bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of rationale awareness in online ideation crowdsourcing tasks
Authors: Xiao Lu
Published: February 2014

Prior studies have shown that articulating and sharing rationales in traditional small‐group activities contribute to the maintenance of common ground, members' knowledge awareness, and contribution awareness. It is likely that the importance of articulating and sharing rationales will be increasingly acknowledged in online crowdsourcing because in such a context, large‐scale participation is expected with participants often not knowing each other and being flexible about their participation status (e.g., participants may join after the activity has started and leave before it completes), and thus more grounding efforts/support are expected. To better understand the role of shared rationales in online crowdsourcing, three experiments were conducted investigating whether and how rationale awareness affects the ideation crowdsourcing task and idea‐evaluation crowdsourcing task based on the findings about the rationale awareness effects in small‐group idea‐generation activities. The results suggest that one's awareness of previous workers' rationales in the current task can slightly improve the average quality of generated ideas in an iterative approach. In addition, one's evaluation of an idea could be positively or negatively affected by the idea's rationale depending on the quality of the rationales. The results also suggest that showing previous workers' rationales in the ideation task may not be an effective approach for improving the best quality of generated ideas.
From P100 to P100': A new citation‐rank approach
Authors: Bornmann Lutz , Mutz Rüdiger
Published: February 2014

Properties of a percentile‐based rating scale needed in bibliometrics are formulated. Based on these properties, P100 was recently introduced as a new citation‐rank approach (Bornmann, Leydesdorff, & Wang, 2013). In this paper, we conceptualize P100 and propose an improvement which we call P100'. Advantages and disadvantages of citation‐rank indicators are noted.
Interactions between Freons: A Rotational Study of CH2F2–CH2Cl2
Authors: Gou Qian , Spada Lorenzo , Vallejo‐López Montserrat , Kisiel Zbigniew , Caminati Walther
Published: February 2014

The rotational spectra of two isotopologues of a 1:1 difluoromethane–dichloromethane complex have been investigated by pulsed‐jet Fourier‐transform microwave spectroscopy. The assigned (most stable) isomer has Cs symmetry and it displays a network of two CH⋅⋅⋅ClC and one CH⋅⋅⋅FC weak hydrogen bonds, thus suggesting that the former interactions are stronger. The hyperfine structures owing to 35Cl (or 37Cl) quadrupolar effects have been fully resolved, thus leading to an accurate determination of the three diagonal (χgg; g=a, b, c) and the three mixed quadrupole coupling constants (χgg′; g, g′=a, b, c; g≠g′). Information on the structural parameters of the hydrogen bonds has been obtained. The dissociation energy of the complex has been estimated to be 7.6 kJ mol−1.
Investigations of interactions between bus rapid transit and general traffic flows
Authors: Chen Xiqun (Michael) , Li Zhiheng , Jiang Han , Li Meng
Published: February 2014

Bus rapid transit (BRT) is a popular strategy to increase transit attraction because of its high‐capacity, comfortable service, and fast travel speed with the exclusive right‐of‐way. Various engineering designs of right‐of‐way and the violation enforcement influence interactions between BRT and general traffic flows. An empirical assessment framework is proposed to investigate traffic congestion and lane‐changing patterns at one typical bottleneck along a BRT corridor. The BRT bottleneck consists of bus lane, BRT station, video enforcement zone, and transit signal priority intersection. We analyze oblique cumulative vehicle counts and oblique cumulative lane‐changing maneuvers extracted from videos. The cumulative vehicle counts method widely applied in revealing queueing dynamics at freeway bottlenecks is extended to an urban BRT corridor. In the study site, we assume four lane‐changing patterns, three of which are verified by the empirical measurements. Investigations of interactions between buses and general traffic show that abnormal behaviors (such as lane violations and slow moving of the general traffic) induce 16% reduction in the saturation rate of general traffic and 17% increase in bus travel time. Further observations show that the BRT station and its induced increasing lane‐changing maneuvers increase the downstream queue discharge flows of general traffic. The empirical results also contribute to more efficient strategies of BRT planning and operations, such as alternative enforcement methods, various lane separation types, and optimized traffic operations. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Machine learning versus statistical modeling
Authors: Boulesteix Anne‐Laure , Schmid Matthias
Published: February 2014

This is a discussion of the following papers: “Probability estimation with machine learning methods for dichotomous and multicategory outcome: Theory” by Jochen Kruppa, Yufeng Liu, Gérard Biau, Michael Kohler, Inke R. König, James D. Malley, and Andreas Ziegler; and “Probability estimation with machine learning methods for dichotomous and multicategory outcome: Applications” by Jochen Kruppa, Yufeng Liu, Hans‐Christian Diener, Theresa Holste, Christian Weimar, Inke R. König, and Andreas Ziegler.
Studies on the interactions of 3,6‐diaminoacridine derivatives with human serum albumin by fluorescence spectroscopy
Authors: Gökoğlu Elmas , Kıpçak Fulya , Seferoğlu Zeynel
Published: February 2014

