bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrogen Sulfide Epigenetically Attenuates Homocysteine‐Induced Mitochondrial Toxicity Mediated Through NMDA Receptor in Mouse Brain Endothelial (bEnd3) Cells
Authors: Kamat Pradip K. , Kalani Anuradha , Tyagi Suresh C. , Tyagi Neetu
Published: July 2014

Previously we have shown that homocysteine (Hcy) caused oxidative stress and altered mitochondrial function. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has potent anti‐inflammatory, anti‐oxidative, and anti‐apoptotic effects. Therefore, in the present study we examined whether H2S ameliorates Hcy‐induced mitochondrial toxicity which led to endothelial dysfunction in part, by epigenetic alterations in mouse brain endothelial cells (bEnd3). The bEnd3 cells were exposed to 100 μM Hcy treatment in the presence or absence of 30 μM NaHS (donor of H2S) for 24 h. Hcy‐activate NMDA receptor and induced mitochondrial toxicity by increased levels of Ca2+, NADPH‐oxidase‐4 (NOX‐4) expression, mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity and decreased the level of nitrate, superoxide dismutase (SOD‐2) expression, mitochondria membrane potentials, ATP production. To confirm the role of epigenetic, 5′‐azacitidine (an epigenetic modulator) treatment was given to the cells. Pretreatment with NaHS (30 μM) attenuated the Hcy‐induced increased expression of DNMT1, DNMT3a, Ca2+, and decreased expression of DNMT3b in bEND3 cells. Furthermore, NaHS treatment also mitigated mitochondrial oxidative stress (NOX4, ROS, and NO) and restored ATP that indicates its protective effects against mitochondrial toxicity. Additional, NaHS significantly alleviated Hcy‐induced LC3‐I/II, CSE, Atg3/7, and low p62 expression which confirm its effect on mitophagy. Likewise, NaHS also restored level of eNOS, CD31, VE‐cadherin and ET‐1 and maintains endothelial function in Hcy treated cells. Molecular inhibition of NMDA receptor by using small interfering RNA showed protective effect whereas inhibition of H2S production by propargylglycine (PG) (inhibitor of enzyme CSE) showed mitotoxic effect. Taken together, results demonstrate that, administration of H2S protected the cells from HHcy‐induced mitochondrial toxicity and endothelial dysfunction. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 378–394, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Regulation of Osteoclast Multinucleation by the Actin Cytoskeleton Signaling Network
Authors: Takito Jiro , Otsuka Hirotada , Yanagisawa Nobuaki , Arai Hiroshi , Shiga Masayasu , Inoue Mitsuko , Nonaka Naoko , Nakamura Masanori
Published: July 2014

Although it is known that osteoclasts are multinucleated cells that are responsible for bone resorption, the mechanism by which their size is regulated is unclear. We previously reported that an actin‐rich superstructure, termed the zipper‐like structure, specifically appears during the fusion of large osteoclast‐like cells (OCLs). Actin cytoskeleton reorganization in osteoclasts is regulated by a signaling network that includes the macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (M‐CSF) receptor, a proto‐oncogene, Src, and small GTPases. Here, we examined the role of actin reorganization in the multinucleation of OCLs differentiated from RAW 264.7 cells using various pharmacological agents. Jasplakinolide, which stabilizes actin stress fibers, induced the development of small OCLs, and the Src inhibitor SU6656 and the dynamin inhibitor dynasore impaired the maintenance of the podosome belt and the zipper‐like structure. These inhibitors decreased the formation of large OCLs but increased the number of small OCLs. M‐CSF is known to stimulate osteoclast fusion. M‐CSF signaling via Src up‐regulated Rac1 activity but down‐regulated Rho activity. Rac1 and Rho localized to the center of the zipper‐like structure. Rho activator II promoted the formation of small OCLs, whereas the Rho inhibitor Y27632 promoted the generation of large OCLs. These results suggest that the status of the actin cytoskeleton signaling network determines the size of OCLs during cell fusion. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 395–405, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Treatment of cellulose bleaching effluents and their filtration permeates by anodic oxidation with H2O2 production
Authors: Salazar Claudio , Sirés Ignasi , Salazar Ricardo , Mansilla Héctor D. , Zaror Claudio A.
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND

Electrochemical advanced oxidation processes (EAOPs), particularly those based on either cathodic electrogeneration of H2O2 or anodic oxidation (AO) via •OH, have become attractive technological options for the complete detoxification of wastewaters. Their integration with separation pre‐treatment such as ultrafiltration (UF), nanofiltration (NF) or reverse osmosis (RO) may be a plausible way to reduce processing time and costs.

RESULTS

Raw effluents from the acid and alkaline elemental chlorine free bleaching stages of a hardwood‐based kraft pulp mill, as well as their UF, NF and RO permeates, have been characterized and then treated by AO‐H2O2 in a tank reactor with an air‐diffusion cathode, which allowed efficient reduction of O2, and a DSA‐RuO2 or BDD anode at constant cell voltage (2–12 V). Due to the complexity of the matrix, a larger H2O2 accumulation in the acid effluents was observed. DSA favoured the accumulation of ions, whereas BDD allowed their further transformation into owing to the larger oxidizing power of its physisorbed •OH. The contribution of this species, along with H2O2 and active chlorine, accounted for the significant TOC abatement reached in the different individual and coupled treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

