bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microstructural Evolution and Mechanical Properties of ZrB2–SiC/Cu/Ti/Ti6Al4V Brazing Joints
Authors: Yang Weiqi , He Peng , Xing Lili , Lin Tiesong
Published: July 2015

A joint of ZrB2‐SiC ceramic to Ti6Al4V alloy was achieved successfully by contact reactive brazing with Ti/Cu lamination. The microstructure and chemical composition of joining interfaces were investigated by electron backscattered diffraction, energy dispersive spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction. The results revealed that ZrB2 had much faster decomposing velocity than SiC in Ti–Cu liquid alloy. Two types of distribution of TiB whiskers were produced on ceramic surface due to different growing conditions. The microstructural evolution with different brazing temperatures was analyzed. The mechanical properties of the joints were evaluated by microhardness and shear tests. The maximum shear strength reached 90.7 MPa with brazing temperature at 920 °C for 10 min.
Effect of interfacial mass transfer on the dispersion in segmented flow in straight capillaries
Authors: Deshpande Jaydeep B. , Kulkarni Amol A.
Published: July 2015

The effect of interfacial mass transfer on the extent of dispersion in liquid‐liquid segmented flow in straight capillaries is studied. In the absence of interfacial mass transfer, dispersion coefficient was seen to go through a minimum with increasing flow rates. In the presence of mass transfer, physicochemical properties of both the phases and slug lengths were seen to vary along the capillary length. The extent of dispersion was always higher in the presence of interfacial mass transfer. The predictions using axial dispersion model deviated noticeably for larger capillaries as the model does not account for varying buoyancy, dynamic contacting, and Marangoni convection. Simulations of a first‐order interfacial reaction considering varying slug lengths showed a significant change in optimum operating parameters than the conventional approach. A special case of “drop‐on‐demand” type of controlled two‐phase flow in capillaries was also studied. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 4294–4308, 2015
Confusing placebo effect with natural history in epilepsy: A big data approach
Authors: Goldenholz Daniel M. , Moss Robert , Scott Jonathan , Auh Sungyoung , Theodore William H.
Published: July 2015

For unknown reasons, placebos reduce seizures in clinical trials in many patients. It is also unclear why some drugs showing statistical superiority to placebo in one trial may fail to do so in another. Using Seizuretracker.com, a patient‐centered database of 684,825 seizures, we simulated “placebo” and “drug” trials. These simulations were employed to clarify the sources of placebo effects in epilepsy, and to identify methods of diminishing placebo effects. Simulation 1 included 9 trials with a 6‐week baseline and 6‐week test period, starting at time 0, 3, 6…24 months. Here, “placebo” reduced seizures regardless of study start time. Regression‐to‐the‐mean persisted only for 3 to 6 months. Simulation 2 comprised a 6‐week baseline and then 2 years of follow‐up. Seizure frequencies continued to improve throughout follow‐up. Although the group improved, individuals switched from improvement to worsening and back. Simulation 3 involved a placebo‐controlled “drug” trial, to explore methods of placebo response reduction. An efficacious “drug” failed to demonstrate a significant effect compared with “placebo” (p = 0.12), although modifications either in study start time (p = 0.025) or baseline population reduction (p = 0.0028) allowed the drug to achieve a statistically significant effect compared with placebo. In epilepsy clinical trials, some seizure reduction traditionally attributed to placebo effect may reflect the natural course of the disease itself. Understanding these dynamics will allow future investigations into optimal clinical trial design and may lead to identification of more effective therapies. Ann Neurol 2015;78:329–336
Progressive neurologic dysfunction in a psoriasis patient treated with dimethyl fumarate
Authors: Bartsch Thorsten , Rempe Torge , Wrede Arne , Leypoldt Frank , Brück Wolfgang , Adams Ortwin , Rohr Axel , Jansen Olav , Wüthrich Christian , Deuschl Günther , Koralnik Igor J.
Published: July 2015

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) has recently been described in psoriasis or multiple sclerosis patients treated with fumaric acid esters (fumarates), who had developed severe and long‐standing lymphocytopenia (<500/mm3). We report a psoriasis patient who presented with progressive neurologic dysfunction and seizures after 2.5 years of fumarate therapy. Despite absolute lymphocyte counts remaining between 500‐1000/mm3, his CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell counts were markedly low. MRI showed right hemispheric and brainstem lesions and JC virus DNA was undetectable in his cerebrospinal fluid. Brain biopsy revealed typical features of PML as well as JC virus‐infected neurons. Clinicians should consider PML in the differential diagnosis of fumarate‐treated patients presenting with brain lesions or seizures even in the absence of severe lymphocytopenia. ANN NEUROL 2015;78:501–514
Coherent averaging
Authors: Fraïsse Julien Mathieu Elias , Braun Daniel
Published: July 2015

