bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Response Surface Methodology for Economic and Environmental Trade-offs at the Farm Level
Authors: Ascough James C. , Fathelrahman Eihab M. , Hoag Dana L.
Published: June 2013

United States farmers typically spend over $10 billion annually on commercial fertilizer. Chemical inputs such as nitrogen (N) are essential for maintaining crop yields; however, farmers often apply excessive N inputs as an insurance policy. Nitrogen fertilizer consumption in the U.S. quadrupled from 3 million metric tons in 1961 to over 12 million metric tons in 2004, and per ha N fertilizer use quadrupled. Increase in N use has been associated with the impairment of U.S. streams, lakes, and aquifers. The objective of this research study was to develop an integrated farm-level economic/environmental risk framework for trade-off analysis between farm profitability and environmental externalities (impacts). Results indicated that there was no single point of optimal trade-off between farm profitability and the environment. Additionally, trade-offs between farm profit and environmental impacts varied significantly depending on the choice of cropping or tillage system.
CIINE Reflects Collagenase-Specific CII Breakdown in Cartilage Explant and Whole Body of Canine
Authors: Matsukawa Satoko , Tanimura Miki , Toyosaki-Maeda Tomoko , Noda Akihiro , Kobayashi Mika , Yamauchi Akira , Onoda Junji , Tsuji Toshinaga , Takahashi Tatsuya , Matsuo Yoshiyuki , Fukui Naoshi
Published: June 2013

To evaluate collagenase inhibitors for the treatment of osteoarthritis and to correlate them with clinical pathology, canine cartilage explant and anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) models were examined by quantifying the CII neoepitope (CIINE). This peptide is a putative marker for collagenase-specific type II collagen (CII) degradation, which is a critical step in osteoarthritis pathology.

The concentration of CIINE in supernatants of canine cartilage explants showed increase upon IL-1β—stimulation and collagenase inhibitors suppressed this elevation of CIINE. In the canine ACLT model, levels of CIINE in urine (uCIINE) increased as lesions of knee joint cartilage developed and decreased in response to collagenase inhibitors.

Our results suggest that CIINE reflects collagenase-specific CII degradation in canine explants and whole bodies. It is anticipated that these data will establish a tool for clarifying and bridging the efficacy and mechanism of collagenase inhibitors at the preclinical stage of drug discovery.
Los sitios Web de centros de investigación biosanitaria de Castilla y León. Un análisis cibermétrico
Authors: Sánchez Pita Fernando , Alonso Berrocal José Luis
Published: June 2013

Los sitios web institucionales son fuentes de contenidos donde entidad y usuario cruzan intereses en busca de objetivos comunes. Desde la presente investigación se aborda el análisis de este tipo de recursos digitales con una visión estructural de los mismos, más allá de su diseño o de la calidad de los contenidos que alojan.  Metodología. Para ello se realiza un estudio desde el análisis de redes sociales, apoyado en la cibermetría, para conocer la composición de los sitios web de cada centro de investigación biosanitaria de Castilla y León. Se presentan diferentes propiedades de las estructuras de red, así como medidas topológicas con las que conocer las páginas más importantes de cada sitio web en función de los flujos de información, lo cual repercutirá en la visibilidad de los contenidos que se pretendan difundir. Resultados. Los resultados obtenidos indican que existen ciertos puntos de mejora en la estructura de los sitios web analizados, al detectarse exiguas tramas de relaciones informativas o páginas de inicio con poca relevancia sobre el conjunto. Conclusiones. Finalmente, tras la evaluación de resultados, se ha concluido que existen carencias en los sitios web analizados. Ello supone deficiencias que afectarán a los objetivos en base a los cuales se conciben este tipo de sitios web, dificultando, desde la propia estructura, la difusión de contenidos y la visibilidad de los mismos.
An in vitro Evaluation of Microtensile Bond Strength of Resin-based Sealer with Dentin Treated with Diode and Nd:YAG Laser
Authors: Kumar G Anil , Das Maneesha , Ramesh Sindhu , Garapati Surendranath
Published: June 2013

Background

Smear layer is a negative factor which prevents adhesion of the filling material to the dentinal walls. Recent advances in dental research have incorporated lasers as a potential adjunct in root canal treatment by removing the smear layer before filling the root canal system, enhancing the adhesion of sealers to dentin and improving the sealing ability.

Aim

To evaluate the microtensile bond strength of AH-Plus resin-based sealer to dentin after treatment with 980 nm diode and 1,064 nm neodymium-doped:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laserin vitro.

Materials and methods

Thirty specimens prepared for three groups namely group I (control), group II (980 nm diode–lased specimens) and group III (Nd:YAG–lased specimens). One tooth from each group was observed under scanning electron microscope for evaluation of intracanal root dentin morphology. Remaining specimens were used for making microsections by hard tissue microtome. Specimens for groups II and III were lased with 980 nm diode and 1,064 nm Nd:YAG laser. AH Plus sealer was applied onto specimens and mounted onto Instron universal testing machine for microtensile bond strength testing. Results were subjected to statistical analysis using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test.

