bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Masking as a persuasive strategy in advertising for young
Authors: Bermejo-Berros Jesús
Published: May 2013

Los jóvenes viven hoy en una cultura multimedia donde los contenidos a los que acceden y hacen circular a través de diferentes dispositivos tecnológicos audiovisuales, forman parte de su educación informal. En ese contexto, la publicidad clásica inserta en esos medios de comunicación está dando paso a nuevas estrategias en las que la publicidad se enmascara en otros contenidos dirigidos a los jóvenes. Estos creen estar suficientemente bien informados para considerar que la influencia de la publicidad sobre ellos es relativa y afirman estar dotados de eficaces estrategias que les inmunizan contra ella. Sin embargo, como se argumenta en el presente artículo, la actual publicidad está implementando nuevas formas persuasivas que no perciben. Se presenta una investigación empírica en la que participan 154 estudiantes. Mediante un dispositivo informático interactivo procesan un total de 223 estímulos correspondientes a un medio de comunicación gráfico. Como variables dependientes se recoge el grado de acierto en la identificación de la presencia de publicidad en los estímulos y el tiempo de reacción. Los resultados muestran cómo las nuevas estrategias de enmascaramiento en publicidad evitan la toma de conciencia de los jóvenes de estar recibiendo mensajes publicitarios. Ello favorece que éstos no contraargumenten. Estos resultados abren la discusión de la pertinencia de dar a conocer a los jóvenes, en su proceso educativo, estas actuales estrategias publicitarias eficaces provenientes de los sistemas de educación informal.

Young people today live in a media culture where the content they access and circulate through by means of different audiovisual technological devices is part of their informal education. In this context, the traditional advertising inserted into these media is giving way to new strategies through which advertising is masked within other content consumed by young people. They believe they are sufficiently wellinformed to consider advertising's influence on them to be relative, and claim to be equipped with effective strategies that immunize them against it. However, as argued in this article, current advertising is implementing new persuasive forms that go unnoticed. We present an empirical investigation involving 154 students. Through an interactive computing device, the students processed a total of 223 stimuli corresponding to a graphic communication medium. The dependent variables include the degree of success in identifying the presence of advertising in the stimuli and reaction time. The results show how new masking strategies in advertising hinder young people's awareness that they are receiving advertising messages. This facilitates a failure to create counterarguments. The results of this work open up the discussion of whether it is relevant to make known to young people, as part of their education and training, these current effective advertising strategies deriving from informal education systems.
Intimacy and «extimacy» in social networks. Ethical boundaries of facebook
Authors: Tello-Díaz Lucía
Published: May 2013

The current paper aims to analyze how certain Facebook settings, model of new Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), have turned into an infringement of some existing privacy Ethical principles. This totally changed and modern paradigm has its clearest expression in recent Web 2.0., and omnipotent Communication Technology, and implies the reconsideration of each Ethical Principles, especially those related to Intimacy and Image Protection. Our research explains not just how these areas are affected by technological changes but also the way these imperative ethical principles are violated because users ignorance and confidence. This carefree attitude and the increasing communicative relevance have given networking precedence over Intimacy protection. The result of this action has been denominated «Extimacy» according to the author Jacques Lacan, a concept which can be translated as public Intimacy through networking activities, namely, exposed Intimacy. The goal we aim to achieve is to illustrate the different ways our Privacy can be damaged by some Facebook measures (as Privacy Policies Change, collecting tendencies of consumption, the use of private data and revealing users confidence). Likewise these arguments will be endorsed by international researches focused on Facebook privacy violations, which we are going to expose to understand how citizens can carry out different actions to defend our Intimacy and Image Rights.

El presente trabajo analiza cómo ciertas herramientas de Facebook, modelo de las nuevas tecnologías de la información, han derivado en la vulneración de algunos planteamientos éticos vigentes hasta el momento. Este paradigma comunicativo que encuentra su máxima expresión en las redes sociales y la tecnología 2.0, implica un replanteamiento de los principios de la ética informativa relativos a la salvaguarda de la intimidad, la protección de la vida privada y el resguardo de la propia imagen. Esta investigación estudia cómo estas áreas no solo se ven afectadas por los cambios tecnológicos y la propia naturaleza de la fuente informativa, sino por la confianza y desconocimiento de los usuarios, quienes dan primacía a la comunicación por encima de la intimidad. Este fenómeno denominado «extimidad» por Jacques Lacan, se traduce como la intimidad hecha pública a través de las nuevas redes de comunicación o intimidad expuesta. En nuestro análisis expondremos los resortes a través de los cuales se quebranta nuestra privacidad en Facebook, especialmente por medio de la captación de pautas de comportamiento, el empleo de datos derivados de los perfiles, los cambios en la política de privacidad y el reconocimiento facial, avalando su transgresión con documentación derivada de investigaciones realizadas por organismos internacionales. En resumen, analizar la vulneración de la intimidad en las redes sociales y entender qué medidas pueden implementarse para defender nuestros derechos son el objetivo de esta comunicación.
Revisión del enrollamiento en los trilobites del Cámbrico español y su implicación en la evolución de los trilobites
Authors: Esteve Jorge
Published: May 2013

