bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of cigarette smoking on liver functions: a comparative study conducted among smokers and non-smokers male in El-beida City, Libya
Authors: Alsalhen Khaled Salem , Abdalsalam Rahab Dawood
Published: June 2014

Tobacco use is widely spread throughout the world. The effect of smoking on human health are serious and in many cases, deadly. The present study was done to investigate the effect of cigarette smoking on some liver functions in male population in El-beida city, Libya. The study was carried out on thirty Libyan male smokers, who smoked at least 10 cigarettes per day for at least15 years. The group includes smokers with age range between 30-60 years. Non-smokers, (control, n= 30) group were collected with the same range of age for statistical comparison. The whole blood samples were drawn by venipuncture from each member and liver functions test were estimated by a kit method on automatic analyzer (Beckman BUN analyzer, USA). The results of the study revealed a significant increase of malondialdehyde (MDA), which is an indicator of lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress significantly increased in cigarette smokers in groups when compared with control group. While the plasma level of total protein, albumin and total bilirubin decreased during smoking. Cigarette smoking raised alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), plasma total cholesterol and triglycerides in smoker group when compared with non-smoker group. To conclude, cigarette smoking leads to oxidative stress by free radical generation by the mechanism of lipid peroxidation. Smoking exerts negative influence on liver functions test should be carefully interpreted, and further study on the mechanism of the effects is warranted.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v3i7.19077 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, June 2014, 3(7): 291-295
Development and validation of stability-indicating RP-UPLC method for simultaneous estimation of thiocolchicoside and aceclofenac in combined dosage form
Authors: Balan Paramasivam , Kannappan Nagappan
Published: June 2014

A stability indicating RP-UPLC method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of Thiocolchicoside (TCC) and Aceclofenac (ACF) in tablet dosage form. The chromatographic separation was carried out by Thermo Scientific UPLC Instrument, Accela 1250 Pump, auto sampler with PDA detector, using column Thermo Scientific hypersil gold C18, (50 x 2.1mm) particle size 1.9µm using 5% ammonium acetate buffer and methanol in the ratio of 40:60, pH was adjusted to 5 with ortho phosphoric acid as mobile phase at a flow rate of 250 µl/min with the detection at 276nm. The run times of the TCC and ACF were about 0.697 and 1.125 minutes, respectively. The detector response is linear from 4.8 µg/ml to 7.2 µg/ml and 63.8 µg/ml to 96 µg/ml concentrations for TCC and ACF respectively. The linear regression equation was found to be y = 20620x-677.68 (r2 = 0.9996) for TCC and y= 50931x-319.3 (r2 = 0.9997) for ACF. The detection limit and quantification limit was 0.076µg and 0.23µg for TCC and 0.27µg and 0.71µg for ACF. The percentage of assay of TCC and ACF were about 99.50% and 99.96% respectively. The stability indicating capability was established by forced degradation experiments. The method was satisfactorily validated as per the ICH guidelines.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v3i7.19078 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, June 2014, 3(7): 296-300
Process optimisation, characterisation and evaluation of resveratrol-phospholipid complexes using Box-Behnken statistical design
Authors: Agarwal Apoorva , Kharb Vandana , Saharan Vikas Anand
Published: June 2014

With the advent of 21st century, researchers worldwide have extensively reviewed herbs and botanicals for their marked clinical efficacy. It has been estimated that most of the newly discovered compounds offer poor bioavailability due to their low aqueous solubility. Phospholipid complexation of the drug often helps to improve its water solubility and enhance the bioavailability. This study includes optimization of resveratrol-phospholipid complexes using a 3-factor, 3-level box-behnken design (15 batches). Three independent variables i.e. phospholipid-resveratrol ratio, refluxing temperature and reflux time were optimized for two dependent variables, i.e. yield and entrapment efficiency (EE). Complexes were prepared by refluxing stoichiometric ratio of Phospholipon 90G and resveratrol in dichloromethane and retrieved by precipitation with n-hexane. Complexation was confirmed by Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy. The data was suitably used to explore quadratic response surfaces and construct second order polynomial models with Design Expert®. Formulation with highest desirability (D=0.994) was selected as optimum and prepared using 1.5:1 Phospholipon 90G-resveratrol ratio (X1) at 59.4°C temperature (X2) and 4 h time (X3) to give maximum yield and entrapment efficiency. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was also found to be significant for both the responses. Complexes were optimised for good yield and EE. The partition coefficient was lowered to 2.25 hypothesizing good passive absorption.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v3i7.19079 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, June 2014, 3(7): 301-308
Pain and systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Di Franco M. , Guzzo M.P. , Spinelli F.R. , Atzeni F. , Sarzi-Puttini P. , Conti F. , Iannuccelli C.
Published: June 2014