Results

Group III Nd:YAG had maximum mean microtensile bond strength values (11.558 ± 0.869), followed by group II diode (9.073 ± 0.468) and group I control (6.05 ± 0.036). Statistically significant differences were seen among all the groups. SEM analysis shows removal of smear layer in both groups II and III.

Conclusion

Both Nd:YAG and diode laser were more effective than control group in improving the microtensile bond strength of AH Plus sealer to dentin.

Clinical significance

Lasers have the potential to increase the adhesiveness of root canal sealer to dentin surface, thereby improving the quality of root canal obturation.

How to cite this article

Maneesha D, Anil KG, Sindhu R, Surendranath G, Deepak S. Anin vitroEvaluation of Microtensile Bond Strength of Resin-based Sealer with Dentin Treated with Diode and Nd:YAG Laser. J Contemp Dent Pract 2013;14(2): 183-187.
Relative Contributions of Surface Roughness and Crystalline Structure to the Biocompatibility of Titanium Nitride and Titanium Oxide Coatings Deposited by PVD and TPS Coatings
Authors: Yeniyol Sinem , Bölükbaşı Nilüfer , Bilir Ayhan , Çakır Ali Fuat , Yeniyol Mefail , Ozdemir Tayfun
Published: June 2013

This study was conducted to characterize titanium (Ti) metal surfaces modified by polishing, coating with titanium nitride, coating with titanium oxide, sandblasting with alumina (Al2O3) particles and coating with titanium oxide, coating with titanium plasma spray (TPS); and to evaluate the effect of surface roughness and crystalline structure on adhesion of human fetal osteoblast cells (CRL-11372) in vitro after 24 hours. Surface topography and roughness were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and a noncontacting optical profilometer, respectively. The crystalline structures of the coatings were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). CRL-11372 cells were incubated at these surfaces for 24 h and were evaluated for their mean total cell counts and cell viabilities. Cell morphologies were examined qualitatively by SEM images. Glass discs served as control group (CG) for the cell culture experiments. Surfaces at the Group TPS had the highest Ra and Rz values. Highest mean total cell counts were found for the CG. SC (sandblasted and TiO2 coated) surfaces had shown sparsely oriented CRL-11372 cells while other surfaces and CG showed confluency. Surfaces displayed diverse crystalline structures. Crystalline structures led to different cellular adhesion responses among the groups regardless of the surface roughness values.
Sensory and Textural Evaluation of Gluten-Free Bread Substituted With Amaranth and Montina™ Flour
Authors: Breshears Karen L. , Crowe Kristi M.
Published: June 2013

The objective of this study was to develop a nutrient-dense gluten-free bread (GFB) using either amaranth or Montina™ flour in a standardized gluten-free lean breadrecipe for the purpose of comparing the nutritional, sensory, and objective qualities of the developed breads to a commercially-marketed GFB. Participants (n=222)included individuals who typically eat a gluten-free diet and those who eat a non-restricted diet. The non-restricted diet group was used to assess product acceptability in the general population and to determine product marketability among those without gluten restrictions. Nutritionally, both developed breads provided at least 26% more iron than the commercial GFB and > 40% more fiber while the amaranth bread provided twice as much folate. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in sensory attributes (appearance, texture, flavor, tenderness, and overall acceptability) of both amaranth- and Montina™-based breads were not reported between the groups. Based on sensory scores using a 9-point Hedonic scale, the commercial GFB was preferred over either developed bread and the Montina™-based bread was preferred over the amaranth-based bread. Significant differences in bread hardness were not detected among the tested GFB, yet commercial GFB slices exhibited the largest and most consistent cell size throughout. Results suggest that amaranth and Montina™ flours assist in improving the nutritional quality of GFB, yet additional testing is needed to assist in formulation modifications of this standardized lean bread recipe in order to produce a product similar in sensory qualities to commercially-marketed GFB.
Definite integrals of generalized certain class of incomplete elliptic integrals
Authors: Dubey Ravi Shanker , L.Chaurasia V. B.
Published: June 2013

Elliptic- integral have their importance and potential in certain problems in radiation physics and nuclear technology, studies of crystallographic minimal surfaces, the theory of scattering of acoustic or electromagnetic waves by means of an elliptic disk, studies of elliptical crack problems in fracture mechanics. A number of earlier works on the subject contains remarkably large number of general families of elliptic- integrals and indeed also many definite integrals of such families with respect to their modulus (or complementary modulus) are known to arise naturally. Motivated essentially by these and many other potential avenues of their applications, our aim here is to give a systematic account of the theory of a certain family of generalized incomplete elliptic integrals in a unique and generalized manner. The results established in this paper are of manifold generality and basic in nature. By making use of the familiar Riemann-Liouville fractional differ integral operators, we establish many explicit hypergeometric representations and apply these representation in deriving several definite integrals pertaining to their, not only with respect to the modulus (or complementary modulus), but also with respect to the amplitude of generalized incomplete elliptic integrals involved therein.
Rainfall, Soil Water Content, and Groundwater Levels at the Riverlands Nature Reserve (South Africa)
Authors: Jovanovic Nebo , Bugan Richard D. H. , Israel Sumaya
Published: June 2013

