bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
p53 expression as a prognostic marker in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Cioca Andreea , Cimpean Maria , Kundnani Nilima , Ceausu Raluca , Suciu Cristian , Raica Marius
Published: October 2014

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most frequent cancers worldwide
with a high mortality. Immunohistochemical overexpression of the p53 protein
was correlated with a poor prognosis in various human malignancies, including
HCC. In our study, 45 resected HCCs were examined to evaluate the expression
of p53 and its correlation with clinicopathological parameters.
Immunohistochemical detection of p53 with monoclonal human antibody, revealed
its overexpression in 20 tumors (44%), including diffuse positive in 7 cases
(35%), heterogeneous in 5 (25%), and focal in 8 (40%). We considered a
positive reaction only in the presence of immunostained nuclei in brown
shades in more than 5% of the tumor nuclei. To elucidate the significance of
p53 in HCC, we correlated its protein expression with major
clinicopathological features. We did not observe significant correlation with
sex, age, presence of cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis status, tumoral necrosis
and tumor size. The density and intensity of p53 revealed significant
correlation with histological grade (P=0.008 and P=0.014) and tumor stage
(P=0.005 and P=0.007). In conclusion, our results suggest that overexpression
of p53 is associated with HCC progression and contributes to disease
progression. Moreover, p53 expression may be a valuable marker of HCC
prognosis.
Chthonius (Globochthonius) daorsoni n.sp. (Chthoniidae, Pseudoscorpiones): A new cave false scorpion from Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Curcic B.P.M. , Radja T. , Radja Biljana , Dimitrijevic R.N. , Curcic S.B. , Curcic Nina , Ilic B.S.
Published: October 2014

A new endemic pseudoscorpion species from the Jama Pit nr. Daorson, Stolac,
Southeastern Bosnia and Herzegovina, is presented, thoroughly described and
illustrated. It is named Chthonius (Globochthonius) daorsoni n. sp. Its main
morphometric characters and important diagnostic features are analyzed and
compared to those of its phenetically and phylogenetically closest
congeners.
Deuterium depletion induces anxiolytic-like effects in rats
Authors: Mladin Cristian , Ciobica Alin , Lefter Radu , Popescu Alexandru , Bild Walther
Published: October 2014

Deuterium-depleted water (DDW) has a concentration of deuterium 6-7 times
lower than naturally occurring water (20-25 ppm vs. 150 ppm). When
administered for a longer period, it can reduce the concentration of
deuterium throughout the body, activating cellular mechanisms that depend on
protons. The aim of the present work was to investigate the influence of
chronic DDW administration on anxiety-related processes in Wistar rats when
compared to a control group that received distilled water, as studied in an
elevated plus maze behavioral test. Our results describe a possible
anxiolytic-like effect of DDW administration on rats, as shown by the
increase in the percentage of time and number of entries in the open arms of
the elevated plus maze. The administration of DDW also resulted in stimulated
head-dipping behavior in the open arms, which is a behavioral change that
characterizes the exploratory behavior and decreased inhibition/ fear in an
unfamiliar environment. We conclude that the change in this balance may have
important consequences for many biological mechanisms. A deuterium
desaturation treatment with DDW might have a use in anxiety disorders.
Evolving paradigms in locally advanced rectal cancer: Review of the non-operative approach and future directions
Authors: Polcz Monica , Smith Jesse , Paty Philip
Published: October 2014

The standard treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer in the United States
is neoadjuvant chemoradiation, surgical resection with total mesorectal
excision, and adjuvant chemotherapy. In recent years, a non-operative
approach has been suggested for patients achieving a complete clinical
response with chemoradiation alone to avoid the morbidity that accompanies
radical excision. This approach is justified by the observation that a
significant proportion of patients (15-40%) have achieved a pathological
complete response by the time of surgery. We review the most recent
literature to determine if the oncologic outcomes are comparable. We also
discuss future directions in management, including the consolidation of
chemotherapy with neoadjuvant chemoradiation. Currently, distant recurrence
rates exceed those of local recurrence and adjuvant chemotherapy is often
delayed pending post-operative recovery. Offering chemotherapy up-front would
simultaneously treat both the primary tumor and any micrometastatic disease
without delay. A trial is currently underway at our center evaluating these
treatment modalities.
The pull-through procedure: A new role for an old operation
Authors: Romano G.M. , de Franciscis , Belli A. , Ragone V. , Bianco F.
Published: October 2014

During the last few decades numerous treatments of rectal cancer have lead to
a significant improvement in the prevention of local recurrence and quality
of life. Apart from radio and chemotherapy, surgical approach has gone
through many modifications. In spite of the significant understanding of
rectal cancer, we have reached the point when with the strict selection of
patients we can taylor a surgical approach to each patient, especially ion
cases when low anterior resection is indicated. We are presenting our
approach of delayed end-to-end colo-anal anastomosis, along with the
discussion of advantages, potential problems and selection criteria and
technical details.
A metastatic colorectal carcinoma: A curative approach?
Authors: Basara Nadezda
Published: October 2014

