bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temporal Phenomena, Ontology and the R-theory
Authors: Nathan Oaklander L.
Published: August 2015

One of the more serious criticisms of the B-theory is that by denying the passage of time or maintaining that passage is a mind-dependent illusion or appearance, the B-theory gives rise to a static, block universe and thereby removes what is most distinctively timelike about time. The aim of this paper is to discuss the R-theory of time, after Russell, who Richard Gale calls “the father of the B-theory,” and explain how the R-theory can respond to the criticisms just raised, and others. In the course of my discussion I shall clarify differences between versions of the A-, B- and R-theories of time, and argue that McTaggart’s conception of the B-series and more specifically, the B-relations that generate it, has been instrumental in misconstruing the A-/B-theory debate resulting in criticisms of the B-theory that can be seen to be fallacious when applied to the R-theory.
PROGRAMA TUTORIAL COMPLEMENTO PARA LA EDUCACIÓN INTEGRAL
Authors: Torres Sandoval Juan Carlos , Joven Sarria Wilson , Palacios Rozo Jairo Jamith
Published: August 2015

La institucionalización de los programas tutoriales al interior de los entes educativos es importante, pues con ello se busca un aporte significativo para la educación integral de sus educandos. Para diseñar uno adecuado, se debe realizar el levantamiento de las necesidades de los estudiantes; además, se ha de tener presente que ellos se transforman a lo largo de la carrera, en cuyo proceso van madurando. Por consiguiente, se requiere identificar las etapas precisas de tales cambios, a fin de que el modelo que se diseñe sea el más acorde. Por otra parte, Se hace indispensable también acudir a herramientas tecnológicas que permitan lograr un aspecto de transparencia en la aplicación del modelo para toda institución, procurando, de esta manera, extenderlo a todas las actividades en las que participa cada uno de los miembros de la comunidad educativa.
Composite Results of the Project Complexity Study
Authors: Duhon Howard
Published: August 2015

A summary of the responses to a questionnaire introduced in the February issue of Oil and Gas Facilities sheds light on the experiences of respondents and their observations of the drivers of project complexity.
Regionalization of landscape characteristics to map hydrologic variables
Authors: Peterson H. M. , Nieber J. L. , Kanivetsky R. , Shmagin B.
Published: August 2015

By integrating groundwater, surface water and vadose zone systems, the terrestrial hydrologic system can be used to spatially map water balance characteristics spanning local to global scales, even when long-term stream gauge data are unavailable. The Watershed Characteristics Approach (WCA) is a hydrologic estimation model developed using a system-based approach focused on the regionalization of landscape characteristics to define unique hierarchical hydrogeological units (HHUs) and establish their link to hydrologic characteristics. Although the WCA can be used to map any hydrologic variable, its validity is demonstrated by summarizing results generated by applying the methodology to quantify the renewable groundwater flux at a spatial scale lacking long-term stream gauge monitoring data. Landscape components for 97 East-Central Minnesota (ECM) watersheds were summarized and used to identify which unique combinations of characteristics statistically influenced mean annual minimum groundwater recharge. These resulting combinations of landscape characteristics defined each HHU; as additional characteristics were applied, units were refined to create a hierarchical organization. Results were mapped to spatially represent the renewable groundwater flux for ECM, demonstrating how hydrologic regionalization can address knowledge gaps in multi-scale processes and aid in quantifying water balance components, an essential key to sustainable water resources management.
Weight Gain After Oophorectomy Among Women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 Mutation
Authors: Kotsopoulos Joanne , Lubinski Jan , Neuhausen Susan L , Gronwald Jacek , Lynch Henry T , Huzarski Tomasz , Demsky Rochelle , Foulkes William D , Senter Leigha , Friedman Susan , Ainsworth Peter , Sun Ping , Narod Steven A
Published: August 2015

Aim: To measure weight gain among unaffected women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation after undergoing an oophorectomy. Patients & methods: We compared the bodyweight of women with (n = 405) and without an oophorectomy (n = 741) at baseline as well as the rate of weight change prior to and following surgery among 1454 BRCA mutation carriers who had an oophorectomy. Results: There was a small and non-significant difference in bodyweight between BRCA mutation carriers who had an oophorectomy compared with those women who did not (151.5 vs 149.1 pounds; p = 0.26). There was an increase in bodyweight with increasing age, but this relationship did not differ prior to and following surgery (p comparing the slope parameters = 0.78). Conclusion: Oophorectomy is not associated with significant weight gain in high-risk women.
Effects of contact pressure and sliding distance on the lubricated friction and wear properties of Zn-25Al-3Cu alloy: A comparative study with SAE 65 bronze
Authors: Savaşkan Temel , Tan Hasan Onur , Maleki Reza Anvari
Published: August 2015

Lubricated friction and wear properties of Zn-25Al-3Cu alloy were investigated in comparison with SAE 65 bronze over a range of contact pressure (1–8 MPa) and sliding distance (0–80 km) using a block-on-disc type test machine. The friction coefficients of the alloy and the bronze decreased, but their working temperature and wear volume increased with contact pressure. Their friction coefficient and the working temperature showed opposite changes with sliding distance before they reached steady-state levels. However, the wear volume of both the alloy and the bronze increased continuously with sliding distance. Although the hardness and compressive strength of the alloy were lower than those of the bronze, it exhibited higher wear resistance. This was related to their wear behaviour since smearing played a great role in the wear of the alloy while abrasion dominated the wear of the bronze.
Novel borothermal synthesis of VB2 powders
Authors: Wei Ya'nan , Huang Zhixing , Zhou Liming , Ran Songlin
Published: August 2015