Quantified medium- and long-term hydrological datasets are scarce in South Africa, yet they are essential to gain understanding of natural systems, contribute to ecosystem conservation, and ultimately quantify water balance processes accurately. A hydrological experiment was carried out at Riverlands Nature Reserve (Western Cape, South Africa) in order to quantify the components of the soil water balance at experimental sites occupied by endemic and invasive vegetation. In two separate follow-up projects, five-year time series were collected in three treatments, namely, endemic fynbos vegetation, bare soil, and land invaded by Acacia saligna. Rainfall was recorded daily with a manual rain gauge. Groundwater levels were logged hourly at 14 boreholes. Volumetric soil water contents and soil temperatures were logged hourly at different depths in the soil profile. Groundwater levels and soil water contents responded to rainfall with very clear seasonal trends. The data can be applied in water balance and evapotranspiration studies, unsaturated flux studies, soil temperature profile studies, and rainfall-groundwater level response analysis and for calibrating and validating a wide range of hydrological models.
Sirenomelia after phenobarbital and carbamazepine therapy in pregnancy
Authors: Tica Oana Sorina , Tica Andrei Adrian , Brailoiu Cristina Gabriela , Cernea Nicolae , Tica Vlad Iustin
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND

Epilepsy still remains a serious challenge for any obstetrician due to the potential teratogenicity of all antiepileptics. However, without appropriate maternal therapy the seizures can reappear, with direct negative impact on fetus. Currently, sirenomelia is the most severe caudal pole dysgenesis, consequent to an abnormal vascular supply development in the fetal lower body.

CASE REPORT

We report a stillborn, GA/LMP = 37weeks, delivered by an epileptic woman, who received in the first four months of pregnancy phenobarbital (PH) 0.1 g/day and carbamazepine (CMZ) 0.4 g/day, followed only by PH 0.1 g/day, until delivery. The stillborn, weighing 2200 g, presented sirenomelia type II, with some of its “classic” features: oligohydramnios, absence of kidneys, bladder, rectum, uterus, and a single umbilical artery. Some other “particularities” included: no Potter's facies and no significant cardio‐pulmonary abnormalities.

DISCUSSION

Since PH and CMZ alone are responsible, commonly, for mild abnormalities, we hypothesized that combined therapy with PH and CMZ (both strong enzyme‐inductors, especially PH) potentiated their teratogenicity, by producing supplementary quantities of epoxides and/or other oxides, which accumulated in the fetal tissues. Except for sirenomelia, all other mild abnormalities, theoretically associated with “fetal CMZ and/or PH syndrome,” are rarely observed, fact which demonstrates the drug–drug interactions between the two antiepileptics.

CONCLUSION

This report highlights the possibility that PH/CBZ therapy during fetal organogenesis can induce sirenomelia, by a synergistic teratogenic effect and support the recommendation to use only one drug in pregnant epileptic women. A careful ultrasound monitoring of these patients is mandatory due to the teratogenic risk of both seizures and therapy. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 97:425–428, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Recreating a human trabecular meshwork outflow system on microfabricated porous structures
Authors: Torrejon Karen Y. , Pu Dennis , Bergkvist Magnus , Danias John , Sharfstein Susan T. , Xie Yubing
Published: June 2013

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness, resulting from an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP). IOP is the only modifiable risk factor of glaucoma and is controlled by the outflow of the aqueous humor through the human trabecular meshwork (HTM). Currently, the lack of a proper in vitro HTM model impedes advances in understanding outflow physiology and discovering effective IOP‐lowering anti‐glaucoma therapeutics. Therefore, we designed and constructed an in vitro HTM model using micropatterned, porous SU‐8 scaffolds, which support cells to recapitulate functional HTM morphology and allow the study of outflow physiology. The pore size of SU‐8 scaffolds, surface coating, cell seeding density, and culture duration were evaluated for HTM cell growth. The bioengineered HTM was characterized by F‐actin staining and immunocytochemistry of HTM markers. A stand‐alone perfusion chamber with an integrated pressure sensing system was further constructed and used for the investigation of the outflow facility of the bioengineered HTM treated with latrunculin B—an IOP lowering agent. Cells in the in vitro model exhibited HTM‐like morphology, expression of α‐smooth muscle actin, myocilin, and αB‐crystallin, outflow characteristics and drug responsiveness. Altogether, we have developed an in vitro HTM model system for understanding HTM cell biology and screening of pharmacological or biological agents that affect trabecular outflow facility, expediting discovery of IOP‐lowering, anti‐glaucoma therapeutics. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013;110: 3205–3218. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Automated disposable small scale reactor for high throughput bioprocess development: A proof of concept study
Authors: Bareither Rachel , Bargh Neil , Oakeshott Robert , Watts Kathryn , Pollard David
Published: June 2013