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by heterogeneous clinical manifestations involving virtually the entire body. The pain in SLE can have different causes. The SLE classification criteria include mainly the musculoskeletal manifestations of pain, which are commonly reported as initial symptoms of SLE, such as arthralgia, arthritis and/or myalgia. Chronic widespread pain, which is typical of fibromyalgia (FM), is frequently associated with SLE. The aim of this review is to describe widespread pain and fatigue in SLE, and the association of SLE and FM. Although secondary FM is not correlated with the disease activity, it may interfere with the daily activities of SLE patients. Therefore it is necessary to identify its symptoms and treat them promptly to improve the quality of life of patients. In conclusion, it is essential to identify the origin of pain in SLE in order to avoid dangerous over-treatment in patients with co-existing widespread pain and FM.
THE EVOLVING ROLE OF RADIOTHERAPY IN EARLY STAGE HODGKIN’S LYMPHOMA
Authors: Ricardi Umberto , Filippi Andrea Riccardo , Piva Cristina , Franco Pierfrancesco
Published: June 2014

Radiation therapy has a key role in the combined modality treatment of early-stage Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (HL). Nevertheless, late toxicity still remains an issue. A modern approach in HL radiotherapy includes lower doses and smaller fields, together with the implementation of sophisticated and dedicated delivery techniques. Aim of the present review is to discuss the current role of radiotherapy and its potential future developments, with a focus on major clinical trials, technological advances and their repercussion in the clinical management of HL patients.
FLT3 INTERNAL TANDEM DUPLICATION AND D835 MUTATIONS IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA AND ITS CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Authors: Elyamany Ghaleb , Awad Mohamed , Alsuhaibani Omar , Fadalla Kamal , Al Sharif Omer , Al Shahrani Mohammad , Alabbas Fahad , Al-Abulaaly Abdulaziz
Published: June 2014

The fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) gene is a member of the class III receptor tyrosine kinase family, mutations of FLT3 were first described in 1997 and account for the most frequent molecular mutations in acute myeloid leukemia. No data currently exist regarding FLT3 mutations in Saudi acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients as no study has reported for FLT3 mutations in Saudi ALL patients. In this retrospective study, we have examined a cohort of 77 ALL patients, to determine the prevalence of FLT3 mutations and the possible prognostic relevance of these mutations in ALL patients and did correlations to other biologic factors, such as karyotype, molecular mutations, and leukocyte count. FLT3 internal tandem duplication (ITD) mutations and point mutation in tyrosine kinase domain (D835) mutations were analyzed in ALL patients at diagnosis by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). 2 cases (2.6%, 2/77) were positive for FLT3 mutations, one was found to have FLT3/ITD and other was found to have FLT3/D835. Our findings suggest that FLT3 mutations were not common in Saudi ALL and did not affect clinical outcome.
TUBERCULOSIS IN TROPICAL AREAS AND IMMIGRANTS
Authors: Zammarchi Lorenzo , Bartalesi Filippo , Bartoloni Alessandro
Published: June 2014

About 95% of cases and 98% of deaths due to tuberculosis (TB) occurs in tropical countries while in temperate low incidence countries, a disproportionate portion of TB cases is diagnosed in immigrants. Urbanization, poverty, poor housing conditions and ventilation, poor nutritional status, low education level, the HIV co-epidemic, the growing impact of chronic conditions such as diabetes are the main determinants of the current TB epidemiology in tropical areas. TB care in these contests is complicated by several barriers such as geographical accessibility, educational, cultural, socio-psychological and gender issues. High quality microbiological and radiological facilities are not widely available and erratic supply of anti-TB drugs may affects tropical areas from time to time. Nevertheless in recent years, TB control programs reached major achievements in tropical countries as demonstrated by several indicators. Migrants have an high risk of acquire TB before migration. Moreover, after migration, they are exposed to additional risk factors for acquiring new infection or reactivate it such as poverty, stressful living conditions, social inequalities, overcrowded housing, malnutrition, substance abuse, and limited access to health care. TB mass screening programs for migrants have been implemented in low endemic countries, but present several limitations. Screening programs should not represent a stand-alone intervention, but a component of a wider approach integrated with other healthcare activities to ensure the health of migrants.
Prevalence and Predictors of Harmful Khat Use among University Students in Ethiopia
Authors: Gebrehanna Ewenat , Berhane Yemane , Worku Alemayehu
Published: June 2014

Comprehensive assessment of harmful khat use is lacking because often researchers rely on a simple tool for studying it. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and predictors of harmful khat use among Ethiopian university students by developing a comprehensive scale based on Alcohol Use Identification Test, Severity of Dependency Syndrome scale, and International Classification of Diseases definition of harmful substance use. Logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of harmful khat use. One in five current khat user students were identified as harmful khat users [20.6% (95% CI: 14.3–22.3)]. Harmful khat use in this study was strongly associated with chewing at commercial places [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.32 (95% CI: 1.01–5.33)], and having non-student friends accompanying the khat-chewing ceremony [AOR = 3.77 (95% CI: 1.09–13.03). Students who started chewing khat at the age of 20 years or later [AOR = 0.19 (95% CI: 0.07–0.55)] and those who preferred to study in the library [AOR = 0.31(95% CI: 0.12–0.81)] were less likely to be harmful khat users. The university authorities, in addition to provision of student guidance on substance-use prevention, need to work in collaboration with the surrounding community and responsible public authorities in order to reduce harmful use of khat by their students.
A Usability Evaluation of Academic Virtual Reference Services
Authors: Chow Anthony S. , Croxton Rebecca A.
Published: June 2014

