bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fully Coupled Simulation of Oxygen and Heat Diffusion for (U,Pu)O2 Fuel in Both Fast-Breeder Reactor and Light-Water Reactor
Authors: Zhou Wenzhong , Liu Rong
Published: July 2015

Oxygen redistribution with a high-temperature gradient is an important fuel performance concern in fast-breeder reactor (FBR) and light-water reactor (LWR) (U,Pu)O2 fuel under irradiation, and affects fuels properties, power distribution, and fuel overall performance. This paper studies the burnup dependent oxygen and heat diffusion behavior in a fully coupled way within (U,Pu)O2 FBR and LWR fuels. The temperature change shows relatively larger impact on oxygen to metal (O/M) ratio redistribution rather than O/M ratio change on temperature, whereas O/M ratio redistributions show different trends for FBR and LWR fuels due to their different deviations from the stoichiometry of oxygen under high-temperature environments.
Canavan disease: Can two wrongs make a right?
Authors: Janson Christopher G.
Published: July 2015

Double-knockout mice that lack both aspartoacylase (ASPA) and NAA synthase (Nat8L) show improved myelination and behavioral recovery, partially circumventing the effects of Canavan disease.
Alcohol’s BOLD effect on food intake
Authors: Alvarez Jessica A.
Published: July 2015

The hypothalamus may mediate alcohol-induced munchies.
Genomics and Ecophysiology of Heterotrophic Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria Isolated from Estuarine Surface Water
Authors: Bentzon-Tilia Mikkel , Severin Ina , Hansen Lars H. , Riemann Lasse
Published: July 2015

The ability to reduce atmospheric nitrogen (N
2
) to ammonia, known as N
2
fixation, is a widely distributed trait among prokaryotes that accounts for an essential input of new N to a multitude of environments. Nitrogenase reductase gene (
nifH
) composition suggests that putative N
2
-fixing heterotrophic organisms are widespread in marine bacterioplankton, but their autecology and ecological significance are unknown. Here, we report genomic and ecophysiology data in relation to N
2
fixation by three environmentally relevant heterotrophic bacteria isolated from Baltic Sea surface water:
Pseudomonas stutzeri
strain BAL361 and
Raoultella ornithinolytica
strain BAL286, which are gammaproteobacteria, and
Rhodopseudomonas palustris
strain BAL398, an alphaproteobacterium. Genome sequencing revealed that all were metabolically versatile and that the gene clusters encoding the N
2
fixation complex varied in length and complexity between isolates. All three isolates could sustain growth by N
2
fixation in the absence of reactive N, and this fixation was stimulated by low concentrations of oxygen in all three organisms (≈4 to 40 µmol O
2
liter
−1
).
P. stutzeri
BAL361 did, however, fix N at up to 165 µmol O
2
liter
−1
, presumably accommodated through aggregate formation. Glucose stimulated N
2
fixation in general, and reactive N repressed N
2
fixation, except that ammonium (NH
4
+
) stimulated N
2
fixation in
R. palustris
BAL398, indicating the use of nitrogenase as an electron sink. The lack of correlations between nitrogenase reductase gene expression and ethylene (C
2
H
4
) production indicated tight posttranscriptional-level control. The N
2
fixation rates obtained suggested that, given the right conditions, these heterotrophic diazotrophs could contribute significantly to
in situ
rates.

IMPORTANCE
The biological process of importing atmospheric N
2
is of paramount importance in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. In the oceans, a diverse array of prokaryotes seemingly carry the genetic capacity to perform this process, but lack of knowledge about their autecology and the factors that constrain their N
2
fixation hamper an understanding of their ecological importance in marine waters. The present study documents a high variability of genomic and ecophysiological properties related to N
2
fixation in three heterotrophic isolates obtained from estuarine surface waters and shows that these organisms fix N
2
under a surprisingly broad range of conditions and at significant rates. The observed intricate regulation of N
2
fixation for the isolates indicates that indigenous populations of heterotrophic diazotrophs have discrete strategies to cope with environmental controls of N
2
fixation. Hence, community-level generalizations about the regulation of N
2
fixation in marine heterotrophic bacterioplankton may be problematic.
Recent advances in the management of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Strehle Eugen-Matthias , Straub Volker
Published: July 2015

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the commonest inherited neuromuscular disorder of childhood and mainly affects males. Over the course of the last century, the average life expectancy of these patients has doubled and now stands at ∼25 years. This progress has been made possible through advances in the diagnosis, treatment and long-term care of patients with DMD. Basic and clinical research, national and international scientific networks, and parent and patient support groups have all contributed to achieving this goal. The advent of molecular genetic therapies and personalised medicine has opened up new avenues and raised hopes that one day a cure for this debilitating orphan disease will be found. The main purpose of this short review is to enable paediatricians to have informed discussions with parents of boys with DMD about recent scientific advances affecting their child's clinical care.
Aches, pains and headache: an unusual combination of hypothyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, cervical radiculopathy and cortical vein sinus thrombosis
Authors: Ittyachen Abraham M , Vijayan Anuroopa , Kottam Pratheep , Jose Appu
Published: July 2015