Background: Unresectable colorectal liver metastases can be resected after
response to chemotherapy. The use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with or without
targeted monoclonal antibodies increases the proportion of resectable liver
metastasis and conferred a long term survival of 40%. Methods: The current
ongoing studies regarding neodjuvant treatment strategies aiming to increase
a proportion of patients with resectable liver metastases is going to be
presented. Results: Perioperative chemotherapy with FOLFOX4 is compatible
with major liver surgery and reduces the risk of events of progression free
survival in resected patients. The results of the CELIM study confirm a
favourable long-term survival for patients with initially suboptimal or
unresectable colorectal liver metastasis who respond to conversion therapy
and undergo secondary resection. The New EPOC randomised trial does not
support the addition of cetuximab to chemotherapy and surgery for operable
colorectal liver metastasis in KRAS exon 2 wild-type patients. Conclusion:
The ability of anti-epidermal growth factor receptor agents to increase
response rate and resection when added to chemotherapy has been clearly shown
in a number of trials. The resection rates are higher with chemotherapy plus
Cetuximab, in general, a conversion is contributes to the better overall
survival.
Role of video assisted anal fistula treatment in our management of fistula-in-ano
Authors: Grolich Tomáas , Skricka Tomás , Robek Oldøich , Kala Zdenìk , Hemmelová Beata , Hrivnák Radoslav
Published: October 2014

Background: Video-assisted anal fistula treatment is a new method used for
treatment of complex perianal fistula with maximal sparing of sphincter
muscles and prevention of false route. Authors inform about their experience
and operative results. Aims: Our aim was to verify feasibility of the method,
help in internal opening identification and define its position in our
management of perianal fistulas. Methods: Patients with chronic
fistula-in-ano of IBD and non-IBD benign etiology were enrolled. Anoscopy
with fistuloscopy was attempted in all patients followed by loose seton
drainage or other procedure. Results: Fistuloscopy was attempted in 30
patients, finished in 93% and internal opening was found in 67%. No
procedure-related morbidity was observed. Conclusion: Fistuloscopy alone is
feasible for diagnosing type of IBD and non-IBD fistulas. VAAFT technique and
instruments were helpful for identification of an internal opening in most
cases. As such it has established role in our management of fistula-in-ano.
Pathophysiology of hemorrhoidal disease and approach to its management
Authors: Pravin Gupta , Shalini Gupta , Purushottam Heda
Published: October 2014

Hemorrhoids are a very common anorectal disorder defined as the symptomatic
enlargement and abnormally downward displacement of anal cushions.
Hemorrhoids become pathognomonic due the degenerative change of supportive
tissue within the anal cushions, vascular hyperplasia, and hyperperfusion of
hemorrhoidal plexus. Early grades of hemorrhoids (Grade I and 2) can be
effectively treated with dietary and lifestyle modification, pharmacological
treatment, and different office-based procedures. Surgical intervention is
indicated in symptomatic and advanced grades of hemorrhoids. Although
hemorrhoidectomy is still considered as the gold standard, more recently,
newer approaches like Ligasure and ultrasonic hemorrhoidectomy, stapled
hemorrhoidopexy, and doppler-guided hemorrhoidal artery ligation have been
used with a desirable success. However, post-procedural pain and disease
recurrence remain the most challenging problems. This article deals with the
pathophysiology and evidence based approach to hemorrhoidal diseases.
Psychopathy, Academic Accountants' Attitudes toward Unethical Research Practices, and Publication Success
Authors: Bailey Charles D.
Published: October 2014

Psychopathy is characterized by deficits of conscience and empathy, and is measurable in nonclinical populations. It is one of the “Dark Triad” of personality variables, but has received minimal attention in accounting literature, despite obvious implications for fraud. In the practice of empirical research, two sides of the “Fraud Triangle,” motive and opportunity, are in place, awaiting only rationalization. For one high on the psychopathy scale, rationalization of fraud is easy or moot. Widespread fraud exists in scientific research, and studies indicate that accounting is not exempt. I hypothesize and find a positive effect of psychopathy on article publication count in leading accounting journals, mediated by individuals' greater acceptance of unethical acts in research and publication. Participants are 546 North American accounting faculty who have published in accounting research journals, who are lower on the psychopathy scale than previous samples from other populations. Policy and research implications are discussed.
The Influence of CEO Power on Compensation Contract Design
Authors: Abernethy Margaret A. , Kuang Yu Flora , Qin Bo
Published: October 2014

We investigate whether CEO power influences a firm's decision to change its compensation system in response to regulatory and public pressure. In particular, we assess whether CEO power influences the choice of performance measures as a form of camouflage to minimize the impact of these reforms on their wealth. We examine one component of CEO pay, namely, the use of performance-vested stock option (PVSO) plans, and find that firms with powerful CEOs attach less challenging targets in the initial PVSOs granted to their CEOs. Such firms also appear to adopt PVSO plans early, and are more likely to do so when faced with public outrage over executive compensation. Our results suggest that powerful CEOs attempt to appease public outrage by quickly adopting PVSOs, but that adopting PVSOs early does not appear to be an optimal strategy for increasing shareholder value. Regulators intended that implementation of PVSOs would be beneficial to shareholders by improving the link between CEO pay and firm performance. However, our results indicate that powerful CEOs can negate some of the beneficial effect of PVSOs through their influence on adoption and choice of performance targets.

