bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ATAD5 Deficiency Decreases B Cell Division and Igh Recombination
Authors: Zanotti Kimberly J. , Maul Robert W. , Castiblanco Diana P. , Yang William , Choi Yong Jun , Fox Jennifer T. , Myung Kyungjae , Saribasak Huseyin , Gearhart Patricia J.
Published: November 2014

Mammalian ATPase family AAA domain–containing protein 5 (ATAD5) and its yeast homolog enhanced level of genomic instability 1 are responsible for unloading proliferating cell nuclear antigen from newly synthesized DNA. Prior work in HeLa and yeast cells showed that a decrease in ATAD5 protein levels resulted in accumulation of chromatin-bound proliferating cell nuclear antigen, slowed cell division, and increased genomic instability. In this study, B cells from heterozygous (Atad5+/m) mice were used to examine the effects of decreased cell proliferation on Ab diversity. ATAD5 haploinsufficiency did not change the frequency or spectrum of somatic hypermutation in Ab genes, indicating that DNA repair and error-prone DNA polymerase η usage were unaffected. However, immunized Atad5+/m mice had decreased serum IgG1 Abs, demonstrating a functional effect on class switch recombination. The mechanism of this altered immune response was then examined following ex vivo stimulation of splenic B cells, where Atad5+/m cells accumulated in the S phase of the cell cycle and had reduced proliferation compared with wild-type cells. These haploinsufficient cells underwent a significant decline in activation-induced deaminase expression, resulting in decreased switch region DNA double-strand breaks and interchromosomal translocations in the Igh locus. Class switch recombination to several isotypes was also reduced in Atad5+/m cells, although the types of end-joining pathways were not affected. These results describe a defect in DNA replication that affects Igh recombination via reduced cell division.
Helminth Infection Alters IgE Responses to Allergens Structurally Related to Parasite Proteins
Authors: Santiago Helton da Costa , Ribeiro-Gomes Flávia L. , Bennuru Sasisekhar , Nutman Thomas B.
Published: November 2014

Immunological cross-reactivity between environmental allergens and helminth proteins has been demonstrated, although the clinically related implications of this cross-reactivity have not been addressed. To investigate the impact of molecular similarity among allergens and cross-reactive homologous helminth proteins in IgE-based serologic assessment of allergic disorders in a helminth-infected population, we performed ImmunoCAP tests in filarial-infected and noninfected individuals for IgE measurements to allergen extracts that contained proteins with high levels of homology with helminth proteins as well as IgE against representative recombinant allergens with and without helminth homologs. The impact of helminth infection on the levels and function of the IgE to these specific homologous and nonhomologous allergens was corroborated in an animal model. We found that having a tissue-invasive filarial infection increased the serological prevalence of ImmunoCAP-identified IgE directed against house dust mite and cockroach, but not against timothy grass, the latter with few allergens with homologs in helminth infection. IgE ELISA confirmed that filaria-infected individuals had higher IgE prevalences to those recombinant allergens that had homologs in helminths. Mice infected with the helminth Heligmosomoides polygyrus displayed increased levels of IgE and positive skin tests to allergens with homologs in the parasite. These results show that cross-reactivity among allergens and helminth proteins can have practical implications, altering serologic approaches to allergen testing and bringing a new perspective to the “hygiene hypothesis.”
Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Complex 2 Regulates Invariant NKT Cell Development and Function Independent of Promyelocytic Leukemia Zinc-Finger
Authors: Prevot Nicolas , Pyaram Kalyani , Bischoff Evan , Sen Jyoti Misra , Powell Jonathan D. , Chang Cheong-Hee
Published: November 2014

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) senses and incorporates different environmental cues via the two signaling complexes mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTORC2. As a result, mTOR controls cell growth and survival, and also shapes different effector functions of the cells including immune cells such as T cells. We demonstrate in this article that invariant NKT (iNKT) cell development is controlled by mTORC2 in a cell-intrinsic manner. In mice deficient in mTORC2 signaling because of the conditional deletion of the Rictor gene, iNKT cell numbers were reduced in the thymus and periphery. This is caused by decreased proliferation of stage 1 iNKT cells and poor development through subsequent stages. Functionally, iNKT cells devoid of mTORC2 signaling showed reduced number of IL-4–expressing cells, which correlated with a decrease in the transcription factor GATA-3–expressing cells. However, promyelocytic leukemia zinc-finger (PLZF), a critical transcription factor for iNKT cell development, is expressed at a similar level in mTORC2-deficient iNKT cells compared with that in the wild type iNKT cells. Furthermore, cellular localization of PLZF was not altered in the absence of mTOR2 signaling. Thus, our study reveals the PLZF-independent mechanisms of the development and function of iNKT cells regulated by mTORC2.
Indian Council of Medical Research consensus document for the management of gastric cancer
Authors: Shrikhande Shailesh V. , Sirohi Bhawna , Barreto Savio G. , Chacko Raju T. , Parikh Purvish M. , Pautu Jeremy , Arya Supreeta , Patil Prachi , Chilukuri Srinivas C. , Ganesh B , Kaur Tanvir , Shukla Deepak , Rath Goura Shankar
Published: November 2014

