bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial variability of chromophoric dissolved organic matter in a large floodplain river: control factors and relations with phytoplankton during a low water period
Authors: Mayora Gisela , Devercelli Melina , Frau Diego
Published: May 2015

Chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) affects ecological processes in freshwater environments. Few studies assessed its spatial variability and relations with phytoplankton in floodplain rivers. Therefore, these topics were examined in a hydrological connectivity gradient in the Middle Paraná system. Absorption coefficients at 250 and 365 nm were measured to estimate CDOM concentration and molecular weight (MW), to find their explanatory limnological variables (Redundancy Analysis, RDA), and to assess their contribution to the explanation of phytoplankton structure (Canonical Correspondence Analysis, CCA). Conductivity and turbidity explained CDOM significantly. Increased conductivity from the main channel to floodplain lakes was associated with increased CDOM concentration. The lake indirectly connected to the river showed the highest turbidity associated with high‐MW‐CDOM, while the isolated lake showed the highest conductivity associated with low‐MW‐CDOM. Phytoplankton structure was significantly explained by conductivity, turbidity, and high‐MW‐CDOM (CCA). Environments directly connected to the river (with the lowest conductivity) were associated with diatoms. Phytoflagellates were associated with turbidity and high‐MW‐CDOM in the lake indirectly connected to the river, whereas Cyanobacteria were associated with conductivity and low‐MW‐CDOM in the isolated lake. The combined effect of physical factors and CDOM explained the highest fraction of species variation (partial CCA). As a conclusion: (1) CDOM increases as hydrological connectivity with the river decreases; (2) lake sediment resuspension is linked to an increase of high‐MW‐CDOM; (3) lake isolation from the river corresponds to an increase in low‐MW‐CDOM; and (4) CDOM explains phytoplankton structure significantly and should be considered as an important variable in studies of microalgal assembly. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Baroreflex activation therapy for the treatment of heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction: safety and efficacy in patients with and without cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Zile Michael R. , Abraham William T. , Weaver Fred A. , Butter Christian , Ducharme Anique , Halbach Marcel , Klug Didier , Lovett Eric G. , Müller‐Ehmsen Jochen , Schafer Jill E. , Senni Michele , Swarup Vijay , Wachter Rolf , Little William C.
Published: May 2015

Aims

Increased sympathetic and decreased parasympathetic activity contribute to heart failure (HF) symptoms and disease progression. Carotid baroreceptor stimulation (baroreflex activation therapy, BAT) results in centrally mediated reduction of sympathetic and increase in parasympathetic activity. Because patients treated with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) may have less sympathetic/parasympathetic imbalance, we hypothesized that there would be differences in the response to BAT in patients with CRT vs. those without CRT.

Methods and results

New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III patients with an ejection fraction (EF) ≤35% were randomized (1 : 1) to ongoing guideline‐directed medical and device therapy (GDMT, control) or ongoing GDMT plus BAT. Safety endpoint was system‐/procedure‐related major adverse neurological and cardiovascular events (MANCE). Efficacy endpoints were Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Quality of Life (QoL), 6‐min hall walk distance (6MHWD), N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and HF hospitalization rate. In this sample, 146 patients were randomized (70 control; 76 BAT) and were 140 activated (45 with CRT and 95 without CRT). MANCE‐free rate at 6 months was 100% in CRT and 96% in no‐CRT group. At 6 months, in the no‐CRT group, QoL score, 6MHWD, LVEF, NT‐proBNP and HF hospitalizations were significantly improved in BAT patients compared with controls. Changes in efficacy endpoints in the CRT group favoured BAT; however, the improvements were less than in the no‐CRT group and were not statistically different from control.

Conclusions

BAT is safe and significantly improved QoL, exercise capacity, NTpro‐BNP, EF, and rate of HF hospitalizations in GDMT‐treated NYHA Class III HF patients. These effects were most pronounced in patients not treated with CRT.
TGF‐β downregulates KLRG1 expression in mouse and human CD8+ T cells
Authors: Schwartzkopff Sabrina , Woyciechowski Sandra , Aichele Ulrike , Flecken Tobias , Zhang Nu , Thimme Robert , Pircher Hanspeter
Published: May 2015

The inhibitory receptor killer cell lectin‐like receptor G1 (KLRG1) and the integrin αE (CD103) are expressed by CD8+ T cells and both are specific for E‐cadherin. However, KLRG1 ligation by E‐cadherin inhibits effector T‐cell function, whereas binding of CD103 to E‐cadherin enhances cell–cell interaction and promotes target cell lysis. Here, we demonstrate that KLRG1 and CD103 expression in CD8+ T cells from untreated and virus‐infected mice are mutually exclusive. Inverse correlation of KLRG1 and CD103 expression was also found in human CD8+ T cells‐infiltrating hepatocellular carcinomas. As TGF‐β is known to induce CD103 expression in CD8+ T cells, we examined whether this cytokine also regulates KLRG1 expression. Indeed, our data further reveal that TGF‐β signaling in mouse as well as in human CD8+ T cells downregulates KLRG1 expression. This finding provides a rationale for the reciprocal expression of KLRG1 and CD103 in different CD8+ T‐cell subsets. In addition, it points to the limitation of KLRG1 as a marker for terminally differentiated CD8+ T cells if lymphocytes from tissues expressing high levels of TGF‐β are analyzed.
Characterization of electrode alignment for optimal droplet charging and actuation in droplet‐based microfluidic system
Authors: Ahn Myung Mo , Im Do Jin , Yoo Byeong Sun , Kang In Seok
Published: May 2015

