bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Filtering out repetitive auditory stimuli in fibromyalgia: A study of P50 sensory gating
Authors: Carrillo‐de‐la‐Peña M.T. , Triñanes Y. , González‐Villar A. , Gómez‐Perretta C. , García‐Larrea L.
Published: November 2014

Background

It has been suggested that fibromyalgia (FM) patients show increased sensory processing of nociceptive and non‐nociceptive stimuli and also reduced habituation. Although this pattern of increased reactivity has been established for the somatosensory modality, its generalization to other sensory modalities remains controversial.

Methods

Auditory evoked potentials were obtained using a paired‐stimuli paradigm from a sample of 52 FM female patients and 55 healthy women matched for age and socio‐economic status. Sensory gating of the P50 component, as indicated by P50 suppression rates to the second identical stimuli, was analysed in relation to clinical indices of FM, including algometry of tender points and a number of self‐reported questionnaires.

Results

Sensory gating mechanisms in FM patients proved to be normal, robust and as efficient as those recorded in control subjects. There was no correlation between P50 suppression rates and indices of clinical or experimental (threshold or tolerance) pain. In addition, P50 sensory gating was not related to the other main symptoms of FM, including fatigue, sleep dysfunction or co‐morbid depression, nor to hypersensitivity to noise or headache.

Conclusions

The results indicate that FM patients do not present significant deficits in early sensory gating when processing auditory stimuli, and therefore challenge the ‘generalized hypersensitivity’ hypothesis of FM.
Immobilized cement kiln dust enhances biomass and neutralizing of palm oil mill effluent for biogas production
Authors: Ahmad Anwar , Wahid Zularisam A.
Published: November 2014

Immobilization techniques were adopted for the treatment of palm oil mill effluent (POME) and biogas production using immobilized anaerobic sludge as the seed. The performance of an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor (UASBR) was monitored using cement kiln dust (CKD) at various hydraulic retention time (HRT). POME was used as the substrate carbon source. UASBR with POME concentration of 20 g‐COD/L in the feed was able to produce methane at an optimal rate of 0.689 L CH4/(L POME h) and HRT of 50 h. The reactor pH was improved and maintained above 7.5 steadily by increasing CKD dose from 1.5 to 10 gCKD/L. In UASBR containing immobilized‐granule, the methane production rate was 0.600–0.699 L CH4/(L POME h) at HRT of 75 h. The biogas production rate of 1.37 L/g‐CODremoved.h and COD removal of 93% were found at POME concentration of 20 g COD/L (r = 0.95) and HRT of 75 h. The suspended solids removal of 82% was found at 6.5 gCKD/L dose (r = 0.99). © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2014 34: 736–743, 2015
Kinetics investigation on the combustion of biochar in O2/CO2 atmosphere
Authors: Wang Xuebin , Hu Zhongfa , Deng Shuanghui , Wang Yibin , Tan Houzhang
Published: November 2014

Oxy‐biomass combustion produces negative CO2 emissions. This study investigated the combustion kinetics of biochar in O2/CO2 atmosphere using a thermo‐gravimetric analyzer. The effects of atmosphere, O2 concentration, and fuel type were considered in this investigation. Results show that the reaction order of biochar combustion ranges from 0.5 to 1. Furthermore, the kinetic compensation effect can be observed between the apparent activation energy E and the frequency factor A. This relation is given by lnA = 0.181E − 14.618. Compared with O2/N2 atmosphere, O2/CO2 atmosphere delays biochar ignition and reduces activation energy. The ignition temperature of straw char is significantly lower than that of wood and coal char. The apparent activation energy of char combustion follows the inequality wood char > straw char > coal char. This result indicates that biochar combustion is more sensitive to temperature than coal char combustion. The reactivity of char combustion improves with increasing O2 concentration, but biochar has a lower degree of improvement than coal char. The change from air combustion to oxy‐fuel combustion and the increase in O2 concentration exert minimal effects on biochar combustion than on coal char combustion. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 923–932, 2015
An experimental validation of time domain system identification methods with fusion of heterogeneous data
Authors: Chatzis M.N. , Chatzi E.N. , Smyth A.W.
Published: November 2014

Recent events of significant seismic activity (L' Aquila 2009, Christchurch 2011), have highlighted the importance of accurately assessing the properties of structures, for estimating their risk in future earthquakes as well as detecting and quantifying damage following an event. This demand may be fulfilled through implementation of SHM methodologies, which offer a means of assessing structural condition through the use of sensor data. Furthermore, the emergence of various sensor technologies has improved the quality of collected signals and made the idea of fusing heterogeneous data more appealing. Similar steps were achieved in advancing system identification algorithms. Several methods such as the Autoregressive Moving Average, Least Squares Estimation, Eigensystem Realization Algorithm, and Subspace State‐Space System Identification (SSID) perform well in identifying elastic properties. However, the resulting matrices are often not obtained with respect to the physical basis, which is often desirable. Such a representation is obtained by default in Bayesian estimation methods, as the Unscented Kalman Filter and Particle Filters, which have recently been applied in the literature for data fusion problems. In this work, an experimental structure mounted on a shake table is monitored using accelerometers and displacement sensors. A method is developed (T‐SSID) to transform the results of the SSID onto the physical basis. The introduced method and the Unscented Kalman Filter are employed identifying the structural properties and detecting an artificially induced in the original system damage. The performance of various sensor setups, which include fusion of heterogeneous sensors, are investigated to illustrate the performance of both methods, their ability to localize damage, and the benefits of data fusion. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The potential of novel Festulolium (2n = 4x = 28) hybrids as productive, nutrient‐use‐efficient fodder for ruminants
Authors: Humphreys Mike W. , O'Donovan Sally A. , Farrell Markku S. , Gay Alan P. , Kingston‐Smith Alison H.
Published: November 2014

