bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Morphometric Analysis of Three Cranial Nerves in Two Phocids: The Hooded Seal (Cystophora cristata) and the Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina)
Authors: Wohlert Dennis , Kröger Jürgen , Witt Martin , Schmitt Oliver , Wree Andreas , Czech‐Damal Nicole , Siebert Ursula , Folkow Lars , Hanke Frederike D.
Published: December 2015

While our knowledge about the senses of pinnipeds has increased over the last decades almost nothing is known about the organization of the neuroanatomical pathways. In a first approach to this field of research, we assessed the total number of myelinated axons of three cranial nerves (CNs) in the harbor (Phoca vitulina, Pv) and hooded seal (Cystophora cristata, Cc). Axons were counted in semithin sections of the nerves embedded in Epon and stained with toluidine blue. In both species, the highest axon number was found within the optic nerve (Pv 187,000 ± 8,000 axons, Cc 481,600 ± 1,300 axons). Generally, considering absolute axon numbers, far more axons were counted within the optic and trigmenial nerve (Pv 136,700 ± 2,500 axons, Cc 179,300 ± 6,900 axons) in hooded in comparison to harbor seals. The axon counts of the vestibulocochlear nerve are nearly identical for both species (Pv 87,100 ± 8,100 axons, Cc 86,600 ± 2,700 axons). However, when comparing cell density, the cell density is almost equal for all nerves for both species except for the optic nerve in which cell density was particularly higher than in the other nerves and higher in hooded in comparison to harbor seals. We here present the first comparative analysis of three CNs in two phocid seals. While the CNs of these closely related species share some general characteristics, pronounced differences in axon numbers/densities are apparent. These differences seem to reflect differences in e.g. size, habitat, and/or functional significance of the innervated sensory systems. Anat Rec, 299:370–378, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Modified Car‐Following Model with Variable Safety Distance and its Numerical Simulation
Authors: Zheng Ya‐zhou , Lei Li , Zheng Peng‐jun , Ge Hong‐Xia
Published: December 2015

Based on the pioneering study of Bando et al., a modified car‐following model is proposed to suppress traffic jams. The optimal velocity (OV) function is extended by introducing variable safety distance. Considering the relative velocity, relative optimal velocity, and the difference between safety distance and headway, a comprehensive control scheme is constructed according to the feedback control theory. The stability condition for the improved model is obtained via the linear stability theory. Numerical simulation is carried out to illustrate the advantages of our model with the new control signal, and the results are in good accordance with the theoretical analysis.
Land surface–atmosphere interaction in future South American climate using a multi‐model ensemble
Authors: Ruscica R. C. , Menéndez C. G. , Sörensson A. A.
Published: December 2015

The land–atmosphere interaction for reference and future climate is estimated with a regional climate model ensemble. In reference climate, more than 50% of the models show interaction in southeastern South America during austral spring, summer and autumn. In future climate, the region remains a strong hotspot although somewhat weakened due to the wet response that enhance energy limitation on the evapotranspiration. The region of the Brazilian Highlands and Matto Grosso appears as a new extensive hotspot during austral spring. This is related to a dry response which is probably accentuated by land surface feedbacks.
Simulation of enamel wear for reconstruction of diet and feeding behavior in fossil animals: A micromechanics approach
Authors: Constantino Paul J. , Borrero‐Lopez Oscar , Pajares Antonia , Lawn Brian R.
Published: December 2015

The deformation and wear events that underlie microwear and macrowear signals commonly used for dietary reconstruction in fossil animals can be replicated and quantified by controlled laboratory tests on extracted tooth specimens in conjunction with fundamental micromechanics analysis. Key variables governing wear relations include angularity, stiffness (modulus), and size of the contacting particle, along with material properties of enamel. Both axial and sliding contacts can result in the removal of tooth enamel. The degree of removal, characterized by a “wear coefficient,” varies strongly with particle content at the occlusal interface. Conditions leading to a transition from mild to severe wear are discussed. Measurements of wear traces can provide information about contact force and particle shape. The potential utility of the micromechanics methodology as an adjunct for investigating tooth durability and reconstructing diet is explored.
Patterning hypoxic multicellular spheroids in a 3D matrix – a promising method for anti‐tumor drug screening
Authors: Ma Jingyun , Zhang Xu , Liu Yang , Yu Haibo , Liu Lianqing , Shi Yang , Li Yanfeng , Qin Jianhua
Published: December 2015

3D multicellular spheroid models are of great value in the investigation of tumor biology and tumor responses to chemotherapy and radiation. To establish a mimicking tumor microenvironment in vitro, we developed a straightforward method by patterning hypoxic multicellular spheroids in a 3D matrix. The efficacy of this approach was evaluated by characterizing spheroid formation, invasive capability and phenotypic transition in aggressive human glioma cells. We observed enhanced cell proliferation, spheroid formation and invasive capability in U87 glioma cells transfected with hypoxia‐inducible factors (HIFs) compared with non‐treated cells. We also demonstrated that the overexpression of HIFs in hypoxic glioma cells may promote cell migration by epithelial‐mesenchymal transition within the 3D matrix. Compared with conventional 3D culturing techniques, the simple operation, rapid prototyping, low cost and high throughput format of the micro‐patterning method facilitates the characterization of cell proliferation, migration, phenotypic function and drug evaluation in physiologically relevant 3D microenvironments. This in vitro 3D system can recapitulate the physiologically relevant tumor microenvironment and is a promising method for 3D anti‐tumor drug screening and the identification of novel targets for tumor invasion and angiogenesis.
Emerging Infections
Authors: Dahlke Christine , Addo Marylyn
Published: December 2015

