bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A TWO STAGE DECISION APPROACH TO THE SELECTION PROBLEM
Authors: Rock Donald A. , Barone John L. , Boldt Robert F.
Published: January 2015

A mathematical solution to the two stage selection problem was developed which only requires predictor criterion intercorrelations and selection ratio information. Cutting scores on the first stage test are so determined that some individuals are (a) accepted after the first stage, (b) rejected after the first stage, (c) decision withheld, that is, the decision to accept or reject is postponed until the second stage. The upper and lower cutting scores from stage one, z″1and z′1respectively, and the cutting score at the second stage z2.1where z2.1= F(z1); and z′1≦ z1≦z″1are located such that the expected value on the criterion for accepted applicants is maximized subject to the restraint imposed by the selection ratio. Theoretical solutions developed on the computer suggest that considerable amount of testing time may be saved with little or no decrease in the validity of the selection procedure for all values of the selection ratios.
PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT AND CONCEPTS OF STRUCTURE
Authors: Emmerich Walter
Published: January 2015

It is proposed that many concepts of personality structure and structural development are of primary relevance to one of three general orientations, here called the “classical,” “differential,” and “ipsative” views. Certain theoretical and methodological features of each approach are reviewed. The discussion emphasizes differences and similarities among the views and points out some implications for research.
A STUDY OF GRAPHICAL ABILITIES IN CHILDREN
Authors: Lurçat Lilliane , Kostin Irene
Published: January 2015

The Lurçat Test of Graphical Abilities was administered to 124 right‐handed children between the ages of four and ten.

Estimates of age norms were determined for the ability to reproduce the correct form of a curve, i.e., a cycloid or a spiral, when given (a) visual information alone, (b) both visual and kinesthetic information, and (c) kinesthetic information alone. Results for the right and left hands were determined separately. Estimates of age norms were determined, also, for the ability to reproduce the correct trajectory or orientation of these curves in the three situations mentioned above. Results for the right and left hands were determined separately. Most of the development of these abilities seems to occur between the ages of four and seven.

Reproducing cycloids with parallel rotations with both hands simultaneously while blindfolded seems to be related to laterality. In this situation, for six‐ and seven‐year‐olds, the large majority of right‐handed children correctly reproduce the rotation of the cycloid only with the right hand. The rotation produced by the left hand was found to be symmetrical rather than parallel to that produced by the right hand.

Evidence was also obtained which indicates that the dominant hand is superior to the nondominant hand in the reproduction rather than the reception of kinesthetic information.
INFORMATION IN WRONG RESPONSES1
Authors: Jacobs Paul I. , Vandeventer Mary
Published: January 2015

Under some circumstances the wrong responses a subject makes on a test may contain important information. In this study, the notion of facet design provided a systematic method for a priori ordering of the distractors on the Coloured Progressive Matrices test as to degree of correctness. A score based on type of distractor chosen was shown to have a moderate degree of test‐retest reliability, concurrent and predictive validity, and cross‐cultural applicability. The results suggest a re‐examination of Sigel's finding that type of error and total score were unrelated.
ATTRACTION, DISCREPANCY, AND RESPONSES TO PSYCHOLOGICAL TREATMENT1
Authors: Patton Michael J.
Published: January 2015

Counseling and psychotherapy can be construed and analyzed as a social influence process. To test predictions derived from balance theory, the effects of positive vs. negative interpersonal attraction and of communication similarity vs. discrepancy upon an S's responses to a counselor and to psychological treatment were investigated. Three male counselor‐accomplices interviewed 72 male Ss. In a laboratory situation made manifestly similar to that of psychological treatment, a client's responses to a counselor who attempts to modify his behavior are seen to be contingent both upon how personally attracted the client is to his counselor, and on how congruent their discussion is with the client's prior expectations.
Expanding the Notion of Historical Text Through Historic Building Analysis
Authors: Baron Christine , Dobbs Christina
Published: January 2015

Among the disciplinary skills necessary for understanding in the social studies classroom is the ability to determine context and build meaning from past events. Historical buildings are an important component of historical study, and they serve as a type of nontraditional text that students can decode and use to construct meaning about multiple historical contexts. The skills used to understand and analyze historical buildings are in and of themselves important, but engaging them also builds critical deep comprehension skills as well. This paper presents a research‐tested framework for historic building analysis that can be used to build disciplinary analytical skills in history, while meeting the challenges of the Common Core Standards, which require that students be able to deeply understand a variety of types of traditional and nontraditional texts.
Elastic mesh with thermoplastic polyurethane filaments preserves effective porosity of textile implants
Authors: Lambertz Andreas , Vogels Ruben R. M. , Binnebösel Marcel , Schöb Dominik S. , Kossel Klas , Klinge Uwe , Neumann Ulf P. , Klink Christian D.
Published: January 2015