The field performance and potential future use of F1 Lolium multiflorum and Lolium perenne × Festuca arundinacea var. glaucescens and Festuca mairei hybrids (2n = 4x = 28) are described. Foliar trait expression in the hybrids was largely determined by the Lolium rather than their Festuca parent ensuring maintenance of high‐forage quality. All four Festulolium populations comprised high‐yielding genotypes, but the L. multiflorum populations were particularly erect and tall, while the L. perenne populations had significantly higher numbers of tillers and were prostrate. Forage yields of the Festulolium populations assessed in field plot trials were either not significantly different from, or were superior to leading L. multiflorum and L. perenne cultivars used as controls. Endogenous plant proteases contribute to excessive proteolysis in the rumen which causes environmental N pollution. Protein degradation due to plant‐mediated proteolysis was assessed by in vitro exposure of leaves to the environmental conditions of the rumen (39°C, anaerobic) and calculated based on the time taken for protein levels to be reduced to half their original levels (t½). Leaf proteins were significantly more stable in L. multiflorum × F. arundinacea var. glaucescens and L. perenne × F. arundinacea var. glaucescens F1 hybrids (t½ 18–21 h) than in their respective Lolium parental genotypes (t½ 4–5 h), and there was a highly significant genome interaction. The t½ in the majority of the L. multiflorum × F. arundinacea var. glaucescens F1 hybrids studied often exceeded 24 h, whereas t½ of their Lolium and Festuca parents was consistently <14 h. Although inferior to the F1, F. arundinacea var. glaucescens genotypes tested had significantly greater t½ than L. perenne under rumen‐simulated conditions. Significant variation in protein stability was apparent within the F1 and their respective parent species' groups. The initial protein content of the F1 hybrids was lower than their respective parents, but following 24‐h exposure to anoxia at 39°C, the protein content of both parent and hybrid genotypes was similar. The differences in protein stability between parental and hybrid genotypes was due to the greater rate of protein decline observed in the Lolium genotypes. Hence, uptake of these Festulolium hybrids as forage crops has potential to directly mitigate environmental impact of livestock farming without affecting production capacity.
High Polymer Content 2,5‐Pyridine‐Polybenzimidazole Copolymer Membranes with Improved Compressive Properties
Authors: Molleo M. A. , Chen X. , Ploehn H. J. , Benicewicz B. C.
Published: November 2014

Three series of polybenzimidazole (PBI) random copolymers (2,5‐pyridine‐r‐meta‐PBI, 2,5‐pyridine‐r‐para‐PBI, and 2,5‐pyridine‐r‐2OH‐PBI) were synthesized and cast into phosphoric acid (PA) doped membranes using the PolyPhosphoric Acid (PPA) Process. Copolymer composition was adjusted using co‐monomers that impart high and low solubility characteristics to simultaneously control overall copolymer solubility and gel membrane stability. Measured under a static compressive force at 180 °C, copolymer membranes generally exhibited decreased creep compliance with increasing polymer content. Within each series of copolymer membranes, increasing polymer contents proportionally reduced the phosphoric acid/polymer repeat unit (PA/PRU) ratios and their respective proton conductivities. Some copolymer membranes exhibited comparable fuel cell performances (up to 0.66 V at 0.2 A cm−2 following break‐in) to para‐PBI (0.68 V at 0.2 A cm−2) and equal to 3,5‐pyridine‐based high solids membranes. Furthermore, 2,5‐pyridine copolymer membranes maintained a consistent fuel cell voltage of >0.6 V at 0.2 A cm−2 for over 8600 h under steady‐state operation conditions. Phosphoric acid loss was monitored during long‐term studies and demonstrated acid losses as low as 5.55 ng cm−2 h−1. The high‐temperature creep resistance and long‐term operational stabilities of the 2,5‐pyridine copolymer membranes suggest that they are excellent candidates for use in extended lifetime electrochemical applications.
Advantages of a combined method of decalcification compared to EDTA
Authors: Castania Vitor Aparecido , Silveira Joáo Walter de Souza da , Issy Ana Carolina , Pitol Dimitrius Leonardo , Castania Mayara Leite , Neto Abel Dorigan , Del Bel Elaine Aparecida , Defino Helton Luiz Aparecido
Published: November 2014

