bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical management of recurrent disc herniations with microdiscectomy and long-term results on life quality: Detailed analysis of 70 cases
Authors: Albayrak Serdal , Ozturk Sait , Durdag Emre , Ayden Ömer
Published: September 2015

Background: Aim of this paper is to recall the surgical technique used in the recurrent lumbar disc herniations (LDHs) and to share our experiences. Materials and Methods: Out of series of 1115 patients who underwent operations for LDH between 2006 and 2013, 70 patients underwent re-operations, which were included in this study. During surgery, lateral decompression performed over the medial facet joint to the superior facet joint border was seen after widening the laminectomy defect, and microdiscectomy was performed. The demographic findings of the patients, their complaints in admission to hospital, the level of operation, the condition of dural injury, the first admission in the prospective analysis, and their quality of life were evaluated through the Oswestry scoring during their postoperative 1st, 3rd, 6th-month and 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th-year follow-up. In the statical analysis, Friedman test was performed for the comparison of the Oswestry scores and Siegel Castellan test was used for the paired nonparametrical data. A P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Considering the Oswestry Index during the follow-ups, the values in the postoperative early period and follow-ups were seen to be significantly lower than those at the time of admission to hospital (P < 0.05). None of the patients, who re-operated by microdiscectomy, presented with iatrogenic instability in 7 years follow-up period. Conclusion: Microdiscectomy performed through a proper technique in the re-operation of recurrent disc herniations eases complaints and improves the quality of life. Long-term follow-ups are required for more accurate results.
Robotic neck surgery: Rationales and evolutions
Authors: Byeon Hyung , Kim Won , Park Jae , Kim Ji-Hoon , Choi Eun , Koh Yoon
Published: September 2015

Conventional operations for various surgical neck lesions adopted the transcervical scar, which were disfiguring and caused various postoperative morbidities. The advent of the surgical robotics as a result of advancement in technology led to a technical breakthrough in the field of head and neck surgery. Together with the application of the robot, we have seen the promising role of the retroauricular (RA) approach from its versatile applications. This review will discuss in detail various robotic head and neck surgeries via RA approach.
The Pen is Mightier than the Dominant Discourse:
Authors: Krizanich Annette M.
Published: September 2015

Writing about trauma enables a writer to bear witness and establish authority and voice. Dr. James Pennebaker proved experimentally that writing about trauma, or “scriptotherapy,” can help heal a person both emotionally and physically. However, since language is socially constructed, there is always the danger when writing of trauma that an author unknowingly can help reaffirm the dominant discourse. Sylvia Plath, Janet Frame, and Barbara Gordon are women living as the “other” in the western patriarchal culture; each has survived hospitalization in mental institutions and written of her experience. Native American writers Leslie Marmon Silko and Linda Hogan write about the cultural trauma Pueblo and Osage people have suffered. While Frame's Faces in the Water gives testimony to her mistreatment as a mental patient, Plath's The Bell Jar and Gordon's I'm Dancing as Fast as I Can in many ways support the dominant discourse. Through their novels Ceremony and Mean Spirit, respectively, Marmon Silko and Hogan give voice to their people's perspective that healing only occurs through connection with community and the earth. This analysis of five texts explores how writing can help marginalized individuals overcome the silence that is a powerful tool of oppression.
SHAPE FROM TEXTURE USING LOCALLY SCALED POINT PROCESSES
Authors: Didden Eva-Maria , Thorarinsdottir Thordis , Lenkoski Alex , Schnörr Christoph
Published: September 2015

Shape from texture refers to the extraction of 3D information from 2D images with irregular texture. This paper introduces a statistical framework to learn shape from texture where convex texture elements in a 2D image are represented through a point process. In a first step, the 2D image is preprocessed to generate a probability map corresponding to an estimate of the unnormalized intensity of the latent point process underlying the texture elements. The latent point process is subsequently inferred from the probability map in a non-parametric, model free manner. Finally, the 3D information is extracted from the point pattern by applying a locally scaled point process model where the local scaling function represents the deformation caused by the projection of a 3D surface onto a 2D image.
Risk measures of load loss during service of refrigerated containers in seaports
Authors: Filina-Dawidowicz Ludmiła , Iwańkowicz Remigiusz , Rosochacki Włodzimierz
Published: September 2015

The presented paper is concerned with the problems of assessing the risk level for service chain of refrigerated containers in seaports. This issue has been examined with regard to the losses related to the loss of cargo’s qualitative values. The paper identifies the links in the service chain as well as related hazards and events resulting in losses. The term “chain” has been defined for the refrigerated container service chain. Material losses generated by the loss of cargo’s qualitative values have also been examined. The paper suggests and justifies functional and numeric risk measures. With regard to the examined process the study presents the elements of loss modelling methodology. The risk level has been evaluated using selected calculation examples, considering the impact of the probability of events resulting in losses.
Development and implementation of technology to measure truck crossing time at international land ports of entry
Authors: Villa Juan Carlos
Published: September 2015

