bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimating the Economic and Social Impacts from the Drought in Southern Colorado
Authors: Bauman Allison , Goemans Christopher , Pritchett James , McFadden Dawn Thilmany 
Published: February 2014

AbstractOver the course of the 2011 summer, 17 counties in southern Colorado were designated disaster areas due to severe drought conditions. Drought events can have large impacts on the economies of rural communities, not only directly impacting producers, but also having an indirect effect on enterprises and institutions throughout the supply chain. We use an Input‐Output model (I–O), an Equilibrium Displacement Mathematical Programming model (EDMP), and a combination of the two to quantify economic impacts and to compare results across modeling techniques. Combining the two approaches allows for a more realistic representation of the agricultural sector (via EDMP), while still allowing us to model the indirect and induced impacts on the non‐agricultural (via I–O) sectors of the economy. The estimated impact of the drought for the economy of southern Colorado ranges between $83 and $100 million.
Suitability Assessment of Non‐Potable Water to Meet the Electricity Generation Demands in 2030
Authors: Zemlick Katie , Tidwell Vincent C. , Roberts Barry L. , Castillo Cesar R. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractLarge amounts of water are required for electricity generation, and demand for thermoelectric power is predicted to increase significantly over the next several decades. Of concern, is that nearly half of this new demand is in regions currently subject to fresh water shortages due to over‐appropriation, drought, and climatic drivers. This study explores the suitability of using non‐traditional sources of water, namely wastewater and brackish ground water for future thermoelectric cooling in 22 continental Electricity Market Module Regions. Both sources pose unique financial, technical, and management challenges, but are widely available and in the majority of instances economically feasible. While neither resource can meet all future demand by thermoelectric generation, when added to the existing water supply and management portfolio, they provide significant augmentation to existing traditional water supplies.
Water Resources for Algae‐Based Biofuels
Authors: Rastegary Jalal , Shirazi Saeid Aghahossein , Fernandez Tracy , Ghassemi Abbas 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAdequate energy and available water resources are two of the major requirements for sustaining human progress, yet modern society faces volatile energy availability, prices, and environmental concerns, as well as shortages of drinking water in many parts of the world. Alternative energy produced from biomass such as algae has great potential to utilize sources of water not suitable for consumption. A factorial experiment with CRD (Complete Randomized Design) arrangement was conducted using three growth media: geothermal water, Bold's Basal Medium (BBM), and combination of 50 percent BBM + 50 percent geothermal water. The experiments were conducted utilizing three combinations of illumination periods (12:12, 16:8, and 24:0) to grow the algae Chlorella sorokiniana (UTEX 1230). The results indicated significant differences in biomass production rates. Statistical analysis showed that 50 percent BBM + 50 percent geothermal water with 16:8 light cycle maximized biomass production. The pH in BBM increased from 7 to 10.37 and was significantly higher than both geothermal water (9.06) and 50 percent BBM + 50 percent geothermal water (9.21).
Hierarchical Growth of ZnO Particles by a Hydrothermal Route
Authors: Bamiduro Faith , Ward Michael B. , Brydson Richard , Milne Steven J. 
Published: February 2014

The crystallization of ZnO microrods by hydrothermal treatment of a suspension formed from reaction of zinc acetate and sodium hydroxide has been examined using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Polycrystalline hexagonal ZnO microrods first appeared after 0.5 h reaction time at 120°C. These early stage rods were composed of stacks of hexagonal layers, each ~50 nm in thickness containing closely aligned assemblies of nanocrystallites <20 nm in size. Further growth of the microrods involved columns of nanoparticles extending from the basal layers of the preformed hexagonal stacks. Re‐crystallization produced single‐crystal microrods, many of which existed as twin particles.