Neu auftretende Infektionskrankheiten werden seit Jahrtausenden beschrieben. Eine alarmierende Entwicklung zeigte sich jedoch in den vergangenen Jahren, da ein gehäuftes Auftreten von Ausbrüchen mit neuen oder wieder auftretenden Erregern beobachtet wird. Dieser Artikel beleuchtet neben einigen geschichtlichen Meilensteinen neu auftretender Infektionskrankheiten verschiedene Faktoren, die ihr Auftreten begünstigen. Im Detail werden relevante Beispiele viraler Herkunft beschrieben und potenzielle Präventionsmaßnahmen gegen neue Ausbrüche diskutiert.
Fossilien am Kliff: Erdgeschichte im Spülsaum der Ostsee
Authors: Petrischak Hannes
Published: December 2015

Mächtige Gletscher, mehrere hundert Meter dick, bedeckten während der Eiszeiten weite Teile Norddeutschlands. Aus den gewaltigen Schuttmassen, die sie während der jüngsten Vereisung aus Skandinavien herantransportiert hatten, wurden nach dem Abschmelzen des Eises die hügeligen Landschaften entlang der südlichen Ostsee. An ihnen nagt heute das Meer – und fördert dabei unablässig Gesteine und Fossilien aus nahezu allen Erdzeitaltern zutage.
Wie die Langhalssaurier zu ihren Hälsen kamen
Authors: Tetsch Larissa
Published: December 2015

Die Halslänge ist im Tierreich oft unmittelbar an den evolutiven Erfolg gekoppelt, so zum Beispiel bei den Langhalssauriern [1]. Die phänotypische Variation hängt vom Expressionsmuster bestimmter Entwicklungsgene ab. Der Vergleich dieser Muster in der Halswirbelsäule von rezenten Archosauriern (Krokodil, Huhn) in Kombination mit morphologischen Merkmalen erlaubt Rückschlüsse auf die Aktivität der Entwicklungsgene im ausgestorbenen Archosaurier Plateosaurus.
Die Schimmelpilze – Minifabriken und Lebensretter
Authors: Tetsch Larissa
Published: December 2015

Schimmelpilze leben als Saprobionten im Boden, wo sie biologisches Material abbauen. Für den Menschen sind sie in der Lebensmittelherstellung und durch die Produktion von Enzymen und Sekundärmetaboliten von unschätzbarem Nutzen. Ihr “Premiumprodukt” ist das Antibiotikum Penicillin, das unzählige Menschenleben gerettet und die moderne Medizin revolutioniert hat.
Interactive light source position estimation for augmented reality with an RGB‐D camera
Authors: Boom Bastiaan J. , Orts‐Escolano Sergio , Ning Xin X. , McDonagh Steven , Sandilands Peter , Fisher Robert B.
Published: December 2015

The first hybrid CPU‐GPU based method for estimating a point light source position in a scene recorded by an RGB‐D camera is presented. The image and depth information from the Kinect is enough to estimate a light position in a scene, which allows for the rendering of synthetic objects into a scene that appears realistic enough for augmented reality purposes. This method does not require a light probe or other physical device. To make this method suitable for augmented reality, we developed a hybrid implementation that performs light estimation in under 1second. This is sufficient for most augmented reality scenarios because both the position of the light source and the position of the Kinect are typically fixed. The method is able to estimate the angle of the light source with an average error of 20°. By rendering synthetic objects into the recorded scene, we illustrate that this accuracy is good enough for the rendered objects to look realistic. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characteristics and correlates of stealing in college students
Authors: Grant Jon E. , Odlaug Brian L. , Lust Katherine , Christenson Gary
Published: December 2015

Background

Stealing is a fairly common behaviour among young adults. Understanding the potential associations and characteristics of individuals who steal may help educational institutions, health services and young people themselves resolve difficulties before the behaviour impacts on their academic performance and health.

Aims

We aim to test the hypothesis that desires to steal among students would be associated with worse academic achievements and higher rates of mood and impulse control disorders.

Methods

One thousand eight hundred and five students completed the College Student Computer User Survey online and were included in this analysis at a large Midwestern United States University. Responders were grouped according to self‐reported stealing urges and behaviours and were compared on measures of psychosocial function, mental health disorders and impulsivity.

Results

Urges to steal were associated with worse depressive symptoms, higher levels of perceived stress and a number of psychiatric disorders including bipolar disorder and multiple disorders of impulse control (kleptomania, compulsive sexual behaviour, skin picking, trichotillomania and compulsive buying).

Conclusions and implications for practice and/or future research

These following data indicate that stealing for many college students may be considered within a spectrum of impulsive behaviours.

Illegal behaviours among students point to mental health difficulties among them.

Our findings may provide clinicians, researchers and health professionals with a clearer picture of a range of impulsive behaviours among college students and promote treatment for this group.