Los trilobites del Cámbrico medio encontrados en Purujosa y otras localidades de las Cadenas Ibéricas como Murero y Mesones (Zaragoza) poseen un gran número de nuevas estructuras de enrollamiento, así como tipos de enrollamiento que previamente no se habían descrito en el Cámbrico, mostrando que el enrollamiento era habitual también en este periodo. En este trabajo se han revisado las estructuras coaptativas o de cierre situadas tanto en el cefalón como en el pigidio de los trilobites, así como las distintas articulaciones presentes en el tórax necesarias para el enrollamiento. También se describen y discuten los distintos tipos de enrollamiento especialmente en los trilobites del Cámbrico medio español. Se muestran por primera vez ejemplares de Agraulos longicephalus y Ctenocephalus antiquus en posición enrollada, Por último se discute la influencia de este comportamiento en la evolución de los trilobites.
Endogenous Galectin-1 Exerts Tonic Inhibition on Experimental Arthritis
Authors: Iqbal Asif J. , Cooper Dianne , Vugler Alexander , Gittens Beatrice R. , Moore Adrian , Perretti Mauro
Published: May 2013

Little is known about the role(s) of endogenous galectin-1 (Gal-1) in arthritis. In this study we queried whether antiarthritic functions for this effector of endogenous anti-inflammation could be unveiled by studying collagen-induced arthritis in Gal-1−/− mice. Gal-1−/− and C57BL/6J [wild-type (WT)] mice received an immunization of chicken type II collagen (CII) in CFA followed by a booster on day 21, which consisted of CII in IFA. Animals were monitored for signs of arthritis from day 14 onward. Clinical and histological signs of arthritis were recorded, and humoral and cellular immune responses against CII were analyzed. A distinct disease penetrance was apparent, with ∼ 70% of Gal-1−/− mice developing arthritis compared with ∼ 50% in WT animals. Gal-1−/− mice also exhibited an accelerated disease onset and more severe arthritis characterized by significantly elevated clinical scores. Postmortem analyses (day 42) revealed higher levels of IgG1 and IgG2b anti-CII Ig isotypes in the serum of Gal-1 null animals compared with WT. Finally, T cell responses following ex vivo stimulation with CII revealed a greater degree of proliferation in T cells of Gal-1−/− mice compared with WT, which was associated with increased production of IL-17 and IL-22. These data suggest the novel idea that endogenous Gal-1 is an inhibitory factor in the development of arthritis affecting disease severity. We have also highlighted the importance of endogenous Gal-1 in regulating T cell reactivity during experimental arthritis.
Writing the history of geography: what we have learnt – and where to go next
Authors: Wardenga U.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. When writing the history of geography the subject is, customarily, one's own national geography. Moreover, until the 1960s, the discipline's history was generally told by recollecting the life and works of eminent scholars. Since then, the subject has been internationalised, owing a great deal to the IGU's commission on ''History of Geographical Thought''. It has also been broadened and aligned with the emerging sociology of science and later the ''cultural turn''; so biographical narratives lost ground in favour of thematic studies. Nevertheless, most kept to their own national geography tradition as a frame of reference – whose development they now analysed in non-scientific contexts as well. Due to the expansion of its scope, writing the history of geography lost its exclusivity and became part of our everyday practice. Loosely following Jörn Rüsen (1982), we can distinguish three types of narration that have been employed in writing the history of geography: traditional, exemplary and critical narratives. In different ways, all three reacted to changes within geography. Changes were often perceived as crises and thus brought about attempts to stabilise identity claims through history. Currently we see a new research setting emerging that strives to overcome methodological nationalisms by means of comparative studies and analysing transfer processes. Reflecting upon one's own position is key to this concept. It results in a historiography that studies transnational patterns of the discipline's development. In doing so, it does not only find dense international networks of historical exchange relationships but also sees the researchers themselves as agents in the deconstruction of national stereotypes.
On the genealogy of Lebensraum
Authors: Abrahamsson C.
Published: May 2013

Abstract. The aim of this paper is to outline a genealogy of the concept of Lebensraum. It will focus on the way that Darwinian evolutionary thought was translated into 19th Century German geography, particularly in the work of Friedrich Ratzel and his formulation of the concept of Lebensraum. The paper argues that the Ratzelian Lebensraum must be viewed as a concept aimed towards a synthesis between biogeography and anthropogeography. The paper will also trace how the Ratzelian Lebensraum came to play a vital part in Rudolf Kjellén's later formulation of an organic theory of the state. Here the paper will focus specifically on Kjellén's organic taxonomy of the political system. The paper will end with a short discussion on the synthetic aspects of the Lebensraum concept, focusing on the seemingly divergent ways that the Lebensraum concept was mobilised within National socialist ideology and planning.
Perinatal Pathology: Practice Suggestions for Limited–Resource Settings
Authors: Roberts Drucilla J.
Published: May 2013

