bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Who is Willing to Pay to See the Big 7?
Authors: Saayman Melville , Saayman Andrea
Published: November 2013

This article investigates the non-consumptive, or appreciative value of the ‘Big 7' and identifies the variables that influence willingness to pay (WTP). Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, is one of few places in the world where tourists can view all seven species: lion, buffalo, rhinoceros, leopard, elephant, southern right whale and great white shark. Two surveys were conducted, using the same questionnaire, one during summer and one during winter. A total of 232 completed questionnaires were used in the Heckman model selection procedure. The findings revealed that, although a variety of socio-demographic, behavioural and motivational factors influence the amount respondents are willing to pay, there is a clear distinction between the determinants for land species compared to marine species. This poses challenges for the marketing of and establishment of the Big 7 as a brand.
Robert Aleksander Maryks. The Jesuit Order as a Synagogue of Jews: Jesuits of Jewish Ancestry and Purity-of-Blood Laws in the Early Society of Jesus. Studies in Medieval and Reformation Traditions 146
Authors: Bell Dean Phillip
Published: November 2013

No abstract is available.
Porous fluid flow enables oceanic subduction initiation on Earth
Authors: Dymkova D. , Gerya T.
Published: November 2013

Although most of the presently active intra‐oceanic subduction zones are relatively young and initiated during the Cenozoic, subduction initiation process remains poorly understood. Previous models of subduction initiation assumed excessive weakening of tectonic plate boundaries that does not reconcile with laboratory rock strength measurements. The weakening was assumed to be caused by fluids present along tectonic fractures; however no self‐consistent solid‐fluid model of subduction initiation has been developed so far. Here we present new numerical hydro‐thermo‐mechanical model of spontaneous intra‐oceanic subduction initiation where solid rock deformation and fluid percolation are fully coupled. Based on 2‐D numerical experiments, we demonstrate that although subduction fails to initiate under fluid‐absent conditions, it can naturally start when porous fluid is present inside oceanic crust and along the plate boundaries. Fluid percolation is localized along spontaneously forming faults where high fluid pressure compensates lithostatic pressure, thus dramatically decreasing friction along the incipient subduction zone. Through the parametric study, we conclude that the most important parameter for subduction initiation is the solid matrix permeability. Paradoxical at first, lowering the permeability indeed favors subduction initiation by maintaining high fluid pressure and thus decreasing friction along active faults.
The western Pacific monsoon in CMIP5 models: Model evaluation and projections
Authors: Brown Josephine R. , Colman Robert A. , Moise Aurel F. , Smith Ian N.
Published: November 2013

The ability of 35 models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) to simulate the western Pacific (WP) monsoon is evaluated over four representative regions around Timor, New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Palau. Coupled model simulations are compared with atmosphere‐only model simulations (with observed sea surface temperatures, SSTs) to determine the impact of SST biases on model performance. Overall, the CMIP5 models simulate the WP monsoon better than previous‐generation Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 3 (CMIP3) models, but some systematic biases remain. The atmosphere‐only models are better able to simulate the seasonal cycle of zonal winds than the coupled models, but display comparable biases in the rainfall. The CMIP5 models are able to capture features of interannual variability in response to the El Niño–Southern Oscillation. In climate projections under the RCP8.5 scenario, monsoon rainfall is increased over most of the WP monsoon domain, while wind changes are small. Widespread rainfall increases at low latitudes in the summer hemisphere appear robust as a large majority of models agree on the sign of the change. There is less agreement on rainfall changes in winter. Interannual variability of monsoon wet season rainfall is increased in a warmer climate, particularly over Palau, Timor and the Solomon Islands. A subset of the models showing greatest skill in the current climate confirms the overall projections, although showing markedly smaller rainfall increases in the western equatorial Pacific. The changes found here may have large impacts on Pacific island countries influenced by the WP monsoon.
How Related Are the Prices of Organic and Conventional Corn and Soybean?
Authors: Singerman Ariel , Lence Sergio H. , Kimble‐Evans Amanda
Published: November 2013

Cointegration was tested between organic and conventional corn and soybean markets in several locations throughout the U.S. using a unique dataset. Organic prices were found to behave like pure jump processes rather than diffusions. A simple specification for pure jump processes is introduced and used with Monte Carlo methods to compute appropriate critical values for unit‐root and cointegration tests. The findings indicate that no long‐run relationship exists between organic and conventional prices, implying that price determination for organic corn and soybean is independent from that of the conventional crops. This suggests that organic corn and soybean prices are driven by demand and supply forces idiosyncratic to the organic market. For each crop, cointegrating spatial relationships are found between prices at the main organic markets. However, such relationships are generally weaker than the ones for the corresponding conventional prices, implying that organic markets are more affected by idiosyncratic shocks than conventional markets. [JEL Classification: Q130 – Agricultural Markets and Marketing; Cooperatives; Agribusiness Q180 – Agricultural Policy; Food Policy].
Flame‐retardant olefin block copolymer composites with novel halogen‐free intumescent flame retardants based on the composition of melamine phosphate and pentaerythritol
Authors: Zhang Zinan , Lin Bin , Zhou Ning , Yu Fengyuan , Zhang Hongbin
Published: November 2013

