bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reducing ethylene levels along the food supply chain: a key to reducing food waste?
Authors: Blanke Michael M
Published: March 2014

Excessive waste along the food supply chain of 71 (UK, Netherlands) to 82 (Germany) kg per head per year sparked widespread criticism of the agricultural food business and provides a great challenge and task for all its players and stakeholders. Origins of this food waste include private households, restaurants and canteens, as well as supermarkets, and indicate that 59–65% of this food waste can be avoided. Since ∼50% of the food waste is fruit and vegetables, monitoring and control of their natural ripening gas – ethylene – is suggested here as one possible key to reducing food waste. Ethylene accelerates ripening of climacteric fruits, and accumulation of ethylene in the supply chain can lead to fruit decay and waste. While ethylene was determined using a stationary gas chromatograph with gas cylinders, the new generation of portable sensor‐based instruments now enables continuous in situ determination of ethylene along the food chain, a prerequisite to managing and maintaining the quality and ripeness of fruits and identifying hot spots of ethylene accumulation along the supply chain.

Ethylene levels were measured in a first trial, along the supply chain of apple fruit from harvest to the consumer, and ranged from 10 ppb in the CA fruit store with an ethylene scrubber, 70 ppb in the fruit bin, to 500 ppb on the sorting belt in the grading facility, to ppm levels in perforated plastic bags of apples. This paper also takes into account exogenous ethylene originating from sources other than the fruit itself.

Countermeasures are discussed, such as the potential of breeding for low‐ethylene fruit, applications of ethylene inhibitors (e.g. 1‐MCP) and absorber strips (e.g. ‘It's Fresh’, Ryan'), packages (e.g. ‘Peakfresh’), both at the wholesale and retail level, vents and cooling for the supply chain, sale of class II produce (‘Wunderlinge’), collection (rather than waste) of produce on the ‘sell by’ date (‘Die Tafel’) and whole crop purchase (WCP) to aid reducing food waste. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Determining the mineral composition in Cucurbita pepo fruit using near infrared reflectance spectroscopy
Authors: Martínez‐Valdivieso Damián , Font Rafael , Gómez Pedro , Blanco‐Díaz Teresa , Del Río‐Celestino Mercedes
Published: March 2014

BACKGROUND

Efforts through conventional breeding to improve the mineral content in horticultural crops have not always been successful mainly due to the fact that standard analytical methods are both costly and time‐consuming. We investigated the feasibility of applying near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) to the estimation of essential mineral composition in the skin and flesh of summer squash fruits (Cucurbita pepo subsp. pepo) using a 200‐sample set from diverse morphotypes.

RESULTS

The coefficients of determination in the external validation (R2 VAL) obtained for the skin and flesh of the fruit were: total mineral content, 0.84 and 0.70; P, 0.74 and 0.62; K, 0.83 and 0.67; Ca, 0.57 and 0.60; Mg, 0.78 and 0.45; Fe, 0.78 and 0.65; Cu, 0.67 and 0.66; Mn, 0.67 and 0.64; Zn, 0.80 and 0.79 and Na, 0.33 and 0.33; respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

NIRS combined with different spectral transformations by modified partial least‐squares (MPLS) regression has shown to be useful in determining the mineral composition of summer squash fruit, being a fast and low‐cost analytical technique. Components such as chlorophyll, starch and lipids were used by MPLS for modelling the predicting equations. The promotion of micronutrient‐rich summer squash varieties could have a significant long‐term beneficial impact on the health of mineral deficient human populations. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Fermented whey as poultry feed additive to prevent fungal contamination
Authors: Londero Alejandra , León Peláez María A , Diosma Gabriela , De Antoni Graciela L , Abraham Analía G , Garrote Graciela L
Published: March 2014

BACKGROUND

Fungal contamination of poultry feed causes economic losses to industry and represents a potential risk to animal health. The aim of the present study was to analyze the effectiveness of whey fermented with kefir grains as additive to reduce fungal incidence, thus improving feed safety.

RESULTS

Whey fermented for 24 h at 20 °C with kefir grains (100 g L−1) reduced conidial germination of Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus, Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium crustosum, Trichoderma longibrachiatum and Rhizopus sp. Poultry feed supplemented with fermented whey (1 L kg−1) was two to four times more resistant to fungal contamination than control feed depending on the fungal species. Additionally, it contained kefir microorganisms at levels of 1 × 108 colony‐forming units (CFU) kg−1 of lactic acid bacteria and 6 × 107 CFU kg−1 of yeasts even after 30 days of storage.

CONCLUSION

Fermented whey added to poultry feed acted as a biopreservative, improving its resistance to fungal contamination and increasing its shelf life. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Application and bioactive properties of proteins and peptides derived from hen eggs: opportunities and challenges
Authors: Yu Zhipeng , Yin Yongguang , Zhao Wenzhu , Chen Feng , Liu Jingbo
Published: March 2014

Several proteins and peptides that are released in vitro and/or in vivo from hen eggs are biologically active and have a variety of functional properties in humans beyond normal nutrition, for which extensive studies have been performed. This review focuses on their biological activities, including antihypertensive, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiadhesive, immunomodulatory and antithrombotic activities and enhancement of mineral absorption. These proteins and peptides have been shown to regulate the nervous system, cardiovascular system, immune system and gastrointestinal system. The potential application and future directions of research on these bioactive peptides and proteins in the food industry are also addressed. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
A nomogram for predicting locoregional recurrence in primary breast cancer patients who received breast‐conserving surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Matsuda Naoko , Hayashi Naoki , Ohde Sachiko , Yagata Hiroshi , Kajiura Yuka , Yoshida Atsushi , Suzuki Koyu , Nakamura Seigo , Tsunoda Hiroko , Yamauchi Hideko
Published: March 2014

Background

We sought to develop and validate a predictive model of locoregional recurrence (LRR) in patients who underwent breast‐conserving therapy (BCT) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC).

