bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Friction characteristics of confined inflatable structures
Authors: Sosa Eduardo M. , Thompson Gregory J. , Barbero Ever J. , Ghosh Subhadeep , Peil Kevin L. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
The availability of high-strength fabrics and progress in the development of large-scale inflatable technology made possible the creation of temporary and quickly deployable structures for protection of underground infrastructure. Inflatable structures are relatively lightweight and portable, and can maintain the required rigidity while in operation. These benefits have prompted the development of inflatable structures for use in confined spaces, such as tunnels and large-diameter pipes to act as barriers for containing flooding with minimal infrastructure modification. This work presents experimental results obtained from the evaluation of frictional characteristics of the fabric material that constitute the structural membrane of confined inflatable structures developed for protection of underground transportation tunnels and other large conduits. Friction tests at coupon level and slippage tests in a reduced-scale inflatable structure were performed in order to evaluate the frictional characteristics of Vectran webbings. Tests at coupon level were performed to determine the friction coefficient for different surface types and conditions. Tests with the reduced-scale inflatable structure contributed to the understanding of the friction characteristics at system level when subjected to different pressurization or depressurization sequences designed to induce slippage. Test results indicate that friction coefficient values at coupon level are about 29 percent higher than values derived from reduced-scale tests.
Severe maternal outcomes and their predictors among Pakistani women in the WHO Multicountry Survey on Maternal and Newborn Health
Authors: Mazhar Syeda B. , Batool Afshan , Emanuel Angela , Khan Arif T. , Bhutta Shireen 
Published: December 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the incidence of, and the demographic and obstetric factors associated with, severe maternal outcome (SMO) among women presenting at healthcare facilities in Pakistan.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted in 16 healthcare facilities across Pakistan that had been selected for the WHO Multicountry Survey on Maternal and Newborn health. The hospital records of women who delivered at a participating facility or were admitted with SMO (defined as maternal death or near miss) within 7 days of delivery/abortion were reviewed for a period of 2–3 months in 2011. The incidence of SMO, its associated demographic and obstetric characteristics, and the influence of various maternal health interventions were assessed.ResultsAmong 13 175 included women, 132 (1.0%) had an SMO (94 [0.7%] near miss and 38 [0.3%] died). The maternal mortality ratio was 299 deaths per 100 000 live births. Major causes of SMO included postpartum hemorrhage (64 [48.5%] women), hypertensive disorders (34 [25.8%]), and ruptured uterus (9 [6.8]). Illiteracy, anemia, and several obstetric complications (e.g. eclampsia) were significant contributors.ConclusionImproving education, nutrition, and uniform implementation of obstetric care protocols are needed for better maternal and neonatal health in Pakistan.
On the Borders: Surgeons and their Activities in the Venetian State (1540–1640)
Authors: Bartolini Donatella 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThrough the biographies of a dynasty of practitioners who were active in some of the mountainous villages of the Venetian Terraferma the article brings to light unknown aspects of the professional world of surgeons. Their activities were profoundly influenced by the economic and geographic peculiarities of the territory where they lived and worked. Provincial towns and their territories offered professional opportunities both to licensed and to non-university trained practitioners. However, it was generally in small villages, especially those situated in border areas and part of the main commercial networks, that surgeons preferred to establish their practices, thus supplementing the medical services supplied by the town. Normally their knowledge was largely empirical and was transmitted from father to son. The apprenticeship-based training does not appear alternative to the academic education typical of learned practitioners: much evidence points to the existence of ‘scientific autodidacts’, self-taught practitioners who possessed and read medical texts or had attended academic courses, even if only in part. Practising surgery in this area was a highly mobile activity, stretching from the village to the neighbouring valleys, and even to areas outside the boundaries of the city and across the border of the Venetian state. Surgeons, furthermore, were able to transfer their skills and knowledge across a range of different occupations such as shoemakers, leather workers and tailors, a fact that confirms their close ties with the local artisan milieu.