Decalcification of mineralized tissues is an essential step during tissue processing in the routine histopathology. The time required for complete decalcification, and the effect of decalcifier on cellular and tissue morphology are important parameters which influence the selection of decalcifying agents. In this study, we compared a decalcifying solution (ETDA) composed of both acid and chelating agents to a classical and well‐known decalcifying agent (EDTA). To this purpose, the optic density of bone radiographs, residual calcium analysis, bone sample weight, and histological and immunohistochemical analysis were performed. Our data suggest that, similarly to EDTA, the ETDA solution completely removes the calcium ions from the samples enabling easy sectioning. However, unlike the EDTA, this agent takes much less time. Furthermore, both agents showed comparable decalcification efficacy, and similarly, they did not produce cellular, tissue or antigenicity impairments. Therefore, ETDA may be a suitable option when it is necessary an association between a rapid and complete removal of calcium minerals, and a suitable preservation of structure and antigenicity of tissues. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:111–118, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Estimation of volume densities of hepatocytic peroxisomes in a model fish: Catalase conventional immunofluorescence versus cytochemistry for electron microscopy
Authors: Madureira Tânia Vieira , Lopes Célia , Malhão Fernanda , Rocha Eduardo
Published: November 2014

Accurately accessing changes in the intracellular volumes (or numbers) of peroxisomes within a cell can be a lengthy task, because unbiased estimations can be made only by studies conducted under transmission electron microscopy. Yet, such information is often required, namely for correlations with functional data. The optimization and applicability of a fast and new technical proceeding based on catalase immunofluorescence was implemented herein by using primary hepatocytes from brown trout (Salmo trutta f. fario), exposed during 96 h to two distinct treatments (0.1% ethanol and 50 µM of 17α‐ethynylestradiol). The time and cost efficiency, together with the results obtained by stereological analyses, specifically directed to the volume densities of peroxisomes, and additionally of the nucleus in relation to the hepatocyte, were compared with the well‐established 3,3'‐diaminobenzidine cytochemistry for electron microscopy. With the immuno technique it was possible to correctly distinguish punctate peroxisomal profiles, allowing the selection of the marked organelles for quantification. By both methodologies, a significant reduction in the volume density of the peroxisome within the hepatocyte was obtained after an estrogenic input. The most interesting point here was that the volume density ratios were quite correlated between both techniques. Overall, the immunofluorescence protocol for catalase was evidently faster, cheaper and provided reliable quantitative data that discriminated in the same way the compared groups. After this validation study, we recommend the use of catalase immunofluorescence as the first option for rapid screening of changes of the amount of hepatocytic peroxisomes, using their volume density as an indicator. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:134–139, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Morphology of the lingual surface of South American fur seal (Arctocephalus australis) and sea lion (Otaria flavescens)
Authors: Erdoğan Serkan , Villar Arias Silvia , Pérez William
Published: November 2014

In this study, we aimed to describe the morphological characteristics of the lingual papillae in two species of Otariidae family by stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. We used tongues of two South American Otariidae species. The tongues were elongated and terminated in bifid apex and there was no median sulcus on the dorsal lingual surface. The most numerous type of lingual papilla was filiform in the South American fur seal (SASL) and entire dorsal lingual surface was covered by these filiform papillae but the dorsal surface of the tongue of the South American sea lion was covered by numerous polygonal projections, which were different in size. Fungiform papillae were detected in only SASL and they randomly distributed on the lingual apex and body, and some fungiform papillae were collected into twosome or threesome groups on the posterior part of the lingual body. Circumvallate papilla was found in the center of the lingual radix of South American sea lion. Thread‐like conical papillae were common for both species and they located on the lingual radix. We determined that lingual surface morphology was completely different in each species, although they were members of the same family, Otariidae. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:140–147, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Impact of Social Beliefs on Microfinance Performance
Authors: Burzynska Katarzyna , Berggren Olle
Published: November 2014

We apply a panel of 331 microfinance institutions from 37 countries to investigate the relationship between social beliefs and microfinance financial performance over the period of 2003–2011. We find that microfinance institutions in countries with higher levels of trust and more collectivist culture have lower operating and default costs and charge lower interest rates. These results provide the first large cross‐country evidence that social beliefs are important determinants of microfinance performance. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new tree‐ring‐based summer temperature reconstruction over the last three centuries for east‐central Europe
Authors: Treml Václav , Ponocná Tereza , King Gregory M. , Büntgen Ulf
Published: November 2014

Tree rings and documentary evidence are the most important palaeoclimatic archives with annual resolution that continuously span several centuries. Despite this benefit, local to regional‐scale temperature reconstructions and their spatial signatures tend to be irregularly distributed, and the appropriate extent of low‐frequency variability captured in these proxy records remains uncertain. Here, the first summer temperature reconstruction from the Czech Sudetes Mountains that extends to 1700 AD was introduced. An ensemble reconstruction approach using 251 new high‐elevation spruce ring width samples suggests particularly cold June–July temperatures at the beginning of the 18th century, in the 1740s and around 1820. Markedly warm conditions occurred in the 1790s and during the most recent decades. The reconstructed decadal summer temperature amplitude from ‘Little Ice Age Cooling’ to ‘Recent Anthropogenic Warming’ ranges from −3.5 °C between 1700 and 1710 to 1.3 °C in 1999–2009, with respect to the 1961–1990 mean climatology. Comparison of our new reconstruction with existing tree‐ring chronologies from the Alps reveals a significant level of coherency that is much higher than the agreement with geographically closer documentary evidence from Central Europe. Our study confirms the importance of independent regional climate reconstructions, which capture the full range of past variability and also fill spatial gaps in large‐scale networks.
Temporal Dynamics of Sediment Transport and Transient In‐channel Storage in a Highly Erodible Catchment
Authors: Buendia Cristina , Vericat Damià , Batalla Ramon J. , Gibbins Chris N.
Published: November 2014