A series of halogen‐free intumescent flame retardants (IFR) based on home‐made melamine phosphate and pentaerythritol system (MPPER) including polyamid 12, basic nickel carbonate (NiCO3·2Ni(OH)2·4H2O), lanthanum oxide (La2O3), and expandable graphite compounding with MPPER, were adopted for flame retarding olefin block copolymers (OBC). Flame‐retardant effects and thermal stabilities of OBC‐IFR composites were investigated by limiting oxygen index, vertical burning test (UL‐94), and thermogravimetry analysis along with the analysis of morphological structures of the char residue by scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical properties and the flame‐retardant mechanism of the final composited materials have been also discussed. The loading of suitable amount of IFR can improve effectively the flame retardancy of the OBC with tolerable decrease in mechanical properties. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40066.
Conditional ablation of Tbr2 results in abnormal development of the olfactory bulbs and subventricular zone‐rostral migratory stream
Authors: Kahoud Robert J. , Elsen Gina E. , Hevner Robert F. , Hodge Rebecca D.
Published: November 2013

Background

Development of the olfactory bulb (OB) is a complex process that requires contributions from several progenitor cell niches to generate neuronal diversity. Previous studies showed that Tbr2 is expressed during the generation of glutamatergic OB neurons in rodents. However, relatively little is known about the role of Tbr2 in the developing OB or in the subventricular zone‐rostral migratory stream (SVZ‐RMS) germinal niche that gives rise to many OB neurons. Results: Here, we use conditional gene ablation strategies to knockout Tbr2 during embryonic mouse olfactory bulb morphogenesis, as well as during perinatal and adult neurogenesis from the SVZ‐RMS niche, and describe the resulting phenotypes. We find that Tbr2 is important for the generation of mitral cells in the OB, and that the olfactory bulbs themselves are hypoplastic and disorganized in Tbr2 mutant mice. Furthermore, we show that the SVZ‐RMS niche is expanded and disordered following loss of Tbr2, which leads to ectopic accumulation of neuroblasts in the RMS. Lastly, we show that adult glutamatergic neurogenesis from the SVZ is impaired by loss of Tbr2. Conclusions: Tbr2 is essential for proper morphogenesis of the OB and SVZ‐RMS, and is important for the generation of multiple lineages of glutamatergic olfactory bulb neurons. Developmental Dynamics 243:440–450, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Microsatellite markers reveal multiple origins for Italian weedy rice
Authors: Grimm Annabelle , Fogliatto Silvia , Nick Peter , Ferrero Aldo , Vidotto Francesco
Published: November 2013

Weedy rice (Oryza sativa L.) is one of the major issues of rice cultivation worldwide. In Italy, it infests about 70% of the total rice area. Different Weedy Rice populations can be distinguished based on variable morphological and physiological traits; however, little is known about genetic differentiation and origin of Italian weedy rice populations. The objective of this study was to genetically and morphologically characterize and compare different Italian weedy rice populations selected on the basis of different phenotypes. The main Italian rice territory was divided into 10 geographical areas in which 40 weedy rice populations were collected and grouped according to the awn traits. All the individuals of the populations were morphologically characterized according to plant and seed traits. Genetic characterization was performed using 19 SSR markers on all the collected accessions, and several rice cultivars, including some very old (late 19th century), nowadays are no longer cultivated. ANOVA showed that morphological plant and seed traits were significantly affected by the collection area and awnedness group. The importance of the awn morphology was also reflected in the Bayesian clustering where, despite a relatively low genetic diversity, the clusters displayed different awn types. An UPGMA dendrogram confirmed the clusters detected in STRUCTURE analysis and also revealed a grouping of certain old cultivars with the weedy rice, suggesting a common origin.
CD44+/CD133+ immunophenotype and matrix metalloproteinase‐9: Influence on prognosis in early‐stage oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Oliveira Lucinei R. , Castilho–Fernandes Andrielle , Oliveira–Costa João Paulo , Soares Fernando A. , Zucoloto Sérgio , Ribeiro–Silva Alfredo
Published: November 2013

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of CD44 and/or CD133 immunophenotypes and the associated effects of matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) in early‐stage oral squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) to assess their influence on tumor prognosis.

Methods

The following data were derived from 150 patients: age, sex, primary anatomic site, smoking status, alcohol intake, recurrence, metastases, histological classification, treatment, disease‐free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS). Immunohistochemical study of CD44, CD133, and MMP‐9 expression was performed on a tissue microarray of 150 paraffin blocks of oral SCCs.

Results

The predominant immunophenotype identified to exhibit a significant correlation with MMP‐9 was the CD44+/CD133+. Multivariate analyses identified a significant correlation of OS with surgical treatment and with CD44+/CD133+ immunophenotype.