This study examined the usability of five virtual reference services—instant messenger chat, e-mail, telephone, text messaging, and Skype videoconferencing—by having 31 undergraduate and graduate students evaluate the usability of the virtual reference services of two different universities. The study’s results suggest that user preference and satisfaction for virtual reference service are highly correlated with the service’s overall usability in terms of effectiveness and efficiency. Online chat was rated highest across all measures including satisfaction and seven different usability factors. Major implications of the study suggest that online chat is the virtual reference of choice for university students and that usability metrics are a good predictor of user preferences centered on high return on investment, speed of transaction, convenience, and minimal effort.
El cuerpo y la ausencia. La obra literaria de Enrique J. Vila Torres
Authors: Contadini Luigi
Published: June 2014

Resumen: En este ensayo se analiza la obra literaria del abogado y escritor español Enrique Vila Torres, artífice, en 2011, de una clamorosa denuncia colectiva concerniente una de las más horribles violaciones de los derechos humanos acaecida en un país occidental en el siglo XX: la salvaje compraventa a escala nacional de miles de bebés, robados con el engaño a sus madres biológicas. Sus cuentos, todos basados en hechos reales, constituyen un género híbrido en que se representa la evidencia del cuerpo y las circunstancias del engendramiento, el trauma de la separación forzada y la consecuente ausencia, el fluir de una vida desgarrada basada en la mentira y la jadeante búsqueda del propio consanguíneo. Por su valor testimonial y su compromiso ético, estos escritos contribuyen a la construcción de la memoria colectiva. Palabras clave: Enrique J. Vila Torres, robo de niños, cuerpo, ausencia, testimonio, memoria. Abstract: This paper analyses the literary work of the Spanish lawyer and writer Enrique J. Vila Torres, author, in 2011, of a resounding collective denounce concerning one of the most terrible violations of human rights occurred in a Western country in the twentieth century: the brutal trade on anational scale of thousands of new-born children stolen by deception from their biological mothers. His stories, all based on real events, constitute a hybrid genre in which the evidence of the body, the circumstances of conception, the trauma of the forced separation and the consequent absence, the flow of disrupted lives based on lies and the desperate search for one’s own relatives are represented. For their testimonial value and their ethical purpose, these writings contribute to the construction of a collective memory. Keywords: Enrique J. Vila Torres; theft of children; body; absence; testimony; memory.
La locura, ¿una respuesta literaria a la violencia en Colombia? En torno a 'Delirio' de Laura Restrepo
Authors: Castillo Gálvez Natalia
Published: June 2014

Resumen: Delirio, la novela más internacional de la colombiana Laura Restrepo, nos acerca, desde un ángulo particular, a la realidad vivida en el país durante la década de los noventa. En ella somos testigos de cómo la violencia moldea a su antojo las vivencias de tres generaciones de personajes cuyo entramado de voces nos llegan bien en forma de susurros, bien vociferando sus consecuencias delirantes. Es por ello que nos disponemos a examinar en este trabajo, en qué medida aparece la locura como respuesta a los males de la nación, atendiendo especialmente al modo en que esto contribuye a la construcción de la memoria del yo.Abstract: Delirio, the most international novel of Colombian writer Laura Restrepo, means an approach to the reality lived in her country during 90th decade. Inside, we are witness about the way that violence moulds the experience of three generations of characters whose voice structure appears whispering, but shouting their delirious consequences as well. In this paper, we will examine how well madness materializes as an answer to national harms, analyzing especially how that contributes to the self-memory construction.
La sonrisa del caudillo
Authors: Buren Rubén
Published: June 2014

Obra de teatro sobre Vallejo-Nágera y los niños robados en las cárceles franquistas.
Cryo-EM structure of the Plasmodium falciparum 80S ribosome bound to the anti-protozoan drug emetine
Authors: Wong Wilson , Bai Xiao-chen , Brown Alan , Fernandez Israel S , Hanssen Eric , Condron Melanie , Tan Yan Hong , Baum Jake , Scheres Sjors HW
Published: June 2014

Malaria inflicts an enormous burden on global human health. The emergence of parasite resistance to front-line drugs has prompted a renewed focus on the repositioning of clinically approved drugs as potential anti-malarial therapies. Antibiotics that inhibit protein translation are promising candidates for repositioning. We have solved the cryo-EM structure of the cytoplasmic ribosome from the human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, in complex with emetine at 3.2 Å resolution. Emetine is an anti-protozoan drug used in the treatment of ameobiasis that also displays potent anti-malarial activity. Emetine interacts with the E-site of the ribosomal small subunit and shares a similar binding site with the antibiotic pactamycin, thereby delivering its therapeutic effect by blocking mRNA/tRNA translocation. As the first cryo-EM structure that visualizes an antibiotic bound to any ribosome at atomic resolution, this establishes cryo-EM as a powerful tool for screening and guiding the design of drugs that target parasite translation machinery.
Dams on the Mekong: Cumulative sediment starvation
Authors: Kondolf G. M. , Rubin Z. K. , Minear J. T.
Published: June 2014