The actuation method using electric force as a driving force is utilized widely in droplet‐based microfluidic systems. In this work, the effects of charging electrode alignment on direct charging of a droplet on electrified electrodes and a subsequent electrophoretic control of the droplet are investigated. The charging characteristics of a droplet according to different electrode alignments are quantitatively examined through experiments and systematic numerical simulations with varying distances and angles between the two electrodes. The droplet charge acquired from the electrified electrode is directly proportional to the distance and barely affected by the angle between the two electrodes. This implies that the primary consideration of electrode alignment in microfluidic devices is the distance between electrodes and the insignificant effect of angle provides a great degree of freedom in designing such devices. Not only the droplet charge acquired from the electrode but also the force exerted on the droplet is analyzed. Finally, the implications and design guidance for microfluidic systems are discussed with an electrophoresis of a charged droplet method‐based digital microfluidic device.
Wet removal of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from simulated flue gas by ca(ClO)2 solution
Authors: Zhou Yang , Li Caiting , Fan Chunzhen , Fu Mengfan , Tao Li , Yu Minge , Zhang Mengying
Published: May 2015

To study the simultaneous removal of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) and Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) from simulated flue gas by wet method, a bubbling device containing calcium hypochlorite (Ca(ClO)2) solution was used in the experiments. In the first place, thermodynamic analysis was conducted to determine the depth of reaction process, and the reaction mechanism of desulfurization and denitration was proposed. After that, experimental results exhibited that SO2 could be removed by Ca(ClO)2 solution completely while the removal efficiency of NOx was 41.2%. Moreover, on the basis of high SO2 removal efficiency, the effects of various factors on the removal efficiency of NOx, such as: the height of liquid layer, Ca(ClO)2 concentration, reaction temperature, initial pH value, O2 percent, SO2 concentration, and additives were investigated, respectively. Finally, simultaneous removal of SO2 and NOx under the optimized conditions were investigated, SO2 removal efficiency of 100% and NOx removal efficiency of 85.9% were achieved. The analysis of reaction products indicated that the main anions in the liquid phase were
and
. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 1586–1595, 2015
No impact of DvSnf7 RNA on honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) adults and larvae in dietary feeding tests
Authors: Tan Jianguo , Levine Steven L. , Bachman Pamela M. , Jensen Peter D. , Mueller Geoffrey M. , Uffman Joshua P. , Meng Chen , Song Zihong , Richards Kathy B. , Beevers Michael H.
Published: May 2015

The honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) is the most important managed pollinator species worldwide and plays a critical role in the pollination of a diverse range of economically important crops. This species is important to agriculture and historically has been used as a surrogate species for pollinators to evaluate the potential adverse effects for conventional, biological, and microbial pesticides, as well as for genetically engineered plants that produce pesticidal products. As part of the ecological risk assessment of MON 87411 maize, which expresses a double-stranded RNA targeting the Snf7 ortholog (DvSnf7) in western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera), dietary feeding studies with honey bee larvae and adults were conducted. Based on the mode of action of the DvSnf7 RNA in western corn rootworm, the present studies were designed to be of sufficient duration to evaluate the potential for adverse effects on larval survival and development through emergence and adult survival to a significant portion of the adult stage. Testing was conducted at concentrations of DvSnf7 RNA that greatly exceeded environmentally relevant exposure levels based on expression levels in maize pollen. No adverse effects were observed in either larval or adult honey bees at these high exposure levels, providing a large margin of safety between environmental exposure levels and no-observed–adverse-effect levels. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:287–294. © 2015 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.
Uptake and toxicity of methylmethacrylate-based nanoplastic particles in aquatic organisms
Authors: Booth Andy M. , Hansen Bjørn Henrik , Frenzel Max , Johnsen Heidi , Altin Dag
Published: May 2015