E X E C U T I V E S U M M A R Y

The document is based on consensus among the experts and best available evidence pertaining to Indian population and is meant for practice in India.Evaluation of a patient with newly diagnosed gastric cancer should include essential tests: A standard white light endoscopy with multiple biopsies from the tumor for confirmation of the diagnosis, a computed tomography (CT) scan (multi-detector or helical) of the abdomen and pelvis for staging with a CT chest or chest X-ray, and complete blood counts, renal and liver function tests. Endoscopic ultrasonography/ magnetic resonance imaging/positron emission tomography-CT is not recommended for all patients.For early stage disease (IA/B, N0), surgery alone is recommended. The need for adjuvant treatment would be guided by the histopathological analysis of the resected specimen.For locally advanced stage (IB, N + to IIIC), neoadjuvant chemotherapy may be considered to downstage the disease followed by surgery. This may be followed by adjuvant chemotherapy (as part of the peri-operative chemotherapy regimen)Patients with stage IV/metastatic disease must be assessed for chemotherapy versus best supportive care on an individual basis.Clinical examination including history and physical examination are recommended at each follow-up visit, with a yearly CT scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis.HER2 testing should be considered in patients with metastatic disease.5-FU may be replaced with capecitabine if patients do not have gastric outlet obstruction. Cisplatin may be replaced with oxaliplatin in the regimens.>
Study and Ranking of Determinants of Taenia solium Infections by Classification Tree Models
Authors: Mwape Kabemba E. , Phiri Isaac K. , Praet Nicolas , Dorny Pierre , Muma John B. , Zulu Gideon , Speybroeck Niko , Gabriël Sarah
Published: November 2014

Taenia solium taeniasis/cysticercosis is an important public health problem occurring mainly in developing countries. This work aimed to study the determinants of human T. solium infections in the Eastern province of Zambia and rank them in order of importance. A household (HH)-level questionnaire was administered to 680 HHs from 53 villages in two rural districts and the taeniasis and cysticercosis status determined. A classification tree model (CART) was used to define the relative importance and interactions between different predictor variables in their effect on taeniasis and cysticercosis. The Katete study area had a significantly higher taeniasis and cysticercosis prevalence than the Petauke area. The CART analysis for Katete showed that the most important determinant for cysticercosis infections was the number of HH inhabitants (6 to 10) and for taeniasis was the number of HH inhabitants > 6. The most important determinant in Petauke for cysticercosis was the age of head of household > 32 years and for taeniasis it was age < 55 years. The CART analysis showed that the most important determinant for both taeniasis and cysticercosis infections was the number of HH inhabitants (6 to 10) in Katete district and age in Petauke. The results suggest that control measures should target HHs with a high number of inhabitants and older individuals.
Factors Associated with Mortality in Febrile Patients in a Government Referral Hospital in the Kenema District of Sierra Leone
Authors: Roth Prerana J. , Grant Donald S. , Ngegbai Amara S. , Schieffelin John , McClelland R. Scott , Jarrett Olamide D.
Published: November 2014

There is a paucity of data on the etiologies and outcomes of febrile illness in rural Sierra Leone, especially in the Lassa-endemic district of Kenema. We conducted a retrospective study of patients with subjective or documented fever (T ≥ 38.0°C) who were admitted to a rural tertiary care hospital in Kenema between November 1, 2011 and October 31, 2012. Of 854 patients admitted during the study period, 429 (50.2%) patients had fever on admission. The most common diagnoses were malaria (27.3%), pneumonia (5.1%), and Lassa fever (4.9%). However, 53.4% of febrile patients had no diagnosis at discharge. The in-hospital mortality rate was 18.9% and associated with documented temperature ≥ 38.0°C (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.89, P = 0.001) and lack of diagnosis at discharge (AOR = 2.04, P = 0.03). Failure to diagnose the majority of febrile adults and its association with increased mortality highlight the need for improved diagnostic capacity to improve patient outcomes.
Molecular Differentiation of Treponema pallidum Subspecies in Skin Ulceration Clinically Suspected as Yaws in Vanuatu Using Real-Time Multiplex PCR and Serological Methods
Authors: Chi Kai-Hua , Danavall Damien , Taleo Fasihah , Pillay Allan , Ye Tun , Nachamkin Eli , Kool Jacob L. , Fegan David , Asiedu Kingsley , Vestergaard Lasse S. , Ballard Ronald C. , Chen Cheng-Yen
Published: November 2014

We developed a TaqMan-based real-time quadriplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to simultaneously detect Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum, T. pallidum subsp. pertenue, and T. pallidum subsp. endemicum, the causative agents of venereal syphilis, yaws, and bejel, respectively. The PCR assay was applied to samples from skin ulcerations of clinically presumptive yaws cases among children on Tanna Island, Vanuatu. Another real-time triplex PCR was used to screen for the point mutations in the 23S rRNA genes that have previously been associated with azithromycin resistance in T. pallidum subsp. pallidum strains. Seropositivity by the classical syphilis serological tests was 35.5% among children with skin ulcerations clinically suspected with yaws, whereas the presence of T. pallidum subsp. pertenue DNA was only found in lesions from 15.5% of children. No evidence of T. pallidum subsp. pertenue infection, by either PCR or serology was found in ∼59% of cases indicating alternative causes of yaws-like lesions in this endemic area.
National Identity versus Social Cohesion: An Advocacy for English Language
Authors: Njoku J C , Udeh C Q
Published: November 2014

