bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic and epigenetic variation in Spartina alterniflora following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill
Authors: Robertson Marta , Schrey Aaron , Shayter Ashley , Moss Christina J , Richards Christina
Published: April 2017

Catastrophic events offer unique opportunities to study rapid population response to stress in natural settings. In concert with genetic variation, epigenetic mechanisms may allow populations to persist through severe environmental challenges. In 2010, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill devastated large portions of the coastline along the Gulf of Mexico. However, the foundational salt marsh grass, Spartina alterniflora, showed high resilience to this strong environmental disturbance. Following the spill, we simultaneously examined the genetic and epigenetic structure of recovering populations of S. alterniflora to oil exposure. We quantified genetic and DNA methylation variation using amplified fragment length polymorphism and methylation sensitive fragment length polymorphism (MS‐AFLP) to test the hypothesis that response to oil exposure in S. alterniflora resulted in genetically and epigenetically based population differentiation. We found high genetic and epigenetic variation within and among sites and found significant genetic differentiation between contaminated and uncontaminated sites, which may reflect nonrandom mortality in response to oil exposure. Additionally, despite a lack of genomewide patterns in DNA methylation between contaminated and uncontaminated sites, we found five MS‐AFLP loci (12% of polymorphic MS‐AFLP loci) that were correlated with oil exposure. Overall, our findings support genetically based differentiation correlated with exposure to the oil spill in this system, but also suggest a potential role for epigenetic mechanisms in population differentiation.
Catalase is a determinant of the colonization and transovarial transmission of Rickettsia parkeri in the Gulf Coast tick Amblyomma maculatum
Authors: Budachetri K. , Kumar D. , Karim S.
Published: April 2017

The Gulf Coast tick (Amblyomma maculatum) has evolved as a competent vector of the spotted‐fever group rickettsia, Rickettsia parkeri. In this study, the functional role of catalase, an enzyme responsible for the degradation of toxic hydrogen peroxide, in the colonization of the tick vector by R. parkeri and transovarial transmission of this pathogen to the next tick generation, was investigated. Catalase gene (CAT) expression in midgut, salivary glands and ovarian tissues exhibited a 2–11‐fold increase in transcription level upon R. parkeri infection. Depletion of CAT transcripts using an RNA‐interference approach significantly reduced R. parkeri infection levels in midgut and salivary gland tissues by 53–63%. The role of CAT in transovarial transmission of R. parkeri was confirmed by simultaneously blocking the transcript and the enzyme by injecting double‐stranded RNA for CAT and a catalase inhibitor (3‐amino‐1,2,4‐triazole) into gravid females. Simultaneous inhibition of the CAT transcript and the enzyme significantly reduced the egg conversion ratio with a 44% reduction of R. parkeri transovarial transmission. These data suggest that catalase is required for rickettsial colonization of the tick vector and transovarial transmission to the next generation.
Constructing a positive identity: A qualitative study of the driving forces of peer workers in mental health‐care systems
Authors: Vandewalle Joeri , Debyser Bart , Beeckman Dimitri , Vandecasteele Tina , Deproost Eddy , Van Hecke Ann , Verhaeghe Sofie
Published: April 2017

There is growing recognition in mental health for the perspective of individuals with lived experience of mental health problems and mental health service use. As peer workers, these individuals can use their specific experience to benefit and support peers and professional caregivers, and to participate at all levels of mental health‐care systems. The aim of the present study was to develop a conceptual framework representing the driving forces of peer workers to fullfil their position in mental health‐care systems. A qualitative interview approach was employed using principles of grounded theory. Over a period of 5 months in 2014–2015, semistructured interviews were conducted with 14 peer workers in residential and community mental health‐care systems. The emerged conceptual framework reveals that peer workers strive towards constructing a positive identity. This process is powered by driving forces reflecting a desire for normalization and an urge for self‐preservation. Peer workers realize a meaningful employment by using their lived experience perspective as an asset, liberating themselves out of restrictive role patterns, and by breaking down stigma and taboo. As a precondition to engage in these normalization processes, peer workers perceive they need to secure their self‐preservation by balancing the emergence of adverse emotional fluctuations. The conceptual framework can inform the development of work contexts in which peer workers have an authentic and meaningful contribution, while being offered sufficient support and learning opportunities to manage their well‐being.
Impact of demographic and clinical variables on the oral health‐related quality of life among five‐year‐old children: a population‐based study using self‐reports
Authors: Abanto Jenny , Panico Claudia , Bönecker Marcelo , Frazão Paulo
Published: April 2017

Background

Although SOHO‐5 has been validated, there is no study testing this instrument in population‐based samples.

Aims

To evaluate the impact of demographic and oral clinical variables on the oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) in 5‐year‐old children from a socially deprived Brazilian area using selfreports.

Design

Data from 588 children were analyzed. Examinations included untreated dental caries and occlusal deviations. Children answered the Brazilian SOHO‐5 version and interviewers collected demographic characteristics of the child (sex and skin color). Robust Poisson regression associated outcome and exposures.