AO‐H2O2 and UF/AO‐H2O2 yielded similar mineralization levels (65–68%) for acid effluents, but lower energy consumption (EC) resulted in the latter process due to the lower conductivity of the permeates. NF/AO‐H2O2 coupling yielded the largest mineralization of alkaline effluents (96% instead of 75% obtained by AO‐H2O2) with low EC. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
A scoping review of scoping reviews: advancing the approach and enhancing the consistency
Authors: Pham Mai T. , Rajić Andrijana , Greig Judy D. , Sargeant Jan M. , Papadopoulos Andrew , McEwen Scott A.
Published: July 2014

Background

The scoping review has become an increasingly popular approach for synthesizing research evidence. It is a relatively new approach for which a universal study definition or definitive procedure has not been established. The purpose of this scoping review was to provide an overview of scoping reviews in the literature.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted using the Arksey and O'Malley framework. A search was conducted in four bibliographic databases and the gray literature to identify scoping review studies. Review selection and characterization were performed by two independent reviewers using pretested forms.

Results

The search identified 344 scoping reviews published from 1999 to October 2012. The reviews varied in terms of purpose, methodology, and detail of reporting. Nearly three‐quarter of reviews (74.1%) addressed a health topic. Study completion times varied from 2 weeks to 20 months, and 51% utilized a published methodological framework. Quality assessment of included studies was infrequently performed (22.38%).

Conclusions

Scoping reviews are a relatively new but increasingly common approach for mapping broad topics. Because of variability in their conduct, there is a need for their methodological standardization to ensure the utility and strength of evidence. © 2014 The Authors. Research Synthesis Methods published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PTR‐TOF‐MS analysis of volatile compounds in olive fruits
Authors: Masi Elisa , Romani Annalisa , Pandolfi Camilla , Heimler Daniela , Mancuso Stefano
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND

Volatile compounds of Cellina di Nardò and Ogliarola Barese, two typical Italian olive varieties, have been characterised at different ripening stages. Proton transfer reaction–time‐of‐flight–mass spectrometry (PTR‐TOF‐MS) was used for the first time on these fruits with the aim of characterising the volatile profile and, in the case of Ogliarola, the changes which may occur during the maturation process.

RESULTS

PTR‐TOF‐MS does not involve any sample pre‐treatment, and allows high‐resolution measurements, large spectra and small fragmentation of the volatiles. Therefore it allows both compound identification and data statistical treatments. In the present work, about 40 compounds that contribute to the discrimination between samples of the two varieties have been identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Three groups of compounds were identified: (1) compounds that are typical of mature fruits of Ogliarola, (2) compounds that tend to decrease during the change from green to mature fruits, and (3) compounds that increase during the maturation process. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Kinetics Investigation of Reaction of Naphthalene with OH Radicals at 1–3 Torr and 240–340 K
Authors: Roueintan Masoud M. , Cho Joeson , Li Zhuangjie
Published: July 2014

The combination of relative rate method with discharge flow and mass spectrometry (RR/DF/MS) technique was employed to determine the rate constant for the gas‐phase reaction of hydroxyl radicals (OH) with naphthalene at 240−340 K and a total pressure of 1–3 Torr. At 298 K, the rate constant was measured to be cm3 molecule−1 s−1, which is in good agreement with reported literature values determined using different techniques. The reaction of OH with naphthalene was found to be essentially independent of pressure in a range of 1−3 Torr at both 298 and 340 K. At 240–340 K, the rate constant of this reaction was found to be negatively dependent on temperature, with an Arrhenius expression of k1(T) cm3 molecule−1 s−1 and k1(T) cm3 molecule−1 s−1 using 1,4‐dioxane and styrene as the reference compounds, respectively. The atmospheric lifetime of naphthalene was estimated to be 9.6 h using the rate constant of naphthalene + OH determined at 277 K in the present work.
Shape Memory Particles Capable of Controlled Geometric and Chemical Asymmetry made from Aliphatic Polyesters
Authors: Brosnan Sarah M. , Jackson Anne‐Martine S. , Wang Yapei , Ashby Valerie Sheares
Published: July 2014

A novel method for producing monodisperse micro‐ and nanosized shape memory particles from various shape memory polymers (SMPs) is reported. This method uses a polydimethylsiloxane mold to uniformly deform particles from complex shapes to other well‐defined shapes, harvest them without aggressive solvents or heat, and then return them to their original shapes upon heating above a preselected trigger temperature. By manipulating the material properties of both the mold and SMP, monodisperse asymmetric particles are easily achieved. This method is demonstrated with traditional SMPs and polymers with varying degrees of reactive functionality, crystallinity, and transition temperature. This additional reactivity and the robustness of this system allow easy tailoring of the surface with click chemistry to achieve chemical asymmetry.