The practice of perinatal pathology in much of the world suffers, as do all subspecialties of anatomic pathology, from inadequate resources (equipment, consumables, and both professional and technical personnel), from lack of education (not only of the pathologist but also of the clinicians responsible for sending the specimens, and the technicians processing the specimens), and from lack of appropriate government sector support. Perinatal pathology has significant public health–related utility and should be championing its service by providing maternal and fetal/infant mortality and morbidity data to governmental health ministries. It is with this pathologic data that informed decisions can be made on health-related courses of action and allocation of resources. These perinatal pathology data are needed to develop appropriate public health initiatives, specifically toward achieving the Millennium Developmental Goals as the best way to effectively decrease infant and maternal deaths and to determine causes of perinatal mortality and morbidity. The following overview will focus on the utility of perinatal pathology specifically as related to its public health function and will suggest methods to improve its service in resource-poor settings. This article is offered not as a critique of the current practice that most pathologists find themselves working in globally, but to provide suggestions for improving perinatal pathology services, which could be implemented with the limited available resources and manpower most pathology departments currently have. In addition, we offer suggestions for graded improvements (“ramping up”) over time.
A comparison of model‐based and data‐driven controller tuning
Authors: Formentin Simone , van Heusden Klaske , Karimi Alireza
Published: May 2013

In many industrial applications, finding a model from physical laws that is both simple and reliable for control design is a hard and time‐consuming undertaking. When a set of input/output measurements is available, one can derive the controller directly from data, without relying on the knowledge of the physics. In the scientific literature, two main approaches have been proposed for control system design from data. In the ‘model‐based’ approach, a model of the system is first derived from data and then a controller is computed‐based on the model. In the ‘data‐driven’ approach, the controller is directly computed from data. In this work, the previous approaches are compared from a novel perspective. The main finding of the paper is that, although from the standard perspective of parameter variance analysis the model‐based approach is always statistically more efficient, the data‐driven controller might outperform the model‐based solution for what concerns the final control cost. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TORC1‐dependent epilepsy caused by acute biallelic Tsc1 deletion in adult mice
Authors: Abs Elisabeth , Goorden Susanna M. I. , Schreiber Jadwiga , Overwater Iris E. , Hoogeveen‐Westerveld Marianne , Bruinsma Caroline F. , Aganović Elvedin , Borgesius Nils Z. , Nellist Mark , Elgersma Ype
Published: May 2013

Objective

Seizure development in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) correlates with the presence of specific lesions called cortical tubers. Moreover, heterozygous TSC animal models do not show gross brain pathology and are seizure‐free, suggesting that such pathology is a prerequisite for the development of epilepsy. However, cells within TSC lesions show increased activity of the target of rapamycin complex 1 (TORC1) pathway, and recent studies have implicated this pathway in non–TSC‐related animal models of epilepsy and neuronal excitability. These findings imply a direct role for TORC1 in epilepsy. Here, we investigate the effect of increased TORC1 signaling induced by acute biallelic deletion of Tsc1 in healthy adult mice.

Methods

Biallelic Tsc1 gene deletion was induced in adult Tsc1 heterozygous and wild‐type mice. Seizures were monitored by electroencephalographic and video recordings. Molecular and cellular changes were investigated by Western blot analysis, immunohistochemistry, and electrophysiology.

Results

Mice developed epilepsy a few days after biallelic Tsc1 deletion. Acute gene deletion was not accompanied by any obvious histological changes, but resulted in activation of the TORC1 pathway, enhanced neuronal excitability, and a decreased threshold for protein‐synthesis–dependent long‐term potentiation preceding the onset of seizures. Rapamycin treatment after seizure onset reduced TORC1 activity and fully abolished the seizures.

Interpretation

Our data indicate a direct role for TORC1 signaling in epilepsy development, even in the absence of major brain pathology. This suggests that TORC1 is a promising target for treating seizures not only in TSC but also in other forms of epilepsy that result from increased TORC1 activation. Ann Neurol 2013;74:569–579
Mediterranean diet, stroke, cognitive impairment, and depression: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Psaltopoulou Theodora , Sergentanis Theodoros N. , Panagiotakos Demosthenes B. , Sergentanis Ioannis N. , Kosti Rena , Scarmeas Nikolaos
Published: May 2013

Objective

This meta‐analysis aims to quantitatively synthesize all studies that examine the association between adherence to a Mediterranean diet and risk of stroke, depression, cognitive impairment, and Parkinson disease.

Methods

Potentially eligible publications were those providing effect estimates of relative risk (RR) for the association between Mediterranean diet and the aforementioned outcomes. Studies were sought in PubMed up to October 31, 2012. Maximally adjusted effect estimates were extracted; separate analyses were performed for high and moderate adherence.