The uptake and toxicity of 2 poly(methylmethacrylate)-based plastic nanoparticles (PNPs) with different surface chemistries (medium and hydrophobic) were assessed using aquatic organisms selected for their relevance based on the environmental behavior of the PNPs. Pure poly(methylmethacrylate) (medium; PMMA PNPs) and poly(methylmethacrylate-co-stearylmethacrylate) copolymer (hydrophobic; PMMA–PSMA PNPs) of 86 nm to 125 nm were synthesized using a miniemulsion polymerization method. Fluorescent analogs of each PNP were also synthesized using monomer 7-[4-(trifluoromethyl)coumarin]acrylamide and studied. Daphnia magna, Corophium volutator, and Vibrio fischeri were employed in a series of standard acute ecotoxicity tests, being exposed to the PNPs at 3 different environmentally realistic concentrations (0.01 mg/L, 0.1 mg/L, and 1.0 mg/L) and a high concentration 500 mg/L to 1000 mg/L. In addition, sublethal effects of PNPs in C. volutator were determined using a sediment reburial test, and the uptake and depuration of fluorescent PNPs was studied in D. magna. The PNPs and fluorescent PNPs did not exhibit any observable toxicity at concentrations up to 500 mg/L to 1000 mg/L in any of the tests except for PMMA–PSMA PNPs and fluorescent PNPs following 48-h exposure to D. magna (median lethal concentration values of 879 mg/L and 887 mg/L, respectively). No significant differences were observed between labeled and nonlabeled PNPs, indicating the suitability of using fluorescent labeling. Significant uptake and rapid excretion of the fluorescent PNPs was observed in D. magna. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:1641–1649. © 2015 SETAC
An approach formulated in terms of conserved variables for the characterisation of propellant combustion in internal ballistics
Authors: Otón‐Martínez R. A. , Monreal‐González G. , García‐Cascales J. R. , Vera‐García F. , Velasco F. J. S. , Ramírez‐Fernández F. J.
Published: May 2015

A model formulated in terms of conserved variables is proposed for its use in the study of internal ballistic problems of pyrotechnical mixtures and propellants. It is a transient two‐phase flow model adapted from the non‐conservative Gough model. This conversion is mathematically attractive because of the wide range of numerical methods for this kind of systems that may be applied. We propose the use of the AUSM+, AUSM + up and Rusanov schemes as an efficient alternative for this type of two‐phase problem. A splitting technique is applied, which solves the system of equations in several steps. A second‐order approach based on Monotonic Upstream‐Centred Scheme for Conservation Laws (MUSCL) is also used. Some tests are used to validate the code, namely a shock wave test, a contact discontinuity problem and an internal ballistics problem. In this last case, one‐dimensional numerical results are compared with experimental data of 155‐mm gunshots. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How to Finance Pensions: Optimal Strategies for Pay‐as‐You‐Go Pension Systems
Authors: Godínez‐Olivares Humberto , Boado‐Penas María del Carmen , Pantelous Athanasios A.
Published: May 2015

The aim of this paper was to design optimal strategies using nonlinear dynamic programming to guarantee the required level of liquidity in pay‐as‐you‐go pension systems through changes in the key variables of the system, such as the contribution rate, retirement age and/or indexation of pensions. These strategies, also known as automatic balancing mechanisms (ABMs), calculate the optimal path of these variables over time, managing fluctuations in longevity, fertility rates, salary growth or any other kind of uncertainty faced by the pension scheme without repeated legislative intervention. A numerical application of our model, which uses the projection of the population structure of two representative countries, illustrates the main findings of the paper. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Simple Linear Regression Approach to Modeling and Forecasting Mortality Rates
Authors: Lin Tzuling , Tsai Cary Chi‐liang
Published: May 2015

Observing that a sequence of negative logarithms of 1‐year survival probabilities displays a linear relationship with the sequence of corresponding terms with a time lag of a certain number of years, we propose a simple linear regression to model and forecast mortality rates. Our model assuming the linearity between two mortality sequences with a time lag each other does not need to formulate the time trends of mortality rates across ages for mortality prediction. Moreover, the parameters of our model for a given age depend on the mortality rates for that age only. Therefore, whether the span of the study ages with the age included is widened or shortened will not affect the results of mortality fitting and forecasting for that age. In the empirical testing, the regression results using the mortality data for the UK, USA and Japan show a satisfactory goodness of fit, which convinces us of the appropriateness of the linear assumption. Empirical illustrations further show that our model's performances of fitting and forecasting mortality rates are quite satisfactory compared with the existing well‐known mortality models. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of Microglia on Neurogenesis
Authors: Sato Kaoru
Published: May 2015

This review summarizes and organizes the literature concerning the effects of microglia on neurogenesis, particularly focusing on the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the hippocampus and subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricles, in which the neurogenic potential is progressively restricted during the life of the organism. A comparison of microglial roles in neurogenesis in these two regions indicates that microglia regulate neurogenesis in a temporally and spatially specific manner. Microglia may also sense signals from the surrounding environment and have regulatory effects on neurogenesis. We speculate microglia function as a hub for the information obtained from the inner and outer brain regions for regulating neurogenesis. GLIA 2015;63:1394–1405
NG2‐glia and their functions in the central nervous system
Authors: Dimou L. , Gallo V.
Published: May 2015