Elucidating the links between catchment and channel geomorphic processes helps the understanding of landscape evolution and the geomorphic development of river basins, and then the land degradation processes. In this study, we analyse suspended sediment dynamics and its relationship with rainfall, discharge and in‐channel sediment storage in a highly dynamic Mediterranean montane catchment (the River Isáben, Southern Pyrenees, NE Iberian Peninsula). The aim is to assess hydrological controls on and temporal patterns of the suspended sediment load. High loads in this basin occur as a consequence of intense erosion in badlands located in the middle of the catchment. This study focuses on a reach located downstream from the main badland areas, where rainfall, discharge (Q), sediment transport (SSC) and in‐channel sediment storage were monitored for a 1‐year period. Marked seasonality in water and sediment load was observed; whereas most of the discharge occurred in winter and spring, most of the sediment was transported during summer and autumn.Q‐SSChysteretic loops revealed the importance of sediment availability (whether stored in the channel or originating from wider catchment source areas) in the river's sedimentary response. Clockwise loops dominated during winter and spring, whereas counter‐clockwise loops occurred mostly in summer and autumn, when in‐channel storage reached its maximum. There were significant correlations between rainfall intensity in the sediment source areas, in‐channel sediment storage and sediment yield. These correlations emphasize the importance of understanding sediment availability when analysing the temporal dynamics of sediment transport, especially in catchments where different source areas (slopes and riverbed) may contribute to the load to differing degrees and at different times of the year. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Crystallographic effects in corrosion of austenitic stainless steel 316L
Authors: Lindell D. , Pettersson R.
Published: November 2014

Electron backscatter diffraction and confocal laser microscopy have been used to quantify the degree of crystallographic anisotropy during corrosion of AISI 316L in two test solutions. Corrosion in 30 vol% H2SO4 sulphuric acid shows pronounced crystallographic anisotropy in which the corrosion rate increases in the order {111} < {110} ≲ {100}. The ratio between the slowest corroding {111} and the fasting corroding {100} surfaces is about 3. Pitting corrosion in a solution of FeCl3 and AlCl3 in ethanol/glycerol agrees with other reported observations that high‐atomic density surfaces {111} and {100} are less prone to pit nucleation, however the effect was relative small.
Thermorheological and Mechanical Properties of Copolymers of Lactide, Isosorbide, and Different Phthalic Acids
Authors: Zhang Zucong , Kricheldorf Hans Rytger , Friedrich Christian
Published: November 2014

The thermal, rheological, and mechanical behavior of copolymers of lactide, isosorbide, and three different phthalic acids are studied in a wide range of compositions. A linear behavior in glass transition temperature (Tg) with respect to the mole fraction of isosorbide and phthalate content in the copolymers is observed. This behavior is in quantitative agreement with the well‐known Di Marzio‐Gibbs equation, which correlates the Tg with the mole fraction of flexible bonds in the monomers. The viscoelastic properties are found to obey the Williams‐Landel‐Ferry (WLF) behavior. This allows us to compare the zero‐shear viscosity η0 of all copolymers with different molecular weights at a reference temperature, thus studying the influence of the different phthalic acids on the viscosity. Again, a linear mixing rule on the basis of mole fractions is established in logarithmic scale of viscosities.

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Strategic Modulation of the Photonic Properties of Conjugated Organometallic Pt–Ir Polymers Exhibiting Hybrid CT‐Excited States
Authors: Soliman Ahmed M. , Zysman‐Colman Eli , Harvey Pierre D.
Published: November 2014

Polymer 6, ([trans‐Pt(PBu3)2(CC)2]‐[Ir(dFMeppy)2(N^N)](PF6))n, (([Pt]‐[Ir](PF6))n; N^N = 5,5′‐disubstituted‐2,2′‐bipyridyl; dFMeppy = 2‐(2,4‐difluoro‐phenyl)‐5‐methylpyridine) is prepared along with model compounds. These complexes are investigated by absorption and emission spectroscopy and their photophysical and electrochemical properties are measured and compared with their corresponding non fluorinated complexes. Density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent DFT computations corroborate the nature of the excited state as being a hybrid between the metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer (1,3MLCT) for the trans‐Pt(PBu3)2(CCAr)2 unit, [Pt] and the metal‐to‐ligand/ligand‐to‐ligand′ charge transfer (1,3ML′CT/LL′CT) for [Ir] with L = dFMeppy. Overall, the fluorination of the phenylpyridine group expectedly does not change the nature of the excited state but desirably induces a small blue shift of the absorption and emission bands along a slight decrease in emission quantum yields and lifetimes.