Results

Twenty‐two eligible studies were included (11 covered stroke, 9 covered depression, and 8 covered cognitive impairment; only 1 pertained to Parkinson's disease). High adherence to Mediterranean diet was consistently associated with reduced risk for stroke (RR = 0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.57–0.89), depression (RR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.54–0.86), and cognitive impairment (RR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.43–0.83). Moderate adherence was similarly associated with reduced risk for depression and cognitive impairment, whereas the protective trend concerning stroke was only marginal. Subgroup analyses highlighted the protective actions of high adherence in terms of reduced risk for ischemic stroke, mild cognitive impairment, dementia, and particularly Alzheimer disease. Meta‐regression analysis indicated that the protective effects of Mediterranean diet in stroke prevention seemed more sizeable among males. Concerning depression, the protective effects of high adherence seemed independent of age, whereas the favorable actions of moderate adherence seemed to fade away with more advanced age.

Interpretation

Adherence to a Mediterranean diet may contribute to the prevention of a series of brain diseases; this may be of special value given the aging of Western societies. Ann Neurol 2013;74:580–591
Multi‐correlation Fourier transform spectroscopy with the resolved modes of a frequency comb laser
Authors: Zeitouny Mounir , Balling Petr , K en Petr , Ma ika Pavel , Horsten Ronald C. , Persijn Stefan T. , Urbach H. Paul , Bhattacharya Nandini
Published: May 2013

An instrument achieving 100 KHz spectral precision using multiple correlation Fourier transform spectroscopy has been demonstrated. The instrument can measure the individual frequency comb modes of 100 MHz frequency comb lasers in air. The experiments show ∼400,000 resolved modes at linewidths of 85 MHz in the region of 829 nm and ∼ 182,000 resolved modes at linewidths of 28 MHz in the region of 1.5 μm, with a recording time of few minutes. The precision of the instrument, defined by the frequency positioning, attains sub‐MHz even when the scan is performed in air.
Novel method of dispersion of multiwalled carbon nanotubes in a flexible epoxy matrix
Authors: Jagtap Siddheshwar B. , Ratna Debdatta
Published: May 2013

We describe a simple and novel method for dispersing multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in a flexible epoxy matrix. The MWCNTs were modified with half‐neutralized dicarboxylic acids having different numbers of carbon atoms. The modified MWCNTs were prereacted with epoxy in the presence of triphenylphosphine. The dispersion of the MWCNTs and the enhancement in the tensile properties were found to be better for composites prepared with a solvent. Among the half‐neutralized dicarboxylic acids used, half‐neutralized adipic acid (HNAA) exhibited the best performance. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy studies clearly indicated an improvement in the level of dispersion of the MWCNTs with the addition of the modifier. The good dispersion of the MWCNTs and the resulting improvement in their properties were attributed to the cation–π interactions (the cation of HNAA and the π‐electron clouds of the MWCNTs) between the HNAA and MWCNTs and the chemical bonding of COOH groups of HNAA and the epoxy resin. The cation–π interaction and chemical bonding was assessed with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. This approach did not destroy the π–electron clouds of the MWCNTs in contrast to a chemical functionalization strategy. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2610–2618, 2013
Removal of formaldehyde from overactivated‐carbon‐fiber‐loaded biological enzyme
Authors: Zuo Hongmei , Zhang Hua , Zhang Xingxiang , Han Na
Published: May 2013

To remove formaldehyde effectively, we used activated carbon fiber as a carrier to prepare the composite materials (biological enzyme/activated carbon fiber) by loading biological enzyme on its surface. A one‐factor‐at‐a‐time design and orthogonal design were used in the experimental design methods to optimize the biological enzyme based on soya protein. The experimental results indicate that the pH value was the most significant condition for optimizing the biological enzyme. The optimum orthogonal design conditions were proposed to be a reaction temperature of 80°C, a pH of 4, a reaction time of 6 h, and an amino nitrogen content of up to 5.4%. In addition, the morphologies of the composite materials were characterized with scanning electron microscopy, and the removal efficiency of formaldehyde was investigated with the acetyl acetone method. The results show that the formaldehyde removal efficiency was the best and the removal rate was 80% when the loading time was 8 h. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2619–2623, 2013
Impact of p‐toluenesulfonate on polypyrrole–cobalt catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Kumar Amit , Singh Rajiv K. , Singh Hari K. , Srivastava Pankaj , Singh Ramadhar
Published: May 2013

Polypyrrole (PPy) and polypyrrole p‐toluenesulfonate (PPy/pTS) supported cobalt (Co) catalysts have been synthesized using in situ surfactant modified chemical oxidative polymerization. These catalysts have been characterized for their structure and electrocatalytic activity employing FT‐IR, Raman, SEM, HRTEM, and electrochemical techniques. The influence of pTS on the morphology and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity has been discussed in respect of the formation of polaronic and bipolaronic species. The impact of these species on the electrochemical performance has been studied using continuous cycling in acidic media. Overall, PPy/pTS‐Co is found to be the best suitable candidate among the catalysts synthesized for this study and can become an attractive substitute as a non‐noble catalyst material for cathode applications in fuel cells. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2645–2651, 2013
Electrosynthesis, characterization, and application of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) derivative with a chloromethyl functionality
Authors: Zhang Long , Wen Yangping , Yao Yuanyuan , Duan Xuemin , Xu Jingkun , Wang Xiaoqiang
Published: May 2013