Pure VB2 powders with a particle size less than 300 nm were synthesized by a novel borothermal reduction of NH4VO3 in Ar atmosphere at 900 – 1 000 °C with or without the presence of NaCl/KCl. Appropriate amounts of NaCl/KCl addition not only accelerated the reaction rate but also inhibited the grain growth of VB2 particles.
Effects of Sn and Ca on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg–Zn–Y–Nd–Zr alloys
Authors: Chen Ti-Jun , Zhang Da-Hua , Wang Wei , Ma Ying , Hao Yuan
Published: August 2015

The effects of Sn and Ca on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg–Zn–Y alloys have been investigated. The results showed that Sn had an obvious effect on the microstructure, but its effect was smaller than that of Ca. The grain size first decreased as the Sn/Ca content increased and then slightly increased when the Sn/Ca content exceeded a critical value. These microstructural changes are related to the hindering effect on grain growth and constitutional supercooling resulting from the segregated Sn/Ca atoms at the advancing solid/liquid fronts. The hardness of the alloys continuously increased as the Sn/Ca content increased because of the improved solid solution strengthening and the increased concentration of Sn- or Ca-rich intermetallic compounds. The tensile properties of the alloys increased as the Sn/Ca content increased below the critical value and then decreased when the Sn/Ca content exceeded the critical value. The increased tensile properties were attributed to the improved grain bonding strength in addition to the grain refinement strengthening. The subsequent decrease in these properties was mainly ascribed to the impaired grain bonding strength and grain coarsening. Correspondingly, the fracture regime changed from intergranular to transgranular modes, and then back to the intergranular mode.
Use of Phytone Peptone to Optimize Growth and Cell Density of Lactobacillus reuteri
Authors: Atilola Olabiyi , Gyawali Rabin , Aljaloud Sulaiman , Ibrahim Salam
Published: August 2015

The objective of this study was to determine the use of phytone peptone to optimize the growth and cell density of Lactobacillus reuteri. Four strains of L. reuteri (DSM 20016, SD 2112, CF 2-7F, and MF 2-3,) were used in this study. An overnight culture of individual strains was inoculated into fresh basal media with various protein sources (peptone, tryptone, proteose peptone #3, phytone peptone, tryptic soy broth, yeast extract, and beef extract). Samples were then mixed well and incubated at 37 °C for 15 h. Bacterial growth was monitored by measuring turbidity (optical density 610 nm) at different time intervals during the incubation period. At the end of incubation, samples were plated on de-Man Rogosa Sharpe (MRS) agar to determine the bacterial population. Our results showed that phytone peptone promoted the growth of L. reuteri (p < 0.05) by 1.4 log CFU/mL on average compared to the control samples. Therefore, phytone peptone could be included in laboratory media to enhance growth and increase the cell density of L. reuteri.
Q-SOS—A Sensor Observation Service for Accessing Quality Descriptions of Environmental Data
Authors: Devaraju Anusuriya , Jirka Simon , Kunkel Ralf , Sorg Juergen
Published: August 2015

The worldwide Sensor Web comprises observation data from diverse sources. Each data provider may process and assess datasets differently before making them available online. This information is often invisible to end users. Therefore, publishing observation data with quality descriptions is vital as it helps users to assess the suitability of data for their applications. It is also important to capture contextual information concerning data quality such as provenance to trace back incorrect data to its origins. In the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC)’s Sensor Web Enablement (SWE) framework, there is no sufficiently and practically applicable approach how these aspects can be systematically represented and made accessible. This paper presents Q-SOS—an extension of the OGC’s Sensor Observation Service (SOS) that supports retrieval of observation data together with quality descriptions. These descriptions are represented in an observation data model covering various aspects of data quality assessment. The service and the data model have been developed based on open standards and open source tools, and are productively being used to share observation data from the TERENO observatory infrastructure. We discuss the advantages of deploying the presented solutions from data provider and consumer viewpoints. Enhancements applied to the related open-source developments are also introduced.
Role of Pharmacogenetics in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Outcome in Children
Authors: Franca Raffaella , Stocco Gabriele , Favretto Diego , Giurici Nagua , Decorti Giuliana , Rabusin Marco
Published: August 2015

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is an established therapeutic procedure for several congenital and acquired disorders, both malignant and nonmalignant. Despite the great improvements in HSCT clinical practices over the last few decades, complications, such as graft vs. host disease (GVHD) and sinusoidal obstructive syndrome (SOS), are still largely unpredictable and remain the major causes of morbidity and mortality. Both donor and patient genetic background might influence the success of bone marrow transplantation and could at least partially explain the inter-individual variability in HSCT outcome. This review summarizes some of the recent studies on candidate gene polymorphisms in HSCT, with particular reference to pediatric cohorts. The interest is especially focused on pharmacogenetic variants affecting myeloablative and immunosuppressive drugs, although genetic traits involved in SOS susceptibility and transplant-related mortality are also reviewed.
Tunnel Junction with Perpendicular Magnetic Anisotropy: Status and Challenges
Authors: Wang Mengxing , Zhang Yue , Zhao Xiaoxuan , Zhao Weisheng
Published: August 2015

Magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ), which arises from emerging spintronics, has the potential to become the basic component of novel memory, logic circuits, and other applications. Particularly since the first demonstration of current induced magnetization switching in MTJ, spin transfer torque magnetic random access memory (STT-MRAM) has sparked a huge interest thanks to its non-volatility, fast access speed, and infinite endurance. However, along with the advanced nodes scaling, MTJ with in-plane magnetic anisotropy suffers from modest thermal stability, high power consumption, and manufactural challenges. To address these concerns, focus of research has converted to the preferable perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) based MTJ, whereas a number of conditions still have to be met before its practical application. This paper overviews the principles of PMA and STT, where relevant issues are preliminarily discussed. Centering on the interfacial PMA in CoFeB/MgO system, we present the fundamentals and latest progress in the engineering, material, and structural points of view. The last part illustrates potential investigations and applications with regard to MTJ with interfacial PMA.
eEF1A Interacts with the NS5A Protein and Inhibits the Growth of Classical Swine Fever Virus
Authors: Li Su , Feng Shuo , Wang Jing-Han , He Wen-Rui , Qin Hua-Yang , Dong Hong , Li Lian-Feng , Yu Shao-Xiong , Li Yongfeng , Qiu Hua-Ji
Published: August 2015

The NS5A protein of classical swine fever virus (CSFV) is involved in the RNA synthesis and viral replication. However, the NS5A-interacting cellular proteins engaged in the CSFV replication are poorly defined. Using yeast two-hybrid screen, the eukaryotic elongation factor 1A (eEF1A) was identified to be an NS5A-binding partner. The NS5A–eEF1A interaction was confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation, glutathione S-transferase (GST) pulldown and laser confocal microscopy assays. The domain I of eEF1A was shown to be critical for the NS5A–eEF1A interaction. Overexpression of eEF1A suppressed the CSFV growth markedly, and conversely, knockdown of eEF1A enhanced the CSFV replication significantly. Furthermore, eEF1A, as well as NS5A, was found to reduce the translation efficiency of the internal ribosome entry site (IRES) of CSFV in a dose-dependent manner, as demonstrated by luciferase reporter assay. Streptavidin pulldown assay revealed that eEF1A could bind to the CSFV IRES. Collectively, our results suggest that eEF1A interacts with NS5A and negatively regulates the growth of CSFV.
Mechatronics Tools for Turning
Authors: Mikolajczyk Tadeusz
Published: August 2015

Nowadays increase using of tools with geometric and kinematical flexibility (GKF). In paper present idea of this tool with drive as mechatronics tool. Was shown an examples of some market mechatronics tools. Was presented too own solutions of mechatronic tools with one degree of freedom (DOF) for turning. This tools are controlled using stepper motor by use of PC. To control of the tool was used PC with the motor control interface connected to the LPT port. The first tool with rotary axis perpendicular to lathe axis was used to control rake angle or angle of edge. Second presented tool is equipped in linear axis perpendicular to lathe axis. Tool placed in the guides was driving using the stepper motor and a screw cooperating with the nut joined with the tool. This tool mounted to the holder tool allows machining shape surface using the universal lathe.
A Case of Fascioliasis Treated Successfully without Sequelae in a Japanese Expatriate Living in Jakarta
Authors: Norizuki Masataro , Sasahara Teppei , Gomi Harumi , Morisawa Yuji , Takamura Noriko , Kenzaka Tsuneaki , Kobayashi Tetsuro , Fujiya Yoshihiro , Kato Yasuyuki , Matsuoka Hiroyuki
Published: August 2015

A 46-year-old Japanese female expatriate living in Jakarta presented with intermittent fever lasting for a month. Although she was considered at low risk of Fasciola spp. infection because she lived in an upper-class residential area of the city, the patient presented with eosinophilia after consuming organic raw vegetables; in addition, contrast-enhanced computed tomography detected microabscesses in a tractlike pattern in the liver. These findings led to an early diagnosis of fascioliasis, which was successfully treated without sequelae. In any patient with a history of consuming raw vegetables, fascioliasis should be suspected regardless of where the patient has lived.
Dietary fenugreek seed extract improves performance and reduces fecal E. coli counts and fecal gas emission in lactating sows and suckling piglets
Authors: Hossain M. M. , Begum M. , Nyachoti C. M. , Hancock J. D. , Kim I. H.
Published: August 2015