Conclusion

This investigation demonstrated the prognostic importance of CD44/CD133 expression, which can help improve the prognostic value of surgical treatment for oral SCCs when diagnosed in early stages. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: 1718–1726, 2014
Poly‐L‐lactide acid‐modified scaffolds for osteoinduction and osteoconduction
Authors: Bosetti M. , Fusaro L. , Nicolì E. , Borrone A. , Aprile S. , Cannas M.
Published: November 2013

Poly‐l‐lactide acid (PLLA) scaffold has been modified to enhance its osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties in view of a bone tissue engineering application. Two approaches have been followed: (i) coating with laminin or fibronectin and (ii) grafting with arginine–glycine–aspatic acid (RGD) or SIKVAV peptides. Moreover we have added a bioactive molecule 1,25‐(OH)2D3 into the scaffold that shows better cellular interaction to implement osteoinduction and osteogenesis. The two coatings promoted only cell adhesion in the very short term while even if grafted scaffolds had cell seeding efficiency similar to ungrafted PLLA, the grafted ones supported better the proliferation of seeded human osteoblast (hOB) and human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) over 1 week of culture. Our data showed that in view of bone integration and bone regeneration, PLLA grafting with RGD can be considered a good substrate to induce hOB adhesion and proliferation but having no significant effect on the osteogenic induction, the scaffold has to be reinforced with osteoinductive molecules. It can be concluded from reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction results, alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization assays that 1,25(OH)2D3 reinforced RGD‐PLLA keeps increased cell proliferation supported by an upregulation of the studied osteogenic markers and induced hMSCs differentiation into osteoblasts demonstrating osteoinductivity and osteoconductivity of the new formulated scaffold. These results can lead to a future application of RGD‐D3‐PLLA as an osteogenic material for bone replacement. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 3531–3539, 2014.
Long‐lasting in vivo and in vitro antibacterial ability of nanostructured titania coating incorporated with silver nanoparticles
Authors: Cheng Hao , Li Yong , Huo Kaifu , Gao Biao , Xiong Wei
Published: November 2013

Although titanium (Ti) implants are widely used clinically, implant‐associated bacterial infection is still one of the most serious complications in orthopedic surgery. Long‐term antibacterial properties and the ability to inhibit biofilm formation are highly desirable to prevent implant associated infection. In this study, a controllable amount of silver (Ag) nanoparticles was incorporated into titanium oxide; or titanium, nanotubes (TiO2‐NTs). The reliable release and long‐term antibacterial function of Ag, in vivo and in vitro, and influence normal bone‐implant integration from the Ag released from Ag‐incorporated NTs in vivo have been studied to make them useable in clinical practice. In the current study, TiO2‐NTs loaded with Ag (NT‐Ag) exhibited strong antibacterial activity against methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA, ATCC43300) in vitro for 30 days, and the ability to penetrate the protein layer well. In addition, X‐ray examination and 2‐[18F]‐fiuoro‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose positron emission tomography indicates that NT‐Ag show extremely long antibacterial activity in vivo in a rat model. Furthermore, histomorphometric analysis demonstrated that satisfactory bio‐integration can be expected. Our results indicate that NT‐Ag has both simultaneous antimicrobial and excellent bio‐integration properties, make it a promising therapeutic material for orthopedic application. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 3488–3499, 2014.
Osteogenic effect of low‐temperature‐heated porcine bone particles in a rat calvarial defect model
Authors: Go Ara , Eun Kim Se , Mi Shim Kyung , Lee Sang‐Myeong , Hwa Choi Seok , Sik Son Jun , Soo Kang Seong
Published: November 2013

The current study was designed to investigate the chemical and physical properties of porcine‐derived xenografts of different crystallinity (low and high) and to evaluate their osteogenic potential. Porcine femur bone underwent a heat treatment process at 400°C (P400) and 1200°C (P1200) and was then milled into particles of 1 mm or less. In X‐ray diffraction, P400 exhibited a low crystallinity compared with that of P1200, as indicated by the relatively wide diffraction peaks. Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller analysis revealed that P400 also had a wider surface area than P1200. In micro‐CT scan analysis of specimens in a rat calvarial defect model, bone mineral density of the P400 group was significantly higher than that of the P1200 group (p < 0.01). New bone formation was also remarkably higher at 8 weeks in the P400 group, which showed more new osteocytes in the lacuna compared with the P1200 group. In this study, low crystalline bone particles were obtained at low processing temperature (at temperature of 400°C) and achieved superior new bone formation compared with the high crystalline bone particles created at a higher process temperature (1200°C). It can be concluded that lower process temperature bone particles might provide a more effective graft material for enhancing bone formation. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 3609–3617, 2014.
Highly Efficient One‐Pot Preparation of 1,2,4‐Oxadiazoles in the Presence of Diazabicycloundecene
Authors: Lukin Kirill , Kishore Vimal
Published: November 2013

New highly efficient method for the cyclization of acylamidoximes in the presence of diazabicycloundecene was developed and incorporated into a general and practical one‐pot synthesis of 1,2,4‐oxadiazoles (11 examples, 85–97% yields).
Comparison of classification methods for the divisions of wet/dry climate regions in Northwest China
Authors: Geng Qingling , Wu Pute , Zhao Xining , Wang Yubao
Published: November 2013

