bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dopant compensation in HfO2 and other high K oxides
Authors: Li H. , Guo Y. , Robertson J.
Published: May 2014

The theory of doping limits in semiconductors and insulators is applied to the case of wide gap oxides, crystalline, or amorphous, and used to explain that impurities do not in general give rise to gap states or a doping response. Instead, the system tends to form defect complexes or undergo symmetry-lowering reconstructions to expel gap states out of the band gap. The model is applied to impurities, such as trivalent metals, carbon, N, P, and B, in HfO2, the main gate dielectric used in field effect transistors.
Functional groups in Lychnophorinae (Asteraceae: Vernonieae) based on morphological and anatomical traits
Authors: Lusa Makeli Garibotti , Appezzato-da-Glória Beatriz , Loeuille Benoît , Bartoli Giacomo , Ciccarelli Daniela
Published: May 2014

The Lychnophorinae subtribe (Asteraceae: Vernonieae) occurs mainly on the Central Brazilian Plateau, especially in areas characterised by intense solar radiation, large daily temperature fluctuations, water scarcity during autumn and winter, and frequent fire. However, a few species of Lychnophorinae, such as Blanchetia heterotricha DC., are not restricted to the Cerrado Domain, but can live in open and humid areas of borders of the Atlantic Forest. To understand the mechanisms of Lychnophorinae adaptation to these environmental conditions, habit, leaf and stem functional traits from 12 species were analysed. Leaf and stem samples were processed and stained using standard plant-anatomy methodology. A comparative analysis of functional groups was performed by principal coordinates analysis, which was applied to two matrices of 30 qualitative and five quantitative traits. The multivariate analysis based on qualitative traits highlighted the following four functional types that might be linked to ecological conditions: Group I adapted at open and humid areas of borders of the Atlantic Forest; Group II, with features mostly related to foggy habitats; Group III, exhibiting traits quite adapted to the seasonally dry and variable conditions of the campos rupestres; and Group IV, showing the most specialised morphological and anatomical traits, which might be related to the extreme conditions of the campos rupestres.
Diet of the silky mouse (Pseudomys apodemoides) and the heath rat (P. shortridgei) in a post-fire environment
Authors: Di Stefano Julian , Ashton Amanda , York Alan
Published: May 2014

Understanding the ecological effects of fire is important for biodiversity conservation in flammable ecosystems. To this end we quantified the winter and spring diet of silky mice (Pseudomys apodemoides) and heath rats (P. shortridgei) at 20 woodland sites ranging from 2 to 55 years post-fire. We tested the hypothesis that diets would differ (shift) between very recently burnt (2–3 years old) and mature (≥17 years old) parts of the landscape. Analyses based on faecal material collected in winter (June) and spring (October) demonstrated that both species ate a broad range of foods, but the diets of silky mice and heath rats differed substantially with respect to monocot, seed and invertebrates. Seasonal changes in diet were also observed. Silky mice demonstrated a distinct diet shift, with fewer flowers and more seeds consumed at very recently burnt sites compared with mature sites. A distinct diet shift was not observed for heath rats as they ate substantial quantities of monocots and forbs regardless of time since fire. However, they did demonstrate a seasonally dependent diet shift with respect to flowers: in winter, more flowers were eaten at very recently burnt sites but in spring more flowers were eaten at mature sites. In line with the diet shift hypothesis, silky mice altered their diet to take advantage of food groups (principally seeds) more readily available shortly after fire. Heath rats did not shift their diet to the same degree, but a focus on food groups (such as monocots and forbs) that are accessible across the time-since-fire spectrum may facilitate rapid post-fire recolonisation by this species.
Toward continuous LC–MS analysis: surface modification of magnetic microparticles with TiO2 for phosphate adsorption
Authors: Akutagawa Issei , Akiyama Yoshitake , Takahashi Yutaka , Iijima Motoyuki , Okada Yohei , Kamiya Hidehiro , Chiba Kazuhiro
Published: May 2014

Continuous liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) analysis was successfully demonstrated by using magnetic TiO2/Fe3O4 microparticles at the desalination interface. The particles could be prepared easily even on a practical scale at sufficient quality for efficient phosphate adsorption. Not only phosphate but several biomolecules were adsorbed onto the particles in a non-specific manner. Such samples could still be detected effectively in MS because the removal of phosphate derived from the LC eluent enhanced sample ionization and resulted in a significant reduction of phosphate cluster ions.
Molecular cloning and characterization of pathogenesis-related protein family 10 gene from spinach (SoPR10)
Authors: Bai Xuegui , Long Juan , He Xiaozhao , Li Shun , Xu Huini
Published: May 2014

PR10 genes encode small, intracellular proteins that respond to biotic and abiotic stresses. In this study, a cDNA clone (designated as SoPR10, GenBank Accession No. KC142174) encoding a PR10 protein from spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) was isolated and characterized. SoPR10 encoded a 161-amino acid polypeptide with a predicted molecular mass of 19.76 kDa and a pI of 4.61. Real-time quantitative analysis indicated that SoPR10 was constitutively expressed in root and shoot. The abundance of SoPR10 in salt-resistant cultivar (Chaoji) was generally greater than in salt-sensitive cultivar (Daye) under 160 mM L−1   treatment for 0.5, 3, and 6 h. The expression of SoPR10 was also induced by other abiotic stresses including polyethylene glycol, NaCl, salicylic acid, and H2O2. Our results indicated that SoPR10 might play important roles under nitrate stress and other abiotic stresses.
Hesperetin glucuronides induce adipocyte differentiation via activation and expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ
Authors: Gamo Kanae , Miyachi Hiroyuki , Nakamura Kayoko , Matsuura Nobuyasu
Published: May 2014