Statistical Evaluation of Variables Affecting Occurrence of Hydrocarbons in Aquifers Used for Public Supply, California
Authors: Landon Matthew K. , Burton Carmen A. , Davis Tracy A. , Belitz Kenneth , Johnson Tyler D. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe variables affecting the occurrence of hydrocarbons in aquifers used for public supply in California were assessed based on statistical evaluation of three large statewide datasets; gasoline oxygenates also were analyzed for comparison with hydrocarbons. Benzene is the most frequently detected (1.7%) compound among 17 hydrocarbons analyzed at generally low concentrations (median detected concentration 0.024 μg/l) in groundwater used for public supply in California; methyl tert‐butyl ether (MTBE) is the most frequently detected (5.8%) compound among seven oxygenates analyzed (median detected concentration 0.1 μg/l). At aquifer depths used for public supply, hydrocarbons and MTBE rarely co‐occur and are generally related to different variables; in shallower groundwater, co‐occurrence is more frequent and there are similar relations to the density or proximity of potential sources. Benzene concentrations are most strongly correlated with reducing conditions, regardless of groundwater age and depth. Multiple lines of evidence indicate that benzene and other hydrocarbons detected in old, deep, and/or brackish groundwater result from geogenic sources of oil and gas. However, in recently recharged (since ~1950), generally shallower groundwater, higher concentrations and detection frequencies of benzene and hydrocarbons were associated with a greater proportion of commercial land use surrounding the well, likely reflecting effects of anthropogenic sources, particularly in combination with reducing conditions.
Variations in maternal 5‐HTTLPR affect observed sensitive parenting
Authors: Cents Rolieke A. M. , Kok Rianne , Tiemeier Henning , Lucassen Nicole , Székely Eszter , Bakermans‐Kranenburg Marian J. , Hofman Albert , Jaddoe Vincent W.V. , van IJzendoorn Marinus H. , Verhulst Frank C. , Lambregtse ‐van den Berg Mijke P. 
Published: February 2014

BackgroundLittle is known about the genetic determinants of sensitive parenting. Two earlier studies examined the effect of the serotonin transporter polymorphism (5‐HTTLPR) on sensitive parenting, but reported opposite results. In a large cohort we further examined whether 5‐HTTLPR is a predictor of observed maternal sensitivity and whether observed child social fearfulness moderates the effect of 5‐HTTLPR on maternal sensitivity.MethodsThe population‐based cohort consisted of 767 mother–child dyads. Maternal sensitivity was repeatedly observed at the child's age of 14 months, 36 months and 48 months. Sensitivity was coded using the Ainsworth's rating scales for sensitivity and cooperation and the revised Erickson rating scales for Supportive presence and Intrusiveness. Child social fearfulness was observed using the Stranger Approach episode of the Laboratory Temperament Assessment Battery at 36 months.ResultsRepeated measurement analyses showed a consistent main effect of maternal 5‐HTTLPR on sensitivity; mothers carrying the S‐allele were more sensitive toward their children (p = .005). This effect was not explained by the child's 5‐HTTLPR genotype. We found no evidence that child social fearfulness moderated the effect of 5‐HTTLPR on sensitivity.ConclusionsThis study suggests that variations in maternal 5‐HTTLPR genotype appear to be involved in the etiology of parenting behavior. The observed effects of this genetic variation are consistent with the notion that parenting may have a genetic component, but large studies are needed to find the specific small molecular effects.