We investigate in detail a recently introduced “coherent averaging scheme” in terms of its usefulness for achieving Heisenberg limited sensitivity in the measurement of different parameters. In the scheme, N quantum probes in a product state interact with a quantum bus. Instead of measuring the probes directly and then averaging as in classical averaging, one measures the quantum bus or the entire system and tries to estimate the parameters from these measurement results. Combining analytical results from perturbation theory and an exactly solvable dephasing model with numerical simulations, we draw a detailed picture of the scaling of the best achievable sensitivity with N, the dependence on the initial state, the interaction strength, the part of the system measured, and the parameter under investigation. In particular, we identify the situations allowing one to reach Heisenberg‐limited scaling of the sensitivity.
Phenolic foams toughened with crosslinked poly (n‐butyl acrylate)/silica core‐shell nanocomposite particles
Authors: Yuan Junjie , Zhang Yunbo , Wang Zhengzhou
Published: July 2015

A new type of crosslinked poly (n‐butyl acrylate) (PBA)/silica core‐shell nanocomposite particles was adopted as toughening agent to improve the mechanical properties of phenolic foams. The effects of the nanocomposite particles on the structures and properties of lightweight phenolic foams were investigated. SEM result showed that the addition of a small quantity of the nanocomposite particles can significantly enhance the structural homogeneity of phenolic foams. Thermalgravimetric analysis result suggested that the incorporation of the nanocomposite particles did not affect the thermal stability of the toughened phenolic foams. The flexural strength, compressive strength, and elastic modulus of the phenolic foams increased distinctively after the addition of the nanocomposite particles, the maximum values of which increased by 36.0%, 42.9%, and 32.3%, respectively. In this study, the optimum dosage of the nanocomposite particles is 0.03 phr in the modified phenolic foams. Moreover, the influence on the flammability of phenolic foams by toughening can almost be neglected. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42590.
PEGylated chitosan microspheres as mucoadhesive drug‐delivery carriers for puerarin
Authors: Hu Xiaofen , Zhang Yuyan , Zhou Huifen , Wan Haitong
Published: July 2015

PEGylated chitosans with different degrees of grafting were synthesized, and the application potential of microspheres based on PEGylated chitosan as mucoadhesive drug‐delivery carriers for puerarin was investigated. Compared with chitosan microspheres, PEGylated chitosan microspheres (PCMs) exhibited better physical stability and higher swelling capacity, and the amount of water uptake increased as the content of poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether in the microspheres increased. PCMs showed obviously improved mucoadhesive behavior on a mucosa‐like surface. Puerarin was incorporated into the microspheres, and the release experiments in vitro showed that the PEGylation of chitosan accelerated puerarin release from the particles and decreased the retention of the drug. The abilities of all of the tested microspheres to open tight junctions and improve the permeability of puerarin were demonstrated with a Caco‐2 cell monolayer as an in vitro model. The amount of puerarin permeating across the Caco‐2 cell monolayer was significantly increased by the incorporation of puerarin into the PCMs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42623.
Tailoring the nonlinear conducting behavior of silicone composites by ZnO microvaristor fillers
Authors: Yang Xiao , He Jinliang , Hu Jun
Published: July 2015

Silicone composite filled with zinc oxide microvaristors possesses excellent nonlinear conducting behavior as ZnO varistor does. For better adjusting the composite's electrical behavior to satisfy the practical field‐grading requirement, this article studied the influence of ZnO filler's property on the nonlinearity of the composite. Several groups of ZnO‐silicone composite samples in different filler volume fraction and filler diameter were prepared, the measured J‐E characteristics show that the percolation threshold of ZnO‐silicone composite is around 35%, above which the composites present reliable nonlinear behavior. The switching voltage of the composite exhibits a considerable decrease as filler's diameter increases or filler's volume fraction increases, while the nonlinear coefficient remains stable. Moreover, filler's size also has a little influence on composite's percolation limit. The conclusion above fits very well with the theory of the conducting composites and percolation process. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42645.
Permeability and persistence of physical and social boundaries in the context of incarceration in nineteenth century Western Australia
Authors: Whitley Thomas G.
Published: July 2015

Identifying the documentary and archaeological indications of torture, punishment, discipline and imprisonment are key factors in addressing the ways in which society exerts its control over the individual; particularly the non‐conformist, the criminal, the indentured and the enslaved. Expressions of forced labour control are quite common in the archaeological record, at places such as large institutions, plantations, mining towns and industrial sites. But there are distinct differences between criminal imprisonment and racial enslavement, which become evident when one examines the permeability and persistence of physical and social boundaries. The ways in which Euro‐Australian and Aboriginal prisoners were treated in nineteenth century Western Australia gave rise to a system in which physical boundaries were more or less permeable for one group, but not the other. Although it was outlawed by the British Parliament just a few years after the Swan River Colony was established, both formal and informal types of incipient slavery seem to have persisted in the guise of forced incarceration, indentured servitude and illicit abductions. This was, in a way, reminiscent of the enslavement of native North Americans in the sixteenth to eighteenth centuries. Several examples are provided to illustrate these ideas.
Overlay maps based onMendeley data: The use of altmetrics for readership networks
Authors: Bornmann Lutz , Haunschild Robin
Published: July 2015