In previous reports, hesperidin, a flavonoid glucoside from citrus fruit, is hydrolyzed to hesperetin, an aglycone of hesperidin, and converted to the hesperetin glucuronides (H7-OG and H3′-OG) in vivo and depresses blood glucose levels. But there are no reports on the activity of hesperetin glucuronides. To determine the activity of hesperetin glucuronides, H7-OG and H3′-OG were synthesized and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) agonist activity was observed at 250 μm. These glucuronides accelerated the differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells into adipocytes at 10 μm. Furthermore, H7-OG showed additive effects in reporter gene assays and caused noncompetitive reactions in time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer assays with a thiazolidinedione derivative. Our results indicated that hesperetin glucuronides activated PPARγ, accelerated adipocyte differentiation.
Sport commitment and participation in masters swimmers: The influence of coach and teammates
Authors: Santi Giampaolo , Bruton Adam , Pietrantoni Luca , Mellalieu Stephen
Published: May 2014

This study investigated how coach and teammates influence masters athletes' sport commitment, and the effect of functional and obligatory commitments on participation in masters swimming. The sample consisted of 523 masters swimmers (330 males and 193 females) aged between 22 and 83 years (M = 39.00, SD = 10.42). A bi‐dimensional commitment scale was used to measure commitment dimensions and perceived influence from social agents. Structural equation modelling analysis was conducted to evaluate the influence of social agents on functional and obligatory commitments, and the predictive capabilities of the two types of commitment towards sport participation. Support provided by coach and teammates increased functional commitment, constraints from these social agents determined higher obligatory commitment, and coach constraints negatively impacted functional commitment. In addition, both commitment types predicted training participation, with functional commitment increasing participation in team training sessions, and obligatory commitment increasing the hours of individual training. The findings suggest that in order to increase participation in masters swimming teams and reduce non‐supervised training, coach and teammates should exhibit a supportive attitude and avoid over expectation.
Capping protein is essential for cell migration in vivo and for filopodial morphology and dynamics
Authors: Sinnar Shamim A. , Antoku Susumu , Saffin Jean-Michel , Cooper Jon A. , Halpain Shelley
Published: May 2014

Capping protein (CP) binds to barbed ends of growing actin filaments and inhibits elongation. CP is essential for actin-based motility in cell-free systems and in Dictyostelium. Even though CP is believed to be critical for creating the lamellipodial actin structure necessary for protrusion and migration, CP's role in mammalian cell migration has not been directly tested. Moreover, recent studies have suggested that structures besides lamellipodia, including lamella and filopodia, may have unappreciated roles in cell migration. CP has been postulated to be absent from filopodia, and thus its role in filopodial activity has remained unexplored. We report that silencing CP in both cultured mammalian B16F10 cells and in neurons of developing neocortex impaired cell migration. Moreover, we unexpectedly observed that low levels of CP were detectable in the majority of filopodia. CP depletion decreased filopodial length, altered filopodial shape, and reduced filopodial dynamics. Our results support an expansion of the potential roles that CP plays in cell motility by implicating CP in filopodia as well as in lamellipodia, both of which are important for locomotion in many types of migrating cells.
Enhancement of Rituximab-induced cell death by the physical association of CD20 with CD40 molecules on the cell surface
Authors: Al-Zoobi Loubna , Salti Suzanne , Colavecchio Anna , Jundi Malek , Nadiri Amal , Hassan Ghada S. , El-Gabalawy Hani , Mourad Walid
Published: May 2014

CD20 is an attractive therapeutic target given the success of its monoclonal antibody, Rituximab, in the treatment of B-cell malignancies and B-cell-mediated autoimmune diseases. Treatment with Rituximab causes a rapid depletion of B cells and a decrease in disease symptoms. Despite the clinical efficiency of Rituximab, its mechanism of action is not completely understood. In this study, we aimed at further investigating the Rituximab-induced cell death and the factors affecting such responses. Our results indicate that Rituximab-induced cell death depends on the nature of the cells and levels of CD20 expression on the cell surface. Coexpression of CD20 with CD40, a member of the TNF receptor family that is known to be physically associated with CD20 on the cell surface, enhances the apoptotic response induced by Rituximab. Inhibiting the formation of CD40 disulfide-bound-homodimers, a process required for some CD40 signaling, further enhances Rituximab-induced cell death. Cell death induced by anti-CD40 mAb is also upregulated by the presence of CD20, suggesting a bidirectional influence of the CD20/CD40 association. Moreover, treating cells with both anti-CD20 and anti-CD40 antibodies improves the cell death response induced by a single-agent treatment. These results highlight the role of the CD20/CD40 association in triggering B-cell depletion and may pave the way for an alternative more efficient therapeutic strategy in treating B-cell-mediated disorders.
Dough Properties and Bread Quality of Wheat–Barley Composite Flour as Affected by β‐Glucanase
Authors: Li Zhen , Dong Ying , Zhou Xinghua , Xiao Xiang , Zhao Yansheng , Yu Laiting
Published: May 2014

