bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR STUDYING THE SOURCES OF VARIATION IN PROGRAM EFFECTS
Authors: Weiss Michael J. , Bloom Howard S. , Brock Thomas 
Published: March 2014

AbstractEvaluations of public programs in many fields reveal that different types of programs—or different versions of the same program—vary in their effectiveness. Moreover, a program that is effective for one group of people might not be effective for other groups, and a program that is effective in one set of circumstances may not be effective in other circumstances. This paper presents a conceptual framework for research on such variation in program effects and the sources of this variation. The framework is intended to help researchers—both those who focus mainly on studying program implementation and those who focus mainly on estimating program effects—see how their respective pieces fit together in a way that helps to identify factors that explain variation in program effects, and thereby support more systematic data collection. The ultimate goal of the framework is to enable researchers to offer better guidance to policymakers and program operators on the conditions and practices that are associated with larger and more positive effects.
Evolution of droplet size distribution and composition in miniemulsions
Authors: Casey Megan B. , Sudol E. David , El‐Aasser Mohamed S. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTA fundamental understanding of the formation, degradation and polymerization of miniemulsions has been hindered by difficulties in quantifying their monomer droplet size distribution (DSD). In this work, particle sizing techniques including capillary hydrodynamic fractionation, acoustic attenuation spectroscopy, surfactant titration, and microscopy were adapted to characterize miniemulsion DSDs. The key ingredient in miniemulsions is the costabilizer, a low water solubility compound that limits monomer diffusion from the smaller to larger droplets (Ostwald ripening). The DSD evolution of styrene miniemulsions employing hexadecane (HD) as costabilizer was characterized. With less costabilizer, droplets were initially smaller, but increased in average size with time, and their DSDs broadened. These changes were slowed with addition of extra surfactant after homogenization. After several days, the average droplet size increased to about 150 nm regardless of the amount of HD or surfactant used. The HD content of separated portions of centrifuged miniemulsions was measured and showed significant Ostwald ripening within minutes after preparation. The further evolution of the DSD is attributed primarily to droplet coalescence. Less composition change occurred with either higher HD content or post‐homogenization surfactant addition, both of which led to minimization of free energy, increasing stability. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 1529–1544
Thermal analysis and FT‐IR studies of adsorbed poly(ethylene‐stat‐vinyl acetate) on silica
Authors: Maddumaarachchi Madhubhashini , Blum Frank D. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTAdsorbed poly(ethylene‐stat‐vinyl acetate) (PEVAc) on fumed silica was studied using temperature‐modulated differential scanning calorimetry (TMDSC) and FT‐IR spectroscopy. The properties of the copolymers were compared with poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) and low density polyethylene (LDPE) as references. TMDSC analysis of the copolymer‐silica samples in the glass transition region was complicated for the copolymers because of the ethylene crystallinity. Nevertheless, examination of the glass transition region for small adsorbed amounts of these copolymers indicated the presence of tightly‐ and loosely‐bound polymer segments, similar to other polymers which have an attraction to silica. Compared with bulk polymers with the same composition, the tightly‐bound polymers showed an increased glass transition temperature (Tg) and a loosely‐bound fraction with a lower Tg than bulk. FT‐IR spectra of the surface copolymers indicated that the fraction of bound carbonyls (p) increased as the fraction of vinyl acetate in the copolymers decreased, consistent with the notion that the carbonyls from vinyl acetate preferentially find their way to the silica surface. Spectra from samples with different adsorbed amounts of polymer were used to obtain the amount of bound polymer (Mb) and the ratio of molar absorption coefficients of bound carbonyls to free carbonyls (X). The copolymers had very large p values (up to 0.8) at small adsorbed amounts and dependent on the composition of the polymer. However, an analysis of the bound fractions, based on only the vinyl acetate groups, superimposed the data, suggesting that the ethylene units simply dilute the vinyl acetate groups in the surface polymer. The sample with the smallest fraction of vinyl acetate did not show this behavior and may be considered to be “carbonyl poor.” © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2014, 52, 727–736
The dynamic duo: Combining NMR and small angle scattering in structural biology
Authors: Hennig Janosch , Sattler Michael 
Published: March 2014

