bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of pain‐related anxiety in adolescents' disability and social impairment: ALSPAC data
Authors: Caes L. , Fisher E. , Clinch J. , Tobias J.H. , Eccleston C.
Published: November 2014

Background

Anxiety, in particular pain‐related anxiety, plays an important role in explaining the severity of pain complaints and pain‐related disability in both adults and children with chronic pain. The fear‐avoidance model (FAM) describes how pain‐related anxiety plays a critical role in the maintenance of pain‐avoidance behaviour, which in turn influences pain‐related disability. However, the FAM does not take into account broader aspects of adolescence, such as social functioning, which could be negatively impacted by anxiety. In addition, most studies examining the role of anxiety in pain have used small convenience or clinical samples. By using a large UK epidemiological database, this study investigated the associations between pain‐related anxiety, disability and judgements of social impairment.

Methods

Participants (n = 856) with recurrent pain were selected from a larger epidemiological study (Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children) of adolescents attending a research clinic at the age of 17 (n = 5170). Adolescents completed a self‐report questionnaire on pain‐related anxiety, disability and perceived social impairment.

Results

High levels of pain‐related anxiety were associated with more disability. In girls, higher levels of pain‐related anxiety were also related to the self‐perception of greater impairment in social functioning compared with their peers.

Conclusions

Pain‐related anxiety was associated with greater pain‐related disability and impaired social functioning. Social functioning should be explored as an integral part of fear‐avoidance models of adolescent chronic pain.
Duty cycle control with joint optimisation of delay and energy efficiency for capillary machine‐to‐machine networks in 5G communication system
Authors: Li Yun , Chai Kok Keong , Chen Yue , Loo Jonathan
Published: November 2014

A hybrid network architecture has been proposed for machine‐to‐machine (M2M) communications in the fifth generation wireless systems, where M2M gateways connect the capillary networks and cellular networks. In this paper, we develop novel energy efficient and end‐to‐end delay duty cycle control scheme for controllers at the gateway and the capillary networks coordinator. We first formulate a duty cycle control problem with joint‐optimisation of energy consumption and end‐to‐end delay. Then, a distributed duty cycle control scheme is proposed. The proposed scheme consists of two parts (i) a transmission policy, which decides the optimal number of packets to be transmitted between M2M devices, coordinators and gateways; and (ii) a duty cycle control for IEEE 802.15.4. We analytically derived the optimal duty cycle control and developed algorithms to compute the optimal duty cycle. It is to increase the feasibility of implementing the control on computation‐limited devices where a suboptimal low complexity rollout algorithm‐based duty cycle control (RADutyCon) is proposed. The simulation results show that RADutyCon achieves an exponential reduction of the computation complexity as compared with that of the optimal duty cycle control. The simulation results show that RADutyCon performs close to the optimal control, and it performs no worse than the heuristic base control. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quadrature spatial modulation–performance analysis and impact of imperfect channel knowledge
Authors: Mesleh Raed , Ikki Salama S. , Aggoune Hadi M.
Published: November 2014

In this paper, a new multiple‐input multiple‐output transmission technique called quadrature spatial modulation (QSM) is proposed and analyzed in the presence of imperfect channel estimation at the receiver. In QSM, conventional spatial constellation diagram of spatial modulation (SM) system is expanded to include both in‐phase and quadrature components. As such, significant enhancement in the overall spectral efficiency is achieved while retaining all inherent advantages of SM technique, such as inter‐channel interference avoidance, single radio frequency chain transmitter and low receiver complexity. It is shown that significant performance enhancements can be achieved as compared with SM, Alamouti, and spatial multiplexing systems. Besides, the impact of Gaussian imperfect channel estimation on the performance of QSM system is studied. A closed‐form expression for the pairwise error probability of generic QSM system is derived and used to calculate a tight upper bound of the average bit error probability over Rayleigh fading channels with perfect and imperfect channel knowledge. Also, simple asymptotic expression is derived and analyzed. Obtained Monte Carlo simulation results highlight the accuracy of the conducted analysis. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acid‐sensing ion channels promote the inflammation and migration of cultured rat microglia
Authors: Yu Xiao‐Wei , Hu Zhuang‐Li , Ni Ming , Fang Peng , Zhang Pei‐Wei , Shu Qing , Fan Hua , Zhou Hai‐Yun , Ni Lan , Zhu Ling‐Qiang , Chen Jian‐Guo , Wang Fang
Published: November 2014