In hernia surgery, meshes with small pores tend to be filled by fibrous tissue, which reduces their stretchability and causes patient complaints. Because of the inelasticity of current meshes, mechanical strain might cause pores to collapse even in large‐pore mesh constructions. In this study, a mesh with elastic thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) filaments was constructed to prevent pore size changes even under mechanical strain, and its biocompatibility in comparison with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) was evaluated. A mesh was constructed using PVDF with elastic TPU filaments and mechanically tested. After midline laparotomy in 20 rabbits, we placed a 15 cm × 3 cm mesh as inlay in the defect. Animals were randomized to either the TPU or PVDF group. After 7 or 21 days, mesh expansion was measured under pneumoperitoneum, and abdominal walls were explanted for immunohistochemical investigations. In vitro, TPU meshes showed a slight reduction in effective porosity from 46% at tension‐free conditions to 26% under longitudinal and to 34% under transverse strain. The nonelastic PVDF meshes showed a marked reduction in effective porosity from 70% to 7% and 52%, respectively. The TPU mesh had a breaking elongation of 101% and a tensile strength of 35 N/cm. In vivo, both meshes achieved healing of the incision without hernial defect. The TPU mesh maintained its elasticity under pneumoperitoneum. The amount of CD68‐positive, Ki67–positive, and apoptotic cells was significantly lower in the TPU group after 7 and 21 days. The newly developed TPU mesh shows elasticity, structural stability, and preserved effective porosity under mechanical strain. Immunohistochemistry indicates superior biocompatibility of TPU mesh compared with PVDF after 7 and 21 days. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 2654–2660, 2015.
Conjugation of palmitic acid improves potency and longevity of siRNA delivered via endosomolytic polymer nanoparticles
Authors: Sarett Samantha M. , Kilchrist Kameron V. , Miteva Martina , Duvall Craig L.
Published: January 2015

Clinical translation of siRNA therapeutics has been limited by the inability to effectively overcome the rigorous delivery barriers associated with intracellular‐acting biologics. Here, to address both potency and longevity of siRNA gene silencing, pH‐responsive micellar nanoparticle (NP) carriers loaded with siRNA conjugated to palmitic acid (siRNA‐PA) were investigated as a combined approach to improve siRNA endosomal escape and stability. Conjugation to hydrophobic PA improved NP loading efficiency relative to unmodified siRNA, enabling complete packaging of siRNA‐PA at a lower polymer:siRNA ratio. PA conjugation also increased intracellular uptake of the nucleic acid cargo by 35‐fold and produced a 3.1‐fold increase in intracellular half‐life. The higher uptake and improved retention of siRNA‐PA NPs correlated to a 2‐ and 11‐fold decrease in gene silencing IC50 in comparison to siRNA NPs in fibroblasts and mesenchymal stem cells, respectively, for both the model gene luciferase and the therapeutically relevant gene prolyl hydroxylase domain protein 2 (PHD2) . PA conjugation also significantly increased longevity of silencing activity following a single treatment in fibroblasts. Thus, conjugation of PA to siRNA paired with endosomolytic NPs is a promising approach to enhance the functional efficacy of siRNA in tissue regenerative and other applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 3107–3116, 2015.
Repositioning Potential of PAK4 to Osteoclastic Bone Resorption
Authors: Choi Sik-Won , Yeon Jeong-Tae , Ryu Byung Jun , Kim Kwang-Jin , Moon Seong-Hee , Lee Hyuk , Lee Myeung Su , Lee Sam Youn , Heo Jin-Chul , Park Sang-Joon , Kim Seong Hwan
Published: January 2015

Drug repositioning is a rational approach for expanding the use of existing drugs or candidate drugs to treat additional disorders. Here we investigated the possibility of using the anticancer p21-activated kinase 4 (PAK4)-targeted inhibitor PF-3758309 to treat osteoclast-mediated disorders. PAK4 was highly expressed in bone marrow cells and was phosphorylated during their differentiation into osteoclasts, and osteoclast differentiation was significantly inhibited by the dominant negative form of PAK4 and by PF-3758309. Specifically, PF-3758309 significantly inhibited the fusion of preosteoclasts, the podosome formation, and the migration of preosteoclasts. PF-3758309 also had in vivo antiresorptive activity in a lipopolysaccharide-induced bone erosion model and in vitro antiosteoclastogenic activity in the differentiation of human bone marrow–derived cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells into osteoclasts. These data demonstrate the relevance of PAK4 in osteoclast differentiation and the potential of PAK4 inhibitors for treating osteoclast-related disorders. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Hip Fractures Risk in Older Men and Women Associated With DXA-Derived Measures of Thigh Subcutaneous Fat Thickness, Cross-Sectional Muscle Area, and Muscle Density
Authors: Malkov Serghei , Cawthon Peggy M , Peters Kathy Wilt , Cauley Jane A , Murphy Rachel A , Visser Marjolein , Wilson Joseph P , Harris Tamara , Satterfield Suzanne , Cummings Steve , Shepherd John A ,   for the Health ABC Study
Published: January 2015