Results

General, the oral impacts were reported by 71.1% of children. The mean and standard deviation total score of the Brazilian SOHO‐5 were 3.51 and 3.82, respectively. Children with untreated dental caries (PR = 1.28; P = 0.004) and increased overjet (PR = 1.35; P = 0.002) experienced a worse OHRQoL. Dark and mixed skin color children did not have a good impact on their OHRQoL (PR = 1.53; P = 0.006 and PR = 1.44; P < 0.000, respectively) compared to light ones.

Conclusions

Untreated dental caries and increased overjet were independently associated with worst OHRQoL in 5‐year‐old children. As an indication of social deprivation, dark and mixed skin color children compared to light ones presented higher probability for reporting worst OHRQoL independently of the oral clinical conditions.
The effect of bodyweight on the efficacy and safety of ixekizumab: results from an integrated database of three randomised, controlled Phase 3 studies of patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis
Authors: Reich K. , Puig L. , Mallbris L. , Zhang L. , Osuntokun O. , Leonardi C.
Published: April 2017

Background

There is concern that increased bodyweight may impact efficacy of some therapies used to treat psoriasis.

Objective

To evaluate the effect of bodyweight on response to ixekizumab treatment in patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis.

Methods

Patients were characterized under three bodyweight categories (<80 kg, 80 to <100 kg, ≥100 kg) in this preplanned subgroup analysis from an integrated database of three multicenter, randomised, double‐blind, controlled Phase 3 clinical studies (UNCOVER‐1, UNCOVER‐2 and UNCOVER‐3). In the first 12 weeks of each study, patients were randomly assigned to receive subcutaneous placebo, 80‐mg ixekizumab every 2 weeks (IXE Q2W) or every 4 weeks (IXE Q4W) after a starting dose of 160‐mg ixekizumab, or 50‐mg etanercept twice weekly (UNCOVER‐2 and UNCOVER‐3 only).

Results

This analysis included 3855 patients with baseline bodyweight in the IXE Q4W (N = 1159), IXE Q2W (N = 1168), placebo (N = 789) and etanercept (N = 739) groups. Distribution of patients across bodyweight categories was similar between treatment groups. Baseline demographics and patients characteristics were generally consistent across treatment groups within each bodyweight category. Across all bodyweight categories, a significantly higher percentage of patients treated with IXE Q2W or IXE Q4W than with placebo or etanercept achieved PASI 75, PASI 90 or PASI 100 at Week 12. No meaningful differences in PASI 75 response rates were observed across bodyweight categories. Some numerical differences in PASI 90 and PASI 100 response rates were observed between bodyweight categories with IXE Q2W providing numerically higher response rates than IXE Q4W. The incidence of treatment‐emergent adverse events was similar in the treatment groups and across bodyweight categories.

Conclusion

Ixekizumab was efficacious in the treatment of moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis regardless of bodyweight. The safety profile of ixekizumab was also similar across bodyweight categories, and no safety signals were identified specific to any of the bodyweight categories.
The Mediterranean dietary pattern as the diet of choice for non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease: Evidence and plausible mechanisms
Authors: Zelber‐Sagi Shira , Salomone Federico , Mlynarsky Liat
Published: April 2017

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a major global health burden, leading to increased risk for cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, type‐2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Lifestyle intervention aiming at weight reduction is the most established treatment. However, changing the dietary composition even without weight loss can also reduce steatosis and improve metabolic alterations as insulin resistance and lipid profile. The Mediterranean diet (MD) pattern has been proposed as appropriate for this goal, and was recommended as the diet of choice for the treatment of NAFLD by the EASL‐EASD‐EASO Clinical Practice Guidelines. The MD has an established superiority in long term weight reduction over low fat diet, but it improves metabolic status and steatosis even without it. However, the effect on liver inflammation and fibrosis was tested only in few observational studies with positive results. Furthermore, considering the strong association between NAFLD and diabetes and CVD, the MD has a highly established advantage in prevention of these diseases, demonstrated in randomized clinical trials. The individual components of the MD such as olive oil, fish, nuts, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, have been shown to beneficially effect or negatively correlate with NAFLD, while consumption of components that characterize a Western dietary pattern as soft drinks, fructose, meat and saturated fatty acids have been shown to have detrimental association with NAFLD. In this review we will cover the epidemiological evidence and the plausible molecular mechanisms by which the MD as a whole and each of its components can be of benefit in NAFLD.
Mitochondria‐targeted antioxidant mitoquinone deactivates human and rat hepatic stellate cells and reduces portal hypertension in cirrhotic rats
Authors: Vilaseca Marina , García‐Calderó Héctor , Lafoz Erica , Ruart Maria , López‐Sanjurjo Cristina Isabel , Murphy Michael P. , Deulofeu Ramon , Bosch Jaume , Hernández‐Gea Virginia , Gracia‐Sancho Jordi , García‐Pagán Juan Carlos
Published: April 2017

Background & Aims

In cirrhosis, activated hepatic stellate cells (HSC) play a major role in increasing intrahepatic vascular resistance and developing portal hypertension. We have shown that cirrhotic livers have increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), and that antioxidant therapy decreases portal pressure. Considering that mitochondria produce many of these ROS, our aim was to assess the effects of the oral mitochondria‐targeted antioxidant mitoquinone on hepatic oxidative stress, HSC phenotype, liver fibrosis and portal hypertension.