AbstractStructural biology provides essential information for elucidating molecular mechanisms that underlie biological function. Advances in hardware, sample preparation, experimental methods, and computational approaches now enable structural analysis of protein complexes with increasing complexity that more closely represent biologically entities in the cellular environment. Integrated multidisciplinary approaches are required to overcome limitations of individual methods and take advantage of complementary aspects provided by different structural biology techniques. Although X‐ray crystallography remains the method of choice for structural analysis of large complexes, crystallization of flexible systems is often difficult and does typically not provide insights into conformational dynamics present in solution. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) is well‐suited to study dynamics at picosecond to second time scales, and to map binding interfaces even of large systems at residue resolution but suffers from poor sensitivity with increasing molecular weight. Small angle scattering (SAS) methods provide low resolution information in solution and can characterize dynamics and conformational equilibria complementary to crystallography and NMR. The combination of NMR, crystallography, and SAS is, thus, very useful for analysis of the structure and conformational dynamics of (large) protein complexes in solution. In high molecular weight systems, where NMR data are often sparse, SAS provides additional structural information and can differentiate between NMR‐derived models. Scattering data can also validate the solution conformation of a crystal structure and indicate the presence of conformational equilibria. Here, we review current state‐of‐the‐art approaches for combining NMR, crystallography, and SAS data to characterize protein complexes in solution.
Ramachandran analysis of conserved glycyl residues in homologous proteins of known structure
Authors: Lakshmi Balasubramanian , Sinduja Chandrasekaran , Archunan Govind , Srinivasan Narayanaswamy 
Published: March 2014

AbstractHigh conservation of glycyl residues in homologous proteins is fairly frequent. It is commonly understood that glycine tends to be highly conserved either because of its unique Ramachandran angles or to avoid steric clash that would arise with a larger side chain. Using a database of aligned 3D structures of homologous proteins we identified conserved Gly in 288 alignment positions from 85 families. Ninety‐six of these alignment positions correspond to conserved Gly residue with (φ, ψ) values allowed for non‐glycyl residues. Reasons for this observation were investigated by in‐silico mutation of these glycyl residues to Ala. We found in 94% of the cases a short contact exists between the Cβ atom of the introduced Ala with the atoms which are often distant in the primary structure. This suggests the lack of space even for a short side chain thereby explaining high conservation of glycyl residues even when they adopt (φ, ψ) values allowed for Ala. In 189 alignment positions, the conserved glycyl residues adopt (φ, ψ) values which are disallowed for Ala. In‐silico mutation of these Gly residues to Ala almost always results in steric hindrance involving Cβ atom of Ala as one would expect by comparing Ramachandran maps for Ala and Gly. Rare occurrence of the disallowed glycyl conformations even in ultrahigh resolution protein structures are accompanied by short contacts in the crystal structures and such disallowed conformations are not conserved in the homologues. These observations raise the doubt on the accuracy of such glycyl conformations in proteins.
Inhibition of the dorsomedial hypothalamus, but not the medullary raphe pallidus, decreases hyperthermia and mortality from MDMA given in a warm environment
Authors: Zaretsky Dmitry V. , Zaretskaia Maria V. , Durant Pamela J. , Rusyniak Daniel E. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe central mechanisms through which 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) mediates life‐threatening hyperthermia when taken in a warm environment are not well described. It is assumed that MDMA alters normal thermoregulatory circuits resulting in increased heat production through interscapular brown adipose tissue (iBAT) and decreased heat dissipation through cutaneous vasoconstriction. We studied the role of the dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH) and medullary raphe pallidus (mRPa) in mediating iBAT, tail blood flow, and locomotor effects produced by MDMA. Rats were instrumented with guide cannulas targeting either the DMH or the mRPa brain regions involved in regulating iBAT and cutaneous vascular beds. In all animals, core temperature and locomotion were recorded with surgically implanted telemetric transmitters; additionally, either iBAT temperature (via telemetric transmitter) or tail artery blood flow (via tail artery Doppler cuff) were also recorded. Animals were placed in an environmental chamber at 32°C and microinjected with either control or the gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) agonist muscimol (80 pmol) followed by an intravenous injection of saline or MDMA (7.5 mg kg−1). To prevent undue suffering, a core temperature of 41°C was chosen as the surrogate marker of mortality. Inhibition of the DMH, but not the mRPa, prevented mortality and attenuated hyperthermia and locomotion. Inhibition of either the DMH or the mRPa did not affect iBAT temperature increases or tail blood flow decreases. While MDMA increases iBAT thermogenesis and decreases heat dissipation through cutaneous vasoconstriction, thermoregulatory brain regions known to mediate these effects are not involved. Rather, the finding that inhibiting the DMH decreases both locomotion and body temperature suggests that locomotion may be a key central contributor to MDMA‐evoked hyperthermia.
Zonal mean circulations for two conserved meridional coordinates
Authors: Egger Joseph , Hoinka Klaus‐Peter 
Published: March 2014