Hossain, M. M., Begum, M., Nyachoti, C. M., Hancock, J. D. and Kim, I. H. 2015. Dietary fenugreek seed extract improves performance and reduces fecal E. coli counts and fecal gas emission in lactating sows and suckling piglets. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 95: 561–568. This study evaluated the efficacy of fenugreek seed extract (FSE) in sows and suckling piglets. The trial was conducted with 78 multiparous sows and their litters in a 28-d feeding trial, and one of three diets: CON (control, basal diet); FSE1 (basal diet+0.1% FSE), and FSE2 (basal diet+0.2% FSE). Piglets suckling sows fed the FSE1 and FSE2 diets had higher average daily gain compared with those suckling sows fed the CON from week 2 to weaning (linear, P<0.05). At weaning, sows fed the FSE1 and FSE2 diets had higher immunoglobulin G and lower low-density lipoprotein–cholesterol concentrations compared with those fed the CON diet (linear, P<0.05). Sows fed the FSE2 diet linearly reduced total cholesterol concentrations at weaning (P<0.05). Piglets suckling sows fed the FSE2 diet had higher immunoglobulin G and red blood cell concentrations compared with those suckling sows fed the CON diet (linear, P<0.05). Sows fed the FSE2 diet had higher apparent total tract digestibility of N and gross energy and reduced fecal E. coli counts and ammonia gas emission compared with those fed the CON diet at weaning (linear, P<0.05). In conclusion, results indicate that feeding sows a diet supplemented with FSE in late gestation and lactation improved performance in sows and suckling piglets.
The carbon cycle in Mexico: past, present and future of C stocks and fluxes
Authors: Murray-Tortarolo G. , Friedlingstein P. , Sitch S. , Jaramillo V. J. , Murguía-Flores F. , Anav A. , Liu Y. , Arneth A. , Arvanitis A. , Harper A. , Jain A. , Kato E. , Koven C. , Poulter B. , Stocker B. D. , Wiltshire A. , Zaehle S. , Zeng N.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. We modelled the carbon (C) cycle in Mexico with a process-based approach. We used different available products (satellite data, field measurements, models and flux towers) to estimate C stocks and fluxes in the country at three different time frames: present (defined as the period 2000–2005), the past century (1901–2000) and the remainder of this century (2010–2100). Our estimate of the gross primary productivity (GPP) for the country was 2137 ± 1023 Tg C yr−1 and a total C stock of 34 506 ± 7483 Tg C, with 20 347 ± 4622 Pg C in vegetation and 14 159 ± 3861 in the soil. Contrary to other current estimates for recent decades, our results showed that Mexico was a C sink over the period 1990–2009 (+31 Tg C yr−1) and that C accumulation over the last century amounted to 1210 ± 1040 Tg C. We attributed this sink to the CO2 fertilization effect on GPP, which led to an increase of 3408 ± 1060 Tg C, while both climate and land use reduced the country C stocks by −458 ± 1001 and −1740 ± 878 Tg C, respectively. Under different future scenarios the C sink will likely continue over 21st century, with decreasing C uptake as the climate forcing becomes more extreme. Our work provides valuable insights on relevant driving processes of the C-cycle such as the role of drought in marginal lands (e.g. grasslands and shrublands) and the impact of climate change on the mean residence time of C in tropical ecosystems.
Large benign retroperitoneal tumour in pregnancy
Authors: Berczi Csaba , Osvath Peter , Flasko Tibor
Published: August 2015

A 31-year-old female was in the 13th week of pregnancy when an abdominal ultrasound examination revealed a large retroperitoneal tumour. Magnetic resonance imaging was carried out and the imaging described a 10-cm mass in diameter extending from the right kidney. Given that the patient was in her first trimester and that there was a suspicion of malignancy, further surgical exploration of the tumour was warranted. During the operation, the tumour was removed, but nephrectomy was not necessary. Histologic analysis of the resected tumour showed a mucinous cystic adenoma, and no signs of malignancy were present. Following the surgery, the pregnancy was otherwise uneventful and further complications did not occur. This case illustrates that surgery is recommended in patients with a retroperitoneal tumour early during a pregnancy, when a malignancy cannot be excluded.
De inclusieve wetgever als groeiend ideaal
Authors: van Lochem P.J.P.M.
Published: August 2015

De inclusieve wetgever als groeiend ideaal

De ontwikkeling van ons wetgevingsbeleid, in het bijzonder het Integrale afwegingskader en de internetconsultatie, bevordert in toenemende mate het ideaal van de inclusieve wetgever. Dit ideaal is leidend in de fase van de ambtelijke voorbereiding, niet in de politieke fase van wetgeving. De Kamer sluit wel aan bij de resultaten van de inclusieve voorbereiding, is soms zelfs bereid daarvoor plaats te maken. Dat is in strijd met het (formele) systeem van onze democratie, maar juist door de inclusieve benadering in de ambtelijke voorbereiding lijken we ons geen grote democratische zorgen te hoeven maken. Toenemende inclusiviteit van wetgeving, waarbij de normadressaten (onder ambtelijke regie) soms grote invloed op de uiteindelijke normering wordt gelaten, roept wel de vraag op of de begrippen modificatie en instrumentele wetgeving nog wel van toepassing zijn op de huidige wetgeving.
The HIV-1 envelope protein gp120 is captured and displayed for B cell recognition by SIGN-R1+ lymph node macrophages
Authors: Park Chung , Arthos James , Cicala Claudia , Kehrl John H
Published: August 2015

The HIV-1 envelope protein gp120 is both the target of neutralizing antibodies and a major focus of vaccine efforts; however how it is delivered to B cells to elicit an antibody response is unknown. Here, we show that following local gp120 injection lymph node (LN) SIGN-R1+ sinus macrophages located in interfollicular pockets and underlying SIGN-R1+ macrophages form a cellular network that rapidly captures gp120 from the afferent lymph. In contrast, two other antigens, phycoerythrin and hen egg lysozyme, were not captured by these cells. Intravital imaging of mouse LNs revealed persistent, but transient interactions between gp120 bearing interfollicular network cells and both trafficking and LN follicle resident gp120 specific B cells. The gp120 specific, but not the control B cells repetitively extracted gp120 from the network cells. Our findings reveal a specialized LN antigen delivery system poised to deliver gp120 and likely other pathogen derived glycoproteins to B cells.
Antigen presentation kinetics control T cell/dendritic cell interactions and follicular helper T cell generation in vivo
Authors: Benson Robert A , MacLeod Megan KL , Hale Benjamin G , Patakas Agapitos , Garside Paul , Brewer James M
Published: August 2015