The Mekong River, largely undeveloped prior to 1990, is undergoing rapid dam construction. Seven dams are under construction on the mainstem in China and 133 proposed for the Lower Mekong River and tributaries. We delineated nine distinct geomorphic regions, for which we estimated sediment yields based on geomorphic characteristics, tectonic history, and the limited sediment transport data available. We then applied the 3W model to calculate cumulative sediment trapping by these dams, accounting for changing trap efficiency over time and multiple dams on a single river system. Under a “definite future” scenario of 38 dams (built or under construction), cumulative sediment reduction to the Delta would be 51%. Under full build‐out of all planned dams, cumulative sediment trapping will be 96%. That is, once in‐channel stored sediment is exhausted, only 4% of the predam sediment load would be expected to reach the Delta. This scenario would have profound consequences on productivity of the river and persistence of the Delta landform itself, and suggests that strategies to pass sediment through/around dams should be explored to prevent the consequences of downstream sediment starvation.
Calibration and correction procedures for cosmic‐ray neutron soil moisture probes located across Australia
Authors: Hawdon Aaron , McJannet David , Wallace Jim
Published: June 2014

The cosmic‐ray probe (CRP) provides continuous estimates of soil moisture over an area of ∼30 ha by counting fast neutrons produced from cosmic rays which are predominantly moderated by water molecules in the soil. This paper describes the setup, measurement correction procedures, and field calibration of CRPs at nine locations across Australia with contrasting soil type, climate, and land cover. These probes form the inaugural Australian CRP network, which is known as CosmOz. CRP measurements require neutron count rates to be corrected for effects of atmospheric pressure, water vapor pressure changes, and variations in incoming neutron intensity. We assess the magnitude and importance of these corrections and present standardized approaches for network‐wide analysis. In particular, we present a new approach to correct for incoming neutron intensity variations and test its performance against existing procedures used in other studies. Our field calibration results indicate that a generalized calibration function for relating neutron counts to soil moisture is suitable for all soil types, with the possible exception of very sandy soils with low water content. Using multiple calibration data sets, we demonstrate that the generalized calibration function only applies after accounting for persistent sources of hydrogen in the soil profile. Finally, we demonstrate that by following standardized correction procedures and scaling neutron counting rates of all CRPs to a single reference location, differences in calibrations between sites are related to site biomass. This observation provides a means for estimating biomass at a given location or for deriving coefficients for the calibration function in the absence of field calibration data.
Simultaneous in situ determination of U‐Pb and Sm‐Nd isotopes in monazite by laser ablation ICP‐MS
Authors: Goudie Dylan J. , Fisher Christopher M. , Hanchar John M. , Crowley James L. , Ayers John C.
Published: June 2014

Results are presented for in situ simultaneous determination of U‐Pb and Sm‐Nd isotopes in monazite using the Laser Ablation Split‐Stream (LASS) method. This method uses a laser ablation system coupled to a magnetic‐sector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (HR) (ICP‐MS) for measuring U‐Pb isotopes and a multicollector (MC) ICP‐MS for measuring Sm‐Nd isotopes. Ablated material is split using a Y‐connector and transported simultaneously to both mass spectrometers. In addition to Sm and Nd isotopes, the MC‐ICP‐MS is configured to also acquire Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, and Gd elemental abundances. This approach provides age, tracer isotope, and trace element data in the same ablation volume, reducing sampling problems associated with fine‐scale zoning in accessory minerals and minimizing the material needed for ablation. Precision and accuracy of the U‐Pb method (and the precision of the Sm‐Nd method) is demonstrated with results from well‐characterized monazite reference materials. The LASS results agree within uncertainty with the isotope dilution thermal ionization mass spectrometry (ID‐TIMS) U‐Pb dates. The accuracy of the Sm‐Nd method is assessed by comparing the LA‐MC‐ICP‐MS results with ID‐TIMS determinations on a well‐characterized, in‐house monazite reference material. The LASS method is then applied to monazite from the Birch Creek Pluton in the White Mountains of California as a case study to illustrate the utility of this method for solving geologic problems. The U‐Pb ages and Sm‐Nd isotopic data from the LASS method support the conclusions drawn from previous results that monazite can record timing and information about the source region(s) of hydrothermal fluids.
Centennial‐to‐millennial hydrologic trends and variability along the North Atlantic Coast, USA, during the Holocene
Authors: Newby Paige E. , Shuman Bryan N. , Donnelly Jeffrey P. , Karnauskas Kristopher B. , Marsicek Jeremiah
Published: June 2014

Geophysical and sedimentary records from five lakes in Massachusetts reveal regionally coherent hydrologic variability during the Holocene. All of the lakes have risen since ~9.0 ka, but multicentury droughts after 5.6 ka repeatedly lowered their water levels. Quantified water level histories from the three best‐studied lakes share >70% of their reconstructed variance. Four prominent low‐water phases at 4.9–4.6, 4.2–3.9, 2.9–2.1, and 1.3–1.2 ka were synchronous across coastal lakes, even after accounting for age uncertainties. The droughts also affected sites up to ~200 km inland, but water level changes at 5.6–4.9 ka appear out of phase between inland and coastal lakes. During the enhanced multicentury variability after ~5.6 ka, droughts coincided with cooling in Greenland and may indicate circulation changes across the North Atlantic region. Overall, the records demonstrate that current water levels are exceptionally high and confirm the sensitivity of water resources in the northeast U.S. to climate change.
Tracing the pathways of the upper limb of the North Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation
Authors: Burkholder Kristin C. , Lozier M. Susan
Published: June 2014