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QoS‐Based Filters in Web Service Compositions: Utilizing Multi‐Criteria Decision Analysis Methods
Authors: Vesyropoulos Nikolaos , Georgiadis Christos K.
Published: November 2014

During the past decade, Web services (WS) have gained attention, as they provided the means for interoperability between loosely coupled distributed systems over the Web. Regardless of the platforms and technologies deployed in their development, by using WS, the aforementioned systems can seamlessly exchange messages and, thus, engage into business transactions over the global network. Nevertheless, these opportunities resulted in a wide plethora of available WS, making it hard for end‐users and composition engines to select the optimal service between two or more services with seemingly identical operational features. As a result, the WS composition engines often make decisions on the basis of the QoS criteria. In modern literature, many researchers have tried to confront the issue of QoS‐based composition, by applying multi‐criteria decision analysis (MCDA) methods often showing mixed results. This is due to the different characteristics of each MCDA method. In this work, we tried to identify the key criteria that should be taken into account when deciding the optimal MCDA method to use in a given scenario, on the basis of its unique business context, and in addition, we provide an empirical study in order to compare the advantages and disadvantages of the mostly used MCDA methods in the field of WS selection and composition. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multi‐Server Approach for High‐Throughput Molecular Descriptors Calculation based on Multi‐Linear Algebraic Maps
Authors: García‐Jacas César R. , Aguilera‐Mendoza Longendri , González‐Pérez Reisel , Marrero‐Ponce Yovani , Acevedo‐Martínez Liesner , Barigye Stephen J. , Avdeenko Tatiana
Published: November 2014

The present report introduces a novel module of the QuBiLS‐MIDAS software for the distributed computation of the 3D Multi‐Linear algebraic molecular indices. The main motivation for developing this module is to deal with the computational complexity experienced during the calculation of the descriptors over large datasets. To accomplish this task, a multi‐server computing platform named T‐arenal was developed, which is suited for institutions with many workstations interconnected through a local network and without resources particularly destined for computation tasks. This new system was deployed in 337 workstations and it was perfectly integrated with the QuBiLS‐MIDAS software. To illustrate the usability of the T‐arenal platform, performance tests over a dataset comprised of 15 000 compounds are carried out, yielding a 52 and 60 fold reduction in the sequential processing time for the 2‐Linear and 3‐Linear indices, respectively. Therefore, it can be stated that the T‐arenal based distribution of computation tasks constitutes a suitable strategy for performing high‐throughput calculations of 3D Multi‐Linear descriptors over thousands of chemical structures for posterior QSAR and/or ADME‐Tox studies.
Stability criteria in terms of two measures for functional differential equation with variable‐time impulses
Authors: Liu Chao , Li Chuandong , Huang Tingwen , Wang Hui
Published: November 2014

This paper focuses on the stability in terms of two measures for functional differential equation with variable‐time impulses. Being different from most of existing literatures, the impulses of functional differential equation are assumed to be closely associated to the current state. We propose a new comparison principle for the considered systems and establish several stability criteria in terms of two measures. Also, the theoretical results are applied in a class of delayed neural network systems with variable‐tine impulses, and numerical simulations are introduced to illustrate the effectiveness of our results. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
More facets for survivable networks
Authors: Muratore Gabriella
Published: November 2014

In this article, we analyze “the survivable cutset,” a basic polyhedron related to most models describing survivable networks. Its importance stems from the fact that it is the analogous of the cutset inequality for survivable networks and cutset inequalities have proved fundamental for solving networks problems via cutting‐plane algorithms. We are able to characterize completely the “survivable cutset” via its extreme points, and we describe some important classes of its facets. We prove also that the separation problem is polynomial in the size of the cutset. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 64(4), 234–261 2014
A nurse‐led intervention study: Promoting compliance with Diskus Inhaler use in asthma patients
Authors: Mac Hale Elaine , Costello Richard W. , Cowman Seamus
Published: November 2014

Aim

To examine the impact of a nurse‐led patient assessment and education programme in promoting compliance with inhaler use in asthma patients.

Design

A quasi‐experimental pre‐test and post‐test design.

Methods

A sample of asthmatic patients (N = 21) were recruited from the population of patients attending an asthma clinic. An Inhaler Proficiency Schedule (IPS) was developed and validated. At each visit, participants were requested to demonstrate their inhaler technique. The participants were investigated as to their confidence level with self‐administration of their inhaler and adherence to prescribed doses. This information was recorded on a Patient‐Reported Behaviour (PRB) questionnaire.

Results

Technique, compliance and patient confidence levels improved with nurse‐led education repeated over three visits; this was sustained on measurement at 6 months following completion of the education programme.
Phase II study of cixutumumab in combination with temsirolimus in pediatric patients and young adults with recurrent or refractory sarcoma: A report from the children's oncology group
Authors: Wagner Lars M. , Fouladi Maryam , Ahmed Atif , Krailo Mark D. , Weigel Brenda , DuBois Steven G. , Doyle L. Austin , Chen Helen , Blaney Susan M.
Published: November 2014

Background

The combined inhibition of insulin‐growth factor type 1 receptor (IGF‐1R) and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) has shown activity in preclinical models of pediatric sarcoma and in adult sarcoma patients. We evaluated the activity of the anti‐IGF‐1R antibody cixutumumab with the mTOR inhibitor temsirolimus in patients with relapsed or refractory Ewing sarcoma, osteosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and other soft tissue sarcoma, using the recommended dosages from a pediatric phase I trial.