Data Availability: All data used in this study are publicly available from the sources indicated in the paper.
Methotrexate Promotes Glucose Uptake and Lipid Oxidation in Skeletal Muscle via AMPK Activation
Authors: Pirkmajer Sergej , Kulkarni Sameer S. , Tom Robby Z. , Ross Fiona A. , Hawley Simon A. , Hardie D. Grahame , Zierath Juleen R. , Chibalin Alexander V.
Published: October 2014

Methotrexate (MTX) is a widely used anticancer and antirheumatic drug that has been postulated to protect against metabolic risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes, although the mechanism remains unknown. MTX inhibits 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase/inosine monophosphate cyclohydrolase (ATIC) and thereby slows the metabolism of 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-d-ribofuranosyl-5′-monophosphate (ZMP) and its precursor AICAR, which is a pharmacological AMPK activator. We explored whether MTX promotes AMPK activation in cultured myotubes and isolated skeletal muscle. We found MTX markedly reduced the threshold for AICAR-induced AMPK activation and potentiated glucose uptake and lipid oxidation. Gene silencing of the MTX target ATIC activated AMPK and stimulated lipid oxidation in cultured myotubes. Furthermore, MTX activated AMPK in wild-type HEK-293 cells. These effects were abolished in skeletal muscle lacking the muscle-specific, ZMP-sensitive AMPK-γ3 subunit and in HEK-293 cells expressing a ZMP-insensitive mutant AMPK-γ2 subunit. Collectively, our findings underscore a role for AMPK as a direct molecular link between MTX and energy metabolism in skeletal muscle. Cotherapy with AICAR and MTX could represent a novel strategy to treat metabolic disorders and overcome current limitations of AICAR monotherapy.
Detection of Abnormal Glucose Tolerance in Africans Is Improved by Combining A1C With Fasting Glucose: The Africans in America Study
Authors: Sumner Anne E. , Thoreson Caroline K. , O'Connor Michelle Y. , Ricks Madia , Chung Stephanie T. , Tulloch-Reid Marshall K. , Lozier Jay N. , Sacks David B.
Published: October 2014

OBJECTIVE

Abnormal glucose tolerance is rising in sub-Saharan Africa. Hemoglobin A1c by itself and in combination with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) is used to diagnose abnormal glucose tolerance. The diagnostic ability of A1C in Africans with heterozygous variant hemoglobin, such as sickle cell trait or hemoglobin C trait, has not been rigorously evaluated. In U.S.-based Africans, we determined by hemoglobin status the sensitivities of 1) FPG ≥5.6 mmol/L, 2) A1C ≥ 5.7% (39 mmol/mol), and 3) FPG combined with A1C (FPG ≥5.6 mmol/L and/or A1C ≥5.7% [39 mmol/mol]) for the detection of abnormal glucose tolerance.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed in 216 African immigrants (68% male, age 37 ± 10 years [mean ± SD], range 20–64 years). Abnormal glucose tolerance was defined as 2-h glucose ≥7.8 mmol/L.

RESULTS

Variant hemoglobin was identified in 21% (46 of 216). Abnormal glucose tolerance occurred in 33% (72 of 216). When determining abnormal glucose tolerance from the OGTT (2-h glucose ≥7.8 mmol/L), sensitivities of FPG for the total, normal, and variant hemoglobin groups were 32%, 32%, and 33%, respectively. Sensitivities for A1C were 53%, 54%, and 47%. For FPG and A1C combined, sensitivities were 64%, 63%, and 67%. Sensitivities for FPG and A1C and the combination did not vary by hemoglobin status (all P > 0.6). For the entire cohort, sensitivity was higher for A1C than FPG and for both tests combined than for either test alone (all P values ≤ 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

No significant difference in sensitivity of A1C by variant hemoglobin status was detected. For the diagnosis of abnormal glucose tolerance in Africans, the sensitivity of A1C combined with FPG is significantly superior to either test alone.
Synthesis of Polynitrostilbenes using Activated Hydrotalcites as Heterogeneous Base Catalysts
Authors: Xu Junhui , Wei Jianping , Ma Qingguo , Peng Xinhua
Published: October 2014

An efficient and straight for ward synthesis of polynitrostilbenes with the ( E)-configuration by the condensation of polynitroarenes with aromatic aldehydes, catalysed by activated hydrotalcites as heterogeneous catalysts is described.
An Efficient and Facile Process for Synthesis of 4,5-Dichlorothiophene-2-Carboxylic Acid using N-Chlorosuccinimide
Authors: Wang Peng , Ji Min , Sha Fei
Published: October 2014

4,5-Dichlorothiophene-2-carboxylic acid was obtained from the starting material thiophene-2-carboxylic acid via esterification, chlorination and hydrolysis. The chlorination reaction was achieved using N-chlorosuccinimide as the chlorinating agent with high selectivity and yield. The advantages of this synthesis route were mild reaction conditions, simplified operational procedure and the raw materials were easy to obtain. It could be applied to industrial production.
Novel Phosphoryloxylactonisation of Pentenoic Acids Mediated by Ammonium Iodide
Authors: Zhou Zhong-Shi , He Xue-Han
Published: October 2014