A young obese woman was admitted with vague aches and pains, including a headache. At first a provisional diagnosis of depression/myofacial pain syndrome was considered. Later, on evaluation, she was diagnosed to have hypothyroidism and vitamin D deficiency. One week into treatment, her neck pain and headache got worse. Examination of the fundus showed tortuous vessels, papilloedema and intraretinal haemorrhages. MR venogram of the brain was performed, which revealed the presence of thrombosis in the left transverse sinus, left sigmoid sinus and left internal jugular vein. This report is an unusual presentation of neuropsychiatric symptoms in a patient where overlapping diagnoses confound the clinical picture and test the clinical acumen of the physician. A careful history followed by a focused clinical examination and evaluation will help to delineate potential confounders. The report further highlights the importance of clinical medicine even in this era of ‘investigative medicine’.
Simultaneous occurrence of Meckel's diverticulum and patent urachus
Authors: Penninga Luit , Timmerman Pieter , Reurings Jurrian C , Nellensteijn David R
Published: July 2015

The simultaneous occurrence of a Meckel's diverticulum and a patent urachus is very uncommon. We describe the occurrence and surgical treatment of Meckel's diverticulum and an urachal anomaly in a 1-year-old boy. The patient had intermittent production of clear fluid from the patent urachus, which disappeared after surgical resection.
Prevalence and predictors of alcohol use during pregnancy: findings from international multicentre cohort studies
Authors: O'Keeffe Linda M , Kearney Patricia M , McCarthy Fergus P , Khashan Ali S , Greene Richard A , North Robyn A , Poston Lucilla , McCowan Lesley M E , Baker Philip N , Dekker Gus A , Walker James J , Taylor Rennae , Kenny Louise C
Published: July 2015

Objectives

To compare the prevalence and predictors of alcohol use in multiple cohorts.

Design

Cross-cohort comparison of retrospective and prospective studies.

Setting

Population-based studies in Ireland, the UK, Australia and New Zealand.

Participants

17 244 women of predominantly Caucasian origin from two Irish retrospective studies (Growing up in Ireland (GUI) and Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System Ireland (PRAMS Ireland)), and one multicentre prospective international cohort, Screening for Pregnancy Endpoints (SCOPE) study.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Prevalence of alcohol use pre-pregnancy and during pregnancy across cohorts. Sociodemographic factors associated with alcohol consumption in each cohort.

Results

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy in Ireland ranged from 20% in GUI to 80% in SCOPE, and from 40% to 80% in Australia, New Zealand and the UK. Levels of exposure also varied substantially among drinkers in each cohort ranging from 70% consuming more than 1–2 units/week in the first trimester in SCOPE Ireland, to 46% and 15% in the retrospective studies. Smoking during pregnancy was the most consistent predictor of gestational alcohol use in all three cohorts, and smokers were 17% more likely to drink during pregnancy in SCOPE, relative risk (RR)=1.17 (95% CI 1.12 to 1.22), 50% more likely to drink during pregnancy in GUI, RR=1.50 (95% CI 1.36 to 1.65), and 42% more likely to drink in PRAMS, RR=1.42 (95% CI 1.18 to 1.70).

Conclusions

Our data suggest that alcohol use during pregnancy is prevalent and socially pervasive in the UK, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia. New policy and interventions are required to reduce alcohol prevalence both prior to and during pregnancy. Further research on biological markers and conventions for measuring alcohol use in pregnancy is required to improve the validity and reliability of prevalence estimates.
Population-based p16 and HPV positivity rates in oropharyngeal cancer in Southeast Scotland
Authors: Wells L A R , Junor E J , Conn B , Pattle S , Cuschieri K
Published: July 2015

We assessed a population-based cohort of patients diagnosed with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma in Southeast Scotland over 13 months. p16 and human papilloma virus (HPV) expression were determined, and correlated with stage, treatment, smoking and alcohol history, and disease outcomes. Retrospective analysis was performed on 60 patients. p16 immunohistochemistry and HPV genotyping were performed on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues. HPV infection (as defined by p16 positivity and/or HPV PCR positivity) was identified in 57% of samples, while dual positives were detected in 45% of cases. HPV16 was most prevalent of the HPV types and was associated with 90% of positive samples. Cause-specific 1-year and 2-year survivals were 82.5% and 78.2%, respectively. The p16-positive and HPV-positive groups demonstrated significantly increased cause-specific survival in comparison with their negative counterparts.
Cooperation, competition, organization: The dynamics of interacting living populations
Authors: Herrero Miguel A. , Soler Juan
Published: July 2015

In the following the reader will find a short description of some issues related to the modeling, analysis and simulation of large populations of living systems, a research field which is currently deserving a considerable interest, and that has been explored during the first 10 editions of the BIOMAT Summer School at Granada.
ENTREPRENEUR'S ACTUAL BEHAVIORAL CONTROLS, PSYCHIC DISTANCE STIMULI, AND EXPORT MODE CHOICE
Authors: DUNG NGO VI , JANSSEN FRANK
Published: July 2015