Methods

Ex vivo: Hepatic stellate cells phenotype was analysed in human precision‐cut liver slices in response to mitoquinone or vehicle. In vitro: Mitochondrial oxidative stress was analysed in different cell type of livers from control and cirrhotic rats. HSC phenotype, proliferation and viability were assessed in LX2, and in primary human and rat HSC treated with mitoquinone or vehicle. In vivo: CCl4‐ and thioacetamide‐cirrhotic rats were treated with mitoquinone (5 mg/kg/day) or the vehicle compound, DecylTPP, for 2 weeks, followed by measurement of oxidative stress, systemic and hepatic haemodynamic, liver fibrosis, HSC phenotype and liver inflammation.

Results

Mitoquinone deactivated human and rat HSC, decreased their proliferation but with no effects on viability. In CCl4‐cirrhotic rats, mitoquinone decreased hepatic oxidative stress, improved HSC phenotype, reduced intrahepatic vascular resistance and diminished liver fibrosis. These effects were associated with a significant reduction in portal pressure without changes in arterial pressure. These results were further confirmed in the thioacetamide‐cirrhotic model.

Conclusion

We propose mitochondria‐targeted antioxidants as a novel treatment approach against portal hypertension and cirrhosis.
New variants of CRISPR RNA‐guided genome editing enzymes
Authors: Murovec Jana , Pirc Žan , Yang Bing
Published: April 2017

CRISPR‐mediated genome editing using the Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 enzyme is revolutionizing life science by providing new, precise, facile and high‐throughput tools for genetic modification by the specific targeting of double‐strand breaks in the genome of hosts. Plant biotechnologists have extensively used the S. pyogenes Cas9‐based system since its inception in 2013. However, there are still some limitations to its even broader usage in plants. Major restrictions, especially in agricultural biotechnology, are the currently unclear regulatory status of plants modified with CRISPR/Cas9 and the lack of suitable delivery methods for some plant species. Solutions to these limitations could come in the form of new variants of genome editing enzymes that have recently been discovered and have already proved comparable to or even better in performance than S. pyogenes CRISPR/Cas9 in terms of precision and ease of delivery in mammal cells. Although some of them have already been tested in plants, most of them are less well known in the plant science community. In this review, we describe the following new enzyme systems engineered for genome editing, transcriptional regulation and cellular imaging—C2c2 from L. shahii; Cas9 from F. novicida, S. aureus, S. thermophiles, N. meningitidis; Cpf1 from F. novicida, Acidaminococcus and Lachnospiraceae; nickase, split, enhanced and other Cas9 variants from S. pyogenes; catalytically inactive SpCas9 linked to various nuclease or gene‐regulating domains—with an emphasis on their advantages in comparison with the broadly used SpCas9. In addition, we discuss new possibilities they offer in plant biotechnology.
Silencing of SlPL, which encodes a pectate lyase in tomato, confers enhanced fruit firmness, prolonged shelf‐life and reduced susceptibility to grey mould
Authors: Yang Lu , Huang Wei , Xiong Fangjie , Xian Zhiqiang , Su Deding , Ren Maozhi , Li Zhengguo
Published: April 2017

Pectate lyase genes have been documented as excellent candidates for improvement of fruit firmness. However, implementation of pectate lyase in regulating fruit postharvest deterioration has not been fully explored. In this report, 22 individual pectate lyase genes in tomato were identified, and one pectate lyase gene SlPL (Solyc03g111690) showed dominant expression during fruit maturation. RNA interference of SlPL resulted in enhanced fruit firmness and changes in pericarp cells. More importantly, the SlPL‐RNAi fruit demonstrated greater antirotting and pathogen‐resisting ability. Compared to wild‐type, SlPL‐RNAi fruit had higher levels of cellulose and hemicellulose, whereas the level of water‐soluble pectin was lower. Consistent with this, the activities of peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase were higher in SlPL‐RNAi fruit, and the malondialdehyde concentration was lower. RNA‐Seq results showed large amounts of differentially expressed genes involved in hormone signalling, cell wall modification, oxidative stress and pathogen resistance. Collectively, these data demonstrate that pectate lyase plays an important role in both fruit softening and pathogen resistance. This may advance knowledge of postharvest fruit preservation in tomato and other fleshy fruit.
Identification and Characterization of a Nationwide Danish Adult Common Variable Immunodeficiency Cohort
Authors: Westh L. , Mogensen T. H. , Dalgaard L. S. , Bernth Jensen J. M. , Katzenstein T. , Hansen A.‐B. E. , Larsen O. D. , Terpling S. , Nielsen T. L. , Larsen C. S.
Published: April 2017