Our findings could also inform preventative approaches to impulsive problems in young adults. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of gender on the outcome of forensic psychiatric assessment in Sweden: A case vignette study
Authors: Sygel Kristina , Sturup Joakim , Fors Uno , Edberg Hanna , Gavazzeni Joakim , Howner Katarina , Persson Mats , Kristiansson Marianne
Published: December 2015

Background

Previous research suggests that female violent offenders at risk of a prison sentence are more likely than their male counterparts to be assessed as having mental health problems of a nature or degree that would lead to a court requirement for hospital treatment.

Aims/hypotheses

To test the hypothesis that there is bias towards hospital disposal of female compared with male violent offenders with mental disorder.

Methods

In Sweden, the National Board of Forensic Medicine oversees all assessments of mental disorder for the criminal courts. Twenty‐six Board appointed forensic psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers each independently assessed six case vignettes for fit with criteria for ‘severe mental disorder’, a prerequisite for hospital disposal from court. Each gender neutral vignette described a person who had been convicted of serious assault and had a major mental disorder. A gender was then assigned to each offender randomly within a block design, thus varying between sets. Participants were blind to the main aim of the study and the gender variation.

Results

There was no significant association between gender of the person assessed and judgement that s/he had a ‘severe mental disorder’. An offender depicted as having mental retardation was more likely to be assessed as at high risk of criminal recidivism if portrayed as female, regardless of the sex, place of work or level of experience of the assessor.

Conclusion

We found no evidence of gender bias in determining appropriateness of a hospital disposal of an offender with mental disorder. The difference in assessment of recidivism according to sex of the patient was only in relation to mental retardation; further research would be needed to able to interpret this. As researchers in other countries have reported gender bias in disposals from court, our findings may provide support for a centralised forensic psychiatric assessment board and formal, on‐going training. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hypertrichosis cubiti, a case report and literature review
Authors: Tng Vivian E.T. , de Zwaan Sally
Published: December 2015

Key Clinical Message

Hypertrichosis cubiti is an uncommon congenital hypertrichosis with links to genetic syndromes, both autosomal dominant and recessive, with variable penetrance and expressivity. It may also present in sporadic cases with no phenotypic abnormalities or family history.
Aqueous Sulfate Separation by Sequestration of [(SO4)2(H2O)4]4− Clusters within Highly Insoluble Imine‐Linked Bis‐Guanidinium Crystals
Authors: Custelcean Radu , Williams Neil J. , Seipp Charles A. , Ivanov Alexander S. , Bryantsev Vyacheslav S.
Published: December 2015

Selective crystallization of sulfate with a simple bis‐guanidinium ligand, self‐assembled in situ from terephthalaldehyde and aminoguanidinium chloride, was employed as an effective way to separate the highly hydrophilic sulfate anion from aqueous solutions. The resulting bis‐iminoguanidinium sulfate salt has exceptionally low aqueous solubility (Ksp=2.4×10−10), comparable to that of BaSO4. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis showed the sulfate anions are sequestered as [(SO4)2(H2O)4]4− clusters within the crystals. Variable‐temperature solubility measurements indicated the sulfate crystallization is slightly endothermic (ΔHcryst=3.7 kJ mol−1), thus entropy driven. The real‐world utility of this crystallization‐based approach for sulfate separation was demonstrated by removing up to 99 % of sulfate from seawater in a single step.
Evaluation of the Enzymatic Reactive Distillation for the Production of Chiral Compounds
Authors: Wierschem Matthias , Boll Stefan , Lutze Philip , Górak Andrzej
Published: December 2015

In this work we investigated the feasibility of resolution and production of chiral compounds in an enzymatic reactive distillation column. Here, the transesterification of racemic 1‐phenylethanol with isopropenyl acetate was chosen as the model system. Enzyme kinetics with the enzymatic catalyst Candida antarctica lipase B immobilized on polymer beads were investigated experimentally. Based on those, a detailed model of enzymatic reactive distillation was developed and a subsequent model‐based process analysis showed the achievement of high conversion rates and a full separation of the reaction products.
Cultivation of freshwater green alga Neochloris oleoabundans in non‐sterile media co‐inoculated with protozoa
Authors: Peng Licheng , Lan Christopher Q. , Zhang Zisheng
Published: December 2015

The effects of sodium bicarbonate on freshwater green alga Neochloris oleoabundans were evaluated with respect to cell growth, cell morphology, and control of protozoa contamination under non‐sterile conditions co‐inoculated with protozoa pre‐cultures. While culture collapse occurred in the control and the cultures containing 40 mmol/L NaHCO3 due to protozoa contamination, the addition of 160 or 200 mmol/L NaHCO3 could completely inhibit the growth of microalgae‐preying protozoa and allow safe cultivation of N. oleoabundans for co‐incubation with protozoa in non‐sterile media. These results suggest that well‐formulated media containing appropriate amounts of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) may enable low‐cost cultivation of freshwater microalgae in non‐sterile open systems.
Small‐Molecule Stabilization of the 14‐3‐3/Gab2 Protein–Protein Interaction (PPI) Interface
Authors: Bier David , Bartel Maria , Sies Katharina , Halbach Sebastian , Higuchi Yusuke , Haranosono Yu , Brummer Tilman , Kato Nobuo , Ottmann Christian
Published: December 2015