Microglia, the major immune cells in central nervous system, act as the surveillance and scavenger of immune defense and inflammatory response. Previous studies suggest that there might be close relationship between acid‐sensing ion channels (ASICs) and inflammation, however, the exact role of ASICs in microglia during inflammation remains elusive. In the present study, we identified the existence of ASICs in the primary cultured rat microglia and explored their functions. By using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR), western blotting, and immunofluorescence experiments, we demonstrated that ASIC1, ASIC2a, and ASIC3 were existed in cultured and in situ rat microglia. After lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, the expressions of microglial ASIC1 and ASIC2a were upregulated. Meanwhile, ASIC‐like currents and acid‐induced elevation of intracellular calcium were increased, which could be inhibited by the nonspecific ASICs antagonist amiloride and specific homomeric ASIC1a blocker PcTx1. In addition, both inhibitors reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines, including inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase 2 stimulated by LPS. Furthermore, we also observed significant increase in the expression of ASIC1 and ASIC2a in scrape‐stimulated microglial migration. Amiloride and PcTx1 prevented the migration by inhibiting ERK phosphorylation. Taken together, these results suggest that ASICs participate in neuroinflammatory response, which will provide a novel therapeutic strategy for controlling the inflammation‐relevant neuronal diseases. GLIA 2015;63:483–496
A multimeric carcinoembryonic antigen signal inhibits the activation of human T cells by a SHP‐independent mechanism: A potential mechanism for tumor‐mediated suppression of T‐cell immunity
Authors: Lee Kyoo‐A , Bae Eun‐Ah , Song You Chan , Kim Eun‐Kyung , Lee Yoon‐Sook , Kim Tai‐Gyu , Kang Chang‐Yuil
Published: November 2014

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a well‐known tumor antigen that is found in the serum of patients with various cancers and is correlated with an increased risk of cancer recurrence and metastasis. To understand the tumor environment and to develop antitumor therapies, CEA has been studied as an antigen to activate/tolerate specific T cells. In this study, we show that CEA can function as a coinhibitory molecule and can inhibit the activation of human peripheral blood mononucleated cell‐derived T cells. The addition of CEA‐overexpressing tumor cells or immobilized CEA dampened both cell proliferation and the expression of IL‐2 and CD69 expression in T cells after TCR stimulation. The phosphorylation of ERK and translocation of NFAT were hampered in these cells, whereas the phosphorylation of proximal TCR signaling molecules such as ZAP70 and phospholipase Cγ was not affected by immobilized CEA. To determine the relevance of carcinoembryonic antigen‐related cell adhesion molecule‐1 and Src homology region 2 domain‐containing phosphatase (SHP) molecules to CEA‐mediated suppression, we tested the effect of the SHP inhibitor, NSC‐87877, on CEA‐mediated suppression of T cells; however, it did not reverse the effect of CEA. Collectively, these results indicate that CEA can function as a modulator of T‐cell responses suggesting a novel mechanism of tumor evasion.
Should Parents be Prevented from Having Conflicts
Authors: Hoffman Lynn
Published: November 2014

This is a slightly modified version of an address given by Lyn Hoffman during the Children of Parents in Conflict Conference which was held in Adelaide in August, 1979.
Maintaining the Gains: What Worked in the Year after Brief Family Therapy
Authors: Stacey Kathleen , Allison Steve , Dadds Vicki , Roeger Leigh , Wood Andrew , Martin Graham
Published: November 2014

Brief family therapy, including single session therapy, is widely used to provide a timely and responsive service for children with emotional and behavioural problems. However, there is surprisingly little information about how these children and families fare in the longer term. The brief family therapy program described here was directed toward children with problems of moderate severity. Child Behaviour Checklists (CBCL) were completed by parents before, three months after, and twelve months after therapy; 110 parents also participated in semi‐structured telephone interviews twelve months after therapy. Parents' CBCL ratings showed a significant decrease in children's problems after therapy, which were maintained over the subsequent year, although some children continued to experience difficulties. Parents generally found brief therapy a helpful experience. Ways to strengthen the preventive possibilities of brief therapy work will be identified at both a practical and conceptual level.
Change for the BEST: Family Changes for Parents Coping with Youth Substance Abuse
Authors: Bamberg John , Toumbourou John W. , Blyth Anne , Forer Danielle
Published: November 2014

This paper reports family changes for participants in a program for parents coping with youth substance abuse. The Behavioural Exchange Systems Training (BEST) program is a professionally‐led, parent training intervention. During 1996 and 1997, six groups of parents participated in the program. High levels of depression were observed at intake, and symptoms demonstrated a stable reduction in association with exposure to the program. Parents tended to achieve success in developing common strategies for assertively managing family problems, though couples from more complex blended families found this more difficult. Adolescent improvements were noted during the weeks observed. A two‐year follow‐up conducted with a subset of families revealed that parents continued to report that the intervention had helped them cope with youth drug abuse.
‘No Coward Soul is Mine’: A Family Systems Analysis of the Bronte Family
Authors: Darracott Robin , Crago Hugh
Published: November 2014

The Bronte family produced three major authors of the Victorian period, only one of whom, Charlotte, lived to enjoy her fame. Since the beginning, this family has elicited controversy, myth and speculation. The authors attempt an analysis of the complex dynamics of the Brontes, including its constituent ‘family cultures’, parent‐child alliances, sibling bonds and rivalries, the traumatic effects of three early deaths, and the strong theme of secrecy and ‘protection’ in a family dominated by Branwell Bronte's instability and eventual alcoholism. The authors speculate on how this family might have presented for treatment, and invite readers to consider how they, as family therapists, might have responded.
Topographical extracellular matrix cues on anticancer drug‐induced cytotoxicity in stem cells
Authors: Kim Jangho , Kim Yeon Ju , Bae Won‐Gyu , Jang Kyung‐Jin , Lim Ki Taek , Choung Pill‐Hoon , Choung Yun‐Hoon , Chung Jong Hoon
Published: November 2014