In this study, we identified all adults living in Denmark diagnosed with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) and characterized them according to clinical presentation and EUROclass classification. Using a retrospective, cross‐sectional design, possible CVID patients were identified in the Danish National Patient Register and Centers in Denmark treating patients with primary immunodeficiencies. The CVID diagnosis was verified by review of medical records. One‐hundred‐seventy‐nine adults with CVID were identified. This corresponds to a prevalence of 1:26,000. The median age at onset of symptoms was 29 years with no sex difference. The median age at diagnosis was 40 years. Males were diagnosed earlier with a peak in the fourth decade of life, whereas females were diagnosed later with a peak in the sixth decade. The median diagnostic delay was seven years. Recurrent sinopulmonary infections were seen in 92.7% of the patients. The prevalence of non‐infectious complications was similar to that of previously reported cohorts: bronchiectasis (35.8%), splenomegaly (22.4%), lymphadenopathy (26.3%), granulomatous inflammation (3.9%) and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (14.5%). Non‐infectious complications were strongly associated with B cell phenotype, with all having a reduced number of isotype‐switched memory B cells. One‐hundred‐seventy (95%) were treated with immunoglobulin replacement therapy, primarily administered subcutaneously. According to international guidelines, diagnostic evaluation was inadequate in most cases. This study emphasizes the need for improved diagnostic criteria and more awareness of CVID as a differential diagnosis. Diagnosis and management of CVID patients is a challenge requiring specialists with experience in the field of PID.
C‐Glycosyltransferases catalyzing the formation of di‐C‐glucosyl flavonoids in citrus plants
Authors: Ito Takamitsu , Fujimoto Shunsuke , Suito Fumiaki , Shimosaka Makoto , Taguchi Goro
Published: April 2017

Citrus plants accumulate many kinds of flavonoids, including di‐C‐glucosyl flavonoids, which have attracted considerable attention due to their health benefits. However, the biosynthesis of di‐C‐glucosyl flavonoids has not been elucidated at the molecular level. Here, we identified the C‐glycosyltransferases (CGTs) FcCGT (UGT708G1) and CuCGT (UGT708G2) as the primary enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of di‐C‐glucosyl flavonoids in the citrus plants kumquat (Fortunella crassifolia) and satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshiu), respectively. The amino acid sequences of these CGTs were 98% identical, indicating that CGT genes are highly conserved in the citrus family. The recombinant enzymes FcCGT and CuCGT utilized 2‐hydroxyflavanones, dihydrochalcone, and their mono‐C‐glucosides as sugar acceptors and produced corresponding di‐C‐glucosides. The Km and kcat values of FcCGT toward phloretin were <0.5 μm and 12.0 sec−1, and those toward nothofagin (3ʹ‐C‐glucosylphloretin) were 14.4 μm and 5.3 sec−1, respectively; these values are comparable with those of other glycosyltransferases reported to date. Transcripts of both CGT genes were found to concentrate in various plant organs, and particularly in leaves. Our results suggest that di‐C‐glucosyl flavonoid biosynthesis proceeds via a single enzyme using either 2‐hydroxyflavanones or phloretin as a substrate in citrus plants. In addition, Escherichia coli cells expressing CGT genes were found to be capable of producing di‐C‐glucosyl flavonoids, which is promising for commercial production of these valuable compounds.
Performance management of small water treatment plant operations: a decision support system
Authors: Stein Dan , Achari Gopal , Langford Cooper H. , Dore Mohammed H. I. , Haider Husnain , Zhang Kejiang , Sadiq Rehan
Published: April 2017

A decision support system (DSS) is developed to optimise the performance of different operations of small water treatment systems to improve day‐to‐day decisions. The support system includes a data management system, knowledge‐based system, performance assessment of different unit processes, fault tree analyses, preventive and corrective actions and event tree analysis (ETA). Performance assessment identifies the critical events (failures) and fault tree analysis identifies the interrelationships between the critical events and the root causes. Fault trees are developed based on the information obtained from events of waterborne outbreaks, responses to questionnaires by the participating smaller utilities, state‐of‐the‐art literature review and personal communication with the operators. ETA is used to identify the potential health outcomes which are further integrated with the quantitative microbial risk assessment. The developed DSS is advanced to an automated user friendly program that can be used by treatment plant operators to assess system performance.
Outcomes in Cochrane systematic reviews related to wound care: An investigation into prespecification
Authors: Liu Zhenmi , Saldanha Ian J. , Margolis David , Dumville Jo C. , Cullum Nicky A.
Published: April 2017