Mid-thigh cross-sectional muscle area (CSA), muscle attenuation, and greater trochanter soft tissue thickness have been shown to be independent risk factors of hip fracture. Our aim was to determine whether muscle and adipose tissue measures derived from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans would have a similar risk association as those measured using other imaging methods. Using a case-cohort study design, we identified 169 incident hip fracture cases over an average of 13.5 years among participants from the Health ABC Study, a prospective study of 3075 individuals initially aged 70 to 79 years. We modeled the thigh 3D geometry and compared DXA and computed tomography (CT) measures. DXA-derived thigh CSA, muscle attenuation, and subcutaneous fat thickness were found to be highly correlated to their CT counterparts (Pearson's r = 0.82, 0.45, and 0.91, respectively; p < 0.05). The fracture risk of men and women were calculated separately. We found that decreased subcutaneous fat, CT thigh muscle attenuation, and appendicular lean mass by height squared (ALM/Ht2) were associated with fracture risk in men; hazard ratios (HR) = 1.44 (1.02, 2.02), 1.40 (1.05, 1.85), and 0.58 (0.36, 0.91), respectively, after adjusting for age, race, clinical site, body mass index (BMI), chronic disease, hip bone mineral density (BMD), self-reported health, alcohol use, smoking status, education, physical activity, and cognitive function. In a similar model for women, only decreases in subcutaneous fat and DXA CSA were associated with hip fracture risk; HR = 1.39 (1.07, 1.82) and 0.78 (0.62, 0.97), respectively. Men with a high ALM/Ht2 and low subcutaneous fat thickness had greater than 8 times higher risk for hip fracture compared with those with low ALM/Ht2 and high subcutaneous fat. In women, ALM/Ht2 did not improve the model when subcutaneous fat was included. We conclude that the DXA-derived subcutaneous fat thickness is a strong marker for hip fracture risk in both men and women, especially in men with high ALM/Ht2. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
In Vivo UTE-MRI Reveals Positive Effects of Raloxifene on Skeletal-Bound Water in Skeletally Mature Beagle Dogs
Authors: Allen Matthew R , Territo Paul R , Lin Chen , Persohn Scott , Jiang Lei , Riley Amanda A , McCarthy Brian P , Newman Christopher L , Burr David B , Hutchins Gary D
Published: January 2015

Raloxifene positively affects mechanical properties of the bone matrix in part through modification of skeletal-bound water. The goal of this study was to determine if raloxifene-induced alterations in skeletal hydration could be measured in vivo using ultra-short echotime magnetic resonance imaging (UTE-MRI). Twelve skeletally mature female beagle dogs (n = 6/group) were treated for 6 months with oral doses of saline vehicle (VEH, 1 mL/kg/d) or raloxifene (RAL, 0.5 mg/kg/d). After 6 months of treatment, all animals underwent in vivo UTE-MRI of the proximal tibial cortical bone. UTE-MRI signal intensity versus echotime curves were analyzed by fitting a double exponential to determine the short and long relaxation times of water with the bone (dependent estimations of bound and free water, respectively). Raloxifene-treated animals had significantly higher bound water (+14%; p = 0.05) and lower free water (–20%) compared with vehicle-treated animals. These data provide the first evidence that drug-induced changes in skeletal hydration can be noninvasively assessed using UTE-MRI. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Osteoporosis‐associated alteration in the signalling status of BMP‐2 in human MSCs under adipogenic conditions
Authors: Donoso Oscar , Pino Ana María , Seitz Germán , Osses Nelson , Rodríguez J. Pablo
Published: January 2015

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is characterized by decreased bone quality and mineral density. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) found in the bone marrow, are pluripotent cells able to differentiate into several phenotypes, including osteoblasts and adipocytes. In osteoporosis, MSCs' commitment and differentiation into osteoblast/adipocyte is unbalanced, favoring adipocyte formation. The osteo and adipogenic processes are modulated by the bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2). This cytokine regulates the expression of transcription factors PPARγ and Runx 2, but its action on cells under adipogenic conditions is poorly understood. In this work we studied BMP‐2 signaling in MSCs obtained from bone marrow of control or osteoporotic volunteer postmenopausal women. MSCs were cultured under basal, adipogenic (AD) or AD plus BMP‐2 conditions. The protein content of PPARγ, p‐PPARγ, Runx2, bone morphogenetic receptor IA (BMPR IA), phosphorylated Smad‐1/5/8 (p‐Smad) and Smad 4 were determined by specific western blots. mRNA level for BMPRs was determined by PCR and cell localization of p‐Smad‐1/5/8 were detected by immunocytochemistry. Control MSCs showed a differential response to both AD and AD plus BMP‐2 treatments: BMP‐2 exerted an anti‐adipogenic effect increasing both transcription factors analyzed. Moreover, p‐Smads‐1/5/8 were detected in nuclei after short term BMP‐2 treatment. Osteoporotic MSCs showed no response to exogenous added BMP‐2, as shown by p‐PPARγ/PPARγ ratio and Runx2 levels, although BMPR‐IA level was significantly higher in osteoporotic than in control MSCs. In addition, staining for p‐Smad‐1/5/8 in o‐MSCs was observed around nuclei at all experimental conditions. Taken together results demonstrate failure of BMP‐2 signaling in osteoporotic MSCs. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 1267–1277, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ferric sulfate coagulation and powdered activated carbon adsorption as simultaneous treatment to reuse the medium in Arthrospira platensis cultivation
Authors: Morocho‐Jácome Ana Lucía , Sato Sunao , de Carvalho João Carlos Monteiro
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUND

Cyanobacteriae and microalgae industries require large amounts of water for their cultivation. Reusing the Arthrospira platensis culture medium is scarcely evaluated in the literature. This work evaluates coagulation and adsorption as a simultaneous process to treat A. platensis spent medium by applying different concentrations of powdered activated carbon (PAC) and ferric sulfate (S) and by using different contact times (T) to remove organic matter and pigments.

RESULTS

The process efficiency was measured by removal of both organic matter and pigments by absorbance at 254 and 440 nm, respectively. The highest maximum cell concentration (4863 ± 64 mg L−1) and protein content values (60.0 ± 0.6%) were observed in a medium treated with optimal conditions using PAC = 40.0 mg L−1, S = 32.8 mg L−1 and T = 36.1 min. Under such conditions, chlorophyll‐a biomass content of 24.5 ± 0.6 mg g dry cell−1 and chlorophyll‐a productivity of 16.8 ± 0.1 mg L−1 d−1 were obtained.