This study reports the preparation and investigation of the modes of binding of the two symmetric 3,6‐diaminoacridine derivatives obtained from proflavine, which are 3,6‐diphenoxycarbonyl aminoacridine and 3,6‐diethoxycarbonyl aminoacridine to human serum albumin (HSA). The interaction of HSA with the derivatives was investigated using fluorescence quenching and ultraviolet‐visible absorption spectra at pH 7.2 and different temperatures. The results suggest that the derivatives used can interact strongly with HSA and are the formation of HSA‐derivative complexes and hydrophobic interactions as the predominant intermolecular forces in stabilizing for each complex. The Stern‐Volmer quenching constants, binding constants, binding sites and corresponding thermodynamic parameters ΔH, ΔS and ΔG were calculated at different temperatures. The binding distance (r) ~ 3 nm between the donor (HSA) and acceptors (3,6‐diethoxycarbonyl aminoacridine, 3,6‐diphenoxycarbonyl aminoacridine and proflavine) was obtained according to Förster's non‐radiative energy transfer theory. Moreover, the limit of detection and limit of quantification of derivatives were calculated in the presence of albumin. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Path regression models and process control optimisation
Authors: Höskuldsson Agnar
Published: February 2014

New regression methods to analyse multi‐block and path models are presented. The multi‐block and path data are assumed to be organised in a forward‐oriented network of data blocks. This means that there are input data blocks, where modelling starts, and output data blocks that are at the end of the network. Input and output data blocks are connected by intermediate data blocks. It is shown how the method of partial least squares (PLS) regression can be extended to the data blocks that are connected in the path. A simple optimisation procedure in score space is presented, which determines optimal scores at normal operating conditions. It is shown how the optimisation procedure applies to any data block in the path. The advantage of the presented methods is due to that similar method as in PLS regression can be applied to any two connected data blocks. It is indicated that present methods are more efficient to carry out regressions than path methods presented in the literature. The results are illustrated by process data. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Highly Active and Magnetically Recoverable Tris(triazolyl)–CuI Catalyst for Alkyne–Azide Cycloaddition Reactions
Authors: Wang Dong , Etienne Laetitia , Echeverria María , Moya Sergio , Astruc Didier
Published: February 2014

Nanoparticle‐supported tris(triazolyl)–CuBr, with a diameter of approximately 25 nm measured by TEM spectroscopy, has been easily prepared, and its catalytic activity was evaluated in the copper‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction. In initial experiments, 0.5 mol % loading successfully promoted the CuAAC reaction between benzyl azide and phenylacetylene, in water at room temperature (25 °C). During this process, the iron oxide nanoparticle‐supported tris(triazolyl)–CuBr displayed good monodispersity, excellent recoverability, and outstanding reusability. Indeed, it was simply collected and separated from the reaction medium by using an external magnet, then used for another five catalytic cycles without significant loss of catalytic activity. Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis for the first cycle revealed that the amount of copper leached from the catalyst into the reaction medium is negligible (1.5 ppm). The substrate scope has been examined, and it was found that the procedure can be successfully extended to various organic azides and alkynes and can also be applied to the one‐pot synthesis of triazoles, through a cascade reaction involving benzyl bromides, alkynes, and sodium azide. In addition, the catalyst was shown to be an efficient CuAAC catalyst for the synthesis of allyl‐ and TEG‐ended (TEG=triethylene glycol) 27‐branch dendrimers.
Investigations to Increase Cleaning Efficiency with Pulsed Liquid Jet
Authors: Stoye Hannes , Köhler Hannes , Mauermann Marc , Majschak Jens‐Peter
Published: February 2014

Die Reduzierung des Ressourcenaufwandes für Reinigungen in der Lebensmittelproduktion ist ökonomisch und ökologisch sinnvoll. Deshalb wird hier durch die Identifikation relevanter Verfahrensparameter das Potenzial der pulsierenden Spritzreinigung zur Steigerung der zeitbezogenen Reinigungseffizienz aufgezeigt. Der Einfluss der Frequenz sowie der relativen Einschaltdauer bei variiertem Volumenstrom wurde untersucht und ein signifikanter Einfluss der relativen Einschaltdauer nachgewiesen. Mit geeigneten Pulsationsparametern sind erhebliche Einsparungen von Reinigungsflüssigkeit möglich.
Enrichment of stearidonic acid from echium oil via a two‐step lipase‐catalyzed esterification
Authors: Baik Ji Yeon , No Da Som , Oh Se‐Wook , Kim In‐Hwan
Published: February 2014

Stearidonic acid (SDA) from echium oil was enriched substantially by a two‐step lipase‐catalyzed esterification using Lipase OF from Candida rugosa and Lipozyme RM IM from Rhizomucor miehei. During the first step, SDA was enriched in the fatty acid fraction via C. rugosa lipase‐catalyzed esterification with lauryl alcohol. The optimum reaction conditions of water content, temperature, and enzyme loading were 0.25%, 30°C, and 2%, respectively, in terms of the content and yield of SDA. Under these conditions, SDA content was increased to 39.3 from 14.3% of the starting material. To further elevate SDA content, Lipozyme RM IM‐catalyzed esterification was then conducted using the SDA enriched fatty acid from the first step and a maximum SDA content of 54.1% was obtained. Using this two‐step lipase‐catalyzed esterification, SDA content increased fourfold from 14.3 to 54.1% with a 74.8% yield. γ‐Linolenic acid (GLA) was also enriched together with SDA.