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Microstructure of a recycled AA7050 alloy processed by spray forming followed by hot extrusion and rotary swaging
Authors: de Bribean Guerra A. P. , Ellendt N. , Uhlenwinkel V. , Pereira da Silva P. S. C. , Bolfarini C.
Published: July 2014

The aim of this study is to evaluate the microstructure of a recycled AA7050 alloy processed by spray forming followed by hot extrusion and swaging. Machining chips from an aircraft manufacturer were used as raw material. The microstructure was investigated by optical microscopy (MO) and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). The spray formed deposit was homogenized at 743 K, 8 h, extruded at 693 K with a deformation rate of 0.1 s–1 and an extrusion rate of 156:1, producing a bar with 8.0 mm in diameter. Due to a specific combination of high extrusion temperature and deformation rate, partial recrystallization occurred and different grain sizes were obtained through the extruded cross section. After extrusion, the 8.0 mm bar was processed by rotary swaging in several steps up to a 2.0 mm final diameter. The resulting microstructure revealed a cold worked structure, with no recrystallization. Tensile tests were performed in both cases and the slant type of fracture reveals that Portevin Le‐Chatelier effect took place in this alloy. Moreover, the efficacy of extrusion and rotary swaging parameters to reduce the porosity, intrinsic to the spray form process, was analyzed, as well the distribution of intermetallic particles.
Pavement repair strategy and construction technology for Bangabadhu multipurpose bridge
Authors: Zhu B. W. , Zhu H. , Lin A. , Gan F. X.
Published: July 2014

In this communication, the pavement repair strategy for the Bangabadhu multipurpose bridge has been optimized. The former design of the repair strategy includes six parts of repairing cracks with epoxy adhesive, 1.4 mm thick carbon fiber reinforced polymer (carbon fiber reinforced polymer), 5 mm thick thermal insulation, 6–12 mm surface material non‐shrink mortar grout, 5 mm thick waterproofing membrane, and 50 mm thick mastic asphalt. The optimized repair proposal includes five parts of repairing cracks with epoxy adhesive, 1.4 mm thick carbon fiber reinforced polymer, 4–10 mm thick epoxy resin motar grout, 5 mm thick epoxy asphalt waterproofing adhesive coat, and 50 mm thick stone mastic asphalt. In addition, the requirements for the materials selection and specific technology for the construction processes has also been provided.
Outcome reliability in non‐Ambulatory Boys/Men with duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Connolly Anne M. , Malkus Elizabeth C. , Mendell Jerry R. , Flanigan Kevin M. , Miller J. Philip , Schierbecker Jeanine R. , Siener Catherine A. , Golumbek Paul T. , Zaidman Craig M. , Mcdonald Craig M. , Johnson Linda , Nicorici Alina , Karachunski Peter I. , Day John W. , Kelecic Jason M. , Lowes Linda P. , Alfano Lindsay N. , Darras Basil T. , Kang Peter B. , Quigley Janet , Pasternak Amy E. , Florence Julaine M. ,   MDA DMD Clinical Research Network
Published: July 2014

Introduction: Therapeutic trials in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) often exclude non‐ambulatory individuals. Here we establish optimal and reliable assessments in a multicenter trial. Methods: Non‐ambulatory boys/men with DMD (N = 91; 16.7 ± 4.5 years of age) were assessed by trained clinical evaluators. Feasibility (percentage completing task) and reliability [intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) between morning and afternoon tests] were measured. Results: Forced vital capacity (FVC), assessed in all subjects, showed a mean of 47.8 ± 22% predicted (ICC 0.98). Brooke Upper Extremity Functional Rating (Brooke) and Egen Klassifikation (EK) scales in 100% of subjects showed ICCs ranging from 0.93 to 0.99. Manual muscle testing, range of motion, 9‐hole peg test, and Jebsen‐Taylor Hand Function Test (JHFT) demonstrated varied feasibility (99% to 70%), with ICCs ranging from 0.99 to 0.64. We found beneficial effects of different forms of corticosteroids for the Brooke scale, percent predicted FVC, and hand and finger strength. Conclusions: Reliable assessment of non‐ambulatory boys/men with DMD is possible. Clinical trials will have to consider corticosteroid use. Muscle Nerve 51: 522–532, 2015
Space‐time spectral collocation method for the one‐dimensional sine‐Gordon equation
Authors: Liu Wenjie , Wu Boying , Sun Jiebao
Published: July 2014

In this article, we introduce a new space‐time spectral collocation method for solving the one‐dimensional sine‐Gordon equation. We apply a spectral collocation method for discretizing spatial derivatives, and then use the spectral collocation method for the time integration of the resulting nonlinear second‐order system of ordinary differential equations (ODE). Our formulation has high‐order accurate in both space and time. Optimal a priori error bounds are derived in theL2‐norm for the semidiscrete formulation. Numerical experiments show that our formulation have exponential rates of convergence in both space and time. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 31: 670–690, 2015
Placental hematoma mimicking twin anemia–polycythemia sequence following selective laser photocoagulation for twin–twin transfusion syndrome
Authors: Sela Hen Y. , Miller Russell , Abellar Rosanna G. , Simpson Lynn L.
Published: July 2014

What's already known about this topic?

Fetal anemia can develop in 2–13% of pregnancies following laser photocoagulation for twin‐twin transfusion syndrome. In such cases, twin anemia‐polycythemia sequence is the most common diagnosis that might mandate further interventions.

What does this study add?