Small‐molecule modulation of protein–protein interactions (PPIs) is one of the most promising new areas in drug discovery. In the vast majority of cases only inhibition or disruption of PPIs is realized, whereas the complementary strategy of targeted stabilization of PPIs is clearly under‐represented. Here, we report the example of a semi‐synthetic natural product derivative—ISIR‐005—that stabilizes the cancer‐relevant interaction of the adaptor protein 14‐3‐3 and Gab2. The crystal structure of ISIR‐005 in complex with 14‐3‐3 and the binding motif of Gab2 comprising two phosphorylation sites (Gab2pS210pT391) showed how the stabilizing molecule binds to the rim‐of‐the‐interface of the protein complex. Only in the direct vicinity of 14‐3‐3/Gab2pT391 site is a pre‐formed pocket occupied by ISIR‐005; binding of the Gab2pS210 motif to 14‐3‐3 does not create an interface pocket suitable for the molecule. Accordingly, ISIR‐005 only stabilizes the binding of the Gab2pT391 but not the Gab2pS210 site. This study represents structural and biochemical proof of the druggability of the 14‐3‐3/Gab2 PPI interface with important implications for the development of PPI stabilizers.
Magnetite loaded Polypeptide‐PLGA multifunctional microbubbles for dual‐mode US/MR imaging
Authors: Sun Ying , Zhu Yunkai , Huang Can , Li Rongxin , Chen Yaqing , Duan Yourong
Published: December 2015

Magnetite loaded Polypeptide‐PLGA multifunctional microbubbles (Fe3O4/Polypeptide‐PLGA MMBs) that show superparamagnetic properties were prepared by a modified double emulsion method and employed as imaging agent for dual‐mode Ultrasound/Magnetic resonance (US/MR) imaging of prostatic cancer. The successful synthesis of MMBs was determined by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The as‐prepared MMBs had a diameter of 700 nm and were quite safe as confirmed by MTT assays. Prussian Blue Staining showed that targeted Fe3O4/Polypeptide‐PLGA MMBs enhanced the cellular uptake efficiency. In cell attachment study, adherence of MMBs was significantly higher to LNCaP cells compared with negative control PC3 cells. The in vitro results demonstrated that these MMBs could enhance both US and MR imaging of prostatic cancer. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A trait‐based framework for stream algal communities
Authors: Lange Katharina , Townsend Colin Richard , Matthaei Christoph David
Published: December 2015

The use of trait‐based approaches to detect effects of land use and climate change on terrestrial plant and aquatic phytoplankton communities is increasing, but such a framework is still needed for benthic stream algae. Here we present a conceptual framework of morphological, physiological, behavioural and life‐history traits relating to resource acquisition and resistance to disturbance. We tested this approach by assessing the relationships between multiple anthropogenic stressors and algal traits at 43 stream sites. Our “natural experiment” was conducted along gradients of agricultural land‐use intensity (0–95% of the catchment in high‐producing pasture) and hydrological alteration (0–92% streamflow reduction resulting from water abstraction for irrigation) as well as related physicochemical variables (total nitrogen concentration and deposited fine sediment). Strategic choice of study sites meant that agricultural intensity and hydrological alteration were uncorrelated. We studied the relationships of seven traits (with 23 trait categories) to our environmental predictor variables using general linear models and an information‐theoretic model‐selection approach. Life form, nitrogen fixation and spore formation were key traits that showed the strongest relationships with environmental stressors. Overall, FI (farming intensity) exerted stronger effects on algal communities than hydrological alteration. The large‐bodied, non‐attached, filamentous algae that dominated under high farming intensities have limited dispersal abilities but may cope with unfavourable conditions through the formation of spores. Antagonistic interactions between FI and flow reduction were observed for some trait variables, whereas no interactions occurred for nitrogen concentration and fine sediment. Our conceptual framework was well supported by tests of ten specific hypotheses predicting effects of resource supply and disturbance on algal traits. Our study also shows that investigating a fairly comprehensive set of traits can help shed light on the drivers of algal community composition in situations where multiple stressors are operating. Further, to understand non‐linear and non‐additive effects of such drivers, communities need to be studied along multiple gradients of natural variation or anthropogenic stressors.
Tricyclic Quinazoline Alkaloids Conjugated to Ferrocene: Synthesis, Structure, and Redox Behavior of Ferrocenylmethylene‐Substituted 7H‐Deoxyvasicinones
Authors: Elmuradov Burkhon , Shakhidoyatov Khusnutdin , Dräger Gerald , Butenschön Holger
Published: December 2015

The first organometallic derivatives of tricyclic quinazoline derivatives are prepared by condensation of the active C‐3 methylene group of 7H‐deoxyvasicinones with ferrocenecarbaldehyde. By following this route the conjugated parent alkaloid and derivatives with nitro, amino, as well as some alkanoylamino groups at C‐7 were attached at the ferrocene moiety, thereby significantly extending the π system. In addition, the parent compound was subjected to the reaction by treatment with ferrocene‐1,1′‐dicarbaldehyde, giving rise to the double condensation product, which is only the second case of a 1,1′‐disubstituted ferrocene derivative with two alkaloid substituents. A number of the compounds obtained were subjected to X‐ray crystallographic analyses. In all cases, the substituents adopt a coplanar conformation with the ferrocene cyclopentadienyl ligands. The influence of the substituents at C‐7 through the extended conjugated π system on the iron atom is reflected by results of cyclic voltammetric measurements as well as by DFT calculations.
Biomimetic Sensor for Dobutamine Employing Nano‐ TiO2/Nafion/Carbon Nanoparticles Modified Electrode
Authors: Shahrokhian Saeed , Ghalkhani Masoumeh , Kohansal Razieh , Mohammadi Rahim
Published: December 2015