The acceleration of bioprocess development for biologics and vaccines can be enabled by automated high throughput technologies. This will alleviate the significant resource burden from the multi‐factorial statistical experimentation required for controlling product quality attributes of complex biologics. Recent technology advances have improved clone evaluation and screening, but have struggled to combine the scale down criteria required for both high cell density cell culture and microbial processes, with sufficient automation and disposable technologies to accelerate process development. This article describes the proof of concept evaluations of an automated disposable small scale reactor for high throughput upstream process development. Characterization studies established the small scale stirred tank disposable 250 mL reactor as similar to those of lab and pilot scale. The reactor generated equivalent process performance for industrial biologics processes for therapeutic protein and monoclonal antibody production using CHO cell culture, Pichia pastoris and E. coli. This included similar growth, cell viability, product titer, and product quality. The technology was shown to be robust across multiple runs and met the requirements for the ability to run high cell density processes (>400 g/L wet cell weight) with exponential feeds and sophisticated event triggered processes. Combining this reactor into an automated array of reactors will ultimately be part of a high throughput process development strategy. This will combine upstream, small scale purification with rapid analytics that will dramatically shorten timelines and costs of developing biological processes. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013;110: 3126–3138. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Benzene and sulfide removal from groundwater treated in a microbial fuel cell
Authors: Rakoczy Jana , Feisthauer Stefan , Wasmund Kenneth , Bombach Petra , Neu Thomas R. , Vogt Carsten , Richnow Hans H.
Published: June 2013

Sulfidic benzene‐contaminated groundwater was used to fuel a two‐chambered microbial fuel cell (MFC) over a period of 770 days. We aimed to understand benzene and sulfide removal processes in the anoxic anode chamber and describe the microbial community enriched over the operational time. Operated in batch feeding‐like circular mode, supply of fresh groundwater resulted in a rapid increase in current production, accompanied by decreasing benzene and sulfide concentrations. The total electron recoveries for benzene and sulfide were between 18% and 49%, implying that benzene and sulfide were not completely oxidized at the anode. Pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA genes from the anode‐associated bacterial community revealed the dominance of δ‐Proteobacteria (31%), followed by β‐Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, ϵ‐Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Firmicutes, most of which are known for anaerobic metabolism. Two‐dimensional compound‐specific isotope analysis demonstrated that benzene degradation was initiated by monohydroxylation, probably triggered by small amounts of oxygen which had leaked through the cation exchange membrane into the anode chamber. Experiments with [13C6]‐benzene revealed incorporation of 13C into fatty acids of mainly Gram‐negative bacteria, which are therefore candidates for benzene degradation. Our study demonstrated simultaneous benzene and sulfide removal by groundwater microorganisms which use an anode as artificial electron acceptor, thereby releasing an electrical current. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013;110: 3104–3113. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Investigation on alternative disposal methods for froth treatment tailings—part 2, Recovery of asphaltenes
Authors: Xu Yuming , Wu Jianying , Dabros Tadeusz , Rahimi Parviz , Kan Jianmin
Published: June 2013

In collaboration with Total E&P Canada (TEPCA), CanmetENERGY conducted an extensive research program to investigate possible alternatives for TSRU tailings disposal. We have reported on alternative methods for TSRU tailings disposal without recovery of asphaltenes in an earlier publication.[1] Because the asphaltenes are high‐molecular‐weight hydrocarbons and may have potential for use as fuel or paving material, in this work, we investigate possible approaches for recovery of the asphaltenes from TSRU tailings. Two methods were tested, solvent extraction and aggregation. In the first method aromatic solvent is mixed with TSRU tailings to dissolve the asphaltenes followed by centrifugation to remove mineral solids and water. The experimental results demonstrated that more than 90% of the asphaltenes in the tailings can be recovered from the tailings. The recovered asphaltenes contained only a small fraction of mineral solids and may be useable as coker feed. In the second method, TSRU tailings are agitated at elevated temperature (80°C) at which the asphaltene particles form large aggregates and separate from the tailings, giving an asphaltene‐rich phase and almost asphaltene‐free tailings. The recovered asphaltene aggregates still contain significant amounts of mineral solids and water, and would require further treatment. Several coking tests were conducted using the recovered asphaltenes and the asphaltene aggregates. The results demonstrated that about 40 wt% of the recovered asphaltenes can be converted to lighter oil fractions under the coking conditions used in this work.
Evaluation on the effect of conical geometry on flow behaviours in spouted beds
Authors: Liu Xuejiao , Zhong Wenqi , Shao Yingjuan , Ren Bing , Jin Baosheng
Published: June 2013

Evaluation on the effect of conical section geometry on the gas–solid flow behaviours in conical–cylindrical spouted beds were carried out by three‐dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) coupling with two‐fluid model (TFM). The simulations were implemented in seven columns with their conical angles ranging from 30° to 180°. The solid flow pattern, particle velocity, voidage, fountain height and the spout diameter were investigated. It was found that unstable spouting would occur when the conical angle is less than 30°. In addition, the conical angle of 105° might be a borderline value for gas–solid flow behaviours in the spout. In this region, increasing conical angle leads to a decrease in fountain height, particle velocity and voidage and an increase in the spout diameter when the conical angle is within 105°, while reverse trends could be found when the conical angle is beyond 105°. The smallest fountain height, particle velocity and voidage and largest spout diameter could be found when the angle is 105°. In spite of these, the particle velocity in the annulus continually increases with increasing conical angle.
Strongly unforgeable threshold multi‐proxy multi‐signature scheme with different proxy groups
Authors: Liu D. , Wang X. , Huang M.
Published: June 2013