Poly(2‐chloromethyl‐2,3‐dihydrothieno[3,4‐b][1,4]dioxine), a chloromethyl functionalized poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) derivative (PEDOT‐MeCl), was synthesized electrochemically via the potentiostatic polymerization of its monomer in dichloromethane solution containing suitable tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate, then it was used for the characterization of film properties and the fabrication of electrochemical sensor. The properties of the resulting PEDOT‐MeCl film were characterized by different methods such as cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared and ultraviolet–visible techniques, scanning electron microscope, and thermogravimetric analysis. The PEDOT‐MeCl film displayed a good reversible redox activity, remarkable capacitance properties, good thermal stability, rough, and porous structure, especially fluorescent spectra indicated that PEDOT‐MeCl was a blue‐emitter with maximum emission centered at 396 and 398 nm. Finally, the PEDOT‐MeCl film was employed for the fabrication of the sensing electrode, and dopamine was chosen as a model analyte for the application of the electrochemical sensor. Results indicated that the PEDOT‐MeCl film as sensing interface was feasible, and studies of these film properties were very beneficial for studying properties and applications of other poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) derivative films. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2660–2670, 2013
Synthesis, characterization, and properties of PCDL aliphatic hyperbranched polyurethane coatings
Authors: Wang Xuechuan , Fu Yuqiao , Guo Peiying , Ren Longfang , Wang Haijun , Qiang Taotao
Published: May 2013

The isocyanate‐terminated polyurethane pre‐polymer (PPU) was synthesized via the step‐growth polymerization approach by using polycarbonate diol (PCDL, Mn = 2000) and isophorone disocyanate (IPDI) as monomers, dibutyltin dilaurate (DBTDL) as the catalyst. Subsequently, the hyperbranched polyurethane (HBPU) was synthesized by graft copolymerization using PPU, hyperbranched poly(amide–ester) polyol (HPAE) and 1,4‐butanediol (BDO). The molecular structure of HBPU was characterized by means of FTIR, 1H‐NMR, and 13C‐NMR. It was observed that HBPU was synthesized as anticipated. The thermal and mechanical properties, the microstructure, and morphologies of the filmed HBPU and LPU (linear polyurethane) were tested, respectively. The filmed HBPU, revealed better thermal stability, and higher Tg accompanied with lower viscosity than those of filmed LPU. Additionally, the mechanical experiment showed that the filmed HBPU exhibited enhanced mechanical properties because it contained certain amounts of HPAE. Compared with its linear analog (LPU) specimen, the tensile strength of the filmed HBPU containing 10 wt % HPAE increased by 1.9 times (up to 28.15 MPa), and its elongation at break increased by 1.5 times (up to 543.8%), resulting from the dual effects of the hydrogen bonding and the crosslinking density in the HBPU system. The morphologies of filmed HBPU were characterized by means of WAXD and SEM, which indicated that increasing the content of HPAE lowers the crystallinity of HBPU. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2671–2679, 2013
Zebrafish model systems for developmental neurobehavioral toxicology
Authors: Bailey Jordan , Oliveri Anthony , Levin Edward D.
Published: May 2013

Zebrafish offer many advantages that complement classic mammalian models for the study of normal development as well as for the teratogenic effects of exposure to hazardous compounds. The clear chorion and embryo of the zebrafish allow for continuous visualization of the anatomical changes associated with development, which, along with short maturation times and the capability of complex behavior, makes this model particularly useful for measuring changes to the developing nervous system. Moreover, the rich array of developmental, behavioral, and molecular benefits offered by the zebrafish have contributed to an increasing demand for the use of zebrafish in behavioral teratology. Essential for this endeavor has been the development of a battery of tests to evaluate a spectrum of behavior in zebrafish. Measures of sensorimotor plasticity, emotional function, cognition and social interaction have been used to characterize the persisting adverse effects of developmental exposure to a variety of chemicals including therapeutic drugs, drugs of abuse and environmental toxicants. In this review, we present and discuss such tests and data from a range of developmental neurobehavioral toxicology studies using zebrafish as a model. Zebrafish provide a key intermediate model between high throughput in vitro screens and the classic mammalian models as they have the accessibility of in vitro models and the complex functional capabilities of mammalian models. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 99:14–23, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Vitamin D and maternal and child health: Overview and implications for dietary requirements
Authors: Uriu‐Adams Janet Y. , Obican Sarah G. , Keen Carl L.
Published: May 2013

The essentiality of vitamin D for normal growth and development has been recognized for over 80 years, and vitamin D fortification programs have been in place in the United States for more than 70 years. Despite the above, vitamin D deficiency continues to be a common finding in certain population groups. Vitamin D deficiency has been suggested as a potential risk factor for the development of preeclampsia, and vitamin D deficiency during infancy and early childhood is associated with an increased risk for numerous skeletal disorders, as well as immunological and vascular abnormalities. Vitamin D deficiency can occur through multiple mechanisms including the consumption of diets low in this vitamin and inadequate exposure to environmental ultraviolet B rays. The potential value of vitamin D supplementation in high‐risk pregnancies and during infancy and early childhood is discussed. Currently, there is vigorous debate concerning what constitutes appropriate vitamin D intakes during early development as exemplified by differing recommendations from the Institute of Medicine Dietary Reference Intake report and recent recommendations by the Endocrine Society. As is discussed, a major issue that needs to be resolved is what key biological endpoint should be used when making vitamin D recommendations for the pregnant woman and her offspring. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 99:24–44, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enhanced peripheral nerve regeneration by the combination of a polycaprolactone tubular prosthesis and a scaffold of collagen with supramolecular organization
Authors: Maturana Luiz G. , Pierucci Amauri , Simões Gustavo F. , Vidigal Mateus , Duek Eliana A. R. , Vidal Benedicto C. , Oliveira Alexandre L. R.
Published: May 2013