In the central nervous system, NG2‐glia represent a neural cell population that is distinct from neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. While in the past the main role ascribed to these cells was that of progenitors for oligodendrocytes, in the last years it has become more obvious that they have further functions in the brain. Here, we will discuss some of the most current and highly debated issues regarding NG2‐glia: Do these cells represent a heterogeneous population? Can they give rise to different progenies, and does this change under pathological conditions? How do they respond to injury or pathology? What is the role of neurotransmitter signaling between neurons and NG2‐glia? We will first give an overview on the developmental origin of NG2‐glia, and then discuss whether their distinct properties in different brain regions are the result of environmental influences, or due to intrinsic differences. We will then review and discuss their in vitro differentiation potential and in vivo lineage under physiological and pathological conditions, together with their electrophysiological properties in distinct brain regions and at different developmental stages. Finally, we will focus on their potential to be used as therapeutic targets in demyelinating and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, this review article will highlight the importance of NG2‐glia not only in the healthy, but also in the diseased brain. GLIA 2015;63:1429–1451
Modeling cognition and disease using human glial chimeric mice
Authors: Goldman Steven A. , Nedergaard Maiken , Windrem Martha S.
Published: May 2015

As new methods for producing and isolating human glial progenitor cells (hGPCs) have been developed, the disorders of myelin have become especially compelling targets for cell‐based therapy. Yet as animal modeling of glial progenitor cell‐based therapies has progressed, it has become clear that transplanted hGPCs not only engraft and expand within murine hosts, but dynamically outcompete the resident progenitors so as to ultimately dominate the host brain. The engrafted human progenitor cells proceed to generate parenchymal astrocytes, and when faced with a hypomyelinated environment, oligodendrocytes as well. As a result, the recipient brains may become inexorably humanized with regards to their resident glial populations, yielding human glial chimeric mouse brains. These brains provide us a fundamentally new tool by which to assess the species‐specific attributes of glia in modulating human cognition and information processing. In addition, the cellular humanization of these brains permits their use in studying glial infectious and inflammatory disorders unique to humans, and the effects of those disorders on the glial contributions to cognition. Perhaps most intriguingly, by pairing our ability to construct human glial chimeras with the production of patient‐specific hGPCs derived from pluripotential stem cells, we may now establish mice in which a substantial proportion of resident glia are both human and disease‐derived. These mice in particular may provide us new opportunities for studying the human‐specific contributions of glia to psychopathology, as well as to higher cognition. As such, the assessment of human glial chimeric mice may provide us new insight into the species‐specific contributions of glia to human cognitive evolution, as well as to the pathogenesis of human neurological and neuropsychiatric disease. GLIA 2015;63:1483–1493
Metabolic analysis of knee synovial fluid as a potential diagnostic approach for osteoarthritis
Authors: Mickiewicz Beata , Kelly Jordan J. , Ludwig Taryn E. , Weljie Aalim M. , Wiley J. Preston , Schmidt Tannin A. , Vogel Hans J.
Published: May 2015

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of chronic joint pain in the older human population. Diagnosis of OA at an earlier stage may enable the development of new treatments to one day effectively modify the progression and prognosis of the disease. In this work, we explore whether an integrated metabolomics approach could be utilized for the diagnosis of OA. Synovial fluid (SF) samples were collected from symptomatic chronic knee OA patients and normal human cadaveric knee joints. The samples were analyzed using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) followed by multivariate statistical analysis. Based on the metabolic profiles, we were able to distinguish OA patients from the controls and validate the statistical models. Moreover, we have integrated the 1H NMR and GC‐MS results and we found that 11 metabolites were statistically important for the separation between OA and normal SF. Additionally, statistical analysis showed an excellent predictive ability of the constructed metabolomics model (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 1.0). Our findings indicate that metabolomics might serve as a promising approach for the diagnosis and prognosis of degenerative changes in the knee joint and should be further validated in clinical settings. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:1631–1638, 2015.
Raman analysis of amorphous silicon ruthenium thin films embedded with nanocrystals
Authors: Guo Anran , Li Wei , Jiang Xiangdong , Wang Chong , Jiang Yadong
Published: May 2015

We report the Raman analysis of both as‐deposited and annealed amorphous silicon ruthenium thin films embedded with nanocrystals. In the Raman spectra of as‐deposited films, variations of TO peak indicate a short‐range disorder of a‐Si network with an increase of Ru concentration. The substitutional Ru atoms lower the concentration of Si―Si bonds and suppress the intensity of TO peak, but have less effect on TA, LA and LO peaks. In the Raman spectra of annealed films, characteristic parameters confirm the upgrade of a‐Si network at a low annealing temperature and the emergence of both ruthenium silicide and silicon nanocrystals at 700 °C. Although ruthenium silicide nanocrystals present no Raman peaks in the Raman spectra of as‐deposited samples, the non‐linear variations of intensity ratios ILA + LO/ITO and ITA/ITO still suggest their existence, and these nanocrystals are subsequently verified by high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fluorescence‐based source tracking of organic sediment in restored and unrestored urban streams
Authors: Larsen Laurel , Harvey Jud , Skalak Katherine , Goodman Marissa
Published: May 2015