Visualization of scientific results using networks has become popular in scientometric research. We provide base maps forMendeley reader count data using the publication year 2012 from the Web of Science data. Example networks are shown and explained. The reader can use our base maps to visualize other results with theVOSViewer. The proposed overlay maps are able to show the impact of publications in terms of readership data. The advantage of using our base maps is that it is not necessary for the user to produce a network based on all data (e.g., from 1 year), but can collect theMendeley data for a single institution (or journals, topics) and can match them with our already produced information. Generation of such large‐scale networks is still a demanding task despite the available computer power and digital data availability. Therefore, it is very useful to have base maps and create the network with the overlay technique.
Supramolecular Assemblies Responsive to Biomolecules toward Biological Applications
Authors: Shigemitsu Hajime , Hamachi Itaru
Published: July 2015

Stimuli‐responsive supramolecular assemblies consisting of small molecules are attractive functional materials for biological applications such as drug delivery, medical diagnosis, enzyme immobilization, and tissue engineering. By use of their dynamic and reversible properties, many supramolecular assemblies responsive to a variety of biomolecules have been designed and synthesized. This review focuses on promising strategies for the construction of such dynamic supramolecular assemblies and their functions. While studies of biomolecule‐responsive supramolecular assemblies have mainly been performed in vitro, it has recently been demonstrated that some of them can work in live cells. Supramolecular assemblies now open up new avenues in chemical biology and biofunctional materials.
Modeling traffic crash rates of road segments through a lognormal hurdle framework with flexible scale parameter
Authors: Ma Lu , Yan Xuedong , Weng Jinxian
Published: July 2015

This study examines distributional characteristics of crash rates for road segments using observed accident data. The results indicate that the distribution of crash rates is mixed and right‐skewed, which motivates the consideration of non‐normal distributions. With the aid of Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests, kernel density plots, and Q–Q plots, the lognormal distribution is verified as an appropriate candidate for representing the positive domain of crash rates. Then, a lognormal hurdle model was developed and also compared with gamma and Weibull hurdle models. Further, the lognormal hurdle model was revised by allowing the scale parameter to vary with respect to explanatory variables. Such a modification enables the heterogeneous skewness of samples to be captured while enhancing the modeling flexibility. The proposed model was also compared with a Tobit model, an alternative approach that treats crash rates as censored data. Among all these models, the proposed lognormal hurdle model with flexible scale parameter presents the best modeling performance, and the analyses also reveal that several explanatory variables affect crash rates through not only the location parameter but also the scale parameter in the lognormal model. This study finally attempted to inspect crash rates through count models, and it discovered that the proposed hurdle model is superior because it is able to output the whole distribution form of crash rates, whereas the crash count model can only provide the expected value of crash rates, provided the exposure variable servers as an offset term in the link function of the mean parameter. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Axillary conservation in early breast cancer
Authors: Dodwell D , Goyal A
Published: July 2015

Still uncertainty about what to treat
A streamlined Western blot exercise: An efficient and greener approach in the laboratory classroom
Authors: Ness Traci L. , Robinson Rebekah L. , Mojadedi Wais , Peavy Lydia , Weiland Mitch H.
Published: July 2015

SDS‐PAGE and western blotting are two commonly taught protein detection techniques in biochemistry and molecular biology laboratory classrooms. A pitfall associated with incorporating these techniques into the laboratory is the significant wait times that do not allow students to obtain timely results. The waiting associated with SDS‐PAGE comes from staining and destaining, whereas with western blotting it is the times required for antibody incubations and the numerous wash steps. This laboratory exercise incorporates 2,2,2‐trichloroethanol (TCE) into the SDS‐PAGE gel allowing for visualization of migrated proteins in a matter of minutes, saving both the time and chemical waste associated with traditional Coomassie staining. Additionally, TCE staining does not affect protein transfer eliminating the requirement for duplicated gels for total protein and western analyses. Protein transfer can be confirmed immediately without the use of Ponceau S staining. Lastly, this western blot procedure has been further shortened by using an HRP‐conjugated primary antibody, which eliminates the secondary antibody incubation and washes, and uses a colorimetric detection to allow for visualization by students without the need for specialized equipment. © 2015 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 43(5):358–365, 2015.
3D Simulation of the Filtration and Dust Retention Process of a Fuel Filter
Authors: Valiño Luis , Mustata Radu , Hierro Juan , Hernández Juan L. , Busack Martin , García Maria J. , Blasco Carlos
Published: July 2015

A model for the description of the dust retention process inside a filter was developed and successfully applied to a detailed 3D numerical simulation of a Bosch automotive diesel filter. Specifically, the variation of the pressure drop due to the clogging process in the filter paper could be well predicted. For this approach, an Eulerian‐Eulerian two‐phase flow formulation was applied. For the dispersed phase, the Eulerian description was made by means of a probability density function transport equation. The simulations also provide complete spatial information about the flow both in the clean and dirty sides of the filter and the particle distribution, size, and velocity. The intention of the newly developed numerical tool is to help in the design of filtering devices.
Stereoselective Behavior of Nafion® Membranes towards (+)‐α‐Pinene and (−)‐α‐Pinene
Authors: Brožová Libuše , Žitka Jan , Sysel Petr , Hovorka Štěpán , Randová Alena , Storch Jan , Kačírková Marie , Izák Pavel
Published: July 2015