The warm sea surface temperatures (SSTs) of the eastern subpolar gyre (ESG) in the North Atlantic have been widely linked to the climate and climate variability of Great Britain and northwestern Europe. The source of the ESG waters, and its heat, has long been identified as surface subtropical waters that flow into the subpolar gyre as part of the upper limb of the Meridional Overturning Circulation. Recent studies, however, have cast doubt on that identification. Here we use synthetic floats launched in a high‐resolution ocean general circulation model to identify the supply waters to the ESG and to determine the influence of those pathways on SSTs in that climatically important region. The synthetic floats reveal two pathways: a dominant subsurface subtropical to subpolar pathway and a less traveled surface pathway carrying recirculated waters eastward from the western subpolar gyre. The former pathway supplies anomalously warm water to the region; the latter pathway supplies anomalously cool water.
Nonseasonal mass fluctuations in the midlatitude North Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Piecuch Christopher G. , Ponte Rui M.
Published: June 2014

Measurements from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment reveal spatially coherent nonseasonal fluctuations in bottom pressure pb in the midlatitude North Atlantic Ocean. The spatial structure of the pb anomalies is centered on the North Atlantic Current along the intergyre region separating subtropical and subpolar ocean basins, and their temporal behavior is tied to indices of climate variability, namely, the North Atlantic Oscillation and the Arctic Oscillation. Correspondence to variations in wind stress curl suggests an interpretation of the midlatitude North Atlantic pb variability in terms of a barotropic Sverdrup balance. Anomalous mass in the midlatitude North Atlantic Ocean covaries with mass anomalies in abutting marginal seas, including the Mediterranean Sea and the Arctic Ocean as well as the North Sea and Hudson Bay. Results have implications for diagnosing ocean meridional heat transports due to depth‐independent gyre circulation changes.
Remotely triggered nonvolcanic tremor in Sumbawa, Indonesia
Authors: Fuchs F. , Lupi M. , Miller S. A.
Published: June 2014

We present, for the first time, evidence for triggered tremor beneath the island of Sumbawa, Indonesia. We show triggered tremor in response to three teleseismic earthquakes: the Mw9.0 2011 Tohoku earthquake and two oceanic strike‐slip earthquakes (Mw 8.6 and Mw8.2) offshore of Sumatra in 2012. We constrain an apparent triggering threshold of 1 mm/s ground velocity that corresponds to about 8 kPa dynamic stress. Peak tremor amplitudes of about 180 nm/s are observed, and scale with the ground velocity induced by the remote earthquakes. Triggered tremor responds to 45–65 s period surface waves and predominantly correlates with Rayleigh waves, even though the 2012 oceanic events have stronger Love wave amplitudes. We could not locate the tremor because of minimal station coverage, but data indicate several potential source volumes including the Flores Thrust, the Java subduction zone, or Tambora volcano.
Spatially mapped reductions in the length of the Arctic sea ice season
Authors: Parkinson Claire L.
Published: June 2014

Satellite data are used to determine the number of days having sea ice coverage in each year 1979–2013 and to map the trends in these ice‐season lengths. Over the majority of the Arctic seasonal sea ice zone, the ice season shortened at an average rate of at least 5 days/decade between 1979 and 2013, and in a small area in the northeastern Barents Sea the rate of shortening reached over 65 days/decade. The only substantial non‐coastal area with lengthening sea ice seasons is the Bering Sea, where the ice season lengthened by 5–15 days/decade. Over the Arctic as a whole, the area with ice seasons shortened by at least 5 days/decade is 12.4 × 106 km2, while the area with ice seasons lengthened by at least 5 days/decade is only 1.1 × 106 km2. The contrast is even greater, percentage‐wise, for higher rates.
A novel technique to construct the global distribution of whistler mode chorus wave intensity using low‐altitude POES electron data
Authors: Ni Binbin , Li Wen , Thorne Richard M. , Bortnik Jacob , Green Janet C. , Kletzing Craig A. , Kurth William S. , Hospodarsky George B. , de Soria‐Santacruz Pich Maria
Published: June 2014

Although magnetospheric chorus plays a significant role in the acceleration and loss of radiation belt electrons, its global evolution during any specific time period cannot be directly obtained by spacecraft measurements. Using the low‐altitude NOAA Polar‐orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite (POES) electron data, we develop a novel physics‐based methodology to infer the chorus wave intensity and construct its global distribution with a time resolution of less than an hour. We describe in detail how to apply the technique to satellite data by performing two representative analyses, i.e., (i) for one specific time point to visualize the estimation procedure and (ii) for a particular time period to validate the method and construct an illustrative global chorus wave model. We demonstrate that the spatiotemporal evolution of chorus intensity in the equatorial magnetosphere can be reasonably estimated from electron flux measurements made by multiple low‐altitude POES satellites with a broad coverage of L shell and magnetic local time. Such a data‐based, dynamic model of chorus waves can provide near‐real‐time wave information on a global scale for any time period where POES electron data are available. A combination of the chorus wave spatiotemporal distribution acquired using this methodology and the direct spaceborne wave measurements can be used to evaluate the quantitative scattering caused by resonant wave‐particle interactions and thus model radiation belt electron variability.
Post‐Learning Verbal Information Changes Visual and Motor Memory for Hand‐Manipulative Tasks
Authors: Huff Markus , Maurer Annika E.
Published: June 2014