We describe a case of placental hematoma following selective laser photocoagulation for twin‐twin transfusion syndrome associated with post‐therapy de novo donor twin anemia.
Docetaxel‐Loaded Nanoparticles of Dendritic Amphiphilic Block Copolymer H40‐PLA‐b‐TPGS for Cancer Treatment
Authors: Zeng Xiaowei , Tao Wei , Wang Zhongyuan , Zhang Xudong , Zhu Huijun , Wu Yanping , Gao Yongfeng , Liu Kewei , Jiang Yuyang , Huang Laiqiang , Mei Lin , Feng Si‐Shen
Published: July 2014

A dendritic amphiphilic block copolymer H40‐poly(d,l‐lactide)‐block‐d‐α‐tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (H40‐PLA‐b‐TPGS) is synthesized, which is then employed to develop a system of nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with docetaxel (DTX) as a model drug for cancer treatment due to its higher drug‐loading content and drug encapsulation efficiency, smaller particle size, faster drug release, and higher cellular uptake in comparison to the linear PLA polymer NPs and PLA‐b‐TPGS copolymer NPs. The drug‐loaded NPs are prepared by a modified nanoprecipitation method and characterized in terms of size and size distribution, surface morphology, drug release profile, and physical state of DTX. Cellular uptake of coumarin 6‐loaded NPs by MCF‐7 cancer cells is determined by flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The antitumor efficacy of the drug‐loaded NPs is investigated in vitro by MTT assay and in vivo by xenograft tumor model. The 72 h IC50 of the drug formulated in the PLA, PLA‐b‐TPGS, and H40‐PLA‐b‐TPGS NPs is found to be, 1.5 ± 0.3, 0.9 ± 0.1, and 0.15 ± 0.06 μg mL−1, which are 7.3, 12.2, and 73.3‐fold effective than 11.0 ± 1.2 μg mL−1 for Taxotere, respectively. Such advantages are further confirmed by the measurement of the tumor size and weight.
Basal plane stacking faults in semipolar AlGaN: Hints to Al redistribution
Authors: Tischer Ingo , Frey Manuel , Hocker Matthias , Jerg Lisa , Madel Manfred , Neuschl Benjamin , Thonke Klaus , Leute Robert A.R. , Scholz Ferdinand , Groiss Heiko , Müller Erich , Gerthsen Dagmar
Published: July 2014

We investigate the optical and structural properties of an AlGaN layer with low Al content grown on a semipolar GaN facet. The correlation of scanning transmission electron microscopy with high‐resolution cathodoluminescence recorded on the identical sample spot allows to identify the emission features of AlGaN defects. We assign a basal plane stacking fault of type to a spatially localized emission below the ( in AlGaN. This defect starts inside the GaN template and continues through the AlGaN layer. The energy spacing between the () related emission band and the corresponding ‐type basal plane stacking fault emission is larger than in the binary GaN case which indicates a modified Al content at the defect.
Do markets mitigate misperceptions of feedback?
Authors: Kampmann Christian Erik , Sterman John D.
Published: July 2014

Experimental studies of dynamic decision making generally show poor performance. Most, however, lack market mechanisms, specifically price setting, while economic theory suggests markets should mitigate individual decision errors. We develop experimental markets to explore whether different price institutions improve performance in dynamic decision tasks. We find: (i) dynamic complexity degrades performance substantially relative to optimal despite the inclusion of different pricing mechanisms; and (ii) markets improve performance, though it remains significantly below optimal. We estimate decision rules for each actor; results reject the hypothesis of rationality at the individual level but support behavioral decision rules consistent with bounded rationality. Simulations using the estimated decision rules reproduce key features of market dynamics. Decision timing data and verbal protocols show that greater task complexity leads subjects to ignore important aspects of the environment, particularly strategic interactions among participants. Markets moderate but do not eliminate misperceptions of feedback. Copyright © 2014 System Dynamics Society
Reduced Aggregation and Cytotoxicity of Amyloid Peptides by Graphene Oxide/Gold Nanocomposites Prepared by Pulsed Laser Ablation in Water
Authors: Li Jingying , Han Qiusen , Wang Xinhuan , Yu Ning , Yang Lin , Yang Rong , Wang Chen
Published: July 2014

A novel and convenient method to synthesize the nanocomposites combining graphene oxides (GO) with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) is reported and their applications to modulate amyloid peptide aggregation are demonstrated. The nanocomposites produced by pulsed laser ablation (PLA) in water show good biocompatibility and solubility. The reduced aggregation of amyloid peptides by the nanocomposites is confirmed by Thioflavin T fluorescence and atomic force microscopy. The cell viability experiments reveals that the presence of the nanocomposites can significantly reduce the cytotoxicity of the amyloid peptides. Furthermore, the depolymerization of peptide fibrils and inhibition of their cellular cytotoxicity by GO/AuNPs is also observed. These observations suggest that the nanocomposites combining GO and AuNPs have a great potential for designing new therapeutic agents and are promising for future treatment of amyloid‐related diseases.
Near‐Infrared Light Responsive Multi‐Compartmental Hydrogel Particles Synthesized Through Droplets Assembly Induced by Superhydrophobic Surface
Authors: Luo Rongcong , Cao Ye , Shi Peng , Chen Chia‐Hung
Published: July 2014

Light‐responsive hydrogel particles with multi‐compartmental structure are useful for applications in microreactors, drug delivery and tissue engineering because of their remotely‐triggerable releasing ability and combinational functionalities. The current methods of synthesizing multi‐compartmental hydrogel particles typically involve multi‐step interrupted gelation of polysaccharides or complicated microfluidic procedures with limited throughput. In this study, a two‐step sequential gelation process is developed to produce agarose/alginate double network multi‐compartmental hydrogel particles using droplets assemblies induced by superhydrophobic surface as templates. The agarose/alginate double network multi‐compartmental hydrogel particles can be formed with diverse hierarchical structures showing combinational functionalities. The synthesized hydrogel particles, when loaded with polypyrrole (PPy) nanoparticles that act as photothermal nanotransducers, are demonstrated to function as near‐infrared (NIR) light triggerable and deformation‐free hydrogel materials. Periodic NIR laser switching is applied to stimulate these hydrogel particles, and pulsatile release profiles are collected. Compared with massive reagents released from single‐compartmental hydrogel particles, more regulated release profiles of the multi‐compartmental hydrogel particles are observed.
Translational possibility of [18F]Mefway to image serotonin 1A receptors in humans: Comparison with [18F]FCWAY in rodents
Authors: Choi Jae Yong , Kim Byoung Soo , Kim Chul Hoon , Kim Dong Goo , Han Sang Jin , Lee Kyochul , Kim Kyeong Min , An Gwangil , Choi Tae Hyun , Yoo Sun Dong , Ryu Young Hoon
Published: July 2014