In recent years, cell chip‐based platforms have begun to show promise as a means of corroborating the findings of in vivo animal tests for cytotoxicity, and perhaps in the future partially replacing the need for such animal models. In contrast to the conventional culture methods, micro‐ and nanofabrication techniques can be utilized to provide a set of mechanostimulatory signals to the cells that mimic the context of extracellular matrix (ECM) of the tissue in which a particular cell line resides. Here, we report periodic lateral topographic striations, with a pitch ranging approximately from 200 to 800 nm with an intention to mimic a common geometry of fibrils in the ECM such as collagen or elastin, as a platform for investigating anticancer drug‐induced cytotoxicity in stem cells. The ECM cues could facilitate perimeter, elongation, and gap junction formation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which eventually influenced the fate of cells in terms of death and survival against the common chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin. Interestingly, the appropriate inhibition of gap junctions of MSCs on the ECM mimicking substrates could prevent the cisplatin–induced cytotoxicity through the inhibition of the cisplatin‐induced ‘death signal communication' as compared to that on the flat substrates. Our results imply that nanoscale topography is an important consideration for chip‐based cytotoxicity assays, which uniquely enable the consideration and rational design of ECM‐like topographic features, and furthermore, that the natural topography of the ECM in the context of stem cell niches may serve as an important indicator for chemotherapeutic agent sensitivity. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 103B: 1320–1327, 2015.
Finite 2‐Geodesic Transitive Graphs of Prime Valency
Authors: Devillers Alice , Jin Wei , Li Cai Heng , Praeger Cheryl E.
Published: November 2014

We classify noncomplete prime valency graphs satisfying the property that their automorphism group is transitive on both the set of arcs and the set of 2‐geodesics. We prove that either Γ is 2‐arc transitive or the valency p satisfies , and for each such prime there is a unique graph with this property: it is a nonbipartite antipodal double cover of the complete graph with automorphism group and diameter 3.
Technical tips and troubleshooting of endoscopic biliary drainage for unresectable malignant hilar biliary obstruction
Authors: Kawakami Hiroshi , Itoi Takao , Kuwatani Masaki , Kawakubo Kazumichi , Kubota Yoshimasa , Sakamoto Naoya
Published: November 2014

Unresectable malignant hilar biliary obstruction (MHBO) occurs in various diseases, such as cholangiocarcinoma, gallbladder carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, pancreatic cancer, and lymph node metastasis of the hilum of the liver. The majority of patients with advanced MHBO are not candidates for surgical resection because of the tumor location in the hepatic hilum and adjacent areas, advanced tumor stage, or comorbidities. Therefore, these patients often have a poor prognosis in terms of survival and quality of life. Most of these patients will require non‐surgical, palliative biliary drainage. To date, various biliary drainage techniques for unresectable MHBO (UMHBO) have been reported. Of these techniques, endoscopic biliary drainage is currently considered to be the most safe and minimally invasive procedure. However, endoscopic biliary drainage for UMHBO is still not standardized regarding the optimal stent, drainage area, stenting method, and reintervention technique. Recently, towards standardization of this technique for UMHBO, clinical research and trials including randomized controlled trials have been performed. In this article, we reviewed the most important issues regarding endoscopic biliary drainage for UMHBO, focusing on prospective studies. We also described in detail the techniques and future perspectives of endoscopic biliary drainage in patients with UMHBO.
Influence of carbon monoxide on the colour stability of defrosted yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) muscle stored under aerobic and anaerobic conditions
Authors: Neethling Nikki E , Hoffman Louwrens C , Britz Trevor J , O'Neill Bernadette
Published: November 2014

BACKGROUND

The use of carbon monoxide (CO) and various packaging types has been suggested to improve/stabilise the colour and oxidative processes of red meats, thereby improving the retail value and revenue. The main aim of this study was to investigate the influence of packaging type and CO treatment on the colour and oxidative stability of tuna.

RESULTS

The addition of CO significantly increased the redness (a*) of the tuna steaks but the redness was not equally stable for all treatments. The aerobically packaged steaks showed a temporal decrease in redness while the redness of anaerobically packaged steaks remained relatively stable. The addition of CO did not significantly affect (P >0.05) the brownness (b*) (with one exception) and lightness (L*) of the steaks. The anaerobically packaged steaks showed a significant difference (P <0.05) in the b* values. No significant differences (P >0.05) in lipid or protein oxidation were observed between treatments. The aerobically packaged steaks had a significant temporal increase (P <0.05) in lipid oxidation while no such trend was apparent in the anaerobically packaged steaks. Protein oxidation remained relatively stable over time for both aerobically and anaerobically packaged steaks.