The production of high affinity, class switched antibodies produced by B cells hinges on the effective differentiation of T follicular helper (Tfh) cells. Here we define conditions specifically enhancing Tfh differentiation and providing protection in a model of influenza infection. Tfh responses were associated with prolonged antigen presentation by dendritic cells (DCs), which maintained T cell/DC interactions into stage 3 (>72 hr) of activation. Blocking stage 3 interactions ablated Tfh generation, demonstrating a causal link between T cell-DC behaviour and functional outcomes. The current data therefore explain how duration of antigen presentation affects the dynamics of T cell-DC interactions and consequently determine Tfh cell differentiation in the developing immune response.
Transcription dynamically patterns the meiotic chromosome-axis interface
Authors: Sun Xiaoji , Huang Lingzhi , Markowitz Tovah E , Blitzblau Hannah G , Chen Doris , Klein Franz , Hochwagen Andreas
Published: August 2015

Meiotic chromosomes are highly compacted yet remain transcriptionally active. To understand how chromosome folding accommodates transcription, we investigated the assembly of the axial element, the proteinaceous structure that compacts meiotic chromosomes and promotes recombination and fertility. We found that the axial element proteins of budding yeast are flexibly anchored to chromatin by the ring-like cohesin complex. The ubiquitous presence of cohesin at sites of convergent transcription provides well-dispersed points for axis attachment and thus chromosome compaction. Axis protein enrichment at these sites directly correlates with the propensity for recombination initiation nearby. A separate modulating mechanism that requires the conserved axial-element component Hop1 biases axis protein binding towards small chromosomes. Importantly, axis anchoring by cohesin is adjustable and readily displaced in the direction of transcription by the transcriptional machinery. We propose that such robust but flexible tethering allows the axial element to promote recombination while easily adapting to changes in chromosome activity.
Synthesis, crystal structure and cytotoxic activity of tricyclohexyltin complexes of benzenedioxyacetic acids
Authors: Tian Laijin , Yu Haixia , Zheng Xiaoliang , Liu Xijie
Published: August 2015

Two new bis(tricyclohexyltin)benzenedioxyacetates, 1,x‐C6H4[OCH2CO2Sn(c‐C6H11)3]2 (1: x = 3; 2: x = 4), have been synthesized and characterized by means of elemental analysis, infrared and NMR (1H, 13C and 119Sn) spectra and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Compound 1⋅H2O⋅CH3OH is a binuclear tin complex containing a four‐coordinated tin and a five‐coordinated tin and linked by an R33(16) hydrogen bond into a one‐dimensional supramolecular chain. Compound 2 is a two‐dimensional coordination polymer which is formed as a result of anisobidentate bridging coordination action of the two carboxylate units of the ligand. Interestingly the two‐dimensional coordination polymer contains 34‐membered macrocycles each of which is comprised of four tricyclohexyltin units. Both compounds have potent in vitro cytotoxic activity against three human tumor cell lines: HeLa, MCF‐7 and CoLo 205. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation of a type of water evaporation inhibiting monolayer based on epoxy resin
Authors: Wu Yan , Yang Fangming , Zhang Xuan
Published: August 2015

In this paper, a type of water evaporation inhibiting monolayer was synthesized through the reaction of hydrogenated bisphenol A epoxy resin with hexadecanol and butanol. These are termed epoxy resin‐based monolayers (ER series). By means of π–t isotherms, γ–C isotherms, evaporation resistance and time, the spreading properties of ER series at gas/liquid interface and the capability of restraining water evaporation were studied systematically. The compactability and morphology of monolayer were characterized by Maxwell displacement current and atomic force microscopy. The results revealed that ER series could spread spontaneously at air/water interface to form a compact, condensed and stable monolayer. Comparing with hexadecanol, the monolayer presented a better performance of restraining water evaporation. Copyright © 2015 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biological evaluation of two Keggin‐type polyoxometalates containing glycine as mushroom tyrosinase inhibitors
Authors: Xing Rui , Wang Fang , Zheng Aping , Wang Li , Fei Dan , Yu Yaping
Published: August 2015

Two Keggin‐type polyoxometalates (POMs) containing glycine, (HGly)3PW12O40 and (HGly)4SiW12O40, were synthesized and evaluated as mushroom tyrosinase inhibitors. The spectrophotometric method results showed that both (HGly)3PW12O40 and (HGly)4SiW12O40 could strongly inhibit the diphenolase activity of the tyrosinase and that their inhibition mechanisms were reversible. Their half‐inhibition concentration values were estimated to be 1.55 and 1.39 mmol/L, respectively. The inhibition kinetics analysis by Lineweaver–Burk plots indicated that (HGly)3PW12O40 was an uncompetitive inhibitor with KIS = 0.046 mmol/L, whereas (HGly)4SiW12O40 was a noncompetitive inhibitor with KI = KIS = 2.17 mmol/L. This study may help to extend the application of POMs in the fields of medicine and food preservation.
Selecting polymers for two‐phase partitioning bioreactors (TPPBs): Consideration of thermodynamic affinity, crystallinity, and glass transition temperature
Authors: Bacon Stuart L. , Peterson Eric C. , Daugulis Andrew J. , Parent J. Scott
Published: August 2015