α‐Pinene enantiomers were sorbed in Nafion® membranes. The membranes included a commercial extruded Nafion® 115 membrane as well as membranes prepared by casting a Nafion® solution, evaporating the solvent, and a thermal treatment at different temperatures. The microstructure of membranes was studied by small‐angle and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering, and magic‐angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The change of membrane weight during the sorption process was determined with a sorption microbalance. Noticeable differences concerning the sorption behavior of the various membranes could be stated. The sorption of (+)‐α‐pinene and (−)‐α‐pinene in an extruded Nafion® membrane turned out to be rather low.
Effects of Restitution and Specularity Coefficients on Solid‐Liquid Fluidized Bed Hydrodynamics
Authors: Ehsani Mehran , Movahedirad Salman , Shahhosseini Shahrokh , Ashtiani Mahshid
Published: July 2015

An Eulerian‐Eulerian two‐fluid model in combination with the kinetic theory of granular flow was applied to simulate a solid‐liquid fluidized bed filled with stainless‐steel particles. The drag model of Gidaspow used in computational fluid dynamics simulations proved to be the appropriate model for predicting the bed hydrodynamics. The effect of the restitution coefficient of the particles on the bed hydrodynamics was investigated numerically. For the solid phase wall boundary condition according to Johnson and Jackson a specularity coefficient was introduced and evaluated. The change in specularity coefficient did not affect considerably the bed behavior at the middle part, but at the walls it significantly influenced the granular temperature. For specularity coefficients more than 0.5 the results do not change noticeably.
Flow Simulation and Performance Comparison of Rough‐Cut Cyclones with Different Structures in Dilute Phase
Authors: Liu Shuxian , Guo Yi , Sun Guogang , Weng Li
Published: July 2015

The gas‐solid flow behavior and dust distribution in four rough‐cut cyclones was numerically simulated on the platform of FLUENT 6.2. The Reynolds stress model and stochastic particle tracking model were used to describe the gas flow and particle motion. The calculation results indicated that the particle distribution patterns of the four rough‐cut cyclones were similar. Adding solid particles into the gas phase weakened the gas swirling intensity inside the cyclones. Data of rough‐cut cyclone down‐flow ratios were gained by simulation for the first time. Rough‐cut cyclones with wider diplegs were found to have a massive gas down‐flow through the dipleg which might cause serious coke generation inside the disengager. The simulated cyclone structure with its vortex finder wider than the dipleg and a hopper installed behaved the best. The results may provide indications for industrial anti coke research and rough‐cut cyclone design.
Age‐ and sex‐related reference intervals of lymphocyte subsets in healthy ethnic Han Chinese children
Authors: Jia Liting , Li Jing , Zhang Yuchao , Shi Ying , Yuan Enwu , Liu Junjie , Wang Peng , Rong Shouhua , Xing Jinfang , Tian Yuan , Li Junfang
Published: July 2015

Immunophenotyping of blood lymphocytes has become an important tool in the diagnosis of immunologic and hematologic disorders such as immunodeficiencies, lymphoproliferative and autoimmune diseases. Lymphocyte subsets include total T‐cells (CD3+), TH (T helper, CD3+CD4+), TC (cytotoxic T cells, CD3+CD8+), B‐cells (CD3− CD19+), and NK‐cells (CD3−CD16+CD56+). Specific lymphocyte subset reference intervals should be locally established for meaningful comparison and to obtain an accurate interpretation of the results. Reference intervals of lymphocyte subsets for Chinese children are scarce. We performed dual‐platform flow cytometry to determine the reference intervals of the percentages and absolute counts of lymphocyte subsets, including total T‐cells, TH cells, TC cells, B‐cells, and NK‐cells in 1,027 ethnic Han children aged 4 months to 7 years in Henan, China. The children were divided into seven age groups. The percentages and absolute counts differed significantly with age, with the percentages of TH cells and B cells and the CD4/CD8 ratio peaking during the first year, while the percentages of total T cells, TC cells, and NK cells were obviously increased with age; girls showed a trend toward having a higher percentage of TH cells and a higher CD4/CD8 ratio than boys. The absolute counts of lymphocyte subsets peaked during first year and then decreased steadily with age. The reference intervals of lymphocyte subsets among children from China differed from the reported values in Hong Kong, the United States, Cameroon, and Italy. The differences observed could be due to genetic and environmental factors, coupled with the methodology used. The reference intervals of lymphocyte subsets could be used as initial national reference ranges in guidelines for children aged 4 months to 7 years. © 2015 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Riedel thyroiditis: Fine needle aspiration findings of a rare entity
Authors: Weidner Anna‐Sophie , Molina David , DeSimone Robert A. , Cohen Marc A. , Giorgadze Tamar , Scognamiglio Theresa , Hoda Rana S.
Published: July 2015

Riedel thyroiditis is a rare fibrosing disorder characterized by extension of the fibroinflammatory process beyond the thyroid capsule. Due to the nature of this lesion, fine‐needle aspiration often yields scant material and may be interpreted as non‐diagnostic. In this report, we describe cytologic features that allow the cytopathologist to favor a diagnosis of Riedel thyroiditis, thereby guiding appropriate further work‐up and management. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2015;43:747–750. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Frequency of O6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase promoter methylation in cytological samples from small cell lung cancer
Authors: Miglio Umberto , Mezzapelle Rosanna , Paganotti Alessia , Veggiani Claudia , Mercalli Francesca , Mancuso Giuseppe , Gaudino Erica , Rena Ottavio , Buosi Roberta , Boldorini Renzo
Published: July 2015