The choice of outcomes in systematic reviews of the effects of interventions is crucial, dictating which data are included and analyzed. Full prespecification of outcomes in systematic reviews can reduce the risk of outcome reporting bias but, this issue has not been widely investigated. This study is the first to analyze the nature and specification of outcomes used in Cochrane Wounds (CW) systematic reviews. Adequacy of outcome specification was assessed using a five‐element framework of key outcome components: outcome domain, specific measurement, specific metric, method of aggregation, and time points. We identified all CW review titles associated with a protocol published on or before October 1, 2014. We categorized all reported outcome domains and recorded whether they were primary or secondary outcomes. We explored outcome specification for outcome domains reported in 25% or more of the eligible protocols. We included 106 protocols and 126 outcome domains; 24.6% (31/126) domains were used as primary outcomes at least once. Eight domains were reported in ≥25% of protocols: wound healing, quality of life, costs, adverse events, resource use, pain, wound infection, and mortality. Wound healing was the most completely specified outcome domain (median 3; interquartile range [IQR] =1–5) along with resource use (median 3; IQR 2–4). Quality of life (median 1; IQR 1–3), pain (median 1; IQR 1–3), and costs (median 1; IQR 1–4) were the least completely specified outcome domains. Outcomes are frequently poorly prespecified and the elements of metric, aggregation, and time‐point are rarely adequately specified. We strongly recommend that reviewers be more vigilant about prespecifying outcomes, using the five‐element framework. Better prespecification is likely to improve review quality by reducing bias in data abstraction and analysis, and by reducing subjectivity in the decision of which outcomes to extract; it may also improve outcome specification in clinical trial design and reporting.
GHK‐Cu‐liposomes accelerate scald wound healing in mice by promoting cell proliferation and angiogenesis
Authors: Wang Xinying , Liu Baoquan , Xu Qiang , Sun Haiyang , Shi Meijun , Wang Dan , Guo Meihua , Yu Jiawen , Zhao Chunhui , Feng Bin
Published: April 2017

Glycyl‐l‐histidyl‐l‐lysine (GHK)‐Cu is considered to be an activator of tissue remodeling, and has been used in cosmetic products. In this study, we prepared liposomes encapsulating GHK‐Cu and analyzed their effect on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) proliferation and scald wound healing in mice. The nanoscaled GHK‐Cu‐liposomes promoted HUVECs proliferation, with a 33.1% increased rate. Flow cytometry analysis showed increased cell number at G1 stage and decreased cell number at G2 stage after GHK‐Cu‐liposomes treatment. Western blotting indicated that the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and fibroblast grow factors‐2 were both enhanced, as well as cell cycle‐related proteins CDK4 and CyclinD1. In a mice scald model, angiogenesis in burned skin treated with GHK‐Cu‐liposomes was better compared with free GHK‐Cu, and immunofluorescence analysis showed enhanced signal of CD31 and Ki67 in GHK‐Cu‐liposomes treated mice. Moreover, the wound healing time was shortened to 14 days post injury. Our results provide the evidence that GHK‐Cu‐liposomes could be utilized as a treatment for skin wounds.
Sustainable effectiveness of single‐treatment autologous fat grafting in adherent scars
Authors: Jaspers Mariëlle E.H. , Brouwer Katrien M. , van Trier Antoine J.M. , Middelkoop Esther , van Zuijlen Paul P.M.
Published: April 2017

Following severe injury, not just the skin but also the subcutis may be destroyed. Consequently, the developing scar can become adherent to underlying structures. Reconstruction of the subcutis can be achieved by autologous fat grafting. Our aim was to evaluate the long‐term scar outcome after single‐treatment autologous fat grafting using a comprehensive scar evaluation protocol. Scar assessment was performed preoperatively in 40 patients. A 12‐month follow‐up assessment was performed in 36 patients, using the Cutometer, the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale, and DSM II ColorMeter. The Cutometer parameters elasticity and maximal extension improved with 28 and 22% (both p < 0.001), respectively. Nearly all scores of the scar assessment scale decreased significantly, which corresponds to improved scar quality. In addition, the mean melanin score was ameliorated over time. Thus, we demonstrated the sustainable effectiveness of single‐treatment autologous fat grafting in adherent scars, indicated by improved pliability, and overall scar quality.
The effect of pH on cell viability, cell migration, cell proliferation, wound closure, and wound reepithelialization: In vitro and in vivo study
Authors: Kruse Carla R. , Singh Mansher , Targosinski Stefan , Sinha Indranil , Sørensen Jens A. , Eriksson Elof , Nuutila Kristo
Published: April 2017