Two‐phase partitioning bioreactor technology involves the use of a secondary immiscible phase to lower the concentration of cytotoxic solutes in the fermentation broth to subinhibitory levels. Although polymeric absorbents have attracted recent interest due to their low cost and biocompatibility, material selection requires the consideration of properties beyond those of small molecule absorbents (i.e., immiscible organic solvents). These include a polymer's (1) thermodynamic affinity for the target compound, (2) degree of crystallinity (wc), and (3) glass transition temperature (Tg). We have examined the capability of three thermodynamic models to predict the partition coefficient (PC) for n‐butyric acid, a fermentation product, in 15 polymers. Whereas PC predictions for amorphous materials had an average absolute deviation (AAD) of ≥16%, predictions for semicrystalline polymers were less accurate (AAD ≥ 30%). Prediction errors were associated with uncertainties in determining the degree of crystallinity within a polymer and the effect of absorbed water on n‐butyric acid partitioning. Further complications were found to arise for semicrystalline polymers, wherein strongly interacting solutes increased the polymer's absorptive capacity by actually dissolving the crystalline fraction. Finally, we determined that diffusion limitations may occur for polymers operating near their Tg, and that the Tg can be reduced by plasticization by water and/or solute. This study has demonstrated the impact of basic material properties that affects the performance of polymers as sequestering phases in TPPBs, and reflects the additional complexity of polymers that must be taken into account in material selection. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 31:1500–1507, 2015
An EBV‐based plasmid can replicate and maintain in stem cells
Authors: Ali Hosseini Rad Seyed Mohammad , Bamdad Taravat , Arefian Ehsan , Mossahebi‐Mohammadi Majid , Sadeghizadeh Majid
Published: August 2015

Viral vectors have a wide range of applications in biology, particularly in gene therapy. Based on their integration capacity, viral vectors are classified as either integrating or non‐integrating vectors. Although integrating vectors, such as lentivectors, have the ability to direct prolonged expression of exogenous genes, manipulation of the host genome is an inappropriate feature of these gene delivery tools. Non‐integrating vectors, such as episomal replicating plasmids, can replicate and persist in host cells for long periods without any chromosomal interruption. These advantages made them good tools for gene induction purposes in gene therapy and basic studies. Due to the necessity of gene induction in stem cells for study of mammalian development and targeted differentiation, the use of integrating vectors for prolonged expression of genes of interest has been developed. Application of replicating plasmids can overcome some drawbacks associated with integrating vectors, although replication and maintenance of these plasmids can differ between cell types. Previously, it has been shown that such plasmids can be maintained in human embryonic stem cells for more than one month, but the rate of the plasmid replication during the host cell cycle has not been elucidated. In the present study, we showed that an EBV‐based plasmid can replicate simultaneously with host in pluripotent and multipotent human and mouse stem cells and can be sustained for long time periods in dividing cells. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 31:1579–1585, 2015
Intramolecular Cyclization of Carbonate and Thiocarbonate Derivatives of myo‐Inositol in the Solid State: Implications for Acyl Group Transfer Reactions in Molecular Crystals
Authors: Tamboli Majid I. , Shashidhar Mysore S. , Gonnade Rajesh G. , Krishnaswamy Shobhana
Published: August 2015

Racemic 4‐O‐phenoxycarbonyl and 4‐O‐phenoxythiocarbonyl derivatives of myo‐inositol orthoformate undergo thermal intramolecular cyclization in the solid state to yield the corresponding 4,6‐bridged carbonates and thiocarbonates, respectively. The thermal cyclization also occurs in the solution and molten states, but less efficiently, suggesting that these cyclization reactions are aided by molecular pre‐organization, although not strictly topochemically controlled. Crystal structures of two carbonates and a thiocarbonate clearly revealed that the relative orientation of the electrophile and the nucleophile in the crystal lattice facilitates the intramolecular cyclization reaction and forbids the intermolecular reaction. The correlation observed between the chemical reactivity and the non‐covalent interactions in the crystal of the reactants provides a way to estimate the chemical stability of analogous molecules in the solid state.
Religion, spirituality, and health outcomes in cancer: A case for a meta‐analytic investigation
Authors: Salsman John M. , Fitchett George , Merluzzi Thomas V. , Sherman Allen C. , Park Crystal L.
Published: August 2015

A growing body of research shows that a majority of patients with cancer report having religious and spiritual (R/S) beliefs, engaging in R/S behaviors, or deriving comfort from R/S experiences. These studies have been reviewed but not subjected to rigorous critical analysis. A meta‐analytic approach is needed to provide a more definitive understanding of the relationships between R/S (affective, behavioral, and cognitive dimensions) and physical, mental, and social health in all phases of cancer including diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and palliative care. A meta‐analysis can quantify the degree of association between R/S dimensions and patient‐reported health outcomes and the conditions under which these associations are strengthened or attenuated. Results can, in turn, help focus future work in this area by highlighting key variables for inclusion in studies of R/S and cancer and identifying particular subgroups for whom dimensions of R/S are particularly important to their health. Cancer 2015;121:3754–3759. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
A meta‐analytic approach to examining the correlation between religion/spirituality and mental health in cancer
Authors: Salsman John M. , Pustejovsky James E. , Jim Heather S. L. , Munoz Alexis R. , Merluzzi Thomas V. , George Login , Park Crystal L. , Danhauer Suzanne C. , Sherman Allen C. , Snyder Mallory A. , Fitchett George
Published: August 2015