Public and private stakeholders that operate land border crossings are increasingly concerned about long wait times for trucks crossing from Mexico into the United States. Long wait times are detrimental to the regional competiveness, supply chain operations, the environment in the region adjacent to the border crossings, and to the overall economic development. In order to have reliable and systematic information on border crossing time and delay, a system to measure travel time through the border is required. This paper describes the basic border crossing operations at the Texas/Mexico border that serves as the foundation to identify a technology that could be used to collect border crossing information. The design and deployment processes that were used for the implementation of the border crossing time measurement system for U.S.-bound commercial vehicles are described. The paper also presents the results of the system that was developed to disseminate border crossing and wait time data. Benefits to supply chain operators at land border crossings and next steps in the development of more border-related performance measures are described.
Critical Proximity as a Methodological Move in Techno-Anthropology
Authors: Birkbak Andreas , Petersen Morten Krogh , Elgaard Jensen Torben ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: September 2015

Techno-Anthropology is a new field, operating with a broad range of methodologies and approaches. This gives rise to the question: What does it mean for Techno-Anthropological research to be critical? In this paper, we discuss this question by developing and specifying the notion of ‘critical proximity.’ Critical proximity offers an alternative to critical distance, especially with respect to avoiding premature references to abstract panoramas such as democratization and capitalist exploitation in the quest to conduct ‘critical’ analysis. Critical proximity implies, instead, granting the beings, fields, and objects we study their own rights and abilities to problematize grand scale claims. Critical proximity further entails that we as researchers are implicated in issues and their formation in ways that allow us to register these critiques and methods, and to emphasize or supplement them. We work through two cases—one on the involvement of users in innovation projects and another on commercial web technologies for tracing issues—to show how critical proximity may be practiced. We sum up the lessons derived in four methodological guidelines for doing research with critical proximity.
La Configuración Jurídica Del Derecho al Olvido en el Derecho Español a tenor de la doctrina del TJUE
Authors: López Portas Mª. Begoña
Published: September 2015

En la sociedad de la información el control de los datos adquiereuna gran relevancia en el ejercicio de poder. El derecho al olvidosurge como una respuesta jurídica peculiar en el ámbito de Internet.Este trabajo pretende ofrecer un análisis de los perfiles que definensu actual configuración en el Derecho español a partir de la STJUEde 13 de abril de 2014 sin perder la perspectiva de su origen y losretos futuros que plantea. Así, el Tribunal de Justicia de la UniónEuropea reconoce de forma limitada la existencia del derecho al olvidoamparándose en la jurisprudencia anterior, la normativa europeay, sobre todo, en la actividad previa del GT29. Como resultado desu interpretación surgen nuevos problemas jurídicos en nuestro ordenamientoque requieren el desarrollo de normas específicas en lamateria.Abstract:In the information society, Control of becomes increasingly more importantin the exercise of power. The Right to be forgotten appears asa peculiar juridical answer in Internet context. This work tries to offeran analysis of the profiles that define its configuration in Spanish Lawfrom the Court of Justice of European Union´s Sentence of May 13th2014 —Google Inc v. Agencia Española de Protección de Datos— withoutlosing the perspective of its origin and the future challenges that itpresents. This way, the Court of Justice of the European Union recognizesof limited form the existence of the Right to be forgotten seekingprotection in the previous jurisprudence, in the European Lawand, especially, in the job of the Data Protection Working Group(WP29). As result of its interpretation, new juridical problems comeinto Spanish Law that will have to need the development of specificrules.
Concise Review: Reprogramming, Behind the Scenes: Noncanonical Neural Stem Cell Signaling Pathways Reveal New, Unseen Regulators of Tissue Plasticity With Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Poser Steven W. , Chenoweth Josh G. , Colantuoni Carlo , Masjkur Jimmy , Chrousos George , Bornstein Stefan R. , McKay Ronald D. , Androutsellis-Theotokis Andreas
Published: September 2015

Interest is great in the new molecular concepts that explain, at the level of signal transduction, the process of reprogramming. Usually, transcription factors with developmental importance are used, but these approaches give limited information on the signaling networks involved, which could reveal new therapeutic opportunities. Recent findings involving reprogramming by genetic means and soluble factors with well-studied downstream signaling mechanisms, including signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and hairy and enhancer of split 3 (Hes3), shed new light into the molecular mechanisms that might be involved. We examine the appropriateness of common culture systems and their ability to reveal unusual (noncanonical) signal transduction pathways that actually operate in vivo. We then discuss such novel pathways and their importance in various plastic cell types, culminating in their emerging roles in reprogramming mechanisms. We also discuss a number of reprogramming paradigms (mouse induced pluripotent stem cells, direct conversion to neural stem cells, and in vivo conversion of acinar cells to β-like cells). Specifically for acinar-to-β-cell reprogramming paradigms, we discuss the common view of the underlying mechanism (involving the Janus kinase-STAT pathway that leads to STAT3-tyrosine phosphorylation) and present alternative interpretations that implicate STAT3-serine phosphorylation alone or serine and tyrosine phosphorylation occurring in sequential order. The implications for drug design and therapy are important given that different phosphorylation sites on STAT3 intercept different signaling pathways. We introduce a new molecular perspective in the field of reprogramming with broad implications in basic, biotechnological, and translational research.