CONCLUSIONS

Coagulation and adsorption as a simultaneus treatment allowing reuse of the spent medium of A. platensis cultivation can diminish not only its production costs but also environmental pollution. The biomass produced in the treated medium contains more protein and chlorophyll than that produced in the standard medium. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Continuous acetate production through microbial electrosynthesis from CO2 with microbial mixed culture
Authors: Batlle‐Vilanova Pau , Puig Sebastià , Gonzalez‐Olmos Rafael , Balaguer Maria Dolors , Colprim Jesús
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUND

Microbial electrosynthesis represents a promising approach for renewable energy storage in which chemically stable compounds are produced using CO2 as feedstock. This report describes the continuous production of acetate through microbial electrosynthesis from CO2 and assesses how the production rates could be increased.

RESULTS

A continuous acetate production rate of 0.98 mmol C LNCC−1 d−1 was obtained using CO2 as feedstock and with pH control around 5.8. These conditions increased substrate availability and favoured microbial electrosynthesis. Cyclic voltammograms demonstrated the electroautotrophic activity on the biocathode surface, which increased with pH control and caused current demand and acetate production rate to rise exponentially.

CONCLUSION

pH decrease was shown to be an effective strategy to increase substrate availability and enhance microbial electrosynthesis. By making microbial electrosynthesis a feasible technology, CO2 could become an alternative feedstock for the carboxylate platform. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Multimode sensors as new tools for molecular recognition of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and estradiol in children's saliva
Authors: Gugoasa Livia Alexandra , Stefan‐van Staden Raluca‐Ioana , Calenic Bogdan , Legler Juliette
Published: January 2015

Increased levels of testosterone (T2), dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and estradiol (E2) in children may be responsible for their early/delayed puberty and obesity conditions. Therefore, multimode sensors based on carbon matrices, such as graphite, graphene, fullerene C60 and multiwall carbon nanotubes modified with maltodextrin, were designed to assess reliably T2, DHT and E2 in children saliva. The modes used for the assay of hormones were stochastic mode (for qualitative and quantitative determination of hormones) and differential pulse voltammetry mode (for quantitative determination of hormones). The advantage of this type of sensors, for hormone analysis, is their possibility to reach low concentration levels— are placed for children saliva under the detection limit of standard methods (e.g. ELISA used for the determination of these hormones in saliva). This made the multimode sensors an excellent tool for clinical analysis and especially for determination of substances of clinical importance in saliva samples. The proposed method is fast and simple, and no sampling of saliva is required. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of staging and early response to chemotherapy with whole‐body diffusion‐weighted MRI in malignant lymphoma patients: A comparison with FDG‐PET/CT
Authors: Tsuji Kazunobu , Kishi Shinji , Tsuchida Tatsuro , Yamauchi Takahiro , Ikegaya Satoshi , Urasaki Yoshimasa , Fujiwara Yasuhiro , Ueda Takanori , Okazawa Hidehiko , Kimura Hirohiko
Published: January 2015

Background

To examine the utility of diffusion‐weighted MRI (DW‐MRI) for staging and early response to chemotherapy assessment in lymphoma patients as compared with fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG‐PET/CT).

Methods

Twenty‐eight patients with histologically confirmed malignant lymphoma underwent both MRI and FDG‐PET/CT before (pretreatment) and after two courses of chemotherapy (mid‐treatment). Staging with MRI (DW‐MRI alone and with T2‐weighted images) and FDG‐PET was compared visually, and the concordance rate (kappa value, κ) was calculated. To evaluate early response to chemotherapy, patients were divided into two groups, lesion‐positive (LP) and lesion‐negative (LN), based on a proposed original criterion. Progression‐free survival (PFS) was compared between the groups using the Kaplan‐Meier method.

Results

The stage diagnosed with DW‐MRI alone and with FDG‐PET/CT was concordant in 22 patients (κ = 0.71; P < 0.05), and by adding T2‐weighted images, the number of concordant patients increased to 26 (κ = 0.90; P < 0.05). On mid‐treatment imaging, 19 patients were diagnosed as LN from both modalities. PFS differed significantly between LP and LN on both DW‐MRI (P = 0.0013) and FDG‐PET/CT (P = 0.037).

Conclusion

DW‐MRI is a promising tool for staging and evaluation of early response to chemotherapy in patients with lymphoma. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;41:1601–1607. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Motion of the femoral condyles in flexion and extension during a continuous lunge
Authors: Feng Yong , Tsai Tsung‐Yuan , Li Jing‐Sheng , Wang Shaobai , Hu Hai , Zhang Changqing , Rubash Harry E. , Li Guoan
Published: January 2015