Barley is rich in nutritionally positive compounds, but the quality of bread made of wheat–barley composite flours is impaired when a high percentage of barley is used in the mixture. A number of enzymes have been reported to be useful additives in breadmaking. However, the effect of β‐glucanase on breadmaking has scarcely been investigated. In this paper, the influence of different levels (0.02, 0.04, 0.06, and 0.08%, based on composite flour) of β‐glucanase (100,000 U/g) on the properties of dough and bread from 70% wheat, 30% barley composite flour were studied. Although dough development time, dough stability, and protein weakening value decreased after β‐glucanase addition, dough properties such as softness and elasticity as well as bread microstructure were improved compared with the control dough. β‐Glucanase also significantly improved the volume, texture, and shelf life of wheat–barley composite breads. The use of an optimal enzyme concentration (0.04%) increased specific volume (57.5%) and springiness (21%), and it reduced crumb firmness (74%) and staling rate. Bread with added β‐glucanase had a better taste, softness, and overall acceptability of sensory characteristics compared with the control bread. Moreover, the quality of wheat–barley composite bread after addition of 0.04% β‐glucanase was nearly equal to the quality of pure wheat bread. These results indicate that dough rheological characteristics and bread quality of wheat–barley composite flour can be improved by adding a distinct level of β‐glucanase.
Protease Treatment for the Stabilization of Rice Bran: Effects on Lipase Activity, Antioxidants, and Lipid Stability
Authors: Laokuldilok Thunnop , Rattanathanan Yanisa
Published: May 2014

Rice bran lipid is rapidly made rancid by endogenous lipase enzymes. To inactivate rice bran lipase, an enzymatic hydrolytic method was developed and then compared with the thermal method. The efficiency of five proteolytic enzymes including trypsin, chymotrypsin, papain, bromelain, and Flavourzyme enzyme to stabilize rice bran was investigated. Moreover, the antioxidant content and storage stability of enzymatically stabilized rice bran (ESRB), thermally stabilized rice bran (TSRB), and raw rice bran (RRB) were studied. Trypsin, chymotrypsin, and papain showed a higher rate of hydrolysis than bromelain and Flavourzyme enzyme. After 120 min of hydrolysis, rice bran hydrolyzed by trypsin, chymotrypsin, and papain inactivated 80, 86, and 79% of lipase activity, respectively, whereas lipase activity of rice bran hydrolyzed by bromelain and Flavourzyme enzyme was higher than the initial rice bran. With a similar lipase inactivation level, the cheaper papain was used to produce ESRB. Total phenolics content of ESRB was 52.89 and 94.10% higher than in RRB and TSRB, respectively. In addition, γ‐oryzanol content in ESRB was 2.23‐ and 2.05‐fold of that in RRB and TSRB, respectively. Lipase activity of RRB increased throughout the two months of storage, whereas no change in lipase activity was observed in ESRB and TSRB. At the end of storage, free fatty acid contents of RRB, TSRB, and ESRB were 15.30, 4.67, and 3.92%, respectively. We propose enzymatic hydrolysis by papain for stabilization of rice bran with high antioxidant content and storage stability.
Characterization of a Computationally Designed Water-soluble Human μ-Opioid Receptor Variant Using Available Structural Information
Authors: Zhao Xuelian , Perez-Aguilar Jose Manuel , Matsunaga Felipe , Lerner Mitchell , Xi Jin , Selling Bernard , Johnson A. T. Charlie , Saven Jeffery G. , Liu Renyu
Published: May 2014

Background:

The recent X-ray crystal structure of the murine μ-opioid receptor (MUR) allowed the authors to reengineer a previously designed water-soluble variant of the transmembrane portion of the human MUR (wsMUR-TM).

Methods:

The new variant of water-soluble MUR (wsMUR-TM_v2) was engineered based on the murine MUR crystal structure. This novel variant was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified. The properties of the receptor were characterized and compared with those of wsMUR-TM.

Results:

Seven residues originally included for mutation in the design of the wsMUR-TM were reverted to their native identities. wsMUR-TM_v2 contains 16% mutations of the total sequence. It was overexpressed and purified with high yield. Although dimers and higher oligomers were observed to form over time, the wsMUR-TM_v2 stayed predominantly monomeric at concentrations as high as 7.5 mg/ml in buffer within a 2-month period. Its secondary structure was predominantly helical and comparable with those of both the original wsMUR-TM variant and the native MUR. The binding affinity of wsMUR-TM_v2 for naltrexone (K
d approximately 70 nM) was in close agreement with that for wsMUR-TM. The helical content of wsMUR-TM_v2 decreased cooperatively with increasing temperature, and the introduction of sucrose was able to stabilize the protein.