Wound microenvironment plays a major role in the process of wound healing. It contains various external and internal factors that participate in wound pathophysiology. The pH is an important factor that influences wound healing by changing throughout the healing process. Several previous studies have investigated the role of pH in relation to pathogens but studies concentrating on the effects of pH on wound healing itself are inconclusive. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively and in a controlled fashion investigate the effect of pH on wound healing by studying its effect on human primary keratinocyte and fibroblast function in vitro and on wound healing in vivo. In vitro, primary human keratinocytes and fibroblasts were cultured in different levels of pH (5.5–12.5) and the effect on cell viability, proliferation, and migration was studied. A rat full‐thickness wound model was used to investigate the effect of pH (5.5–9.5) on wound healing in vivo. The effect of pH on inflammation was monitored by measuring IL‐1
concentrations from wounds and cell cultures exposed to different pH environments. Our results showed that both skin cell types tolerated wide range of pH very well. They further demonstrated that both acidic and alkaline environments decelerated cell migration in comparison to neutral environments and interestingly alkaline conditions significantly enhanced cell proliferation. Results from the in vivo experiments indicated that a prolonged, strongly acidic wound environment prevents both wound closure and reepithelialization while a prolonged alkaline environment did not have any negative impact on wound closure or reepithelialization. Separately, both in vitro and in vivo studies showed that prolonged acidic conditions significantly increased the expression of IL‐1
in fibroblast cultures and in wound fluid, whereas prolonged alkaline conditions did not result in elevated amounts of IL‐1
.
Interaction of Undergraduate Research and Sustainable System Engineering Baccalaureate Program Development
Authors: Brown Aaron , Balogh Jeno , Zhang Runing
Published: April 2017

With the success of post-graduate programs in a wide range of individual sustainable development subjects such as environmental sustainability, sustainable manufacturing, infrastructure sustainability, etc. it was recognized that there was a void in undergraduate opportunity related to these areas. Consequently, the time seems appropriate for offering a relevant baccalaureate program to create a pipeline of students educated from a systems perspective in sustainable engineering practices that might feed into postgraduate programs, as well as fill a need in government and industry. This paper presents how undergraduate research supports engineering education linked to sustainable practices and influenced the development of a new degree program in Sustainable Systems Engineering (SSE) at Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver). Two projects are discussed which represent an approach using sustainable systems methodology: one in the area of new sustainable structural systems and the other in development of water filtration devices to be used in Sustainable Community Development (SCD) projects. Additionally, the research on novel multi-composite structural members for new construction as well as retrofits that could be used in conjunction with solar heating technology was used as a pilot instrument in engineering courses to emphasize to students the application of sustainable engineering practices in design and holistic problem solving. This paper describes the curriculum development of the SSE program that was driven in part by these experiences. Discussed is the contribution of this applied learning approach as a contributing influence to a number of courses in the new program such as Mathematical Modeling, Structural Modeling, Humanitarian Engineering, and Sustainable Systems Design. Moreover, it discusses how these courses have been designed to incorporate elements of Undergraduate Research as part of the learning experience.
Improving Project-Based Learning Outcomes by Formative Assessment and Strategic Time Optimization
Authors: Stocco Leo , Rosales Roberto , Galiano Ignacio , Liu Andy , Feixo David
Published: April 2017

The 3rd year Electrical Engineering Design Studio (EEDS) course is a project-based learning (PBL) course that gives students hands-on experience with putting electrical engineering principles into practice. It is an electro-mechanical project which provides a particular challenge since electrical engineering students often lack mechanical design skills. It is found here that learning outcomes are improved by a 2-stage formative assessment and time optimization strategy that allows students to extract as much value as possible out of the limited time they have to devote to this exercise. It consists of an innovative assessment strategy that includes formal, informal and self-assessments, and an innovative budgeting, lecture scheduling, parts distribution, and order queueing system. The impact on efficiency is shown through an end-of-term student survey and a subjective evaluation of their work, in comparison to the previous year.
Renewable Energy Needs in Developing Countries: Barriers That Can Be Solved With Engineering
Authors: Barger K. McCall , Mattson Christopher A.
Published: April 2017

Access to electricity is one of the most essential requirements for development. Furthermore, the U.S. Energy Information Administration has predicted that growth in electricity use is projected to largely come from developing countries as defined by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). However, the transition to clean energy is occurring too slowly in rural parts of developing countries. Renewable energy provides the opportunity for sustainable energy to be provided to those living in rural areas of developing countries, who have not had access to clean energy. Renewable energy technology is necessary because traditional measures of energy access are not able to address the deficiencies in the affordability, reliability, and other barriers associated with renewable energy distribution.

While there have been several successful rural electrification technologies in the past few years, sustainable technologies still have the potential to be unsuccessful if they fail to overcome the many barriers that stand in the way of energy progression in developing countries. Moreover, a product’s technical performance is not a sound indicator of how well that product will be adopted by users. This paper argues that technical and social barriers to renewable energy dissemination have not been surmounted due to a lack of innovation in terms of engineering solutions. Innovative “grid-free” engineering products can enable developing countries to avoid a possible industrial revolution while still growing their economy, since they are not hindered by an electricity grid. This paper identifies technical barriers to renewable energy development from the literature, and suggests possible innovations that can aid rural areas of developing countries in achieving electrification. The technology explored in this paper include super capacitors, a ground-air thermoelectric generator, and photovoltaic solar cells, which all have the potential to provide energy access to those living in less urbanized areas of developing countries.
Building Inclusive Undergraduate Teams
Authors: Barr Ryan , Pfeiffer Claire , Dillon Heather , Doughty Timothy
Published: April 2017