Many instructions of a motor task include visual and verbal information. However, verbal information presented after a visual event has been shown to influence memory. This study examined whether this effect applies for hand‐manipulative motor tasks such as knot tying. Eighty‐six naive participants learned to tie the archaic bowline. Subsequently, half of the participants received misleading verbal information about the cowboy bowline, which differs from the originally instructed archaic bowline in one central detail: At a certain point, the rope crosses from left to right instead of from right to left. The remaining half of the participants received no misinformation. Dependent variables measured visual and motor memory for the knot. Results showed that misleading verbal information influenced visual and motor memory for knot‐tying tasks. More specifically, the misleading information changed memory at exactly this point to which it referred. This study suggests new avenues for our understanding and design of learning environments. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mass‐transfer enhancement by a reversible chemical reaction across the interface of a bubble rising under Stokes flow
Authors: Pigeonneau Franck , Perrodin Marion , Climent Eric
Published: June 2014

Mass transfer around a bubble rising in a liquid under Stokes regime is investigated when a reversible chemical reaction,
, is taken into account. Four dimensionless parameters control the interfacial transfer rate: the Péclet and Damköhler numbers, the ratio of the diffusion coefficient of both species, and the reaction equilibrium constant. The mass‐transfer equations are solved numerically with a finite element technique. A boundary layer approach is also proposed and solved with a coupled technique of finite difference and Chebyshev‐spectral method. The equilibrium constant and the ratio of diffusion coefficients have a strong influence on the coupling between the chemical reaction and mass transfer leading to an increase of the Sherwood number. The interaction between the chemical reaction and advection is clearly established by the simulations. Conditions corresponding to Péclet number larger than the Damköhler number reduces the effect of the chemical reaction. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 3376–3388, 2014
Synthesis and properties of a polymerizable quaternary ammonium salt
Authors: Zhou Wei , Ma Ke‐Qiang , Tang Li‐Hui , Li Fang , Huang Li , Chen Ji‐Hua
Published: June 2014

Novel polymerizable monomer N,N‐dimethyl‐2‐[(2‐methylacryloyl)oxy] ethanaminium 5‐carboxy‐2,4‐bis benzoate (DMAEMA‐PMDPM salt) was synthesized by acid‐alkali neutralizing reaction and was proved to be successful by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity of monomer were assessed by determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration and minimal bactericidal concentration, time–kill study and methyltetrazolium test assay. Polymerizable efficiency was determined by measurement of degree of conversion. The results indicated that DMAEMA‐PMDPM salt which is a kind of liquid polymerizable has some antimicrobial activity and similar cytotoxicity to common dental resin monomers. The new monomer also has a high polymerizable ability. Therefore it might have a great potential to prepare antimicrobial coatings on denture base and soft lining materials, as well as some biomedical applications. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 41002.
Effect of freeze‐thaw pretreatment on thermal drying process and physicochemical properties of chitosan
Authors: Zhang Wei , Xia Wenshui
Published: June 2014

The effect of freeze‐thaw pretreatment on the thermal drying process and physicochemical properties of chitosan was investigated in this study. Results showed that the freeze‐thaw treatment changed the form of chitosan paste and reduced 75.6–77.7% of the water content. The freeze‐thaw treatment decreased the drying time of chitosan from 16–19 h to 2.75–4 h and the dried product was loosely packed powder. After freeze‐thaw treatment, the molecular weight of chitosan was unchanged during the thermal drying. The heat‐induced browning effect of chitosan during drying was greatly alleviated by the pretreatment. Furthermore, the pretreatment increased the 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical‐scavenging activity of dried product by 40.4–59.8%. The molecular weight, color, and DPPH radical‐scavenging activity of the pretreated dried chitosan product were close to those of freeze‐dried product. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 41017.
Fabrication of biocompatible monolithic microchannels with high pressure‐resistance using direct polymerization of PEG‐modified PMMA
Authors: De Marco Carmela , Credi Caterina , Briatico‐Vangosa Francesco , Bianchi Elena , Ciftlik Ata Tuna , Gijs Martin , Dubini Gabriele , Levi Marinella , Turri Stefano
Published: June 2014

Withstanding high pressures in polymeric microchannels is an important requirement for many biological applications. Here, a simple direct polymerization through a polyester photomask is applied to obtain monolithic polyethylene glycol (PEG)‐modified poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) (PEGMA) microchannels, showing the ability to withstand pressure up to 12 MPa in burst pressure tests. The ability of withstanding high pressures is observed to increase with increasing ratio between the thickness of the cover polymer layer forming the microchannel lid and the width of the microchannel. A simplified finite element modeling model of the burst pressure test is set up to interpret the experimental findings. The outcomes of the modeling activity, along with direct scanning electron microscopy observation of the fracture surfaces, confirm the effectiveness of the polymerization method for the production of monolithic PEGMA microchannels. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 41031.
Developmental Anatomy in the Zonular Connection with Lens Capsule in Macaque Eye
Authors: Hiraoka Mari , Kuroda Teiko , Inoue Kenichi , Senoo Haruki , Takada Masahiko
Published: June 2014

