighted. An assessment of how the totals for cost differ across countries and elements that contribute to the differences will be generated.

Ethics and dissemination

This is a systematic review of published studies that will be submitted for publication to a peer-reviewed journal. Ethical committee approval is not required.

Trial registration number

CRD42016033119.
Whereto speculative bioethics? Technological visions and future simulations in a science fictional culture
Authors: Schick Ari
Published: August 2016

This article critically examines the development and current state of speculative bioethics (bioethics discourse concerned with future technologies) as reflecting an intensifyingscience fictionality,a cognitive/perceptual mode in which the imagined future begins to exert increasing degrees of influence on the present, culminating in a collapse of distance between the two. Future technologies thereby come to be viewed as generating practical ethical issues that need to be addressed well in advance of their arrival. Although this appears to be a prudent effort, it actually bypasses the present as a site of moral agency and locates ethics within a simulation of the imagined future. A constructive form of speculative bioethics must be able to critically assess visions of technological futures if it is to function as an ethics that is of and for the present.
The role of substituents in the HERON reaction of anomeric amides
Authors: Glover Stephen A. , Rosser Adam A.
Published: August 2016

Anomeric amides, RCON(X)(Y), have two electronegative atoms at the amide nitrogen, a configuration that results in greatly reduced amide resonance and strongly pyramidal nitrogen atoms. This, combined with facilitation of anomeric interactions, can result in the HERON reaction, an intramolecular migration of the more electronegative atom, X, from nitrogen to the carbonyl with production of a Y-stabilised nitrene. We have modelled, at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) level, a variety of anomeric amides that undergo the HERON reaction to determine factors that underpin the process. The overriding driving force is anomeric destabilisation of the bond to the migrating group. Rotated transition states show loss of residual resonance and this is a component of the overall activation energies. However, the reduced resonance in these systems plays only a minor role. We have determined the resonance energies (RE) and HERON activation barriers (EA) of five anomeric systems. REs for the amides have been calculated isodesmically using our calibrated trans amidation method and COSNAR calculations. Reduction of their overall EAs by the corresponding RE gives rearrangement energies (Erearr.), a measure of relative impact on rearrangement of substituents on nitrogen. In CH3CON(OMe)(Y) systems producing (CH3CO2Me + NY), a loosely bound electron pair on the donor atom, Y, in nY–σ*NOMe anomeric interactions drives the reaction. Erearr. increases in the sequence Y = N(nitrene) < O−(oxide) ≪ NMe2 < SMe ≪ OMe. For the same systems, RE increases in the order Y = N < O− ≪ OMe ≪ NMe2 ∼ SMe. Other effects such as molecular conformation, nature of the migrating group, X, and acyl substituents at the carbonyl carbon are discussed.
Burial of downed deadwood is strongly affected by log attributes, forest ground vegetation, edaphic conditions, and climate zones
Authors: Stokland Jogeir N. , Woodall Christopher W. , Fridman Jonas , Ståhl Göran
Published: August 2016

Deadwood can represent a substantial portion of forest ecosystem carbon stocks and is often reported following good practice guidance associated with national greenhouse gas inventories. In high-latitude forest ecosystems, a substantial proportion of downed deadwood is overgrown by ground vegetation and buried in the humus layer. Such burial obfuscates the important process of deadwood carbon transfer to other pools (e.g., litter and soil) and emission to the atmosphere (i.e., rates of decay). Using data from the Swedish National Forest Inventory, we found that the proportion of downed logs that is buried increased from temperate to boreal forests. Several factors affect the probability of burial, including log attributes (e.g., decay class), ground vegetation (e.g., moss dominance, type of moss cover), and edaphic conditions (e.g., soil type, depth of organic layer). Combined assessments suggest that about 24% of the carbon in the aboveground downed deadwood pool was found to be buried in boreal forests. Deadwood burial has important implications for forest carbon dynamics and associated monitoring (e.g., United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change reporting) as such a pool typically decomposes much slower compared with aboveground deadwood.
STRUCTURE STABILITY AND ELECTRONIC PROPERTIES OF CumConCO (m+n=2–7) CLUSTERS
Authors: ZHU JUN , ZHANG XIU-RONG , HUO PEI-YING , YU ZHI-CHENG
Published: August 2016