Conclusions:

A novel functional wsMUR-TM_v2 with only 16% mutations was successfully engineered, expressed in E. coli, and purified based on information from the crystal structure of murine MUR. This not only provides a novel alternative tool for MUR studies in solution conditions but also offers valuable information for protein engineering and structure–function relations.
Identifying Facilitators and Barriers for Patient Safety in a Medicine Label Design System Using Patient Simulation and Interviews
Authors: Dieckmann Peter , Clemmensen Marianne Hald , Sørensen Trine Kart , Kunstek Pina , Hellebek Annemarie
Published: May 2014

Objectives

Medicine label design plays an important role in improving patient safety. This study aimed at identifying facilitators and barriers in a medicine label system to prevent medication errors in clinical use by health care professionals.

Methods

The study design is qualitative and exploratory, with a convenience sample of 10 nurses and 10 physicians from different acute care specialties working in hospitals in the Capital Region of Denmark. In 2 patient simulation scenarios and a sorting task, the participants selected the medicines from a range of ampules, vials, and infusion bags. After each scenario and in the end of the study, the participants were interviewed. Notes were validated with the participants, and content was analyzed.

Results

The label design benefited from the standardized construction of the labels, the clear layout and font, and some warning signs. The complexity of the system and some inconsistencies (different meaning of colors) posed challenges, when considered with the actual application context, in which there is little time to get familiar with the design features.

Conclusions

For optimizing medicine labels and obtaining the full benefit of label design features on patient safety, it is necessary to consider the context in which they are used.
Differing requirements for Augmin in male meiotic and mitotic spindle formation inDrosophila
Authors: Savoian Matthew S. , Glover David M.
Published: May 2014

Animal cells divide using a microtubule-based, bipolar spindle. Both somatic, mitotic cells and sperm-producing male meiotic spermatocytes use centrosome-dependent and acentrosomal spindle-forming mechanisms. Here, we characterize the largely undefined, centrosome-independent spindle formation pathway used during male meiosis. Our live and fixed cell analyses ofDrosophilaspermatocytes reveal that acentrosomal microtubules are nucleated at kinetochores and in the vicinity of chromatin and that together these assemble into functional spindles. Mutational studies indicate that γ-tubulin and its extra-centrosomal targeting complex, Augmin, are vital for this process. In addition, Augmin facilitates efficient spindle assembly in the presence of centrosomes. In contrast to the pronounced recruitment of Augmin on spindles in other cell types, the complex is absent from those of spermatocytes but does accumulate on kinetochores. Polo kinase facilitates this kinetochore recruitment while inhibiting Augmin's spindle association, and this in turn dictates γ-tubulin distribution and spindle density. Polo's negative regulation of Augmin in male meiosis contrasts with its requirement in loading Augmin along mitotic spindles in somaticDrosophilacells. Together our data identify a novel mechanism of acentrosomal spindle formation in spermatocytes and reveal its divergence from that used in mitotic cells.
CaMKII is essential for the cellular clock and coupling between morning and evening behavioral rhythms
Authors: Kon Naohiro , Yoshikawa Tomoko , Honma Sato , Yamagata Yoko , Yoshitane Hikari , Shimizu Kimiko , Sugiyama Yasunori , Hara Chihiro , Kameshita Isamu , Honma Ken-ichi , Fukada Yoshitaka
Published: May 2014

Daily behavioral rhythms in mammals are governed by the central circadian clock, located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). The behavioral rhythms persist even in constant darkness, with a stable activity time due to coupling between two oscillators that determine the morning and evening activities. Accumulating evidence supports a prerequisite role for Ca2+ in the robust oscillation of the SCN, yet the underlying molecular mechanism remains elusive. Here, we show that Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) activity is essential for not only the cellular oscillation but also synchronization among oscillators in the SCN. A kinase-dead mutation in mouse CaMKIIα weakened the behavioral rhythmicity and elicited decoupling between the morning and evening activity rhythms, sometimes causing arrhythmicity. In the mutant SCN, the right and left nuclei showed uncoupled oscillations. Cellular and biochemical analyses revealed that Ca2+–calmodulin–CaMKII signaling contributes to activation of E-box-dependent gene expression through promoting dimerization of circadian locomotor output cycles kaput (CLOCK) and brain and muscle Arnt-like protein 1 (BMAL1). These results demonstrate a dual role of CaMKII as a component of cell-autonomous clockwork and as a synchronizer integrating circadian behavioral activities.
Anisomycin injection in area CA3 of the hippocampus impairs both short-term and long-term memories of contextual fear
Authors: Remaud Jessica , Ceccom Johnatan , Carponcy Julien , Dugué Laura , Menchon Gregory , Pech Stéphane , Halley Helene , Francés Bernard , Dahan Lionel
Published: May 2014

Protein synthesis is involved in the consolidation of short-term memory into long-term memory. Previous electrophysiological data concerning LTP in CA3 suggest that protein synthesis in that region might also be necessary for short-term memory. We tested this hypothesis by locally injecting the protein synthesis inhibitor anisomycin in hippocampal area CA1 or CA3 immediately after contextual fear conditioning. As previously shown, injections in CA1 impaired long-term memory but spared short-term memory. Conversely, injections in CA3 impaired both long-term and short-term memories. We conclude that early steps of experience-induced plasticity occurring in CA3 and underlying short-term memory require protein synthesis.
Russia: as solid as a BRIC?
Authors: Michailova Snejina , McCarthy Daniel J. , Puffer Sheila M.
Published: May 2014

Purpose

This introductory paper aims to outline the reasons for optimism as well as for skepticism in regard to Russia's position in the group of BRIC nations and in the global economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a brief overview of developments in Russia. This discussion serves as a contextual introduction to this special issue by embracing some of the common themes elaborated in the other papers that are featured in the issue.