A novel voltammetric biosensor based on nano‐TiO2/nafion/carbon nanoparticles modified glassy carbon electrode (TiO2/N/CNP/GCE) was developed for the determination of dobutamine (DBA). Characterization of the surface morphology and property of TiO2/N/CNP layer was carried out by the scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The electrochemical performance of the modified electrode was investigated by means of the cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques. Effective experimental variables, such as the scan rate, pH of the supporting electrolyte, drop size of the casted modifier suspension and accumulation conditions of DBA on the surface of TiO2/N/CNP/GCE were optimized. Under the optimized conditions, a significant electrochemical improvement was observed toward the electro‐oxidation of DBA on the surface of TiO2/N/CNP/GCE compared to the bare GCE. Under the optimized conditions, a wide linear dynamic range (6 nM–1 µM) with a low detection limit of 2 nM for DBA was resulted. The prepared modified electrode shows high sensitivity, stability and good reproducibility in the determination of DBA concentrations. Satisfactory results were obtained for DBA analysis in the pharmaceutical and clinical preparations using TiO2/N/CNP/GCE.
Reproductive toxicity of binary and ternary mixture combinations of nickel, zinc, and lead to Ceriodaphnia dubia is best predicted with the independent action model
Authors: Nys Charlotte , Janssen Colin R. , Blust Ronny , Smolders Erik , De Schamphelaere Karel A.C.
Published: December 2015

Metals occur as mixtures in the environment. Risk assessment procedures for metals currently lack a framework to incorporate chronic metal mixture toxicity. In the present study, the toxicity of binary and ternary mixture combinations of Ni, Zn, and Pb was investigated in 3 large-scale experiments using the standard chronic (7-d) Ceriodaphnia dubia reproductive toxicity test. These metals were selected because of anticipated differences in mode of action. The toxicity of the metals in most mixtures, expressed as either free metal ion activities or as dissolved metal concentrations, were antagonistic relative to the concentration addition model, whereas no significant (p < 0.05) interactive effects were observed relative to the independent action model. The only exception was the binary Pb–Zn mixture, for which mixture effects were noninteractive based on the dissolved concentrations, but antagonistic based on free ion activities all relative to the independent action model. Overall, the independent action model fitted the observed toxicity better than the concentration addition model, which is consistent with the different modes of action of these metals. The concentration addition model mostly overestimated toxicity. Finally, the present study warns against extrapolation of the type of interactive effects between species, even when they are closely related. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:1796–1805. © 2015 SETAC
Small Sample Kernel Association Tests for Human Genetic and Microbiome Association Studies
Authors: Chen Jun , Chen Wenan , Zhao Ni , Wu Michael C. , Schaid Daniel J.
Published: December 2015

Kernel machine based association tests (KAT) have been increasingly used in testing the association between an outcome and a set of biological measurements due to its power to combine multiple weak signals of complex relationship with the outcome through the specification of a relevant kernel. Human genetic and microbiome association studies are two important applications of KAT. However, the classic KAT framework relies on large sample theory, and conservativeness has been observed for small sample studies, especially for microbiome association studies. The common approach for addressing the small sample problem relies on computationally intensive resampling methods. Here, we derive an exact test for KAT with continuous traits, which resolve the small sample conservatism of KAT without the need for resampling. The exact test has significantly improved power to detect association for microbiome studies. For binary traits, we propose a similar approximate test, and we show that the approximate test is very powerful for a wide range of kernels including common variant‐ and microbiome‐based kernels, and the approximate test controls the type I error well for these kernels. In contrast, the sequence kernel association tests have slightly inflated genomic inflation factors after small sample adjustment. Extensive simulations and application to a real microbiome association study are used to demonstrate the utility of our method.
Emotion Regulation in At‐Risk Preschoolers: Longitudinal Associations and Influences of Maternal Histories of Risk
Authors: August Elana G. , Stack Dale M. , Martin‐Storey Alexa , Serbin Lisa A. , Ledingham Jane , Schwartzman Alex E.
Published: December 2015

Emotion regulation is a key challenge of early childhood. The present study examined emotion regulation behaviour longitudinally from infancy to preschool. The continuity of emotion regulation was explored within the larger ecological context of maternal childhood histories of aggression and social withdrawal and maternal use of constructive and non‐constructive behaviours. Forty‐five mothers with childhood histories of aggression or social withdrawal from the Concordia Longitudinal Risk Project, a prospective, longitudinal, intergenerational study, participated with their preschool children. Infants' emotion regulation behaviour was observed during interactions with their mothers when they were 5½ months of age. Emotion regulation in these same children as preschoolers was coded during an interference task using the Preschooler Self‐Regulatory Scheme. Longitudinal findings demonstrated continuity in children's use of emotion regulation behaviours from infancy to preschool. Higher maternal childhood histories of risk, specifically social withdrawal, contributed to the prediction of preschoolers' increased attention‐seeking behaviours. Mothers' use of non‐constructive verbalizations predicted more maladaptive styles of emotion regulation in their preschoolers. The findings highlight the importance of helping children develop adaptive emotion regulation skills from a young age and have implications for the design of preventive intervention programmes to help parents foster children's emotion regulation abilities. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate composites with bioactive glass as second phase: State of the art and current applications
Authors: Bellucci Devis , Sola Antonella , Cannillo Valeria
Published: December 2015