Characterizing psychosocial distress in melanoma patients using the expert rating instrument PO‐Bado SF
Authors: Loquai C. , Scheurich V. , Syring N. , Schmidtmann I. , Müller‐Brenne T. , Werner A. , Grabbe S. , Beutel M.E. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundAlthough psychosocial distress has been evaluated well in cancer entities like breast or prostate cancer, its impact on melanoma patients still needs to be characterized. The objectives of this study were to (i) evaluate psychosocial distress in melanoma patients using an expert rating instrument [basic documentation for psycho‐oncology short version (PO‐Bado SF)]; (ii) determine associated demographic and clinical variables; and (iii) assess the acceptance of using PO‐Bado SF as a routine procedure in a skin cancer unit.MethodsA cross‐sectional group of 696 melanoma patients was recruited. During the routine contact, doctors assessed the patients subjective distress using PO‐Bado SF. Sociodemographic data, tumour data, treatment and the course of the disease were extracted from the patients' charts.ResultsPO‐Bado SF was completed in 688 of 696 (99%) participating patients, revealing a high acceptance. In 51 (7%) patients, the PO‐Bado SF cut‐off score indicated the potential need of psychosocial support. Patients with previous or ongoing radiotherapy, a history of major surgery due to organ metastases, younger age and shorter time since diagnosis were considered significantly more distressed than patients without these criteria. Patients were most distressed by suffering from anxiety/worries and/or tensions. In younger patients emotional variables and other problems like social or family problems were deemed more relevant while functional limitations in daily living were reasons for higher distress in older patients.ConclusionPO‐Bado SF is a useful, well‐accepted, practical and economic screening tool to identify distressed melanoma patients. Although most melanoma patients seem to cope well with their disease, special attention should be given to young patients in the first years after initial diagnosis and to patients with advanced disease, radiotherapy and major surgery due to their disease. Combination of expert rating tools with self‐report screening instruments could further characterize the specific sources of distress to optimize psychosocial support.
Critical role for the AIM2 inflammasome during acute CNS bacterial infection
Authors: Hanamsagar Richa , Aldrich Amy , Kielian Tammy 
Published: February 2014

AbstractInterleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) is essential for eliciting protective immunity during the acute phase of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infection in the central nervous system (CNS). We previously demonstrated that microglial IL‐1β production in response to live S. aureus is mediated through the Nod‐like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, including the adapter protein ASC (apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein containing a caspase‐1 recruitment domain), and pro‐caspase 1. Here, we utilized NLRP3, ASC, and caspase 1/11 knockout (KO) mice to demonstrate the functional significance of inflammasome activity during CNS S. aureus infection. ASC and caspase 1/11 KO animals were exquisitely sensitive, with approximately 50% of mice succumbing to infection within 24 h. Unexpectedly, the survival of NLRP3 KO mice was similar to wild‐type animals, suggesting the involvement of an alternative upstream sensor, which was later identified as absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) based on the similar disease patterns between AIM2 and ASC KO mice. Besides IL‐1β, other key inflammatory mediators, including IL‐6, CXCL1, CXCL10, and CCL2 were significantly reduced in the CNS of AIM2 and ASC KO mice, implicating autocrine/paracrine actions of IL‐1β, as these mediators do not require inflammasome processing for secretion. These studies demonstrate a novel role for the AIM2 inflammasome as a critical molecular platform for regulating IL‐1β release and survival during acute CNS S. aureus infection.
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The AIM2 inflammasome is protective during acute CNS bacterial infection. A disconnect in phenotypes between the inflammasome sensor Nod‐like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) and its adaptor ASC (apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein containing a caspase‐1 recruitment domain) during acute CNS Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infection led to the discovery of absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) as a critical inflammasome sensor. The AIM2 inflammasome is potentially triggered by dsDNA in cells harboring intracellular S. aureus, leading to ASC and caspase 1 recruitment, resulting in pro‐IL‐1β processing and cytokine secretion. This cascade, in turn, is protective to the host during acute infection. The NLRP3 inflammasome is also activated in response to S. aureus challenge by α‐hemolysin (hla); however, it is not critical for host survival. ASC also regulates the production of other inflammatory mediators, presumably via indirect effects mediated by IL‐1β action.