Significance

Reprogramming is a powerful approach to change cell identity, with implications in both basic and applied biology. Most efforts involve the forced expression of key transcription factors, but recently, success has been reported with manipulating signal transduction pathways that might intercept them. It is important to start connecting the function of the classic reprogramming genes to signaling pathways that also mediate reprogramming, unifying the sciences of signal transduction, stem cell biology, and epigenetics. Neural stem cell studies have revealed the operation of noncanonical signaling pathways that are now appreciated to also operate during reprogramming, offering new mechanistic explanations.
Growth of Si-Doped Polycrystalline Diamond Films on AlN Substrates by Microwave Plasma Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Sedov V.S. , Khomich A.A. , Ralchenko V.G. , Martyanov A.K. , Savin S.S. , Poklonskaya O.N. , Trofimov N.S.
Published: September 2015

Microcrystalline diamond films doped with silicon have been grown on aluminum nitride substrates by a microwave plasma CVD. The doping has been performed via adding silane in various concentrations to CH4-H2 reaction gas mixture in course of the deposition process. The films produced at the substrate temperatures of 750 to 950°C have been characterized by SEM, AFM, Raman and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy to assess the effect of Si doping on the diamond structure. The doped films showed bright photoluminescence of silicon-vacancy (SiV) color centers at 738 nm wavelength as well as noticeable side band at 723 nm. The optimum doping condition (SiH4/CH4 = 0.6%), that maximize the SiV PL emission, was determined for the range of silane concentrations SiH4/CH4 (0.0 - 0.9%) explored. A further PL enhancement can be achieved by increase in the substrate temperature. The applied in situ doping from gas phase is shown to be an easy and effective method to incorporate Si in diamond in a controllable way.
Comparison of atmospheric profiles between microwave radiometer retrievals and radiosonde soundings
Authors: Xu Guirong , Xi Baike , Zhang Wengang , Cui Chunguang , Dong Xiquan , Liu Yuanyuan , Yan Guopao
Published: September 2015

Atmospheric profiles of temperature (T), vapor density (ρv), and relative humidity (RH) retrieved from ground‐based microwave radiometer (MWR) measurements are compared with radiosonde soundings at Wuhan, China. The MWR retrievals were averaged in the ±30 min period centered at sounding times of 00 and 12 UTC. A total of 403 and 760 profiles under clear and cloudy skies were selected. Based on the comparisons, temperature profiles have better consistency than the ρv and RH profiles, lower levels are better than upper levels, and the cloudy are better than the clear‐sky profiles. Three cloud types (low, middle, and high) were identified by matching the infrared radiation thermometer‐detected cloud base temperature to the MWR‐retrieved temperature‐height profiles. Temperature profile under high cloud has the highest correlation coefficient (R) and the lowest bias and RMS, but under low cloud is in the opposite direction. The ρv profile under middle cloud has the highest R and the lowest bias but under high cloud has the lowest R, the largest bias, and RMS. Based on the radiosonde soundings, both clear and cloudy wind speeds and drifting distances increase with height but increase much faster under clear than cloudy above 4 km. The increased wind speeds and drifting distances with height have resulted in decreased correlation coefficient and increased temperature biases and RMSs with height for both clear and cloudy skies. The differences in R, bias, and RMS between clear and cloudy skies are primarily resulted from their wind speeds and drifting distances.
Lagrangian Optimization forLP: Theory and Algorithms
Authors: Desai Jitamitra , Wang Kai
Published: September 2015

We present a methodological framework for solving large‐scale linear programming (LP) problems via a Lagrangian optimization approach. Beginning with a formulation of the Lagrangian dual (LD) problem, we relate this approach to standard LP theory in two steps: first, we demonstrate that the optimal objective function value obtained by solving the Lagrangian dual is optimal to the original linear program; and second, theorems and propositions that characterize the mathematical properties of the Lagrangian dual and establish the equivalence of this approach to classical LP duality are included. Recognizing that the Lagrangian dual formulation is a nondifferentiable optimization problem, a subgradient algorithm is prescribed for solving the LD problem, and related dual convergence results are presented. Furthermore, to recover the primal solution of the original linear program, an improved primal‐dual proximal point algorithm along with its convergence properties is also described. Computational results for a small numerical example serve to illustrate the theoretical and algorithmic concepts elucidated in this article, and finally, a brief extension of this approach for solving integer programs can also be found at the end of this article.
Optical Sensors
Authors: Haus Jörg
Published: September 2015

In terms of dynamic range and noise, optical sensors have great advantages over their electronic or mechanical counterparts. In addition, the noncontact nature of all optical measurements avoids influences of the sensor on the measured value and, thus, measurement‐introduced systematic errors. This article gives an update to the overview published in the first edition of the Optics Encyclopedia (sometimes denoted as the “original article” in the text). It contains up‐to‐date specifications of sensor components along with additional sensor principles and applications.
Large Multipurpose Exceptionally Conductive Polymer Sponges Obtained by Efficient Wet‐Chemical Metallization
Authors: Langner Markus , Agarwal Seema , Baudler André , Schröder Uwe , Greiner Andreas
Published: September 2015