In the majority of threshold multi‐proxy multi‐signature (TMPMS) schemes, only one proxy group is authorized to sign on behalf of all the original members. However, the original signers in various practical applications are often from different organizations. Each original signer should be able to designate a proxy group in his own organization; thus, each original signer could have distinct proxy members. However, this practical requirement of TMPMS schemes is seldom considered. To satisfy this requirement, we propose a new TMPMS scheme in which each original member can designate a proxy group in his own organization. Moreover, the threshold value of each proxy group is unique. We develop a security model to prove the high security and strong unforgeability of the proposed scheme. We analyze the security of our scheme based on the four types of adversaries tested in the security model. Compared with previous schemes, the new scheme offers higher security and superior computational efficiency. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differences in amygdala cell proliferation between adolescent and young adult rats
Authors: Saul Michele L. , Helmreich Dana L. , Callahan Linda M. , Fudge Julie L.
Published: June 2013

Adolescence is characterized by changes in both behavior and neural organization. During this period, the amygdala, a structure that mediates social and emotional behaviors, is changing in terms of neural and glia density. We examined cell proliferation within the amygdala of adolescent (post natal day (PND) 31) and adult (PND 70) male Sprague–Dawley rats using BrdU (bromodeoxyuridine) to label dividing cells. BrdU‐labeled cells were distributed throughout the amygdala, often found in fibers surrounding major nuclei. Using two independent cell counting strategies under light and confocal microcopy, respectively, we found significantly more labeled cells in the amygdala in adolescent compared to adult animals (239.3 ± 87.18 vs. 44.75 ± 13.68; n = 4/group; p < .05). BrdU/doublecortin (DCX) positive cells constitute approximately 30% of all dividing cells in the amygdala in both adolescents and adults. These data suggest that compared to young adulthood, adolescence is a relatively active period of cell proliferation in the amygdala. Moreover, the normal decline in dividing cells with age does not preferentially affect cells co‐containing DCX‐immunoreactivity. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 56: 517–528, 2014.
Prenatal visual experience induces postnatal motor laterality in Japanese quail chicks (Coturnix coturnix japonica)
Authors: Casey Michael B. , Sleigh Merry J.
Published: June 2013

Species‐typical prenatal visual stimulation in avian species is a necessary component in the development of population level lateralized behaviors. This relationship suggests that species‐typical developmental outcomes result from organismic and environmental constraints and experiences shared by members of a species. We examined the effects of prenatal visual experience on the development of turning bias and footedness in Japanese quail chicks, a species which does not demonstrate a naturally occurring level of population laterality and only weak individual laterality. Chicks (n = 167) were exposed to one of four prenatal conditions: both eye systems exposed to enhanced visual experience, right eye system exposed/left eye system occluded, left eye system exposed/right eye system occluded, or no enhanced visual experience. When subjects were exposed to prenatal visual stimulation, individual and population level laterality was induced. These results suggest that unilateral prenatal visual experience to the right eye or left eye system is sufficient to induce and influence the direction of individual and population laterality in a species that does not normal demonstrate such biases. The results also provide further evidence that prenatal sensory experiences can elicit the development of postnatal lateralization. © 2013Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 56: 489–497, 2014.
The long‐term effects of neonatal morphine administration on the pentylenetetrazol seizure model in rats: The role of hippocampal cholinergic receptors in adulthood
Authors: Saboory Ehsan , Gholami Morteza , Zare Samad , Roshan‐Milani Shiva
Published: June 2013

Early life exposure to opiates may affect neuropathological conditions, such as epilepsy, during adulthood. We investigated whether neonatal morphine exposure affects pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)‐induced seizures in adulthood. Male rats were subcutaneously injected with morphine or saline on postnatal days 8–14. During adulthood, each rat was assigned to 1 of the following 10 sub‐groups: saline, nicotine (0.1, 0.5, or 1 μg), atropine (0.25 or 1 μg), oxotremorine M (0.1 or 1 μg), or mecamylamine (2 or 8 μg). An intrahippocampal infusion of the indicated compound was administered 30 min before seizure induction (80mg/kg PTZ). Compared with the saline/oxotremorine (1 μg), saline/saline, and morphine/saline groups, the morphine/oxotremorine (1 μg) group showed a significantly increased latency to the first epileptic behavior. The duration of tonic–clonic seizures was significantly lower in the morphine/oxotremorine (1 μg) group compared to the saline/saline and morphine/saline groups. The severity of seizure was significantly decreased in the morphine/atropine (1 μg) group than in the saline/atropine (1 μg). Seizure severity was also decreased in the morphine/mecamylamine (2 μg) group than in the saline/mecamylamine (2 μg) group. Latency for death was significantly lower in the morphine/mecamylamine (2 μg) group compared with the saline/mecamylamine (2 μg) group. Mortality rates in the morphine/atropine (1 μg) and morphine/mecamylamine (2 μg) groups were significantly lower than those in the saline/atropine (1 μg) and saline/mecamylamine (2 μg) groups, respectively. Chronic neonatal morphine administration attenuated PTZ‐induced seizures, reduced the mortality rate, and decreased the impact of the hippocampal cholinergic system on seizures and mortality rate in adult rats. Neonatal morphine exposure induces changes to μ‐receptors that may lead to activation of GABAergic neurons in the hippocampus. This pathway may explain the anti‐convulsant effects of morphine observed in our study. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 56: 498–509, 2014.
Semantic context facilitates odor identification in children and adults
Authors: Goubet Nathalie , McCall Daniel D. , Ducz Jennifer K. , Bingham Megan L.
Published: June 2013