A novel role of suppressor of cytokine signaling‐2 in the regulation of TrkA neurotrophin receptor biology
Authors: Uren Rachel T. , Turbić Alisa , Wong Agnes W. , Klein Reuben , Murray Simon S. , Turnley Ann M. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractSuppressor of cytokine signaling‐2 (SOCS2) is a regulator of intracellular responses to growth factors and cytokines. Cultured dorsal root ganglia neurons from neonatal mice with increased or decreased SOCS2 expression were examined for altered responsiveness to nerve growth factor (NGF). In the presence of NGF, SOCS2 over‐expression increased neurite length and complexity, whereas loss of SOCS2 reduced neurite outgrowth. Neither loss nor gain of SOCS2 expression altered the relative survival of these cells, suggesting that SOCS2 can discriminate between the differentiation and survival responses to NGF. Interaction studies in 293T cells revealed that SOCS2 immunoprecipitates with TrkA and a juxtamembrane motif of TrkA was required for this interaction. SOCS2 also immunoprecipitated with endogenous TrkA in PC12 Tet‐On cells. Over‐expression of SOCS2 in PC12 Tet‐On cells increased total and surface TrkA expression. In contrast, dorsal root ganglion neurons which over‐expressed SOCS2 did not exhibit significant changes in total levels but an increase in surface TrkA was noted. SOCS2‐induced neurite outgrowth in PC12 Tet‐On cells correlated with increased and prolonged activation of pAKT and pErk1/2 and required an intact SOCS2 SH2 domain and SOCS box domain. This study highlights a novel role for SOCS2 in the regulation of TrkA signaling and biology.
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Neurotrophins such as Nerve growth factor (NGF) are important for the neurite outgrowth and survival of sensory neurons. Increased expression of SOCS2 enhanced NGF‐dependent neurite outgrowth and increased TrkA receptor surface localization in dorsal root ganglion neurons and PC12 cells. This correlated with increased and prolonged activation of pAKT and pErk1/2. In 293T cells SOCS2 was shown to interact with the TrkA receptor in the juxtamembrane region. We thus propose that SOCS2 is a novel regulator of neurotrophin signaling.
Prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity in Chinese rural adults with dental fluorosis
Authors: Zhang Y. , Cheng R. , Cheng G. , Zhang X. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryThe aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity (DH) among residents of rural China with dental fluorosis aged 30–69 years. A village located in northern China in which dental fluorosis was common was selected. Some 1250 residents with fluorosis ranging in age from 30 to 69 years completed a structured questionnaire and underwent clinical examination. Diagnosis ofDHwas based on the combination of the subject's self‐evaluation and clinical examination. Dental fluorosis was evaluated using Dean's index (DI). In the village, the fluoride concentration in drinking water was 1·15–1·50 mg L−1. The community fluorosis index was 1·47, and 74 (9·7%) of the participants with dental fluorosis were diagnosed withDH. There was no significant difference between men and women.DHwas most commonly observed in the lower incisors, and the most common cause ofDHwas cold stimulation. Logistic regression analysis showed acid reflux to be the only risk factor forDHin the current study. Among subjects withDH, none took treatment measures, visited a hospital or clinic, or used antisensitivity toothpaste. The prevalence ofDHin the selected subjects with dental fluorosis was 9·7%. Acid reflux was found to be a risk factor forDHin the current study.
Microbiopsy a novel sampling technique to early detect dysplastic/malignant alterations in oral mucosal lesions: practicability by general dentists
Authors: Pentenero Monica , Marino Roberto , Tempia Valenta Guido , Navone Roberto , Gandolfo Sergio 
Published: February 2014

BackgroundWhen used in oral medicine clinics, microbiopsy is able to obtain tissue fragments suitable for a highly sensitive first‐level diagnosis of dysplastic/malignant alterations in oral mucosal lesions. If feasible by general dentists, this sampling technique could reduce the diagnostic delay for oral malignant and premalignant lesions. This study assesses the adequacy of microbiopsy samples when taken by general dentists.MethodsFifty dentists, without specific training on oral medicine, volunteered for enrolment. They were given brief training and asked to prospectively sample any mucosal lesion observed during their routine practice. The sample adequacy features were assessed.ResultsThe dentists sampled 152 lesions; there were 92.1% of adequate samples (140/152), and the BMZ was visible in 78.6% of these (110/140). Neither the clinical aspect nor lesion site affected either the adequacy or the presence of BMZ.ConclusionsThe high adequacy rate observed and the advantages histological specimens have over cytological ones go to support the feasibility of microbiopsy taken by general dentists for the characterization of oral mucosal lesions and in selecting those requiring further assessment in specialized oral medicine centres.