The structure stability and electronic properties of CumConCO ([Formula: see text]–7) clusters have been systematically investigated using density functional theory (DFT) within the generalized gradient approximation (GGA). The results indicate that the ground state structures of CumConCO clusters obtained by adsorbing CO molecules on the top sites of stable CumConclusters with C atoms and CO molecules have been activated during adsorption process. Cu2CO, CuCoCO, Cu3CoCO, Co4CO, Cu4CoCO and Cu3Co3CO clusters are stronger than other ground state clusters in thermodynamic stability. Cu2CO, Cu4CO and Cu6CO clusters show stronger chemical stability; Co2CO, Co4CO, Cu5CoCO, Cu3Co3CO, Cu2Co5CO and Co7CO clusters show better propensity to adsorb CO for these clusters have larger adsorption energies; Electronic states of Cu2Co3CO, CuCo4CO, Co5CO, Cu4Co3CO, Cu3Co4CO, CuCo6CO and Co7CO clusters are mainly influenced by those of 3d orbitals in Co and Cu atoms, the contribution to total magnetic moments of these clusters comes mainly from Co atoms and these clusters have high magnetism.
MODELING OF THE SURFACE TENSION OF COLLOIDAL SUSPENSIONS
Authors: HADIDIMASOULEH ROGHAYEH , YAGHMAEE MAZIAR SAHBA , RIAHIFAR REZA , RAISSI BABAK
Published: August 2016

Surface tension is one of the fundamental properties of the colloids, which can be altered by concentration and size of colloidal particles. In the current work, modeling of the surface tension of suspension as it would be analyzed by maximum bubble pressure method has been performed. A new modified equation to correlate the surface tension with the bubble pressure is derived by applying fundamental thermodynamic relation considering the presence of particles in suspension and curvature of the interface between the particles and bubbles inside liquid. Moreover, the change of particles concentration in air–water interface due to capillary force is also considered. The predicted surface tension using the developed model has been verified by numerous experimental data with deviation less than 5% in most of cases. It was found that the calculated surface tension is altered by contact angle and particle radius as well as particle concentration. The obtained model may have potential application to predict the surface tension of colloidal suspension.
Development Of Large-Scale Three-Dimensional Seismic Ground Strain Response Analysis Method and Its Application to Tokyo using Full K Computer
Authors: Fujita Kohei , Ichimura Tsuyoshi
Published: August 2016

We developed a large-scale three-dimensional ground analysis method aimed at improving the estimation of dynamic ground strain during earthquakes. Using the developed ground modeling and analysis method, a 40 billion degrees-of-freedom unstructured finite element ground model of a 3.25[Formula: see text]km × 3.25[Formula: see text]km area of Tokyo was generated with 0.66[Formula: see text]m sized elements, and its strain time history for ground motion of the 1995 Kobe wave was computed using the full K computer system with 82,944 compute nodes. The obtained strain response showed a complex distribution reflecting the input wave characteristics, surface topography, and underlying ground structure. We also showed the seismic response of 41,675 buildings in the target area computed using the wave at surface as an input. Such a method is expected to be useful for the improvement of seismic design and mitigation of pipelines against anticipated earthquakes.
Chenodeoxycholic acid requires activation of EGFR, EPAC, and Ca2+ to stimulate CFTR-dependent Cl− secretion in human colonic T84 cells
Authors: Domingue Jada C. , Ao Mei , Sarathy Jayashree , Rao Mrinalini C.
Published: August 2016

Bile acids are known to initiate intricate signaling events in a variety of tissues, primarily in the liver and gastrointestinal tract. Of the known bile acids, only the 7α-dihydroxy species, deoxycholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), and their conjugates, activate processes that stimulate epithelial Cl− secretion. We have previously published that CDCA acts in a rapid manner to stimulate colonic ion secretion via protein kinase A (PKA)-mediated activation of the dominant Cl− channel, the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) (Ao M, Sarathy J, Domingue J, Alrefai WA, and Rao MC. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 305: C447–C456, 2013); however, PKA signaling did not account for the entire CDCA response. Here we show that in human colonic T84 cells, CDCA's induction of CFTR activity, measured as changes in short-circuit current ( Isc), is dependent on epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation and does not involve the bile acid receptors TGR5 or farnesoid X receptor. CDCA activation of Cl− secretion does not require Src, mitogen-activated protein kinases, or phosphoinositide 3-kinase downstream of EGFR but does require an increase in cytosolic Ca2+. In addition to PKA signaling, we found that the CDCA response requires the novel involvement of the exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (EPAC). EPAC is a known hub for cAMP and Ca2+ cross talk. Downstream of EPAC, CDCA activates Rap2, and changes in free cytosolic Ca2+ were dependent on both EPAC and EGFR activation. This study establishes the complexity of CDCA signaling in the colonic epithelium and shows the contribution of EGFR, EPAC, and Ca2+ in CDCA-induced activation of CFTR-dependent Cl− secretion.
Immunity and inflammation in diabetic kidney disease: translating mechanisms to biomarkers and treatment targets
Authors: Pichler Raimund , Afkarian Maryam , Dieter Brad P. , Tuttle Katherine R.
Published: August 2016