CONCLUSION

Storing CO treated tuna steaks in anaerobic packaging can improve the oxidative and colour stability of tuna. Such treatment can reduce spoilage and wastage thereby potentially increasing revenue. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
High‐performance countercurrent chromatography separation of Peucedanum cervaria fruit extract for the isolation of rare coumarin derivatives
Authors: Skalicka‐Woźniak Krystyna , Mroczek Tomasz , Kozioł Ewelina
Published: November 2014

For the first time, rare major and minor compounds from fruits of Peucedanum cervaria were isolated. High‐performance countercurrent chromatography with two different solvent systems, heptane/ethyl acetate/methanol/water (3:2:3:2 and 2:1:2:1, v/v), was successfully used in the reversed‐phase mode. A scale‐up process from analytical to semipreparative in a very short time was developed. The structures of isolated compounds were evaluated by high‐performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, gas chromatography with mass spectrometry, and one‐ and two‐dimensional NMR spectroscopy. (8S,9R)‐9‐(3‐Methylbutenoyloxy)‐O‐acetyl‐8,9‐dihydrooroselol (compound B), (8S,9R)‐9‐(2‐methyl‐Z‐butenoyloxy)‐O‐acetyl‐8,9‐dihydrooroselol (edultin, compound C), and (8S,9R)‐9‐acetoxy‐O‐(2α‐methylbutyryl)‐8,9‐dihydrooroselol (compound D) were obtained using heptane/ethyl acetate/methanol/water (2:1:2:1, v/v) in <40 min. The method yielded 4.6 mg of a mixture of compounds B and C (11:89) and 3.7 mg of compound D. These amounts were obtained from the crude extract (0.5 g) in a single run. Although the compounds are known, their isolation by countercurrent chromatography and the analysis of their relative stereochemistry by two‐dimensional NMR spectroscopy have been performed for the first time. Additionally, heptane/ethyl acetate/methanol/water (3:2:3:2, v/v) led to the isolation of oxypeucedanin (1.2 mg; compound A). This is the first time that angular dihydrofuranocoumarin was isolated from plant extract by countercurrent chromatography.
CT arteriography and venography in the evaluation of Pulsatile tinnitus with normal otoscopic examination
Authors: Mundada Pravin , Singh Arvind , Lingam Ravi K.
Published: November 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

Our retrospective study aims to assess the ability of computed tomography arteriography and venography (CT A/V) to detect various findings that suggest a potential cause of pulsatile tinnitus and to examine the association between these findings and the side of pulsatile tinnitus.

Study Design

A retrospective review of CT arteriography and venography of 32 patients with established pulsatile tinnitus and normal otoscopic examination was performed. The scans were performed using a 64‐slice multidetector scanner and were reviewed to look for findings that are known to cause pulsatile tinnitus.

Results

One or more findings that are known to cause pulsatile tinnitus were detected on the symptomatic side in 30 patients; on the asymptomatic side in 3 patients, one patient with bilateral pulsatile tinnitus showed a potential cause of symptoms only on one side, and in one patient no potential cause could be identified. There is a significant association seen between the side of pulsatile tinnitus and various potential causes of pulsatile tinnitus detected (P < 0.001), between the side of pulsatile tinnitus and various potential venous cause detected (P < 0.001), and between the side of pulsatile tinnitus and the side of dominant venous system (P = 0.02).

Conclusion

CT arteriography and venography is a useful tool in detecting many described potential causes of pulsatile tinnitus. Significant association is demonstrated between the side of pulsatile tinnitus and the potential causes of pulsatile tinnitus detected by CT arteriography and venography when the otoscopic examination is normal.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 125:979–984, 2015
Analysis of Land use and Land Cover Changes in the Coastal Area of Bangladesh using Landsat Imagery
Authors: Islam M. Rafiqul , Miah M. Giashuddin , Inoue Yoshio
Published: November 2014

Coastal land use across the globe has experienced remarkable rapid change over the recent decades because of extraordinary anthropogenic pressure and climate variability and change. Therefore, quantitative information about coastal land use change is imperative for effective management and planning resources for sustainable development. We analysed the quantitative land use and land cover changes during 1989–2000–2010 periods in three important agroecological zones of the most vulnerable coastal region of Bangladesh using Landsat images (Thematic Mapper/Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus). In the Ganges Tidal Floodplain, the area under shrimp cultivation greatly increased at the rate of 2·05% per annum. The majority of the shrimp area gained from conversion of single cropland. In the Meghna Estuarine Floodplain, decreased mudflat and water bodies were observed, which was predominantly converted into cropland. In Chittagong Coastal Plain, salt pan–shrimp area increased with the expense of single and/or double cropland. In all the study areas, settlement area considerably increased over time. The dynamics of land use change have been attributed to low and unstable food production in the coastal region. The approach adopted in study and the results obtained from the study would likely be useful for policy making and identifying direction for future studies on the coastal land use in Bangladesh. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oil‐soluble lithium salts as novel lubricant additives towards improving conductivity and tribological performance of bentone grease
Authors: Fan Xiaoqiang , Wang Liping , Xia Yanqiu
Published: November 2014