This paper looks at the mediating effect of entrepreneurs' actual behavioral controls on the relationship between psychic distance stimuli and export mode choice of SMEs. Based on a dataset of 84 Vietnamese exporters, we find that: (i) entrepreneurs' actual behavioral controls and organizational factors are determinants of Vietnamese SMEs' export mode choice; (ii) psychic distance (geographic distance and psychic distance stimuli) does not influence Vietnamese SMEs' export mode choice; (iii) entrepreneurs' actual behavioral controls do not play the mediating or moderating role in the relationship between psychic distance and Vietnamese SMEs' export mode choice.
Synthesis of Fluorinated SnO2Hollow Nanospheres and Their Improved Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Cheng Guoe , Wang You-Zhi , Zhang Yu , Zhu Chun-Ling
Published: July 2015

Fluorinated SnO2hollow nanospheres (HS) were synthesized via a solvothermal treatment of stannous fluoride in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. These nanospheres with diameters from 60[Formula: see text]nm to 100[Formula: see text]nm were composed of small nanoparticles with rutile phase. A small amount of fluorine ions were observed to be adsorbed on the surface of SnO2physically. The introduction of polyethylene glycol 200 (PEG 200) in the reaction system could obviously improve the crystallinity and specific surface areas of the product while maintaining the hollow nanosphere structure. Furthermore, the as-prepared SnO2sample (HS-PEG) showed a much enhanced photocatalytic activity with 100% degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) within only 40[Formula: see text]min under UV light irradiation.
Ternary nickel cobaltite nanostructures for energy conversion
Authors: Deng Kaimo , Li Liang
Published: July 2015

Ternary nickel cobaltite nanostructures have found their application in many optoelectronic devices due to their excellent electronic and catalytic properties. In this review paper, we will discuss two synthetic strategies for ternary nickel cobaltite nanostructures: nickel cobaltite nanopowders and conductive substrate supported nickel cobaltite, respectively. Then selected examples utilizing ternary nickel cobaltite nanostructures as building blocks for solar cells, photodetectors and water oxidation will be highlighted. In the end, an outlook and conclusion will be given about the future research and development in this field.
Market Volatility and IPO Filing Activity
Authors: Busaba Walid Y. , Li Yun , Yang Guorong
Published: July 2015

The initial public offering (IPO) filing volume is positively related to changes in market volatility, especially when market returns are at ‘normal’ levels. This is consistent with the view that filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) gives would-be issuers an ‘option’ on market valuations. Creating this option is attractive not only when market valuations rise but also when volatility increases, and the effect of volatility is more pronounced when market returns are neither high nor low. We therefore identify a distinct type of ‘window of opportunity’ for firms attempting to go public, characterized not particularly by strong stock valuations but by increased volatility in valuations.
An eastern Mediterranean analogue for the Late Palaeozoic evolution of the Pangaean suture zone in SW Iberia
Authors: Murphy J. Brendan , Braid James A. , Quesada Cecilio , Dahn Dustin , Gladney Evan , Dupuis Nicolle
Published: July 2015

It has long been recognized that the Late Palaeozoic evolution of SW Iberia preserves a record of terrane accretion, collision and suturing between Laurussia (South Portuguese Zone) and Gondwana (Ossa Morena Zone), which is one of the key events in the development of the Variscan orogen and the amalgamation of Pangea. The suture zone (Pulo do Lobo Zone) is classically considered to be an accretionary complex and is characterized by an assemblage of greenschist facies, polydeformed and imbricated meta-sedimentary rocks, mélanges and mafic complexes. However, recent work has shown some of the metasedimentary rocks and mélange were probaby derived from neither the upper nor the lower plates. Mafic complexes in the mélange have NMORB compositions, highly depleted Sm–Nd isotopic signatures and geochronological data imply that their protoliths probably formed prior to
c.
354 Ma. Geochronological data also imply that components of the mafic mélange contain a volumetrically minor amount of ancient continental detritus. The Pulo do Lobo Zone together with the two bounding units (South Portuguese and Ossa Morena zones) were also intruded by
c.
360–310 Ma composite plutons and related dykes ranging from gabbro to granite in composition. The oldest phases of these intrusions are syn- to late-tectonic with respect to the deformation. Taken together these recent observations suggest that much of the tectonic evolution of the Pulo do Lobo Zone post-dates the onset of collisional tectonics elsewhere in the Variscan orogen, suggesting that its evolution was dominated by subduction in relatively narrow tracts of oceanic lithosphere. This scenario may be broadly analogous to the complex Cenozoic tectonic evolution of the eastern Mediterranean oceanic tracts relative to the ongoing collision between the African, Eurasian and Arabian plates.
Levels of Homology and the Problem of Neocortex
Authors: Dugas-Ford Jennifer , Ragsdale Clifton W.
Published: July 2015

The neocortex is found only in mammals, and the fossil record is silent on how this soft tissue evolved. Understanding neocortex evolution thus devolves to a search for candidate homologous neocortex traits in the extant nonmammalian amniotes. The difficulty is that homology is based on similarity, and the six-layered neocortex structure could hardly be more dissimilar in appearance from the nuclear organization that is so conspicuous in the dorsal telencephalon of birds and other reptiles. Recent molecular data have, however, provided new support for one prominent hypothesis, based on neuronal circuits, that proposes the principal neocortical input and output cell types are a conserved feature of amniote dorsal telencephalon. Many puzzles remain, the greatest being understanding the selective pressures and molecular mechanisms that underlie such tremendous morphological variation in telencephalon structure.
The impact of delivery profile of essential amino acids upon skeletal muscle protein synthesis in older men: clinical efficacy of pulse vs. bolus supply
Authors: Mitchell W. Kyle , Phillips Bethan E. , Williams John P. , Rankin Debbie , Lund Jonathan N. , Wilkinson Daniel J. , Smith Kenneth , Atherton Philip J.
Published: July 2015