Calcium phosphates are among the most common biomaterials employed in orthopaedic and dental surgery. The efficacy of such systems as bone substitutes and bioactive coatings on metallic prostheses has been proved by several clinical studies. Among these materials, hydroxyapatite (HA) and tricalcium phosphate (TCP) play a prominent role in medical practice since the ‘80s. In the last years, numerous attempts to combine HA or TCP with bioactive glasses have been made. There are two main motivations for sintering calcium phosphates with a glassy phase: on the one hand, it is possible to tune the dissolution of the final system and to enhance its biological response through the synergistic combination of two bioactive phases; on the other hand, the glass acts as a sintering aid with the aim to increase the densification of the composite and thus its mechanical strength. In this sense, TCP and HA are penalized by their relatively poor fracture toughness and tensile strength compared to natural bone, which makes it impossible to use them in load‐bearing applications. Moreover, the bioactivity index of pure calcium phosphates is typically lower with respect to that of many bioactive glasses. In this review, the state of the art and current applications of composites, based on HA or TCP with bioactive glass as second phase, are presented and discussed. A special emphasis is given to the processing and mechanical behaviour of these systems, together with their biological implications, as a function of the composition of the glass employed as second phase. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 1030–1056, 2016.
Molecular epidemiology of enteric viruses in patients with acute gastroenteritis in Aichi prefecture, Japan, 2008/09−2013/14
Authors: Nakamura Noriko , Kobayashi Shinichi , Minagawa Hiroko , Matsushita Tadashi , Sugiura Wataru , Iwatani Yasumasa
Published: December 2015

Acute gastroenteritis is a critical infectious disease that affects infants and young children throughout the world, including Japan. This retrospective study was conducted from September 2008 to August 2014 (six seasons: 2008/09–2013/14) to investigate the incidence of enteric viruses responsible for 1,871 cases of acute gastroenteritis in Aichi prefecture, Japan. Of the 1,871 cases, 1,100 enteric viruses were detected in 978 samples, of which strains from norovirus (NoV) genogroup II (60.9%) were the most commonly detected, followed by strains of rotavirus A (RVA) (23.2%), adenovirus (AdV) type 41 (8.2%), sapovirus (SaV) (3.6%), human astrovirus (HAstV) (2.8%), and NoV genogroup I (1.3%). Sequencing of the NoV genogroup II (GII) strains revealed that GII.4 was the most common genotype, although four different GII.4 variants were also identified. The most common G‐genotype of RVA was G1 (63.9%), followed by G3 (27.1%), G2 (4.7%) and G9 (4.3%). Three genogroups of SaV strains were found: GI (80.0%), GII (15.0%), and GV (5.0%). HAstV strains were genotyped as HAstV‐1 (80.6%), HAstV‐8 (16.1%), and HAstV‐3 (3.2%). These results show that NoV GII was the leading cause of sporadic acute viral gastroenteritis, although a variety of enteric viruses were detected during the six‐season surveillance period. J. Med. Virol. 88:1180–1186, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
What Facilitates Cultural Entrepreneurship? – A Study of Indian Cultural Entrepreneurs
Authors: Sardana Deepak
Published: December 2015

The importance of a ‘cultural industry’ to a national economy and the development of a “creative society” has grown increasingly. However, research on cultural entrepreneurship is in its early stages and is yet to catch the attention of mainstream entrepreneurship and creativity scholars. In this article the objective is to enhance our knowledge and understanding of the key aspects that cultural entrepreneurs find facilitating their entrepreneurship. Studying Indian cultural entrepreneurs and applying a qualitative method, this paper identifies seven such aspects: cultural value creation, intrinsic motivation and external recognition, minimized risk, contextual understanding, innovation and learning, perseverance and ethical pursuit of cultural activity, and social networks.
Fabrication and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy of single Au@SiO2 dimers linked by benzenedithiol
Authors: Guo Qinghua , Xu Minmin , Yuan Yaxian , Gu Renao , Yao Jianlin
Published: December 2015