The tribological and conductive properties of three kinds of lithium salts (LiBF4, LiPF6 and LiNTf2) as lubricating additives in bentone grease were investigated in detail. As compared with the bentone‐based grease, the lithium salts as its additives not only provide excellent tribological properties but also greatly improve the load‐carrying capacity and electrical conductivity. These benefits are strongly dependent on the formation of a versatile boundary lubricating film and ion diffusion of lithium salts through an external electric field effect. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Micellization of Antineoplastic Agent to Significantly Upregulate Efficacy and Security
Authors: Li Chen , Xu Weiguo , Ding Jianxun , Zhang Ying , Wang Jincheng , Zhuang Xiuli , Chen Xuesi
Published: November 2014

The amphiphilic diblock copolymer composed of methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) and racemic oligoleucine was synthesized which formed into micelle with uniform size in aqueous environment. Doxorubicin (DOX) was loaded into micelle aided by noncovalent interactions with high drug loading efficiency. The DOX‐loaded micelle (referred as M‐DOX) demonstrated the sustained drug release in vitro and excellent antiproliferative capability toward both MG63 and Saos‐2 cells. Furthermore, for both MG63 and Saos‐2‐xenografted BALB/c nude mouse models, M‐DOX exhibited enhanced intratumoral distribution, improved antitumor efficacy, and reduced side effects compared with free DOX. Therefore, the polypeptide micelle showed a bright prospect for controlled delivery of antitumor drugs in vivo.
Stimuli‐Induced Core–Corona Inversion of Micelle of Poly(acrylic acid)‐block‐Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) and Its Application in Drug Delivery
Authors: Bastakoti Bishnu Prasad , Guragain Sudhina , Nakashima Kenichi , Yamauchi Yusuke
Published: November 2014

Core–corona inversion of micelles of diblock copolymer poly(acrylic acid)‐block‐poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PAA‐b‐PNIPAM), has been successfully realized by switching either pH or temperature. The strong interaction of doxorubicin with the PAA block and the pH‐sensitive drug release from the polymer make the system very useful as a controlled drug delivery system. The encapsulation of hydrophobic Nile Red molecules above the lower critical solution temperature of PNIPAM suggests that this polymer may be useful for removing hydrophobic pollutants.

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Procyanidin B2 inhibits inflammasome‐mediated IL‐1β production in lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated macrophages
Authors: Martinez‐Micaelo Neus , González‐Abuín Noemi , Pinent Montserrat , Ardévol Anna , Blay Mayte
Published: November 2014

Scope

Macrophage stimulation with bacterial LPS triggers inflammasome activation, resulting in pro‐inflammatory IL‐1β cytokine maturation and secretion. IL‐1β underlies the pathologies of many diseases, including type‐2 diabetes. Thus, the modulation of the inflammatory response through bioactive food compounds, such as procyanidins, is a powerful tool to promote homeostasis.

Methods and results

To determine the role of procyanidin B2 in inflammasome activation, LPS‐primed THP‐1‐macrophages were supplemented with or without procyanidin B2. Western blot analysis of COX2, iNOS, p65, NLRP3 and IL‐1β was performed followed by p65 supershift assay, in vivo caspase‐1 activation assay and NO, IL‐1β and IL‐6 determination. Procyanidin B2 mediated inhibition of inflammasome activation includes the inactivation of the NF‐κB signalling pathway, the first stage required for the transcription of inflammasome precursors, through the inhibition of p65 nuclear expression and DNA binding, resulting in the transcriptional repression of target genes, such as COX2, iNOS and production of IL‐6 and NO. Furthermore, procyanidin B2 decreases NLRP3 and pro‐IL‐1β cytoplasmic pools, limiting components of inflammasome activation and impeding inflammasome assembly and caspase‐1 activation, and finally secretion of active IL‐1β.

Conclusion

This study provides the first evidence that procyanidin B2 inhibits inflammasome activation and IL‐1β secretion during LPS‐induced acute inflammation in human macrophages.
Identification of master genes involved in liver key functions through transcriptomics and epigenomics of methyl donor deficiency in rat: Relevance to nonalcoholic liver disease
Authors: Chen Gaili , Broséus Julien , Hergalant Sébastien , Donnart Audrey , Chevalier Catherine , Bolaños‐Jiménez Francisco , Guéant Jean‐Louis , Houlgatte Rémi
Published: November 2014

Scope

Our study aims to investigate molecular events associated to methyl donor deficiency (MDD) by analyzing the transcriptome and the methylome of MDD rats in liver.

Methods and results

Twenty‐one‐day‐old rats born to mothers fed either with a standard diet or a MDD diet during gestation and lactation were compared. From a total of 44 000 probes for 26 456 genes, we found two gene clusters in MDD rats whose expression levels had significant differences compared with controls: 3269 overexpressed (p < 0.0009) and 2841 underexpressed (p < 0.0004) genes. Modifications of DNA methylation were found in the promoter regions of 1032 genes out of 14 981 genes. Ontological analyses revealed that these genes are mainly involved in glucose and lipid metabolism, nervous system, coagulation, ER stress, and mitochondrial function.