Fine sediment is a leading cause of impairment of waterways, but its dynamics are generally poorly understood. Most fingerprinting studies focus on the mineral component of fine sediment, yet the organic fraction has distinct effects on ecosystem processes. Here we employed a novel combination of fluorescence spectroscopy and end‐member mixing analysis (EMMA) to distinguish between sources of particulate organic material (POM) in streams with and without restoration structures, situated within urban watersheds of the Chesapeake Bay. Suspended sediment samples and potential source end‐member samples were leached and analyzed for their fluorescence excitation‐emission (EEM) spectra. EEMs were resolved into fluorescent components using parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC). Six conservative components comprised the inputs to EMMA. The final model distinguished seven categories of source contributions: old and recent banks, the streambed, impervious surfaces, forested soils, algae, and a general category of allochthonous contributions from the watershed. The poorly characterizable allochthonous category dominated all samples, particularly at baseflow. During storms, the stream with restoration structures transported larger concentrations of fluorescent POM than the unrestored stream, with greater contributions from banks and soil. However, the bed contribution was greater for the unrestored stream, reflecting greater instream storage of fine sediment during interstorm periods. Relative source contributions in the model were insensitive to variability in the precise spectral characteristics of source end members or the number of end members, and varied in a manner consistent with external measurements, providing confidence in the approach.
The “Whack‐a‐Mole” Sign in Functional Movement Disorders
Authors: Park Jung E. , Maurer Carine W. , Hallett Mark
Published: May 2015

Making the diagnosis of functional movement disorders can be challenging. Identifying positive physical signs and diagnostic maneuvers is critical to this process. Distractibility, entrainability, and variability are examples of classic physical findings in these patients. In this case series, we identify and characterize another phenomenon observed in some of these patients. In this phenomenon, movement suppression of one body part is followed by immediate reemergence of movement in another. We propose that this phenomenon be referred to as the “whack‐a‐mole” sign. This name is derived from the arcade game whack‐a‐mole, in which a mole, when hit into its original hole, re‐emerges elsewhere. We present a case series of 4 patients with functional movement disorders who exhibit this sign.
Lateral dynamic response of a pipe pile in saturated soil layer
Authors: Zheng Changjie , Liu Hanlong , Ding Xuanming
Published: May 2015

This paper presents an analytical solution for the lateral dynamic response of a pipe pile in a saturated soil layer. The wave propagations in the saturated soil and the pipe pile are simulated by Biot's three‐dimensional poroelastic theory and one‐dimensional elastic theory, respectively. The governing equations of soil are solved directly without introducing potential functions. The displacement response and dynamic impedances of the pipe pile are obtained based on the continuous conditions between the pipe pile and both the outer and inner soil. A comparison with an existing solution is performed to verify the proposed solution. Selected numerical results for the lateral dynamic responses and impedances of the pipe pile are presented to reveal the lateral vibration characteristics of the pile‐soil system. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Density functional theory and molecular dynamic investigations on the energetic and mechanical properties of nitrocellulose/nitroglycerin/pentaerythritol diazido dinitrate composites
Authors: Yang Junqing , Gong Xuedong , Wang Guixiang
Published: May 2015

Experimental researches stated that pentaerythritol diazido dinitrate (PDADN) may be used as an energetic plasticizer in propellants. To explore whether PDADN is an effective energetic additive of the nitrocellulose/nitroglycerin (NC/NG) double‐base propellant, in this study, various NC/NG/PDADN composites were constructed and investigated using the density functional theory and molecular dynamic methods. Results show that when the content of PDADN is less than about 20%, PDADN can increase the interactions between NC and NG and improve the mechanical properties of NC/NG; but when the content exceeds 20%, the interactions between NC and NG are weakened and the mechanical properties decrease. The composite with a mass ratio of 72.5/22.6/5.0 (NC/NG/PDADN) has the optimal mechanical properties. However, PDADN in this formula does not improve the energy output. As a whole, PDADN can be used as a plasticizer, but not an effective energetic plasticizer of NC/NG. This investigation provides a theoretical evaluation of using PDADN as an additive in the double‐base propellant and gives a practical guidance for designing the NC/NG/PDADN formula. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:192–198, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Enrichment of protein N‐termini by charge reversal of internal peptides
Authors: Lai Zon W. , Gomez‐Auli Alejandro , Keller Eva J. , Mayer Bettina , Biniossek Martin L. , Schilling Oliver
Published: May 2015

Protein N‐termini provide useful information for the understanding of posttranslational processing of proteins. The majority of proteins undergo N‐terminal processing, such as proteolytic truncation or modifications like acetylation. Multiple methods currently exist for the enrichment of N‐terminal peptides for proteomic analyses. Here, we report a novel, simple, and straightforward N‐terminomic strategy, based on charge reversal of internal peptides followed by their removal through strong cation exchange chromatography. Our initial proof‐of‐concept study shows the feasibility of this technique, yielding over 3000 identifications of protein N‐termini. We further show the application of this strategy in investigating the N‐terminome of mouse embryonic fibroblasts cells deficient for both cathepsin B and L in comparison to wild type) control cells. Finally, we demonstrate that this workflow can be used in combination with a gel‐based strategy, allowing preseparation of proteins and thus providing an estimate of the molecular weight of the identified cleavage products.
Cecropin‐P17, an analog of Cecropin B, inhibits human hepatocellular carcinoma cell HepG‐2 proliferation via regulation of ROS, Caspase, Bax, and Bcl‐2
Authors: Wu Chunli , Geng Xiaoping , Wan Shengyun , Hou Hui , Yu Fanzong , Jia Benli , Wang Lei
Published: May 2015