Morphological analyses of zonule conjugated with lens capsule were performed on the developmental change in eyes from the age of fetus to 7 years old of the rhesus macaques (Macaca fuscata). The zonule was filamentous network in late fetus. After birth, the zonular microfibrils originated from the nonpigmented epithelium of the ciliary process. On the extending path toward the lens capsule through the chamber, microfibril assembled with neighbor fibril and also cohered with one another forming bundle. With growth, these bundles bifurcated into anterior and posterior groups on the equatorial region of capsule. The developmental distribution of bundles in the capsule was characteristic on anterior group, that is, bifurcation into radial and circumferential extension. On the other hand, the posterior bundle undivided but radially extended within short distance from the equator. In the process of fixating with capsule, bundles untangled into fibrils and penetrated circumferentially into the superficial layer and radially into deep apical layer of the capsule. Zonule was composed fibrillin 1 microfibrils and on the extending path toward the lens capsule through the chamber, microfibril self‐assembled with neighbored fibril in composition of fascicle and also cohered with one another forming bundle. Each bundle had alternating pale and dense horizontal bands in the intracapsular extension and the stripe pattern changed in flaccid or extensive tension of zonule between capsule and process. Zonular fibril intermingled with collagen fibril of capsule with interlacing molecule of laminin. At the base of ciliary muscle, elastin‐positive connective tissue intercalated circumferentially between ciliary processes. The developmental changes of the intralamellar distribution and extension of zonule with striped pattern informed the functional role upon the elasticity in coordination with the lens capsule micromolecules. Anat Rec, 296:726–735, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hyperostosis in Three Fish Species Collected From the Sea of Oman
Authors: Jawad Laith A.
Published: June 2014

Hyperostotic conditions are described in three teleost fishes. Pomadasys stridens, (Haemulidae; 326 mm TL, 314 mm SL), Drepane longimana (Drepanidae; 450 mm, TL, 440 mm SL), and Platax teira (Ephippidae) captured off the coast of Muscat City. There are regions of hyperostosis in four bones in P. stridens, three in D. longimana and seven in P. teira. Size, shape, position, and species‐specific characteristics showed wide variation in these three species. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Continuously Growing Central Nervous System of the Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus)
Authors: Ngwenya Ayanda , Patzke Nina , Spocter Muhammad A. , Kruger Jean‐Leigh , Dell Leigh‐Anne , Chawana Richard , Mazengenya Pedzisai , Billings Brendon K. , Olaleye Olatunbosun , Herculano‐Houzel Suzana , Manger Paul R.
Published: June 2014

It is a central assumption that larger bodies require larger brains, across species but also possibly within species with continuous growth throughout the lifetime, such as the crocodile. The current study investigates the relationships between body growth (length and mass) and the rates of growth of various subdivisions of the central nervous system (CNS) (brain, spinal cord, eyes) in Nile crocodiles weighing between 90 g and 90 kg. Although the brain appears to grow in two phases in relation to body mass, initially very rapidly then very slowly, it turns out that brain mass increases continuously as a power function of body mass with a small exponent of 0.256, such that a 10‐fold increase in body mass is accompanied by a 1.8‐fold in brain mass. Eye volume increases slowly with increasing body mass, as a power function of the latter with an exponent of 0.37. The spinal cord, however, grows more rapidly in mass, accompanying body mass raised to an exponent of 0.54, and increasing in length as predicted, with body mass raised to an exponent of 0.32 (close to the predicted 1/3). While supporting the expectation formulated by Jerison that larger bodies require larger brains to operate them, our findings show that: (1) the rate of increase in brain size is very small compared to body growth; and (2) different parts of the CNS grow at different rates accompanying continuous body growth, with a faster increase in spinal cord mass and eye volume, than in brain mass. Anat Rec, 296:1489–1500, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Lumbar Vertebral Body Bone Microstructural Scaling in Small to Medium‐Sized Strepsirhines
Authors: Fajardo Roberto J. , Desilva Jeremy M. , Manoharan Rajaram K. , Schmitz James E. , Maclatchy Laura M. , Bouxsein Mary L.
Published: June 2014