When it comes to matters of National Identity, the clamour usually is for the promotion of indigenous languages. However, English Language has bequeathed enough legacies to Nigeria that cannot be easily wished away. This paper therefore seeks to explicate how English language can be used to solve the problems of ethnicity, social disorder and the recurring state of insecurity in Nigeria. Generally, language is essentially used for communication and interaction. People interact in order to receive or give information and to accomplish tasks. Hence, language is a means of social control. It is through communication that collaboration and co-operation occur. Conflict arises only when there is a breakdown in the communication channel. This is usually the problem in a multi-lingual society. Nigeria being a multi-lingual and multi-ethnic society, needs a common language which majority of the citizens can understand so as to enhance communication amongst the diverse groups that make up the polity. This paper advocates the use of English language in every section of the polity. This is very important because English Language is neutral and does not engender any ethnic hostility. It rather bridges the communication gap amongst a people with diverse tongues. When there is communication gap, strained relationships and conflicts occur, usually degenerating into violence and break-down of law and order. In the face of the myriads of problems that Nigeria is experiencing, this paper strongly submits that the use of English language in every sector of the polity would certainly elicit co-operation and friendliness and ensure social stability.
Social Stability within the Nigerian State
Authors: Nweke C C
Published: November 2014

Consistencies about issues relating to human social interaction, mutual awareness, social norm and social order all smack of social stability. Theories addressing social issues abound and remain crucial for the development and advancement of human society. The social stability of any given society could be the result of a process of which commencement was beak and murky but traversed hurdles of varied social problems. As an important factor for political stability, social stability is an ingredient of national sovereignty of which itself is the minor of natural of national identity. The extent to which the content of social stability applies to Nigerian national sovereignty remains focus of the piece. Could Nigeria actually boast of sovereignty with viable social stability? The possible answer produces the question of whether the country is enmeshed in any form of identity crises.
Tropospheric chemistry in the integrated forecasting system of ECMWF
Authors: Flemming J. , Huijnen V. , Arteta J. , Bechtold P. , Beljaars A. , Blechschmidt A.-M. , Josse B. , Diamantakis M. , Engelen R. J. , Gaudel A. , Inness A. , Jones L. , Katragkou E. , Marecal V. , Peuch V.-H. , Richter A. , Schultz M. G. , Stein O. , Tsikerdekis A.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. A representation of atmospheric chemistry has been included in the Integrated Forecasting System (IFS) of the European Centre for Medium-range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). The new chemistry modules complement the aerosol modules of the IFS for atmospheric composition, which is named C-IFS. C-IFS for chemistry supersedes a coupled system, in which the Chemical Transport Model (CTM) Model for OZone and Related chemical Tracers 3 was two-way coupled to the IFS (IFS-MOZART). This paper contains a description of the new on-line implementation, an evaluation with observations and a comparison of the performance of C-IFS with MOZART and with a re-analysis of atmospheric composition produced by IFS-MOZART within the Monitoring Atmospheric Composition and Climate (MACC) project. The chemical mechanism of C-IFS is an extended version of the Carbon Bond 2005 (CB05) chemical mechanism as implemented in the CTM Transport Model 5 (TM5). CB05 describes tropospheric chemistry with 54 species and 126 reactions. Wet deposition and lightning nitrogen monoxide (NO) emissions are modelled in C-IFS using the detailed input of the IFS physics package. A one-year simulation by C-IFS, MOZART and the MACC re-analysis is evaluated against ozonesondes, carbon monoxide (CO) aircraft profiles, European surface observations of ozone (O3), CO, sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) as well as satellite retrievals of CO, tropospheric NO2 and formaldehyde. Anthropogenic emissions from the MACC/CityZen (MACCity) inventory and biomass burning emissions from the Global Fire Assimilation System (GFAS) data set were used in the simulations by both C-IFS and MOZART. C-IFS (CB05) showed an improved performance with respect to MOZART for CO, upper tropospheric O3, winter time SO2 and was of a similar accuracy for other evaluated species. C-IFS (CB05) is about ten times more computationally efficient than IFS-MOZART.
L’entente Villeneuve-Duplessis. Constructions historiques et réalités
Authors: Dumas Alexandre
Published: November 2014

L’arrivée au pouvoir de Maurice Duplessis a été perçue par les contemporains comme un renouveau de l’alliance entre l’Église catholique et l’État québécois, mettant fin à la guerre froide qui opposait ces deux pouvoirs sous la gouverne libérale de Louis-Alexandre Taschereau. Privés d’accès au riche contenu des archives religieuses, les historiens ont reproduit cette perception. En utilisant les archives inédites du cardinal Villeneuve, l’auteur propose un regard nouveau sur les relations entre l’Église et l’État, qui étaient en fait moins harmonieuses sous Duplessis qu’elles ne l’avaient été sous Taschereau.
Customized Nutritional Enhancement for Pregnant Women Appears to Lower Incidence of Certain Common Maternal and Neonatal Complications: An Observational Study
Authors: Stone Leslie P. , Stone P. Michael , Rydbom Emily A. , Stone Lucas A. , Stone T. Elliot , Wilkens Lindsey E. , Reynolds Kathryn
Published: November 2014