Two distinct approaches can be employed in the classification and divisions of wet/dry climate. The first is the rule‐driven strategy with predefined threshold values representing climate division boundaries, which is usually performed by Aridity Index (AI). The second is an automated method in a data‐driven fashion, avoiding the direct specification of classification rules while utilizing some forms of cluster analysis. However, various methods for climate classifications raise issues on their applicability and quality. Therefore, evaluation and comparative studies are needed to handle such issues first, in order to analyze their performance and second, to better understand climate characteristics in a region. This article makes a comprehensive analysis and comparison among five classification methods, including four rule‐driven methods based on different categories [Penman‐Monteith (PM), Thornthwaite, Holdridge, Sahin's method] and one data‐driven method (factor‐cluster analysis). With the meteorological data for long‐term period (1981–2010), the wet/dry climate divisions were performed for 191 meteorological stations in Northwest China (NW). The results indicated that the overall climate regimes were in agreement for five classifications, but boundaries of wet/dry climate divisions in a data‐driven fashion showed a better consistency with topographic features. PM classifications displayed more arid climate types in NW, while the Thornthwaite approach showed an underestimate in arid environments. All wet/dry climate types corresponding to Holdridge and Sahin's classifications were represented in NW, but Holdridge classification is more easily affected by topography and elevation. Complete comparisons among rule‐driven methods are difficult to conduct due to different class definitions and low coincident classes. Class definition of climate types for different rule‐driven classifications thus needs further investigation. This article highlights the importance of acknowledging the limitations and advantages of different classification systems as well as the dry and wet climate conditions in NW in hope to provide a reference for a similar geographical region.
Enhanced biomass delignification and enzymatic saccharification of canola straw by steam‐explosion pretreatment
Authors: Garmakhany Amir Daraei , Kashaninejad Mahdi , Aalami Mehran , Maghsoudlou Yahya , Khomieri Mortza , Tabil Lope G
Published: November 2013

BACKGROUND

In recent decades, bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass to biofuel (ethanol and biodiesel) has been extensively investigated. The three main chemical constituents of biomass are cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. Cellulose and hemicellulose are polysaccharides of primarily fermentable sugars, glucose and xylose respectively. Hemicellulose also includes small fermentable fractions of arabinose, galactose and mannose. The main issue in converting lignocellulosic biomass to fuel ethanol is the accessibility of the polysaccharides for enzymatic breakdown into monosaccharides. This study focused on the use of steam explosion as the pretreatment method for canola straw as lignocellulosic biomass.

RESULTS

Result showed that steam explosion treatment of biomass increased cellulose accessibility and it hydrolysis by enzyme hydrolysis. Following 72 h of enzyme hydrolysis, a maximum cellulose conversion to glucose yield of 29.40% was obtained for the steam‐exploded sample while the control showed 11.60% glucose yields. Steam explosion pretreatment increased glucose production and glucose yield by 200% and 153.22%, respectively, compared to the control sample. The crystalline index increased from 57.48% in untreated canola straw to 64.72% in steam‐exploded samples.

CONCLUSION

Steam explosion pretreatment of biomass increased cellulose accessibility, and enzymatic hydrolysis increased glucose production and glucose yield of canola straw. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
TNK2 gene amplification is a novel predictor of a poor prognosis in patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Shinmura Kazuya , Kiyose Shinichiro , Nagura Kiyoko , Igarashi Hisaki , Inoue Yusuke , Nakamura Satoki , Maeda Matsuyoshi , Baba Megumi , Konno Hiroyuki , Sugimura Haruhiko
Published: November 2013

Backgrounds and Objectives

We previously examined the amplification status of 10 kinase genes (PIK3CA, EPHB3, TNK2, PTK7, EGFR, MET, ERBB2, HCK, SRC, and AURKA) in gastric cancer (GC). This study aimed to determine the prognostic significance of these gene amplifications in GC.

Methods

A survival analysis was performed for GC patients. Since TNK2 amplification was identified as a prognostic marker in the analysis, we also examined the functional effect of TNK2 overexpression on gastric cells.

Results

A Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that the prognosis of patients with GC exhibiting TNK2 or AURKA amplification was significantly poorer than the prognosis of patients with GC without TNK2 or AURKA amplification. A further multivariate analysis revealed that TNK2 amplification was an independent predictor of a poor survival outcome among patients with GC (hazard ratio, 3.668; 95% confidence interval, 1.513–7.968; P = 0.0056). TNK2‐overexpressing GC cells showed an increase in cell migration and non‐anchored cell growth. Finally, microarray and pathway analyses revealed the aberrant regulation of some cancer‐related pathways in TNK2‐overexpressing GC cells.

Conclusions

These results suggested that TNK2 amplification is an independent predictor of a poor prognosis in patients with GC and leads to an increase in the malignant potential of GC cells. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 109:189–197. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nighttime Sleep, Daytime Napping, and Labor Outcomes in Healthy Pregnant Women in Taiwan
Authors: Tsai Shao‐Yu , Lin Jou‐Wei , Kuo Lu‐Ting , Lee Chien‐Nan , Landis Carol A.
Published: November 2013

We prospectively examined the associations of nighttime and daytime sleep during the third trimester of pregnancy with labor duration and risk of cesarean deliveries in a convenience sample of 120 nulliparous women who completed sleep‐related questionnaires and wore wrist actigraphs for up to 7 days. Nap duration and 24‐hour sleep duration were inversely associated with labor duration in women with vaginal delivery. Neither actigraphy‐derived nor self‐reported sleep variables were associated with type of delivery (e.g., vaginal, cesarean). Results showed a beneficial effect of sleep on labor duration and suggest that studies of sleep duration effects on labor and pregnancy outcomes require a consideration of the amount of both daytime and nighttime sleep. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 36: 612–622, 2013
Predicting preterm birth in women with previous preterm birth and cervical length ≥ 25 mm
Authors: Care A. G. , Sharp A. N. , Lane S. , Roberts D. , Watkins L. , Alfirevic Z.
Published: November 2013

Objective

To identify risk factors predicting subsequent spontaneous preterm birth or preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM) in a cohort of women with a history of spontaneous preterm birth and a cervical length of ≥ 25 mm at 20–24 weeks' gestation.