Patients and methods

The clinicopathological characteristics of 520 consecutive primary breast cancer patients with residual tumor who underwent BCT after NAC between 2001 and 2008 were evaluated. Predictive variables of LRR were determined using a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model. The model was validated for discrimination and calibration by bootstrap re‐sampling.

Results

At a median follow‐up period of 51 months, 64 patients (12%) had developed LRR. Clinical stage T3 or T4, lymphovascular invasion, nuclear grade >3, and ≥4 positive lymph nodes metastasis were positively correlated with LRR. The nomogram for predicting LRR developed by using these four‐clinicopathologic variables demonstrated high concordance. Patients with score 0–1 derived by the prediction model had significantly low LRR rate compared with patients with score 2 or higher (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

This nomogram may be useful to predict LRR in primary breast cancer patients who underwent BCT after NAC with high reproducibility. This model is useful to conduct a study‐identifying patients who may need an additional treatment to standard adjuvant therapy because of a high probability of LRR. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 109:764–769. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Microvascular free tissue reconstruction in the patient with multiple courses of radiation
Authors: Gordin Eli A. , Ducic Yadranko
Published: March 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

To assess the feasibility of microvascular free tissue transfer in the multiply irradiated patient.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort analysis of 48 patients in a tertiary care, private practice setting.

Methods

Inclusion criteria were defined as patients who received multiple courses of radiation and underwent subsequent free tissue reconstruction to manage treatment‐related complications (n = 24) or defects following additional oncologic surgery (n = 24). The main outcome measures included total and partial flap necrosis, hardware exposure, and pharyngocutaneous fistula. The minimum follow‐up was 6 months.

Results

One case of total flap failure, two cases of partial skin paddle necrosis, one case of poor wound healing of the surrounding tissue to the flap, six cases of hardware exposure, 11 cases of fistula with eight requiring operative intervention, three cases requiring and additional free flap to supplement reconstruction, and one stroke.

Conclusions

Microvascular free tissue transfer to the head and neck is expected to provide a successful reconstruction in patients who have received multiple courses of radiation and who develop second primary tumors, recurrence of disease, or who suffer from late complications of their radiation therapy.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope 124:2252–2256, 2014
Patterns of clinical and electrodiagnostic abnormalities in early amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Simon Neil G. , Lomen‐Hoerth Catherine , Kiernan Matthew C.
Published: March 2014

Introduction: The distribution of clinical and neurophysiological abnormalities in patients with early amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was investigated in an attempt to delineate patterns of disease spread. Methods: Clinical and electrodiagnostic data were collected from 150 ALS patients and analyzed based on the clinical region of onset. Results: Asymmetry of clinical and neurophysiological abnormalities was more marked in upper limb‐onset than lower limb‐onset disease. Significant rostral–caudal gradients of clinical weakness were identified in bulbar‐ and lower limb‐onset disease. Neurophysiological evidence of the ALS “split‐hand” pattern was evident irrespective of the region of disease onset. Limbs with and without evidence of clinical weakness demonstrated similar rates of abnormality on electromyography. Conclusions: These findings suggest a pattern of disease spread in ALS. This study may serve to guide ongoing development of disease quantitation biomarkers and the targeting of future neuroprotective strategies. Muscle Nerve 50: 894–899, 2014
Synthesis, characterization, and photoresponsive studies on lignin modified with (E)‐4‐(naphthalene‐1‐yl diazenyl)benzoic acid
Authors: Chandran Ambily , Kuriakose Sunny , Mathew Tessymol
Published: March 2014

In the present work, chromophoric system (E)‐4‐(naphthalen‐1‐yl diazenyl)benzoic acid was synthesized and incorporated into lignin core. The end hydroxyl group of lignin was modified with the free carboxyl group of the chromophoric systems by dicyclohexylcarbodiimide coupling. The products were characterized by means of UV–visible, fluorescence, FT‐IR, and NMR spectroscopic methods and subjected to photoresponsive studies. The results show that modification enhances the light absorption and light fastening properties of the chromophoric system. The photoinduced trans–cis isomerization on the newly developed photosensitive biopolymeric system and the chromophoric system were investigated. Results also show that the trans–cis photoisomerization and the reverse cis–trans thermal conversions of the photoactive groups were also assisted by the incorporation onto biopolymeric core. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bone turnover in long‐term survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Watsky Mitchell A. , Carbone Laura D. , An Qi , Cheng Cheng , Lovorn Elizabeth A. , Hudson Melissa M. , Pui Ching‐Hon , Kaste Sue C.
Published: March 2014

Background

We investigated the effects of demographic, lifestyle (self‐reported smoking status and physical activity levels), cancer‐related treatment factors (radiation and chemotherapy), and diet (calcium and vitamin D intake) on bone turnover and the relationship of bone turnover to lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) Z‐scores (LS‐BMD Z‐scores) determined by quantitative computed tomography (QCT) in 418 ≥5‐year survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Procedure

Bone turnover was assessed by biomarkers including serum bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP), osteocalcin (OC), and urinary N‐telopeptide of type I collagen indexed to creatinine (NTX/Cr). The 215 males ranged in age from 9 to 36 years (median age 17 years).