Purpose: To compare the cerebral uptake and binding potential of [18F]FCWAY and [18F]Mefway in the rodent to assess their potential for imaging serotonin 1A (5‐HT1A) receptors. Materials and Methods: In vitro liver microsomal studies were performed to evaluate the degree of defluorination. Dynamic positron emission tomography (PET) studies were then conducted for 2 h with or without an anti‐defluorination agent. The regions of interest were the hippocampus and frontal cortex (5‐HT1A target regions) and the cerebellum (5‐HT1A nontarget region). The in vivo kinetics of the radioligands were compared based on the brain uptake values and target‐to‐nontarget ratio. We also performed a comparison of binding potential (BPND) as a steady‐state binding parameter. Finally, binding affinities to 5‐HT1A receptors were assessed in Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO‐K1) cells expressing human recombinant 5‐HT1A receptors. Results: The radiochemical yield of [18F]Mefway was slightly higher than that of [18F]FCWAY (19 vs. 15%). With regard to metabolic stability against defluorination, both compounds exhibited similar stability in rat liver microsomes, but [18F]Mefway displayed higher stability in the human microsome (defluorination ratio at 30 min: 32 vs. 29 in rat liver microsomes, 31 vs. 64 in human liver microsomes for [18F]Mefway and [18F]FCWAY, respectively). There were no significant differences in brain uptake, the target‐to‐nontarget ratios, and the BPND (at hippocampus, peak brain uptakes: 6.9 vs. 8.5, target‐to‐nontarget ratios: 6.9 vs. 8.5, BPND: 5.2 vs. 6.2 for [18F]Mefway and [18F]FCWAY). The binding affinity of [18F]Mefway was considerably higher than that of [18F]FCWAY (IC50 : 1.5 nM vs. 2.2 nM). Conclusion: [18F]Mefway exhibits favorable characteristics compared to [18F]FCWAY in rodents, and may be a promising radioligand for use in human subjects. Synapse 68:595–603, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Heart disease regulations: implications for work and play – part 1
Authors: Mills Nicholas L. , Boon Nicholas A.
Published: July 2014

Regulatory authorities may exclude men with heart disease from specific occupations or activities to protect the individual and those around them. Clinicians are often asked to explain the rationale for these restrictions, and may be asked to provide advice on the safety of a diverse range of recreational activities. In the first of two articles, the authors outline the concept of acceptable risk and discuss the implications for patients with coronary artery disease and implanted devices. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons.
Interpretation of PSA levels after radical therapy for prostate cancer
Authors: Goonewardene Sanchia S. , Phull Jaspal S. , Bahl Amit , Persad Raj A.
Published: July 2014

Prostate‐specific antigen plays a role in active surveillance and postoperative monitoring of prostate cancer patients. The authors discuss PSA screening, and consider some of the problems involved in interpretation of PSA levels after radical prostatectomy, radical radiotherapy and brachytherapy. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons.
Toward a theoretical framework for integrated modeling of hydrological change
Authors: Ceola Serena , Montanari Alberto , Koutsoyiannis Demetris
Published: July 2014

In an attempt to provide a unified scheme for the simulation of changing behaviors of hydrological systems, a theoretical framework for stationary and non‐stationary modeling is presented. The main triggers for hydrological change are reviewed, their impact on the long‐term properties of the inherent system are analyzed, and theoretical solutions are proposed for their representation. Model calibration is also discussed along with the impact of hydrological change on simulation uncertainty. Non‐stationarity and its simulation are examined as well. We propose a stochastic approach that is general, and allows a comprehensive treatment of uncertainty. The proposed framework is relevant to integrated modeling of hydrology and human impacts and therefore fits into the concepts of ‘Panta Rhei’, the scientific decade 2013–2022 promoted by the International Association of Hydrological Sciences.WIREs Water2014, 1:427–438. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1038

This article is categorized under:

Science of Water > Hydrological Processes

Engineering Water > Sustainable Engineering of Water

Science of Water > Water and Environmental Change
Cell‐intrinsic timing in animal development
Authors: Moss Eric G. , Romer‐Seibert Jennifer
Published: July 2014

In certain instances we can witness cells controlling the sequence of their behaviors as they divide and differentiate. Striking examples occur in the nervous systems of animals where the order of differentiated cell types can be traced to internal changes in their progenitors. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying such cell fate succession has been of interest for its role in generating cell type diversity and proper tissue structure. Another well‐studied instance of developmental timing occurs in the larva of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, where the heterochronic gene pathway controls the succession of a variety of developmental events. In each case, the identification of molecules involved and the elucidation of their regulatory relationships is ongoing, but some important factors and dynamics have been revealed. In particular, certain homologs of worm heterochronic factors have been shown to work in neural development, alerting us to possible connections among these systems and the possibility of universal components of timing mechanisms. These connections also cause us to consider whether cell‐intrinsic timing is more widespread, regardless of whether multiple differentiated cell types are produced in any particular order.