Background. In a phase II study for patients with relapsed small cell lung cancer (SCLC), the administration of Temozolomide, an alkylating agent used in gliomas and anaplastic astrocytoma, showed a effective activity when O6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) gene promoter was methylated. Methods. We tested the feasibility of MGMT promoter status evaluation in small biopsies and cytological specimens routinely processed for diagnostic purposes. We tested samples from 56 patients with SCLC: 30 tissue biopsies, 17 fine‐needle aspiration biopsy, 8 bronchial washing, and 1 was a sputum. Biopsies and fine‐needle aspiration biopsy were fixed in formalin, bronchial washing and sputum in Dubosq Brazil. DNA was extracted after macrodissection of the areas containing the maximum number of cancer cells. MGMT promoter methylation status was assessed by methylation specific PCR. Results. Methylation analysis was obtained in 54 samples (54/56) and failed in two bronchial wash. MGMT promoter was methylated in 35.2% of the cases without any significant difference between histological and cytological samples (37.9% vs. 32%). Conclusion. MGMT promoter methylation is present in SCLC and cytological samples are perfectly adequate for methylation analysis, even if they were taken during routine diagnostic procedures, using different fixative and with low number and percentage of cancer cells. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2015;43:947–952. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Deficits of olfactory interneurons in polysialyltransferase‐ and NCAM‐deficient mice
Authors: Röckle Iris , Hildebrandt Herbert
Published: July 2015

The neurogenic niche of the anterior subventricular zone (SVZ) persistently generates neuroblasts, which migrate along the rostral migratory stream (RMS) into the olfactory bulb (OB), where they differentiate into granule and periglomerular cells. Loss of the neural cell adhesion molecule NCAM or its post‐translational modification polysialic acid (polySia) impairs migration causing accumulations of cells in the proximal RMS and decreased OB volume. Polysialylation of NCAM is implemented by two polysialyltransferases, ST8SIA2 and ST8SIA4, with overlapping functions. Here, we used mice with Ncam1 and polysialyltransferase deletions to analyze how partial or complete loss of polySia synthesis or a combined loss of polySia and NCAM affects the RMS and the interneuron composition in the OB. Numerous calretinin (CR)‐positive cells were detected dispersed around the RMS in Ncam1 knockout, St8sia2, St8sia4 double‐knockout, and St8sia2, St8sia4, Ncam1 triple‐knockout mice, as well as in St8sia2−/− but not in St8sia4−/− mice. These changes were not reflected by reductions of CR‐positive cells in the granule or glomerular layer of the OB. Instead, calbindin‐positive periglomerular interneurons were strongly reduced in all polySia‐NCAM negative mice and slightly attenuated in St8sia2−/− as well as in the St8sia4−/− mice, which were devoid of ectopic CR‐positive cells along the RMS. Consistent with the early developmental generation of calbindin‐ as compared with CR‐positive OB interneurons, this phenotype was fully developed at postnatal day 5. Together, these results demonstrate that the early development of calbindin‐positive periglomerular interneurons depends on the presentation of polySia on NCAM and requires the activity of both polysialyltransferases. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 76: 421–433, 2016
Discrimination of grasshopper (Orthoptera: Acrididae) diet and niche overlap using next‐generation sequencing of gut contents
Authors: McClenaghan Beverly , Gibson Joel F. , Shokralla Shadi , Hajibabaei Mehrdad
Published: July 2015

Species of grasshopper have been divided into three diet classifications based on mandible morphology: forbivorous (specialist on forbs), graminivorous (specialist on grasses), and mixed feeding (broad‐scale generalists). For example, Melanoplus bivittatus and Dissosteira carolina are presumed to be broad‐scale generalists, Chortophaga viridifasciata is a specialist on grasses, and Melanoplus femurrubrum is a specialist on forbs. These classifications, however, have not been verified in the wild. Multiple specimens of these four species were collected, and diet analysis was performed using DNA metabarcoding of the gut contents. The rbcLa gene region was amplified and sequenced using Illumina MiSeq sequencing. Levins' measure and the Shannon–Wiener measure of niche breadth were calculated using family‐level identifications and Morisita's measure of niche overlap was calculated using operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Gut contents confirm both D. carolina and M. bivittatus as generalists and C. viridifasciata as a specialist on grasses. For M. femurrubrum, a high niche breadth was observed and species of grasses were identified in the gut as well as forbs. Niche overlap values did not follow predicted patterns, however, the low values suggest low competition between these species.
Single nucleotide polymorphism‐based dispersal estimates using noninvasive sampling
Authors: Norman Anita J. , Spong Göran
Published: July 2015