Essential amino acids (EAA) are responsible for skeletal muscle anabolic effects after nutrient intake. The pattern of appearance of EAA in blood, e.g., after intake of “slow” or “fast” protein sources or in response to grazing vs. bolus feeding patterns, may impact anabolism. However, the influence of this on muscle anabolism is poorly understood, particularly in older individuals. We determined the effects of divergent feeding profiles of EAA on blood flow, anabolic signaling, and muscle protein synthesis (MPS) in older men. Sixteen men (∼70 yr) consumed EAA either as a single dose (bolus, 15 g; n = 8) or as small repeated fractions (pulse, 4 × 3.75 g every 45 min; n = 8) during 13C6 phenylalanine infusion. Repeated blood samples and muscle biopsies permitted measurement of fasting and postprandial plasma EAA, insulin, anabolic signaling, and MPS. Muscle blood flow was assessed by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (Sonovue). Bolus achieved rapid insulinemia (12.7 μiU/ml 25-min postfeed), essential aminoacidemia (∼3,000 μM, 45–65 min postfeed), and mTORC1 activity; pulse achieved attenuated insulin responses, gradual low-amplitude aminoacidemia (∼1,800 μM 80–195 min after feeding), and undetectable mTORC1 signaling. Despite this, equivalent anabolic responses were observed: fasting FSRs of 0.051 and 0.047%/h (bolus and pulse, respectively) increased to 0.084 and 0.073%/h, respectively. Moreover, pulse led to sustainment of MPS beyond 180 min, when bolus MPS had returned to basal rates. We detected no benefit of rapid aminoacidemia in this older population despite enhanced anabolic signaling and greater overall EAA exposure. Rather, apparent delayed onset of the “muscle-full” effect permitted identical MPS following low-amplitude-sustained EAA exposure.
Aerobic exercise training reduces cardiac function in adult male offspring exposed to prenatal hypoxia
Authors: Reyes Laura M. , Kirschenman Raven , Quon Anita , Morton Jude S. , Shah Amin , Davidge Sandra T.
Published: July 2015

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) has been associated with increased susceptibility to myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Exercise is an effective preventive intervention for cardiovascular diseases; however, it may be detrimental in conditions of compromised health. The aim of this study was to determine whether exercise training can improve cardiac performance after I/R injury in IUGR offspring. We used a hypoxia-induced IUGR model by exposing pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats to 21% oxygen (control) or hypoxic (11% oxygen; IUGR) conditions from gestational day 15 to 21. At 10 wk of age, offspring were randomized to a sedentary group or to a 6-wk exercise protocol. Transthoracic echocardiography assessments were performed after 6 wk. Twenty-four hours after the last bout of exercise, ex vivo cardiac function was determined using a working heart preparation. With exercise training, there was improved baseline cardiac performance in male control offspring but a reduced baseline cardiac performance in male IUGR exercised offspring ( P < 0.05). In male offspring, exercise decreased superoxide generation in control offspring, while in IUGR offspring, it had the polar opposite effect (interaction P ≤ 0.05). There was no effect of IUGR or exercise on cardiac function in female offspring. In conclusion, in male IUGR offspring, exercise may be a secondary stressor on cardiac function. A reduction in cardiac performance along with an increase in superoxide production in response to exercise was observed in this susceptible group.
Functional segregation of voltage-activated calcium channels in motoneurons of the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus
Authors: Cooper Garry , Lasser-Katz Efrat , Simchovitz Alon , Sharon Ronit , Soreq Hermona , Surmeier D. James , Goldberg Joshua A.
Published: July 2015

Calcium influx elevates mitochondrial oxidant stress (mOS) in dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) neurons that are prone to Lewy body pathologies in presymptomatic Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. In experimental PD models, treatment with isradipine, the dihydropyridine with the highest affinity to Cav1.3 channels, prevents subthreshold calcium influx via Cav1.3 channels into midbrain dopamine neurons and protects them from mOS. In DMV neurons, isradipine is also effective in reducing mOS despite overwhelming evidence that subthreshold calcium influx is negligible compared with spike-triggered influx. To solve this conundrum we combined slice electrophysiology, two-photon laser scanning microscopy, mRNA profiling, and computational modeling. We find that the unusually depolarized subthreshold voltage trajectory of DMV neurons is positioned between the relatively hyperpolarized activation curve of Cav1.3 channels and that of other high-voltage activated (HVA) calcium channels, thus creating a functional segregation between Cav1.3 and HVA calcium channels. The HVA channels flux the bulk of calcium during spikes but can only influence pacemaking through their coupling to calcium-activated potassium currents. In contrast, Cav1.3 currents, which we show to be more than an order-of-magnitude smaller than the HVA calcium currents, are able to introduce sufficient inward current to speed up firing. However, Kv4 channels that are constitutively open in the subthreshold range guarantee slow pacemaking, despite the depolarizing action of Cav1.3 and other pacemaking currents. We propose that the efficacy of isradipine in preventing mOS in DMV neurons arises from its mixed effect on Cav1.3 channels and on HVA Cav1.2 channels.
Subcutaneous Emphysema, Pneumomediastinum, and Pneumorrhachis after Cocaine Inhalation
Authors: Atmaca Temrel Tuğba , Şener Alp , İçme Ferhat , Pamukçu Günaydın Gül , Gökhan Şervan , Otal Yavuz , Kurtoğlu Çelik Gülhan , Özhasenekler Ayhan
Published: July 2015