Religion and spirituality (R/S) are patient‐centered factors and often are resources for managing the emotional sequelae of the cancer experience. Studies investigating the correlation between R/S (eg, beliefs, experiences, coping) and mental health (eg, depression, anxiety, well being) in cancer have used very heterogeneous measures and have produced correspondingly inconsistent results. A meaningful synthesis of these findings has been lacking; thus, the objective of this review was to conduct a meta‐analysis of the research on R/S and mental health. Four electronic databases were systematically reviewed, and 2073 abstracts met initial selection criteria. Reviewer pairs applied standardized coding schemes to extract indices of the correlation between R/S and mental health. In total, 617 effect sizes from 148 eligible studies were synthesized using meta‐analytic generalized estimating equations, and subgroup analyses were performed to examine moderators of effects. The estimated mean correlation (Fisher z) was 0.19 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.16‐0.23), which varied as a function of R/S dimensions: affective R/S (z = 0.38; 95% CI, 0.33‐0.43), behavioral R/S (z = 0.03; 95% CI, −0.02‐0.08), cognitive R/S (z = 0.10; 95% CI, 0.06‐0.14), and ‘other’ R/S (z = 0.08; 95% CI, 0.03‐0.13). Aggregate, study‐level demographic and clinical factors were not predictive of the relation between R/S and mental health. There was little indication of publication or reporting biases. The correlation between R/S and mental health generally was positive. The strength of that correlation was modest and varied as a function of the R/S dimensions and mental health domains assessed. The identification of optimal R/S measures and more sophisticated methodological approaches are needed to advance research. Cancer 2015;121:3769–3778. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Religion, spirituality, and physical health in cancer patients: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Jim Heather S. L. , Pustejovsky James E. , Park Crystal L. , Danhauer Suzanne C. , Sherman Allen C. , Fitchett George , Merluzzi Thomas V. , Munoz Alexis R. , George Login , Snyder Mallory A. , Salsman John M.
Published: August 2015

Although religion/spirituality (R/S) is important in its own right for many cancer patients, a large body of research has examined whether R/S is also associated with better physical health outcomes. This literature has been characterized by heterogeneity in sample composition, measures of R/S, and measures of physical health. In an effort to synthesize previous findings, a meta‐analysis of the relation between R/S and patient‐reported physical health in cancer patients was performed. A search of PubMed, PsycINFO, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and the Cochrane Library yielded 2073 abstracts, which were independently evaluated by pairs of raters. The meta‐analysis was conducted for 497 effect sizes from 101 unique samples encompassing more than 32,000 adult cancer patients. R/S measures were categorized into affective, behavioral, cognitive, and ‘other’ dimensions. Physical health measures were categorized into physical well‐being, functional well‐being, and physical symptoms. Average estimated correlations (Fisher z scores) were calculated with generalized estimating equations with robust variance estimation. Overall R/S was associated with overall physical health (z = 0.153, P < .001); this relation was not moderated by sociodemographic or clinical variables. Affective R/S was associated with physical well‐being (z = 0.167, P < .001), functional well‐being (z = 0.343, P < .001), and physical symptoms (z = 0.282, P < .001). Cognitive R/S was associated with physical well‐being (z = 0.079, P < .05) and functional well‐being (z = 0.090, P < .01). ‘Other’ R/S was associated with functional well‐being (z = 0.100, P < .05). In conclusion, the results of the current meta‐analysis suggest that greater R/S is associated with better patient‐reported physical health. These results underscore the importance of attending to patients' religious and spiritual needs as part of comprehensive cancer care. Cancer 2015;121:3760–3768. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
A Bayesian approach for characterization of soft tissue viscoelasticity in acoustic radiation force imaging
Authors: Zhao Xiaodong , Pelegri Assimina A.
Published: August 2015

Biomechanical imaging techniques based on acoustic radiation force (ARF) have been developed to characterize the viscoelasticity of soft tissue by measuring the motion excited by ARF non‐invasively. The unknown stress distribution in the region of excitation limits an accurate inverse characterization of soft tissue viscoelasticity, and single degree‐of‐freedom simplified models have been applied to solve the inverse problem approximately. In this study, the ARF‐induced creep imaging is employed to estimate the time constant of a Voigt viscoelastic tissue model, and an inverse finite element (FE) characterization procedure based on a Bayesian formulation is presented. The Bayesian approach aims to estimate a reasonable quantification of the probability distributions of soft tissue mechanical properties in the presence of measurement noise and model parameter uncertainty. Gaussian process metamodeling is applied to provide a fast statistical approximation based on a small number of computationally expensive FE model runs. Numerical simulation results demonstrate that the Bayesian approach provides an efficient and practical estimation of the probability distributions of time constant in the ARF‐induced creep imaging. In a comparison study with the single degree of freedom models, the Bayesian approach with FE models improves the estimation results even in the presence of large uncertainty levels of the model parameters. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Dependence of Amyloid‐β Dynamics on Protein Force Fields and Water Models
Authors: Somavarapu Arun Kumar , Kepp Kasper P.
Published: August 2015