Using ammonium iodide as a catalyst and m-chloroperbenzoic acid as the oxidant, a novel and efficient procedure has been developed for phosphoryloxylactonisation of alkenoic acids in CH3CN at room temperature, which provides the corresponding phosphoryloxylactones in good yields. In this protocol, it is proposed that ammonium iodide catalyst is first oxidised to hypoiodous acid, which reacts with the alkenoic acid to afford the corresponding iodolactone. Then, the iodolactone is further transformed into a hypervalent iodine intermediate by continuing oxidation, and finally the in situ generated active iodine species reacts with a diaryl phosphate to furnish the phosphoryloxylactone end product.
Limitations in identifying the equilibrium-line altitude from the optical remote-sensing derived snowline in the Tien Shan, China
Authors: Yuwei WU , Jianqiao HE , Zhongming GUO , Anan Chen
Published: October 2014

Optical remote-sensing derived end-of-summer snowline altitude (SLA) has long been employed on glaciers as an indicator of the equilibrium-line altitude (ELA). In the Tien Shan, northwest China, both accumulation and ablation of glaciers occur mainly in the warm season, making it difficult to obtain the representative snowline (highest snowline) in the area. The high spatio-temporal resolution of HJ-1 satellite images enables the highest snowline to be acquired. In this paper, we compare image-derived SLA and measured in situ ELA for two adjacent glaciers in the Tien Shan over the period 2009–10. Results indicate that (1) in 2009, there was a substantial difference between SLA and ELA on one glacier, suggesting inconsistent applicability in using SLA to identify ELA over a large area; and (2) in 2010, an intense ablation year, the field-data-derived ELA surpassed the glacier peak. In this situation, there is no theoretical relationship between SLA and ELA, and the image-derived snowline actually indicates the boundary between ice and firn from previous years. In summary, errors will arise from the discrepancies between individual glaciers and from intensive ablation when using SLA to identify ELA over a large area.
Exploring seasonal accumulation bias in a west central Greenland ice core with observed and reanalyzed data
Authors: Porter Stacy E. , Mosley-Thompson Ellen
Published: October 2014

The seasonality of accumulation in west central Greenland is investigated to determine whether a summer bias exists in a multi-century ice core recovered from Crawford Point (CP). Such a bias would negatively affect the ice core’s potential for reconstructing the history of winter circulation patterns including the North Atlantic Oscillation. An automatic weather station (AWS) installed at the CP site in 1995 records sub-daily surface heights and affords a unique opportunity to assess the seasonal distribution of accumulation and test the performance of five gridded reanalysis datasets and a regional climate model. Simulated accumulation compares remarkably well with in situ measurements from both the AWS and CP ice core, demonstrating their potential to accurately represent accumulation in this region. Seasonal accumulation exhibits no summer maximum, indicating that any concurrent precipitation maximum is likely offset by melt and/or sublimation effects. The lack of a strong seasonal accumulation bias implies that the CP ice core is well suited for future investigations of the history of winter circulation patterns.
Flow dynamics of Byrd Glacier, East Antarctica
Authors: Van Der Veen C.J. , Stearns L.A. , Johnson J. , Csatho B.
Published: October 2014

Force-balance calculations on Byrd Glacier, East Antarctica, reveal large spatial variations in the along-flow component of driving stress with corresponding sticky spots that are stationary over time. On the large scale, flow resistance is partitioned between basal (~80%) and lateral (~20%) drag. Ice flow is due mostly to basal sliding and concentrated vertical shear in the basal ice layers, indicating the bed is at or close to the pressure-melting temperature. There is a significant component of driving stress in the across-flow direction resulting in nonzero basal drag in that direction. This is an unrealistic result and we propose that there are spatial variations of bed features resulting in small-scale flow disturbances. The grounding line of Byrd Glacier is located in a region where the bed slopes upward. Nevertheless, despite a 10% increase in ice discharge between December 2005 and February 2007, following drainage of two subglacial lakes in the catchment area, the position of the grounding line has not retreated significantly and the glacier has decelerated since then. During the speed-up event, partitioning of flow resistance did not change, suggesting the increase in velocity was caused by a temporary decrease in basal effective pressure.
The Relationship between Folic Acid and Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Neggers Yasmin
Published: October 2014

There is considerable scientific evidence that many aspects of diet influence the occurrence of human disease. Many factors such as genetic, psychological, environmental and behavioral characteristics influence development of human disease, and there is a close relationship between nutrition and disease. Though typical Western diets are not overtly deficient in essential nutrients, nutriture of a few micro nutrients such as folic acid has been reported to be sub-optimal, particularly in women of childbearing age. The role of folic acid in the prevention of macrocytic anemia and neural tube defects is well established. However, the relationship between folic acid and risk of autism is still evolving. Furthermore, environmental as well as nutritional factors such as folic acid are now well acknowledged as interacting with the individual genetic background in development of several diseases. In this article, recent research regarding the relationship between folic acid and risk of autism is evaluated.
DRAM1 Protects Neuroblastoma Cells from Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation/Reperfusion-Induced Injury via Autophagy
Authors: Yu Mengqiang , Jiang Yugang , Feng Qingliang , Ouyang Yi'an , Gan Jie
Published: October 2014