A retrospective chart review analyzed the effect of customized nutrition on the incidence of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), gestational diabetes (GDM), and small-and large-for-gestational-age (SGA, LGA) neonates, examining consecutive deliveries between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2012, at a low-risk community hospital. The population was divided into 3 groups: (1) study group (SG), (2) private practice (PP), and (3) community healthcare clinic (CHCC). All groups received standard perinatal management, but additionally the study group was analyzed for serum zinc, carnitine, total 25-hydroxy cholecalciferol (25 OH-D), methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase, and catechol-O-methyl transferase polymorphisms in the first trimester prior to intervention, with subsequent second trimester and postpartum assessment of zinc, carnitine, and 25 OH-D after intervention. Intervention consisted of trimester-by-trimester nutrition and lifestyle education, supplementation of L-methyl folate, magnesium, essential fatty acids, and probiotics for all SG patients, with targeted supplementation of zinc, carnitine, and 25 OH-D. Because of small case occurrence rates of individual conditions in the study group, unreportable reductions were found, except GDM (SG vs CHCC, P value .046 with 95.38% confidence interval [CI]), and PIH (SG vs PP, P value .0505 with 94.95% CIl). The aggregated occurrence rate of the four conditions, however, was significantly lower in the study population than in either comparison population (PP P value .0154 with 98.46% CI, and CHCC P value .0265 with 97.35% CI). Customized nutritional intervention appears to have significantly reduced adverse perinatal outcomes. Prospective study within larger, at-risk populations is needed to determine whether customized nutrition improves conditions individually.
Innovation in Diabetes Care: Improving Consumption of Healthy Food through a “Chef Coaching” Program: A Case Report
Authors: Polak Rani , Dill Diana , Abrahamson Martin J. , Pojednic Rachele M. , Phillips Edward M.
Published: November 2014

Nutrition therapy as part of lifestyle care is recommended for people with type 2 diabetes. However, most people with diabetes do not follow this guideline. Changing eating habits involves obtaining knowledge and building practical skills such as shopping, meal preparation, and food storage. Just as fitness coaches use their specific knowledge base in fitness to enhance the effectiveness of their coaching, credentialed chefs trained as health coaches might combine their culinary expertise with coaching in order to improve clients’ food choices and lifestyles.

This report documents the case of a 55-year-old white male physician, single and living alone, who was recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and reported chronic stress, sedentary behavior, and unhealthy eating habits. He participated in a chef coaching program of 8 weekly one-on-one 30-minute coaching sessions via Skype delivered by a chef trained as a health coach. During the first five meetings, the patient's goals were primarily culinary; however, with his success in accomplishing these goals, the patient progressed and expanded his goals to include other lifestyle domains, specifically exercise and work-life balance. At the end of the program, the patient had improved both his nutritional and exercise habits, his confidence in further self-care improvement, and his health parameters such as HgA1c (8.8% to 6.7%; normal <6.5%).

We conclude that chef coaching has the potential to help people with diabetes improve their practical culinary skills and implement them so that they eat better and, further, has the potential to help them improve their overall self-care. We intend to further develop chef coaching and assess its potential as we learn from its implementation.
MicroRNA-9 controls dendritic development by targeting REST
Authors: Giusti Sebastian A , Vogl Annette M , Brockmann Marisa M , Vercelli Claudia A , Rein Martin L , Trümbach Dietrich , Wurst Wolfgang , Cazalla Demian , Stein Valentin , Deussing Jan M , Refojo Damian
Published: November 2014

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are conserved noncoding RNAs that function as posttranscriptional regulators of gene expression. miR-9 is one of the most abundant miRNAs in the brain. Although the function of miR-9 has been well characterized in neural progenitors, its role in dendritic and synaptic development remains largely unknown. In order to target miR-9 in vivo, we developed a transgenic miRNA sponge mouse line allowing conditional inactivation of the miR-9 family in a spatio-temporal-controlled manner. Using this novel approach, we found that miR-9 controls dendritic growth and synaptic transmission in vivo. Furthermore, we demonstrate that miR-9-mediated downregulation of the transcriptional repressor REST is essential for proper dendritic growth.
Solution Radioimmunoassay of Proteins and Peptides
Authors: Smith John A.
Published: November 2014

This unit deals with solution radioimmunoassays (RIAs), using the double antibody/polyethylene glycol (PEG) method. A solution RIA determines the amount of a specific protein (or peptide) in an unknown sample by comparison to a standard curve developed using known amounts of the same protein (or peptide) (i.e., so‐called standards). The amount of protein (or peptide) antigen in an unknown sample is determined based on its ability to compete with a radiolabeled protein (or peptide) (i.e., so‐called tracer) for binding to the primary anti‐protein (or anti‐peptide) antibody. A secondary antibody directed at the primary antibody in the presence of PEG is used to precipitate the primary antibody‐protein (or protein) complexes. The amount of radioactivity in the complex is inversely proportional to the amount of protein in the unknown sample, since there is competition between the radiolabeled tracer and the unlabeled protein (or peptide) in the unknown. Under ideal conditions, an RIA is capable of measuring picograms (10−12 g) of a protein (or peptide) antigen, but only if high specific activity radiolabeling of the standard protein (or peptide) can be achieved. Radioiodine (either 125I or 131I) is the label of choice, because of the significant increase in radioactive disintegrations per unit time (in comparison to 3H or 14C).
U.S. Readies “Aggressive” Arctic Council Agenda
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: November 2014