Numerous studies have reported on in‐vivo posterior femoral condyle translations during various activities of the knee. However, no data has been reported on the knee motion during a continuous flexion‐extension cycle. Further, few studies have investigated the gender variations on the knee kinematics. This study quantitatively determined femoral condylar motion of 10 male and 10 female knees during a continuous weightbearing flexion‐extension cycle using two‐dimensional to three‐dimensional fluoroscopic tracking technique. The knees were CT‐scanned to create three‐dimensional models of the tibia and femur. Continuous images of each subject were taken using a single‐fluoroscopic imaging system. The knee kinematics were measured along the motion path using geometric center axis of the femur. The results indicated that statistical differences between the flexion and extension motions were only found in internal‐external tibial rotation and lateral femoral condylar motion at the middle range of flexion angles. At low flexion angles, male knees have greater external tibial rotation and more posteriorly positioned medial femoral condyle than females. The knee did not show a specific pivoting type of rotation with flexion. Axial rotation center varied from lateral to medial compartments of the knee. These data could provide useful information for understanding physiological motion of normal knees. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:591–597, 2015.
Hemoglobin, alkalic phosphatase, and C‐reactive protein predict the outcome in patients with liposarcoma
Authors: Panotopoulos Joannis , Posch Florian , Alici Benjamin , Funovics Philipp , Stihsen Christoph , Amann Gabriele , Brodowicz Thomas , Windhager Reinhard , Ay Cihan
Published: January 2015

Data on prognostic biomarkers in soft tissue sarcomas are scarce. The aim of the study was to define prognostic markers in patients with a liposarcoma, a subtype of sarcoma derived from adipose tissue. We restrospectively reviewed 85 patients with liposarcoma treated at our department from May 1994 to October 2011. Kaplan–Meier curves, uni‐, and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models and competing risk analysis were performed to evaluate the association between putative biomarkers with disease‐specific and overall survival. We observed a significant association between both alkalic phosphatase (ALP; subhazard ratio [SHR] per 1 unit increase: 1.35; 95%CI 1.10–1.65; p = 0.005) and C‐reactive protein (CRP; SHR per 1 mg/dl increase: 2,57; 95%CI 1.36–4,86; p = 0.004) with disease‐specific survival. Hemoglobin (Hb) (HR per 1 g/dl increase: 065; 95%CI 0.48–0.87; p = 0.003) was associated with overall survival. These associations prevailed after multivariable adjustment for AJCC tumor stage. This study identifies CRP and ALP as novel independent predictors of disease‐specific survival in patients with liposarcoma. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:765–770, 2015.
Monitoring of optimized SERS active gel substrates for painting and paper substrates by unilateral NMR profilometry
Authors: Doherty Brenda , Presciutti Federica , Sgamellotti Antonio , Brunetti Brunetto G. , Miliani Costanza
Published: January 2015

In order to realize a surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) gel protocol with portable Raman instrumentation, this contribution oversees the optimization of a removable SERS active methylcellulose gel and the applicability of an innovative gelatin substrate. Analytical evaluations by non‐invasive portable nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) profilometry with regards to methylcellulose and gelatin film penetration and removal from an unvarnished painted surface and commercial dyed paper substrates have been carried out, respectively, following successful SERS measurements. Both gels have been specifically prepared in accordance to the substrate under exam so as to simultaneously permit sufficient surface interaction for Raman enhancements to be recorded with limited penetration into or subsequent damage on removal of the matrix under study. This work continues to bridge the gap towards non‐invasive SERS measurements and in‐situ SERS measurements. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New assessment based on the use of principal factor analysis to investigate corn silage quality from nutritional traits, fermentation end products and mycotoxins
Authors: Gallo Antonio , Bertuzzi Terenzio , Giuberti Gianluca , Moschini Maurizio , Bruschi Sara , Cerioli Carla , Masoero Francesco
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUND

A survey on 68 dairy farms was carried out to evaluate the ensiling procedures adopted to store corn silage. Samples from core, lateral and apical zones of the feed‐out face of silos were analysed. A principal factor analysis (PFA) was carried out on the entire database (196 silage samples and 36 variables) and 11 principal factor components (PCs) were retained and interpreted.

RESULTS

Ensiling procedures influenced the area exposed to risk of air penetration. Cores had higher dry matter, starch and lactic acid content or lower pH, fibre, propionate and butyrate concentrations than peripheral samples (P < 0.05). The highest (P < 0.05) mycophenolic acid and roquefortina C concentrations were detected in lateral samples. Chemical and digestibility variables loaded on two PCs; four PCs were characterized by end‐products associated with clostridia, heterolactic, homolactic and aerobic fermentations; two PCs were associated with mycotoxins, whereas three PCs explained ensiling procedures.

CONCLUSION

The main quality traits of corn silages differed throughout the entire silo face. Minimization of the area exposed to risk of air penetration represents the best strategy to preserve the nutritional value and safety of corn silages. PFA allowed a clusterization of original variables into 11 PCs, appearing able to discriminate well and poorly preserved corn silages. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
The differentiation of tuna (family: Scombridae) products through the PCR‐based analysis of the cytochrome b gene and parvalbumin introns
Authors: Abdullah Asadatun , Rehbein Hartmut
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUND

In spite of the many studies performed over the years, there are still problems in the authentication of closely related tuna species, not only for canned fish but also for raw products. With the aim of providing screening methods to identify different tuna species and related scombrids, segments of mitochondrial cytochrome b (cyt b) and nuclear parvalbumin genes were amplified and sequenced or subjected to single‐strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analyses.

RESULTS

The nucleotide diagnostic sites in the cyt b gene of five tuna species from Indonesia were determined in this study and used to construct a phylogenetic tree. In addition, the suitability of the nuclear gene that encodes parvalbumin for the differentiation of tuna species was determined by SSCP and RFLP analyses of an intron segment. RFLP differentiated Thunnus albacares and from T. obesus, and fish species in the Thunnus genus could be distinguished from bullet tuna (Auxis rochei) by SSCP.