Methods

Cixutumumab 6 mg/kg and temsirolimus 8 mg/m2 were administered intravenously once weekly in 4‐week cycles to patients <30 years. Temsirolimus was escalated to 10 mg/m2 for subsequent cycles in patients who did not experience unacceptable first‐cycle toxicity. A two‐stage design was used to identify a response rate <10 or >35% for each tumor‐specific cohort. Tumor tissue was analyzed by immunohistochemistry for potential biomarkers of response.

Results

Forty‐three evaluable patients received a median of 2 cycles (range 1–7). No objective responses were observed, and 16% of patients were progression‐free at 12 weeks. Dose‐limiting toxicity was observed in 15 (16%) of 92 cycles. The most common toxicities were mucositis, electrolyte disturbances, and myelosuppression. The majority of patients receiving a second cycle were not eligible for temsirolimus escalation due to first‐cycle toxicity. The lack of objective responses precluded correlation with tissue biomarkers.

Conclusions

Despite encouraging preclinical data, the combination of cixutumumab and temsirolimus did not result in objective responses in this phase II trial of pediatric and young adults with recurrent or refractory sarcoma. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:440–444. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The influence of POSS type on the properties of PLA
Authors: Sirin Humeyra , Kodal Mehmet , Ozkoc Guralp
Published: November 2014

In this study, the effects of reactive and non‐reactive poly(hedral oligomeric silsesquoxane) (POSS) type and their loading level on the mechanical, morphological and thermal properties of PLA composites were investigated for the first time in the literature. A decrease in the melt viscosity of PLA was obtained from the vertical force measurements in the presence of POSS particles except for high O‐POSS loading level. This played an important role for power consumption during micro‐compounding process. The mechanical test results showed that, the elastic‐modulus and yield strength of the PLA/POSS composites were lower than pure PLA in most cases. Moreover, a significant improvement in Izod impact strength of PLA composites was achieved by incorporation of POSS particles into PLA regardless of POSS type. Morphological analysis showed that POSS particles dispersed homogeneously in polymer matrix for all compositions. The glass transition temperature of PLA decreased with the addition of POSS particles. POSS particles also enhanced the decomposition temperature of PLA. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:1497–1506, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Electrical conductivity behavior of epoxy matrix nanocomposites with simultaneous dispersion of carbon nanotubes and clays
Authors: Sene Tarcísio S. , Ramos Airton , Becker Daniela , Coelho Luiz A. F.
Published: November 2014

In this work, nanocomposites with simultaneous dispersion of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and montmorillonite clays in an epoxy matrix were prepared by in situ polymerization. A high energy sonication was employed as the dispersion method, without the aid of solvents in the process. The simultaneous dispersion of clays with carbon nanotubes (CNT) in different polymeric matrices has shown a synergic potential of increasing mechanical properties and electrical conductivity. Two different montmorillonite clays were used: a natural (MMT‐Na+) and an organoclay (MMT‐30B). The nanocomposites had their electrical conductivity (σ) and dielectric constant (εr) measured by impedance spectroscopy. The sharp increase in electrical conductivity was found between 0.10 and 0.25 wt% of the MWCNTs. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of the samples showed a lower tendency of MWCNT segregation on the MMT‐30B clay surface, which is connected to intercalation/exfoliation in the matrix, that generates less free volume available for MWCNTs in the epoxy matrix. Data from electrical measurement showed that simultaneously adding organoclay reduces the electrical conduction in the nanocomposite. Moreover, conductivity and permittivity dispersion in low frequency suggest agglomeration of nanotubes surrounding the natural clay (MMT‐Na+) particles, which is confirmed by TEM. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:1603–1611, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Oxidation of an allene compound bearing 1,8‐dichloroacridene moieties and photolysis of the halogenated allene compound for the generation of triplet carbenes
Authors: Fuku‐en Shin‐ichi , Furukawa Ko , Sasamori Takahiro , Tokitoh Norihiro , Abe Manabu , Yamamoto Yohsuke
Published: November 2014

New allene compounds, 5c and 5d, bearing 1,8‐dichloroacridene moieties were synthesized, and the oxidation of 5c and 5d was performed to generate thermally stable triplet carbenes. Since the oxidation resulted in the formation of decomposition products, the photolysis of brominated allene compound 18 was performed. UV–vis measurement at low temperatures indicated the generation of intermediates with decreasing starting material 18, although the efficiency of photolysis was quite low. ESR and electron spin transient nutation (ESTN) spectra suggested that the multiplicity of intermediates is triplet, probably the target triplet carbene 6d is generated. In terms of |D| values of the intermediates, ESR showed that unpaired electrons are more effectively delocalized in 6d by the introduction of nitrogen atoms in the skeleton (biradical character in Scheme 1). The observed triplet species 6d was not stable enough to isolate. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fault‐tolerant controller design for a master generation unit in an isolated hybrid wind‐diesel power system
Authors: Vargas‐Martínez Adriana , Minchala‐Avila Luis Ismael , Zhang Youmin , Garza‐Castañón Luis Eduardo , Acosta‐Santana Patricia
Published: November 2014