Introduction. The most prominent complications of cocaine use are adverse effects in the cardiovascular and central nervous systems. Free air in the mediastinum and subcutaneous tissue may be observed less frequently, whereas free air in the spinal canal (pneumorrhachis) is a very rare complication of cocaine abuse. In this report we present a case of pneumorrhachis that developed after cocaine use.Case. A 28-year-old male patient was admitted to the emergency department with shortness of breath, chest pain, and swelling in the neck and face which started four hours after he had sniffed cocaine. On physical examination, subcutaneous crepitations were felt with palpation of the jaw, neck, and upper chest area. Diffuse subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum, and pneumorrhachis were detected in the computed tomography imaging. The patient was treated conservatively and discharged uneventfully.Discussion. Complications such as pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, and pneumoperitoneum that are associated with cocaine use may be seen due to increased intrathoracic pressure. The air then may flow into the spinal canal resulting in pneumorrhachis. Emergency physicians should know the possible complications of cocaine use and be prepared for rare complications such as pneumorrhachis.
Nonlinear Vibration Analysis of Moving Strip with Inertial Boundary Condition
Authors: Gao Chong-yi , Du Guo-jun , Feng Yan , Li Jian-xiong
Published: July 2015

According to the movement mechanism of strip and rollers in tandem mill, the strip between two stands was simplified to axially moving Euler beam and the rollers were simplified to the inertial component on the fixed axis rotation, namely, inertial boundary. Nonlinear vibration mechanical model of Euler beam with inertial boundary conditions was established. The transverse and longitudinal motion equations were derived based on Hamilton’s principle. Kantorovich averaging method was employed to discretize the motion equations and the inertial boundary equations, and the solutions were obtained using the modified iteration method. Depending on numerical calculation, the amplitude-frequency responses of Euler beam were determined. The axial velocity, tension, and rotational inertia have strong influences on the vibration characteristics. The results would provide an important theoretical reference to control and analyze the vertical vibration of moving strip in continuous rolling process.
Project-Based Learning Laboratory for Teaching Embedded Systems
Authors: Fernandes Marcelo A. C.
Published: July 2015

This paper presents a project-based learning laboratory for the teaching of embedded systems. The main objectives are to encourage students studying the embedded systems course in developing hardware solutions for real engineering problems and to include aspects of other courses studied within the academic programmes. One of the aims of project-based learning (PRBL) is to integrate different courses in the achievement of a common objective, within a multidisciplinary course of the academic programme. In the present case, this module is the final project of the embedded systems course. The project in question concerns a temperature control system for an industrial drier, equipped with a remote system for configuration and data acquisition. The design of the drier, as well as elaboration of the entire electronic system involving drivers and sensors, was undertaken by the students using a kit with a microcontroller specific for the development of embedded systems. The results of opinion surveys conducted with the students following implementation of the PRBL proposal were used to validate the procedure. Full details of the development and results of the project are provided, with the aim of assisting professors and students of similar courses.
Functional and Structural Consequences of Damaging Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Human Prostate Cancer Predisposition Gene RNASEL
Authors: Datta Amit , Mazumder Md. Habibul Hasan , Chowdhury Afrin Sultana , Hasan Md. Anayet
Published: July 2015

A commonly diagnosed cancer, prostate cancer (PrCa), is being regulated by the gene RNASEL previously known as PRCA1 codes for ribonuclease L which is an integral part of interferon regulated system that mediates antiviral and antiproliferative role of the interferons. Both somatic and germline mutations have been implicated to cause prostate cancer. With an array of available Single Nucleotide Polymorphism data on dbSNP this study is designed to sort out functional SNPs in RNASEL by implementing different authentic computational tools such as SIFT, PolyPhen, SNPs&GO, Fathmm, ConSurf, UTRScan, PDBsum, Tm-Align, I-Mutant, and Project HOPE for functional and structural assessment, solvent accessibility, molecular dynamics, and energy minimization study. Among 794 RNASEL SNP entries 124 SNPs were found nonsynonymous from which SIFT predicted 13 nsSNPs as nontolerable whereas PolyPhen-2 predicted 28. SNPs found on the 3′ and 5′ UTR were also assessed. By analyzing six tools having different perspectives an aggregate result was produced where nine nsSNPs were found to be most likely to exert deleterious effect. 3D models of mutated proteins were generated to determine the functional and structural effect of the mutations on ribonuclease L. The initial findings were reinforced by the results from I-Mutant and Project HOPE as these tools predicted significant structural and functional instability of the mutated proteins. Expasy-ProSit tool defined the mutations to be situated in the functional domains of the protein. Considering previous analysis this study revealed a conclusive result deducing the available SNP data on the database by identifying the most damaging three nsSNP rs151296858 (G59S), rs145415894 (A276V), and rs35896902 (R592H). As such studies involving polymorphisms of RNASEL were none to be found, the results of the current study would certainly be helpful in future prospects concerning prostate cancer in males.
Characteristics of Atmospheric Metalliferous Particles during Large-Scale Fireworks in Korea
Authors: Shon Zang-Ho , Jeong Ju-Hee , Kim Yoo-Keun
Published: July 2015