Increasing incidences of obesity and diabetes have made diabetic kidney disease (DKD) the leading cause of chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease worldwide. Despite current pharmacological treatments, including strategies for optimizing glycemic control and inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system, DKD still makes up almost one-half of all cases of end-stage renal disease in the United States. Compelling and mounting evidence has clearly demonstrated that immunity and inflammation play a paramount role in the pathogenesis of DKD. This article reviews the involvement of the immune system in DKD and identifies important roles of key immune and inflammatory mediators. One of the most recently identified biomarkers is serum amyloid A, which appears to be relatively specific for DKD. Novel and evolving treatment approaches target protein kinases, transcription factors, chemokines, adhesion molecules, growth factors, advanced glycation end-products, and other inflammatory molecules. This is the beginning of a new era in the understanding and treatment of DKD, and we may have finally reached a tipping point in our fight against the growing burden of DKD.
Hypoxia and hypercapnia inhibit hypothalamic orexin neurons in rats
Authors: Dergacheva Olga , Yamanaka Akihiro , Schwartz Alan R. , Polotsky Vsevolod Y. , Mendelowitz David
Published: August 2016

Evidence of impaired function of orexin neurons has been found in individuals with cardiorespiratory disorders, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), but the mechanisms responsible are unknown. Individuals with OSA and SIDS experience repetitive breathing cessations and/or rebreathing of expired air, resulting in hypoxia/hypercapnia (H/H). In this study, we examined the responses of fluorescently identified rat orexin neurons in the lateral hypothalamus to acute H/H to test if and how these neurons alter their activity and function during this challenge. Experiments were conducted in an in vitro slice preparation using voltage-clamp and current-clamp configurations. H/H (10 min) induced hyperpolarization, accompanied by rapid depression, and finally, cessation of firing activity in orexin neurons. Hypoxia alone had similar but less potent effects. H/H did not alter the frequency of inhibitory glycinergic postsynaptic currents. The frequency of GABAergic currents was diminished but only at 8–10 min of H/H. In contrast, the frequency of excitatory glutamatergic postsynaptic events was diminished as early as 2–4 min of H/H. In the presence of glutamatergic receptor blockers, the inhibitory effects of H/H on the firing activity and membrane potential of orexin neurons persisted but to a lesser extent. In conclusion, both direct alteration of postsynaptic membrane properties and diminished glutamatergic neurotransmission likely contribute to the inhibition of orexin neurons by H/H. These mechanisms could be responsible for the decreased function of orexin in individuals at risk for OSA and SIDS.
Evolutionary Algorithms Applied to Antennas and Propagation: A Review of State of the Art
Authors: Goudos Sotirios K. , Kalialakis Christos , Mittra Raj
Published: August 2016

A review of evolutionary algorithms (EAs) with applications to antenna and propagation problems is presented. EAs have emerged as viable candidates for global optimization problems and have been attracting the attention of the research community interested in solving real-world engineering problems, as evidenced by the fact that very large number of antenna design problems have been addressed in the literature in recent years by using EAs. In this paper, our primary focus is on Genetic Algorithms (GAs), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), and Differential Evolution (DE), though we also briefly review other recently introduced nature-inspired algorithms. An overview of case examples optimized by each family of algorithms is included in the paper.
Use and Adoption of an Assisted Cognition System to Support Therapies for People with Dementia
Authors: Navarro René F. , Rodríguez Marcela D. , Favela Jesús
Published: August 2016