Practical applications: SDA, which is one of ω‐3 fatty acids, is considered as a source of health beneficial polyunsaturated fatty acids for vegetarians. SDA enrichment obtained in this study leads also to a high level of GLA. Therefore, this enrichment can be applied to produce a novel structured lipid containing a significant amount of SDA and GLA.
Ovary and egg fatty acid composition of greater amberjack broodstock (Seriola dumerili) fed different dietary fatty acids profiles
Authors: Rodríguez‐Barreto Deiene , Jerez Salvador , Cejas Juana R. , Martin M. Virginia , Acosta Nieves G. , Bolaños Ana , Lorenzo Antonio
Published: February 2014

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of an experimental diet (ED), with high levels of 18:1 n‐9 and low eicosapentaenoic to arachidonic acid ratio (EPA/AA), on the fatty acid (FA) profile of ovary and eggs of Seriola dumerili broodstock, in contrast to a non‐specific commercial diet (nsCD), taking wild fish lipid composition as a positive reference. Two groups of Seriola broodstock born in captivity were fed with either the ED or the nsCD during two consecutive spawning seasons (21 months). After 7 months of feeding, fish fed the ED displayed an ovary FA profile much closer to wild fish. During the second spawning season, only the group fed ED released eggs. Egg FA composition showed some minor changes throughout the spawning season, with a marginal reduction of EPA in the late season being the most striking variation. Overall, the use of the ED showed some positive results, which could favor spontaneous egg release from females born in captivity. However, the lack of fertilization and the high level of 18:2 n‐6 in the ovary tissue and eggs indicate that further improvements are needed in S. dumerili broodstock diet formulation in order to enhance the reproductive performance of this species in captivity.

Practical applications: The use of the ED resulted in an ovary fatty acid profile of cultured females that better resembles that of wild fish. Using broodstock diets with balanced EPA/AA ratios (close to wild fish) may have a positive effect on fish broodstock reproductive performance, at least for this species.
One‐Pot Synthesis of 2‐Imino‐4‐(trifluoromethyl)thiazolidin‐4‐ol Derivatives in a Three‐Component Reaction: Application to Structurally Diverse Scaffolds of Biological Interest Through Subsequent Reactions
Authors: Dalmal Tulshiram , Appalanaidu K. , Kosurkar Umesh B. , Jagadeesh Babu N. , Kumbhare Ravindra M.
Published: February 2014

A highly efficient method for the synthesis of 2‐imino‐4‐(trifluoromethyl)thiazolidin‐4‐ol derivatives has been achieved by the one‐pot, three‐component reactions of primary amines, aryl isothiocyanates, and 3‐bromo‐1,1,1‐trifluoropropanone. The reactions go via symmetrical and unsymmetrical thiourea intermediates. Subsequent reactions of the products allow the synthesis of various scaffolds, including isoxazoles, triazoles, and propargylamine derivatives.
Structural Prerequisites for Receptor Binding of Helicokinin I, a Diuretic Insect Neuropeptide from Helicoverpa zea
Authors: Van Chien Tran , Zdobinsky Tino , Seebohm Guiscard , Nennstiel Dirk , Zerbe Oliver , Scherkenbeck Jürgen
Published: February 2014

In insects essential physiological processes such as muscle activity or water balance are controlled by neuropeptides. However, owing to their metabolic instability and adverse physicochemical properties peptides are unsuited as crop protection agents. Helicokinin I, a diuretic neuropeptide of cotton pest Helicoverpa zea represents a most promising target for the design of neuropeptide mimetics. Several helicokinin analogues containing scaffolds with varying rigidity and different orientations of the N‐ and C‐terminal peptide chains were synthesized and tested for receptor binding. Additional conformational analyses by NMR spectroscopy in a membrane‐mimicking environment together with MD simulations provide a deeper insight into the structural requirements for receptor binding and explain the remarkable activity of a macrocyclic helicokinin I derivative.
Facile Synthesis of AuPd Nanochain Networks on Carbon Supports and Their Application as Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Cha Areum , Shim Jun Ho , Jo Ara , Lee Sang Cheol , Lee Youngmi , Lee Chongmok
Published: February 2014

The present work reports the facile synthesis and characterization of carbon‐supported porous Pd shell coated Au nanochain networks (AuPdNNs/C). By using Co nanoframes as sacrificial templates, AuPdNNs/C series have been prepared by a two‐step galvanic replacement reaction (GRR) technique. In the first step, the Au metal precursor, HAuCl4, reacts spontaneously with the formed Co nanoframes through the GRR, resulting in Au nanochain networks (AuNNs). The second GRR is performed with various concentrations of Pd precursor (0.1, 1, and 10 mM PdCl2), resulting in AuPdNNs/C. The synthesized AuPdNNs/C series are investigated as electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in alkaline solution. The physical properties of the AuPdNNs/C catalysts are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), UV‐vis absorption spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry (CV). Rotating disk electrode (RDE) voltammetric studies show that the Au0.8Pd0.2NNs/C (prepared using 1 mM PdCl2) has the highest ORR activity among all the AuPdNNs/C series, which is comparable to commercial Pt catalyst (E‐TEK). The ORR activity of AuPdNNs/C is presumably due to the enhanced Pd surface area and high porosity of Pd nanoshells.
Lithium‐Ion Battery Performance of (001)‐Faceted TiO2 Nanosheets vs. Spherical TiO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Zhihui , Zhang Yuliang , Xia Ting , Murowchick James , Liu Gao , Chen Xiaobo
Published: February 2014