The current study investigated the influence of semantic cues on odor identification in preschool‐aged children and adults. We tested the hypothesis that odor identification in a multiple‐choice task is facilitated when choices belong to different semantic categories compared to when they belong to the same category. Participants were shown three color pictures, one of which represented the target odor and the other two depicted items that were either from the same or different semantic categories as the target odor. After smelling the target odor, participants were asked to identify the odor they had just smelled by pointing to one of the three pictures. Results indicated that while adults outperformed children, performance in both age groups was better when the picture of the target odor was semantically unrelated to the foil pictures. These data support the idea that well‐known deficits in odor identification may result from weak associations between the olfactory percept and semantic memory rather than from poor olfactory perception per se. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 56: 592–598, 2014.
Distinct neural mechanisms of individual and developmental differences in VSTM capacity
Authors: Astle Duncan E. , Harvey Hannah , Stokes Mark , Mohseni Hamid , Nobre Anna C. , Scerif Gaia
Published: June 2013

Our ability to maintain visuo‐spatial information increases gradually through childhood and is highly variable across individuals, although the cognitive and neural mechanisms underpinning these differences in capacity are unknown. We presented participants with arrays of to‐be‐remembered items containing two targets, four targets, or two targets and two distracters. The participants were divided into three groups: (i) high‐capacity adults; (ii) low‐capacity adults; and (iii) typically developing children. In addition to our behavioral methods we used electrophysiological scalp recordings to contrast the immature VSTM capacity of the children with the deficient VSTM capacity of the low‐capacity adults. We also observed a relative negativity in the maintenance delay, over scalp contralateral to the original locations of the memoranda. For the low‐capacity adults, this negativity was similarly modulated by target and distracter items, indicative of poor selectivity. This was not the case for the high‐capacity adults; the response to memory arrays containing two target items and two distracters was equivalent to the response elicited by arrays containing only two target items. Importantly, the pattern of results in the children's ERP data was equivalent to that of the high‐capacity adults, rather than to the performance‐matched low‐capacity adults. In short, despite their obvious differences in capacity, children are not specifically impaired at filtering out distractors, as characteristic of low‐capacity adults. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 56: 601–610, 2014.
Age differences in (±) 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)‐induced conditioned taste aversions and monoaminergic levels
Authors: Cobuzzi Jennifer L. , Siletti Kayla A. , Hurwitz Zachary E. , Wetzell Bradley , Baumann Michael H. , Riley Anthony L.
Published: June 2013

Preclinical work indicates that adolescent rats appear more sensitive to the rewarding effects and less sensitive to the aversive effects of abused drugs. The present investigation utilized the conditioned taste aversion (CTA) design to measure the relative aversive effects of (±)3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; 0, 1.0, 1.8, or 3.2 mg/kg) in adolescent and adult Sprague–Dawley rats. After behavioral testing was complete, monoamine and associated metabolite levels in discrete brain regions were quantified using high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrochemical detection (HPLC‐ECD) to determine if adolescent animals displayed a different neurochemical profile than did adult animals after being exposed to subcutaneous low doses of MDMA. Adolescent rats displayed less robust MDMA‐induced taste aversions than adults during acquisition and on a final two‐bottle aversion test. MDMA at these doses had no consistent effect on monoamine levels in either age group, although levels did vary with age. The relative insensitivity of adolescents to MDMA's aversive effects may engender an increased vulnerability to MDMA abuse in this specific population. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 56: 635–646, 2014.
Brief and long periods of maternal separation affect maternal behavior and offspring behavioral development in C57BL/6 mice
Authors: Bailoo Jeremy D. , Jordan Richard L. , Garza Xavier J. , Tyler Amber N.
Published: June 2013

For rats, maternal mediation of brief and longer term dam–pup separations were thought to account for pup differences in adult “emotionality.” In this study, early handling (EH), maternal separation (MS), and maternal peer separation (MPS) groups were compared to an animal facility reared (AFR) group for maternal behavior and offspring adult open‐field behavior in C57BL/6 mice. Although MS and MPS dams displayed higher levels of maternal behavior upon reunion, these group differences did not predict offspring open‐field behavior. However, when offspring behavior was analyzed as a function of specific aspects of maternal behavior, irrespective of treatment group, pups that received high levels of quiescent nursing and activity, but not licking, were less “emotional.” Individual differences in maternal licking of pups predicted variability of “emotional” behavior for AFR and EH pups. Thus, for this strain of mouse, individual and not treatment differences in maternal care predict offspring “emotional” development. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 56: 674–685, 2014.
Neuroendocrine coupling across adolescence and the longitudinal influence of early life stress
Authors: Ruttle Paula L. , Shirtcliff Elizabeth A. , Armstrong Jeffrey M. , Klein Marjorie H. , Essex Marilyn J.
Published: June 2013