Findings

The paper takes a balanced perspective by discussing both positive and negative trends in Russia's development.

Originality/value

The paper sets the context in which the other papers that comprise this special issue can be situated.
Tempered stable models for Islamic finance asset management
Authors: Bekri Mahmoud , Shin (Aaron) Kim Young , (Zari) T. Rachev Svetlozar
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– In Islamic finance (IF), the safety-first rule of investing (hifdh al mal) is held to be of utmost importance. In view of the instability in the global financial markets, the IF portfolio manager (mudharib) is committed, according to Sharia, to make use of advanced models and reliable tools. This paper seeks to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this paper, the limitations of the standard models used in the IF industry are reviewed. Then, a framework was set forth for a reliable modeling of the IF markets, especially in extreme events and highly volatile periods. Based on the empirical evidence, the framework offers an improved tool to ameliorate the evaluation of Islamic stock market risk exposure and to reduce the costs of Islamic risk management.

Findings

– Based on the empirical evidence, the framework offers an improved tool to ameliorate the evaluation of Islamic stock market risk exposure and to reduce the costs of Islamic risk management.

Originality/value

– In IF, the portfolio manager – mudharib – according to Sharia, should ensure the adequacy of the mathematical and statistical tools used to model and control portfolio risk. This task became more complicated because of the increase in risk, as measured via market volatility, during the financial crisis that began in the summer of 2007. Sharia condemns the portfolio manager who demonstrates negligence and may hold him accountable for losses for failing to select the proper analytical tools. As Sharia guidelines hold the safety-first principle of investing rule (hifdh al mal) to be of utmost importance, the portfolio manager should avoid speculative investments and strategies that would lead to significant losses during periods of high market volatility.
BeamMaker: an open hardware high-resolution digital fabricator for the masses
Authors: Calderon Ariel , Griffin James , Cristóbal Zagal Juan
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The democratization of invention is a long lasting desire for the advancement of society. Having access to education and the means of production appears as the major factors for the implementation of this goal. 3D printing is a revolutionary technology that has the potential to bring digital manufacturing to everyone. However, the rise of personal fabrication requires an increase in printing quality, a reduction on machine cost and an increase in knowledge shared by the open hardware community. The purpose of this paper is to explore the development of a new Open Hardware printer project to address these points.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors have designed and constructed a low-cost photopolymer-based 3D printer called BeamMaker. The printer is connected to a host computer and a digital-light-processing projector. This work details the design process and how improvements were implemented to reach good printing quality. The authors provide public access to the instructions, software, source code, parts list, user manual and STL and CAD files.

Findings

– The BeamMaker printer can build objects with a high surface quality that is comparable to the quality obtained by industrial photopolymer-based 3D printers. When testing the ability to print a sample cylinder, the printer shows higher accuracy when compared to other personal 3D printers. These findings are encouraging considering the low cost of the system.

Research limitations/implications

– The printing failure rate of the system has not been measured to date. The system requires some improvements to produce large objects.

Practical implications

– The printer cost is just USD380. This is five to eight times less expensive than popular personal 3D printers available today. The cost is 30 times less expensive than a personal photopolymer 3D printer produced by a main commercial company and yet producing results of similar quality. The authors expect good avenues for collaboration from the open-source community to continue improving these systems.

Social implications

– The high cost of current personal 3D printers prevents users from developing countries from entering into the open hardware trend. A dramatic reduction in printer cost such as that explored in this work might contribute to the real democratization of personal fabrication.

Originality/value

– The authors report on the status of three other photopolymer-based personal 3D printer projects. To the best of the authors' knowledge, BeamMaker is the first fully open hardware 3D printer project which uses this technology.
A review of melt extrusion additive manufacturing processes: I. Process design and modeling
Authors: N. Turner Brian , Strong Robert , A. Gold Scott
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to systematically and critically review the literature related to process design and modeling of fused deposition modeling (FDM) and similar extrusion-based additive manufacturing (AM) or rapid prototyping processes.

Design/methodology/approach

– A systematic review of the literature focusing on process design and mathematical process modeling was carried out.

Findings

– FDM and similar processes are among the most widely used rapid prototyping processes with growing application in finished part manufacturing. Key elements of the typical processes, including the material feed mechanism, liquefier and print nozzle; the build surface and environment; and approaches to part finishing are described. Approaches to estimating the motor torque and power required to achieve a desired filament feed rate are presented. Models of required heat flux, shear on the melt and pressure drop in the liquefier are reviewed. On leaving the print nozzle, die swelling and bead cooling are considered. Approaches to modeling the spread of a deposited road of material and the bonding of polymer roads to one another are also reviewed.