This paper presents a methodology for designing an effective fault‐tolerant controller (FTC) through the combination of three control techniques: linear parameter varying (LPV), model reference adaptive control (MRAC), and a proportional‐integral‐derivative (PID) controller. The proposed FTC is tested in a diesel engine generator (DEG), operating as a master generation unit in an autonomous hybrid wind‐diesel power system with a battery storage system (BSS). The control objectives are to regulate voltage and frequency of the DEG and to ensure covering the demand load. Frequency regulation is achieved with the help of an MRAC‐LPV scheme combining a PID controller tuned by a genetic algorithm (GA) for maintaining the speed of the diesel engine (DE) in a constant value, and in consequence the frequency of the grid. Voltage magnitude control is performed through a constrained variation of the field voltage of the synchronous generator through a classic MRAC. Different operating conditions of the hybrid power system are applied in order to test the controller's robustness: (i) steady‐state operation; (ii) sudden connection of a load of 0.5 MW; (iii) a three‐phase fault with duration of 0.5 s; and (iv) DE's actuator fault with six different magnitudes. An improved performance is achieved by the proposed scheme over a baseline controller, IEEE type 1 AVR for voltage regulation and a governor with PI controller for frequency regulation. Dynamic models of the microgrid components are presented, and the proposed microgrid and its FTC are implemented and tested in the Simpower Systems of MATLAB/Simulink simulation environment. The simulation results showed that the use of an LPV methodology for designing the MRAC allows the online accommodation of different fault magnitudes in the DE actuator and improves the FTC system performance in comparison with the baseline controller. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TWIST1 Silencing Enhances In Vitro and In Vivo Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells by Triggering Activation of BMP-ERK/FGF Signaling and TAZ Upregulation
Authors: Quarto Natalina , Senarath-Yapa Kshemendra , Renda Andrea , Longaker Michael T.
Published: November 2014

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show promise for cellular therapy and regenerative medicine. Human adipose tissue-derived stem cells (hASCs) represent an attractive source of seed cells in bone regeneration. How to effectively improve osteogenic differentiation of hASCs in the bone tissue engineering has become a very important question with profound translational implications. Numerous regulatory pathways dominate osteogenic differentiation of hASCs involving transcriptional factors and signaling molecules. However, how these factors combine with each other to regulate hASCs osteogenic differentiation still remains to be illustrated. The highly conserved developmental proteins TWIST play key roles for transcriptional regulation in mesenchymal cell lineages. This study investigates TWIST1 function in hASCs osteogenesis. Our results show that TWIST1 shRNA silencing increased the osteogenic potential of hASCs in vitro and their skeletal regenerative ability when applied in vivo. We demonstrate that the increased osteogenic capacity observed with TWIST1 knockdown in hASCs is mediated through endogenous activation of BMP and ERK/FGF signaling leading, in turn, to upregulation of TAZ, a transcriptional modulator of MSCs differentiation along the osteoblast lineage. Inhibition either of BMP or ERK/FGF signaling suppressed TAZ upregulation and the enhanced osteogenesis in shTWIST1 hASCs. Cosilencing of both TWIST1 and TAZ abrogated the effect elicited by TWIST1 knockdown thus, identifying TAZ as a downstream mediator through which TWIST1 knockdown enhanced osteogenic differentiation in hASCs. Our functional study contributes to a better knowledge of molecular mechanisms governing the osteogenic ability of hASCs, and highlights TWIST1 as a potential target to facilitate in vivo bone healing. Stem Cells  2015;33:833–847
Age-Specific Functional Epigenetic Changes in p21 and p16 in Injury-Activated Satellite Cells
Authors: Li Ju , Han Suhyoun , Cousin Wendy , Conboy Irina M.
Published: November 2014

The regenerative capacity of muscle dramatically decreases with age because old muscle stem cells fail to proliferate in response to tissue damage. Here, we uncover key age-specific differences underlying this proliferative decline: namely, the genetic loci of cyclin/cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors (CDKIs) p21 and p16 are more epigenetically silenced in young muscle stem cells, as compared to old, both in quiescent cells and those responding to tissue injury. Interestingly, phosphorylated ERK (pERK) induced in these cells by ectopic FGF2 is found in association with p21 and p16 promoters, and moreover, only in the old cells. Importantly, in the old satellite cells, FGF2/pERK silences p21 epigenetically and transcriptionally, which leads to reduced p21 protein levels and enhanced cell proliferation. In agreement with the epigenetic silencing of the loci, young muscle stem cells do not depend as much as old on ectopic FGF/pERK for their myogenic proliferation. In addition, other CDKIs, such asp15INK4B and p27KIP1, become elevated in satellite cells with age, confirming and explaining the profound regenerative defect of old muscle. This work enhances our understanding of tissue aging, promoting strategies for combating age-imposed tissue degeneration. Stem Cells  2015;33:951–961
Carbon nanotubes: potential medical applications and safety concerns
Authors: Amenta Valeria , Aschberger Karin
Published: November 2014