Quantifying dispersal within wild populations is an important but challenging task. Here we present a method to estimate contemporary, individual‐based dispersal distance from noninvasively collected samples using a specialized panel of 96SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms). One main issue in conducting dispersal studies is the requirement for a high sampling resolution at a geographic scale appropriate for capturing the majority of dispersal events. In this study, fecal samples of brown bear (Ursus arctos)were collected by volunteer citizens, resulting in a high sampling resolution spanning over 45,000 km2in Gävleborg and Dalarna counties in Sweden.SNPgenotypes were obtained for unique individuals sampled (n = 433) and subsequently used to reconstruct pedigrees. A Mantel test for isolation by distance suggests that the sampling scale was appropriate for females but not for males, which are known to disperse long distances. Euclidean distance was estimated between mother and offspring pairs identified through the reconstructed pedigrees. The mean dispersal distance was 12.9 km (SE3.2) and 33.8 km (SE6.8) for females and males, respectively. These results were significantly different (Wilcoxon's rank‐sum test:P‐value = 0.02) and are in agreement with the previously identified pattern of male‐biased dispersal. Our results illustrate the potential of using a combination of noninvasively collected samples at high resolution and specializedSNPs for pedigree‐based dispersal models.
Population genetic structure and colonization history of short ninespine sticklebacks (Pungitius kaibarae)
Authors: Bae Han‐Gyu , Suk Ho Young
Published: July 2015

The contemporary distribution and genetic structure of a freshwater fish provide insight into its historical geodispersal and geographical isolation following Quaternary climate changes. The short ninespine stickleback, Pungitius kaibarae, is a small gasterosteid fish occurring in freshwater systems on the Korean Peninsula and in southeast Russia. On the Korean Peninsula, P. kaibarae populations are distributed in three geographically separated regions: the NE (northeast coast), SE (southeast coast), and a limited area in the ND (Nakdong River). In this study, we used mitochondrial loci and microsatellites to investigate the evolutionary history of P. kaibarae populations by assessing their pattern of genetic structure. Our analyses revealed a marked level of divergence among three regional populations, suggesting a long history of isolation following colonization, although ND individuals showed relatively higher genetic affinity to populations from SE than those from NE. The populations from NE showed a great degree of interpopulation differentiation, whereas populations from SE exhibited only weak genetic structuring. Upon robust phylogenetic analysis, P. kaibarae formed a monophyletic group with Russian P. sinensis and P. tymensis with strong node confidence values, indicating that P. kaibarae populations on the Korean Peninsula originated from the southward migration of its ancestral lineage around the middle Pleistocene.
The Syntheses and Crystal Structures of the First Disiloxane‐1,3‐dithiol and Its Cadmium Complex
Authors: Ciborska Anna , Conterosito Eleonora , Milanesio Marco , Kazimierczuk Katarzyna , Rzymowska Katarzyna , Brzozowski Krzysztof , Dołęga Anna
Published: July 2015

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Anna Dołęga at the Gdansk University of Technology, Poland. The cover image shows the electronic structure and simplified formula of bis‐1,3‐[bis(2,6‐diisopropylphenoxy)]disiloxane‐1,3‐dithiol, a suitable ligand for the synthesis of chelating metal complexes, against a background of a more popular compound of silicon, sand.
Micronutrients in vegetable oils: The impact of crushing and refining processes on vitamins and antioxidants in sunflower, rapeseed, and soybean oils
Authors: Fine Frederic , Brochet Claire , Gaud Marie , Carre Patrick , Simon Noemie , Ramli Fatiha , Joffre Florent
Published: July 2015

Tocopherols, phytosterols, polyphenols, and coenzymes Q are naturally present in oilseeds such as sunflower, rape, and soybean. Besides contributing to taste and color, micronutrients help protect against health disorders such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer. However, during the conventional oil manufacturing process, many minor components are lost. Given that diet is a major cause of cardiovascular diseases and cancer, it makes sense to optimize the content of micronutrients in food, and specifically in vegetable oils. These micronutrients have antioxidant properties that inhibit the oxidation of low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol. This review summarizes important recent research emphasizing the impact of crushing and refining processes on the micronutrient content of different vegetable oils. After the crushing step, the total sterol content was high in crude rape, sunflower, and soybean oils, at 4358–10 569, 2212–4146, and 1735–4328 mg/kg, respectively. The tocopherol content was lower, at 464–1458, 725–1892, and 1094–2484 mg/kg, respectively, and the level of phenolics was 113–629, 10–120, and 23–148 mg/kg, respectively. The refining process destroyed micronutrients: 10–36% loss of total tocopherols, 6–52% loss of total sterols, and 93–98% loss of polyphenols. Studies have focused on improving the extraction of tocopherols by alternative heating (microwave treatment, roasting, or steaming processes). These treatments improved tocopherol content, and extraction was faster and consumed less energy.

Practical applications: Some researchers later tested the ability of different alternative solvents (supercritical CO2 and pressurized solvents) to raise the concentration of micronutrients. Enzymatic extraction also offered an innovative technique to conserve micronutrients in oils. Researchers and the oil extraction industry have also tested some alternative refining processes, such as alternative neutralization, based on the use of different alkaline agents, and soft refining, which offered the possibility of micronutrient preservation and recovery. Upstream, genetic factors, cultivation conditions, and seed storage strongly influence micronutrient concentration in vegetable oils. Upstream steps in the industrial oil process were important for the nutritional quality of edible oils. This review of micronutrient evolution during oil processing highlights the impact of industrial processes, and points to methods for improved extraction of oil constituents.