Originality/value

– To date, no other systematic review of process design and modeling research related to melt extrusion AM has been published. Understanding and improving process models will be key to improving system process controls, as well as enabling the development of advanced engineering material feedstocks for FDM processes.
Comparative evaluation of an open-source FDM system
Authors: M. Johnson Wayne , Rowell Matthew , Deason Bill , Eubanks Malik
Published: May 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a qualitative and quantitative comparison and evaluation of an open-source fused deposition modeling (FDM) additive manufacturing (AM) system with a proprietary FDM AM system based on the fabrication of a custom benchmarking model.

Design/methodology/approach

– A custom benchmarking model was fabricated using the two AM systems and evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively. The fabricated models were visually inspected and scanned using a 3D laser scanning system to examine their dimensional accuracy and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) performance with respect to the computer-aided design (CAD) model geometry.

Findings

– The open-source FDM AM system (CupCake CNC) successfully fabricated most of the features on the benchmark, but the model did suffer from greater thermal warping and surface roughness, and limitations in the fabrication of overhang structures compared to the model fabricated by the proprietary AM system. Overall, the CupCake CNC provides a relatively accurate, low-cost alternative to more expensive proprietary FDM AM systems.

Research limitations/implications

– This work is limited in the sample size used for the evaluation.

Practical implications

– This work will provide the public and research AM communities with an improved understanding of the performance and capabilities of an open-source AM system. It may also lead to increased use of open-source systems as research testbeds for the continued improvement of current AM processes, and the development of new AM system designs and processes.

Originality/value

– This study is one of the first comparative evaluations of an open-source AM with a proprietary AM system.
Migration‐based Ethnic Diversity and Social Trust: A Multilevel Analysis of How Country, Neighbourhood and Workplace Diversity Affects Social Trust in 22 Countries
Authors: Kokkonen Andrej , Esaiasson Peter , Gilljam Mikael
Published: May 2014

How does ethnic diversity affect social trust? The conflict hypothesis, which predicts a negative effect, and the contact hypothesis, which predicts a positive effect, represent the main competing answers. This article argues that the ‘true’ answer to the question is contingent upon the social units under study and how they interact. More specifically, it is argued that diversity will have a negative effect on social trust when focusing on social units where intergroup contacts are easy to avoid (neighbourhoods broadly defined), whereas diversity will have a positive effect when focusing on social units where intergroup contacts are hard to avoid and are supported by higher authorities (e.g., workplaces). The data substantiating the argument is from the first round of the European Social Survey, covering 30,000 individuals nested within 22 countries, and is analysed by means of multilevel linear regression modeling.
The EEAS Crisis Response System
Authors: Tercovich Giulia
Published: May 2014

In recent years, the European Union (EU) has become more prominent and effective as a crisis manager. This paper argues that the idea of the Comprehensive Approach and the European External Action Service (EEAS) institutional project have been substantially shaped by High Representative Ashton. A focus on the newly created Crisis Response and Operational Coordination Department within the EEAS is employed for analysing the recent post‐Lisbon changes in the EU crisis management architecture. Based on a series of in‐depth interviews with EU and national officials, the paper contemplates the role for the EU in complex crises, in particular the potential contribution of the EU's Crisis Response System.
Relationship between bone density and abdominal visceral fat in premenopausal overweight and obese Iranian women aged 30–50 years
Authors: Salimzadeh Ahmad , Abolhasani Maryam , Sedaghattalab Moslem , Moghadasi Maryam
Published: May 2014

Aim

The presence of a direct relationship between body mass index (BMI) and bone mineral density (BMD) is frequently reported. However, data on the relationship between visceral fat and bone density varies, with positive, negative or no relationship having been reported. This study aims to examine the relationship between abdominal visceral fat and BMD.

Methods

A cross sectional study was carried out on 95 premenopausal, overweight and obese women aged 30–50 years referred to Sina Hospital, Tehran, Iran in 2011–2012. Anthropometric indices and visceral fat levels were measured.

Results

Multiple linear regression analysis showed that proximal femur BMD (P = 0.856) and lumbar spine BMD (P = 0.558) were not significantly related to visceral fat level. However, BMI had a direct and significant positive relationship with proximal femur BMD (P = 0.001) and lumbar spine BMD (P = 0.031). Menarche age was negatively related to lumbar spine BMD (P = 0.003).

Conclusions

In this study, after adjusting for fat‐free mass, no significant relationship was found between MBD of the proximal femur and lumbar spine, and visceral fat level or visceral fat to total fat percentage ratio. Therefore, abdominal visceral fat may not affect BMD, independent of weight. It seems that the positive relationship between BMI and proximal femur and lumbar spine BMD is due to the mechanical effects of weight on bones.
Carrion subsidies provided by fishermen increase predation of beach‐nesting bird nests by facultative scavengers
Authors: Rees J. D. , Webb J. K. , Crowther M. S. , Letnic M.
Published: May 2014