Drawing on conceptual models illustrating the advantages of a multisystemic, interactive, developmental approach to understanding development, the present study examines the covariation of stress and sex hormones across the adolescent transition and the effect of early life stress (ELS) on neuroendocrine coupling to gain insight into atypical development. Morning levels of cortisol, testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) were assessed at ages 11, 13, and 15; ELS was assessed during the infancy and preschool periods. Hierarchical linear modeling revealed that cortisol‐DHEA coupling patterns progressed to tight, positive coupling across adolescence. Cortisol‐testosterone coupling was positive at age 11 but became more negative at ages 13 and 15. Exposure to ELS resulted in more adultlike neuroendocrine coupling patterns earlier in life than non‐exposed youth; however the effect of ELS on cortisol‐testosterone coupling was unique to girls. Results illustrate trajectories of neuroendocrine coupling that may be unique to adolescence. Moderation by ELS suggests that early stress exposure may prompt earlier adultlike neuroendocrine coupling, particularly within girls, which may contribute to early pubertal development. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 57: 688–704, 2015.
The association between the acute psychobiological stress response in second trimester pregnant women, amniotic fluid glucocorticoids, and neonatal birth outcome
Authors: Ghaemmaghami Pearl , Dainese Sara M. , La Marca Roberto , Zimmermann Roland , Ehlert Ulrike
Published: June 2013

The underlying biological mechanism of prenatal stress in humans is poorly understood, but maternal cortisol (F) excess seems to play an important role. In pregnant rats, acute stress causes an up‐regulation of placental 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β‐HSD2), an enzyme present throughout the body (e.g., placenta, salivary glands) that inactivates F to cortisone (E), thereby protecting the fetus from maternal F overexposure. Whether acute stress influences human 11β‐HSD2 is unclear. We aimed to explore the association between the maternal stress reactivity and amniotic fluid F, E, and the E/(E + F) ratio as a marker of fetoplacental 11β‐HSD2. The predictive value of all markers for birth outcome was investigated. We examined 34 healthy pregnant women undergoing amniocentesis, which served as a standardized, real‐life stressor. F, E, and E/(E + F) were determined from a single aliquot of amniotic fluid, and from saliva samples collected repeatedly. Subjects filled out state questionnaires repeatedly and were re‐examined in a control condition after notification of a normal amniocentesis result. During amniocentesis, psychological stress, salivary F (SalF), and salivary E (SalE) increased significantly, whereas SalE/(E + F) decreased. The SalF reactivity was positively associated with amniotic E, while SalE/(E + F) was inversely associated with amniotic E/(E + F). SalF and SalE predicted lower and SalE/(E + F) higher birth weight. Psychological and amniotic fluid variables were unrelated to birth outcome. Findings indicate that maternal F is inactivated to E in the human fetoplacental unit during acute stress. Increased 11β‐HSD2 activity within the maternal salivary glands following acute stress may mirror further stress protective mechanisms worthwhile investigating. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 56: 734–747, 2014.
Effects of foam agent on characteristics of thin‐film transistor liquid crystal display waste glass‐metakaolin‐based cellular geopolymer
Authors: Shiu Hau‐Shing , Lin Kae‐Long , Chao Sao‐Jeng , Hwang Chao‐Lung , Cheng Ta‐Wui
Published: June 2013

Thin‐film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT–LCD) waste glass comprises mainly SiO2 and Al2O3, which are suitable raw materials for geopolymer. This study investigates the effects of the amount of foam agents on the properties of waste glass‐based cellular geopolymer. In this investigation, samples underwent a series of tests to determine their quality, including mechanical characterization, compressive strength, flexural strength, fire resistance, thermal conductivity, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The experimental results show that the mechanical strength and thermal conductivity decreased with the addition of foam agents, indicating that foam agents can reduce the thermal transfer. The pore volume increased with the amount of increase in foam agent. These results indicated that the amount of foam agent has a more substantial effect than waste glass replacement in geopolymers. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 33: 538–550, 2014
Seismic isolation using granulated tire–soil mixtures for less‐developed regions: experimental validation
Authors: Xiong Wei , Li Yaozhuang
Published: June 2013

In this study, shaking‐table experiments were conducted with a novel seismic isolation system (Geotechnical Seismic Isolation, GSI) to validate its dynamic performance during earthquakes. This isolation technique uses shredded rubber–soil mixtures to reduce the structural response to earthquakes, and thus may not only provide economical structural safety for buildings in less‐developed regions, but could also consume a large amount of waste tires worldwide. The present experimental results show that the GSI system has potential to significantly mitigate seismic hazards. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of 2D versus 3D modeling approaches for the analysis of the concrete faced rock‐fill Cokal Dam
Authors: Arici Yalin , Özel Halil Fırat
Published: June 2013