Cecropin‐P17 is a peptide derived from Cecropin B. In this study, we investigated the effects and relative mechanisms of Cecropin‐P17 in a human liver cancer cell line (HepG‐2) in vitro and in vivo. A cell viability assay, Annexin V/propidium iodide assay, western blot, flow cytometry, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and a tumor‐xenograft model were applied to elucidate the mechanism exerted by Cecropin‐P17 on HepG‐2 cells. Cecropin‐P17 significantly inhibited the proliferation of HepG‐2 cells and demonstrated low cytotoxicity to normal liver cells in vitro. The apoptotic rate of HepG‐2 cells was increased after Cecropin‐P17 treatment together with increased production of reactive oxygen species. Moreover, Cecropin‐P17 stimulated caspase‐3, caspase‐9, and Bax and inhibited Bcl‐2 on both the transcriptional and translational levels. Finally, Cecropin‐P17 significantly suppressed tumor growth in a HepG‐2‐bearing nude mouse model. All of these results indicated that Cecropin‐P17 could be a potential agent for the treatment of liver cancer. Copyright © 2015 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploiting opinion distribution for topic recommendation in Twitter
Authors: Wu Ye , Ren Fuji
Published: May 2015

The popular social networking service Twitter provides rapidly updated information and online trends, which enriches and benefits people's daily life. At the same time, how to find out the really interesting and relevant topics from the massive streams of tweets, to provide precise topic recommendation for users, becomes a challenging problem in the real world. Previous collaborative filtering methods give solutions to traditional recommendation tasks considering users' positive reviews to help recommend items. However, to the problem ‘what is interesting to whom’ in Twitter, positive opinions toward a topic do not imply that the user will be interested in it with high probability, for the user probably prefers to know those controversial topics or hot events with a large number of negative posts. In this paper, we exploit the characteristics of topical opinion distribution for improving the performance of recommendation. The experimental results on a real‐world Twitter dataset show that the proposed opinion‐distribution‐aware topic recommendation (ODA‐TR) approach outperforms the state‐of‐the‐art collaborative recommendation methods. © 2015 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Report on an Investigation into an Entry Level Clinical Doctorate for the Genetic Counseling Profession and a Survey of the Association of Genetic Counseling Program Directors
Authors: Reiser Catherine , LeRoy Bonnie , Grubs Robin , Walton Carol
Published: May 2015

The master's degree is the required entry‐level degree for the genetic counseling profession in the US and Canada. In 2012 the Association of Genetic Counseling Program Directors (AGCPD) passed resolutions supporting retention of the master's as the entry‐level and terminal degree and opposing introduction of an entry‐level clinical doctorate (CD) degree. An AGCPD workgroup surveyed directors of all 34 accredited training programs with the objective of providing the Genetic Counseling Advanced Degrees Task Force (GCADTF) with information regarding potential challenges if master's programs were required to transition to an entry‐level CD. Program demographics, projected ability to transition to an entry‐level CD, factors influencing ability to transition, and potential effects of transition on programs, students and the genetic counseling workforce were characterized. Two programs would definitely be able to transition, four programs would close, thirteen programs would be at risk to close and fourteen programs would probably be able to transition with varying degrees of difficulty. The most frequently cited limiting factors were economic, stress on clinical sites, and administrative approval of a new degree/program. Student enrollment under an entry‐level CD model was projected to decrease by 26.2 %, negatively impacting the workforce pipeline. The results further illuminate and justify AGCPD's position to maintain the master's as the entry‐level degree.
Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide-Induced Calcium Alginate Gel Combined with Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Differentiating to Osteoblasts
Authors: Huang Chang-zhi , Yang Xiao-ning , Liu Da-cheng , Sun Yi-gong , Dai Xing-ming
Published: May 2015

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) has been confirmed with induction osteoblastic differentiation, but if it can make the three-dimensional culture of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) to the osteoblastic differentiation, thus constructing tissue-engineered bone rare reports. To investigate the feasibility of exogenous CGRP-induced calcium alginate gel combined with ADSCs from rabbits in three-dimensional condition to construct tissue-engineered bone. ADSCs were obtained by collagenase I digestion of the subcutaneous adipose tissue of inguinal region of New Zealand rabbits. At the third passage, cells were mixed with sodium alginate to prepare calcium alginate gel, and the cells were assigned into two-group cultivates in 24 orifice plates. ADSCs in the control group were treated with DMEM/F-12 medium supplemented with 10−2 mol/L β-glycerophosphate sodium, 10−7mol/L dexamethasone, 50 mg/L ascorbic acid, 0.1 % volume fraction of fetal bovine serum. ADSCs in the experimental group were incubated with the same medium as above, and in addition 1.5 µg/L CGRP was added. The cells proliferation and the mRNA expressions of collagen I and osteocalcin were detected by MTT and RT-PCR assays, respectively and alkaline phosphatase(ALP)and calcium concentration at different induction time were detected. The cell proliferation curves were S shaped. The OD values of experimental group were higher than those of control group at 1, 3, 5, 7, 14, and 21 days after osteogenic induction (P < 0.05). ALP and alizarin red stains of ADSCs were all positive, but golden round nodes became bigger and more in the experimental group compared with the control group after 2 weeks. At 7 and 14 days, collagen I and osteocalcin mRNA expression were greater in the experimental group than the control group. ALP and calcium concentration of experimental group were higher than that of control group at 1, 2, 3, 4 weeks after osteogenic induction (P < 0.05). Thus, these results show that the CGRP-induced ADSCs combined with calcium alginate gel to osteoblasts differentiation.
Thyroid hormone in the frontier of cell protection, survival and functional recovery
Authors: Videla Luis A. , Fernández Virginia , Cornejo Pamela , Vargas Romina , Castillo Iván
Published: May 2015