DNA damage-regulated autophagy modulator protein 1 (DRAM1), a multi-pass membrane lysosomal protein, is reportedly a tumor protein p53 (TP53) target gene involved in autophagy. During cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, DRAM1 protein expression is increased, and autophagy is activated. However, the functional significance of DRAM1 and the relationship between DRAM1 and autophagy in brain I/R remains uncertain. The aim of this study is to investigate whether DRAM1 mediates autophagy activation in cerebral I/R injury and to explore its possible effects and mechanisms. We adopt the oxygen-glucose deprivation and reperfusion (OGD/R) Neuro-2a cell model to mimic cerebral I/R conditions in vitro, and RNA interference is used to knock down DRAM1 expression in this model. Cell viability assay is performed using the LIVE/DEAD viability/cytotoxicity kit. Cell phenotypic changes are analyzed through Western blot assays. Autophagy flux is monitored through the tandem red fluorescent protein–Green fluorescent protein–microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 (RFP–GFP–LC3) construct. The expression levels of DRAM1 and microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3II/I (LC3II/I) are strongly up-regulated in Neuro-2a cells after OGD/R treatment and peaked at the 12 h reperfusion time point. The autophagy-specific inhibitor 3-Methyladenine (3-MA) inhibits the expression of DRAM1 and LC3II/I and exacerbates OGD/R-induced cell injury. Furthermore, DRAM1 knockdown aggravates OGD/R-induced cell injury and significantly blocks autophagy through decreasing autophagosome-lysosome fusion. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that DRAM1 knockdown in Neuro-2a cells inhibits autophagy by blocking autophagosome-lysosome fusion and exacerbated OGD/R-induced cell injury. Thus, DRAM1 might constitute a new therapeutic target for I/R diseases.
Interferon Regulatory Factor-1 (IRF-1) Is Involved in the Induction of Phosphatidylserine Receptor (PSR) in Response to dsRNA Virus Infection and Contributes to Apoptotic Cell Clearance in CHSE-214 Cell
Authors: Kung Hsin-Chia , Evensen Øystein , Hong Jiann-Ruey , Kuo Chia-Yu , Tso Chun-Hsi , Ngou Fang-Huar , Lu Ming-Wei , Wu Jen-Leih
Published: October 2014

The phosphatidylserine receptor (PSR) recognizes a surface marker on apoptotic cells and initiates engulfment. This receptor is important for effective apoptotic cell clearance and maintains normal tissue homeostasis and regulation of the immune response. However, the regulation of PSR expression remains poorly understood. In this study, we determined that interferon regulatory factor-1 (IRF-1) was dramatically upregulated upon viral infection in the fish cell. We observed apoptosis in virus-infected cells and found that both PSR and IRF-1 increased simultaneously. Based on a bioinformatics promoter assay, IRF-1 binding sites were identified in the PSR promoter. Compared to normal viral infection, we found that PSR expression was delayed, viral replication was increased and virus-induced apoptosis was inhibited following IRF-1 suppression with morpholino oligonucleotides. A luciferase assay to analyze promoter activity revealed a decreasing trend after the deletion of the IRF-1 binding site on PSR promoter. The results of this study indicated that infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) infection induced both the apoptotic and interferon (IFN) pathways, and IRF-1 was involved in regulating PSR expression to induce anti-viral effects. Therefore, this work suggests that PSR expression in salmonid cells during IPNV infection is activated when IRF-1 binds the PSR promoter. This is the first report to show the potential role of IRF-1 in triggering the induction of apoptotic cell clearance-related genes during viral infection and demonstrates the extensive crosstalk between the apoptotic and innate immune response pathways.
Ion Acceleration and D-D Nuclear Fusion in Laser-Generated Plasma from Advanced Deuterated Polyethylene
Authors: Torrisi Lorenzo
Published: October 2014

Deuterated polyethylene targets have been irradiated by means of a 1016 W/cm2 laser using 600 J pulse energy, 1315 nm wavelength, 300 ps pulse duration and 70 micron spot diameter. The plasma parameters were measured using on-line diagnostics based on ion collectors, SiC detectors and plastic scintillators, all employed in time-of-flight configuration. In addition, a Thomson parabola spectrometer, an X-ray streak camera, and calibrated neutron dosimeter bubble detectors were employed. Characteristic protons and neutrons at maximum energies of 3.0 MeV and 2.45 MeV, respectively, were detected, confirming that energy spectra of reaction products coming from deuterium-deuterium nuclear fusion occur. In thick advanced targets a fusion rate of the order of 2 × 108 fusions per laser shot was calculated.
Wide-Field OCT Angiography at 400 KHz Utilizing Spectral Splitting
Authors: Ginner Laurin , Blatter Cedric , Fechtig Daniel , Schmoll Tilman , Gröschl Martin , Leitgeb Rainer
Published: October 2014

Optical angiography systems based on optical coherence tomography (OCT) require dense sampling in order to maintain good vascular contrast. We demonstrate a way to gain acquisition speed and spatial sampling by using spectral splitting with a swept source OCT system. This method splits the recorded spectra into two to several subspectra. Using continuous lateral scanning, the lateral sampling is then increased by the same factor. This allows increasing the field of view of OCT angiography, while keeping the same transverse resolution and measurement time. The performance of our method is demonstrated in vivo at different locations of the human retina and verified quantitatively. Spectral splitting can be applied without any changes in the optical setup, thus offering an easy way to increase the field of view of OCT in general and in particular for OCT angiography.
Guided-Mode Resonance Grating with Self-Assembled Silver Nanoparticles for Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Spectroscopy
Authors: Yang Jing , Ren Fanghui , Chong Xinyuan , Fan Donglei , Chakravarty Swapnajit , Wang Zheng , Chen Ray , Wang Alan
Published: October 2014