Metal nanoparticle dimers with controllable gap distance have attracted considerable attention because of their promising application in plasmonics. Generally, gaps with nanometer or subnanometer dimensions generate localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) coupling effect, thus contributing to a strong electromagnetic field for improving surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) effect. Here, we developed a facile approach to fabricate Au@SiO2 dimers through the steric hindrance effect, in which the SiO2 shell functioned as a block and a rigid dithiol molecule was employed as linker. The thickness of the SiO2 shell played a critical role in improving the yield of dimers. The dimerization efficiency increased significantly as the shell thickness decreased to ~1 nm. When 1,4‐benzenedithiol was used as linker molecule, the yield of dimers was ~30%. Few dimers were obtained when mecaptobenzonic acid was used as linker. A thicker shell is associated with a low yield of dimer, whereas a thinner shell resulted in the formation of multimers and linear structures. The low number of linker molecules on the exposed area of monodisperse single nanoparticles and the lack of LSPR coupling effect (‘hot spots’) resulted in the disappearance of SERS signals of the linkers. The estimated SERS enhancement factor was about eight fold because of the strong coupling effect in the gap of the dimer with the distance of the dithiol molecular length. From the above results, SERS combined with SEM could be developed into powerful tools for monitoring the formation of dimers and positioning of single dimers. It may aid the control of assembly of Au nanoparticles and in probing key issues about SERS enhancements. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Advanced instantaneous shifted‐excitation Raman difference spectroscopy (iSERDS) using a laser pointer
Authors: Grüber Klaas , Kiefer Johannes
Published: December 2015

Shifted‐excitation Raman difference spectroscopy (SERDS) is an established experimental method for obtaining Raman spectra from fluorescing samples. However, great care must be taken when the experiment is carried out. Some experimental parameters such as the intensity and the wavelength shift are very sensitive, and small inaccuracies in the settings can result in significant artifacts in the reconstructed Raman spectrum. Instantaneous shifted‐excitation Raman difference spectroscopy (iSERDS) using a broadband light source provides a certain flexibility regarding the parameter settings because there are multiple pairs of shifted wavelength spectra recorded simultaneously. The present work demonstrates the first experimental implementation of iSERDS using a commercial laser pointer as a moderately broadband excitation source. Employing a transmission grating for spatially dispersing the laser radiation in the measurement volume simplifies the experiment significantly compared with the previous iSERDS method that employs two reflection gratings for this purpose. Moreover, an evaluation strategy is developed based on a systematic investigation of the influence the main experimental parameters (i.e. the wavelength shift, the intensity, and noise) have on the SERDS spectrum and on the derived Raman spectrum. Recommendations on the optimal choice of settings in iSERDS and conventional SERDS experiments are made. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design of aqueous two‐phase systems for purification of hyaluronic acid produced by metabolically engineered Lactococcus lactis
Authors: Rajendran Vivek , Puvendran Kirubhakaran , Guru Bharath Raja , Jayaraman Guhan
Published: December 2015

Hyaluronic acid has a wide range of biomedical applications and its commercial value is highly dependent on its purity and molecular weight. This study highlights the utility of aqueous two‐phase separation as a primary recovery step for hyaluronic acid and for removal of major protein impurities from fermentation broths. Metabolically engineered cultures of a lactate dehydrogenase mutant strain of Lactococcus lactis (L. lactis NZ9020) were used to produce high‐molecular‐weight hyaluronic acid. The cell‐free fermentation broth was partially purified using a polyethylene glycol/potassium phosphate system, resulting in nearly 100% recovery of hyaluronic acid in the salt‐rich bottom phase in all the aqueous two‐phase separation experiments. These experiments were optimized for maximum removal of protein impurities in the polyethylene glycol rich top phase. The removal of protein impurities resulted in substantial reduction of membrane fouling in the subsequent diafiltration process, carried out with a 300 kDa polyether sulfone membrane. This step resulted in considerable purification of hyaluronic acid, without any loss in recovery and molecular weight. Diafiltration was followed by an adsorption step to remove minor impurities and achieve nearly 100% purity. The final hyaluronic acid product was characterized by Fourier‐transform IR and NMR spectroscopy, confirming its purity.
Electrochemical studies of the galvanic coupling zinc/pipeline steel in the presence of an applied alternating current
Authors: Tang D. Z. , Du Y. X. , Liang Y. , Lu M. X. , Jiang Z. T.
Published: December 2015

The effects of alternating current on the galvanic coupling zinc/pipeline steel were investigated in 4 g/L Na2SO4 simulated backfill solution by weight‐loss measurements for 96 hr, electrochemical measurements, and surface examinations. Alternating current accelerates the dissolution of zinc significantly but reduces the corrosion rate of pipeline steel. Under an applied alternating current, zinc DC potential shifts negatively while the DC potential shift direction of pipeline steel is closely related to the value of alternating current density. When the alternating current density is low the DC potential shifts negatively. It, however, shifts positively under higher alternating current density. Besides, the coupling current increases with alternating current density.
Correlation of corrosion resistance of dental alloy restorations with oral lichen planus pathology
Authors: Andrei M. , Tovaru S. , Parlatescu I. , Gheorghe C. , Pirvu C.
Published: December 2015

In this article, the corrosion processes that occur in metallic fixed dental restorations from a group of patients with oral lichen planus are investigated throughout electrochemical characterizations. Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a non‐infectious, chronic, autoimmune disorder, of unknown aetiology, which involves the oral mucosa and sometimes, it has a malignant transformation. The presence of oral metals is incriminated as a trigger factor in the pathology of OLP. In order to emphasise this influence, the alloys recovered after the removal of some old metal restorations in OLP patients were analysed. Their composition was determined by energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. Open circuit potential measurements, Tafel analysis and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were also carried out. The studied alloys were high copper alloys and chromium–nickel base alloys with different electrochemical behaviour. The results suggested a correlation between corrosion process in the oral environment and oral lichen planus pathology.
Styrene Butadiene Rubber/Carbon Filler‐Based Vapor Sensors
Authors: Tabačiarová Jana , Krajči Juraj , Pionteck Jürgen , Reuter Uta , Omastová Mária , Mičušík Matej
Published: December 2015