Results

Age and tanner score were inversely associated with all biomarkers (BALP, OC, NTX/Cr) (P < 0.001). Males had higher BALP and OC than females (P < 0.001). Body mass index (BMI) was inversely associated with OC and NTX/Cr (P < 0.001). There was no significant association of biomarkers with lifestyle related factors, ALL treatment‐related factors, dietary calcium, vitamin D, or LS‐BMD Z‐score.

Conclusions

In this population of long‐term survivors of ALL, bone turnover was significantly associated with age, gender, tanner stage, and BMI. ALL‐related treatments did not influence bone turnover and bone turnover was not predictive of volumetric LS‐BMD Z‐score. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014; 61:1451–1456. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia in the Middle East and neighboring countries: A prospective multi‐institutional international collaborative study (CALLME1) by the Middle East Childhood Cancer Alliance (MECCA)
Authors: Al‐Mulla Naima A. , Chandra Prem , Khattab Mohammed , Madanat Faris , Vossough Parvaneh , Torfa Eyad , Al‐Lamki Zakiya , Zain Gamal , Muwakkit Samar , Mahmoud Salah , Al‐Jassmi Abdulrahman , Tuncer Murat , Al‐Mukharraq Hussein , Barsaoui Sihem , Arceci Robert J. , Howard Scott C. , Kulozik Andreas E. , Ravindranath Yaddanapudi , Reaman Gregory H. , Farranoush Mohammad , AlNasser Abdullah A.
Published: March 2014

Background

Little is known about childhood ALL in the Middle East. This study was undertaken by MECCA as initial efforts in collaborative data collection to provide clinical and demographic information on children with ALL in the Middle East.

Procedure

Clinical and laboratory data for patients with ALL between January 2008 and April 2012 were prospectively collected from institutions in 14 Middle East countries and entered into a custom‐built‐database during induction phase. All laboratory studies including cytogenetics were done at local institutions.

Results

The 1,171 voluntarily enrolled patients had a mean age of 6.1 ± 3.9 years and 59.2% were boys. T‐ALL represented 14.8% and 84.2% had B‐precursor ALL. At diagnosis, 5.6% had CNS disease. The distribution of common genetic abnormalities reflected a similar percentage of hyperdiploidy (25.6%), but a lower percentage of ETV6–RUNX1 translocation (14.7%) compared to large series reported from Western populations. By clinical criteria, 47.1% were low/standard risk, 16.9% were intermediate risk, and 36% were high risk. Most patients received all their care at the same unit (96.9%). Patients had excellent induction response to chemotherapy with an overall complete remission rate of 96%. Induction toxicities were acceptable.

Conclusions

This first collaborative study has established a process for prospective data collection and future multinational collaborative research in the Middle East. Despite the limitations of an incomplete population‐based study, it provides the first comprehensive baseline data on clinical characteristics, laboratory evaluation, induction outcome, and toxicity. Further work is planned to uncover possible biologic differences of ALL in the region and to improve diagnosis and management. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014; 61:1403–1410. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Differential expression of specific cellular defense proteins in rat hypothalamus under simulated microgravity induced conditions: Comparative proteomics
Authors: Iqbal Javed , Li Wang , Hasan Murtaza , Liu Kefu , Awan Umer , Saeed Yasmeen , Zhang Yongqian , Muhammad Khan Arif , Shah Amin , Qing Hong , Deng Yulin
Published: March 2014

Microgravity severely halts the structural and functional cerebral capacity of astronauts especially affecting their brains due to the stress produced by cephalic fluid shift. We employed a rat tail suspension model to substantiate simulated microgravity (SM) in brain. In this study, comparative mass spectrometry was applied in order to demonstrate the differential expression of 17 specific cellular defense proteins. Gamma‐enolase, peptidyl‐prolyl cis‐trans isomerase A, glial fibrillary acidic protein, heat shock protein HSP 90‐alpha, 10 kDa heat shock protein, mitochondrial, heat shock cognate 71 kDa protein, superoxide dismutase 1 and dihydropyrimidinase‐related protein 2 were found to be upregulated by HPLC/ESI‐TOF. Furthermore, five differentially expressed proteins including 60 kDa heat shock protein, mitochondrial, heat shock protein HSP 90‐beta, peroxiredoxin‐2, stress‐induced‐phosphoprotein, and UCHL‐1 were found to be upregulated by HPLC/ESI‐Q‐TOF MS. In addition, downregulated proteins include cytochrome C, superoxide dismutase 2, somatic, and excitatory amino acid transporter 1 and protein DJ‐1. Validity of MS results was successfully performed by Western blot analysis of DJ‐1 protein. This study will not only help to understand the neurochemical responses produced under microgravity but also will give future direction to cure the proteomic losses and their after effects in astronauts.
Proteomics made more accessible
Authors: Mikalsen Svein‐Ole
Published: March 2014