The influence of surface morphology on the lithium‐ion battery performance of TiO2, a safer anode material than graphite, has been investigated. We demonstrate that (001)‐faceted TiO2 nanosheets display better electrochemical energy storage performance, higher charge/discharge rates, larger capacity, and improved stability over spherical TiO2 nanoparticles. The improvement is attributed to the smaller charge diffusion resistance in the TiO2 nanosheets as a result of increased lithium‐ion insertion/extraction along the c‐axis during the charge/discharge process for the (001)‐faceted TiO2 nanosheets in comparison to spherical TiO2 nanoparticles.
Toward General Rules for the Design of Battery Electrodes Based on Titanium Oxides and Free of Conductive Additives
Authors: Alexander Caleb T. , Kim Chunjoong , Yaylian Riley , Cabana Jordi
Published: February 2014

The functionality of several titanium oxides as active materials in electrodes free of any conductive additive was evaluated and rationalized. Correlations were established between the phase transformation during lithiation and both utilization and durability. Ramsdellite‐type Li2Ti3O7 was found to perform well, enabled by the small, isotropic volume change that accompanies lithium intercalation. In contrast, the anatase and rutile polymorphs of TiO2 suffered losses, to different extents. Rutile could be fully lithiated, which resulted in a significant reduction of crystallinity. Changes in the voltage profile suggest that an amorphous fraction existed that was mainly responsible for a very stable activity upon subsequent cycling. In contrast, anatase electrodes could not be fully lithiated, probably due to kinetic limitations imposed by the transformation, and underwent severe decay upon cycling. Both utilization and stability could be improved to some extent by mixing this phase with Li4Ti5O12, which could provide a mechanically stable scaffold during operation. Our work identifies rules and suggests pathways for the design of high‐energy‐density electrodes based on these phases through the elimination of additives such as high‐surface‐area carbons.
Improved Luby transform codes in low overhead regions for binary erasure channels
Authors: Fei Zesong , Cao Congzhe , Xiao Ming , Hussain Iqbal , Kuang Jingming
Published: February 2014

We study improved degree distribution for Luby transform (LT) codes, which exhibits improved bit error rates particularly in low overhead regions. We construct the degree distribution by modifying robust soliton distribution. The performance of our proposed LT codes is evaluated and compared with the conventional LT codes via And‐Or tree analysis. Then we propose a transmission scheme based on our proposed degree distribution to improve the frame error rate in full recovery regions. Furthermore, the improved degree distribution is applied to distributed multi‐source relay networks and unequal error protection. It is shown that our schemes achieve better performance and reduced complexity especially in low overhead regions, compared with conventional schemes.Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An ignition criterion for combustible solids integrating surface temperature and heating rate
Authors: Tian Ning , Zhou Aixi
Published: February 2014

Surface ignition temperature has been widely used as an ignition criterion for the piloted ignition of common combustible solids. However, experimental observations have shown that the surface temperature of a solid at ignition varies with external heat flux. In addition, if the external heat flux is smaller than the critical heat flux for ignition, the solid will not ignite while the actual surface temperature may be higher than the defined surface ignition temperature. To overcome these limitations and maintain the simplicity of the surface ignition temperature criterion, a new ignition criterion integrating heating rate and surface temperature is proposed, developed, and validated. Predictions based on the new criterion compare well with experimental results on piloted ignition of a thermoplastic material (black PMMA), a thermoset composite material (E‐glass fiber reinforced polyester composite) and a cellulosic material (Red Oak) subjected to different heat flux levels. Potential factors affecting the accuracy and predictive capability of the new heating rate‐related ignition temperature criterion are discussed. The method and associated procedures to construct the heating rate‐related temperature ignition criterion can be used to obtain the same ignition criterion for other combustible solids. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stabilized finite‐element computation of compressible flow with linear and quadratic interpolation functions
Authors: Kotteda V. M. Krushnarao , Mittal Sanjay
Published: February 2014

The unsteady compressible flow equations are solved using a stabilized finite‐element formulation with C0 elements. In 2D, the performance of three‐noded linear and six‐noded quadratic triangular elements is compared. In 3D, the relative performance is evaluated for 6‐noded linear and 18‐noded quadratic wedge elements. Results are compared for the solutions to Euler, laminar, and turbulent flows at different Mach numbers for several flow problems. The finite‐element meshes considered for comparison have same location of nodes for the linear and quadratic interpolations. For the turbulent flow, the Spalart–Allmaras model is used for closure. It is found that the quadratic elements yield better performance than the linear elements. This is attributed to accurate representation of the stabilization terms that involve second‐order derivatives in the formulation. When these terms are dropped from the formulation with quadratic interpolation, the numerical results are similar to those obtained with linear interpolation. The absence of these terms result in added numerical diffusion that seems to give the effect of a relatively reduced Reynolds number. For the same location of nodes, the computations with the linear triangular and wedge elements are approximately 20% and 100% faster than those with quadratic triangular and wedge elements, respectively. However, if the same quadrature rule for numerical integration is used for both interpolations, the computations with quadratic elements are approximately 20% and 45% faster in 2D and 3D, respectively. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simultaneous NF‐κB inhibition and E‐cadherin upregulation mediate mutually synergistic anticancer activity of celastrol and SAHA in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Zheng Lin , Fu Yingying , Zhuang Linhan , Gai Renhua , Ma Jian , Lou Jianshu , Zhu Hong , He Qiaojun , Yang Bo
Published: February 2014

Suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) is a promising histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and whose clinical application for solid tumours is partially limited by decreased susceptibility in cancer cells due to nuclear factor (NF)‐κB activation. As an NF‐κB inhibitor, celastrol exhibits potent anticancer effects but has failed to enter clinical trials due to its toxicity. In this report, we demonstrated that the combination of celastrol and SAHA exerted substantial synergistic efficacy against human cancer cells in vitro and in vivo accompanied by enhanced caspase‐mediated apoptosis. This drug combination inhibited the activation of NF‐κB caused by SAHA monotherapy and consequently led to increased apoptosis in cancer cells. Interestingly, E‐cadherin was dramatically downregulated in celastrol‐resistant cancer cells, and E‐cadherin expression was closely related to decreased sensitivity to celastrol. However, our combination treatment significantly augmented the expression of E‐cadherin, suggesting that mutual mechanisms contributed to the synergistic anticancer activity. Furthermore, the enhanced anticancer efficacy of celastrol combined with SAHA was validated in a human lung cancer 95‐D xenograft model without increased toxicity. Taken together, our data demonstrated the synergistic anticancer effects of celastrol and SAHA due to their reciprocal sensitisation, which was simultaneously regulated by NF‐κB and E‐cadherin; thus, the combination of celastrol and SAHA was superior to other combination regimens that rely on a single mechanism. Our findings not only open new opportunities for the clinical development of SAHA but should also motivate the clinical investigation of celastrol, which has been hampered by its toxicity.
Body mass index and risk of renal cell cancer: A dose‐response meta‐analysis of published cohort studies
Authors: Wang Furan , Xu Yinghua
Published: February 2014

Obesity is accepted as one of the major risk factors for renal cell cancer (RCC). However, conflicting results persist for the pooled risks based on the results from case–control and cohort studies combined, and the exact shape of the dose–response relationship has not been clearly defined yet. To help elucidate the role of obesity, PubMed and Embase databases were searched for published cohort studies on associations between body mass index (BMI) and risk of RCC. Random‐effects models and dose‐response meta‐analyses were used to pool study results. Subgroup analyses were conducted by the available characteristics of studies and participants. Cohort studies (21) with 15,144 cases and 9,080,052 participants were identified. Compared to normal weight, the pooled relative risks and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals of RCC were 1.28(1.24–1.33) for preobesity and 1.77(1.68–1.87) for obesity, respectively. A nonlinear dose–response relationship was also found for RCC risk with BMI (p = 0.000), and the risk increased by 4% for each 1 kg/m2 increment in BMI. There was no significant between‐study heterogeneity among studies (I2 = 35.6% for preobesity and I2 = 44.2% for obesity, respectively). Subgroup analysis showed a basically consistent result with the overall analysis. These results suggest that increased BMI are associated with increased risk of RCC both for men and women.
Biomimetic Thiyl Radical Chemistry by γ‐Irradiation of Micelles and Vesicles Containing Unsaturated Fatty Acids
Authors: Chatgilialoglu Chryssostomos , Ferreri Carla , Lykakis Ioannis N. , Mihaljević Branka
Published: February 2014

Different types of lipid aggregations, such as micelles and liposomes, can be used as biomimetic models. The uses of γ‐irradiation as a valid methodology for simulating the biological generation of thiyl radicals in these models are summarized and, in particular, thiyl radical catalyzed cistrans isomerization of unsaturated lipids is underlined. The efficiency of antioxidants against lipid isomerization assayed by biomimetic models and the importance of trans lipids as novel biomarkers of radical stress are also described.
c‐fos and c‐jun Expression in the Liver of Silver Carp and the Effect of Microcystins
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Ma Junguo , Fang Qian , Li Xiaoyu
Published: February 2014

In the present study, c‐fos and c‐jun cDNAs were cloned, and their phylogenetic trees were constructed. The results demonstrate that the full‐length c‐fos cDNA is 1719 bp and contains a 1059‐bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding 352 amino acids. The c‐jun cDNA is 1931 bp and contains a 927‐bp ORF encoding 308 amino acids. Moreover, constitutive expression of c‐fos and c‐jun was detected in all examined tissues of the silver carp using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and the liver showed the highest relative expression rate. In addition, we found that either 50 or 200 μg/kg crude microcystin exposure significantly promoted the transcription of c‐fos, c‐jun, and c‐myc in the silver carp liver, suggesting that c‐fos, c‐jun, and c‐myc may be involved in the hepatotoxicity of microcystins.
Cluster analysis applied to the spatial and temporal variability of monthly rainfall in Alagoas state, Northeast of Brazil
Authors: Lyra Gustavo B. , Oliveira‐Júnior José F. , Zeri Marcelo
Published: February 2014