Methods

We identified all pregnant women who attended our preterm labor clinic between January 2010 and December 2012 because of previous spontaneous preterm birth or PPROM before 34 weeks. Women with a normal cervical length (defined as ≥ 25 mm) between 20 and 24 weeks' gestation were identified and included in the analysis. Maternal characteristics, obstetric history, shortest cervical length and gestational age at shortest cervical length of women who delivered preterm (before 37 weeks) were compared with those who delivered at or after 37 weeks in the index pregnancy. Multiple regression analysis was planned to examine the relationship between significant clinical and cervical‐length variables to identify significant clinical predictors of spontaneous preterm birth among high‐risk patients with a normal cervix between 20 and 24 weeks' gestation.

Results

Of 134 women with a normal cervix at 20–24 weeks, 28 (20.9%) delivered spontaneously or had PPROM before 37 weeks; of these 12 (9.0%) delivered before 34 weeks. None of the selected explanatory variables was predictive of recurrent preterm birth in this cohort. No correlation between absolute cervical length and gestational age at delivery was found (R = 0.01).

Conclusion

In high‐risk women with a cervical length of ≥ 25 mm at 20–24 weeks' gestation, demographic characteristics and absolute cervical length are not useful in predicting subsequent spontaneous preterm birth. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Accuracy of neurosonography and MRI in clinical management of fetuses referred with central nervous system abnormalities
Authors: Paladini D. , Quarantelli M. , Sglavo G. , Pastore G. , Cavallaro A. , D'Armiento M. R. , Salvatore M. , Nappi C.
Published: November 2013

Objective

To assess the accuracy of expert neurosonography (two‐ and three‐dimensional NSG) in the characterization of major fetal central nervous system (CNS) anomalies seen at a tertiary referral center and to report the differential clinical usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) used as a second‐line diagnostic procedure in the same cohort.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of all 773 fetuses with confirmed CNS abnormalities referred to our center between 2005 and 2012. The following variables were analyzed: gestational age at NSG and MRI, NSG and MRI diagnoses, indication for MRI (confirmation of NSG findings; diagnostic doubt; search for possible additional brain anomalies), association with other malformations, diagnostic accuracy of NSG vs MRI (no additional clinical value for either MRI or NSG; additional information with clinical/prognostic significance on MRI relative to NSG; additional information with clinical/prognostic significance on NSG relative to MRI, NSG and MRI concordant but incorrect) and final diagnosis, which was made at autopsy or postnatal MRI/surgery.

Results

CNS malformations were associated with other anomalies in 372/773 (48.1%) cases and were isolated in the remaining 401 (51.9%) cases. NSG alone was able to establish the diagnosis in 647/773 (83.7%) cases. MRI was performed in 126 (16.3%) cases. The indication for MRI was: confirmation of NSG diagnosis in 59 (46.8%) cases; diagnostic query (in the case of inconclusive or uncertain finding on NSG) in 20 (15.9%) cases; search for possible additional brain anomalies in 47 (37.3%) cases. NSG and MRI were concordant and correct in 109/126 (86.5%) cases. Clinically relevant findings were evident on MRI alone in 10/126 (7.9%) cases (1.3% of the whole population) and on NSG alone in 6/126 (4.8%) cases; in all six of these cases, MRI had been performed at < 24 weeks of gestation. In one case, both NSG and MRI diagnoses were incorrect. The main type of malformation in which MRI played an important diagnostic role was space‐occupying lesions, MRI identifying clinically relevant findings in 42.9% (3/7) of these cases.

Conclusions

(1) In a tertiary referral center with good NSG expertise in the assessment of fetal CNS malformations, MRI is likely to be of help in a limited proportion of cases; (2) MRI is more useful after 24 weeks of gestation; (3) the lesions whose diagnosis is most likely to benefit from MRI are gross space‐occupying lesions. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Application of the taguchi approach to investigate the effects of clay content and saponification parameters on the tensile properties of poly(vinyl alcohol)/clay nanocomposites
Authors: Navarchian Amir H. , Joulazadeh Mehrnaz , Mousazadeh Saeed
Published: November 2013