MS‐based proteomics is a bioinformatic‐intensive field. Additionally, the instruments and instrument‐related and analytic software are expensive. Some free Internet‐based proteomics tools have gained wide usage, but there have not been any single bioinformatic framework that in an easy and intuitive way guided the user through the whole process from analyses to submission. Together, these factors may have limited the expansion of proteomics analyses, and also the secondary use (reanalyses) of proteomic data. Vaudel et al. (Proteomics 2014, 14, 1001–1005) are now describing their Compomics framework that guides the user through all the main steps, from the database generation, via the analyses and validation, and through the submission process to PRIDE, a proteomic data bank. Vaudel et al. partly base the framework on tools that they have developed themselves, and partly they are integrating other freeware tools into the workflow. One of the most interesting aspects with the Compomics framework is the possibility of extending MS‐based proteomics outside the MS laboratory itself. With the Compomics framework, any laboratory can handle large amounts of proteomic data, thereby facilitating collaboration and in‐depth data analyses. The described software also opens the potential for any laboratory to reanalyze data deposited in PRIDE.
Preparation of truncated orf virus entry fusion complex proteins by chemical synthesis
Authors: Yeung Ho , Harris Paul W. R. , Squire Christopher J. , Baker Edward N. , Brimble Margaret A.
Published: March 2014

Members of the Chordopoxvirinae subfamily possess an unusual 11 protein entry–fusion complex (EFC) that is highly conserved and present in all species. The mode of action of this EFC is unknown, and the interactions of the constituent proteins are uncharacterised. Here, we present the chemical synthesis of membrane domain truncated linear constructs of two EFC proteins in orf virus, ORFV036 and 049. By using Boc solid phase peptide synthesis and native chemical ligation methods, these truncated proteins have been readily prepared in milligram quantities. These robust synthetic protocols allow ready access to these polypeptides to facilitate biological studies. Copyright © 2014 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Generation of dislocation clusters by glide m‐planes in semipolar GaN layers
Authors: Okada N. , Ishikawa A. , Yamane K. , Tadatomo K. , Jahn U. , Grahn H. T.
Published: March 2014

We prepared {11−22} GaN layers with different thicknesses on r‐plane patterned sapphire substrates (r‐PSS) through metal‐organic vapor phase epitaxy. In order to obtain a {11−22} GaN layer of high crystalline quality, a wide terrace was adopted for the r‐PSS according to the expansion of the laterally overgrown region. Using scanning electron microscopy and cathodoluminescence (CL) imaging, we observed that the defects are arranged along lines in certain directions and that their number increases with increasing thickness. These defects are expected to be dislocation clusters by CL measurement at 7 K. For the {11−22} GaN layer with anomalous defects (dark spots), the defects are arranged along a line tilted from the c‐axis of the GaN layer through a glide of the m‐plane in semipolar GaN, which is considered to be generated by the relaxation of the strained GaN layer.
In situ SiNx gate dielectric by MOCVD for low‐leakage‐current ultra‐thin‐barrier AlN/GaN MISHEMTs on Si
Authors: Lu Xing , Ma Jun , Liu Zhaojun , Jiang Huaxing , Huang Tongde , Lau Kei May
Published: March 2014

In situ SiNx grown by metal‐organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) was employed as the gate dielectric for ultra‐thin‐barrier AlN/GaN metal‐insulator‐semiconductor high electron mobility transistors (MISHEMTs) on Si substrates. Despite the ultra‐thin barrier of 1.5 nm, low reverse leakage current of below 10−7 A cm−2 was obtained with a 7 nm in situ SiNx gate dielectric. The good surface passivation effects of in situ SiNx were also demonstrated by the enhanced source/drain (S/D) current density and the reduced drain current degradation. Furthermore, interface trapping effects in the in situ SiNx/AlN/GaN heterostructures were investigated by double‐mode capacitance–voltage (C–V) measurements and frequency dependent conductance analysis. A trap states density of 1.9–3.4 × 1012 cm−2 eV−1 with a time constant of 0.8–17 µs were deduced.
Correlation between optical and electrical performance of mid‐ultraviolet light‐emitting diodes on AlN substrates
Authors: Moe Craig G. , Garrett Gregory A. , Grandusky James R. , Chen Jianfeng , Rodak Lee E. , Rotella Paul , Wraback Michael , Schowalter Leo J.
Published: March 2014

Mid‐ultraviolet LEDs grown on AlN substrates with a range of quantum efficiencies and wavelengths spanning 250 to 280 nm have been investigated by time‐resolved photoluminescence and electroluminescence. Through scaling of room temperature internal quantum efficiencies across all devices, radiative and nonradiative lifetimes are also estimated. General trends observed include an increase in PL lifetime for longer wavelength and higher external quantum efficiency devices, consistent with the increase in the estimated nonradiative life‐time with increasing wavelength. Despite these trends, the external quantum efficiency of the devices increases only weakly with increasing wavelength from 258 to 279 nm, suggesting that optimization of radiative lifetime and injection efficiency also play an important role. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Retinoic Acid Suppresses the Canonical Wnt Signaling Pathway in Embryonic Stem Cells and Activates the Noncanonical Wnt Signaling Pathway
Authors: Osei-Sarfo Kwame , Gudas Lorraine J.
Published: March 2014