Rainfall over the northeast part of Brazil is highly influenced by several weather systems such as trade winds, the Intertropical Convergence Zone, Easterly Wave Disturbances, Bolivia High and Atlantic Sub‐tropical Anticyclone. The objectives of this work were to identify, using cluster analysis, spatial and temporal rainfall patterns for the northeastern Brazilian state of Alagoas, and to relate those patterns with the weather systems that occur over that region, which is the most populated area of semiarid climate in the world. The dataset consists of 30‐years long time series of rainfall from 36 stations located on the state. Hierarchical clustering using Ward's algorithm was used to classify the sites into five groups. The stations were grouped according to the distance to the coast and orography. Rainfall is not uniformly distributed in space and time in all regions, such as in two groups within the arid zone, where more than 60% of annual precipitation occurs in a period of 5 months (March to July). Rainfall was highest in the coastal regions and over areas of the state with high altitude, due to orographic rainfall. Overall, rainfall over the state of Alagoas is characterized by strong gradients from the coast to the continent and from north to south due to the physiography of the region and the influence of weather systems with different time scales.
Local ZnCl2 accelerates fracture healing
Authors: Wey Aaron , Cunningham Catherine , Hreha Jeremy , Breitbart Eric , Cottrell Jessica , Ippolito Joseph , Clark Devin , Lin Hsuan‐Ni , Benevenia Joseph , O'Connor J. Patrick , Lin Sheldon S. , Paglia David N.
Published: February 2014

This study evaluated the effect of local zinc chloride (ZnCl2), an insulin mimetic agent, upon the early and late parameters of fracture healing in rats using a standard femur fracture model. Mechanical testing, radiographic scoring, histomorphometry, qualitative histological scoring, PCNA immunohistochemistry, and local growth factor analysis were performed. Fractures treated with local ZnCl2 possessed significantly increased mechanical properties compared to controls at 4 weeks post fracture. The radiographic scoring analysis showed increased cortical bridging at 4 weeks in the 1.0 (p = 0.0015) and 3.0 (p < 0.0001) mg/kg ZnCl2 treated groups. Histomorphometry of the fracture callus at day 7 showed 177% increase (p = 0.036) in percent cartilage and 133% increase (p = 0.002) in percent mineralized tissue with local ZnCl2 treatment compared to controls. Qualitative histological scoring showed a 2.1× higher value at day 7 in the ZnCl2 treated group compared to control (p = 0.004). Cell proliferation and growth factors, VEGF and IGF‐I, within fracture calluses treated with local ZnCl2 were increased at day 7. The results suggest local administration of ZnCl2 increases cell proliferation, causing increased growth factor production which yields improved chondrogenesis and endochondral ossification. Ultimately, these events lead to accelerated fracture healing as early as 4 weeks post fracture. © 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:834–841, 2014.
Changes in tibiofemoral forces due to variations in muscle activity during walking
Authors: DeMers Matthew S. , Pal Saikat , Delp Scott L.
Published: February 2014

Muscles induce large forces in the tibiofemoral joint during walking and thereby influence the health of tissues like articular cartilage and menisci. It is possible to walk with a wide variety of muscle coordination patterns, but the effect of varied muscle coordination on tibiofemoral contact forces remains unclear. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of varied muscle coordination on tibiofemoral contact forces. We developed a musculoskeletal model of a subject walking with an instrumented knee implant. Using an optimization framework, we calculated the tibiofemoral forces resulting from muscle coordination that reproduced the subject's walking dynamics. We performed a large set of optimizations in which we systematically varied the coordination of muscles to determine the influence on tibiofemoral force. Model‐predicted tibiofemoral forces arising with minimum muscle activation matched in vivo forces measured during early stance, but were greater than in vivo forces during late stance. Peak tibiofemoral forces during late stance could be reduced by increasing the activation of the gluteus medius, uniarticular hip flexors, and soleus, and by decreasing the activation of the gastrocnemius and rectus femoris. These results suggest that retraining of muscle coordination could substantially reduce tibiofemoral forces during late stance. © 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:769–776, 2014.
Ex‐Post Innovation Profile of LBO Targets: Evidence from CIS Data for the Netherlands
Authors: Le Nadant Anne‐Laure , Perdreau Frédéric
Published: February 2014

Leveraged buyout (LBO) target companies are more innovative than non‐LBO ones with a similar level of innovation expenditures, which suggests ambidextrous innovation practices.
Prognostic implication of TSC1 and mTOR expression in gastric carcinoma
Authors: Byeon Sun‐ju , Han Nayoung , Choi Jiwoon , Kim Min A , Kim Woo Ho
Published: February 2014

Background

Gastric adenocarcinoma is the sixth most common and third most lethal cancer in the world. Except for HER2‐targeted therapy, targeted agents against specific molecules participating in gastric carcinogenesis, including those in the mechanistic target of rapamycin (serine/threonine kinase) (mTOR) pathway have not been proved to be effective. However, some studies have suggested that dysfunction of TSC1 may augment mTOR inhibitor activity.