We designed and fabricated guided-mode resonance (GMR) gratings on indium-tin-oxide (ITO) thin film to generate a significantly enhanced local electric field for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy. Ag nanoparticles (NPs) were self-assembled onto the surface of the grating, which can provide a large amount of “hot-spots” for SERS sensing. The ITO gratings also exhibit excellent tolerance to fabrication deviations due to the large refractive index contrast of the ITO grating. Quantitative experimental results of 5,5’-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) demonstrate the best enhancement factor of ~14× on ITO gratings when compared with Ag NPs on a flat ITO film, and the limit of detection (LOD) of DTNB is as low as 10 pM.
Thermo-Responsive Injectable MPEG-Polyester Diblock Copolymers for Sustained Drug Release
Authors: Hyun Hoon , Park Seung , Kwon Doo , Khang Gilson , Lee Hai , Kim Moon
Published: October 2014

Thermo-responsive diblock copolymers composed of hydrophilic methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) (MPEG) and hydrophobic biodegradable polyesters were prepared for application as injectable drug delivery systems, because they show a thermo-responsive sol-to-gel transition, especially around body temperature, when dispersed in aqueous solutions. The thermogelling hydrogels formed by hydrophobic aggregation could be varied by changing the components of the hydrophobic polyester part. For the polyester block in the present study, 95 mol% of ε-caprolactone (CL) was used for the main polyester chain and 5 mol% of p-dioxanone (DO) was copolymerized randomly by the MPEG initiator in the presence of HCl as the catalyst. By adding a small portion of DO into the poly ε-caprolactone (PCL) chains, the temperature range of gelation, the intensity of viscosity and the drug release behavior were changed. The MPEG-b-poly(ε-caprolactone-ran-p-dioxanone) (MPEG-b-PCDO) hydrogel showed the enhanced drug release in vitro and in vivo compared to MPEG-b-PCL hydrogel. Therefore, MPEG-polyester hydrogels may serve as minimally invasive and therapeutic, injectable hydrogel systems with adjustable temperature-responsive and biodegradable windows, as well as sustained release of drugs over a certain time period.
Intrinsically Disordered Proteins: Where Computation Meets Experiment
Authors: Burger Virginia , Gurry Thomas , Stultz Collin
Published: October 2014

Proteins are heteropolymers that play important roles in virtually every biological reaction. While many proteins have well-defined three-dimensional structures that are inextricably coupled to their function, intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) do not have a well-defined structure, and it is this lack of structure that facilitates their function. As many IDPs are involved in essential cellular processes, various diseases have been linked to their malfunction, thereby making them important drug targets. In this review we discuss methods for studying IDPs and provide examples of how computational methods can improve our understanding of IDPs. We focus on two intensely studied IDPs that have been implicated in very different pathologic pathways. The first, p53, has been linked to over 50% of human cancers, and the second, Amyloid-β (Aβ), forms neurotoxic aggregates in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. We use these representative proteins to illustrate some of the challenges associated with studying IDPs and demonstrate how computational tools can be fruitfully applied to arrive at a more comprehensive understanding of these fascinating heteropolymers.
Assessing the Performance of MODIS NDVI and EVI for Seasonal Crop Yield Forecasting at the Ecodistrict Scale
Authors: Kouadio Louis , Newlands Nathaniel , Davidson Andrew , Zhang Yinsuo , Chipanshi Aston
Published: October 2014

Crop yield forecasting plays a vital role in coping with the challenges of the impacts of climate change on agriculture. Improvements in the timeliness and accuracy of yield forecasting by incorporating near real-time remote sensing data and the use of sophisticated statistical methods can improve our capacity to respond effectively to these challenges. The objectives of this study were (i) to investigate the use of derived vegetation indices for the yield forecasting of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) from the Moderate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) at the ecodistrict scale across Western Canada with the Integrated Canadian Crop Yield Forecaster (ICCYF); and (ii) to compare the ICCYF-model based forecasts and their accuracy across two spatial scales-the ecodistrict and Census Agricultural Region (CAR), namely in CAR with previously reported ICCYF weak performance. Ecodistricts are areas with distinct climate, soil, landscape and ecological aspects, whereas CARs are census-based/statistically-delineated areas. Agroclimate variables combined respectively with MODIS-NDVI and MODIS-EVI indices were used as inputs for the in-season yield forecasting of spring wheat during the 2000–2010 period. Regression models were built based on a procedure of a leave-one-year-out. The results showed that both agroclimate + MODIS-NDVI and agroclimate + MODIS-EVI performed equally well predicting spring wheat yield at the ECD scale. The mean absolute error percentages (MAPE) of the models selected from both the two data sets ranged from 2% to 33% over the study period. The model efficiency index (MEI) varied between −1.1 and 0.99 and −1.8 and 0.99, respectively for the agroclimate + MODIS-NDVI and agroclimate + MODIS-EVI data sets. Moreover, significant improvement in forecasting skill (with decreasing MAPE of 40% and 5 times increasing MEI, on average) was obtained at the finer, ecodistrict spatial scale, compared to the coarser CAR scale. Forecast models need to consider the distribution of extreme values of predictor variables to improve the selection of remote sensing indices. Our findings indicate that statistical-based forecasting error could be significantly reduced by making use of MODIS-EVI and NDVI indices at different times in the crop growing season and within different sub-regions.
Comparison of Different GPP Models in China Using MODIS Image and ChinaFLUX Data
Authors: Liu Zhengjia , Wang Lunche , Wang Sisi
Published: October 2014