CONCLUSIONS

Parvalbumin‐based polymerase chain reaction systems could serve as an additional tool in the detection and identification of tuna and other Scombridae fish species for routine seafood control. This reaction can be performed in addition to the cyt b analysis as previously described. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
The effect of oat β‐glucan on in vitro glucose diffusion and glucose transport in rat small intestine
Authors: Zhang Yu , Zhang Hui , Wang Li , Qian Haifeng , Qi Xiguang , Ding Xiangli , Hu Bo , Li Jiajia
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUND

Many previous studies have reported the role of oat β‐glucan (OBG) in the reduction of postprandial glucose, and hypothesised that OBG may form a protective layer along the intestinal wall, acting as a viscous barrier to decrease glucose transportation. This study examined whether the molecular weight (MW) and concentration of OBG affected the diffusion of glucose in vitro. The effect of OBG on glucose transportation in vitro and sodium–potassium adenosine triphosphatase (Na+/K+‐ATPase) activity in the everted small intestines of normal rats was also examined.

RESULTS

In vitro, higher MWs and concentrations of OBG increased the inhibitory effects on glucose diffusion and glucose adsorption. The transport of glucose by glucose transporters and Na+/K+‐ATPase activity in the small intestinal mucosa of rats were significantly lower following the addition of OBG than those in the absence of OBG at the same time‐points throughout glucose transportation (P < 0.05). In the OBG‐treated group, the Na+/K+‐ATPase activity decreased with increasing OBG MW. However, as the concentration of OBG in the solution increased, the Na+/K+‐ATPase activity in the small intestine increased due to stronger gastrointestinal motility. We also found that higher MWs of OBG had a greater inhibitory effect on intestinal disaccharidase activities in vitro.

CONCLUSION

Oat β‐glucan is able to adsorb glucose molecules, inhibit glucose transport, decrease the concentration of available glucose and suppress disaccharidase activities in the small intestine. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis of carbon nanotube/layered double hydroxide nanocomposite as a novel fiber coating for the headspace solid‐phase microextraction of phenols from water samples
Authors: Abolghasemi Mir Mahdi , Yousefi Vahid , Piryaei Marzieh
Published: January 2015

In this research, a carbon nanotube/layered double hydroxide nanocomposite was synthesized by an in situ growth route by electrostatic force. The prepared carbon nanotube/layered double hydroxide nanocomposite was successfully prepared and deposited on a stainless‐steel wire for the fabrication of the solid‐phase microextraction fiber. The fiber was evaluated for the extraction of phenolic compounds from water samples. Analytical merits of the method, under optimum conditions (extraction temperature: 75°C, extraction time: 30 min, desorption time: 2 min, desorption temperature 260°C, salt concentration: 10% w/v) are 0.01–300 ng/mL for the linear dynamic range and 0.005–0.08 for the limit of detection. In optimum conditions, the repeatability for one fiber (n = 3), expressed as relative standard deviation, was between 6.5 and 9.9% for the phenolic compounds.
Analysis of trace inorganic anions in weak acid salts by single pump cycling‐column‐switching ion chromatography
Authors: Huang Zhongping , Ni Chengzhu , Zhu Zhuyi , Pan Zaifa , Wang Lili , Zhu Yan
Published: January 2015

The application of ion chromatography with the single pump cycling‐column‐switching technique was described for the analysis of trace inorganic anions in weak acid salts within a single run. Due to the hydrogen ions provided by an anion suppressor electrolyzing water, weak acid anions could be transformed into weak acids, existing as molecules, after passing through the suppressor. Therefore, an anion suppressor and ion‐exclusion column were adopted to achieve on‐line matrix elimination of weak acid anions with high concentration for the analysis of trace inorganic anions in weak acid salts. A series of standard solutions consisting of target anions of various concentrations from 0.005 to 10 mg/L were analyzed, with correlation coefficients r ≥ 0.9990. The limits of detection were in the range of 0.67 to 1.51 μg/L, based on the signal‐to‐noise ratio of 3 and a 25 μL injection volume. Relative standard deviations for retention time, peak area, and peak height were all less than 2.01%. A spiking study was performed with satisfactory recoveries between 90.3 and 104.4% for all anions. The chromatographic system was successfully applied to the analysis of trace inorganic anions in five weak acid salts.
Impact of elderly donors for liver transplantation: A single‐center experience
Authors: Kamo Naoko , Kaido Toshimi , Hammad Ahmed , Ogawa Kohei , Fujimoto Yasuhiro , Uemura Tadahiro , Mori Akira , Hatano Etsuro , Okajima Hideaki , Uemoto Shinji
Published: January 2015