Optimal vitamin D levels in Crohn's disease: a review
Authors: Raftery Tara , O'Sullivan Maria 
Published: December 2014

Vitamin D deficiency is common among patients with Crohn's disease. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) is the best measure of an individual's vitamin D status and current cut-off ranges for sufficiency are debatable. Several factors contribute to vitamin D deficiency in Crohn's disease. These include inadequate exposure to sunlight, inadequate dietary intake, impaired conversion of vitamin D to its active metabolite, increased catabolism, increased excretion and genetic variants in vitamin D hydroxylation and transport. The effects of low 25(OH)D on outcomes other than bone health are understudied in Crohn's disease. The aim of the present review is to discuss the potential roles of vitamin D and the possible levels required to achieve them. Emerging evidence suggests that vitamin D may have roles in innate and adaptive immunity, in the immune-pathogenesis of Crohn's disease, prevention of Crohn's disease-related hospitalisations and surgery, in reducing disease severity and in colon cancer prevention. The present literature appears to suggest that 25(OH)D concentrations of ≥75 nmol/l may be required for non-skeletal effects; however, further research on optimal levels is required.
The burden and determinants of self-reported acute gastrointestinal illness in an Indigenous Batwa Pygmy population in southwestern Uganda
Authors: CLARK S. , BERRANG-FORD L. , LWASA S. , NAMANYA D. B. , EDGE V. L. ,   IHACC Research Team, HARPER S. 
Published: December 2014

SUMMARYAcute gastrointestinal illness (AGI) is an important public health priority worldwide. Few studies have captured the burden of AGI in developing countries, and even fewer have focused on Indigenous populations. This study aimed to estimate the incidence and determinants of AGI within a Batwa Pygmy Indigenous population in southwestern Uganda. A retrospective cross-sectional survey was conducted in January 2013 via a census of 10 Batwa communities (n= 583 participants). The AGI case definition included any self-reported symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting in the past 2 weeks. The 14-day prevalence of AGI was 6·17% [95% confidence interval (CI) 4·2–8·1], corresponding to an annual incidence rate of 1·66 (95% CI 1·1–2·2) episodes of AGI per person-year. AGI prevalence was greatest in children aged <3 years (11·3%). A multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression model controlling for clustering at the community level indicated that exposure to goats [odds ratio (OR) 2·6, 95% CI 1·0–6·8], being a child aged <3 years (OR 4·8, 95% CI 1·2–18·9), and being a child, adolescent or senior Batwa in the higher median of wealth (OR 7·0, 95% CI 3·9–9·2) were significantly associated with having AGI. This research represents the first Indigenous community-census level study of AGI in Uganda, and highlights the substantial burden of AGI within this population.
Splitting of IVP bovine blastocyst affects morphology and gene expression of resulting demi-embryos during in vitro culture and in vivo elongation
Authors: Velasquez Alejandra E. , Castro Fidel O. , Veraguas Daniel , Cox Jose F. , Lara Evelyn , Briones Mario , Rodriguez-Alvarez Lleretny 
Published: December 2014

SummaryEmbryo splitting might be used to increase offspring yield and for molecular analysis of embryo competence. How splitting affects developmental potential of embryos is unknown. This research aimed to study the effect of bovine blastocyst splitting on morphological and gene expression homogeneity of demi-embryos and on embryo competence during elongation. Grade I bovine blastocyst produced in vitro were split into halves and distributed in nine groups (3 × 3 setting according to age and stage before splitting; age: days 7–9; stage: early, expanded and hatched blastocysts). Homogeneity and survival rate in vitro after splitting (12 h, days 10 and 13) and the effect of splitting on embryo development at elongation after embryo transfer (day 17) were assessed morphologically and by RT-qPCR. The genes analysed were OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, CDX2, TP1, TKDP1, EOMES, and BAX. Approximately 90% of split embryos had a well conserved defined inner cell mass (ICM), 70% of the halves had similar size with no differences in gene expression 12 h after splitting. Split embryos cultured further conserved normal and comparable morphology at day 10 of development; this situation changes at day 13 when embryo morphology and gene expression differed markedly among demi-embryos. Split and non-split blastocysts were transferred to recipient cows and were recovered at day 17. Fifty per cent of non-split embryos were larger than 100 mm (33% for split embryos). OCT4, SOX2, TP1 and EOMES levels were down-regulated in elongated embryos derived from split blastocysts. In conclusion, splitting day-8 blastocysts yields homogenous demi-embryos in terms of developmental capability and gene expression, but the initiation of the filamentous stage seems to be affected by the splitting.