This paper describes a research project to encourage and enhance formation of undergraduate project teams with a focus on inclusivity. The project was developed by a team of undergraduate students working with a pair of engineering faculty. A survey including questions about team study groups was prepared and used to gather data about how engineering student teams are formed and how students perceive teams at different points as they progress through the curriculum. Interviews with junior/senior level students were filmed and the footage was used to build a composite video to serve as motivation to first and second year students. The video was presented in a second year dynamics class and the students were surveyed to understand the effectiveness of the intervention.

The survey results indicate that nearly half of all junior/senior engineering students feel ethically charged to include other students in a study group, while only 32% of second year students feel ethically charged. This research is part of a larger effort to develop methods for merging engineering ethics and professionalism in the mechanical engineering curriculum.
Summer Research and Collaborative Professional Development Experience for NSF RET Teachers in Advanced Manufacturing and Materials
Authors: Mian Ahsan , Pinnell Margaret , Petry Leanne , Srinivasan Raghavan , Franco Suzanne , Taylor Melissa
Published: April 2017

The current collaborative National Science Foundation Research Experience for Teachers (NSF-RET) site placed seventeen in-service and pre-service teachers with research mentors at one of the three regional universities WSU, CSU, and UD to work on engineering research projects. These research projects were chosen in such a way so that they were relevant to regional strengths in advanced manufacturing and materials. In addition to research, the RET teachers participated in various professional development (PD) activities such as “boot camp” facilitated by ASM Materials Education Foundation prior to the start of their research experience, field trips, seminars given by guest speakers and group work that produced K-12 curriculum related to the teams’ research experience. The teacher groups also presented the developed STEM curriculum and the final laboratory project results, and provided regular guided reflections regarding their efforts during the six-week program. This paper presents a brief overview of the collaborative RET project and details the achievement during the first project year. Emphasis is given to the collaborative PD activities of all seventeen teachers and the research projects performed by the two WSU RET groups comprised of four in-service and two pre-service teachers.
Eggs, Oranges and Other Technological Devices in Science Dissemination
Authors: Leão Celina P. , Soares Filomena , Esteves João Sena , Jorge Paula
Published: April 2017

The present work aims to analyze the challenge of organizing a science exhibition outside the common places (science museums, schools, universities). The exhibition, named “Scientist for a day”, under analysis took place in a sports environment. It was organized by a group of five 15 years old athletes, supervised by three university professors, and attended by 120 participants. There were 12 experiments, from the simple Jumping Egg to the sophisticated Electromagnetic Levitation Plane and the eye-catching Wimshurst Machine. The analysis of the outlooks of the participants in this science dissemination activity was performed through questionnaires voluntarily answered by 59 attendees (aged between 3 and 64 years old). The survey was designed to investigate the level of satisfaction of the participants and their opinions regarding each experiment, identifying the most and the least preferred, and if they are considering further study at university and in what area. The results analysis is presented in terms of group age distribution. Summarizing the participants’ perceptions, they were unanimous in recognizing that they were completely satisfied with the event.
Internship and Experiential Learning Model for Liberal Arts Graduates to Prepare Them for Advanced Manufacturing Careers
Authors: Zeid Ibrahim , Bograd Marina , Duggan Claire , Javdekar Chitra
Published: April 2017

Liberal Arts (BA) graduates are, more often than not, either underemployed or unemployed in the field(s) for which they received their degree. This is more so true in hard economic and recessionary times. It is also well known that BA graduates are well rounded by virtue of their education and are more adept at changing careers. Advanced manufacturing is one such career where BA graduates may excel, especially in entry-level positions such as CAD operators, CNC programmers, production supervisors, and in support staff roles. The challenge is how to prepare these non-technical majors (BA graduates) for technical careers (advanced manufacturing). This paper presents an internship model that is part of a 12-month fast track certificate in advanced manufacturing to enable BA graduates to gain both the technical skills and experiential knowledge they need to secure jobs in advanced manufacturing. This paper describes the certificate academic program, corresponding courses, and the recruitment process of BA graduates to provide context. It then focuses on the details of the internship model: recruiting industry partners to provide internships, preparing students for the internships, the management and support system of these internships, and lessons learned so far. These research findings are part of an NSF, 3-year grant that investigates a transformation model of BA graduates for careers in advanced manufacturing.
A Low-Cost and Simplified Digital Image Correlation Software Package for Use in Undergraduate Teaching Laboratories
Authors: Hieb Fritz , Hargather Michael
Published: April 2017