Conclusion

Putative master genes exhibiting changes in both gene expression and DNA methylation are limited to 266 genes and are mainly involved in the renin‐angiotensin system (n = 3), mitochondrion metabolism (n = 18), and phospholipid homeostasis (n = 3). Most of these master genes participate in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The adverse effects of MDD on the metabolic process indicate the beneficial impact of folate and vitamin B12, especially during the perinatal period.
Positive contrast of SPIO‐labeled cells by off‐resonant reconstruction of 3D radial half‐echo bSSFP
Authors: Diwoky Clemens , Liebmann Daniel , Neumayer Bernhard , Reinisch Andreas , Knoll Florian , Strunk Dirk , Stollberger Rudolf
Published: November 2014

This article describes a new acquisition and reconstruction concept for positive contrast imaging of cells labeled with superparamagnetic iron oxides (SPIOs). Overcoming the limitations of a negative contrast representation as gained with gradient echo and fully balanced steady state (bSSFP), the proposed method delivers a spatially localized contrast with high cellular sensitivity not accomplished by other positive contrast methods. Employing a 3D radial bSSFP pulse sequence with half‐echo sampling, positive cellular contrast is gained by adding artificial global frequency offsets to each half‐echo before image reconstruction. The new contrast regime is highlighted with numerical intravoxel simulations including the point‐spread function for 3D half‐echo acquisitions. Furthermore, the new method is validated on the basis of in vitro cell phantom measurements on a clinical MRI platform, where the measured contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) of the new approach exceeds even the negative contrast of bSSFP. Finally, an in vivo proof of principle study based on a mouse model with a clear depiction of labeled cells within a subcutaneous cell islet containing a cell density as low as 7 cells/mm3 is presented. The resultant isotropic images show robustness to motion and a high CNR, in addition to an enhanced specificity due to the positive contrast of SPIO‐labeled cells. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and characterization of chitosan films, crosslinked with symmetric aromatic dianhydrides to achieve enhanced thermal properties
Authors: Kavianinia Iman , Plieger Paul G , Kandile Nadia G , Harding David RK
Published: November 2014

This study has developed a new generation of crosslinked chitosan‐based films using symmetric aromatic dianhydrides as crosslinking agents. The formation of the dianhydride‐crosslinked chitosan hydrogel films was confirmed using Fourier transform infrared and solid‐state 13C NMR spectral analyses. The films obtained from these derivatives were characterized by their thermal, swelling and hydrophilic properties. The results showed that introducing a cyclic imide moiety into the chitosan matrices played a significant role in enhancing the thermal properties of these chitosan films. It was found that even at high levels of substitution, thermal stability of the studied chitosan derivatives was improved, in spite of a reduction in crystallinity. Heterocyclic imide linkages produced networks that were insoluble in both acidic and alkaline media but allowed swelling in aqueous media. An increase in the hydrophobicity of the chitosan film surfaces was observed after introduction of the cyclic imide moiety. These engineered films produced noteworthy results concerning their thermal and swelling properties. There is a need to further investigate these films for drug delivery and biomaterials applications. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Lattice dynamics study of the ferroelectric glycinium hydrogenphosphite (GPI) crystal
Authors: Shchur Yaroslav , Kityk Andriy V.
Published: November 2014

Lattice dynamics simulation of NH3CH2COOHH2PO3 crystal is performed in paraelectric P21/a and ferroelectric P21 phases within the semi‐empirical model. The detailed assignment of phonon modes is done in Brillouin zone centre. Density of phonon states and partial density of states of all constituent atoms are calculated in both structural phases. The O2 and H2 atoms in – hydrogen bonds presumably play an essential role in the mechanism of the phase transition.
Exponential stability of stochastic singular delay systems with general Markovian switchings
Authors: Wang Guoliang , Zhang Qingling , Yang Chunyu
Published: November 2014

In recent years, Markovian jump systems have received much attention. However, there are very few results on the stability of stochastic singular systems with Markovian switching. In this paper, the discussed system is the stochastic singular delay system with general transition rate matrix in terms of uncertain and partially unknown transition rate matrix. The aim is to answer the question whether there are conditions guaranteeing the underlying system having a unique solution and being exponentially admissible simultaneously. The proposed results show that all the features of the underlying system such as time delay, diffusion, and general Markovian switchings play important roles in the system analysis of exponential admissibility. A numerical example is used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Series of Multilinked Caterpillar Track‐type Climbing Robots
Authors: Lee Giuk , Kim Hwang , Seo Kunchan , Kim Jongwon , Sitti Metin , Seo TaeWon
Published: November 2014

Climbing robots have been widely applied in many industries involving hard to access, dangerous, or hazardous environments to replace human workers. Climbing speed, payload capacity, the ability to overcome obstacles, and wall‐to‐wall transitioning are significant characteristics of climbing robots. Here, multilinked track wheel‐type climbing robots are proposed to enhance these characteristics. The robots have been developed for five years in collaboration with three universities: Seoul National University, Carnegie Mellon University, and Yeungnam University. Four types of robots are presented for different applications with different surface attachment methods and mechanisms: MultiTank for indoor sites, Flexible caterpillar robot (FCR) and Combot for heavy industrial sites, and MultiTrack for high‐rise buildings. The method of surface attachment is different for each robot and application, and the characteristics of the joints between links are designed as active or passive according to the requirement of a given robot. Conceptual design, practical design, and control issues of such climbing robot types are reported, and a proper choice of the attachment methods and joint type is essential for the successful multilink track wheel‐type climbing robot for different surface materials, robot size, and computational costs.
Advances in In Situ Alignment Calibration of Doppler and High/Low‐end Attitude Sensors for Underwater Vehicle Navigation: Theory and Experimental Evaluation
Authors: Troni Giancarlo , Whitcomb Louis L.
Published: November 2014