The micronutrient content in vegetable oils is strongly influenced by crushing and refining processes. A focus on sunflower, rapeseed and soybean oils is performed in this review.
Controlling the stability of chocolates through the incorporation of soft and hard StOSt‐rich fats
Authors: Tran Phuong Diem , Van de Walle Davy , Hinneh Michael , Delbaere Claudia , De Clercq Nathalie , Tran Dung Nhan , Dewettinck Koen
Published: July 2015

The presented study investigates the functionality of hard and soft StOSt‐rich fats in plain and hazelnut‐based filled dark chocolates. Blends of cocoa butter (CB) with different StOSt‐rich fats, namely Vietnamese mango fat (VMF), Indian mango fat (IMF), its stearin (IMFst) and olein fraction (IMFol) were selected for application in these chocolate products based on their phase and crystallisation behaviour. It was shown that a fat phase formulation with CB/VMF 70/30 and CB/IMFst 70/30 increased the heat resistance of dark chocolate and maintained similar chocolate quality attributes (colour, hardness, melting and flow properties) compared to the CB reference. Furthermore, these fat blends increased the fat bloom stability following oil migration, as shown by visual assessment by a trained panel, cryo‐SEM imaging and oil migration monitoring by HPLC‐ELSD. In addition, the fat blend CB/IMFol 90/10, suitable for chocolate applications under non‐tropical conditions, was shown to retard oil migration fat bloom as well. Distinct mechanisms for the observed phenomena were proposed. Furthermore, the different steps of fat bloom development, starting from the appearance of oil blisters to the presence of crystals (∼30 μm) on the chocolate surface were captured using cryo‐SEM.

Practical applications: (i) heat resistant chocolate with increased fat bloom stability was developed; (ii) fat boom development in filled chocolates can be delayed tuning the TAG composition and (iii) a cost‐effective source of mango fat was provided with several technical applications for the tropics.

By tuning the TAG composition, several compatible fat blends of cocoa butter (CB) and mango fats (MF) are obtained. In comparison to the CB reference chocolate, the fat phase formulation with hard StOSt‐rich fats (CB/VMF 70/30 and CB/IMFst 70/30) increases the heat resistance of dark chocolate likely without inducing a waxy mouthfeel. Furthermore, both hard and soft StOSt‐rich fats increase the stability towards oil migration fat bloom, as observed by cryo‐SEM imaging. Explanations are proposed based on TAG composition.
Thermal release of vegetable oils loaded in hydrophobic polymer nanoparticles
Authors: Samyn Pieter , Stanssens Dirk
Published: July 2015

The encapsulation of vegetable oils during imidization of poly(styrene‐co‐maleic anhydride) provides stable aqueous dispersions of oil‐filled nanoparticles with 50 wt% oil. The functionality of nanoparticles with soy‐, corn‐, rapeseed‐, sunflower‐, castor‐, and hydrogenated castor‐oil, can be controlled by thermal release upon heating at 120–250°C for 2 min to 6 h. In a first part, the intrinsic thermal properties of the nanoparticles have been determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The differences in calculated imide content illustrate that the transition phenomena depend on complex interactions between the oil and imide phase. The TGA results show that bursting of the particles is not a main release mechanism while the oil is either progressively released below or above the glass transition temperature, which is best monitored by DMA. In a second part, the release profiles are determined from FTIR and Raman spectra following different trends according to the type of encapsulated oil and nanoparticle morphology, i.e., solid, nanoporous, cauliflower‐like, or true core‐shell. Also the interference with imidization during heating influences the oil release. The kinetics and mechanism of oil release can be systematically described after fitting with mathematical models.

Practical applications: The nanoparticles can be incorporated as coating pigments for packaging paper or used for surface functionalization of natural fibers, where controlled release of the oil provides a required degree of hydrophobicity.

Different types of vegetable oil were incorporated in imidized nanoparticles, resulting in various particle morphologies (e.g., solid, nanoporous, cauliflower‐like, or true core‐shell) with characteristic release profiles of the oil as a function of temperature and time.
Substrate specificity of Mortierella alpina Δ9‐III fatty acid desaturase and its value for the production of omega‐9 MUFA
Authors: Hao Guangfei , Chen Haiqin , Yang Bo , Du Kai , Wang Hongchao , Gu Zhennan , Zhang Hao , Chen Wei , Chen Yong Q.
Published: July 2015

The fatty acid desaturase (FADS9‐III) gene from M. alpina ATCC 32222 was cloned and overexpressed in a homologous system. Lipid analysis via GC‐MS revealed that the Δ9‐III fatty acid desaturase had moderate activity with palmitic acid (C16:0) and stearic acid (C18:0) as substrates. Palmitoleic acid (C16:1) and oleic acid (C18:1) contents increased 4.0‐ and 1.94‐fold in the FADS9‐III overexpression clones compared to the wild‐type strain. Low temperature (12°C) significantly improved the conversion ratio of C16:0 to C16:1 (9.12‐fold increase). In addition, the FADS9‐III fatty acid desaturase had specific activity at the ω9 position with lignoceric acid (C24:0) as a substrate.