Identification of IRF1 as critical dual regulator of Smac mimetic-induced apoptosis and inflammatory cytokine response
Authors: Eckhardt I , Weigert A , Fulda S 
Published: December 2014

AbstractSmac (second mitochondria-derived activator of caspase) mimetics are considered as promising anticancer therapeutics and used to induce apoptosis by antagonizing inhibitor of apoptosis proteins, which are often abundantly expressed in cancer cells. Here, we identify interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) as a novel critical regulator of Smac mimetic BV6-induced apoptosis and proinflammatory cytokine secretion with impact on the immune response. IRF1 knockdown rescues cells from BV6-induced apoptosis and attenuates BV6-stimulated upregulation of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), indicating that IRF1 mediates BV6-triggered cell death, at least in part, by inducing TNFα. This notion is supported by data showing that exogenous supply of TNFα restores BV6-induced cell death in IRF-knockdown cells. Interestingly, IRF1 selectively controls the induction of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) target genes, as IRF1 depletion attenuates BV6-stimulated upregulation of TNFα and interleukin-8 (IL-8) but not p100 and RelB. Concomitant knockdown of IRF1 and p65 cooperate to inhibit BV6-induced cell death, implying a cooperative interaction of IRF1 and NF-κB. In addition, IRF1 silencing hampers TNFα induction by TNFα itself as an another prototypical NF-κB stimulus. Importantly, IRF1 depletion impedes BV6-stimulated secretion of additional proinflammatory cytokines such as granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), IL-8, IL-6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and migration of primary monocytes to BV6-treated tumor cells. In conclusion, this identification of IRF1 as a dual regulator of BV6-induced apoptosis and inflammatory cytokine secretion provides novel insights into determinants of sensitivity towards Smac mimetic and possible implications of Smac mimetic treatment on tumor microenvironment and immune response.
BMPR2 inhibition induced apoptosis and autophagy via destabilization of XIAP in human chondrosarcoma cells
Authors: Jiao G , Guo W , Ren T , Lu Q , Sun Y , Liang W , Ren C , Yang K , Sun K 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are multifunctional proteins, and their receptors (BMPRs) have crucial roles in the process of signaling. However, their function in cancer is somewhat inconsistent. It has been demonstrated that more prevalent expression of bone morphogenetic protein receptor 2 (BMPR2) has been detected in dedifferentiated chondrosarcomas than conventional chondrosarcomas. Here, we find that BMPR2 inhibition induces apoptosis and autophagy of chondrosarcoma. We found that BMPR2 expression was correlated with the clinicopathological features of chondrosarcomas, and could predict the treatment outcome. Knockdown of BMPR2 by small interfering RNA results in growth inhibition in chondrosarcoma cells. Silencing BMPR2 promoted G2/M cell cycle arrest, induced chondrosarcoma cell apoptosis through caspase-3-dependent pathway via repression of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) and induced autophagy of chondrosarcoma cells via XIAP-Mdm2-p53 pathway. Inhibition of autophagy induced by BMPR2 small interfering RNA (siBMPR2) sensitized chondrosarcoma cells to siBMPR2-induced apoptotic cell death, suggesting that autophagy has a protective role for chondrosarcoma cells in context of siBMPR2-induced apoptotic cell death. In vivo tumorigenicity assay in mice indicated that inhibition of BMPR2 reduced tumor growth. Taken together, our results suggest that BMPR2 has a significant role in the tumorigenesis of chondrosarcoma, and could be an important prognostic marker for chondrosarcoma. BMPR2 inhibition could eventually provide a promising therapy for chondrosarcoma treatment.