Admiral Robert Papp, appointed as U.S. special representative for the Arctic on 16 July, has seen climate change firsthand.
Quaternary Sea Ice Reconstruction: Proxy Data and Modeling
Authors: Gersonde R. , De Vernal A. , Wolff E. W.
Published: November 2014

The satellite‐based observation of distinct contrasts between Arctic and Antarctic sea ice development provides a strong motivation to improve our knowledge of physical and biological processes governing sea ice occurrence and the role of sea ice as a polar climate amplifier. For further insight into such processes, sea ice records must be extended beyond instrumental observations.
Notification of Upcoming Council Meeting
Authors: Enderlein Cheryl
Published: November 2014

The AGU Council will meet on Sunday, 14 December 2014, beginning at 8:30 a.m., at the InterContinental Hotel in San Francisco, Calif. The meeting, which is open to all AGU members, will include discussions about scientific trends and recommendations for AGU meetings and honors programs.
Methane leaks from oil and gas fields detected from space
Authors: Rosen Julia
Published: November 2014

A few years ago, while poring over satellite images of the Earth at night, scientists spotted the bright glow of natural gas flares burning in the oil and gas fields that have fueled America's recent energy boom. Now they have spotted something else from space: large plumes of fugitive methane gas liberated from these formations by unconventional extraction methods like horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing.
Measuring small‐scale changes along a fault as plates slip
Authors: Schultz Colin
Published: November 2014

Earthquakes are massive events, ruptures of the Earth's surface that send seismic waves coursing throughout the planet. However, the stresses that build up in advance of an earthquake are concentrated in comparatively tiny regions—rough surfaces of abutting plates that are often no more than a few dozen centimeters across. To a large degree, understanding things such as earthquake timing and onset really boils down to understanding what happens in these small regions of solid contact.
Uncertainties in measurements of ocean carbon dioxide levels
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: November 2014

Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are not affecting only the atmosphere: 30% of anthropogenic CO2 emissions were absorbed by the oceans in the past few decades, recent estimates show. However, Kouketsu and Murata note that these estimates are based entirely on research that was conducted in the 1990s and that more recent measurements of oceanic CO2 have not been taken into account.
Imaging methane hydrates growth dynamics in porous media using synchrotron X‐ray computed microtomography
Authors: Kerkar Prasad B. , Horvat Kristine , Jones Keith W. , Mahajan Devinder
Published: November 2014

Commercial‐scale methane (CH4) extraction from natural hydrate deposits remains a challenge due to, among other factors, a poor understanding of hydrate‐host sediment interactions under low‐temperature and high‐pressure conditions that are conducive to their existence. We report the use of synchrotron X‐ray computed microtomography (CMT) to image, for the first time, time‐resolved pore‐scale methane CH4 hydrate growth from an aqueous solution containing 5 wt % barium chloride (BaCl2) and pressurized CH4 hosted in glass beads, all contained in an aluminum cell with an effective volume of 3.5 mL. Multiple two‐dimensional (2‐D) cross‐sectional images show CH4 hydrates, with 7.5 µm resolution, distributed in patches throughout the system without dependence on distance from the cell walls. The time‐resolved three‐dimensional (3‐D) images, constructed from the 2‐D slices, exhibited pore‐filling hydrate formation from dissolved CH4 gas, similar to natural CH4 hydrates (sI) in the marine environment. Furthermore, the 3‐D images show that the aqueous phase was the wetting phase of the glass beads, i.e., the host and the formed hydrate were separated by an aqueous layer. These results provide some fundamental understanding of the nucleation phenomenon of gas hydrate formation at the pore scale. Pore‐filling CH4 hydrate growth is likely to result in a reduced bulk modulus, and thus, could affect seafloor stability during the reverse phenomenon, i.e., dissociation of natural hydrate deposits.
Modeling the climate impact of Southern Hemisphere ozone depletion: The importance of the ozone data set
Authors: Young P. J. , Davis S. M. , Hassler B. , Solomon S. , Rosenlof K. H.
Published: November 2014

The ozone hole is an important driver of recent Southern Hemisphere (SH) climate change, and capturing these changes is a goal of climate modeling. Most climate models are driven by off‐line ozone data sets. Previous studies have shown that there is a substantial range in estimates of SH ozone depletion, but the implications of this range have not been examined systematically. We use a climate model to evaluate the difference between using the ozone forcing (Stratospheric Processes and their Role in Climate (SPARC)) used by many Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fifth Assessment Report (Coupled Model Intercomparison Project) models and one at the upper end of the observed depletion estimates (Binary Database of Profiles (BDBP)). In the stratosphere, we find that austral spring/summer polar cap cooling, geopotential height decreases, and zonal wind increases in the BDBP simulations are all doubled compared to the SPARC simulations, while tropospheric responses are 20–100% larger. These results are important for studies attempting to diagnose the climate fingerprints of ozone depletion.
Mice homozygous for c.451C>T mutation in Cln1 gene recapitulate INCL phenotype
Authors: Bouchelion Ashleigh , Zhang Zhongjian , Li Yichao , Qian Haohua , Mukherjee Anil B.
Published: November 2014