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) have both the ability to self-renew and to differentiate into various cell lineages. Retinoic acid (RA), a metabolite of Vitamin A, has a critical function in initiating lineage differentiation of ESCs through binding to the retinoic acid receptors. Additionally, the Wnt signaling pathway plays a role in pluripotency and differentiation, depending on the activation status of the canonical and noncanonical pathways. The activation of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway, which requires the nuclear accumulation of β-catenin and its interaction with Tcf1/Lef at Wnt response elements, is involved in ESC stemness maintenance. The noncanonical Wnt signaling pathway, through actions of Tcf3, can antagonize the canonical pathway. We show that RA activates the noncanonical Wnt signaling pathway, while concomitantly inhibiting the canonical pathway. RA increases the expression of ligands and receptors of the noncanonical Wnt pathway (Wnt 5a, 7a, Fzd2 and Fzd6), downstream signaling, and Tcf3 expression. RA reduces the phosphorylated β-catenin levels by fourfold, although total β-catenin levels do not change. We show that RA signaling increases the dissociation of Tcf1 and the association of Tcf3 at promoters of genes that regulate stemness (e.g., NR5A2, Lrh-1) or differentiation (e.g. Cyr61, Zic5). Knockdown of Tcf3 increases Lrh-1 transcript levels in mESCs and prevents the RA-associated, fourfold increase in Zic5, indicating that RA requires Tcf3 to effect changes in Zic5 levels. We demonstrate a novel role for RA in altering the activation of these two Wnt signaling pathways and show that Tcf3 mediates some actions of RA during differentiation. Stem Cells  2014;32:2061–2071
Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Is Required to Rescue Midbrain Dopaminergic Progenitors and Promote Neurorepair in Ageing Mouse Model of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: L’Episcopo Francesca , Tirolo Cataldo , Testa Nunzio , Caniglia Salvatore , Morale Maria Concetta , Serapide Maria Francesca , Pluchino Stefano , Marchetti Bianca
Published: March 2014

Wnt/β-catenin signaling is required for specification and neurogenesis of midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neurons, the pivotal neuronal population that degenerates in Parkinson’s disease (PD), and in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) mouse model of PD. Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays a vital role in adult neurogenesis but whether it might engage DA neurogenesis/neurorepair in the affected PD brain is yet unresolved. Recently, the adult midbrain aqueduct periventricular regions (Aq-PVRs) were shown to harbor multipotent clonogenic neural stem/progenitor cells (mNPCs) with DA potential in vitro, but restrictive mechanisms in vivo are believed to limit their DA regenerative capacity. Using in vitro mNPC culture systems we herein demonstrate that aging is one most critical factor restricting mNPC neurogenic potential via dysregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Coculture paradigms between young/aged (Y/A) mNPCs and Y/A astrocytes identified glial age and a decline of glial-derived factors including Wnts as key determinants of impaired neurogenic potential, whereas Wnt activation regimens efficiently reversed the diminished proliferative, neuronal, and DA differentiation potential of A-mNPCs. Next, in vivo studies in wild (Wt) and transgenic β-catenin reporter mice uncovered Wnt/β-catenin signaling activation and remarkable astrocyte remodeling of Aq-PVR in response to MPTP-induced DA neuron death. Spatio-temporal analyses unveiled β-catenin signaling in predopaminergic (Nurr1+/TH−) and imperiled or rescuing DAT+ neurons during MPTP-induced DA neuron injury and self-repair. Aging inhibited Wnt signaling, whereas β-catenin activation in situ with a specific GSK-3β antagonist promoted a significant degree of DA neurorestoration associated with reversal of motor deficit, with implications for neurorestorative approaches in PD. Stem Cells  2014;32:2147–2163
Variable selection usingLqpenalties
Authors: Qiao Xingye
Published: March 2014

High‐dimensional data analysis emerges in many different areas of scientific research and social practice. Variable selection is an important task in statistical analysis for high‐dimensional data. The traditional all‐subset‐selection method can be ideal for variable selection, but it is computationally intractable in the high‐dimensional setting. In both regression and classification contexts, sparsity penalties are commonly used for the purpose of defining the complexity of the resulting model so as to achieve variable selection. The current article reviews a few important milestones and some recent works in the area of variable selection, especially those methods which useLqnorm and their variants as the penalty term. In particular, we review theLqpenalty, nonconvex penalties, among others. In ultrahigh‐dimensional data analysis, independence learning is often used for the purpose of dimension reduction. Theoretical results, methodological developments and computational innovations in regard to these methods are discussed. These variable selection techniques can be easily extended to problems beyond linear regression, such as classification, quantile regression, etc. Lastly, an interesting and promising research trend is the combination of multiple methods and we review several successful methods which fall into this category.

This article is categorized under:

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Modeling Methods and Algorithms

Statistical Models > Model Selection

Statistical Models > Linear Models
Object oriented computing
Authors: Virius Miroslav , Pecinovský Rudolf
Published: March 2014

The object oriented computing model is the prevailing programming paradigm of today; contemporary programming languages like Java or C# strictly require it—and thus the programmer has no other choice than object oriented computing. Object oriented computing in the mainstream programming languages is based on the class concept and we adhere to this approach. The classes are user defined entities designed to describe the classes of objects in a problem solved by a program. We explain this concept as well as the three important concepts of object oriented computing: encapsulation, inheritance and polymorphism. We also mention the UML language that serves as formal description of object oriented solutions.