Exceptionally conductive (250 S cm−1), very fast electrically heatable, thermally insulating, antimicrobial 3D polymeric sponges with very low density (≈30 mg cm−3), superhydrophobicity, and high porosity, their method of preparation, and manifold examples for applications are presented here. The electrical heatability is reversible, reaching 90 °C with 4.4 W in about 19–20 s and cooling immediately on switching off the voltage. The sponges show high contact angles >150° against water on the sponge surface as well as inside the sponge. Water droplets injected into the sponges are ejected. A facile wet‐chemical method established for macroscopic melamine–formaldehyde sponges is the key for the thorough in‐depth surface metallization of the sponges. The coating thickness and uniformity depend on the metallization formulation, conditions of metallization, and the type of metal used. A scanning electron microscope is used for morphology characterization. A reduced metallization rate in air is highly critical for the in‐depth uniform coating of metals. The resulting metallized sponges could be highly interesting for heating as well as insulation devices in addition to oil/water separation membranes.
Spatially Organized Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells within Biphasic Microparticle‐Incorporated High Cell Density Osteochondral Tissues
Authors: Solorio Loran D. , Phillips Lauren M. , McMillan Alexandra , Cheng Christina W. , Dang Phuong N. , Samorezov Julia E. , Yu Xiaohua , Murphy William L. , Alsberg Eben
Published: September 2015

Giving rise to both bone and cartilage during development, bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) have the unique capacity to generate the complex tissues of the osteochondral interface. Utilizing a scaffold‐free hMSC system, biphasic osteochondral constructs are incorporated with two types of growth factor‐releasing microparticles to enable spatially organized differentiation. Gelatin microspheres (GM) releasing transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) combined with hMSC form the chondrogenic phase. The osteogenic phase contains hMSC only, mineral‐coated hydroxyapatite microparticles (MCM), or MCM loaded with bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2), cultured in medium with or without BMP‐2. After 4 weeks, TGF‐β1 release from GM within the cartilage phase promotes formation of a glycosaminoglycan‐ and type II collagen‐rich matrix, and has a local inhibitory effect on osteogenesis. In the osteogenic phase, type X collagen and osteopontin are produced in all conditions. However, calcification occurs on the outer edges of the chondrogenic phase in some constructs cultured in media containing BMP‐2, and alkaline phosphatase levels are elevated, indicating that BMP‐2 releasing MCM provides better control over region‐specific differentiation. The production of complex, stem cell‐derived osteochondral tissues via incorporated microparticles could enable earlier implantation, potentially improving outcomes in the treatment of osteochondral defects.
A Large‐Area, Mushroom‐Capped Plasmonic Perfect Absorber: Refractive Index Sensing and Fabry–Perot Cavity Mechanism
Authors: Bhattarai Khagendra , Ku Zahyun , Silva Sinhara , Jeon Jiyeon , Kim Jun Oh , Lee Sang Jun , Urbas Augustine , Zhou Jiangfeng
Published: September 2015

In most plasmon resonance based sensor to date, only the surface of the sensor is accessible to the gas or liquid as the sensing target. In this work, an interferometric, lithographically fabricated, large‐area, mushroom‐capped plasmonic perfect absorber whose dielectric spacer is partially removed by a reactive‐ion‐etch process, thereby enabling the liquid to permeate into the sensitive region to a refractive index change, is demonstrated. Findings of this paper demonstrate experimentally and numerically that etching the spacer below the metamaterial resonator increases the spectral shift of the resonance wavelengths as the surrounding refractive index changes. The sensitivity and the figure of merit, as the measure of the sensor performance, are significantly improved. In this paper, it is shown that the plasmonic perfect absorber can be understood as a Fabry–Perot cavity bounded by a “resonator” mirror and metallic film, where the former exhibits a “quasi‐open” boundary condition and leads to the characteristic feature of subwavelength thickness.
In Situ Trapped and Immobilized Palladium Nanoparticles as Active and Clean Catalysts for Suzuki–Miyaura Reaction
Authors: Li Yan , Mao Fei , Chen Ting , Zhou Zhicheng , Wang Yong , Huang Jun
Published: September 2015

Active palladium nanoparticles were trapped and immobilized in situ by Pd‐catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura reaction to form heterogeneous Pd catalysts. This Pd@PhPad2 catalyst was found to be highly active, recyclable and clean for the Suzuki–Miyaura reaction. Both the anchored diadamantylphosphine ligand and the formation of polyphenylene polymer improved the activity and stability of the Pd@PhPad2 catalyst for Suzuki–Miyaura reaction. The Pd@PhPad2 catalyst was reusable, and no contamination (P ligand or Pd) was detected from the catalyst system for the coupling reaction.

magnified image
Length to diameter ratio of extrudates in catalyst technology I. Modeling catalyst breakage by impulsive forces
Authors: Beeckman Jean W. L. , Fassbender Natalie A. , Datz Theodore E.
Published: September 2015