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of implanting collagen with a supramolecular organization on peripheral nerve regeneration, using the sciatic nerve tubulization technique. For this purpose, adult female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups: (1) TP – sciatic nerve repaired with empty polyethylene tubular prothesis (n = 10), (2) TPCL – nerve repair with empty polycaprolactone (PCL) tubing (n = 8), (3) TPCLF – repair with PCL tubing filled with an implant of collagen with a supramolecular organization (n = 10), (4) AG – animals that received a peripheral nerve autograft (n = 8), and (5) Normal nerves (n = 8). The results were assessed by quantification of the regenerated fibers, nerve morphometry, and transmission electron microscopy, 60 days after surgery. Immunohistochemistry and polarization microscopy were also used to analyze the regenerated nerve structure and cellular elements. The results showed that the AG group presented a larger number of regenerated axons. However, the TPCL and TPCLF groups presented more compact regenerated fibers with a morphometric profile closer to normal, both at the tube midpoint and 2 mm distal to the prosthesis. These findings were reinforced by polarization microscopy, which indicated a better collagen/axons suprastructural organization in the TPCLF derived samples. In addition, the immunohistochemical results obtained using the antibody anti‐p75NTR as a Schwann cell reactivity marker demonstrated that the Schwann cells were more reactive during the regenerative process in the TPCLF group as compared to the TPCL group and the normal sciatic nerve. Altogether, the results of this study indicated that the implant of collagen with a supramolecular organization positively influenced and stimulated the regeneration process through the nerve gap, resulting in the formation of a better morphologically arranged tissue.
Degradation of Malachite Green by Enterobacter asburiae Strain XJUHX‐4TM
Authors: Mukherjee Tina , Das Manas
Published: May 2013

Malachite green is a highly toxic and recalcitrant dye used worldwide in various industries. The dye has been found to induce carcinogenesis and mutagenesis against many organisms. In this study, the degradation capacity of a bacterium, Enterobacter asburiae strain XJUHX‐4TM has been evaluated against malachite green. The organism showed very good consistency in decolorizing the dye till a concentration of 1000 mg/L from semi‐synthetic media, after which it starts falling down. It prefers sucrose and beef extract as carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively, in a ratio of 5:1 for maximum decolorization (>98%) in semi‐synthetic media. The organism demonstrated good efficiency (>95% decolorizaton) to be utilized in repeated batch decolorization studies in three consecutive cycles after which its efficiency decreased. It showed efficacy in decolorizing other industrial dyes as well. The decolorized products of malachite green were investigated with UV–Vis spectroscopy, thin layer chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy, which indicated its transformation into other compounds. The analyzed products were found to be a mixture of leucomalachite green, desmethyl leucomalachite green, didesmethyl leucomalachite green, (dimethyl amino phenyl)‐phenyl methanone, (methyl amino phenyl)‐phenyl methanone, (amino phenyl)‐phenyl methanone and aniline. A significant increase in the activities of enzymes – laccase, dichlorophenolindopnenol reductase and malachite green reductase were observed during MG degradation process, indicating their involvement in degradation. The Ames Salmonella mutagenicity assay, microbial toxicity study and chemical oxygen demand analyses conducted on the degraded products revealed their non‐mutagenic and less toxic nature – an indication of microbial bioremediation in true sense.
Application of Endophytic Bacteria to Reduce Persistent Organic Pollutants Contamination in Plants
Authors: Zhu Xuezhu , Ni Xue , Liu Juan , Gao Yanzheng
Published: May 2013

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) accumulation in plants poses a risk to human health. POPs can be transported to plants through soil and air by abiotic or biotic processes. Their transport mechanisms in plants include symplastic and apoplastic processes, depending on the POP physicochemical properties and the vegetation species and growth stage. POPs with higher log octanol–water partition coefficient (Kow) values were absorbed more easily than those with lower logKow values. Specific endophytic bacteria showed increased expression of specific genes, more efficient degradation of organic contaminants, and the ability to degrade and reduce organic contaminants in host‐plant tissues. Several POP‐degrading endophytic bacteria were isolated from plants grown in POP‐contaminated soils and then inoculated successfully into plants. They expressed the genes encoding enzymes in the POP degradation pathways and reduced phytotoxicity and the amount of POP present in plant tissues. Thus, plant colonization by endophytic bacteria can be applied to degrading and reducing the concentration of POPs in plants.
Epiphytic Diatoms along Environmental Gradients in Western European Shallow Lakes
Authors: Blanco Saúl , Cejudo‐Figueiras Cristina , Álvarez‐Blanco Irene , van Donk Ellen , Gross Elisabeth M. , Hansson Lars‐Anders , Irvine Kenneth , Jeppesen Erik , Kairesalo Timo , Moss Brian , Nõges Tiina , Bécares Eloy
Published: May 2013