This paper reports the development and comparative performance evaluation, using laboratory and at‐sea field data, of new methods for the problem of in situ calibration of the alignment rotation matrix between Doppler sonar velocity sensors and attitude sensors arising in the navigation of underwater vehicles. Most previously reported solutions to this alignment calibration problem require the use of absolute navigation fixes of the underwater vehicle, thus requiring additional navigation sensors and/or beacons to be located externally and apart from the underwater vehicle. We report four novel alignment calibration methods employing only internal vehicle navigation sensors for velocity, acceleration, attitude, and depth. We report the results of comparative analysis of the performance of these new methods and a previously reported method with a navigation laboratory and at‐sea field data. Laboratory data were obtained with the Johns Hopkins University JHU remotely operated underwater vehicle in the JHU Hydrodynamic Test Facility. At‐sea field data were obtained from deep‐water survey missions of the Sentry autonomous underwater vehicle conducted in March, 2011 in the Kermadec Arc in the Southern Pacific Ocean. In addition, we report a comparative experimental evaluation of several recently reported calibration methods when employing low‐cost microelectromechanical system attitude sensors. In all these cases, the results reveal consistent differences in performance of the various methods when analyzed on navigation data from several different vehicle dives.
A model for time to fracture with a shock stream superimposed on progressive degradation: the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures
Authors: He Xin , Whitmore G. A. , Loo Geok Yan , Hochberg Marc C. , Lee Mei‐Ling Ting
Published: November 2014

Osteoporotic hip fractures in the elderly are associated with a high mortality in the first year following fracture and a high incidence of disability among survivors. We study first and second fractures of elderly women using data from the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures. We present a new conceptual framework, stochastic model, and statistical methodology for time to fracture. Our approach gives additional insights into the patterns for first and second fractures and the concomitant risk factors. Our modeling perspective involves a novel time‐to‐event methodology called threshold regression, which is based on the plausible idea that many events occur when an underlying process describing the health or condition of a person or system encounters a critical boundary or threshold for the first time. In the parlance of stochastic processes, this time to event is a first hitting time of the threshold. The underlying process in our model is a composite of a chronic degradation process for skeletal health combined with a random stream of shocks from external traumas, which taken together trigger fracture events. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Costs and benefits of non‐invasive fetal RhD determination
Authors: Teitelbaum L. , Metcalfe A. , Clarke G. , Parboosingh J. S. , Wilson R. D. , Johnson J. M.
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT

Objective

Non‐invasive fetal Rhesus (Rh) D genotyping, using cell‐free fetal DNA (cffDNA) in the maternal blood, allows targeted antenatal anti‐RhD prophylaxis in unsensitized RhD‐negative pregnant women. The purpose of this study was to determine the cost and benefit of this approach as compared to routine antenatal anti‐RhD prophylaxis for all unsensitized RhD‐negative pregnant women, as is the current policy in the province of Alberta, Canada.

Methods

This study was a decision analysis based on a theoretical population representing the total number of pregnancies in Alberta over a 1‐year period
(n = 69 286). A decision tree was created that outlined targeted prophylaxis for unsensitized RhD‐negative pregnant women screened for cffDNA (targeted group) vs routine prophylaxis for all unsensitized RhD‐negative pregnant women (routine group). Probabilities at each decision point and costs associated with each resource were calculated from local clinical and administrative data. Outcomes measured were cost, number of women sensitized and doses of Rh immunoglobulin (RhIG) administered.

Results

The estimated cost per pregnancy for the routine group was 71.43 compared with 67.20 Canadian dollars in the targeted group. The sensitization rates per RhD‐negative pregnancy were equal, at 0.0012, for the current and targeted programs. Implementing targeted antenatal anti‐RhD prophylaxis would save 4072 doses (20.1%) of RhIG over a 1‐year period in Alberta when compared to the current program.

Conclusions

These data support the feasibility of a targeted antenatal anti‐RhD prophylaxis program, at a lower cost than that of the existing routine prophylaxis program, with no increased risk of sensitization. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Timing of spring surveys for midcontinent sandhill cranes
Authors: Pearse Aaron T. , Krapu Gary L. , Brandt David A. , Sargeant Glen A.
Published: November 2014