Natural or forced catalyst extrudate breakage is an important phenomenon during catalyst manufacture. Here, a two‐parameter model for predicting the reduction in the length to diameter ratio of catalyst extrudates due to breakage by impulsive forces as experienced in a laboratory drop test is developed. Part II will show how both parameters can be correlated with the strength of the extrudates and the severity of the drop test. For breakage by impulsive forces, the model reveals that extrudates are reduced in length to diameter ratio according to a pseudosecond‐order break law. Also, a tie‐in exists with the well‐known Golden Ratio that is famous for its inherent esthetic value. Applying the model to cases of “severity sequencing” and “severity conditioning” reveals the nonlinear behavior of the length to diameter ratio and yields results that are often nonintuitive and hard to get without this engineering analysis. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 639–647, 2016
Dispersion of feed spray in a new type of FCC feed injection scheme
Authors: Yan Zihan , Fan Yiping , Wang Zhao , Chen Sheng , Lu Chunxi
Published: September 2015

A new type of FCC feed injection scheme in which the feed is injected downward into the riser to realize a countercurrent contact of feed oil with catalyst particles is put forward. The dispersion of feed spray and flow behaviors of particles in the new type of feed injection scheme are investigated via a large scale cold‐riser model. Experimental results show that the proposed scheme provides a better contact of feed oil with catalyst particles. Furthermore, the centerline equations of both the feed main flow and the secondary flow in the riser are given by introducing a density correction coefficient. The momentum‐ratio of the secondary flow to the main flow is then obtained and the trajectory of the feed main jets as well as the secondary flow is estimated by the centerline equation. The computed results give a reasonable agreement with the experimental data. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 46–61, 2016
Synthesis of Naphtho‐Fused Imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines through Copper‐Catalyzed Cascade Reactions
Authors: Saini Hitesh Kumar , Kaswan Pinku , Pericherla Kasiviswanadharaju , Kumar Anil
Published: September 2015

A highly efficient copper‐catalyzed one‐pot tandem protocol has been developed for the synthesis of naphtho‐fused imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines. The transformation involves a Knoevenagel condensation followed by a chemoselective cross‐coupling reaction along with a carbon‐carbon bond cleavage. This protocol can tolerate a variety of functional groups and provided naphtho[1′,2′:4,5]imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines in moderate to excellent (35–91 %) yields. The photophysical studies of the naphtho‐fused imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridines show a bathochromic shift between the band maxima of the absorption and emission spectra. These compounds emit with high fluorescence quantum yields.
Thick Methacrylate Sections Devoid of Lost Caps Simplify Stereological Quantifications Based on the Optical Fractionator Design
Authors: Hasselholt Stine , Lykkesfeldt Jens , Larsen Jytte Overgaard
Published: September 2015

In neuroscience, the optical fractionator technique is frequently used for unbiased cell number estimations. Although unbiased in theory, the practical application of the technique is often biased by the necessity of introducing a guard zone at one side of the disector to counter lost caps and/or optical limitations. Restricting the disector within the section thickness potentially introduces bias in two ways. First, the need to measure section thickness in order to obtain the disector height/section thickness fraction is challenging since both microcator measurements, microtome block advance, and measurements on re‐embedded sections are potentially biased. Second, disector placement is not uniform random within the section thickness resulting in a bias in most sections with inhomogeneous cell distribution along the z axis. Re‐embedded 2‐hydroxyethylmethacrylate (hereafter methacrylate) sections were inspected for lost caps to evaluate the possibility of whole section thickness counting with the optical fractionator technique and hippocampal granular cell nucleoli density differences along the z axis were assessed with a z axis analysis. No lost caps were found in the examined re‐embedded tissue and an inhomogeneous cell distribution through the section thickness was observed. In thick methacrylate sections devoid of lost caps sampling through the entire section thickness could be an acceptable alternative to the use of guard zones and the consequent biases associated with section thickness measurement and non‐random placement of disectors. Anat Rec, 298:2141–2150, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Paradoxical Effects of Partial Leptin Deficiency on Bone in Growing Female Mice
Authors: Philbrick Kenneth A. , Turner Russell T. , Branscum Adam J. , Wong Carmen P. , Iwaniec Urszula T.
Published: September 2015

Morbidly obese, leptin‐deficient ob/ob mice display low bone mass, mild osteoclast‐rich osteopetrosis, and increased bone marrow adiposity. While partial leptin deficiency results in increased weight, the skeletal manifestations of partial leptin deficiency are less well defined. We therefore analyzed femora and lumbar vertebrae in growing (7‐week‐old) female C57BL/6 wildtype (WT) mice, partial leptin‐deficient ob/+ mice, and leptin‐deficient ob/ob mice. The bones were evaluated by dual energy absorptiometry, microcomputed tomography and histomorphometry. As expected, ob/+ mice were heavier, had more white adipose tissue, and lower serum leptin than WT mice, but were lighter and had less white adipose tissue than ob/ob mice. With a few exceptions, cancellous bone architecture, cell (osteoblast, osteoclast, and adipocyte), and dynamic measurements did not differ between WT and ob/+ mice. In contrast, compared to WT and ob/+ mice, ob/ob mice had lower cancellous bone volume fraction, and higher bone marrow adiposity in the femur metaphysis, and higher cancellous bone volume fraction in lumbar vertebra. Paradoxically, ob/+ mice had greater femoral bone volume than either WT or ob/ob mice. There was a positive correlation between body weight and femur volume in all three genotypes. However, the positive effect of weight on bone occurred with lower body weight in leptin‐producing mice. The paradoxical differences in bone size among WT, ob/+, and ob/ob mice may be explained if leptin, in addition to stimulating bone growth and cancellous bone turnover, acts to lower the set‐point at which increased body weight leads to a commensurate increase in bone size. Anat Rec, 298:2018–2029, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Does electromagnetic hypersensitivity originate from nocebo responses? Indications from a qualitative study
Authors: Dieudonné Maël
Published: September 2015