This article is categorized under:

Establishment of Spatial and Temporal Patterns > Regulation of Size, Proportion, and Timing

Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Gene Networks and Genomics

Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Regulatory RNA
A new market‐based climate change solution achieving 2°C and equity
Authors: Nishimura Mutsuyoshi
Published: July 2014

Current climate change strategies seem increasingly incapable of averting planetary catastrophe. The United Nations (UN) strategy places responsibility for CO2 reduction on governments, but governments by nature seek lower burdens. Moreover, arbitrary, ambition‐based pledges seriously fail to produce what science tells us is necessary to achieve any identified climate target. In addition, climate financing holds little hope as increasingly dire fiscal circumstances are to persist for decades. The time has come to seek a new effective system before it is too late. Such a system would cap global emissions with a global carbon budget that achieves the adopted target. The most cost‐effective plan is to put a global price on carbon, which can be accomplished by creating a global upstream carbon market. In such a market system, a limited amount of allowances would be sold to polluters. It would achieve the target most cost‐effectively, raise new revenue from the sales of allowances which would help vulnerable countries in their energy transition and low‐carbon sustainable growth. WIREs Energy Environ 2015, 4:133–138. doi: 10.1002/wene.131

This article is categorized under:

Energy and Climate > Climate and Environment

Energy Research & Innovation > Economics and Policy
Recent improvements and challenges in Fukushima: prefecture's economy and living environment
Authors: Ofuji Kenta
Published: July 2014

Today as we approach the 3‐year mark since the earthquake disaster and nuclear accident, Fukushima Prefecture's economy is gradually improving, albeit not yet completely, and the living environment in urban areas is showing signs of recovery. Yet much remains to be done to reassure people, who have still not returned home since evacuating, about their fears concerning radiation, and to dispel harmful rumors about the tourism and the farming and fishing industries. In this article, I raise three issues: (1) decontamination and target dose, (2) contaminated water and revival of the fishing industry, and (3) a vision for the industrialization of renewable energy; and present examples of the progress made in recent efforts in these three issues to close the gap between the ideal and reality. WIREs Energy Environ 2015, 4:307–315. doi: 10.1002/wene.139

This article is categorized under:

Energy Infrastructure > Economics and Policy

Energy Systems Economics > Economics and Policy

Energy Policy and Planning > Economics and Policy
Polyhydroxyalkanoate biosynthesis and simultaneous remotion of organic inhibitors from sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate by Burkholderia sp.
Authors: Lopes Mateus Schreiner Garcez , Gomez José Gregório Cabrera , Taciro Marilda Keico , Mendonça Thatiane Teixeira , Silva Luiziana Ferreira
Published: July 2014

Burkholderia sp. F24, originally isolated from soil, was capable of growth on xylose and removed organic inhibitors present in a hemicellulosic hydrolysate and simultaneously produced poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (P3HB). Using non-detoxified hydrolysate, Burkholderia sp. F24 reached a cell dry weight (CDW) of 6.8 g L−1, containing 48 % of P3HB and exhibited a volumetric productivity (PP3HB) of 0.10 g L−1 h−1. Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate copolymers (P3HB-co-3HV) were produced using xylose and levulinic acid (LA) as carbon sources. In shake flask cultures, the 3HV content in the copolymer increased from 9 to 43 mol% by adding LA from 1.0 to 5.0 g L−1. In high cell density cultivation using concentrated hemicellulosic hydrolysate F24 reached 25.04 g L−1 of CDW containing 49 % of P3HB and PP3HB of 0.28 g L−1 h−1. Based on these findings, second-generation ethanol and bioplastics from sugarcane bagasse is proposed.
Centro-affine normal flows on curves: Harnack estimates and ancient solutions
Authors: Ivaki Mohammad N.
Published: July 2014

We prove that the only compact, origin-symmetric, strictly convex ancient solutions of the planar
p
centro-affine normal flows are contracting origin-centered ellipses.
Crystal structure of the leucine‐rich repeat domain of the NOD‐like receptor NLRP1: Implications for binding of muramyl dipeptide
Authors: Reubold Thomas F. , Hahne Gernot , Wohlgemuth Sabine , Eschenburg Susanne
Published: July 2014

The NOD‐like receptor NLRP1 (NLR family, pyrin domain containing 1) senses the presence of the bacterial cell wall component l‐muramyl dipeptide (MDP) inside the cell. We determined the crystal structure of the LRR domain of human NLRP1 in the absence of MDP to a resolution of 1.65 Å. The fold of the structure can be assigned to the ribonuclease inhibitor‐like class of LRR proteins. We compared our structure with X‐ray models of the LRR domains of NLRX1 and NLRC4 and a homology model of the LRR domain of NOD2. We conclude that the MDP binding site of NLRP1 is not located in the LRR domain.
miR‐342‐3p suppresses proliferation, migration and invasion by targeting FOXM1 in human cervical cancer
Authors: Li Xu-ri , Chu Hui-jun , Lv Teng , Wang Lei , Kong Shou-fang , Dai Shu-zhen
Published: July 2014