Elderly donor grafts for liver transplantation (LT) are recognized to be marginal grafts. The present study investigated the impact of using elderly donors for LT. Between June 1990 and August 2012, 1631 patients received LT at Kyoto University Hospital. Out of 1631 patients, 1597 patients received living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), whereas the other 34 patients underwent deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT). Seventy‐five grafts that were used came from individuals who were ≥60 years old. We retrospectively analyzed the recipients' survival rates according to donor age. The overall survival rates of the recipients of all LDLT (P < 0.001), adult‐to‐adult LDLT (P = 0.007), all DDLT (P = 0.026), and adult‐to‐adult DDLT (P = 0.011) were significantly lower for the elderly donor group versus the younger group and especially for those who were hepatitis C–positive. A multivariate analysis revealed that donor age, ABO incompatibility, and preoperative intensive care unit stay were independent risk factors for poor patient survival in adult‐to‐adult LDLT. However, no significant differences existed between the 2 groups among those who received adult‐to‐adult LDLT in and after April 2006. No significant association was found between donor age and incidence of acute cellular rejection. In conclusion, donor age was closely related to the survival rate for LDLT and DDLT, although the impact of donor age was not shown in the recent cases. Liver Transpl 21:591–598, 2015. © 2015 AASLD.
Omega‐3 fatty acids protect from diet‐induced obesity, glucose intolerance, and adipose tissue inflammation through PPARγ‐dependent and PPARγ‐independent actions
Authors: Belchior Thiago , Paschoal Vivian A. , Magdalon Juliana , Chimin Patricia , Farias Talita M. , Chaves‐Filho Adriano B. , Gorjão Renata , St.‐Pierre Philippe , Miyamoto Sayuri , Kang Jing X. , Deshaies Yves , Marette André , Festuccia William
Published: January 2015

Scope

We tested herein the hypothesis that peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ) is a major mediator of omega‐3 (n‐3) protective actions against high‐fat diet (HFD) induced obesity, glucose intolerance, and adipose tissue inflammation.

Methods and results

C57BL6 wild‐type and fat‐1 transgenic (fat‐1) mice were fed a low‐fat diet (LFD) or HFD, treated or not with PPARγ antagonist, and evaluated for energy balance, adiposity, glucose tolerance, and adipose tissue inflammation. Fat‐1 mice were protected from obesity, fasting hyperglycemia, glucose intolerance, and adipose tissue inflammation. PPARγ inhibition completely abolished fat‐1 protection against HFD‐induced glucose intolerance, but not obesity or adipose tissue inflammation. To investigate the role of myeloid cell as mediator of n‐3 beneficial metabolic actions, mice with deletion (LyzM‐PPARγKO) or nondeletion (LyzM‐PPARγWT) of PPARγ in myeloid cells were fed either LFD or HFD (lard) or an HFD rich in n‐3 (fish oil). Our findings indicate that myeloid cell associated PPARγ is not involved in the attenuation of HFD‐induced glucose intolerance and adipose tissue inflammation induced by n‐3.

Conclusion

High endogenous n‐3 fatty acid levels protect from HFD obesity, glucose intolerance, and adipose tissue inflammation. Among these, only protection against glucose intolerance is mediated by non‐myeloid cell PPARγ.
Automated analysis of hip joint cartilage combining MR T2 and three‐dimensional fast‐spin‐echo images
Authors: Chandra Shekhar S. , Surowiec Rachel , Ho Charles , Xia Ying , Engstrom Craig , Crozier Stuart , Fripp Jurgen
Published: January 2015

Purpose

To validate a fully automated scheme to extract biochemical information from the hip joint cartilages using MR T2 mapping images incorporating segmentation of co‐registered three‐dimensional Fast‐Spin‐Echo (3D‐SPACE) images.

Methods

Manual analyses of unilateral hip (3 Tesla) MR images of 24 asymptomatic volunteers were used to validate a 3D deformable model method for automated cartilage segmentation of SPACE scans, partitioning of the individual femoral and acetabular cartilage plates into clinically defined sub‐regions and propagating these results to T2 maps to calculate region‐wise T2 value statistics. Analyses were completed on a desktop computer (∼10 min per case).

Results

The mean voxel overlap between automated A and manual M segmentations of the cartilage volumes in the (clinically based) SPACE images was 73%
. The automated and manual analyses demonstrated a relative difference error <10% in the median “T2 average signal” for each cartilage plate. The automated and manual analyses showed consistent patterns between significant differences in T2 data across the hip cartilage sub‐regions.

Conclusion

The good agreement between the manual and automatic analyses of T2 values indicates the use of structural 3D‐SPACE MR images with the proposed method provides a promising approach for automated quantitative T2 assessment of hip joint cartilages. Magn Reson Med 75:403–413, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A study on epoxy‐based 1–3 piezoelectric composites using finite element method
Authors: Kothari Anmol , Kumar Anuruddh , Kumar Rajeev , Vaish Rahul , Chauhan Vishal S.
Published: January 2015

The article deals with finite element study of 1–3 composites made of piezoceramic fibers embedded in epoxy. The study focuses on evaluation of effective properties of piezoelectric fiber composites using representative volume element method. The physical properties deduced are further used for analyzing sensing and actuation characteristics of unimorph cantilever beam. K0.5Na0.5NbO3‐LiSbO3 (KNN‐LS), KNN‐LS doped with 1 wt% CaTiO3 [KNN‐LS‐CT (1 wt%)], K0.475Na0.475Li0.05(Nb0.92Ta0.05Sb0.03)O3 (KNLNTS), 0.885 (Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3−0.05(Bi0.5K0.5)TiO3−0.015 (Bi0.5Li0.5) TiO3 −0.05 BaTiO3 (BNKLBT) and lead zirconate titanate (Pb [ZrxTi1−x] O3) (PZT) are embedded in epoxy matrix to form 1–3 piezocomposites. K0.475Na0.475Li0.05(Nb0.92Ta0.05 Sb0.03)O3 (KNLNTS) shows excellent performance than other composites under study. It can be concluded that KNLNTS (lead‐free piezoelectric material) is a potential candidate which can replace lead‐based PZT for smart structure applications. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:1895–1905, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Comparative proteomics analysis reveals the mechanism of fertility alternation of thermosensitive genic male sterile rice lines under low temperature inducement
Authors: Song Liru , Liu Zhongqi , Tong Jianhua , Xiao Langtao , Ma Hao , Zhang Haiqing
Published: January 2015