Bone mass, architecture, and tissue mineral density contribute to bone strength. As body mass (BM) increases any one or combination of these properties could change to maintain structural integrity. To better understand the structural origins of vertebral fragility and gain insight into the mechanisms that govern bone adaptation, we conducted an integrative analysis of bone mass and microarchitecture in the last lumbar vertebral body from nine strepsirhine species, ranging in size from 42 g (Microcebus rufus) to 2,440 g (Eulemur macaco). Bone mass and architecture were assessed via µCT for the whole body and spherical volumes of interest (VOI). Allometric equations were estimated and compared with predictions for geometric scaling, assuming axial compression as the dominant loading regime. Bone mass, microarchitectural, and vertebral body geometric variables predominantly scaled isometrically. Among structural variables, the degree of anisotropy (Tb.DA) was the only parameter independent of BM and other trabecular architectural variables. Tb.DA was related to positional behavior. Orthograde primates had higher average Tb.DA (1.60) and more craniocaudally oriented trabeculae while lorisines had the lowest Tb.DA (1.25), as well as variably oriented trabeculae. Finally, lorisines had the highest ratio of trabecular bone volume to cortical shell volume (∼3x) and while there appears to be flexibility in this ratio, the total bone volume (trabecular + cortical) scales isometrically (BM1.23, r2 = 0.93) and appears tightly constrained. The common pattern of isometry in our measurements leaves open the question of how vertebral bodies in strepsirhine species compensate for increased BM. Anat Rec, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Process of Apoptosis in a Holocrine Gland as Shown by the Avian Uropygial Gland
Authors: Liman Narin , Alan Emel
Published: June 2014

This study was designed to elucidate the presence of apoptosis and the localization of apoptosis‐related Bax and survivin proteins and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) within the chicken uropygial gland, a specialized holocrine secretory gland. In day‐old chicks, survivin and Bax immunoreactivities were observed in the cell cytoplasm of the germinative and secretory layers of the luminal epithelium and tubules. During this period, the TUNEL reaction, an indication of apoptosis, was only sporadically positive in the tubules. From the 7th day to the 150th day of posthatching, survivin was detected in the cytoplasm of cells in the germinative layer and in the nuclei of some cells in the secretory layers of the gland. The germinative layer cells showed weak homogeneous cytoplasmic staining for Bax, whereas the cells of the secretory and intermediate layers of luminal epithelium and tubules exhibited granular cytoplasmic staining. After day 7, TUNEL‐positive cells were observed in the secretory and degenerative layers of the luminal epithelium and central tubules. After day 12, some TUNEL‐positive cells were also seen in the peripheral tubules. At all posthatch ages, the cytoplasm and nucleus of the germinative layers of luminal epithelium and tubules reacted with PCNA, whereas only a small number of cell nuclei in the secretory layers were immunopositive. These results support the theory that specific PCNA/Bax/survivin expression patterns could reflect particular cell differentiation states in the uropygial gland and that holocrine secretion in the gland is realized mainly by way of apoptosis. Anat Rec, 296:504–520, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
At Birth, Tarsiers Lack a Postorbital Bar or Septum
Authors: Smith Timothy D. , Deleon Valerie B. , Rosenberger Alfred L.
Published: June 2014

Among primates, partial or complete posterior closure of the orbit has been widely accepted as a shared derived characteristic justifying an exclusive tarsier‐anthropoid clade, while some regard the tarsier lateral orbit as an elaborated postorbital bar (POB). To test these competing hypotheses while minimizing the confounding effect of tarsier orbital hypertrophy, we compared tarsiers and other primates at early (fetal and newborn) ages using dissection, micro‐CT scans and soft tissue histology. Our findings demonstrate unanticipated variation in the anatomy and development of the zygomaticofrontal (ZFA) articulation, which forms the orbit's lateral framework. Tarsiers uniquely exhibit a combination of two features: absence of a pre‐ and peri‐natal frontal spur to join with the zygomatic to form the ZFA; and, the spur's substitution by an elaborate ligament, which envelops the eye laterally as an expansive postorbital membrane (POM) that merges with the anterolateral fontanelle of the lateral cranial vault. In lacking a frontal spur, tarsiers are distinct from strepsirhines, while the ligamentous structure of the POM distinguishes its ZFA from that of anthropoids, which is a typical facial suture at and prior to birth. The POM of tarsiers may be thought of as an accessory fontanelle, a structural compromise that provides flexible stability and spatial separation of bones while anticipating rapid postnatal growth of an enormously enlarged eye. We regard the tarsier POM as part of a neomorphic eyeball hypertrophy complex, and reject the hypothesis of derived homology of the postorbital septa of adult tarsiers and anthropoids on histological, developmental and functional grounds. Anat Rec, 296:365–377, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Proteomics Reveals Intersexual Differences in the Rat Brain Hippocampus
Authors: Yang Juan , Hu Li‐Li , Liu Li‐Ying , Zhao Lin‐Yu , Hou Ni , Ni Lei , Li Zong‐Fang , Wang Ai‐Ying , Song Tu‐Sheng , Huang Chen
Published: June 2014

It is widely accepted that intersexual differences occur in cognitive domains, e.g., in spatial learning and memory. The hippocampus plays important roles in the consolidation of information from short‐term memory to long‐term memory and spatial navigation. However, it still remains unknown whether the hippocampal proteomic profiling differs between males and females. In this study, we investigated the intersexual differences in protein expression of hippocampi using the two‐dimensional electrophoresis analysis. In all, 33 differentially expressed proteins were characterized by matrix‐assisted laser desorption and ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry and validated by Western‐blotting analysis. In line with Western‐blotting validation, the proteomic identification revealed the overexpression of glial fibrillary acidic protein in female rats' hippocampi, and the overexpression of both creatine kinase B‐type and DRP‐2 in male rats' hippocampi. The intersexual differences in hippocampal proteomic profiling are probably closely related to those in spatial learning and memory abilities. Anat Rec, 296:462–469, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.