Thyroid hormone (TH) exerts important actions on cellular energy metabolism, accelerating O2consumption with consequent reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and redox signalling affording cell protection, a response that is contributed by redox-independent mechanisms. These processes underlie genomic and non-genomic pathways, which are integrated and exhibit hierarchical organisation. ROS production led to the activation of the redox-sensitive transcription factors nuclear factor-κB, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, activating protein 1 and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, promoting cell protection and survival by TH. These features involve enhancement in the homeostatic potential including antioxidant, antiapoptotic, antiinflammatory and cell proliferation responses, besides higher detoxification capabilities and energy supply through AMP-activated protein kinase upregulation. The above aspects constitute the molecular basis for TH-induced preconditioning of the liver that exerts protection against ischemia-reperfusion injury, a strategy also observed in extrahepatic organs of experimental animals and with other types of injury, which awaits application in the clinical setting. Noteworthy, re-adjusting TH to normal levels results in several beneficial effects; for example, it lengthens the cold storage time of organs for transplantation from brain-dead donors; allows a superior neurological outcome in infants of <28 weeks of gestation; reduces the cognitive side-effects of lithium and improves electroconvulsive therapy in patients with bipolar disorders.
A relational perspective of institutional work
Authors: Topal Cagri
Published: May 2015

This study develops a relational model of institutional work. The past research implies that the nature of relationships between individual actors actually shapes the nature of institutional work the actors engage in. However, the research falls short of an explicit, systematic analysis of different relationships between the actors and their work implications. This study basically argues that the actors’ power positions, which might be dominant or subordinate in relation to those of other actors, and their meaning frameworks, which might diverge from or converge with those of other actors, lead the actors to engage in a particular type of relationship with those other actors, and this relationship gives a particular form to the institutional work of the actors in relation. Hence, this study explicitly locates institutional work within the context of the relationships and highlights that institutional work is a relational rather than structural or individual phenomenon.
Translation of the WHO CIDI into Bahasa Melayu
Authors: Shahwan Shazana Binte Mohamed , Subramaniam Mythily , Vaingankar Janhavi , Ann Chong Siow
Published: May 2015

The Singapore Mental Health Survey was undertaken to establish the prevalence of mental disorders in Singapore. This necessitated translation of several modules of the WHO's Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) into Bahasa Melayu. The aim in translation was to achieve a conceptually equivalent version to the original instrument. The translation procedure was a four-step process: 1) forward translation, 2) expert panel review, 3) pre-test and cognitive interview and 4) development of the final version. The translation procedure was effective in identifying and resolving translation problems, and adapting the language of the instrument to suit the local Malay-speaking population. We recommend this four-step process for future studies to attain a fair representation of minority groups in nation-wide studies.
Surgical treatment of head and neck cancers in the ancient world
Authors: Kelly J , Mahalingam S
Published: May 2015

Objective:

This paper attempts to chart the history of head and neck cancers and their surgical treatment, starting from ancient Egypt and concluding with Galen.

Conclusion:

The ancient Egyptians appear to have treated head and neck cancers with local applications. The ancient Greek corpus contains a reference to treating pharyngeal carcinoma with cautery, but the description is too vague to establish the diagnosis conclusively. The ancient Romans moved away from surgical treatments, with Galen establishing a prejudice against surgery that would last through the Middle Ages.
VP anaphora and verb-second order in Danish
Authors: MIKKELSEN LINE
Published: May 2015

This paper argues that Danish verb-second clauses have two structural instantiations and that each structure is associated with distinct information-structural properties. Information-structurally undifferentiated V2 clauses are realized as TPs, whereas information-structurally differentiated V2 clauses are CPs. The evidence for this correlation comes from the behavior of the overt VP anaphordet, which exhibits a complex, but principled, positioning pattern in V2 clauses. I develop a feature-driven analysis of V2 clauses that accounts for previously unnoticed restrictions on the initial position in declarative V2 clauses.
Grain, Local Politics, and the Making of Mao's Famine in Wuwei, 1958–1961
Authors: CAO SHUJI , YANG BIN
Published: May 2015