Thermosensitive genic male sterile (TGMS) rice line has made great economical contributions in rice production. However, the fertility of TGMS rice line during hybrid seed production is frequently influenced by low temperature, thus leading to its fertility/sterility alteration and hybrid seed production failure. To understand the mechanism of fertility alternation under low temperature inducement, the extracted proteins from young panicles of two TGMS rice lines at the fertility alternation sensitivity stage were analyzed by 2DE. Eighty‐three protein spots were found to be significantly changed in abundance, and identified by MALDI‐TOF‐TOF MS. The identified proteins were involved in 16 metabolic pathways and cellular processes. The young panicles of TGMS rice line Zhu 1S possessed the lower ROS‐scavenging, indole‐3‐acetic acid level, soluble protein, and sugar contents as well as the faster anther wall disintegration than those of TGMS rice line Zhun S. All these major differences might result in that the former is more stable in fertility than the latter. Based on the majority of the 83 identified proteins, together with microstructural, physiological, and biochemical results, a possible fertile alteration mechanism in the young panicles of TGMS rice line under low temperature inducement was proposed. Such a result will help us in breeding TGMS rice lines and production of hybrid seed.
Scop3D: Three‐dimensional visualization of sequence conservation
Authors: Vermeire Tessa , Vermaere Stijn , Schepens Bert , Saelens Xavier , Van Gucht Steven , Martens Lennart , Vandermarliere Elien
Published: January 2015

The integration of a protein's structure with its known sequence variation provides insight on how that protein evolves, for instance in terms of (changing) function or immunogenicity. Yet, collating the corresponding sequence variants into a multiple sequence alignment, calculating each position's conservation, and mapping this information back onto a relevant structure is not straightforward. We therefore built the Sequence Conservation on Protein 3D structure (scop3D) tool to perform these tasks automatically. The output consists of two modified PDB files in which the B‐values for each position are replaced by the percentage sequence conservation, or the information entropy for each position, respectively. Furthermore, text files with absolute and relative amino acid occurrences for each position are also provided, along with snapshots of the protein from six distinct directions in space. The visualization provided by scop3D can for instance be used as an aid in vaccine development or to identify antigenic hotspots, which we here demonstrate based on an analysis of the fusion proteins of human respiratory syncytial virus and mumps virus.
Fluorosolvatochromism of monomethyl indoles: further evidence in support of a new photophysical model for the indole chromophore
Authors: Catalán Javier
Published: January 2015

In this study, we investigated whether a change exists in the emitting state of the monomethyl indoles, dissolved in 1‐chlorobutane (ClB) and 2‐methylbutane (2MB), resulting from a dipolarity increase of the solvent. Analysis of the solvatochromism of monomethyl indoles in ClB at 343–133 K and in 2MB at 293–113 K leads to the following conclusions: (i) the state S1 is the greatest contributor to the structured emission of 4‐Me‐, 5‐Me‐, and 7‐MeIndole; (ii) lowering the temperature of solutions of these compounds in ClB or 2MB below 113 K leads not to a structureless emission or bathochromic shift typical for an S1′ state; (iii) 1‐Me‐, 2‐Me‐, 3‐Me‐, and 6‐MeIndole exhibit a structured emission typical for an S1 state in 2MB but show an invariably structureless emission, subject to a red shift in ClB as the temperature is lowered, which is suggestive for an S1′ emitting state; and (iv) lowering the temperature of solutions of the previous compounds below 133 K causes their emission spreading to become structured and blueshifted (two typical features for an emission from their S1 state). Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recent Advances in the Synthesis and Applications of Ultrasmall Bimetallic Nanoclusters
Authors: Yuan Xun , Dou Xinyue , Zheng Kaiyuan , Xie Jianping
Published: January 2015

Ultrasmall bimetallic nanoclusters (or bi‐MNCs for short) have recently emerged as a new class of multi‐functional nanoparticles due to their ultrasmall size (typically below 2 nm), unique molecular‐like properties (e.g., quantized charging and strong luminescence), controlled cluster compositions (at the atomic level), synergistic physicochemical properties, and rich surface chemistry. Such intriguing properties have motivated the cluster community to develop efficient methods for the synthesis of high‐quality bi‐MNCs, which can also be seen from the quantum increase of reported synthetic protocols for bi‐MNCs. Recent advances in the development of efficient synthesis methods for high‐quality bi‐MNCs also facilitate the application explorations of bi‐MNCs in diverse fields like catalysis, sensors, and biomedicine. This Review article first surveys current progress in the synthesis of bi‐MNCs, especially for those NCs with good control of cluster size and composition, followed by a detailed discussion on some unique physicochemical properties of bi‐MNCs. The intriguing properties of bi‐MNCs have made them ideal platforms for application explorations in catalysis, sensors, and biomedicine, which are discussed in the second section. In the last section, a brief outlook on future developments of functional bi‐MNCs is presented, with a particular focus on the controlled synthesis and practical applications of bi‐MNCs.