Objective

Nonsense mutations account for 5–70% of all genetic disorders. In the United States, nonsense mutations in the CLN1/PPT1 gene underlie >40% of the patients with infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (INCL), a devastating neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disease. We sought to generate a reliable mouse model of INCL carrying the most common Ppt1 nonsense mutation (c.451C>T) found in the United States patient population to provide a platform for evaluating nonsense suppressors in vivo.

Methods

We knocked‐in c.451C>T nonsense mutation in the Ppt1 gene in C57 embryonic stem (ES) cells using a targeting vector in which LoxP flanked the Neo cassette, which was removed from targeted ES cells by electroporating Cre. Two independently targeted ES clones were injected into blastocysts to generate syngenic C57 knock‐in mice, obviating the necessity for extensive backcrossing.

Results

Generation of Ppt1‐KI mice was confirmed by DNA sequencing, which showed the presence of c.451C>T mutation in the Ppt1 gene. These mice are viable and fertile, although they developed spasticity (a “clasping” phenotype) at a median age of 6 months. Autofluorescent storage materials accumulated throughout the brain regions and in visceral organs. Electron microscopic analysis of the brain and the spleen showed granular osmiophilic deposits. Increased neuronal apoptosis was particularly evident in cerebral cortex and abnormal histopathological and electroretinographic (ERG) analyses attested striking retinal degeneration. Progressive deterioration of motor coordination and behavioral parameters continued until eventual death.

Interpretation

Our findings show that Ppt1‐KI mice reliably recapitulate INCL phenotype providing a platform for testing the efficacy of existing and novel nonsense suppressors in vivo.
Tailoring Plasmon Resonances in Aluminium Nanoparticle Arrays Fabricated Using Anodic Aluminium Oxide
Authors: Zhao Chengchun , Zhu Yuan , Su Yuquan , Guan Zhaoyun , Chen Anqi , Ji Xu , Gui Xuchun , Xiang Rong , Tang Zikang
Published: November 2014

Aluminium (Al) nanoparticles (NPs) over a 1.2‐cm2‐size area are fabricated using nanoporous anodic aluminium oxide as shadow masks. With this technique, plasmon response of Al NP arrays with different out‐of‐plane height is investigated. The dipolar‐localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) peak of Al NP arrays is blueshifted and then redshifted slightly with an increase in particle height because of interparticle interactions. Moreover, a novel method is demonstrated to reduce the size of Al particle via removing the oxide shell by wet chemical etching and taking advantage of the rapid oxidization of the metal core upon exposure to atmosphere. Three kinds of acid solutions (mixture of H3PO4 and H2CrO4, H3PO4, and H2SO4) are demonstrated as effective etchants. By adjusting the etching conditions, the blueshift of LSPRs can be controlled precisely. Dipolar LSPR is obtained at wavelength down to 234 nm (5.3 eV), among the shortest ones ever observed in patterned Al NP arrays.
PEPT study of particle cycle and residence time distributions in a Wurster fluid bed
Authors: Li Liang , Rasmuson Anders , Ingram Andy , Johansson Mats , Remmelgas Johan , von Corswant Christian , Folestad Staffan
Published: November 2014

Particle cycle and residence time distributions are critical factors in determining the coating quality in the Wurster process. Positron emission particle tracking experiments are performed to determine the cycle and residence times of particles in different regions of a Wurster fluid bed. The results show that particles tend to recirculate in and sneak out below from the Wurster tube. The experiments also show that a larger batch size leads to a shorter cycle time and a narrower cycle time distribution (CTD). It is possible to avoid recirculations and obtain a shorter cycle time and a narrower CTD by selecting the operating conditions appropriately or via equipment design. Experiments using binary mixtures of particles with a diameter ratio of 1.5 show that large particles have a longer cycle time than small particles and that the cycle time is shorter for mixtures with approximately equal amounts of small and large particles. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 756–768, 2015
Blend uniformity and powder phenomena inside the continuous tumble mixer using DEM simulations
Authors: Florian‐Algarin Miguel , Méndez Rafael
Published: November 2014

Powder mixing is an essential operation in pharmaceutical, food, and petrochemical industries. Pharmaceutical companies have been working in the implementation of continuous processes as an alternative to the batch process using the food and drug administration process analytical technology initiative. The main goal was to understand the mixing phenomena inside the continuous tumble mixer and monitor blend uniformity using discrete element method. Results demonstrated that the main mixing mechanism is convection similar to the common tumbling mixers. This mechanism is driven by the bulk flow of the particles, due to the mixer rotation. The simulations' results, demonstrated that the cohesion reduces the concentration variability due to the higher holdup, particle interactions, and mean residence time. The blend uniformity at the exit of the system was measured and a relationship between relative standard distribution, cohesion, and the collision frequency was found. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 792–801, 2015
Evaluation of endoscopic salpingectomy for sterilization of female Formosan macaques (Macaca cyclopis)
Authors: Yu Pin‐Huan , Weng Chia‐Chun , Kuo Hung‐Chih , Chi Chau‐Hwa
Published: November 2014