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/montmorillonite nanocomposites were prepared via solution polymerization. The nanocomposites were formed either by first hydrolyzing poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) to PVA and then preparing the PVA/clay, or by initially preparing PVAc/clay and then hydrolyzing the matrix to PVA. The morphology of the nanocomposites was examined by X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, which suggested the proper dispersion of silicate layers within the PVA matrix. The influences of some variables including method of preparation, clay content, and time and temperature of saponification on the tensile properties (elastic modulus, stress and elongation at break) of the nanocomposite samples were investigated by using the Taguchi experimental design approach. The results indicated that the tensile properties of the nanocomposites improved as clay content, and the temperature and time of saponification increased. Effect of each factor on the ultimate properties of as prepared nanocomposites are discussed in detail. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the method of preparation did not influence the ultimate tensile properties of the nanocomposite samples. Thermal degradation of the nanocomposites was studied by thermogravimetric analysis, which showed that their thermal stability was higher than that of virgin polymer. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 19:276–284, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Novel extremely acidic lipases produced from Bacillus species using oil substrates
Authors: Saranya P , Kumari H Sukanya , Jothieswari M , Rao B Prasad , Sekaran G
Published: November 2013

The extremely acidophilic microorganisms Bacillus pumilus and Bacillus subtilis were isolated from soil collected from the commercial edible oil and fish oil extraction industry. Optimization of conditions for acidic lipase production from B. pumilus and B. subtilis using palm oil and fish oil, respectively, was carried out using response surface methodology. The extremely acidic lipases, thermo-tolerant acidic lipase (TAL) and acidic lipase (AL), were produced by B. pumilus and B. subtilis, respectively. The optimum conditions for B. pumilus obtaining the maximum activity (1,100 U/mL) of TAL were fermentation time, 96 h; pH, 1; temperature, 50 °C; concentration of palm oil, 50 g/L. After purification, a 7.1-fold purity of lipase with specific activity of 5,173 U/mg protein was obtained. The molecular weight of the TAL was 55 kDa. The AL from B. subtilis activity was 214 U/mL at a fermentation time of 72 h; pH, 1; temperature, 35 °C; concentration of fish oil, 30 g/L; maltose concentration, 10 g/L. After purification, an 11.4-fold purity of lipase with specific activity of 2,189 U/mg protein was obtained. The molecular weight of the extremely acidic lipase was 22 kDa. The functional groups of lipases were determined by Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy.
An Association Can be Found between Hounsfield Units and Success of Lumbar Spine Fusion
Authors: Schreiber Joseph J. , Hughes Alexander P. , Taher Fadi , Girardi Federico P.
Published: November 2013

Background

Measuring Hounsfield units (HUs) from computed tomography (CT) scans has recently been proposed as a tool for assessing vertebral bone quality, as it has been associated with bone mineral density, compressive strength, and fracture risk. Vertebral bone quality is believed to be an important determinant of outcome and complication rates following spine surgery and potentially influences success of interbody spinal fusion.

Questions/Purposes

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between HU on CT scans and fusion success in patients with lateral transpsoas surgery for lumbar interbody fusion (LIF).

Methods

The CT scans of 28 patients with a combined 52 levels of stand-alone LIF were evaluated at a minimum of 12 weeks postoperatively. Coronal and sagittal images were evaluated for evidence of fusion, and HU values were collected from axial images. HU measurements were also taken from vertebral bodies proximal to the construct to evaluate global bone quality.

Results

Of the 52 LIF levels, 73% were assessed as fused and 27% were nonunited at the time of evaluation. The successful fusion levels had significantly higher HU measurements than the nonunion levels (203.3 vs. 139.8, p < 0.001). Patients with successful fusion constructs also had higher global bone density when vertebral bodies proximal to the construct were compared (133.7 vs. 107.3, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

With the aging population and increasing prevalence of osteoporosis, preoperative assessment of bone quality prior to spinal fusion deserves special consideration. We found that a successful lumbar fusion was associated with patients with higher bone density, as assessed with HU, both globally and within the fusion construct, as compared to patients with CT evidence of nonunion.
ESET histone methyltransferase regulates osteoblastic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells during postnatal bone development
Authors: Lawson Kevin A. , Teteak Colin J. , Gao Jidi , Li Ning , Hacquebord Jacques , Ghatan Andrew , Zielinska-Kwiatkowska Anna , Song Guangchun , Chansky Howard A. , Yang Liu
Published: November 2013

To investigate the effects of histone methyltransferase ESET (also known as SETDB1) on bone metabolism, we analyzed osteoblasts and osteoclasts in ESET knockout animals, and performed osteogenesis assays using ESET‐null mesenchymal stem cells. We found that ESET deletion severely impairs osteoblast differentiation but has no effect on osteoclastogenesis, that co‐transfection of ESET represses Runx2‐mediated luciferase reporter while siRNA knockdown of ESET activates the luciferase reporter in mesenchymal cells, and that ESET is required for postnatal expression of Indian hedgehog protein in the growth plate. As the bone phenotype in ESET‐null mice is 100% penetrant, these results support ESET as a critical regulator of osteoblast differentiation during bone development.
Structure of the (E)‐4‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐but‐2‐enyl‐diphosphate reductase from Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Rekittke Ingo , Olkhova Elena , Wiesner Jochen , Demmer Ulrike , Warkentin Eberhard , Jomaa Hassan , Ermler Ulrich
Published: November 2013