Diatom‐based assays have been successfully associated worldwide with the tropic status of lakes. Several studies have demonstrated a correlation between epiphytic diatoms and nutrient load in shallow lakes and wetlands. We examine the relative importance of environmental factors in explaining the structure of epiphytic diatom communities in a set of Western European shallow lakes. The effects of lake physical/chemical, morphometric, and geographical variables on diatom assemblages were tested using distance‐based, canonical correspondence and regression analyses. Our results show that epiphytic diatom communities respond, mainly to physical/chemical variables, overriding the effects of lake depth, size, and location. The clustering of studied systems based along a total phosphorus concentration gradient concurs with previous classification of diatom taxa and nutrient state. Assessment of epiphytic diatoms provided a potential method for shallow lake classification.
From exaptation to radical niche construction in biological and technological complex systems
Authors: Andriani Pierpaolo , Cohen Jack
Published: May 2013

Biological adaptation assumes the evolution of structures toward better functions. Yet, the roots of adaptive trajectories usually entail subverted—perverted—structures, derived from a different function: what Gould and Vrba called “exaptation.” Generally, this derivation is regarded as contingent or serendipitous, but it also may have regularities, if not rules, in both biological evolution and technological innovation. On the basis of biological examples and examples from the history of technology, the authors demonstrate the centrality of exaptation for a modern understanding of niche, selection, and environment. In some cases, biological understanding illuminates technical exaptation. Thus, the driver of exaptation is not simply chance matching of function and form; it depends on particular, permissive contexts. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 18: 7–14, 2013
Point defects isomerism in lithium fluoride crystals and nanocrystals
Authors: Voitovich A. P. , Kalinov V. S. , Martynovich E. F. , Stupak A. P. , Runets L. P.
Published: May 2013

It has been established that the intrinsic radiation defects F3 in lithium fluoride crystals and nanocrystals exist in three different configurations (isomers). It is found that at influence on a sample by a radiation with a wavelength that falls in the absorption band of one of the isomers this isomer is transformed to another one. After treatment cessation the equilibrium ratio of concentrations for these isomers is restored. The value of the energy barrier separating equilibrium states of isomers and the contribution of entropy in this barrier are defined.
Identification and quantification of synthetic cannabinoids in ‘spice‐like’ herbal mixtures: A snapshot of the German situation in the autumn of 2012
Authors: Langer Nico , Lindigkeit Rainer , Schiebel Hans‐Martin , Ernst Ludger , Beuerle Till
Published: May 2013

Synthetic compounds mimicking cannabis‐like effects are a recent trend. Currently, these so‐called synthetic cannabinoids are the largest and fastest growing class of newly appearing designer drugs. Many national authorities are continuously adapting their regulations to keep pace with the permanently changing variety of compounds. We have analyzed eight herbal smoking blends containing synthetic cannabinoids. Altogether, nine compounds could be identified, namely AM‐2201, AM‐2201‐pMe (MAM‐2201), AM‐1220, AM‐1220‐azepane, UR‐144, XLR‐11, JWH‐122‐pentenyl, AM‐2232, and STS‐135. Newly appearing compounds were isolated by column chromatography and their structures elucidated by 1D‐ and 2D‐nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments. In addition, the compounds were investigated by electron ionization‐mass spectrometry (EI‐MS) and electrospray ionization‐tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS/MS) to complete the physicochemical dataset. Based on the purified compounds a universal gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) method was developed for the identification and quantification of these compounds in commercial smoking blends. By applying this method, up to five different compounds could be found in such products showing total concentrations from 72 to 303 mg/g smoking blend while individual compounds ranged from 0.4 to 303 mg/g. 1H NMR spectra of the chiral compounds AM‐1220 and its azepane‐isomer recorded in the presence of 1 equivalent of (R)‐(+)‐α‐methoxy‐α‐trifluoromethylphenylacetic acid (MTPA, Mosher's acid) showed them to be racemic mixtures. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Italian Children with Dyslexia are also Poor in Reading English Words, but Accurate in Reading English Pseudowords
Authors: Palladino Paola , Bellagamba Isabella , Ferrari Marcella , Cornoldi Cesare
Published: May 2013