The effect of large-scale firework events on urban background trace metal concentrations was investigated using 24 hr data collected over 3 days at three sites in Busan Metropolitan City, Republic of Korea, during the falls (Oct.) of 2011–2013. The firework events increased local background concentrations of trace metals as follows: K (1.72 times), Sr (2.64 times), As (2.86 times), Pb (2.91 times), and Al (5.44 times). The levels of some metals did not always drop to background level one day after the firework event. The contribution of fireworks to trace metal concentration levels (and emissions) for 2011 event was negligible compared to 2012 and 2013 events due to different meteorological conditions (precipitation). In addition, the impact of firework events on the ambient concentration levels of trace metals was likely to be different depending on their chemical speciation. The impact of firework events in Busan on urban air quality (trace metal) was less intense compared to other similar festivals worldwide. The largest emission of trace metals and elements from firework burning was represented by K (128–164 kg), followed by Pb, Cd, Cu, Mg, Ba, As, Al, Ga, Co, and Na.
On the Level Set of a Function with Degenerate Minimum Point
Authors: Kamiyama Yasuhiko
Published: July 2015

Forn≥2, letMbe ann-dimensional smooth closed manifold andf:M→Ra smooth function. We setminf(M)=mand assume thatmis attained by unique pointp∈Msuch thatpis a nondegenerate critical point. Then the Morse lemma tells us that ifais slightly bigger thanm,f-1(a)is diffeomorphic toSn-1. In this paper, we relax the condition onpfrom being nondegenerate to being an isolated critical point and obtain the same consequence. Some application to the topology of polygon spaces is also included.
Synthesis, Anti-Inflammatory, and Analgesic Activities of Derivatives of 4-Hydroxy-2-benzoxazolone
Authors: Zheng Guangjin , Chen Tieyu , Peng Xing , Long Shengjing
Published: July 2015

Benzoxazolones are widely distributed in plants and are of increasing interest for a variety of pharmacological properties, such as detoxification, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities and tranquilizers (Michaelidou and Hadjipavlou-Litina, 2005; Doğruer et al., 1998). 4-Hydroxy-2-benzoxazolone (HBOA) is one of the major bioactive compounds in traditional Chinese herb drugAcanthus ilicifolius  (Peng and Long, 2006) which has obvious anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities (Huo et al., 2004; Mani Senthil Kumar et al., 2008; Babu et al., 2001). In this research, we used 2-nitroresorcinol as starting material to prepare HBOA with a novel “one-pot-way.” Derivatives of HBOA TC-2∼TC-4 were obtained via electrophilic reagents and reacted with corresponding primary amines to afford Schiff Base derivatives TC-5∼TC-10 for further study. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of those derivatives were determined by using carrageenan-induced rat paw edema test. The analgesic activities of the derivatives were determined by the hot-plate test.
Extradigital Glomus Tumor of Thigh
Authors: Beksaç Kemal , Dogan Lutfi , Bozdogan Nazan , Dilek Gulay , Akgul Gokhan Giray , Ozaslan Cihangir
Published: July 2015

Glomus tumors are benign neoplasms that arise from neuromyoarterial glomus bodies. They represent around 1–5% of all soft-tissue tumors. High temperature, sensitivity, and pain and localized tenderness are the classical triad of symptoms. Most glomus tumors represent in the subungual area of digits. Extradigital glomus tumors are a very rare entity. There are rare cases of these tumors reported to be in shoulder, elbow, knee, wrist, even stomach, colon, and larynx. We are reporting a case of a glomus tumor on thigh and discuss the histological and immunohistochemical features.
Fiber-Optic Bend Sensor Based on Double Cladding Fiber
Authors: Ivanov Oleg V. , Chertoriyskiy Alexey A.
Published: July 2015

We develop and investigate fiber-optic bend sensor, which is formed by a section of double cladding SM630 fiber between standard SMF-28 fibers. The principle of operation of the sensor is based on coupling of the fiber core and cladding modes at the splices of fibers having different refractive index profiles. We use two sources with wavelengths 1328 and 1545 nm to interrogate the sensor. The dependences of transmission on curvature at these wavelengths are significantly different. We show that the proposed sensor is able to perform measurements of curvature with radii from meters to 26 cm with accuracy of about 3%.
Undiagnosed Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Presenting as Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis
Authors: Rahal Ahmad K. , Fernandez Justin , Dakhil Christopher
Published: July 2015

Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is rarely diagnosed in adults. Incidence is reported as one case per million persons per year. It can be triggered by conditions that affect immune homeostasis as infections, malignancies, and rheumatologic disorders. The following case demonstrates a rare instance in which undiagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) presented as HLH. A 28-year-old male presented with progressive weakness and recurrent fevers for 2 months. Vital signs were within normal limits except for temperature of 100.3°F. His exam was unremarkable except for a left cervical scar and malar rash. His labs showed pancytopenia with neutropenia, hypertriglyceridemia, hypofibrinogenemia, and hyperferritinemia. Hemophagocytosis was present on bone marrow biopsy. All workup for a source of infection was negative. A tentative diagnosis of HLH was made based on clinical presentation and laboratory data. The patient was treated with an HLH protocol. Later, it was determined that his HLH was actually secondary to a primary diagnosis of SLE. The patient was treated for SLE with an immunosuppressive regimen of cyclosporine and dexamethasone, and he improved dramatically. HLH rarely presents due to a rheumatologic condition such as SLE. Physicians should consider testing for SLE in patients diagnosed with HLH.
Noninvasive Superoxide Monitoring ofIn VitroNeuronal Differentiation Using a Cell-Based Biosensor
Authors: Moschopoulou Georgia , Kintzios Spyridon
Published: July 2015

Membrane-engineered cells bearing superoxide dismutase (SOD) molecules on their surface offer the capability of ultrarapid and ultrasensitive detection of the superoxide anion (O2-) through the measurement of changes of their cell membrane potential. We herewith report the application of this technology for the noninvasive determination of superoxide levels during thein vitrodifferentiation of PC12 cells. We were able to detect changes inO2-accumulation in the culture medium, which were closely associated with the progress of neuronal differentiation.
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Kenyan Leafy Green Vegetables, Wild Fruits, and Medicinal Plants with Potential Relevance for Kwashiorkor
Authors: Tufts H. R. , Harris C. S. , Bukania Z. N. , Johns T.
Published: July 2015

Background.Inflammation, together with related oxidative stress, is linked with the etiology of kwashiorkor, a form of severe acute malnutrition in children. A diet rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant phytochemicals may offer potential for the prevention and treatment of kwashiorkor. We selected and assayed five leafy green vegetables, two wild fruits, and six medicinal plants from Kenya for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Consensus regarding medicinal plant use was established from ethnobotanical data.Methods. Antioxidant activity and phenolic content were determined using the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay and Folin-Ciocalteu procedure, respectively. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessedin vitrotargeting the inflammatory mediator tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α).Results. Mangifera indica(leaves used medicinally) showed the greatest antioxidant activity (5940 ± 632 µM TE/µg) and total phenolic content (337 ± 3 mg GAE/g) butAmaranthus dubius(leafy vegetable) showed the greatest inhibition of TNF-α(IC50= 9 ± 1 μg/mL), followed byOcimum americanum(medicinal plant) (IC50= 16 ± 1 μg/mL). Informant consensus was significantly correlated with anti-inflammatory effects among active medicinal plants (r2=0.7639, P=0.0228).Conclusions. Several plant species commonly consumed by Kenyan children possess activity profiles relevant to the prevention and treatment of kwashiorkor and warrant further investigation.
Dietary Antioxidant and Flavonoid Intakes Are Reduced in the Elderly
Authors: Zujko Małgorzata Elżbieta , Witkowska Anna Maria , Waśkiewicz Anna , Mirończuk-Chodakowska Iwona
Published: July 2015

The objective of this study was to determine sources and patterns of antioxidant and flavonoid intakes in the elderly (61–74 yrs) in comparison with young (20–40 yrs) and middle age (41–60 yrs) groups in a cross-sectional study. More than 6000 subjects of both genders, aged 20–74 years, participants of the National Multicenter Health Survey (WOBASZ) took part in this study. Daily food consumption was estimated by the single 24-hour dietary recall. Dietary total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and flavonoid content (FC) were calculated according to the amount of food consumed by the participants combined with antioxidant capacity and flavonoid contents in foods. Food consumption, dietary TAC, and FC were significantly lower in the elderly, especially elderly women in comparison to the young and middle age groups. The consumption of tea, coffee, and apples was associated with the largest contribution to dietary TAC and FC in all participants. Despite high nutrient density of the energy-adjusted diet of ageing people, the elderly consumed the lowest amounts of antioxidants and flavonoids due to the lowest food intake.
A Direct Proof of a Theorem concerning Treed Overrings
Authors: Ayache Ahmed
Published: July 2015

We improve and provide a direct proof of a theorem that answered a question by Dobbs about treed overrings. More precisely, we show that ifRis an integrally closed local domain and each of itsproperoverrings is treed, thenRis a valuation domain orRis a PVD with associated valuation overringVsuch thattr.deg[V/M:R/M]=1.
Molecular Pathways: Is AMPK a Friend or a Foe in Cancer?
Authors: Hardie D. Grahame
Published: July 2015