This article is categorized under:

Software for Computational Statistics > Software/Statistical Software
Ionic Liquid assisted Synthesis of Zeolite‐TON
Authors: Tian Yuyang , McPherson Matthew J. , Wheatley Paul S. , Morris Russell E.
Published: March 2014

An ionic liquid assisted strategy for the synthesis of zeolitic material is reported. This strategy is a solid state synthetic method and the ionic liquid is employed as structure directing agent. A TON‐type zeolite, which contains one‐dimensional 10‐member‐ring, is successfully synthesized with the assistance of the ionic liquid, 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bromide. This finding improves our understanding about the challenge of ionothermally synthesizing siliceous and aluminosilicate zeolites.
Evaluation of the Interpretation of Serial Ultrasound Examinations in the Diagnosis of Deep Venous Thrombosis in Children: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Stamm Michael , Zavodni Anna , Mitchell Lesley , Bonanni John Ross , Noga Michelle
Published: March 2014

Purpose

To assess ultrasound intrascan variability and the potential error rate of serial ultrasounds in the diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis in children.

Methods

A retrospective cohort review of imaging results of children having at least 3 serial ultrasound examinations of the same region within a 2-month period. The results were interpreted as either (1) inadequately visualized or (2) the absence or presence of deep venous thrombosis, and were categorized by location. Serial imaging findings then were further categorized based on results and clinical information.

Results

Sixty-four patients and 157 vessel segments were included in the study. Deep venous thrombosis was documented in 58 patients. Concordant results were observed in 26 patients (40.1%), clot resolution in 17 patients (26.6%), clot formation in 12 patients (18.8%), and discordant results in 9 patients (14%). Twenty-one of 64 patients (32.8%) had at least 1 vessel inadequately imaged.

Conclusions

The inconsistency of serial ultrasound results in up to 25% of patients calls attention to the potential inaccuracy of ultrasound for diagnosis and follow-up of deep venous thrombosis in children. The high proportion of patients with at least 1 inadequately visualized vessel also highlights the limitation of ultrasound in the diagnosis of pediatric deep venous thrombosis.
How Much “Law” in Legal Studies? Approaches to Teaching Legal Research and Doctrinal Analysis in a Legal Studies Program
Authors: Kazmierski Vincent
Published: March 2014

This article addresses the teaching of legal research methods and doctrinal analysis within a legal studies program. I argue that learning about legal research and doctrinal analysis is an important element of legal education outside professional law schools. I start by considering the ongoing debate concerning the role of legal education both inside and outside professional law schools. I then describe the way in which the research methods courses offered by the Department of Law and Legal Studies at Carleton University attempt to reconcile the tension between “law” and legal studies. In particular, I focus on how the second-year research methods course introduces students to “traditional” legal research and doctrinal analysis within a legal studies context by deploying a number of pedagogical strategies. In so doing, the course provides students with an important foundation that allows them to embrace the multiple roles of legal education outside professional law schools.
Riboflavin (vitamin B2) and oxidative stress: a review
Authors: Ashoori Marziyeh , Saedisomeolia Ahmad
Published: March 2014

Oxidative stress is involved in the development of many chronic diseases. One of the main factors involved in oxidative stress reduction is increased antioxidant potential. Some nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin E and carotenoids are known to act as antioxidants; however, riboflavin is one of the neglected antioxidant nutrients that may have an antioxidant action independently or as a component of the glutathione redox cycle. Herein, studies that have examined the antioxidant properties of riboflavin and its effect on oxidative stress reduction are reviewed. The results of the reviewed studies confirm the antioxidant nature of riboflavin and indicate that this vitamin can protect the body against oxidative stress, especially lipid peroxidation and reperfusion oxidative injury. The mechanisms by which riboflavin protects the body against oxidative stress may be attributed to the glutathione redox cycle and also to other possible mechanisms such as the conversion of reduced riboflavin to the oxidised form.
Hindsight Effects in Dollar-Weighted Returns
Authors: Hayley Simon
Published: March 2014

A growing number of studies use dollar-weighted (DW) returns as evidence that bad timing substantially reduces investor returns, and that consequently the equity risk premium must be considerably lower than previously thought. This paper demonstrates that this method is subject to a hindsight effect (as prior returns influence levels of new investment) and derives a technique that corrects it. The results show that for mainstream U.S. equities, DW returns are low because of this hindsight effect (bad investor timing had very little impact). Thus, low DW returns do not imply that the risk premium is correspondingly low.
Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival 1: 15–21 November 2013
Authors: Mohr-Pietsch Sara
Published: March 2014

The Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival has, for many years, been the date in the UK new music calendar. Every November, friends and enemies gather under the heavy skies of a Yorkshire micro-climate to listen to, perform and discuss new work. When Graham McKenzie took over as Artistic Director six years ago, there were murmurings that it might change out of all recognition. He certainly made a few bold decisions, introducing more multi-media, cross-disciplinary elements, installations and audio walks, and moving beyond St Paul's Hall to more contemporary spaces like the blending shed at Bates Mill. He also gave the festival's branding the once-over, so that HCMF now always appears as hcmf// (perhaps a nod to the trendy Wire magazine-reading audience he was trying to attract). Little of what he instigated at the start of his tenure has changed, but if there were fears that it would spell the end of ‘proper concerts’, one needn't have worried.
A note on the Abresch—Langer conjecture
Authors: Chou Kai-Seng , Wang Xiao-Liu
Published: March 2014