Methods

We studied p‐mTOR and TSC1 status by immunohistochemical analysis of gastric carcinoma samples using a tissue microarray method and expression values adopted from The Cancer Genome Atlas.

Results

High p‐mTOR and low TSC1 expression status is associated with adverse clinicopathologic parameters. Patients with high p‐mTOR levels showed poor survival. Patients with low TSC1 levels showed unfavorable survival status in the overall patients group. The combination of p‐mTOR status and TSC1 status provided more strong survival information than using each parameter alone.

Conclusions

In gastric cancer, high p‐mTOR expression level is a statistically significant parameter in multivariate and Kaplan–Meier analyses (log‐rank test). In addition to p‐mTOR, TSC1 expression provided additional information to predict survival. We therefore suggest that evaluation of both p‐mTOR and TSC1 status may be helpful in clinical trials related to mTOR inhibitors. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 109:812–817. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stiffness and damping coefficients for rubber mounted hybrid bearing
Authors: K. P. Lijesh , Hirani Harish
Published: February 2014

A non‐contact passive magnetic bearing has a low friction compared with other passive (journal or ball) bearings. But these bearings have negligible damping due to which even small rotor vibration impacts the bearing magnet. It results in breakage of brittle magnetic materials. To overcome this problem, a hybrid bearing (passive magnet + elastomer) has been proposed in the present manuscript. To select an appropriate rubber, a step‐by‐step approach, using pendulum and hysteresis tests, has been followed. A parametric study on thickness of selected rubber was carried out. Experiments were conducted on three configurations: (i) a stand‐alone magnetic bearing, (ii) magnetic bearing with a butyl rubber having a thickness of 1 mm, and (iii) magnetic bearing with a butyl rubber having a thickness of 1.5 mm. To investigate the effect of rubber Young's modulus on the damping, rubber was made softer by immersing in aromatic liquid, and the experiments were repeated using softer rubber. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prospects for neuroprotective therapies in prodromal Huntington's disease
Authors: Chandra Abhishek , Johri Ashu , Beal M. Flint
Published: February 2014

Huntington's disease (HD) is a prototypical dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive cognitive deterioration, psychiatric disturbances, and a movement disorder. The genetic cause of the illness is a CAG repeat expansion in the huntingtin gene, which leads to a polyglutamine expansion in the huntingtin protein. The exact mechanism by which mutant huntingtin causes HD is unknown, but it causes abnormalities in gene transcription as well as both mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative damage. Because the penetrance of HD is complete with CAG repeats greater than 39, patients can be diagnosed well before disease onset with genetic testing. Longitudinal studies of HD patients before disease onset have shown that subtle cognitive and motor deficits occur as much as 10 years before onset, as do reductions in glucose utilization and striatal atrophy. An increase in inflammation, as shown by elevated interleukin‐6, occurs approximately 15 years before onset. Detection of these abnormalities may be useful in defining an optimal time for disease intervention to try to slow or halt the degenerative process. Although reducing gene expression with small interfering RNA or short hairpin RNA is an attractive approach, other approaches targeting energy metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative damage may be more easily and rapidly moved into the clinic. The recent PREQUEL study of coenzyme Q10 in presymptomatic gene carriers showed the feasibility of carrying out clinical trials to slow or halt onset of HD. We review both the earliest detectable clinical and laboratory manifestations of HD, as well as potential neuroprotective therapies that could be utilized in presymptomatic HD. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Micromechanics of vortices in granular media: connection to shear bands and implications for continuum modelling of failure in geomaterials
Authors: Tordesillas Antoinette , Pucilowski Sebastian , Walker David M. , Peters John F. , Walizer Laura E.
Published: February 2014

Recent analysis of data from triaxial tests on sand and discrete element simulations indicate the final pattern of failure is encoded in grain motions during the nascent stages of loading. We study vortices that are evident from grain displacements at the start of loading and bear a direct mathematical connection to boundary conditions, uniform continuum strain and shear bands. Motions of three grains in mutual contact, that is, 3‐cycles, manifest vortices. In the initial stages of loading, 3‐cycles initiate a rotation around a region Ω*where the shear band ultimately develops. This bias sets a course in 3‐cycle evolution, determining where they will more likely collapse. A multiscale spatial analysis of 3‐cycle temporal evolution provides quantitative evidence that the most stable, persistent 3‐cycles degrade preferentially in Ω*, until essentially depleted when the shear band is fully formed. The transition towards a clustered distribution of persistent 3‐cycles occurs early in the loading history—and coincides with the persistent localisation of vortices in Ω*. In 3D samples, no evidence of spatial clustering in persistent 3‐cycle deaths is found in samples undergoing diffuse failure, while early clustering manifests in a sample that ultimately failed by strain localisation. This study not only delivered insights into the possible structural origins of vortices in dense granular systems but also a tool for the early detection of the mode of failure—localised versus diffuse—a sample will ultimately undergo. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fabrication of amorphous calcium carbonate composite particles‐polymer multilayer films by a layer‐by‐layer method
Authors: Huang Shu‐Chen , Minami Takayuki , Naka Kensuke , Chujo Yoshiki
Published: February 2014