We evaluated the safety and postsurgical outcomes of endoscopic salpingectomy for sterilization of female Formosan macaques (Macaca cyclopis) as a method of population control. Nineteen adult female Formosan macaques were included in our study. The fallopian tubes of each anesthetized macaque were cauterized and excised endoscopically using a 2.7‐mm rigid endoscope system. We recorded the complications encountered, and objectively scored the amount of hemorrhage throughout the procedure. Postoperative ovarian function was evaluated by monitoring the serum levels of sex hormones in ten of the macaques for two ovarian cycles following the salpingectomy. Two to 13 months later, eight of the 19 macaques underwent laparoscopy for the objective evaluation of inflammation at the surgical sites on the fallopian tubes. No major anesthetic‐ or surgical‐associated complications were observed in any of the macaques. The hormonal evaluation showed cyclic ovarian function after salpingectomy in all of the ten macaques examined, and the parameters were comparable to those of other macaque species. The long‐term postoperative level of inflammation at the surgical site was minimal to low, and was lower than that reported for other tubal occlusion techniques used in macaques. The use of a 2.7‐mm rigid endoscope for salpingectomy in macaques is safe and efficient, with fewer postoperative complications than comparable sterilization techniques. Am. J. Primatol. 77:359–367, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and evaluation of fluorosilicone‐modified starch for protection of historic stone
Authors: Qu Jia , Liu Jing , He Ling
Published: November 2014

Starch is sensitive to moisture and is weak to durability in the protection application to ancient relics. Therefore, two fluorosilicone‐modified starches are firstly prepared and evaluated for the protection of historic stones. The fluoro‐silicone copolymer grafted starch of P(VTMS/12FMA)‐g‐starch is synthesized by grafting copolymer of vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMS) and dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate (12FMA) onto starch. While the fluoro‐silicone starch latex of VTMS‐starch@P(MMA/BA/3FMA) is obtained by emulsion polymerization of VTMS primarily grafted‐starch (VTMS‐starch) with methyl methacrylate (MMA), butyl acrylate (BA) and 2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl methacrylate (3FMA). The grafting fluorosilicone copolymer onto starch improves obviously their hydrophobic and thermal properties. Comparatively, VTMS‐starch@P(MMA/BA/3FMA) film performs higher water contact angle (107°) and thermal stability (350–430°C) than p(VTMS/12FMA)‐g‐starch film (72°, 250–420°C) due to the migration of fluorine‐containing group onto the surface of film during the film formation. Therefore, VTMS‐starch@P(MMA/BA/3FMA) shows much better protective performance in water‐resistance, and salt/freeze‐thaw resistance for stone samples. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41650.
Poly(propylene carbonate)/aluminum flake composite films with enhanced gas barrier properties
Authors: Zhai Lipeng , Li Gaofeng , Xu Yan , Xiao Min , Wang Shuanjin , Meng Yuezhong
Published: November 2014

A series of poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC)/aluminum flake (ALF) composite films with different ALF contents were prepared via a melt‐blending method. Their cross‐section morphologies, thermal properties, tensile strength (TS), and gas barrier properties were investigated as a function of ALF contents. SEM images reveal the good dispersion and orientation of ALF along with melt flow direction within PPC matrix. The oxygen permeability coefficient (OP) and water vapor permeability coefficient (WVP) of the composite films decrease continuously with ALF contents increasing up to 5 wt %, which are 32.4% and 75.2% that of pure PPC, respectively. Furthermore, the TS and thermal properties of PPC/ALF composite film are also improved by the incorporation of ALF particles. The PPC/ALF composite films have potential applications in packaging area due to its environmental‐friendly properties, superior water vapor, and oxygen barrier characteristics. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41663.
Mechanical/optical behaviors of imogolite hydrogels depending on their compositions and oriented structures
Authors: Shikinaka Kazuhiro , Koizumi Yumi , Shigehara Kiyotaka
Published: November 2014

A robust acrylamide (AAm) hydrogel reinforced by imogolite (IG), a perfect rigid nanotubular clay mineral, exhibited distinct tensile stress–strain characteristics and strain‐induced birefringence in accordance with the compositions of the gels. The gel showed a reversible anisotropic/isotropic structural transition in response to stretching/releasing before the breakdown strain. The strain‐induced birefringence of the IG‐reinforced gels could be fixed by the in situ interpenetrating polymerization of other AAm monomers that were impregnated into the gels in the stretched states. This resulted in gels with nonvolatile anisotropic birefringence, and therefore, the fixed anisotropic IG ordering showed specific stress–strain characteristics depending on the orientation of IG. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41691.
A facile synthesis of a novel three‐phase nanocomposite: Single‐wall carbon nanotube/silver nanohybrid fibers embedded in sulfonated polyaniline
Authors: Agrawalla Rajesh K. , Paul Subhasish , Sahoo Pratap K. , Chakraborty Amit K. , Mitra Apurba K.
Published: November 2014