A saddle-point property of the self-similar solutions in the curve shortening flow was conjectured by Abresch and Langer and confirmed by Au. An improvement on Au's solution is presented.
Smoothing effect on the damping mechanism for an inviscid two-phase gas—liquid model
Authors: Ruan Lizhi
Published: March 2014

In this paper, we consider the Cauchy problem for an inviscid two-phase gas—liquid model with external force, in order to demonstrate the smoothing effect on the damping mechanism. It is shown that the Cauchy problem admits a unique global smooth solution provided that the initial data are smooth and the C0-norm of the derivative of the initial data are small.
Qualitative analysis of an autocatalytic chemical reaction model with decay
Authors: Zhou Jun , Shi Junping
Published: March 2014

In this paper, we revisit a reaction—diffusion autocatalytic chemical reaction model with decay. For higher-order reactions, we prove that the system possesses at least two positive steady-state solutions; hence, it has bistable dynamics similar to the system without decay. For the linear reaction, we determine the necessary and sufficient condition to ensure the existence of a solution. Moreover, in the one-dimensional case, we prove that the positive steady-state solution is unique. Our results demonstrate the drastic difference in dynamics caused by the order of chemical reactions.
The excision theorems in Hochschild and cyclic homologies
Authors: Donadze Guram , Ladra Manuel
Published: March 2014

We study the excision property for Hochschild and cyclic homologies in the category of simplicial algebras. We extend Wodzicki's notion of H-unital algebras to simplicial algebras and then show that a simplicial algebra I* satisfies excision in Hochschild and cyclic homologies if and only if it is H-unital. We use this result in the category of crossed modules of algebras and provide an answer to the question posed in the recent paper by Donadze et al. We also give (based on work by Guccione and Guccione) the excision theorem in Hochschild homology with coefficients.
Bayesian analysis of culture and PCR methods for detection of Campylobacter spp. in broiler caecal samples
Authors: ARNOLD M. E. , JONES E. M. , LAWES J. R. , VIDAL A. B. , CLIFTON-HADLEY F. A. , RODGERS J. D. , POWELL L. F.
Published: March 2014

The objective of this study was to estimate the sensitivity and specificity of a culture method and a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for detection of two Campylobacter species: C. jejuni and C. coli. Data were collected during a 3-year survey of UK broiler flocks, and consisted of parallel sampling of caeca from 436 batches of birds by both PCR and culture. Batches were stratified by season (summer/non-summer) and whether they were the first depopulation of the flock, resulting in four sub-populations. A Bayesian approach in the absence of a gold standard was adopted, and the sensitivity and specificity of the PCR and culture for each Campylobacter subtype was estimated, along with the true C. jejuni and C. coli prevalence in each sub-population. Results indicated that the sensitivity of the culture method was higher than that of PCR in detecting both species when the samples were derived from populations infected with at most one species of Campylobacter. However, from a mixed population, the sensitivity of culture for detecting both C. jejuni or C. coli is reduced while PCR is potentially able to detect both species, although the total probability of correctly identifying at least one species by PCR is similar to that of the culture method.
Risk factors forEscherichia coliO157 on beef cattle ranches located near a major produce production region
Authors: BENJAMIN L. A. , JAY-RUSSELL M. T. , ATWILL E. R. , COOLEY M. B. , CARYCHAO D. , LARSEN R. E. , MANDRELL R. E.
Published: March 2014

Our goal was to identify climate variables and management practices associated with the presence ofE. coliO157 in rangeland cow-calf operations located in a major leafy green production region in the California Central Coast.E. coliO157 was present in 2·6% (68/2654) of faecal, 1·5% (3/204) of water and 1·1% (1/93) of sediment samples collected on eight ranches over 2.5 years. Five (62·5%) ranches were positive at least once during the study. The odds of detectingE. coliO157 in faecal samples was higher during periods of higher maximum soil temperature, higher maximum relative humidity, and larger herd sizes, but decreased as wind speed increased. Molecular subtyping of isolates from cattle faeces and streams/sediments suggested minimal movement of strains between ranches. The findings suggest thatE. coliO157 prevalence is relatively low on cow-calf ranches in this region, spatially constrained, but may vary by weather conditions and herd size.
The seroprevalence of parvovirus B19 infection in pregnant women in Sudan
Authors: ADAM O. , MAKKAWI T. , REBER U. , KIRBERG H. , EIS-HÜBINGER A. M.
Published: March 2014

Parvovirus B19 (B19V) infection during pregnancy may have serious consequences like fetal anaemia, hydrops fetalis, and fetal loss. Since epidemiological data on B19V infection are generally lacking in Sudan, the current study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of B19V in Sudanese pregnant women. Five hundred women, attending antenatal clinics in Khartoum state between November 2008 and March 2009, were enrolled and screened for B19V IgG and IgM antibodies by enzyme immunoassays. The study revealed a B19V IgG seroprevalence of 61·4%, with one subject positive for IgM. B19V DNA was not detected by PCR in any of the tested individuals. B19V IgG seroprevalence was significantly correlated with multigravidity (P = 0·046). Our data showed that B19V infection is prevalent in Sudan and we recommend further studies in Sudanese women, particularly in those with complications and adverse outcomes of pregnancy.
Secondary metabolite gene expression and interplay of bacterial functions in a tropical freshwater cyanobacterial bloom
Authors: Penn Kevin , Wang Jia , Fernando Samodha C , Thompson Janelle R
Published: March 2014

Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs) appear to be increasing in frequency on a global scale. The Cyanobacteria in blooms can produce toxic secondary metabolites that make freshwater dangerous for drinking and recreation. To characterize microbial activities in a cyanoHAB, transcripts from a eutrophic freshwater reservoir in Singapore were sequenced for six samples collected over one day-night period. Transcripts from the Cyanobacterium Microcystis dominated all samples and were accompanied by at least 533 genera primarily from the Cyanobacteria, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria. Within the Microcystis population, abundant transcripts were from genes for buoyancy, photosynthesis and synthesis of the toxin microviridin, suggesting that these are necessary for competitive dominance in the Reservoir. During the day, Microcystis transcripts were enriched in photosynthesis and energy metabolism while at night enriched pathways included DNA replication and repair and toxin biosynthesis. Microcystis was the dominant source of transcripts from polyketide and non-ribosomal peptide synthase (PKS and NRPS, respectively) gene clusters. Unexpectedly, expression of all PKS/NRPS gene clusters, including for the toxins microcystin and aeruginosin, occurred throughout the day-night cycle. The most highly expressed PKS/NRPS gene cluster from Microcystis is not associated with any known product. The four most abundant phyla in the reservoir were enriched in different functions, including photosynthesis (Cyanobacteria), breakdown of complex organic molecules (Proteobacteria), glycan metabolism (Bacteroidetes) and breakdown of plant carbohydrates, such as cellobiose (Actinobacteria). These results provide the first estimate of secondary metabolite gene expression, functional partitioning and functional interplay in a freshwater cyanoHAB.
Fabrication Techniques of Graphene Nanostructures
Authors: Wang Xinran , Shi Yi
Published: March 2014

Fabrication techniques are crucial to form nanostructures in materials for various applications. This chapter describes various methods and processes to controllably create nanostructures and realize electronic devices in graphene. The reason to use graphene as an example, is due to its great potential in electronics, optoelectronics and renewable energy applications. Although graphene nanostructures are still under active research, we have witnessed great progress in fabrication techniques over the past few years such that it is now possible to realize atomically well-defined structures. We are also able to make graphene nanostructures over centimeter scale and make devices on many different substrates, thanks to the development of synthesis and transfer techniques. During the discussion, we focus on the differences between top-down and bottom-up approaches to help the reader recognize their advantage and limitation. Many of the approaches discussed here could be adapted to other materials.
Thermal and Thermoelectric Properties of Nanomaterials
Authors: Zhang Gang
Published: March 2014

In this chapter, we present a state-of-the-art of topic about thermal transport and the thermoelectric property of nanoscale materials. We firstly review the fundamental physical phenomena for thermal transport in nanoscale materials, including carbon nanotubes, silicon nanowires, graphene and monolayer MoS2. Various impacts on thermal conductivity of these nanomaterials are discussed. Then, we provide a review on the current status of research on the thermoelectric property of semiconducting nanowires, including silicon nanowire, silicon-germanium nanowire and ZnO nanowire. We also discuss envisioned applications of nanostructures in the area of heat dissipation to phononic devices.
Exploring genomes with a game engine
Authors: Shepherd Jeremiah J. , Zhou Lingxi , Arndt William , Zhang Yan , Zheng W. Jim , Tang Jijun
Published: March 2014

More and more evidence indicates that the 3D conformation of eukaryotic genomes is a critical part of genome function. However, due to the lack of accurate and reliable 3D genome structural data, this information is largely ignored and most of these studies have to use information systems that view the DNA in a linear structure. Visualizing genomes in real time 3D can give researchers more insight, but this is fraught with hardware limitations since each element contains vast amounts of information that cannot be processed on the fly. Using a game engine and sophisticated video game visualization techniques enables us to construct a multi-platform real-time 3D genome viewer. The game engine-based viewer achieves much better rendering speed and can handle much larger amounts of data compared to our previous implementation using OpenGL. Combining this viewer with 3D genome models from experimental data could provide unprecedented opportunities to gain insight into the conformation–function relationships of a genome.
The acute effect of flavonoid-rich apples and nitrate-rich spinach on cognitive performance and mood in healthy men and women
Authors: Bondonno Catherine P. , Downey Luke A. , Croft Kevin D. , Scholey Andrew , Stough Con , Yang Xingbin , Considine Michael J. , Ward Natalie C. , Puddey Ian B. , Swinny Ewald , Mubarak Aidilla , Hodgson Jonathan M.
Published: March 2014

Flavonoid-rich apples and nitrate-rich spinach augment NO status acutely with no concomitant improvements or deterioration in cognitive function and mood.
An ammonium molybdate deposited amorphous silica coated iron oxide magnetic core–shell nanocomposite for the efficient synthesis of 2-benzimidazoles using hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Bai Guoyi , Lan Xingwang , Liu Xiaofang , Liu Chen , Shi Lingjuan , Chen Qingzhi , Chen Guofeng
Published: March 2014

An eco-friendly method was developed for the synthesis of 2-benzimidazoles over an Fe3O4@SiO2@(NH4)6Mo7O24 magnetic core–shell nanocomposite using hydrogen peroxide.