Digital image correlation (DIC) has become an industry staple quickly replacing classic techniques. High-speed images are taken of a material sample being deformed, then algorithms applied to calculate variables of sample deformation such as stress, strain, displacement and displacement velocity. Currently, the analysis technology is not available at the level of simplicity and accessibility needed to teach the methods in an undergraduate laboratory. This project aims to develop a single program to perform DIC that is simple to use, accurate, and available at low cost. This paper describes the state of current DIC algorithm research, drawbacks of available technologies, the development cycle of the software including the techniques used to obtain the necessary accuracy and performance, and a demonstration of the DIC functionality in comparison to results obtained from commercial software.
Analysis and Evaluation of Readiness, Retention and Completion by Intensive Engineering Readiness Summer Program
Authors: Zhou Yong , Pan Cheng-Chang (Sam) , Islam Nazmul
Published: April 2017

The U.S. Hispanic population is predicted to triple and steadily grow up to 30% of the total population in 2050 [1]. Statistics indicates that only 7.2% of engineering bachelor’s degrees were earned by Hispanic graduates in 2008, and only 1.7% was earned by Hispanic women engineering graduates (NSF, 2008). Indeed, the lack of underrepresented Hispanic women engineers has been a concern of policy makers, academics, and industry leaders in recent decades [2]. On the other hand, the market for qualified engineering graduates remains atop in last twenty years. Increase the number of engineering enrollment and the number of engineering graduates, however, is still a challenge because of too many persisting and correlated factors. These identified factors all affect the retention and graduation of undergraduate engineering students, and relation among them are complicated and still not well understood [3].
A Sustainable Model for Problem Based Learning in a South African School
Authors: von Solms S. , Hurter W. S. , Meyer J.
Published: April 2017

South Africa is currently facing an education dilemma with high numbers of youth unemployment and a growing specialized skills shortage in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). STEM problem based learning events, hosted by government and the corporate sector, has shown to improve science and technology literacy and to encourage the youth to pursue tertiary education in the field of science. Unfortunately, schools face a range of challenges which restricts them from participating in these learning methods, depriving learners of the advantages offered by problem based learning. This paper presents a model for the sustainable provision of STEM problem based learning opportunities in South African schools. The presented model is based on a two-team mentoring model which makes problem based learning sustainable in a South African school environments. The Shell Eco Marathon is in its third year, and the students that have passed through the program will now be progressing to university. The impact of this program, therefore, will be become evident by the success of the students’ studies in the near future.
Understanding the Impact of Engineering Through Appropriate Technology Development
Authors: Janse van Rensburg Nickey , Simpson Z. , Malan N.
Published: April 2017

This research describes a pilot project which aimed to introduce CDIO-type (Conceive-Design-Implement-Operate), project-based learning through a community-based project in a third year Material Science module. The project formed part of an agriculture research initiative, and relied on interdisciplinary research collaboration between engineering, social sciences, management, entrepreneurship, and industrial arts. The initiative seeks to develop an agribusiness solution that will create an open-market, growth-oriented food economy. As part of the initiative, engineering students, participating in teams, worked alongside a community of urban farmers, most of whom are working poor, so as to develop appropriate, intermediate technology/ies that could support the farmers. This was informed by the need to have students demonstrate high level understanding of disciplinary content, but also to engage in human-centered design thinking and practice.
On the generation of nonlinear damage resonance intermodulation for elastic wave spectroscopy
Authors: Ciampa Francesco , Scarselli Gennaro , Meo Michele
Published: April 2017

Recent nonlinear elastic wave spectroscopy experiments have shown that the nonlinear ultrasonic response of damaged composite materials can be enhanced by higher vibrations at the local damage resonance. In this paper, the mathematical formulation for the generation of nonlinear wave effects associated with continuous periodic excitation and the concept of local defect resonance is provided. Under the assumption of both quadratic and cubic approximation, the existence of higher harmonics of the excitation frequency, superharmonics of the damage resonance frequency and nonlinear wave effects, here named as nonlinear damage resonance intermodulation, which correspond to the nonlinear intermodulation between the driving and the damage resonance frequencies, is proved. All these nonlinear elastic effects are caused by the interaction of propagating ultrasonic waves with the local damage resonance and can be measured at locations different from the material defect one. The proposed analytical model is confirmed and validated through experimental transducer-based measurements of the steady-state nonlinear resonance response on a damaged composite sample. These results will provide opportunities for early detection and imaging of material flaws.
Astrocyte-shed extracellular vesicles regulate the peripheral leukocyte response to inflammatory brain lesions
Authors: Dickens Alex M. , Tovar-y-Romo Luis B. , Yoo Seung-Wan , Trout Amanda L. , Bae Mihyun , Kanmogne Marlene , Megra Bezawit , Williams Dionna W. , Witwer Kennith W. , Gacias Mar , Tabatadze Nino , Cole Robert N. , Casaccia Patrizia , Berman Joan W. , Anthony Daniel C. , Haughey Norman J.
Published: April 2017

Vesicles shed from astrocytes after brain trauma trigger hepatic cytokine release to mobilize the peripheral immune response.