Terpenoid precursor biosynthesis occurs in human and many pathogenic organisms via the mevalonate and 2‐C‐methyl‐d‐erythritol‐4‐phosphate (MEP) pathways, respectively. We determined the X‐ray structure of the Fe/S containing (E)‐4‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐but‐2‐enyl‐diphosphate reductase (LytB) of the pathogenic protozoa Plasmodium falciparum which catalyzes the terminal step of the MEP pathway. The cloverleaf fold and the active site of P. falciparum LytB corresponds to those of the Aquifex aeolicus and Escherichia coli enzymes. Its distinct electron donor [2Fe–2S] ferredoxin was modeled to its binding site by docking calculations. The presented structural data provide a platform for a rational search of anti‐malarian drugs.
Thermodynamic effects during growth and collapse of a single cavitation bubble
Authors: Dular Matevž , Coutier-Delgosha Olivier
Published: November 2013

The thermodynamic effects associated with the growth and collapse of a single cavitation bubble are investigated in the present paper by an experimental approach. The study focuses on the temperature variations in the liquid surrounding the bubble. Experiments are conducted in a cylinder partially filled with water at an ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure. The bubble growth results from the expansion of an initial air bubble, due to the pressure wave generated by a so-called ‘tube-arrest’ method. Several locations of the bubble, at different distances from the bottom wall of the cylinder, are considered. The bottom wall is made of sapphire, which is transparent to both the visible and infrared light spectra which enables temperature measurements by a high-speed thermovision camera at a wavelength of 3–$5~\unicode[.5,0][STIXGeneral,Times]{x03BC} \mathrm{m} $. Water is opaque to the infrared light spectrum, hence only temperatures in the boundary layer and on the liquid vapour interface could be determined. A temperature decrease of${\sim }3$ K was recorded during the bubble growth while an increase up to 4 K was detected during the collapse. Experimental results are compared to the predictions of the ‘thermal delay’ model based on the assumption that the bubble growth and collapse are due to phase changes only. In this approach, the temperature variations are related to the latent heat exchanges during the vapourization and condensation processes. On the basis of these results, the respective effects of phase change and air dilatation/compression in the bubble dynamics are discussed.
Exchange and the Protection of Java's Antiquities: A Transnational Approach to the Problem of Heritage in Colonial Java
Authors: Bloembergen Marieke , Eickhoff Martijn
Published: November 2013

Sites, here the eighth-century Buddhist shrine Borobudur and other remains of the Hindu-Buddhist past located in colonial (predominantly Islamic) Java, are in this article our analytical tool to provide insight into the local and transnational dimensions of heritage politics and processes of in- and exclusion in Asia and Europe around 1900. Because we recognize these “sites” as centers of multiple historical, political, and moral spaces that transgress state boundaries, we take this concept beyond the nation-state-centered lieu de mémoire. By exploring how site-related objects traveled from temple ruins in Java to places elsewhere in the world (here: Siam, the Netherlands, France, and Great Britain) and back to Java, we show the transformation of heritage engagements around 1900 at multiple locations, and we make clear why, despite professionalizing state-centered heritage politics, state control was limited. We argue that the mechanisms of exchange and reciprocal interdependence, as theorized by Marcel Mauss, are crucial to understand the moral and economic engagements that define the problem of heritage, at local and transnational levels.
Tobacco smoking in schizophrenia: investigating the role of incentive salience
Authors: Freeman T. P. , Stone J. M. , Orgaz B. , Noronha L. A. , Minchin S. L. , Curran H. V.
Published: November 2013

Background

Smoking is highly prevalent in people diagnosed with schizophrenia, but the reason for this co-morbidity is currently unclear. One possible explanation is that a common abnormality underpins the development of psychosis and independently enhances the incentive motivational properties of drugs and their associated cues. This study aimed to investigate whether incentive salience attribution towards smoking cues, as assessed by attentional bias, is heightened in schizophrenia and associated with delusions and hallucinations.

Method

Twenty-two smokers diagnosed with schizophrenia and 23 control smokers were assessed for smoking-related attentional bias using a modified Stroop task. Craving, nicotine dependence, smoking behaviour and positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia were also recorded.

Results

Both groups showed similar craving scores and smoking behaviour according to self-report and expired carbon monoxide (CO), although the patient group had higher nicotine dependence scores. Attentional bias, as evidenced by significant interference from smoking-related words on the modified Stroop task, was similar in both groups and correlated with CO levels. Attentional bias was positively related to severity of delusions but not hallucinations or other symptoms in the schizophrenia group.