FOXM1 is a well‐established oncogenic factor that has been reported to be involved in multiple biological processes including cell proliferation, growth, angiogenesis, migration and invasion. It can also be regulated by miRNAs. In this study, we reported that FOXM1 is directly targeted by miR‐342‐3p, which is down‐regulated along with its host gene, EVL, in human cervical cancer tissues compared to the adjacent normal tissues. Functional studies suggested that the overexpression of miR‐342‐3p inhibits cell proliferation, migration and invasion in cervical cell lines. FOXM1 is upregulated and negatively correlates with miR‐342‐3p in cervical cancer tissues, and the overexpression of FOXM1 rescues the phenotype changes induced by the overexpression of miR‐342‐3p.
Systematic comparison of bacterial feeding strains for increased yield of Caenorhabditis elegans males by RNA interference‐induced non‐disjunction
Authors: Timmons Lisa , Luna Hayley , Martinez Jordan , Moore Zachary , Nagarajan Vaishnavi , Kemege Juliana Metichecchia , Asad Nadeem
Published: July 2014

Rare Caenorhabditis elegans males arise when sex chromosome non‐disjunction occurs during meiosis in self‐fertilizing hermaphrodites. Non‐disjunction is a relatively rare event, and males are typically observed at a frequency of less than one in five hundred wild‐type animals. Males are required for genetic crosses and phenotypic analysis, yet current methods to generate large numbers of males can be cumbersome. Here, we identify RNAi reagents (dsRNA‐expressing bacteria) with improved effectiveness for eliciting males. Specifically, we used RNAi to systematically reduce the expression of over two hundred genes with meiotic chromosome segregation functions, and we identified a set of RNAi reagents that robustly and reproducibly elicited male progeny.
Expanding efforts to address Alzheimer's disease: The Healthy Brain Initiative
Authors: Anderson Lynda A. , Egge Robert
Published: July 2014

The growing burden of Alzheimer's disease underscores the importance of enhancing current public health efforts to address dementia. Public health organizations and entities have substantial opportunities to contribute to efforts underway and to add innovations to the field. The Alzheimer's Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention worked with a 15‐member leadership committee and hundreds of stakeholders to create The Healthy Brain Initiative: The Public Health Road Map for State and National Partnerships, 2013–2018 (Road Map). The actions in the Road Map provide a foundation for the public health community to anticipate and respond to emerging innovations and developments. It will be a challenge to harness the increasingly complex nature of public‐ and private‐sector collaborations. We must strengthen the capacity of public health agencies, leverage partnerships, and find new ways to integrate cognitive functioning into public health efforts.
Luminescent Quantum Dot-Bioconjugates in Immunoassays, FRET, Biosensing, and Imaging Applications
Authors: Mattoussi Hedi , Medintz Igor L. , Clapp Aaron R. , Goldman Ellen R. , Jaiswal Jyoti K. , Simon Sanford M. , Mauro J. Matthew
Published: July 2014

Colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals (quantum dots, QDs), such as CdSe-ZnS core-shell, are highly luminescent and stable inorganic fluorophores that represent a promising alternative to organic dyes for a variety of biotechnological applications. They show size-tunable narrow photoluminescence spectra spanning nearly the full visible region of the optical spectrum for QDs with CdSe cores. We have developed several approaches to conjugate either one type or a combination of biologically distinct proteins to CdSe-ZnS core-shell QDs rendered water-soluble by surface ligation with dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) groups. QD-protein conjugates prepared using these approaches were found to exhibit high specificity and stability in immunoassays and in Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) assays as well as in prototype QD bioconjugate sensors. Tunable QD emission over a wide range of wavelengths permitted effective tuning of the degree of energy overlap between the QD donor and an acceptor dye, allowing control over the rate of FRET. Additionally, we have used these QD-bioconjugates in live cell labeling. These hybrid bioinorganic conjugates represent a promising tool for use in many biotechnological applications.
Medical Screening After a Coal Fly Ash Spill in Roane County, Tennessee
Authors: Nichols Gregory P. , Cragle Donna L. , Benitez John G.
Published: July 2014

Objective

To assess the health of community residents following a coal fly ash spill at the Tennessee Valley Authority Kingston Fossil Plant in Harriman, Tennessee, on December 22, 2008.

Methods

A uniform health assessment was developed by epidemiologists at Oak Ridge Associated Universities and medical toxicologists at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Residents who believed that their health may have been affected by the coal fly ash spill were invited to participate in the medical screening program.

Results

Among the 214 individuals who participated in the screening program, the most commonly reported symptoms were related to upper airway irritation. No evidence of heavy metal toxicity was found.

Conclusions

This is the first report, to our knowledge, regarding the comprehensive health evaluation of a community after a coal fly ash spill. Because this evaluation was voluntary, the majority of residents screened represented those with a high percentage of symptoms and concerns about the potential for toxic exposure. Based on known toxicity of the constituents present in the coal fly ash, health complaints did not appear to be related to the fly ash. This screening model could be used to assess immediate or baseline toxicity concerns after other disasters. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2014;0:1–8)
Assessing Household Natural Disaster Preparedness in Shiraz, Iran, 2011: Results of a Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Survey
Authors: Mahdaviazad Hamideh , Abdolahifar Gholamreza
Published: July 2014

Objective

Public education and training that focus on appropriate knowledge, attitudes, and practices have had a crucial role in preparedness. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices of households regarding natural disasters in Shiraz, Iran.

Methods

In this cross-sectional descriptive study, we used a stratified random sampling technique. The data collection tool was a self-administered questionnaire, which was completed in through face-to-face interviews. The data were analyzed with the SPSS statistical software package (version 16).