Mao's Great Famine in Wuwei County, Anhui Province, between the years of 1958 and 1960, resulted in the deaths of about 245,000 people, a quarter of the local population. By focusing on grain production and consumption, this article adopts a local perspective to examine the county's official archives and analyse the background, rationale, and processes of local authorities that led to one of the highest death rates in the country. A local perspective provides an empirical microanalysis of the Great Famine; illustrates the complexity of this catastrophe; argues for local factors such as factional struggles, central-local interactions, and the political atmosphere created by the series of pre-1958 campaigns as key to local variations of the disaster; and delivers national implications for viewing Mao's China. Official archives explored in this article reveal that an over-reporting of grain output might have resulted in the Great Famine, but did not necessarily lead to the massive death toll, and that local politics, particularly intra-party factional struggles, intertwined with central-local political interactions, were crucial for the terrible tragedy that ensued in Wuwei, and that the end of this famine resulted not from peasants’ resistance, nor the change of radical polices to moderate ones, but from the decreased demand for grain caused by the massive number of deaths.
Commercial hunting to supply urban markets threatens mammalian biodiversity in Sapo National Park, Liberia
Authors: Greengrass Elizabeth
Published: May 2015

This survey was part of a situational analysis of bushmeat hunting and trade in Sapo National Park in south-east Liberia. Increased private-sector investment in natural resource extraction and industrial-scale agribusiness outside the Park is anticipated to increase hunting pressure and lead to further declines in biodiversity unless informed, assertive actions are taken to protect it more effectively. Two commercial hunting camps on the Park's southern boundary were surveyed for 1 month each. Information on the catch of all professional hunters in these camps was documented. The results revealed a high diversity of species but significant and probably unsustainable bushmeat extraction rates. Eighty-two chimpanzeesPan troglodytes verus, including eight live infants, were recorded in the survey. Most of the bushmeat harvested was destined for Monrovia and other major towns. A concerted effort needs to be made to shut down these commercial camps but the potentially significant contribution that commercial trade makes to urban areas suggests that this can only be achieved if Liberia develops alternative sectors in domestic meat production to feed the growing urban population.
Symbiosis in an overlooked microcosm: a systematic review of the bacterial flora of mites
Authors: CHAISIRI KITTIPONG , McGARRY JOHN W. , MORAND SERGE , MAKEPEACE BENJAMIN L.
Published: May 2015

A dataset of bacterial diversity found in mites was compiled from 193 publications (from 1964 to January 2015). A total of 143 mite species belonging to the 3 orders (Mesostigmata, Sarcoptiformes and Trombidiformes) were recorded and found to be associated with approximately 150 bacteria species (in 85 genera, 51 families, 25 orders and 7 phyla). From the literature, the intracellular symbiontCardinium,the scrub typhus agentOrientia, andWolbachia(the most prevalent symbiont of arthropods) were the dominant mite-associated bacteria, with approximately 30 mite species infected each. Moreover, a number of bacteria of medical and veterinary importance were also reported from mites, including species from the generaRickettsia, Anaplasma, Bartonella, Francisella, Coxiella, Borrelia, Salmonella, ErysipelothrixandSerratia. Significant differences in bacterial infection patterns among mite taxa were identified. These data will not only be useful for raising awareness of the potential for mites to transmit disease, but also enable a deeper understanding of the relationship of symbionts with their arthropod hosts, and may facilitate the development of intervention tools for disease vector control. This review provides a comprehensive overview of mite-associated bacteria and is a valuable reference database for future research on mites of agricultural, veterinary and/or medical importance.
Updating the research domain criteria: the utility of a motor dimension
Authors: Bernard J. A. , Mittal V. A.
Published: May 2015

Within the NIMH Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework, dimensions of behavior are investigated across diagnoses with the goal of developing a better understanding of their underlying neural substrates. Currently, this framework includes five domains: cognitive, social, arousal/regulatory, negative, and positive valence systems. We argue that the inclusion of a motor systems domain is sorely needed as well. Independent of medication, distinct areas of motor dysfunction (e.g. motor planning/inhibition/learning/coordination, involuntary movements) commonly appear across a number of mental disorders (e.g. schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Alzheimer's disease, depression) as well as neurological disorders accompanied by significant psychological symptoms (e.g. Parkinson's disease). In addition, motor systems are amenable to study across multiple levels of analysis from the cellular molecular level focusing on cytoarchitechtonics and neurotransmitter systems, to networks and circuits measured using neuroimaging, and finally at the level of overt behavioral performance. Critically, the neural systems associated with motor performance have been relatively well defined, and different circuits have been linked to distinct aspects of motor behavior. As such, they may also be differentially associated with symptoms and motor dysfunction across diagnoses, and be uniquely informative about underlying etiology. Importantly, motor signs can change across stages of illness; they are also often present in the prodromal phases of disease and closely linked with course, suggesting that these behaviors represent a core feature reflective of pathogenic processes. The inclusion of a motor domain would allow researchers to better understand psychopathology more broadly, and may also reveal important contributions to disease processes across diagnoses.