Assembling programmable FRET-based photonic networks using designer DNA scaffolds
Authors: Buckhout-White Susan , Spillmann Christopher M , Algar W. Russ , Khachatrian Ani , Melinger Joseph S. , Goldman Ellen R. , Ancona Mario G. , Medintz Igor L. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractDNA demonstrates a remarkable capacity for creating designer nanostructures and devices. A growing number of these structures utilize Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) as part of the device's functionality, readout or characterization, and, as device sophistication increases so do the concomitant FRET requirements. Here we create multi-dye FRET cascades and assess how well DNA can marshal organic dyes into nanoantennae that focus excitonic energy. We evaluate 36 increasingly complex designs including linear, bifurcated, Holliday junction, 8-arm star and dendrimers involving up to five different dyes engaging in four-consecutive FRET steps, while systematically varying fluorophore spacing by Förster distance (R0). Decreasing R0 while augmenting cross-sectional collection area with multiple donors significantly increases terminal exciton delivery efficiency within dendrimers compared with the first linear constructs. Förster modelling confirms that best results are obtained when there are multiple interacting FRET pathways rather than independent channels by which excitons travel from initial donor(s) to final acceptor.
TRPA1 is essential for the vascular response to environmental cold exposure
Authors: Aubdool Aisah A. , Graepel Rabea , Kodji Xenia , Alawi Khadija M. , Bodkin Jennifer V. , Srivastava Salil , Gentry Clive , Heads Richard , Grant Andrew D. , Fernandes Elizabeth S. , Bevan Stuart , Brain Susan D. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe cold-induced vascular response, consisting of vasoconstriction followed by vasodilatation, is critical for protecting the cutaneous tissues against cold injury. Whilst this physiological reflex response is historic knowledge, the mechanisms involved are unclear. Here by using a murine model of local environmental cold exposure, we show that TRPA1 acts as a primary vascular cold sensor, as determined through TRPA1 pharmacological antagonism or gene deletion. The initial cold-induced vasoconstriction is mediated via TRPA1-dependent superoxide production that stimulates α2C-adrenoceptors and Rho-kinase-mediated MLC phosphorylation, downstream of TRPA1 activation. The subsequent restorative blood flow component is also dependent on TRPA1 activation being mediated by sensory nerve-derived dilator neuropeptides CGRP and substance P, and also nNOS-derived NO. The results allow a new understanding of the importance of TRPA1 in cold exposure and provide impetus for further research into developing therapeutic agents aimed at the local protection of the skin in disease and adverse climates.
Investigation of terpene diversification across multiple sequenced plant genomes
Authors: Boutanaev Alexander M. , Moses Tessa , Zi Jiachen , Nelson David R. , Mugford Sam T. , Peters Reuben J. , Osbourn Anne 
Published: December 2014

Significance
The terpenes are the largest class of plant natural products. This major class of compounds represents tremendous chemical diversity of which only a relatively small fraction has so far been accessed and used by industry. The primary drivers of terpene diversification are terpenoid synthases and cytochromes P450, which synthesize and modify terpene scaffolds. Here, focusing on these two gene families, we investigate terpene synthesis and evolution across 17 sequenced plant genomes. Our analyses shed light on the roots of terpene biosynthesis and diversification in plants. They also reveal that different genomic mechanisms of pathway assembly predominate in eudicots and monocots.