The cognitive deficits in persons with dementia (PwD) can produce significant functional impairment from early stages. Although memory decline is most prominent, impairments in attention, orientation, language, reasoning, and executive functioning are also common. Dementia is also characterized by changes in personality and behavioral functioning that can be very challenging for caregivers and patients. This paper presents results on the use and adoption of an assisted cognition system to support occupational therapy to address psychological and behavioral symptoms of dementia. During 16 weeks, we conducted an in situ evaluation with two caregiver-PwD dyads to assess the adoption and effectiveness of the system to ameliorate challenging behaviors and reducing caregiver burden. Evaluation results indicate that intervention personalization and a touch-based interface encouraged the adoption of the system, helping reduce challenging behaviors in PwD and caregiver burden.
Multiple-Modal-Coupling Modeling and Stability Analysis of Cold Rolling Mill Vibration
Authors: Zeng Lingqiang , Zang Yong , Gao Zhiying
Published: August 2016

An effective dynamic model is the basis for studying rolling mill vibration. Through analyzing characteristics of different types of vibration, a coupling vibration structure model is established, in which vertical vibration, horizontal vibration, and torsional vibration can be well indicated. In addition, based on the Bland-Ford-Hill rolling force model, a dynamic rolling process model is formulated. On this basis, the rolling mill vertical-torsional-horizontal coupled dynamic model is constructed by coupling the rolling process model and the mill structure model. According to this mathematical model, the critical rolling speed is determined and the accuracy of calculated results is verified by experimental data. Then, the interactions between different subsystems are demonstrated by dynamic responses in both time and frequency domains. Finally, the influences of process parameters and structure parameters on system stability are analyzed. And a series of experiments are conducted to verify the correctness of these analysis conclusions. The results show that the vertical-torsional-horizontal coupled model can reasonably characterize the coupling relationship between the mill structure and the rolling process. These studies are helpful for formulating a reasonable technological procedure of the rolling process and determining a feasible dynamic modification strategy of the structure as well.
Septic Arthritis of the Pediatric Shoulder: From Infancy to Adolescence
Authors: Walker Justin W. , Hennrikus William L.
Published: August 2016

Background. Septic arthritis of the glenohumeral joint in the pediatric population (<18 yo) is not commonly described in the literature. There is a corresponding paucity of information regarding its presentation and treatment.Methods. An IRB approved review of patients treated with irrigation and debridement by the Orthopaedic Department was completed. This retrospective study includes four patients, presenting from 2005 to 2015, with septic arthritis of the shoulder.Results. The mean age (Mage) at presentation was 5 years, with a range of 1 month to 15 years. Patients presented on average after 7 days with pain and a mean temperature of 39°C, erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 66 mm/hr, a C-reactive protein level of 11.17 g/dL, and a white blood cell count of 20.2 × 103/mcL.Staphylococcus aureus,Candida albicans, andPseudomonas aeruginosawere cultured from the wounds. All cases were treated operatively with irrigation and debridement and with antimicrobial therapy. Patients received antibiotics for an average of 6 weeks.Conclusion. Septic arthritis of the shoulder occurs in all pediatric ages. Successful treatment of septic arthritis of the shoulder was accomplished in four cases without division of the biceps sheath, with an average follow-up of 8 months.
Depletion of Neutrophils Exacerbates the Early Inflammatory Immune Response in Lungs of Mice Infected withParacoccidioides brasiliensis
Authors: Pino-Tamayo Paula Andrea , Puerta-Arias Juan David , Lopera Damaris , Urán-Jiménez Martha Eugenia , González Ángel
Published: August 2016

Neutrophils predominate during the acute phase of theParacoccidioides brasiliensisinfection. Herein, we determined the role of the neutrophil during the early stages of experimental pulmonary paracoccidioidomycosis using a monoclonal antibody (mAb) specific for neutrophils. Male BALB/c mice were inoculated intranasally with1.5×106or2×106P. brasiliensisyeast cells. The mAb was administered 24 h before infection, followed by doses every 48 h until mice were sacrificed. Survival time was evaluated and mice were sacrificed at 48 h and 96 h after inoculation to assess cellularity, fungal load, cytokine/chemokine levels, and histopathological analysis. Neutrophils from mAb-treated mice were efficiently depleted (99.04%). Eighty percent of the mice treated with the mAb and infected with1.5×106yeast cells died during the first two weeks after infection. When mice were treated and infected with2×106yeast cells, 100% of them succumbed by the first week after infection. During the acute inflammatory response significant increases in numbers of eosinophils, fungal load and levels of proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines were observed in the mAb-treated mice. We also confirmed that neutrophils are an important source of IFN-γand IL-17. These results indicate that neutrophils are essential for protection as well as being important for regulating the early inflammatory immune response in experimental pulmonary paracoccidioidomycosis.
A Novel Nonlinear Multitargetk-Degree Coverage Preservation Protocol in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Sun Zeyu , Xing Xiaofei , Li Chuanfeng , Nie Yalin , Cao Yangjie
Published: August 2016