It has been argued that children with dyslexia (DC) are poor at learning a foreign language (L2) and, in particular, reading foreign words. This assumption is so general that an Italian law (law 170, October, 2010) has established that DC may be completely exempted from foreign language learning and, in any case, should not be engaged in tuition via written material. However, evidence of L2 difficulties of DC is scarce and, in particular, absent for Italian children learning English. This absence of data is problematic, as it precludes information on the pattern of weaknesses and strengths, which could be found in DC. The present paper assessed these issues by administering an English word and pseudoword reading test to 23 DC and to 23 control children, matched for age, gender, schooling and IQ. The patterns of difficulties were examined individually for accuracy and speed, and the role of measures of native (L1) competence in L2 difficulties was also taken into account. Results confirmed that Italian DC are also poor in reading English words. However, they are accurate in reading pseudowords, suggesting that they have assimilated English pronunciation rules. Difficulties in L2 were, to some extent, but not completely, explained by difficulties in reading in L1. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interspecific synchrony of seabird population growth rate and breeding success
Authors: Robinson James P. W. , Dornelas Maria , Ojanguren Alfredo F.
Published: May 2013

Environmental variability can destabilize communities by causing correlated interspecific fluctuations that weaken the portfolio effect, yet evidence of such a mechanism is rare in natural systems. Here, we ask whether the population dynamics of similar sympatric species of a seabird breeding community are synchronized, and if these species have similar exceptional responses to environmental variation. We used a 24‐year time series of the breeding success and population growth rate of a marine top predator species group to assess the degree of synchrony between species demography. We then developed a novel method to examine the species group – all species combined – response to environmental variability, in particular, whether multiple species experience similar, pronounced fluctuations in their demography. Multiple species were positively correlated in breeding success and growth rate. Evidence of “exceptional” years was found, where the species group experienced pronounced fluctuations in their demography. The synchronous response of the species group was negatively correlated with winter sea surface temperature of the preceding year for both growth rate and breeding success. We present evidence for synchronous, exceptional responses of a species group that are driven by environmental variation. Such species covariation destabilizes communities by reducing the portfolio effect, and such exceptional responses may increase the risk of a state change in this community. Our understanding of the future responses to environmental change requires an increased focus on the short‐term fluctuations in demography that are driven by extreme environmental variability.
Multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification and fluorescence in situ hybridization are complementary techniques to detect cytogenetic abnormalities in multiple myeloma
Authors: Alpar Donat , de Jong Danielle , Holczer‐Nagy Zsofia , Kajtar Bela , Savola Suvi , Jakso Pal , David Marianna , Kosztolanyi Szabolcs , Kereskai Laszlo , Pajor Laszlo , Szuhai Karoly
Published: May 2013

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a genetically heterogeneous disease with diverse clinical outcomes. Interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (i‐FISH) is the most commonly used approach to detect recurrent cytogenetic abnormalities in this malignancy. We aimed to assess the performance of multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) to reveal copy number abnormalities (CNAs) in MM. Diagnostic bone marrow samples from 81 patients were analyzed using 42 MLPA probes for the following regions: 1p32‐31, 1p21, 1q21.3, 1q23.3, 5q31.3, 12p13.31, 13q14, 16q12, 16q23, and 17p13. All samples were also screened by i‐FISH for the presence of hyperdiploidy, deletion/monosomy of chromosome 13, deletion of TP53, disruption of the immunoglobulin heavy‐chain gene, t(4;14), t(11;14), t(14;16), t(8;14), gain of 5q and abnormalities of chromosome 1. A total of 245 alterations were detected in 79 cases (98%). Investigating the same aberrations, the two methods showed a congruency of higher than 90%. A low proportion of cells with the relevant abnormality, focal CNAs and unmatched probes were responsible for the discrepancies. MLPA revealed 95 CNAs not detected by i‐FISH providing additional information in 53 cases (65%). Scrutiny of CNAs on chromosome 1, using more than 20 probes, revealed significant heterogeneity in size and location, and variable intra‐chromosomal and intra‐clonal rates of loss or gain. Our results suggest that MLPA is a reliable high‐throughput technique to detect CNAs in MM. Since balanced aberrations are key to prognostic classification of this disease, MLPA and i‐FISH should be applied as complementary techniques in diagnostic pathology. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Land Use History and Site Formation Processes at the Punic Site of Pauli Stincus in West Central Sardinia
Authors: Nicosia Cristiano , Langohr Roger , Carmona González Pilar , Gómez Bellard Carlos , Modrall Emily B. , Ruíz Pérez José Miguel , van Dommelen Peter
Published: May 2013

The site of Pauli Stincus is located near the town of Terralba, on the inland shores of the Gulf of Oristano in west central Sardinia, Italy, and was occupied between the mid‐4th and the late 2nd century B.C. The site and its surroundings were the object of a joint archaeopedological and geomorphological study, which complemented the data from archaeological excavations. This study allowed us to evaluate the suitability of the different landscape and soil components for crop production in the Punic period. The discovery of a buried plow soil at the site's edge enabled us to identify a set of agricultural practices carried out by Punic farmers. These included the removal of sandy topsoil to cultivate deeper horizons enriched in illuvial clay, the use of a "sodbuster" or "rip ard," and the periodic burning of weeds, stubble, and other harvesting residues. The present study helped us to better understand the formation processes of the archaeological record at Pauli Stincus. Large quantities of allochtonous calcareous material were imported to the site from wet areas closer to the coast in order to produce earth‐based construction material, such as bricks and daub. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.