Estimation of Hook Selectivity of Red Snapper and Vermilion Snapper from Fishery Independent Surveys of Natural Reefs in the Northern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Campbell Matthew D. , Pollack Adam G. , Driggers William B. , Hoffmayer Eric R. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Implementation of circle hook regulations in the Gulf of Mexico will impact the length structure and age structure of the snapper–grouper fishery catch as well as demographic data for stock assessments; therefore, an understanding of circle hook selectivity patterns is critical. Indirect selectivity analysis of the vertical line catch of Red Snapper Lutjanus campechanus and Vermilion Snapper Rhomboplites aurorubens showed that for both species, there were significant differences in mean FL among hook sizes, broad length frequency distributions, and wide selectivity curves. Although the results suggest that hook size regulations could be a useful management strategy for targeting desired size classes of these snappers, the broadly overlapping length distributions indicate that undersized catch would not be eliminated. Selectivity curves generated from the different families of distributions produced equally good fit to the data and provided a basis for evaluating various selectivity curves when the size structure of the sampled population is unknown. If the size structure of the population is known, then the use of direct selectivity methods is recommended. Right skewed distributions generally fit the data best, suggesting that hook regulations are likely to be more effective if the desired goal is to reduce the amount of undersized catch by eliminating small hook sizes. Conversely, elimination of large hooks appears to be less likely to reduce the catch of larger size classes because mouth gape is likely the primary limiting factor and small hooks can catch large fish. Catch rates were significantly different among hook sizes; thus, regulations based on hook size could impact fishing effort and change the dynamics of how the snapper–grouper fishery is prosecuted. Tradeoffs between moderate improvements in size class targeting, changes in effort, and various components of fishing mortality (i.e., catch and regulatory discards) will require further investigation through simulation modeling or field experimentation.
Received April 23, 2014; accepted September 16, 2014
Informing Recovery Goals Based on Historical Population Size and Extant Habitat: A Case Study of the Gulf Sturgeon
Authors: Ahrens R. N. M. , Pine W. E. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Conservation efforts under regulatory programs such as the U.S. Endangered Species Act and Magnuson–Stevens Fisheries Conservation and Management Act seek to restore species in decline to a level where the populations are no longer in jeopardy. Key to designing effective conservation plans for the more than 2,500 species currently managed by these two U.S. programs is the establishment of realistic restoration targets given changes in habitats and ecosystems. Accomplishing this is difficult, particularly for populations that have experienced significant habitat alterations. We developed and assessed an approach for establishing quantifiable goals for the recovery of a threatened species by (1) estimating historical population biomass prior to directed fishing, (2) identifying large scale habitat modifications that limit available critical habitat, (3) assessing the relationship between historical baselines, habitat characteristics, and extant available habitat, and (4) using these relationships to inform recovery efforts in rivers where traditional stock assessment methods are not possible. In our case study of Gulf Sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi, we found that the current population levels in four of the seven river systems in the recovery plan are likely at or exceeding the mean carrying capacity, given the current levels of available habitat. In the remaining three rivers, extant Gulf Sturgeon populations are likely below their estimated carrying capacity levels. Our approach is of management importance because it establishes realistic recovery criteria through the assessment of changes in habitat from historic to present levels and is widely applicable across a species' range. An important application of this approach is to assess the potential benefits to fish species from management actions, such as dam removal or spawning habitat restoration, that are designed to restore habitat and promote species recovery.
Received March 25, 2014; accepted September 29, 2014
Observations of Seasonal Movement from a Single Tag Release Group of Pacific Cod in the Eastern Bering Sea
Authors: Rand Kimberly M. , Munro Peter , Neidetcher Sandra K. , Nichol Daniel G. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
The Pacific Cod Gadus macrocephalus in the eastern Bering Sea is the target of one of the most lucrative fisheries in Alaska; however, relatively little is known about the movement of Pacific Cod and how this interacts with intense fishing on local spawning aggregations of cod every spring (January–April). This study aimed to draw inferences on Pacific Cod movement using a single tag release group of fish and the fishery as a representative for movement by qualitatively examining both temporal and spatial patterns of tag recoveries. Based on the tag recoveries in this study and past genetic studies, there is evidence that Pacific Cod show both homing tendencies and site fidelity during the spring when large aggregations of cod form to spawn. This study also supports results from an earlier study on Pacific Cod movement in this region and presents new insights into cod movement patterns. The cod in this tag release group were widely distributed across the Bering Sea during the summer and fall months and returned to the vicinity of the release site in the spring, presumably to spawn. Understanding the movement of cod and their interactions with the fishery is essential to the successful management of the Pacific Cod stock.
Received May 12, 2014; accepted October 7, 2014