AbstractWhile many investigations of the atmospheric zonal mean circulation have been published using various vertical coordinates, this article concentrates on meridional coordinates other than latitude. Potential vorticity q and potential temperature θ are selected, with height as the vertical coordinate. Both q and θ are conserved in adiabatic frictionless flow. Although this helps in the interpretation of the results, both choices are problematic because of contortions in the contours. The related problems are solved by integrating over suitable zonal tubes.The isertelic mean circulation exhibits global cells in the upper troposphere and separate shallow hemispheric cells near the ground. Mean q fluxes are derived from the mass circulation. The mean circulation in (θ,z) coordinates is similar to that in (ϕ,θ) coordinates and has hemispheric direct cells. Mean θ fluxes follow from that. Both circulations are forced, in the sense that they can be derived and understood if the zonal mean heating is known. This is demonstrated by explaining, for example, the equatorward surface flow in (θ,z) coordinates and the shallow boundary‐layer circulation in the isertelic system.
Clinical and molecular aspects of the live attenuated Oka varicella vaccine
Authors: Quinlivan Mark , Breuer Judy 
Published: March 2014

SUMMARYVZV is a ubiquitous member of the Herpesviridae family that causes varicella (chicken pox) and herpes zoster (shingles). Both manifestations can cause great morbidity and mortality and are therefore of significant economic burden. The introduction of varicella vaccination as part of childhood immunization programs has resulted in a remarkable decline in varicella incidence, and associated hospitalizations and deaths, particularly in the USA. The vaccine preparation, vOka, is a live attenuated virus produced by serial passage of a wild‐type clinical isolate termed pOka in human and guinea pig cell lines. Although vOka is clinically attenuated, it can cause mild varicella, establish latency, and reactivate to cause herpes zoster. Sequence analysis has shown that vOka differs from pOka by at least 42 loci; however, not all genomes possess the novel vOka change at all positions, creating a heterogeneous population of genetically distinct haplotypes. This, together with the extreme cell‐associated nature of VZV replication in cell culture and the lack of an animal model, in which the complete VZV life cycle can be replicated, has limited studies into the molecular basis for vOka attenuation. Comparative studies of vOka with pOka replication in T cells, dorsal root ganglia, and skin indicate that attenuation likely involves multiple mutations within ORF 62 and several other genes. This article presents an overview of the clinical aspects of the vaccine and current progress on understanding the molecular mechanisms that account for the clinical phenotype of reduced virulence. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Public engagement with offshore renewable energy: a critical review
Authors: Wiersma Bouke , Devine‐Wright Patrick 
Published: March 2014