Many predators are also scavengers that feed on carrion and human refuse. Therefore, the availability of carrion can elevate the abundance or activity of facultative scavengers, amplifying predation pressure on prey. On Australian beaches, fishermen often discard fish carcasses that could attract facultative scavengers, both native, such as Australian ravens Corvus coronoides, and invasive, such as European red foxes Vulpes vulpes, and result in elevated rates of predation on wildlife. We tested whether the presence of fish carcasses increased the risk of depredation for nearby nests of beach‐nesting birds by deploying artificial nests in 12 subsidized and 12 control patches, spaced 1 km apart, on a beach. We placed a fish carcass in each subsidized patch, but not at control patches. In each patch, we placed two artificial nests, which resembled red‐capped plover Charadrius ruficapillus nests, 80 m apart and 40 m from carcasses at subsidized patches. Nest predators were identified from tracks and predator activity near subsidized and control nests was measured by counting tracks crossing a straight transect (220 m). The activity of a native predator, the Australian raven, was 17 times higher near (<80 m) nests with fish carcasses than nests without carcasses. After 72 h, 96% of nests near carcasses were depredated compared with 30% of nests without carcasses. Ravens were identified as the culprit for 80% of depredated nests. Although other predators were present in the study area, they did not depredate artificial nests in this experiment. Previous studies have highlighted the effects of permanent and/or large‐scale food resources on scavenger abundance and impact. A key management implication of our study is that even small, sparsely distributed, temporally irregular food subsidies, provided by humans, can elevate the activity and predatory impacts of facultative scavengers.
Testosterone Therapy Differently Regulates the Anti‐ and Pro‐Inflammatory Cytokines in the Plasma and Prostate of Rats Submitted to Chronic Ethanol Consumption (UChB)
Authors: Mendes Leonardo Oiveira , Scarano Wellerson Rodrigo , Rochel‐Maia Sabrina Santos , Fioruci‐Fontaneli Beatriz Aparecida , Chuffa Luiz Gustavo Almeida , Martinez Francisco Eduardo
Published: May 2014

Problem

Ethanol consumption damages the prostate, and testosterone is known by anti‐inflammatory role.

Methods of Study

The cytokines were investigated in the plasma and ventral prostate of UChB rats submitted or not to testosterone therapy by ELISA and Western blot, respectively. Additionally, inflammatory foci and mast cells were identified in the ventral prostate slides stained by hematoxylin and eosin and toluidine blue, respectively.

Results

Inflammatory foci were found in the ethanol‐treated animals and absent after testosterone therapy. Plasma levels of IL‐6 and IL‐10 were not changed while TNFα and TFG‐β1 were increased in the animals submitted testosterone therapy. Regarding to ventral prostate, IL‐6 did not alter, while IL‐10, TNFα, and TFG‐β1 were increased after testosterone therapy. Ethanol increases NFR2 in addition to high number of intact and degranulated mast cell which were reduced after testosterone therapy.

Conclusions

So, ethanol and testosterone differentially modulates the cytokines in the plasma and prostate.
Nonparametric Kernel Methods with Errors‐in‐Variables: Constructing Estimators, Computing them, and Avoiding Common Mistakes
Authors: Delaigle Aurore
Published: May 2014

Estimating a curve nonparametrically from data measured with error is a difficult problem that has been studied by many authors. Constructing a consistent estimator in this context can sometimes be quite challenging, and in this paper we review some of the tools that have been developed in the literature for kernel‐based approaches, founded on the Fourier transform and a more general unbiased score technique. We use those tools to rederive some of the existing nonparametric density and regression estimators for data contaminated by classical or Berkson errors, and discuss how to compute these estimators in practice. We also review some mistakes made by those working in the area, and highlight a number of problems with an existing R package decon.
PACAP and its receptors in migraine pathophysiology: Commentary on Walker et al., Br J Pharmacol 171: 1521–1533
Authors: Edvinsson Lars
Published: May 2014

Linked Article

This article is a Commentary on Walker CS, Sundrum T and Hay DL (2014). PACAP receptor pharmacology and agonist bias: analysis in primary neurons and glia from the trigeminal ganglia and transfected cells. Br J Pharmacol 171: 1521–1553. doi: 10.1111/bph.12541
Ligand requirements for involvement of PKCε in synergistic analgesic interactions between spinal μ and δ opioid receptors
Authors: Schuster D J , Metcalf M D , Kitto K F , Messing R O , Fairbanks C A , Wilcox G L
Published: May 2014

Background and Purpose

We recently found that PKCε was required for spinal analgesic synergy between two GPCRs, δ opioid receptors and α2A adrenoceptors, co‐located in the same cellular subpopulation. We sought to determine if co‐delivery of μ and δ opioid receptor agonists would similarly result in synergy requiring PKCε.

Experimental Approach

Combinations of μ and δ opioid receptor agonists were co‐administered intrathecally by direct lumbar puncture to PKCε‐wild‐type (PKCε‐WT) and ‐knockout (PKCε‐KO) mice. Antinociception was assessed using the hot‐water tail‐flick assay. Drug interactions were evaluated by isobolographic analysis.

Key Results

All agonists produced comparable antinociception in both PKCε‐WT and PKCε‐KO mice. Of 19 agonist combinations that produced analgesic synergy, only 3 required PKCε for a synergistic interaction. In these three combinations, one of the agonists was morphine, although not all combinations involving morphine required PKCε. Morphine + deltorphin II and morphine + deltorphin I required PKCε for synergy, whereas a similar combination, morphine + deltorphin, did not. Additionally, morphine + oxymorphindole required PKCε for synergy, whereas a similar combination, morphine + oxycodindole, did not.