Organic–inorganic hybrid multilayer films were prepared on a precoated cationic glass substrate by using a layer‐by‐layer (LbL) electrostatic self‐assembly technique with poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) as a polycation and submicron‐sized stable amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) composite particles. The ACC composite particles (ACP) stabilized with poly(acrylic acid) were obtained by a carbonate controlled‐addition method. The average particles size of ACP was (1.8 ± 0.4) × 102 nm. An ethanolic dispersion of ACP was used for the LbL electrostatic self‐assembly technique on the precoated substrate due to instability of ACP in water. The deposition of the particles was confirmed by SEM analysis. The film thickness of the multilayer assembly increased from 230 to 710 nm with increasing the deposition layers. The FTIR spectra of scratched multilayer samples showed characteristic broaden peaks of ACC. The amorphous phase was stable after the LbL assembly process as well as after 2 months in a dry film state. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:330–335, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Characterization of oil complex hydrocarbon mixtures by HSQC‐NMR spectroscopy and PCA
Authors: Rios Stella M. , Barquín Mercedes , Nudelman Norma Sbarbati
Published: February 2014

The degree of changes in complex mixtures from crude oil (CO) and from oil residues in soils was determined by using heteronuclear single quantum coherence–nuclear magnetic resonance (HSQC‐NMR) spectroscopy. The HSQC‐NMR spectra of crude oil samples and two oil residues with natural attenuation (E1 and E2), and two biopiles (B1 and B2) were recorded using a 500‐MHz spectrometer. The spectra could be divided into major regions according to the different types of protons and carbons. Twenty‐three regions (A1–A5, B1–B11, C1–C3, D1–D3, and E) were defined on the basis of signal assignments. A multivariate method, the principal component analysis (PCA), was used to search the change in the structural parameters during the environmental exposure time. The first two principal components (PCs) accounted for the 83.3% of the total variance (51.8% and 31.5% for PC1 and PC2, respectively). The euclidean distances (3D) between the samples are 2.80 (CO–E2), 2.37 (CO–E1), 1.62 (CO–BP1), and 1.72 (CO–BP2). This suggests that the environmental transformation during exposure time follows the order E2 > E1 > BP2 > BP1 > CO. The disappearance of the signals (−CH, −CH2, and −CH3) in the HSCQ‐NMR spectra compared with the crude oil spectrum was conveniently quantified by PCA, and it helps in the characterization of the fate of the oil spills. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Factors associated with delayed patient appraisal of colorectal cancer symptoms
Authors: Siminoff Laura , Thomson Maria , Dumenci Levent
Published: February 2014

Objective

To evaluate the relationship between symptoms, financial and cognitive barriers with patient delays in seeking evaluation of symptoms.

Methods

Data were collected from 252 colorectal cancer patients from academic and community oncology practices in Virginia and Ohio. We used a cross‐sectional, mixed methods design collected data through patient interviews and medical record reviews. Structural equation modeling (SEM) tested the hypothesized relationships between symptoms, financial and cognitive barriers and patient care seeking delays.

Results

In bivariate analyses, patients who reported a financial barrier to accessing health care (t (246) = −2.6, p < 0.01) were more likely to have greater care‐seeking delays. Model testing revealed that experiencing cognitive barriers was a significant, positive, direct predictor of appraisal delay (0.35; p < 0.01). Indirect pathways from symptoms (0.07; p < 0.05) and financial barriers (0.09; p < 0.05) to appraisal delay via cognitive barriers were significant.

Conclusions

Patient interpretations of symptoms were influenced by financial barriers. Conceptualizing financial barriers as a component of the symptom appraisal process is conceptually different from viewing it as only a structural barrier preventing healthcare access.

Implications for practice

These findings extend our understanding of why and how patients seemingly ignore serious symptoms, which hamper physician ability to provide curative therapy. In addition to uninsured patients, this may have important implications for the treatment and care of those who are underinsured. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Daily well‐being of cancer survivors: the role of somatic amplification
Authors: Barrineau Mary Jon , Zarit Steven H. , King Heather A. , Costanzo Erin S. , Almeida David M.
Published: February 2014

Objective

The current study examined the role that somatic amplification plays in placing cancer survivors at an increased risk of impairments in daily well‐being, specifically severity of physical symptoms, positive affect and negative affect.

Methods

Participants were drawn from Midlife Development in the United States National Study of daily health and well‐being (MIDUS) and the National Study of Daily Experiences (NSDE, Project 2). One hundred eleven individuals with a cancer history were compared with a matched comparison group of individuals who did not have a cancer history.

Results

Results show that across both groups, somatic amplification is associated with higher negative affect and higher severity of physical symptoms. However, results also show that a somatic amplification by cancer status interaction predicts severity of physical symptoms. The significant interaction indicates that in the comparison group, level of physical symptom severity is the same regardless of whether the individual is high or low on somatic amplification. However, in the group of individuals with a cancer history, individuals who are high on somatic amplification report more severe physical symptoms than individuals who are low on somatic amplification.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that heightened attention to minor bodily symptoms impacts individuals with a cancer history differently than individuals who have not experienced cancer, and therefore, may have important implications for the manner in which continued care is provided to cancer survivors. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.