This paper's primary purpose is to compare the 2D and 3D analysis methodologies in investigating the performance of a concrete faced rock‐fill dams under dynamic loading conditions. The state of stress on the face plate was obtained in both cases using a total strain based crack model to predict the spreading of cracks on the plate and the corresponding crack widths. Results of the 2D and 3D analyses agree well. Although significantly more demanding, 3D analyses have the advantage of predicting the following: (i) the opening of the vertical construction joints; (ii) the cracking at the valley sides; and (iii) the crushing of the plate during the seismic action. During the earthquake loading, the cracking predicted at the base of the face plate after the impounding spread significantly towards the crest of the dam; however, the crack widths are obtained relatively small. Crushing of the face plates at the construction joints is the primary cause of the large scale cracking predicted on the face plate for high intensity earthquakes. Earthquake induced permanent deformation of the fill increases the compressive stresses on the face plate, thereby reducing the minute cracking on the plate. However, this effect also leads to significant increases in the residual openings at the construction joints and at the plinth level. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pore‐scale trapping of supercritical CO2 and the role of grain wettability and shape
Authors: Chaudhary Kuldeep , Bayani Cardenas M. , Wolfe William W. , Maisano Jessica A. , Ketcham Richard A. , Bennett Philip C.
Published: June 2013

The capillary trapping of supercritical CO2 (s‐CO2) is postulated to comprise up to 90% of permanently trapped CO2 injected during geologic sequestration. Successive s‐CO2/brine flooding experiments under reservoir conditions showed that water‐wet rounded beads trapped 15% of injected s‐CO2 both as clusters and as individual ganglia, whereas CO2‐wet beads trapped only 2% of the injected s‐CO2 as minute pockets in pore constrictions. Angular water‐wet grains trapped 20% of the CO2 but flow was affected by preferential flow. Thus, capillary trapping is a viable mechanism for the permanent CO2 storage, but its success is constrained by the media wettability.
The preservation of atmospheric nitrate in snow at Summit, Greenland
Authors: Fibiger Dorothy L. , Hastings Meredith G. , Dibb Jack E. , Huey L. Gregory
Published: June 2013

There is great interest in using nitrate (NO3−) isotopic composition in ice cores to track the history of precursor nitrogen oxides (NOx = NO + NO2) in the atmosphere. NO3−, however, can be lost from the snow by surface processes, such as photolysis back to NOx upon exposure to sunlight, making it difficult to interpret records of NO3− as a tracer of atmospheric NOx loading. In a campaign consisting of two field seasons (May–June) at Summit, Greenland, high temporal frequency surface snow samples were collected and analyzed for the oxygen isotopic composition of NO3−. The strong, linear relationship observed between the oxygen isotopes of NO3−, in both 2010 and 2011, is difficult to explain in the presence of significant postdepositional processing of NO3−, unless several unrelated variables change in concert. Therefore, the isotopic signature of NO3− in the snow at Summit is most feasibly explained as preserved atmospheric NO3− deposition.
Healthcare priority setting in Kenya: a gap analysis applying the accountability for reasonableness framework
Authors: Bukachi Salome A. , Onyango‐Ouma Washington , Siso Jared Maaka , Nyamongo Isaac K. , Mutai Joseph K. , Hurtig Anna Karin , Olsen Øystein Evjen , Byskov Jens
Published: June 2013

In resource‐poor settings, the accountability for reasonableness (A4R) has been identified as an important advance in priority setting that helps to operationalize fair priority setting in specific contexts. The four conditions of A4R are backed by theory, not evidence, that conformance with them improves the priority setting decisions. This paper describes the healthcare priority setting processes in Malindi district, Kenya, prior to the implementation of A4R in 2008 and evaluates the process for its conformance with the conditions for A4R. In‐depth interviews and focus group discussions with key players in the Malindi district health system and a review of key policy documents and national guidelines show that the priority setting process in the district relies heavily on guidelines from the national level, making it more of a vertical, top‐down orientation. Multilateral and donor agencies, national government, budgetary requirements, traditions and local culture influence the process. The four conditions of A4R are present within the priority setting process, albeit to varying degrees and referred to by different terms. There exists an opportunity for A4R to provide a guiding approach within which its four conditions can be strengthened and assessed to establish whether conformance helps improve on the priority setting process. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of surface roughness of carbon materials on human osteoblast‐like cell growth
Authors: Starý Vladimír , Douděrová Margita , Bačáková Lucie
Published: June 2013

This article presents a study of the dependence of the biocompatibility of a carbon‐based material, namely a 2D C/C composite, on mechanical and chemical surface modifications. The mechanical modifications were surface grinding and polishing, and chemical modifications were made by depositing thin layers of pyrolytic carbon, titanium‐carbon and DLC layers. Human osteoblast‐like MG 63 cells were cultivated on these materials. The densities of the cells after one‐day cultivation and after four‐day cultivation, and the average cell spreading area after one‐day cultivation, were evaluated in dependence on particular surface roughness parameters. The minima of the cell density on pyrolytic carbon and titanium‐carbon layers were found; they were connected with the maxima of the average cell area. For DLC, the cell area decreased as the roughness parameter Ra increased in the range 0.1–10 µm, although the minimum appeared for the density of the cells. Using a multivariate test, the dependences of the biocompatibility parameters on the layer material and on surface grinding were statistically significant. The results suggest that the optimal roughness parameters for MG 63 cell on carbon based surface were Ra ∼ 3.5 µm, RSm ∼0.03–0.08 mm, Rsk ∼0 or negative and Rku ∼ 20, DLC being the best material choice. These values of roughness were obtained by simple mechanical grinding of substrate and coating by DLC layer. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 1868–1879, 2014.