The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a sensor of cellular energy status expressed in essentially all eukaryotic cells. Once activated by energetic stress via a mechanism that detects increases in AMP:ATP and ADP:ATP ratios, AMPK acts to restore energy homeostasis by switching on catabolic pathways that generate ATP, while switching off ATP-consuming processes, including anabolic pathways required for cell growth and proliferation. AMPK activation promotes the glucose-sparing, oxidative metabolism utilized by most quiescent cells, rather than the rapid glucose uptake and glycolysis used by most proliferating cells. Numerous pharmacologic activators of AMPK are known, including drugs in long use such as salicylate and metformin, and there is evidence that regular use of either of the latter provides protection against development of cancer. Tumor cells appear to be under selection pressure to downregulate AMPK, thus limiting its restraining influence on cell growth and proliferation, and several interesting mechanisms by which this occurs are discussed. Paradoxically, however, a complete loss of AMPK function, which appears to be rare in human cancers, may be deleterious to survival of tumor cells. AMPK can therefore be either a friend or a foe in cancer, depending on the context. Clin Cancer Res; 21(17); 3836–40. ©2015 AACR.
PTS 50: Past, Present and Future, or Diauxie Revisited
Authors: Lengeler Joseph W.
Published: July 2015

Past: The title ‘PTS 50 or The PTS after 50 years' relies on the first description in 1964 of the phosphoenolpyruvate-dependent carbohydrate:phosphotransferase system (PTS) by Kundig, Gosh and Roseman [Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 1964;52:1067-1074]. The system comprised proteins named Enzyme I, HPr and Enzymes II, as part of a novel PTS for carbohydrates in Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, whose ‘biological significance remained unclear'. In contrast, studies which would eventually lead to the discovery of the central role of the PTS in bacterial metabolism had been published since before 1942. They are primarily linked to names like Epps and Gale, J. Monod, Cohn and Horibata, and B. Magasanik, and to phenomena like ‘glucose effects', ‘diauxie', ‘catabolite repression' and carbohydrate transport. Present: The pioneering work from Roseman's group initiated a flood of publications. The extraordinary progress from 1964 to this day in the qualitative and in vitro description of the genes and enzymes of the PTS, and of its multiple roles in global cellular control through ‘inducer exclusion', gene induction and ‘catabolite repression', in cellular growth, in cell differentiation and in chemotaxis, as well as the differences of its functions between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, was one theme of the meeting and will not be treated in detail here. Future: At the 1988 Paris meeting entitled ‘The PTS after 25 years', Saul Roseman predicted that ‘we must describe these interactions [of the PTS components] in a quantitative way [under] in vivo conditions'. I will present some results obtained by our group during recent years on the old phenomenon of diauxie by means of very fast and quantitative tests, measured in vivo, and obtained from cultures of isogenic mutant strains growing under chemostat conditions. The results begin to hint at the problems relating to future PTS research, but also to the ‘true science' of Roseman.
The Phosphotransferase System in Solventogenic Clostridia
Authors: Mitchell Wilfrid J.
Published: July 2015

The acetone-butanol-ethanol fermentation employing solventogenic clostridia was a major industrial process during the 20th century, but declined for economic reasons. In recent times, interest in the process has been revived due to the perceived potential of butanol as a superior biofuel. Redevelopment of an efficient fermentation process will require a detailed understanding of the physiology of carbohydrate utilization by the bacteria. Genome sequences have revealed that, as in other anaerobes, the phosphotransferase system (PTS) and associated regulatory functions are likely to play an important role in sugar uptake and its regulation. The genomes of Clostridium acetobutylicum and C. beijerinckii encode 13 and 43 phosphotransferases, respectively. Characterization of clostridial phosphotransferases has demonstrated that they are involved in the uptake and phosphorylation of hexoses, hexose derivatives and disaccharides, although the functions of many systems remain to be determined. Glucose is a dominant sugar which represses the utilization of other carbon sources, including the non-PTS pentose sugars xylose and arabinose, by the clostridia. Targeting of the CcpA-dependent mechanism of carbon catabolite repression has been shown to be an effective strategy for reducing the repressive effects of glucose, indicating potential for developing strains with improved fermentation performance.
Cross-Talk between the Canonical and the Nitrogen-Related Phosphotransferase Systems Modulates Synthesis of the KdpFABC Potassium Transporter in Escherichia coli
Authors: Lüttmann Denise , Göpel Yvonne , Görke Boris
Published: July 2015

Many Proteobacteria possess the regulatory nitrogen-related phosphotransferase system (PTSNtr), which operates in parallel to the transport PTS. PTSNtr is composed of the proteins EINtr and NPr and the final phosphate acceptor EIIANtr. Both PTSs can exchange phosphoryl groups among each other. Proteins governing K+ uptake represent a major target of PTSNtr in Escherichia coli. Nonphosphorylated EIIANtr binds and stimulates the K+ sensor KdpD, which activates expression of the kdpFABC operon encoding a K+ transporter. Here we show that this regulation also operates in an ilvG+ strain ruling out previous concern about interference with a nonfunctional ilvG allele present in many strains. Furthermore, we analyzed phosphorylation of EIIANtr. In wild-type cells EIIANtr is predominantly phosphorylated, regardless of the growth stage and the utilized carbon source. However, cross-phosphorylation of EIIANtr by the transport PTS becomes apparent in the absence of EINtr: EIIANtr is predominantly nonphosphorylated when cells grow on a PTS sugar and phosphorylated when a non-PTS carbohydrate is utilized. These differences in phosphorylation are transduced into corresponding kdpFABC transcription levels. Thus, the transport PTS may affect phosphorylation of EIIANtr and accordingly modulate processes controlled by EIIANtr. Our data suggest that this cross-talk becomes most relevant under conditions that would inhibit activity of EINtr.