The elastomeric composites using styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) as the polymeric matrix with two types of carbon nanofillers, carbon black and carbon nanotubes, are prepared by melt mixing with the aim to use them as sensors of organic gases for monitoring industrial environments. The prepared composites contain various amounts of conducting nanofillers and are cross‐linked before examination for gas sensing. The electrical conductivity of the prepared composites is measured and the percolation threshold is calculated for both types of composites. The first aim is to determine compositions slightly above the percolation threshold for later testing of the sensing properties. Swelling/deswelling experiments have also been performed. The dispersion of conducting fillers in SBR matrix is studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopy techniques, and the mechanical properties of the pure matrix and all prepared composites are determined by tensile testing. Three organic gases, toluene, tetrahydrofuran, and n‐hexane, in various mixtures with air are used to examine the ability of the prepared composites to react in their presence by changing the electrical properties. Cyclability of the sensing performance of the composites is also examined. Sensing results reveal the suitability of the prepared SBR‐based materials as sensors for harmful solvents and gases widely used in industry.

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Investigation of an Abnormal α Polymorph Formation in Miscible PVDF Nanocomposite Blend Using Kinetics of Crystallization
Authors: Abolhasani Mohammad Mahdi , Ashjari Mohsen , Azimi Sara , Fashandi Hossein
Published: December 2015

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/acrylic rubber (ACM)/Nanoclay miscible nanocomposite blends are prepared using melt‐mixing method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy is employed to investigate the real‐time conformational changes of PVDF chain segments during crystallization of corresponding nanocomposite blends under isothermal condition. This analysis demonstrates the formation of α polymorph in nanocomposite blends, which is quite abnormal compared to polymorphism of PVDF nanocomposite. Differential scanning calorimetry technique is also conducted to study the isothermal crystallization kinetic of the mentioned system. Furthermore, Avrami equation is employed to evaluate the overall crystallization rate. It is shown that addition of nanoclay to PVDF/ACM miscible blends slightly affects Avrami parameters. According to Lauritzen–Hoffman theory, the presence of crystals is observed at regime II of crystallization. Free energy of folding of miscible nanocomposite blends is comparable with that of miscible blends, suggesting the fact that PVDF molecules interact with ACM chains within nanocomposite blends, whereas nanoclay particles are wrapped by ACM molecules. De Gennes’ theory is used to explain the emergence of a different polymorph in miscible nanocomposite blends compared to that in PVDF nanocomposites.

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Erprobungsmethodik für zyklisch überelastisch beanspruchte Bauteile unter Torsion – Bauschinger‐Kenngrößen für 54SiCr6
Authors: Thomisch M. , Kletzin U. , Kley M. , Beyer P.
Published: December 2015

In Antriebsträngen kommen viele torsionsbelastete Bauteile zum Einsatz. Insbesondere Wellen und Federn sind hier zu nennen. Speziell bei klassischen Schraubenfedern, wird der Werkstoff hauptsächlich auf Torsion beansprucht. Normalerweise erfährt eine Feder im Betrieb lediglich elastische Beanspruchungen. Wird die Elastizitätsgrenze überschritten, verformt sich die Geometrie der Feder bleibend. Die plastische Formänderung bei einmaligem Überschreiten der Elastizitätsgrenze lässt sich relativ einfach unter Zuhilfenahme der Fließgrenze bestimmen. Überschreiten allerdings mehrere wechselnde Lastzyklen die elastische Grenze, ist eine Bestimmung des Verformungs‐ und Spannungszustands nicht mehr ohne weiteres möglich. Insbesondere die Ver‐ und Entfestigungsmechanismen spielen für das plastische Materialverhalten eine entscheidende Rolle. Nach heutigem Stand ist dieses Verhalten für hochfeste Federstähle noch nicht ausreichend untersucht. Vorliegender Artikel zeigt die Ermittlung verschiedener Bauschinger‐Parameter bzw. Kenngrößen für plastische Torsionsbelastung am Werkstoff 54SiCr6.

Es kann gezeigt werden, dass für den Werkstoff 54SiCr6 unter Torsionsbelastung zum einen der Bauschingereffekt nachgewiesen werden kann und zum anderen die notwendigen Bauschinger‐Parameter mit der dargestellten Versuchsmethodik ermittelt werden können. Durch die gewonnen Daten ist eine Berechnung des Spannungs‐ und Verformungszustands, sei es analytisch oder numerisch, nach zyklischer plastischer Torsionsbelastung möglich.

Aus den Messungen lassen sich sowohl der Anstieg der Schubtangente als auch die plastische Rückschiebung jeweils in Abhängigkeit von der plastischen Schiebung ableiten. Generell kann festgestellt werden:

– Der Anstieg der Schubtangente sinkt mit zunehmender plastischer Schiebung.

– Der Anstieg der Schubtangente hat ab einer gewissen plastischen Schiebung und darüber hinaus einen bleibenden Wert.

– Die plastische Rückschiebung nimmt mit steigender plastischer Dehnung zu.