Offshore renewable energy, including offshore wind, tidal and wave energy, has sometimes been represented as opposition‐free alternatives to controversial technologies such as onshore wind turbines, and has received increasing attention from social scientists in recent years. A fragmented literature has emerged investigating public engagement with these technologies and the determinants of public acceptance, comprising 59 key studies—the majority investigating offshore wind energy (59%). This literature review argues that while the ways in which public actors engage with offshore renewable energy are to some extent similar to onshore energy infrastructure, there are also important differences. These include the generally lower levels of public knowledge about the technologies, a changing role for visual impacts, a fundamentally different, marine, spatial context, and different sets of stakeholders in different decision‐making arenas. There is a need to explore as yet unasked and unanswered questions—going beyond ‘established’ variables identified in the onshore wind‐based ‘beyond NIMBY’ literature—especially regarding the role of the marine location of these technologies, and the cross‐technology and cross‐disciplinary applicability of findings. In order to more fully understand public responses to energy infrastructures, future research needs to move beyond case studies of onshore wind developments, adopting more diverse and ambitious research designs and methodologies.This article is categorized under:

Perceptions, Behavior, and Communication of Climate Change > Behavior Change and Responses
MicroRNAs as therapeutic targets in human cancers
Authors: Shah Maitri Y. , Calin George A. 
Published: March 2014

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are evolutionarily conserved, small, regulatory RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression. Extensive research in the last decade has implicated miRNAs as master regulators of cellular processes with essential role in cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis, making them promising therapeutic tools for cancer management. In this article, we will briefly review the structure, biogenesis, functions, and mechanism of action of these miRNAs, followed by a detailed analysis of the therapeutic potential of these miRNAs. We will focus on the strategies presently used for miRNA therapy; discuss their use and drawbacks; and the challenges and future directions for the development of miRNA‐based therapy for human cancers. WIREs RNA 2014, 5:537–548. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1229This article is categorized under:

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development
Physiological networks and disease functions of RNA‐binding protein AUF1
Authors: Moore Ashleigh E. , Chenette Devon M. , Larkin Lauren C. , Schneider Robert J. 
Published: March 2014

Regulated messenger RNA (mRNA) decay is an essential mechanism that governs proper control of gene expression. In fact, many of the most physiologically potent proteins are encoded by short‐lived mRNAs, many of which contain AU‐rich elements (AREs) in their 3′‐untranslated region (3′‐UTR). AREs target mRNAs for post‐transcriptional regulation, generally rapid decay, but also stabilization and translation inhibition. AREs control mRNA turnover and translation activities through association with trans‐acting RNA‐binding proteins that display high affinity for these AU‐rich regulatory elements. AU‐rich element RNA‐binding protein (AUF1), also known as heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein D (HNRNPD), is an extensively studied AU‐rich binding protein (AUBP). AUF1 has been shown to regulate ARE‐mRNA turnover, primarily functioning to promote rapid ARE‐mRNA degradation. In certain cellular contexts, AUF1 has also been shown to regulate gene expression at the translational and even the transcriptional level. AUF1 comprises a family of four related protein isoforms derived from a common pre‐mRNA by differential exon splicing. AUF1 isoforms have been shown to display multiple and distinct functions that include the ability to target ARE‐mRNA stability or decay, and transcriptional activation of certain genes that is controlled by their differential subcellular locations, expression levels, and post‐translational modifications. AUF1 has been implicated in controlling a variety of physiological functions through its ability to regulate the expression of numerous mRNAs containing 3′‐UTR AREs, thereby coordinating functionally related pathways. This review highlights the physiological functions of AUF1‐mediated regulation of mRNA and gene expression, and the consequences of deficient AUF1 levels in different physiological settings. WIREs RNA 2014, 5:549–564. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1230This article is categorized under:

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > RNA–Protein Complexes
RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Regulation of RNA Stability
RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
High-level production of Fc-fused kringle domain in Pichia pastoris
Authors: Jeong Gu Min , Lee Yong Jae , Kim Yong Sung , Jeong Ki Jun 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Recently, as a new non-immunoglobulin-based protein scaffold, a human kringle domain was successfully engineered toward biologically functional agonists and antagonists. In this study, the fed-batch cultivation conditions were optimized for enhanced production of an Fc-fused kringle domain (KD548-Fc) in Pichia pastoris. Fed-batch cultivations were performed in 5-l laboratory-scale bioreactors, and in order to find the optimal conditions for high-level production of KD548-Fc, several parameters including the initial carbon source (glycerol) concentration, temperature, and pH were investigated. When cells were cultivated at pH 4.0 and 25 °C with 9.5 % glycerol in the initial medium, the highest production yield (635 mg/l) was achieved with high productivity (7.2 mg/l/h). Furthermore, functional KD548-Fc was successfully purified from the culture broth using a simple purification procedure with high purity and recovery yield.
Long‐term effect of cardiac pacing on sleep‐disordered breathing in patients with conventional indications for a permanent pacemaker
Authors: Matsushita Kohei , Ishikawa Toshiyuki , Toda Noritaka , Sumita Shinnichi , Matsumoto Katsumi , Hosoda Junya , Kimura Yuuichirou , Ogino Yutaka , Taguchi Yuka , Ishigami Tomoaki , Sugano Teruyasu , Umemura Satoshi 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe effect of cardiac pacing on sleep‐disordered breathing is controversial. We investigated the long‐term effect of cardiac pacing on sleep disordered breathing in patients with conventional indications for permanent pacemakersMethodsSubjects comprised 40 patients (29 men; mean age 69±9 years, mean left ventricle ejection fraction 69±8%, and body mass index 23.6±3.5 kg/m2) who were diagnosed with indications for permanent pacemakers (sick sinus syndrome in 23 patients, atrioventricular block in 15, and brady atrial fibrillation in 2). All patients received polysomnographic evaluations before implantation of permanent pacemakers. After implantation of permanent pacemakers, all patients received polysomnographic evaluations during use of the pacemaker settings (AAI/DDD/VVI at 70 beats per minute).ResultsThe mean follow‐up period was 35±13 months. Before implantation, the distribution of sleep‐disordered breathing was as follows: 93% had apnea hypopnea index >5, 58% had apnea hypopnea index >15, and 20% had apnea hypopnea index >30. The mean apnea hypopnea index for all patients was 20±15, for those with obstructive type apnea was 4.9±5.3, and for those with central type apnea was 3.0±4.5. The mean Epworth Sleepiness Score was 5.9±4.0. No patient received continuous positive airway pressure therapy or any other therapy for sleep‐disordered breathing during the follow up period. The mean apnea hypopnea index at 1 week after implantation of permanent pacemakers was 21±14 (P=0.8) and the mean apnea hypopnea index at end of follow‐up was 11±7 (P<0.0001).ConclusionLong term cardiac pacing significantly reduces the number of episodes of sleep apnea in patients with conventional permanent pacemaker indications.
A late Holocene paleoenvironmental reconstruction from Agua Caliente, southern Belize, linked to regional climate variability and cultural change at the Maya polity of Uxbenká
Authors: Walsh Megan K. , Prufer Keith M. , Culleton Brendan J. , Kennett Douglas J. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractWe report high-resolution macroscopic charcoal, pollen and sedimentological data for Agua Caliente, a freshwater lagoon located in southern Belize, and infer a late Holocene record of human land-use/climate interactions for the nearby prehistoric Maya center of Uxbenká. Land-use activities spanning the initial clearance of forests for agriculture through the drought-linked Maya collapse and continuing into the historic recolonization of the region are all reflected in the record. Human land alteration in association with swidden agriculture is evident early in the record during the Middle Preclassic starting ca. 2600 cal yr BP. Fire slowly tapered off during the Late and Terminal Classic, consistent with the gradual political demise and depopulation of the Uxbenká polity sometime between ca. 1150 and 950 cal yr BP, during a period of multiple droughts evident in a nearby speleothem record. Fire activity was at its lowest during the Maya Postclassic ca. 950–430 cal yr BP, but rose consistent with increasing recolonization of the region between ca. 430 cal yr BP and present. These data suggest that this environmental record provides both a proxy for 2800 years of cultural change, including colonization, growth, decline, and reorganization of regional populations, and an independent confirmation of recent paleoclimate reconstructions from the same region.