Idiopathic Environmental Intolerance attributed to Electromagnetic Fields (IEI‐EMF) is a condition in which symptoms are attributed to electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure. As electro‐hypersensitive (EHS) people have repeatedly been observed, during provocation trials, to report symptoms following perceived rather than actual exposure, the hypothesis has been put forward that IEI‐EMF originates from psychological mechanisms, especially nocebo responses. This paper examines this hypothesis, using data from a qualitative study aimed at understanding how EHS people come to regard themselves as such. Forty self‐diagnosed EHS people were interviewed. A typified model of their attribution process was then elaborated, inductively, from their narratives. This model is linear and composed of seven stages: (1) onset of symptoms; (2) failure to find a solution; (3) discovery of EHS; (4) gathering of information about EHS; (5) implicit appearance of conviction; (6) experimentation; (7) conscious acceptance of conviction. Overall, symptoms appear before subjects start questioning effects of EMF on their health, which is not consistent with the hypothesis that IEI‐EMF originates from nocebo responses to perceived EMF exposure. However, such responses might occur at the sixth stage of the process, potentially reinforcing the attribution. It remains possible that some cases of IEI‐EMF originate from other psychological mechanisms. Bioelectromagnetics. 37:14–24, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structural features affecting the enzymatic digestibility of pine wood pretreated with ionic liquids
Authors: Torr Kirk M. , Love Karen T. , Simmons Blake A. , Hill Stefan J.
Published: September 2015

Pretreating lignocellulosic biomass with certain ionic liquids results in structural and chemical changes that make the biomass more digestible by enzymes. In this study, pine wood was pretreated with 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride/acetate ([C2mim]Cl and [C2mim][OAc]) at different temperatures to investigate the relative importance of substrate features, such as accessible surface area, cellulose crystallinity, and lignin content, on enzymatic digestibility. The ionic liquid pretreatments resulted in glucan conversions ranging from 23% to 84% on saccharification of the substrates, with [C2mim][OAc] being more effective than [C2mim]Cl. The pretreatments resulted in no delignification of the wood, some loss of cellulose crystallinity under certain conditions, and varying levels of increased surface area. Enzymatic digestibility closely correlated with accessible surface area and porosity measurements obtained using Simons' staining and thermoporosimetry techniques. Increased accessible surface area was identified as the principal structural feature responsible for the improved enzymatic digestibility. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 540–549. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development of a synthetic receptor protein for sensing inflammatory mediators interferon‐γ and tumor necrosis factor‐α
Authors: Aurand T. Christopher , March John C.
Published: September 2015

Intestinal inflammation has been implicated in a number of diseases, including diabetes, Crohn's disease, and irritable bowel syndrome. Important components of inflammation are interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), which are elevated both on the luminal and submucosal sides of the intestinal epithelial barrier in several diseases. Here, we developed a novel Escherichia coli based detection system for IFN‐γ and TNF‐α comprised of a chimeric protein and a simple signal transduction construct, which could be deployed on the luminal side of the intestine. OmpA of E. coli was engineered to detect IFN‐γ or TNF‐α through the replacement of extracellular loops with peptide fragments from OprF of P. aeruginosa. OmpA/OprF chimeras were developed, capable of binding IFN‐γ or TNF‐α. The specific peptide fragments that bind IFN‐γ were identified. IFN‐γ or TNF‐α binding the OmpA/OprF chimera induced the pspA promoter, driving β‐galactosidase production. The OmpA/OprF chimera had a detection limit of 300 pM for IFN‐γ and 150 pM for TNF‐α. This work will further the development of bacteria based therapeutics for the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the gut. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 492–500. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cobalt‐Containing Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Aerogels as Efficient Electrocatalysts for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Kreek Kristiina , Sarapuu Ave , Samolberg Lars , Joost Urmas , Mikli Valdek , Koel Mihkel , Tammeveski Kaido
Published: September 2015

The electrocatalysis of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on cobalt‐containing nitrogen‐doped carbon aerogels (CAs) was studied in alkaline solution. CA‐based catalyst materials with varied compositions were prepared through the sol‐gel polymerisation of organic precursors (resorcinol derivatives and melamine), followed by insertion of Co by using an ion‐exchange process and pyrolysis. The concentrations of the precursors had a large effect on the structure and physicochemical properties of the materials, as characterised by using SEM, XRD, XPS, atomic adsorption spectroscopy, and N2‐adsorption analysis. The electrocatalytic activity of Co‐containing N‐doped CAs for the ORR was higher than that of nitrogen‐free CA, and this activity increased with increasing Co content. The most active catalyst materials supported the four‐electron reduction of O2 and short‐term stability tests indicated their high durability. Co‐containing N‐doped CAs can be regarded as a promising class of material for the cathode catalysts of alkaline membrane fuel cells.
Dipolar relaxation revisited: A complete derivation for the two spin case
Authors: Gupta Abhishek , Stait‐Gardner Timothy , Moghaddam Minoo J. , Price William S.
Published: September 2015