Conclusions and Implications

We discovered biased agonism for a specific signalling pathway at the level of spinally co‐delivered opioid agonists. As the bias is only revealed by an appropriate ligand combination and cannot be accounted for by a single drug, it is likely that the receptors these agonists act on are interacting with each other. Our results support the existence of μ and δ opioid receptor heteromers at the spinal level in vivo.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed section on Opioids: New Pathways to Functional Selectivity. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue-2
Kdo2‐lipid A: structural diversity and impact on immunopharmacology
Authors: Wang Xiaoyuan , Quinn Peter J. , Yan Aixin
Published: May 2014

3‐deoxy‐d‐manno‐octulosonic acid‐lipid A (Kdo2‐lipid A) is the essential component of lipopolysaccharide in most Gram‐negative bacteria and the minimal structural component to sustain bacterial viability. It serves as the active component of lipopolysaccharide to stimulate potent host immune responses through the complex of Toll‐like‐receptor 4 (TLR4) and myeloid differentiation protein 2. The entire biosynthetic pathway of Escherichia coli Kdo2‐lipid A has been elucidated and the nine enzymes of the pathway are shared by most Gram‐negative bacteria, indicating conserved Kdo2‐lipid A structure across different species. Yet many bacteria can modify the structure of their Kdo2‐lipid A which serves as a strategy to modulate bacterial virulence and adapt to different growth environments as well as to avoid recognition by the mammalian innate immune systems. Key enzymes and receptors involved in Kdo2‐lipid A biosynthesis, structural modification and its interaction with the TLR4 pathway represent a clear opportunity for immunopharmacological exploitation. These include the development of novel antibiotics targeting key biosynthetic enzymes and utilization of structurally modified Kdo2‐lipid A or correspondingly engineered live bacteria as vaccines and adjuvants. Kdo2‐lipid A/TLR4 antagonists can also be applied in anti‐inflammatory interventions. This review summarizes recent knowledge on both the fundamental processes of Kdo2‐lipid A biosynthesis, structural modification and immune stimulation, and applied research on pharmacological exploitations of these processes for therapeutic development.
How to manage an adolescent girl presenting with features of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS); an exemplar for adolescent health care in endocrinology
Authors: Mani Hamidreza , Potdar Neelam , Gleeson Helena
Published: May 2014

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or the potential diagnosis of PCOS, is one of the most common reasons for adolescent girls to present to endocrinology clinics. A diagnosis of PCOS has the potential to affect the young person, not only physically, but psychologically and socially. It is important we have the knowledge, skills and attitudes to work effectively with young people to address their concerns and meet their information needs. Successful engagement and management of adolescents with PCOS may have implications in adult life. In this article, the challenges of making the diagnosis of PCOS and introducing lifestyle change and the necessary skills for working with young people are discussed.
Behavioural evolution in penguins does not reflect phylogeny
Authors: Paterson Adrian M. , Wallis Graham P. , Kennedy Martyn , Gray Russell D.
Published: May 2014

Over the past two decades, behavioural biologists and ecologists have made effective use of the comparative method, but have often stopped short of adopting an explicitly phylogenetic approach. We examined 68 behaviour and life history (BLH) traits of 15 penguin species to: (i) infer penguin phylogeny, (ii) assess homology of behavioural characters, and (iii) evaluate hypotheses about character evolution and ancestral states. Parsimony analysis of theBLHdataset found either two shortest trees (characters coded as unordered) or a single shortest tree (characters coded as a combination of unordered and Dollo). TheBLHdata had significant structure. Kishino–Hasegawa tests indicated thatBLHtrees were significantly different from most previous estimates of penguin phylogeny. TheBLHphylogeny generated from Dollo characters appeared to be less accurate than the tree derived from the completely unordered dataset. DividingBLHdata into display and non‐display traits resulted in no significant differences in level of homoplasy and no difference in the accuracy of phylogeny. Tests for homology ofBLHtraits were performed by mapping the characters onto a molecular tree. Assuming that independent gains are less likely than losses of character states, 65 of the 68 characters were likely to be homologous across taxa, and at least several characters appeared to have been stable since the origin of modern penguins around 30 Myr. Finally, the likelyBLHtraits of the most recent common ancestor of extant penguins were reconstructed from character states along the internal branch leading to the penguins. This analysis suggested that the “proto‐penguin” probably had a similar life history to current temperate penguins but few ritualized behaviours. A southern, cool‐temperate origin of penguins is suggested.
FISCAL CONVERGENCE IN THE EUROPEAN UNION BEFORE THE CRISIS
Authors: BERTARELLI SILVIA , CENSOLO ROBERTO , COLOMBO CATERINA
Published: May 2014

This article investigates fiscal convergence attained by EU countries in the period 1991–2008, by employing β‐ and σ‐convergence techniques complemented by a time series analysis. Overall our results highlight a distinctive convergence pattern in the European Union. Fiscal discipline leading to a fast convergence of deficit/GDP ratio over the 1990s markedly weakened in the following decade. Nonetheless, after the Euro debut a pronounced convergence in total revenue and total government spending emerges, with different patterns characterizing each expenditure component. Despite this evidence of fiscal harmonization, European treaties failed to attract countries toward a common share of government debt over GDP. (JEL E61, H11, C23)