Practical applications: Our results indicate that FADS9‐III prefers stearic acid (C18:0) and palmitic acid (C16:0) as substrates and has ω9 fatty acid desaturase activity on lignoceric acid (C24:0). The conversion ratio of C24:0 to C24:1 reached 17% by supplementation of C24:0 in the medium at low temperature. The M. alpina ω9 fatty acid desaturase (FADS9‐III) is valuable for the production of mono‐unsaturated fatty acids with a double bond at the ω9 position.

The M. alpina Δ9‐III fatty acid desaturase is valuable for production of MUFA with the double bond at the ω9 position.
Drifting Away from Informed Consent in the Era of Personalized Medicine
Authors: Parens Erik
Published: July 2015

The price of sequencing all the DNA in a person's genome is falling so fast that, according to one biotech leader, soon it won't cost much more than flushing a toilet. Getting all that genomic data at an ever‐lower cost excites the imaginations not only of biotech investors and researchers but also of the President and many members of Congress. They envision the data ushering in an age of “personalized medicine,” where medical care is tailored to persons’ genomes. The new name “precision medicine” should not distract us from the fact that the genomic information it depends on is more complex, uncertain, and ambiguous than anyone had hoped, nor should it distract us from an important ethical point. Unfortunately, several developments of the last fifteen years suggest that, in our excitement about the technological capacity to gather genomic data at an ever lower cost, we are drifting away from what has long been a basic ethical commitment: to offer persons a process that enables them to provide informed consent before they or anyone else accesses their genetic information.
Bilayered construct for simultaneous regeneration of alveolar bone and periodontal ligament
Authors: Sundaram M. Nivedhitha , Sowmya S. , Deepthi S. , Bumgardener Joel D. , Jayakumar R.
Published: July 2015

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease that causes destruction of tooth‐supporting tissues and if left untreated leads to tooth loss. Current treatments have shown limited potential for simultaneous regeneration of the tooth‐supporting tissues. To recreate the complex architecture of the periodontium, we developed a bilayered construct consisting of poly(caprolactone) (PCL) multiscale electrospun membrane (to mimic and regenerate periodontal ligament, PDL) and a chitosan/2wt % CaSO4 scaffold (to mimic and regenerate alveolar bone). Scanning electron microscopy results showed the porous nature of the scaffold and formation of beadless electrospun multiscale fibers. The fiber diameter of microfiber and nanofibers was in the range of 10 ± 3 µm and 377 ± 3 nm, respectively. The bilayered construct showed better protein adsorption compared to the control. Osteoblastic differentiation of human dental follicle stem cells (hDFCs) on chitosan/2wt % CaSO4 scaffold showed maximum alkaline phosphatase at seventh day followed by a decline thereafter when compared to chitosan control scaffold. Fibroblastic differentiation of hDFCs was confirmed by the expression of PLAP‐1 and COL‐1 proteins which were more prominent on PCL multiscale membrane in comparison to control membranes. Overall these results show that the developed bilayered construct might serve as a good candidate for the simultaneous regeneration of the alveolar bone and PDL. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 761–770, 2016.
Scaffolds and tissue regeneration: An overview of the functional properties of selected organic tissues
Authors: Rebelo Márcia A. , Alves Thais F. R. , de Lima Renata , Oliveira José M. , Vila Marta M. D. C. , Balcão Victor M. , Severino Patrícia , Chaud Marco V.
Published: July 2015

Tissue engineering plays a significant role both in the re‐establishment of functions and regeneration of organic tissues. Success in manufacturing projects for biological scaffolds, for the purpose of tissue regeneration, is conditioned by the selection of parameters such as the biomaterial, the device architecture, and the specificities of the cells making up the organic tissue to create,in vivo, a microenvironment that preserves and further enhances the proliferation of a specific cell phenotype. To support this approach, we have screened scientific publications that show biomedical applications of scaffolds, biomechanical, morphological, biochemical, and hemodynamic characteristics of the target organic tissues, and the possible interactions between different cell matrices and biological scaffolds. This review article provides an overview on the biomedical application of scaffolds and on the characteristics of the (bio)materials commonly used for manufacturing these biological devices used in tissue engineering, taking into consideration the cellular specificity of the target tissue. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 1483–1494, 2016.
Revisiting conjugate schedules
Authors: MacAleese Kenneth R. , Ghezzi Patrick M. , Rapp John T.
Published: July 2015

The effects of conjugate reinforcement on the responding of 13 college students were examined in three experiments. Conjugate reinforcement was provided via key presses that changed the clarity of pictures displayed on a computer monitor in a manner proportional to the rate of responding. Experiment 1, which included seven parameters of clarity change per response, revealed that responding decreased as the percentage clarity per response increased for all five participants. These results indicate that each participant's responding was sensitive to intensity change, which is a parameter of conjugate reinforcement schedules. Experiment 2 showed that responding increased during conjugate reinforcement phases and decreased during extinction phases for all four participants. Experiment 3 also showed that responding increased during conjugate reinforcement and further showed that responding decreased during a conjugate negative punishment condition for another four participants. Directions for future research with conjugate schedules are briefly discussed.