Relaxation theory often forms the basis of various studies, like MRI contrast agents and ionic liquids, which require the understanding of the molecular dynamics or determination of molecular parameters (such as correlation times) or both. Such studies compare the explicit expressions of the relaxation times T1 and T2, derived many years ago by quantum physicists, with their experimental findings to understand various aspects of the molecular motion. However, because of the complicated terminology and widely scattered information, the task of understanding or re‐deriving the relaxation theory for even the simplest cases becomes challenging for many students and researchers new to this field. In this article, the dipolar relaxation theory for the basic, yet practical case of a two spin system is presented with a detailed description of the concepts behind it. Aiming at a beginner level and making only modest assumptions on prior knowledge, we have discussed the basics of the quantum mechanics, spherical harmonics, stochastic processes and perturbation theories. It is hoped that this article will enable the reader to understand the general framework of the relaxation theory and will be beneficial in comprehending the relaxation in more complex systems as well, which is not discussed here. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part A 44A: 74–113, 2015.
GPU accelerated sparse matrix‐vector multiplication and sparse matrix‐transpose vector multiplication
Authors: Tao Yuan , Deng Yangdong , Mu Shuai , Zhang Zhenzhong , Zhu Mingfa , Xiao Limin , Ruan Li
Published: September 2015

Many high performance computing applications require computing both sparse matrix‐vector product (SMVP) and sparse matrix‐transpose vector product (SMTVP) for better overall performance. Under such a circumstance, it is critical to maintain a similarly high throughput for these two computing patterns with the underlying sparse matrix encoded in a single storage format. The compressed sparse block (CSB) format proposed by Buluç et al. allows computing both problems on multi‐core CPUs with nearly identical throughputs. On the other hand, a direct porting of CSB to graphics processing units (GPUs), which have been recently recognized as a powerful general purpose computing platform, turns out to be inefficient. In this work, we propose a new data structure, designated as expanded CSB (eCSB), to minimize the throughput gap between SMVP and SMTVP computations on GPUs, while at the same time enable a high computing throughput. We also use a hybrid storage format to store elements in each block, which can be selected dynamically at runtime. Experimental results show that the proposed techniques implemented on a Kepler GPU delivers similar throughput on both SMVP and SMTVP and the throughput is up to 13 times faster than that of the CPU‐based CSB implementation. In addition, our eCSB procedure outperforms the previous GPU results by up to 188% and 914% in computing SMVP and SMTVP, and we validate the effectiveness of eCSB by means of wall‐clock time of bi‐conjugate gradient algorithm; our eCSB is 25% faster than Compressed Sparse Rows (CSR) and 6% faster than HYB, respectively. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PCSK9 Inhibitors: Are We on the Verge of a Breakthrough?
Authors: Yang E
Published: September 2015

Statins are first‐line therapy for lowering cholesterol and reducing cardiovascular events. A significant need for new lipid‐modifying therapies remains for patients unable to tolerate statins or achieve guideline‐based cholesterol targets. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a key regulator of LDL receptor recycling. Gain‐of‐function PCSK9 mutations are associated with high low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) levels and increased risk of coronary artery disease, while loss‐of‐function variants result in low LDL‐C and decreased risk of cardiovascular events. PCSK9 monoclonal antibody inhibitors have been developed and lower LDL‐C levels up to 70% in clinical trials. These inhibitors are well tolerated, with low serious adverse event rates. Phase III clinical outcome trials with these agents are ongoing and will determine their efficacy in reducing cardiovascular events and address long‐term safety concerns.
Create an inclusive environment for LGBTQA students
Authors: Christensen Sarah
Published: September 2015

Jen Dugger, director of the Disability Resource Center at Portland State University, explained how the experiences of LGBTQA students parallel those of students with disabilities.
Download 7 cheap or free apps to transform your office
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: September 2015

CHICAGO — In a packed session at the annual conference of the Society of College and University Planning, Beth Ziesenis, consultant, author and technology expert, demonstrated a handful of free or cheap apps designed to increase personal efficiency and work‐life balance. Here are seven apps to download now for increased productivity and safety.
Assessing variability in chemical acute toxicity of unionid mussels: Influence of intra- and interlaboratory testing, life stage, and species
Authors: Raimondo Sandy , Lilavois Crystal R. , Lee Larisa , Augspurger Tom , Wang Ning , Ingersoll Chris G. , Bauer Candice , Hammer Edward , Barron Mace G.
Published: September 2015