Results

The overall mean scores were 7.3±2.0 for knowledge, 26.3±6.5 for attitudes, and 5.2±2.2 for practices. Mean scores for all 3 factors were higher in women and married participants. In other comparisons, the differences were statistically significant only for the associations between gender and the score for practices. The mean knowledge score was lower in illiterate participants than in other categories of educational status.

Conclusion

Our findings showed that the knowledge of households regarding disaster preparedness was encouraging, but that of attitudes and practices might be improved through a greater focus on motivational educational programs and cooperation among the organizations involved in public awareness. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2014;0:1–4)
On grid-generated turbulence in the near- and far field regions
Authors: Isaza Juan C. , Salazar Ricardo , Warhaft Zellman
Published: July 2014

Using a conventional bi-planar turbulence-generating grid, we confirm the recent findings (Valente & Vassilicos,Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 108, 2012, art. 214503) that show there is a turbulence decay region close to the generating grid that departs from the ‘classical’ turbulence decay (Comte-Bellot & Corrsin,J. Fluid Mech., vol. 25, 1966, pp. 657–682). In this ‘near-field’ region, the turbulence energy decays more rapidly than in the far-field and it exhibits unusual scaling properties. Based on the velocity decay laws, we show that for our conventional grid, the near-field extends from$\def \xmlpi #1{}\def \mathsfbi #1{\boldsymbol {\mathsf {#1}}}\let \le =\leqslant \let \leq =\leqslant \let \ge =\geqslant \let \geq =\geqslant \def \Pr {\mathit {Pr}}\def \Fr {\mathit {Fr}}\def \Rey {\mathit {Re}}x/M \sim 6$to$x/M \sim 12$where$x$is the downstream distance from the grid and$M$is the mesh size. This corresponds to$1.1 \le x/x* \le 2.3$where$x*$is the wake interaction length scale (Mazellier & Vassilicos,Phys. Fluids, vol. 22, 2010, art. 075101). However, other statistics (velocity derivatives and length-scale ratios) indicate that the extent of the initial period depends on the grid mesh Reynolds number,$R_M$, extending further for higher values of$R_M$. In the near-field the turbulence approaches isotropy both at the large and small scales but there still is inhomogeneity in the derivative statistics. The derivative skewness also departs from values observed at comparable Reynolds numbers in the far-field decay region, and in other turbulent flows at comparable Reynolds numbers. Two values of$R_M$were studied:$42 \times 10^3$and$76 \times 10^3$.
What Does it Take to Reduce Racial Prejudice in Individual-Level Candidate Evaluations? A Formal Theoretic Perspective
Authors: Lupia Arthur , Casey Logan S. , Karl Kristyn L. , Piston Spencer , Ryan Timothy J. , Skovron Christopher
Published: July 2014

Anti-black prejudice affects how some citizens evaluate black candidates. What does it take to reduce the role of prejudice in these evaluations? Using logical implications of relevant psychological phenomena, this article shows that repeated exposure to counter-stereotypical information is insufficient to reduce evaluative prejudice. Instead, citizens must associate this prejudice withadverse effectsfor themselves in contexts that induce them to rethink their existing racial beliefs. These findings explain important disagreements in empirical prejudice research, as only some empirical research designs supply the conditions for prejudice reduction predicted here. This study also clarifies why similarly situated citizens react so differently to counter-stereotypical information. In sum, we find that prejudice change is possible, but in a far narrower set of circumstances than many scholars claim.
A Particular Difference: European Identity and Civilian Targeting
Authors: Fazal Tanisha M. , Greene Brooke C.
Published: July 2014

Recent scholarship has found identity variables to be insignificant predictors of civilian targeting in war. Drawing on the European origins of the law of war, this article argues that previous scholarship has neglected the one specification of ‘identity’ that is most theoretically justified for understanding civilian targeting: whether a European state is fighting a non-European state. This article replicates and extends three recent statistical analyses – Downes; Valentino, Huth and Croco; and Morrow – of civilian targeting by including a variable capturing whether a European state fought a non-European state. The study finds that civilian targeting, and non compliance with the law of war more generally, is significantly more likely in European v. non-European dyads than in other types of dyads.
Investigation on the feasibility of fusion in a compressed beam of ions subject to an electrostatic field
Authors: Paul R. K.
Published: July 2014

The paper reports a new electrostatic-confinement-based fusion approach, where a new non-equilibrium distribution function for an ion-beam compressed by an external electric force has been derived. This distribution function allows the system to possess appreciably low and insignificant thermal energy irrespective of the energy per particle. The spread of energy among particles in the non-equilibrium state is attributed to collisions in the presence of external force, whereas for equilibrium, the spreading of energy is due to the absence of force. The reactivity for a deuterium--deuterium fusion, using the proposed distribution function, has been computed. It is shown that for initiating fusion among the particles, the fusion time is comparable with the energy confinement time of ions for beam energy greater than 160 keV. The estimated energy gain factor Q (ratio of the output fusion power to the power consumed by the system) is around 12 for beam energy 170 keV and ion density 1015 cm−3. The energy loss due to particle scattering is estimated and is taken into consideration for the estimation of energy gain. An outline of a conceptual model of a device is proposed in accordance with the proposed theory and the device is not similar to the one used conventionally in Inertial Electrostatic Confinement systems based on collisions of a beam with a reflex beam or with background gas or plasma.