Accurate quantification of gross primary production (GPP) at regional and global scales is essential for carbon budgets and climate change studies. Five models, the vegetation photosynthesis model (VPM), the temperature and greenness model (TG), the alpine vegetation model (AVM), the greenness and radiation model (GR), and the MOD17 algorithm, were tested and calibrated at eight sites in China during 2003–2005. Results indicate that the first four models provide more reliable GPP estimation than MOD17 products/algorithm, although MODIS GPP products show better performance in grasslands, croplands, and mixed forest (MF). VPM and AVM produce better estimates in forest sites (R2 = 0.68 and 0.67, respectively); AVM and TG models show satisfactory GPP estimates for grasslands (R2 = 0.91 and 0.9, respectively). In general, the VPM model is the most suitable model for GPP estimation for all kinds of land cover types in China, with R2 higher than 0.34 and root mean square error (RMSE) lower than 48.79%. The relationships between eddy CO2 flux and model parameters (Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), land surface temperature (LST), air temperature, and Land Surface Water Index (LSWI)) are further analyzed to investigate the model’s application to various land cover types, which will be of great importance for studying the effects of climatic factors on ecosystem performances.
The Spectral Response of the Landsat-8 Operational Land Imager
Authors: Barsi Julia , Lee Kenton , Kvaran Geir , Markham Brian , Pedelty Jeffrey
Published: October 2014

Abstract: This paper discusses the pre-launch spectral characterization of the Operational Land Imager (OLI) at the component, assembly and instrument levels and relates results of those measurements to artifacts observed in the on-orbit imagery. It concludes that the types of artifacts observed and their magnitudes are consistent with the results of the pre-launch characterizations. The OLI in-band response was characterized both at the integrated instrument level for a sampling of detectors and by an analytical stack-up of component measurements. The out-of-band response was characterized using a combination of Focal Plane Module (FPM) level measurements and optical component level measurements due to better sensitivity. One of the challenges of a pushbroom design is to match the spectral responses for all detectors so that images can be flat-fielded regardless of the spectral nature of the targets in the imagery. Spectral variability can induce striping (detector-to-detector variation), banding (FPM-to-FPM variation) and other artifacts in the final data products. Analyses of the measured spectral response showed that the maximum discontinuity between FPMs due to spectral filter differences is 0.35% for selected targets for all bands except for Cirrus, where there is almost no signal. The average discontinuity between FPMs is 0.12% for the same targets. These results were expected and are in accordance with the OLI requirements. Pre-launch testing identified low levels (within requirements) of spectral crosstalk amongst the three HgCdTe (Cirrus, SWIR1 and SWIR2) bands of the OLI and on-orbit data confirms this crosstalk in the imagery. Further post-launch analyses and simulations revealed that the strongest crosstalk effect is from the SWIR1 band to the Cirrus band; about 0.2% of SWIR1 signal leaks into the Cirrus. Though the total crosstalk signal is only a few counts, it is evident in some scenes when the in-band cirrus signal is very weak. In moist cirrus-free atmospheres and over typical land surfaces, at least 30% of the cirrus signal was due to the SWIR1 band. In the SWIR1 and SWIR2 bands, crosstalk accounts for no more than 0.15% of the total signal.
MS-BWME: A Wireless Real-Time Monitoring System for Brine Well Mining Equipment
Authors: Xiao Xinqing , Zhu Tianyu , Qi Lin , Moga Liliana , Zhang Xiaoshuan
Published: October 2014

This paper describes a wireless real-time monitoring system (MS-BWME) to monitor the running state of pumps equipment in brine well mining and prevent potential failures that may produce unexpected interruptions with severe consequences. MS-BWME consists of two units: the ZigBee Wireless Sensors Network (WSN) unit and the real-time remote monitoring unit. MS-BWME was implemented and tested in sampled brine wells mining in Qinghai Province and four kinds of indicators were selected to evaluate the performance of the MS-BWME, i.e., sensor calibration, the system’s real-time data reception, Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) and sensor node lifetime. The results show that MS-BWME can accurately judge the running state of the pump equipment by acquiring and transmitting the real-time voltage and electric current data of the equipment from the spot and provide real-time decision support aid to help workers overhaul the equipment in a timely manner and resolve failures that might produce unexpected production down-time. The MS-BWME can also be extended to a wide range of equipment monitoring applications.
Patterns and Correlates for Bullying among Young Adolescents in Ghana
Authors: Acquah Emmanuel , Wilson Michael , Doku David
Published: October 2014

Bullying is relatively common and is considered to be a public health problem among adolescents worldwide. The present study examined the risk factors associated with bullying behavior among adolescents in a lower-middle-income country setting. Data on 6235 adolescents aged 11–16 years, derived from the Republic of Ghana’s contribution to the Global School-based Health Survey, were analyzed using bivariate and multinomial logistic regression analysis. A high prevalence of bullying was found among Ghanaian adolescents. Alcohol-related health compromising behaviors (alcohol use, alcohol misuse and getting into trouble as a result of alcohol) increased the risk of being bullied. In addition, substance use, being physically attacked, being seriously injured, hunger and truancy were also found to increase the risk of being bullied. However, having understanding parents and having classmates who were kind and helpful reduced the likelihood of being bullied. These findings suggest that school-based intervention programs aimed at reducing rates of peer victimization should simultaneously target multiple risk behaviors. Teachers can also reduce peer victimization by introducing programs that enhance adolescents’ acceptance of each other in the classroom.
Civil Society in Hybrid Governance: Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Legitimacy in Mediating Wal-Mart’s Local Produce Supply Chains in Honduras
Authors: Bloom J.
Published: October 2014