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have unique atomic structure, as well as outstanding thermal, mechanical, and electronic properties, making them extremely attractive materials for several different applications. Many research groups are focusing on biomedical applications of carbon‐based nanomaterials, however the application ofCNTsto the biomedical field is not developing as fast as in other areas. WhileCNTs‐based products are already being used in textiles, polymer matrices to strengthen materials, sports articles, microelectronics, energy storage, etc., medicinal products and medical devices forin vivoapplication based onCNTshave not been commercialized yet. However,CNTsfor biomedical application, i.e.,CNTsconjugated tosiRNAfor cancer therapy, orCNTsfor imaging of colorectal cancer and many other products may enter clinical trials in the next years. Concerns related to the toxicity ofCNTsmust be overcome in order to have these products commercialized in a near future. This article reviews emerging biomedical applications of CNTs, specifically for therapy. It also deals with challenges associated with possible medical applications ofCNTs, such as their not fully understood toxicological profile in the human body.WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol2015, 7:371–386. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1317

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease

Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials
Perceived Barriers to Physical Activity and Exercise for Individuals with Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Keegan John , Brooks Jessica , Blake John , Muller Veronica , Fitzgerald Sandra , Chan Fong
Published: November 2014

This study investigated the relationship between functional disability and perceived barriers to physical activity and exercise in persons with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). Participants were 144 individuals with SCI (mean age was 44 years old; 61% were male participants; 41.3% had spinal cord lesion at the cervical level, 43.7% at the thoracic level, and 14.3% at the lumbar level) from the National Spinal Cord Injury Association in the United States. Data on physical activity and exercise participation were collected using a cross-sectional online survey and analysed using multivariate analysis of variance and hierarchical regression analysis. The primary research findings indicate that level of functional disability was a predictor of perceived barriers to physical activity and exercise. Moreover, health barriers were found to be a partial mediator for functional disability and physical health-related quality of life, suggesting perceived barriers may help to explain the association between functional disability and physical health-related quality of life.
Factors Related to Early Termination From Work for Youth With Disabilities
Authors: Pebdani Roxanna N.
Published: November 2014

This study of young adults with disabilities in transition explored what factors contributed to young adults with disabilities terminating early from a transition program. Data from 6,227 young adults with disabilities aged 17–22 living in one of eight major metropolitan areas in the United States were utilised (58.7% of the sample were male, 63.1% were African-American, and 71.4% had a learning disability). All participants were enrolled in a school-to-work transition programme in which service providers place students into paid internships. Service providers at the eight sites collected data while working with participants, and then collected follow-up data at three and twelve months post-programme completion or termination. Hierarchical Linear Modelling was used to explore how personal factors impacted early termination, while controlling for variation at the site level. Results showed the three main reasons for early termination from work to be: programme initiated termination, interpersonal conflicts with coworkers or supervisors and transportation issues. Additionally, the multilevel model that controlled for variance at the site level demonstrated that Asian-American young adults with disabilities were less likely to terminate early from work. These results can help individuals who work with young adults with disabilities, provide supplemental services to students who may need additional assistance to succeed in a transition programme.
Views of independence and readiness for employment amongst young people with visual impairment in the UK
Authors: Douglas Graeme , Hewett Rachel
Published: November 2014

There is concern that young people with visual impairment do not leave school adequately prepared for the workplace. Seventy young people from the UK with visual impairment (aged 16–19) took part in semi-structured interviews exploring how they define independence and how they predict they would deal with employment-based problems. Two overarching themes emerged: (1) how active/passive the young people felt they should be in solving problems (active–passive dimension), and (2) to whom (themselves or others) the young person attributed the responsibility for problems and solutions (internaliser–externaliser dimension). The results provide evidence of the importance of teaching young people disability-specific skills at school (an ‘expanded core curriculum’) which aims to maximise young people's independence while giving them a clear understanding of the accommodations to which they are entitled.
The Effects of Elections Canada's Campaign Period Advertising
Authors: McGregor R. Michael , Anderson Cameron D.
Published: November 2014

Voter participation is widely viewed as invaluable by democratic theorists, and a large majority of members of the Canadian public believe that low turnout weakens Canadian democracy. In response to decreasing rates of turnout in federal elections, Elections Canada has run advertising campaigns during the last several election campaigns encouraging Canadians to participate by voting. Using Election Canadian Study data from 2006 and 2008, this note examines the effect of Elections Canada's advertisements upon turnout and the partisan outcome of elections. Results reveal that the ad campaigns have effects upon both factors. The ads increase turnout among segments of the population with traditionally low turnout rates and are associated with an overall decrease in the Conservative party's vote share.
Plato on the Nature of the Sudden Moment, and the Asymmetry of the Second Part of theParmenides
Authors: RANGOS SPYRIDON
Published: November 2014

In this paper, Plato’s notion of the sudden moment is fully explored. In theParmenides, the “now” (nun) and the “sudden” (exaiphnês), it is argued, refer to one and the same entity from the distinct perspectives of timeless Being and temporal Becoming, respectively. This interpretation tallies well with, and enriches, the Platonic views on time and eternity found in theTimaeus. Finally, the paper highlights the pivotal role of the third deduction, where the sudden moment appears, for an understanding of the entire dialectical exercise of theParmenides.