A three‐phase water‐soluble nanocomposite of single wall carbon nanotube/silver nanoparticle hybrid fibers embedded in sulfonated polyaniline has been synthesized by a simple chemical solution mixing process. The nanocomposite has been characterized by high resolution electron microscopy, X‐ray diffractometry, FTIR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. Optical and electrical characteristics of the nanocomposite have been determined by UV–vis absorption spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy, and four‐probe electrical conductivity measurement. A surface plasmon absorption band obtained around 460 nm indicates the presence of silver nanoparticles in the composite. The optical band gap calculation for sulfonated polyaniline vis‐a‐vis the nanocomposite supported the conductivity measurement. Over 1300 times increase in DC electrical conductivity has been observed for the three‐phase nanocomposite, with a filler loading of 20 wt %, at 306 K. This observation could be explained by Mott's variable range hopping model considering a three‐dimensional conduction. Such a nanocomposite has immense potential for use as a cathode material in lithium‐ion batteries and supercapacitors. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41692.
Morphological Study of the Accommodative Apparatus in the Monkey Eye
Authors: Hiraoka Mari , Inoue Kenichi , Senoo Haruki , Takada Masahiko
Published: November 2014

For more than a century there has been debate concerning the mechanism of accommodation—whether the lens capsule or lens material itself determines the functional relationship between ciliary muscle contractility and lens deformation during refractive adaptation. This morphological study in monkey eyes investigates the composition and distribution of several connective tissue components in the accommodative apparatus relaying muscle force to lens organization. Elastin distributes on the marginal surface of the ciliary process. A zonule is composed of fibrillin produced by epithelial cells of the process. In the progress of extension over the posterior chamber, fibrils unite into strands and possess longitudinal plasticity. By induction of the elastin network, strands extend in a concentric direction covering the equatorial region of the capsule. Upon tethering to the lens, the strand ramifies into fibrils, penetrating deeply close to the epithelial layer of the lens and binding with the collagen of the intercellular spaces. Tight linkage of the zonule with the capsule transmits precise contractility. Inside the lens, the cortical layer's elastic connective tissue network forms widely spaced lamellae of crystalline fibers. In contrast, the central nuclear lamellae are tightly opposed. The accumulation of lamellae is greater in the anterior cortex than in the posterior, yielding a more variable anterior chamber depth in the visual axis. The plasticity of the zonule and connective tissue distribution inside the lens produces an adjustable configuration. Thus, tight linkage between the dynamism of the capsule with interaction of the lenticular flexibility provides a novel understanding of accommodation. Anat Rec, 298:630–636, 2015. © 2014 The Authors The Anatomical Record: Advances in Integrative Anatomy and Evolutionary Biology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Monte Carlo Method‐Based QSAR Modeling of Penicillins Binding to Human Serum Proteins
Authors: Veselinović Jovana B. , Toropov Andrey A. , Toropova Alla P. , Nikolić Goran M. , Veselinović Aleksandar M.
Published: November 2014

The binding of penicillins to human serum proteins was modeled with optimal descriptors based on the Simplified Molecular Input‐Line Entry System (SMILES). The concentrations of protein‐bound drug for 87 penicillins expressed as percentage of the total plasma concentration were used as experimental data. The Monte Carlo method was used as a computational tool to build up the quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) model for penicillins binding to plasma proteins. One random data split into training, test and validation set was examined. The calculated QSAR model had the following statistical parameters: r2 = 0.8760, q2 = 0.8665, s = 8.94 for the training set and r2 = 0.9812, q2 = 0.9753, s = 7.31 for the test set. For the validation set, the statistical parameters were r2 = 0.727 and s = 12.52, but after removing the three worst outliers, the statistical parameters improved to r2 = 0.921 and s = 7.18. SMILES‐based molecular fragments (structural indicators) responsible for the increase and decrease of penicillins binding to plasma proteins were identified. The possibility of using these results for the computer‐aided design of new penicillins with desired binding properties is presented.
Identification of topology changes in power grids using phasor measurements
Authors: Wiel Scott Vander , Bent Russell , Casleton Emily , Lawrence Earl
Published: November 2014

Phasor measurement units (PMUs) are increasingly important for monitoring the state of an electrical power grid and quickly detecting topology changes caused by events such as lines going down or large loads being dropped. Phasors are complex‐valued measurements of voltage and current at various points of generation and consumption. If a line goes down or a load is removed, power flows change throughout the grid according to known physical laws, and the probability distribution of phasor measurements changes accordingly. This paper develops a method to estimate the current topology of a power grid from phasor measurements and considers the design goal of placing PMUs at strategic points in a distribution system to achieve good sensitivity to single‐line outages. From a vector of phasor measurements, probabilities are computed corresponding to the scenario that all power lines are operational and to alternate scenarios in which each line goes down individually. These probabilities are functions of the joint distributions of phasor measurements under each possible scenario, obtained through Monte Carlo simulations with random load profiles. We use log‐spline densities to estimate marginal distributions of phasor measurements and fold these into a multivariate Gaussian copula to capture important correlations. Sensitivity to outages varies according to which line goes down and where PMUs are placed on the grid. A greedy search algorithm is demonstrated for placing PMUs at locations that provide good sensitivity to single‐line outages. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.