We studied the dynamics of Aβ40, involved in Alzheimer's disease, by using 21 methods combined from Amber03, Amber99sb‐ILDN, Charmm27, Charmm22*, OPLS‐2001, OPLS‐2006, OPLS‐2008, Gromos96‐43a1, Gromos96‐53a6, Gromos96‐54a7, and the water models SPC, TIP3P, TIP4P. Major differences in the structural ensembles were systematized: Amber03, Charmm27, and Gromos96‐54a7 stabilize the helices; Gromos96‐43a1 and Gromos53a6 favor the β‐strands (with Charmm22* and Amber99sb‐ILDN in between), and OPLS produces unstructured ensembles. The accuracy of the NMR chemical shifts was in the order: Charmm22*>Amber99sb‐ILDN>OPLS‐2008≈Gromos96‐43a1>Gromos96‐54a7≈OPLS‐2001>OPLS‐2006>Gromos96‐53a6>Charmm27>Amber03. The computed 3JHNHα‐coupling constants were sensitive to experiment type and Karplus parameterization. Overall, the ensembles of Charmm22* and Amber99sb‐ILDN provided the best agreement with experimental NMR and circular dichroism data, providing a model for the real Aβ monomer ensemble. Also, the polar water model TIP3P significantly favored helix and compact conformations.
Recovery of molybdenum and vanadium from acidic sulfate leach solution of blue sludge by ion exchange
Authors: Guo Wun‐Jiun , Shen Yun‐Hwei
Published: August 2015

The recovery of vanadium (V) and molybdenum (Mo) from an acidic sulfate solution of blue sludge using chelating ion exchange resin was studied in both batch and column tests. Mo (Mo7O21(OH)33−) and V () ions were adsorbed simultaneously and separated from the coexisting metals, such as aluminum, and nickel, at a pH of around 2.0 with Amberlite IRC748 resin. Due to its higher charges the Mo7O21(OH)33− can be preferentially adsorbed by the IRC748 resin rather than
, and the loaded V and Mo were further separated by chromatographic elution. The column experiments verified that complete recovery of Mo and V from acidic sulfate solution of blue sludge was possible. Application of this process in industry is expected to have an important impact on the recovery of V and Mo from secondary sources containing Mo and V. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 156–160, 2016
Characterization and current–voltage characteristics of solar cells based on the composite of synthesized Sb2S3 powder with small band gap and natural dye
Authors: Validžić Ivana Lj , Janošević Valentina , Mitrić Miodrag
Published: August 2015

Recently, we have reported the synthesis and optical and electronic properties of Sb2S3 nanowires with small band gap. In order to prove that the synthesized nanowires can be considered as a candidate material for solar cells and in order to obtain I–V characteristics, two very simple cells based on synthesized Sb2S3 nanowires/natural dye composite were fabricated. Exponential growth of the I–V curves after illumination revealed that the cells could work as electricity generators. A better current response was observed for the cell made of synthesized powder with smaller band gap. The efficiency of the cells is quite low, but this was an attempt to create a solar cell in order to better understand the properties of the synthesized Sb2S3 semiconductor and the processes that occur in the cell. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 512–516, 2016
Influence of oriented nanofibrous PCL scaffolds on quantitative gene expression during neural differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Abbasi Naghmeh , Hashemi Seyed Mahmoud , Salehi Mohammad , Jahani Hoda , Mowla Seyed Javad , Soleimani Masoud , Hosseinkhani Hossein
Published: August 2015

Neural differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells in combination with three‐dimensional electrospun nanofibers as an artificial extracellular matrix can be utilized to reconstruct a spinal cord defect. In this study, random and parallel‐aligned nanofibrous poly ɛ‐caprolactone was fabricated using electrospinning. Its hydrophobicity was modified by O2 plasma treatment to facilitate enhanced cell attachment. Embryoid bodies (EBs), which contain all three embryonic germ layers, were cultured on poly ɛ‐caprolactone scaffolds to study the effect of fiber orientation on cell morphology and differentiation. Cell morphology and neuron‐specific gene and protein expressions were, respectively, evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and immunocytochemistry. Although two types of nanofibrous scaffolds showed neural marker expression at the protein level, cells on randomly oriented scaffolds showed short‐range topographical guidance and stretched across multiple directions, whereas cells on the parallel scaffolds exhibited long extension with enhanced neuron outgrowth along the fiber, producing oriented extracellular matrix, leading to direct cell migration and nerve regeneration. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction showed that both aligned and random electrospun nanofibers downregulated the precursor neural marker Nestin compared with that in the control group, a gelatin‐coated tissue culture plate (T). Analysis also showed higher expression of dorso‐ventral neural markers (Isl1/2 and Lim1/2) than motor neuron progenitor markers (Pax6, Nkx6.1, and olig2) in aligned nanofibers than in the T group. Moreover, aligned nanofibers showed higher expression of mature neural specific markers such as β‐tub and Map2 than those in the randomly oriented scaffolds. Therefore, we conclude that nanofibers with different orientations can support the neural lineage, but aligned nanofibrous scaffolds are superior candidates to promote the advancement of neural precursors to achieve maturity during the differentiation process. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 155–164, 2016.