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has used spring aerial surveys to estimate numbers of migrating sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis) staging in the Platte River Valley of Nebraska, USA. Resulting estimates index the abundance of the midcontinent sandhill crane population and inform harvest management decisions. However, annual changes in the index have exceeded biologically plausible changes in population size (>50% of surveys between 1982 and 2013 indicate >±20% change), raising questions about nuisance variation due to factors such as migration chronology. We used locations of cranes marked with very‐high‐frequency transmitters to estimate migration chronology (i.e., proportions of cranes present within the Platte River Valley). We also used roadside surveys to determine the percentage of cranes staging at the Platte River Valley but outside of the survey area when surveys occur. During March 2001–2007, an average of 86% (71–94%; SD = 7%) of marked cranes were present along the Platte River during scheduled survey dates, and 0–11% of cranes that were present along the Platte River were not within the survey boundaries. Timing of the annual survey generally corresponded with presence of the greatest proportion of marked cranes and with least inter‐annual variation; consequently, accuracy of estimates could not have been improved by surveying on different dates. Conducting the survey earlier would miss birds not yet arriving at the staging site; whereas, a later date would occur at a time when a larger portion of birds may have already departed the staging site and when a greater proportion of birds occurred outside of the surveyed area. Index values used to monitor midcontinent sandhill crane abundance vary annually, in part, due to annual variation in migration chronology and to spatial distribution of cranes in the Platte River Valley; therefore, managers should interpret survey results cautiously, with awareness of a continuing need to identify and understand components of variation. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Synthesis, Structure, and Photophysical Properties of Tributyl Phosphine Bisbenzothienyl Iridium(III) Complex and its Application on Transfer Hydrogenation of Acetophenone
Authors: Wang Dawei , Zhao Keyan , Yang Shuyan , Ding Yuqiang
Published: November 2014

A phosphine bisbenzothienyl iridium(III) complex was synthesized and characterized by IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy as well as X‐ray diffraction methods. The TG data suggests that the complex has an excellent thermal stability than that with an amidate ancillary ligand. Photophysical properties showed that the complex emits typical green emission.
Defect Chemistry of Photocatalysts
Authors: Schoonman Joop , Perniu Dana
Published: November 2014

A clean and efficient process for producing hydrogen using renewable energy sources is an important requirement for a future Hydrogen Economy. The production of hydrogen from water and solar energy is attracting widespread attention. In particular, research is focused on novel materials, or improving existing materials for the splitting of water using photocatalysis and photoelectrolysis. In this paper we highlight several recent developments in photocatalysts and we illustrate how engineering of properties on an atomic scale can be achieved by cation and anion doping, deviations from stoichiometry and in case of ternary or more complex materials, by deviations from molecularity. The defect chemistry of I‐III‐VI2 ternary semiconductors with the chalcopyrite structure is presented and used to construct a 3D‐Brouwer diagram.
The Decay of Positive and Negative Word of Mouth after Product Experience
Authors: East Robert , Uncles Mark D. , Romaniuk Jenni , Hand Chris
Published: November 2014

Three surveys, each covering two categories, were used to investigate the decay in WOM output after product experience. The categories were restaurants, fashion stores, hotels, holiday destinations, mobile phones and films. Data were gathered in the UK and Thailand, resulting in a total of 548 usable responses.

Word-of-mouth (WOM) output decays rapidly after product experience and then flattens. There is substantial variation by category. The decay rates of positive and negative word of mouth (PWOM, NWOM) are much the same, indicating that ratio measures of the volumes of PWOM to NWOM will be largely independent of the interval over which they are measured.

This evidence on WOM decay is useful to those estimating the financial return from new customers and indicates that incentivised referral should be concentrated in the short interval after product experience if it is to draw advantage from the high rate of WOM found at this time. More generally, it is argued that decay in the output of WOM must be studied by consumer researchers if the effect of WOM is to be properly measured and modelled.
Socialist Republican Discourse and the 1916 Easter Rising: The Occupation of Jacob's Biscuit Factory and the South Dublin Union Explained
Authors: Arrington Lauren
Published: November 2014

The events of the Easter Rising have been subjected to extensive analysis by historians who have focused on military strategy as a means of explaining the occupation of specific sites. However, Jacob's Biscuit Factory and the South Dublin Union have proven resistant to this paradigm. The political value of both places can be understood by giving close attention to the long history of antagonism between these two institutions and the Irish Transport and General Workers' Union, out of which the Irish Citizen Army that fought in the rising was formed. In his articles for theIrish WorkerandWorkers' Republic, James Connolly adapted traditional republican discourse of economic emancipation through political sovereignty to address a contemporary urban context. An understanding of the way that this discourse functioned facilitates an understanding of the role of Jacob's Biscuit Factory and the South Dublin Union in the Easter Rising: as sites of actual and symbolic liberation. This analysis of popular discourse in the contemporary press offers a new approach to the study of events that have been termed the Irish Revolution, and it presents a model for understanding the way that republican discourse accommodated the very different political objectives of Irish separatists.
Detonation in supersonic radial outflow
Authors: Kasimov Aslan R. , Korneev Svyatoslav V.
Published: November 2014

We report on the structure and dynamics of gaseous detonation stabilized in a supersonic flow emanating radially from a central source. The steady-state solutions are computed and their range of existence is investigated. Two-dimensional simulations are carried out in order to explore the stability of the steady-state solutions. It is found that both collapsing and expanding two-dimensional cellular detonations exist. The latter can be stabilized by putting several rigid obstacles in the flow downstream of the steady-state sonic locus. The problem of initiation of standing detonation stabilized in the radial flow is also investigated numerically.