This paper challenges the notion that the incorporation of actors from civil society into hybrid governance arrangements improves outcomes and legitimacy. Multi-stakeholder collaborations are a popular hybrid governance approach to development, including NGOs’ work to integrate smallholder farmers into supermarket supply chains. As a result, NGOs’ service provision role has expanded to include market facilitation, often necessitating NGOs act as market intermediaries. This paper explores how this new role may jeopardize NGOs’ organizational legitimacy in the eyes of their constituents, other development organizations, and supermarket partners, and therefore ultimately affect their ability to represent civil society in hybrid governance arrangements. Drawing on qualitative data collected in the Central American country of Honduras, this paper focuses on NGOs’ role organizing producer associations to facilitate access to Wal-Mart supermarkets. Findings suggest that a lack of supply chain transparency, NGOs’ negotiation between commercial and aid-oriented goals, and the potential to exclude producers from development projects threaten NGOs’ legitimacy. These findings illustrate the difficulties of embedding philanthropic activities in market-based systems, and demonstrate how multi-stakeholder collaborations may be influenced more by commercial priorities than the elements of a partnership. Ultimately, development NGOs are products of neoliberal, hybrid governance, even as their activities are expected to ease the transition of small-scale producers into this system.
A Site Selection Model for a Straw-Based Power Generation Plant with CO2 Emissions
Authors: Lv Hao , Ding Hao , Zhou Dequn , Zhou Peng
Published: October 2014

The decision on the location of a straw-based power generation plant has a great influence on the plant’s operation and performance. This study explores traditional theories for site selection. Using integer programming, the study optimizes the economic and carbon emission outcomes of straw-based power generation as two objectives, with the supply and demand of straw as constraints. It provides a multi-objective mixed-integer programming model to solve the site selection problem for a straw-based power generation plant. It then provides a case study to demonstrate the application of the model in the decision on the site selection for a straw-based power generation plant with a Chinese region. Finally, the paper discusses the result of the model in the context of the wider aspect of straw-based power generation.
Protein Folding Activity of the Ribosome (PFAR) –– A Target for Antiprion Compounds
Authors: Banerjee Debapriya , Sanyal Suparna
Published: October 2014

Prion diseases are fatal neurodegenerative diseases affecting mammals. Prions are misfolded amyloid aggregates of the prion protein (PrP), which form when the alpha helical, soluble form of PrP converts to an aggregation-prone, beta sheet form. Thus, prions originate as protein folding problems. The discovery of yeast prion(s) and the development of a red-/white-colony based assay facilitated safe and high-throughput screening of antiprion compounds. With this assay three antiprion compounds; 6-aminophenanthridine (6AP), guanabenz acetate (GA), and imiquimod (IQ) have been identified. Biochemical and genetic studies reveal that these compounds target ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and inhibit specifically the protein folding activity of the ribosome (PFAR). The domain V of the 23S/25S/28S rRNA of the large ribosomal subunit constitutes the active site for PFAR. 6AP and GA inhibit PFAR by competition with the protein substrates for the common binding sites on the domain V rRNA. PFAR inhibition by these antiprion compounds opens up new possibilities for understanding prion formation, propagation and the role of the ribosome therein. In this review, we summarize and analyze the correlation between PFAR and prion processes using the antiprion compounds as tools.
Regulation of HTLV-1 Tax Stability, Cellular Trafficking and NF-κB Activation by the Ubiquitin-Proteasome Pathway
Authors: Lavorgna Alfonso , Harhaj Edward
Published: October 2014

Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is a complex retrovirus that infects CD4+ T cells and causes adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) in 3%–5% of infected individuals after a long latent period. HTLV-1 Tax is a trans-activating protein that regulates viral gene expression and also modulates cellular signaling pathways to enhance T-cell proliferation and cell survival. The Tax oncoprotein promotes T-cell transformation, in part via constitutive activation of the NF-κB transcription factor; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Ubiquitination is a type of post-translational modification that occurs in a three-step enzymatic cascade mediated by E1, E2 and E3 enzymes and regulates protein stability as well as signal transduction, protein trafficking and the DNA damage response. Emerging studies indicate that Tax hijacks the ubiquitin machinery to activate ubiquitin-dependent kinases and downstream NF-κB signaling. Tax interacts with the E2 conjugating enzyme Ubc13 and is conjugated on C-terminal lysine residues with lysine 63-linked polyubiquitin chains. Tax K63-linked polyubiquitination may serve as a platform for signaling complexes since this modification is critical for interactions with NEMO and IKK. In addition to NF-κB signaling, mono- and polyubiquitination of Tax also regulate its subcellular trafficking and stability. Here, we review recent advances in the diverse roles of ubiquitin in Tax function and how Tax usurps the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway to promote oncogenesis.