Melatonin treatment induces interplay of apoptosis, autophagy, and senescence in human colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Hong Yunkyung , Won Jinyoung , Lee Youngjeon , Lee Seunghoon , Park Kanghui , Chang Kyu‐Tae , Hong Yonggeun 
Published: February 2014

AbstractIn Asia, the incidence of colorectal cancer has been increasing gradually due to a more Westernized lifestyle. The aim of study is to determine the interaction between melatonin‐induced cell death and cellular senescence. We treated HCT116 human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells with 10 μm melatonin and determined the levels of cell death‐related proteins and evaluated cell cycle kinetics. The plasma membrane melatonin receptor, MT1, was significantly decreased by melatonin in a time‐dependent manner, whereas the nuclear receptor, RORα, was increased only after 12 hr treatment. HCT116 cells, which upregulated both pro‐apoptotic Bax and anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐xL in the early response to melatonin treatment, activated autophagic as well as apoptotic machinery within 18 hr. Melatonin decreased the S‐phase population of the cells to 57% of the control at 48 hr, which was concomitant with a reduction in BrdU‐positive cells in the melatonin‐treated cell population. We found not only marked attenuation of E‐ and A‐type cyclins, but also increased expression of p16 and p‐p21. Compared to the cardiotoxicity of Trichostatin A in vitro, single or cumulative melatonin treatment induced insignificant detrimental effects on neonatal cardiomyocytes. We found that 10 μm melatonin activated cell death programs early and induced G1‐phase arrest at the advanced phase. Therefore, we suggest that melatonin is a potential chemotherapeutic agent for treatment of colon cancer, the effects of which are mediated by regulation of both cell death and senescence in cancerous cells with minimized cardiotoxicity.
Topical treatment with probiotic Lactobacillus brevis CD2 inhibits experimental periodontal inflammation and bone loss
Authors: Maekawa T. , Hajishengallis G. 
Published: February 2014

Background and ObjectiveAn increasing body of evidence suggests that the use of probiotic bacteria is a promising intervention approach for the treatment of inflammatory diseases with a polymicrobial etiology. The objective of this study was to determine whether Lactobacillus brevis CD2 could inhibit periodontal inflammation and bone loss in experimental periodontitis.Material and MethodsPeriodontitis was induced by placing a silk ligature around the second maxillary molar of mice treated with L. brevis CD2 (8 × 105 CFU in 1 mm2 lyopatch) or placebo, which were placed between the gingiva and the buccal mucosa near the ligated teeth.The mice were killed after 5 d and bone loss was measured morphometrically, gingival expression of proinflammatory cytokines was determined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and CFU counts of periodontitis‐associated bacteria were determined after aerobic and anaerobic culture. To determine the role of arginine deiminase released by L. brevis CD2, soluble extracts with or without formamidine (arginine deiminase inhibitor) were tested in in vitro cellular activation assays.ResultsMice topically treated with L. brevis CD2 displayed significantly decreased bone loss and lower expression of tumor necrosis factor, and interleukin‐1β, ‐6 and ‐17A as compared to placebo‐treated mice. Moreover, L. brevis CD2‐treated mice displayed lower counts of anaerobic bacteria but higher counts of aerobic bacteria than placebo‐treated mice. In in vitro assays, the anti‐inflammatory effects of soluble L. brevis CD2 extracts were heavily dependent on the presence of functional arginine deiminase, an enzyme that can inhibit nitric oxide synthesis.ConclusionThese data provide proof‐of‐concept that the probiotic L. brevis CD2 can inhibit periodontitis through modulatory effects on the host response and the periodontal microbiota.