The authors developed a toxicity database for unionid mussels to examine the extent of intra- and interlaboratory variability in acute toxicity tests with mussel larvae (glochidia) and juveniles; the extent of differential sensitivity of the 2 life stages; and the variation in sensitivity among commonly tested mussels (Lampsilis siliquoidea, Utterbackia imbecillis, and Villosa iris), commonly tested cladocerans (Daphnia magna and Ceriodaphnia dubia), and fish (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Pimephales promelas, and Lepomis macrochirus). The results of these analyses indicate that intralaboratory variability for median effect concentrations (EC50) averaged about 2-fold for both life stages, whereas interlaboratory variability averaged 3.6-fold for juvenile mussels and 6.3-fold for glochidia. The EC50s for juveniles and glochidia were within a factor of 2 of each other for 50% of paired records across chemicals, with juveniles more sensitive than glochidia by more than 2-fold for 33% of the comparisons made between life stages. There was a high concurrence of sensitivity of commonly tested L. siliquoidea, U. imbecillis, and V. iris to that of other mussels. However, this concurrence decreased as the taxonomic distance of the commonly tested cladocerans and fish to mussels increased. The compiled mussel database and determination of data variability will advance risk assessments by including more robust species sensitivity distributions, interspecies correlation estimates, and availability of taxon-specific empirically derived application factors for risk assessment. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:750–758. Published 2015 Wiley Periodicals Inc on behalf of SETAC. This article is a US Government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
Impact on survival of addition of etoposide to primary chemotherapy in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma: a Swedish Lymphoma Registry study
Authors: Wästerlid Tove , Hartman Linda , Székely Elisabeth , Jerkeman Mats
Published: September 2015

No randomised study in the rituximab era has been performed specifically to evaluate addition of etoposide to treatment of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The aim of this study was to compare the outcome with three chemotherapy regimens (R‐CHOP‐21, R‐CHOP‐14 and R‐CHOEP‐14) in a population‐based cohort in terms of overall survival, adjusted for clinical prognostic factors. Through the Swedish Lymphoma Registry, 3443 patients with DLBCL were identified 2007–2012. Among all patients, there was no evidence of a difference between the regimens, after adjustment for prognostic factors. However, when restricted to patients aged up to 65, R‐CHOEP‐14 was associated with superior outcome compared to both R‐CHOP‐21 (hazard ratio: 0.49, 95% confidence interval: 0.3–0.9, p = 0.028) and R‐CHOP‐14 (hazard ratio: 0.64, 95% confidence interval: 0.4–1.0, p = 0.06), when adjusted for prognostic factors. Results were consistent in an additional stratified analysis with patients grouped according to age and IPI‐score. In conclusion, we could show that R‐CHOEP‐14 was associated with superior overall survival in patients with DLBCL aged up to 65 years, indicating that this may be a valid treatment option for this patient population. To further investigate which patient groups that may benefit the most from treatment intensification, R‐CHOEP‐14 should be compared to R‐CHOP‐21 in a randomised setting. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of uptake, cytotoxicity and inflammatory effects in respiratory cells exposed to pristine and ‐OH and ‐COOH functionalized multi‐wall carbon nanotubes
Authors: Ursini Cinzia Lucia , Maiello Raffaele , Ciervo Aureliano , Fresegna Anna Maria , Buresti Giuliana , Superti Fabiana , Marchetti Magda , Iavicoli Sergio , Cavallo Delia
Published: September 2015

Toxic effects were reported for pristine‐multi‐wall carbon nanotubes (p‐MWCNTs) while the role of the functionalization on MWCNT‐induced toxicity is not yet well defined. We evaluated on human alveolar (A549) epithelial cells and normal bronchial (BEAS‐2B) cells exposed to p‐MWCNTs, MWCNTs‐OH and MWCNTs‐COOH: uptake by TEM, cell viability by different assays, membrane damage by the LDH assay and cytokine release by ELISA. The aims of the present study were to: (i) confirm MWCNT cytotoxicity mechanisms hypothesized in our previous studies; (ii) identify the most reliable viability assay to screen MWCNT toxicity; and (iii) to test our model to clarify the role of functionalization on MWCNT‐induced toxicity. In A549 cells, p‐MWCNTs and MWCNTs‐OH were localized free in the cytoplasm and inside vacuoles whereas MWCNTs‐COOH were confined inside filled cytoplasmic vesicles. WST‐1 and Trypan blue assays showed in A549 cells a similar slight viability reduction for all MWCNTs whereas in BEAS‐2B cells WST1 showed a high viability reduction at the highest concentrations, particularly for MWCNTs‐COOH. The MTT assay showed a false cytotoxicity as a result of MWCNTs‐interference. Pristine and MWCNTs‐COOH induced membrane damage, particularly in BEAS‐2B cells. MWCNTs‐COOH induced interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and IL‐8 release in A549 cells whereas p‐MWCNTs induced IL‐8 release in BEAS‐2B cells. MWCNTs intracellular localization in A549 cells confirms the toxicity mechanisms previously hypothesized, with p‐MWCNTs disrupting the membrane and vesicle‐confined MWCNTs‐COOH inducing inflammation. WST‐1 was more reliable than MTT to test MWCNT‐toxicity. BEAS‐2B cells were more susceptible then A549 cells, particularly to MWCNT‐COOH cytotoxicity. Our results confirm the toxicity of p‐MWCNTs and demonstrate, also for the two kinds of tested functionalized MWCNTs toxic effects with a different mechanism of action. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.