Conclusions

This study supports the hypothesis that the development of delusions and the incentive motivational aspects of smoking may share a common biological substrate. These findings may offer some explanation for the elevated rates of smoking and other drug use in people with psychotic illness.
The EU as an “enforcement patchwork”: the impact of national enforcement for compliance with EU water law in Spain and Britain
Authors: García Quesada Mónica
Published: November 2013

Failures of compliance with European Union (EU) directives have revealed the EU as a political system capable of enacting laws in a wide range of different policy areas, but facing difficulties to ensure their actual implementation. Although the EU relies on national enforcement agencies to ensure compliance with the EU legislation, there is scarce analysis of the differential deterrent effect of national enforcement in EU law compliance. This article examines the enforcement of an EU water directive, the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, in Spain and the UK. It focuses on the existing national sanctions for disciplining actors in charge of complying with EU requirements, and on the actual use of punitive sanctions. The analysis shows that a more comprehensive and active disciplinary regime at the national level contributes to explain a higher degree of compliance with EU law. The article calls for a detailed examination of the national administrative and criminal sanction system for a more comprehensive understanding of the incentives and disincentives to comply with EU law at the national state level.
Stationary reflection principles and two cardinal tree properties
Authors: Sakai Hiroshi , Veličković Boban
Published: November 2013

We study the consequences of stationary and semi-stationary set reflection. We show that the semi-stationary reflection principle implies the Singular Cardinal Hypothesis, the failure of the weak square principle, etc. We also consider two cardinal tree properties introduced recently by Weiss, and prove that they follow from stationary and semi-stationary set reflection augmented with a weak form of Martin’s Axiom. We also show that there are some differences between the two reflection principles, which suggests that stationary set reflection is analogous to supercompactness, whereas semi-stationary set reflection is analogous to strong compactness.
Land use and soils disposal: From competition to territorial governance (examples from land use conflicts in the greater Paris region)
Authors: Torre André , Darly Ségolène
Published: November 2013

Rural, natural and peri-urban areas seem nowadays to become the object of conflicts and tensions because of their multi-functional nature. If these conflicts issue from opposing views about the use of land, they are also determined by the spatial parameters that characterize the pieces of land affected by the projects of land-use transformation, and by the antagonistic relationship between two or several units of action (farmers and local planners, for example). Therefore, there is a need for a new management of rural (and peri-urban) areas, and this is the role of territorial governance, which is the engine of local development, and the tool for better local compromises, involving periods of opposition and streams of negotiation. Territorial governance has to take into account not only negotiations but conflict relations as well and to include both interaction schemes into its framework. Our study assesses the role played by conflicts in land use within a peri-urban context, based on studies on the Greater Paris region, and a case study on the use of agricultural soils on the urban fringe.
Political Learning Through Entertainment – Only an Illusion?
Authors: Mattheiß Tamara , Weinmann Carina , Löb Charlotte , Rauhe Katharina , Bartsch Katharina , Roth Franziska S. , Spenkuch Sabine , Vorderer Peter
Published: November 2013

The purpose of this study is to explain viewers’ entertainment and feelings of being informed when watching political talk shows on German TV, depending on their viewing motivations. First, an exploratory survey (N = 189) aims to identify the motivation. Results show that some participants had a strong interest in gaining political information by following such shows, while others simply watch them for entertainment purposes. Drawing on the concept of infotainment as well as on the elaboration likelihood model as a basis for entertainment and the feeling of being informed, four hypotheses are then tested in a 2 × 2 (focus on entertaining features versus focus on information × talk show containing a video clip versus talk show containing no video clip) experiment with 63 subjects. The results suggest that people felt better informed and were more entertained through political talk shows when watching them with a focus on entertaining features rather than with a focus on information. However, whether a talk show contained a video clip or not did not make any difference. The fact that a focus on entertaining features can induce a feeling of being informed reveals an interesting phenomenon, which is consistent with current developments in entertainment theory.
Effects of high and low 17β-estradiol doses on focal cerebral ischemia: negative results
Authors: Strom Jakob O. , Ingberg Edvin , Theodorsson Elvar , Theodorsson Annette
Published: November 2013

The reasons why some animal studies indicate that estrogens increase focal cerebral ischemic damage while others show estrogen-induced neuroprotection has hitherto not been fully elucidated. Recent evidence indicates that discrepancies in hormone administration paradigms, resulting in highly different serum hormone concentrations, may account for the dichotomy. The current study aimed to test this hypothesis. Sixty ovariectomized female rats were randomized into three groups differing in 17β-estradiol regimens and transient focal cerebral ischemia was subsequently induced. All animals were subjected to a small functional testing battery and three days after MCAo they were sacrificed for infarct size assessment. Infarct sizes did not differ between groups, however clear discrepancies were seen in body weight and feeding behavior. In comparison to sham-operated animals, ovariectomized rats rapidly increased in body weight, whereas the opposite was seen in rats receiving 17beta-estradiol. The weight gain in the ovariectomized rats was paralleled by an increased food intake.
Optical imaging to map blood-brain barrier leakage
Authors: Jaffer Hayder , Adjei Isaac M. , Labhasetwar Vinod
Published: November 2013

Vascular leakage in the brain is a major complication associated with brain injuries and certain pathological conditions due to disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). We have developed an optical imaging method, based on excitation and emission spectra of Evans Blue dye, that is >1000-fold more sensitive than conventional ultraviolet spectrophotometry. We used a rat thromboembolic stroke model to validate the usefulness of our method for vascular leakage. Optical imaging data show that vascular leakage varies in different areas of the post-stroke brain and that administering tissue plasminogen activator causes further leakage. The new method is quantitative, simple to use, requires no tissue processing and can map the degree of vascular leakage in different brain locations. The high sensitivity of our method could potentially provide new opportunities to study BBB leakage in different pathological conditions and to test the efficacy of various therapeutic strategies to protect the BBB.