Due to the existence of a large number of redundant data in the process of covering multiple targets, the effective coverage of monitored region decreases, causing the network to consume more energy. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a multitargetk-degree coverage preservation protocol. Firstly, the affiliation between the sensor nodes and target nodes is established in the network model; meanwhile the method used to calculate the coverage expectation value of the monitored region is put forward; secondly, in the aspect of the network energy conversion, use scheduling mechanisms on the sensor nodes to balance the network energy and achieve different network coverage quality with energy conversion between different nodes. Finally, simulation results show that NMCP can improve the network lifetime by effectively reducing the number of active nodes to meet certain coverage requirements.
Minimally Invasive Approach of a Retrocaval Ureter
Authors: Fidalgo Nuno , Pinheiro Hugo , Ferronha Frederico , Morales Jorge , Campos Pinheiro Luís
Published: August 2016

The retrocaval ureter is a rare congenital entity, classically managed with open pyeloplasty techniques. The experience obtained with the laparoscopic approach of other more frequent causes of ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction has opened the method for the minimally invasive approach of the retrocaval ureter. In our paper, we describe a clinical case of a right retrocaval ureter managed successfully with laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty. The main standpoints of the procedure are described. Our results were similar to others published by other urologic centers, which demonstrates the safety and feasibility of the procedure for this condition.
A New Method of Wave Mapping with HF Radar
Authors: Jin Lijie , Wen Biyang , Zhou Hao
Published: August 2016

Study of wave height inversion with High-Frequency Surface Wave Radars (HFSWRs) has been going on for more than 40 years. Various wave inversion methods have been proposed, and HFSWRs have achieved great success in local wave measurements. However, the method of wave mapping is still under development, especially for the broad-beam HF radars. Existing methods of wave mapping are based on narrow-beam radar with beamforming. This paper introduces a way of wave height inversion, using the ratio of the second-harmonic peak (SHP) to the Bragg peak (RSB). A new wave mapping method is proposed, which can be used in both narrow and broad-beam radars, according to the way of wave inversion based on the RSB. In addition, radar wave measurements at the buoy position are compared with thein situbuoy, which show a good agreement. At last, the results of wave mapping on the two-hour timescale are given.
A 26-Year-Old Female with Systemic Mastocytosis with Associated Myeloid Neoplasm with Eosinophilia and Abnormalities ofPDGFRB, t(4;5)(q21;q33)
Authors: Brown Laura E. , Zhang Da , Persons Diane L. , Yacoub Abdulraheem , Ponnala Shivani , Cui Wei
Published: August 2016

Various translocations involving thePDGFRBgene are identified in myeloid neoplasms. However, thePRKG2/PDGFRBfusion gene associated with t(4;5)(q21;q33) has previously been reported in only 3 patients. We present the case of a 26-year-old woman with microcytic anemia, basophilia, thrombocytosis, and massive splenomegaly, who was found to have systemic mastocytosis and associated clonal hematological non-mast cell lineage disease (SM-AHNMD), with myeloid neoplasm withPRKG2/PDGFRBrearrangement. Initial findings included basophilia (37%, 4.1 k/μL), hypercellular marrow with eosinophilia, and increased and atypical megakaryocytes, suggestive of myeloproliferative neoplasm. Additional studies revealed large clusters of CD25 positive mast cells, fulfilling the criteria for the diagnosis of systemic mastocytosis. Consistent with prior reports of this translocation, our patient has responded well to imatinib. This case, in conjunction with others in the literature, suggests a possible connection between t(4;5)(q21;q33)PRKG2/PDGFRBand systemic mastocytosis and highlights their favorable response to imatinib.