bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of hydrodynamic shear on performance and microbial community structure of a hybrid anaerobic reactor
Authors: Kundu Kankana , Bergmann Ingo , Klocke Michael , Sharma Shilpi , Sreekrishnan Trichur Ramaswamy
Published: August 2013

BACKGROUND

Hydrodynamic shear plays a major role in the formation, maintenance, structure, and metabolism of self‐immobilized microbial communities in reactors. The study attempts to correlate the performance and microbial community structure of granular sludge in a mesophilic hybrid anaerobic reactor under different upflow velocities to fluidize the bed. The reactor was started with an initial upflow velocity of 4 m h‐1, which was increased gradually till system deterioration to observe its effect on granule size, reactor performance, and microbial community structure. Monte Carlo method was used to quantify hydrodynamic shear range at different upflow velocities using a modified Ergun equation for the respective ranges of granule size.

RESULTS

Up to 6 m h‐1 performance was positively affected, but beyond this upflow velocity, the system started showing reduced performance and completely deteriorated at 10 m h‐1. Significant reduction in the abundance and diversity of both Archaea and Bacteria was observed. Among all methanogenic groups, Methanosaetaceae was most severely affected due to breakage and wash out of granules.

CONCLUSION

It can be concluded that hydrodynamic shear can be employed as a sensitive control parameter to improve reactor performance, and a specified range should be determined experimentally to avoid negative influences associated with this. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Relative humidity distribution from SAPHIR experiment on board Megha‐Tropiques satellite mission: Comparison with global radiosonde and other satellite and reanalysis data sets
Authors: Venkat Ratnam M. , Basha Ghouse , Krishna Murthy B. V. , Jayaraman A.
Published: August 2013

For better understanding the life cycle of the convective systems and their interactions with the environment, a joint Indo‐French satellite mission named Megha‐Tropiques has been launched in October 2011 in a low‐inclination (20°) orbit. In the present study, we show the first results on the comparison of relative humidity (RH) obtained using a six‐channel microwave sounder, covering from surface to 100 hPa, from one of the payloads SAPHIR (Sounder for Atmospheric Profiling of Humidity in the Inter‐tropical Regions). The RH observations from SAPHIR illustrated the numerous scales of variability in the atmosphere both vertically and horizontally. As a part of its validation, we compare SAPHIR RH with simultaneous observations from a network of radiosondes distributed across the world (±30° latitude), other satellites (Atmospheric Infrared Sounder, Infrared Atmospheric Sounder Interferometer, Constellation Observation System for Meteorology Ionosphere and Climate (COSMIC)), and various reanalysis (National Center for Environmental Prediction (NCEP), European Center for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts reanalysis (ERA)‐Interim, Modern‐Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Application (MERRA)) products. Being at a low inclination, SAPHIR is able to show better global coverage when compared to any other existing satellites in the tropical region where some important weather processes take place. A very good correlation is noticed with the RH obtained from a global radiosonde network particularly in the altitude range corresponding to 850–250 hPa, thus providing a valuable data set for investigating the convective processes. In the case of satellite data sets, SAPHIR RH is well comparable with COSMIC RH. Among the reanalysis products, NCEP shows less difference with SAPHIR followed by ERA‐Interim, and the MERRA products show large differences in the middle and upper troposphere.
Counting Independent Sets of a Fixed Size in Graphs with a Given Minimum Degree
Authors: Engbers John , Galvin David
Published: August 2013

Galvin showed that for all fixed δ and sufficiently large n, the n‐vertex graph with minimum degree δ that admits the most independent sets is the complete bipartite graph . He conjectured that except perhaps for some small values of t, the same graph yields the maximum count of independent sets of size t for each possible t. Evidence for this conjecture was recently provided by Alexander, Cutler, and Mink, who showed that for all triples with , no n‐vertex bipartite graph with minimum degree δ admits more independent sets of size t than . Here, we make further progress. We show that for all triples with and , no n‐vertex graph with minimum degree δ admits more independent sets of size t than , and we obtain the same conclusion for and . Our proofs lead us naturally to the study of an interesting family of critical graphs, namely those of minimum degree δ whose minimum degree drops on deletion of an edge or a vertex.
Interval Non‐edge‐Colorable Bipartite Graphs and Multigraphs
Authors: Petrosyan Petros A. , Khachatrian Hrant H.
Published: August 2013

An edge‐coloring of a graph G with colors is called an interval t‐coloring if all colors are used, and the colors of edges incident to any vertex of G are distinct and form an interval of integers. In 1991, Erdős constructed a bipartite graph with 27 vertices and maximum degree 13 that has no interval coloring. Erdős's counterexample is the smallest (in a sense of maximum degree) known bipartite graph that is not interval colorable. On the other hand, in 1992, Hansen showed that all bipartite graphs with maximum degree at most 3 have an interval coloring. In this article, we give some methods for constructing of interval non‐edge‐colorable bipartite graphs. In particular, by these methods, we construct three bipartite graphs that have no interval coloring, contain 20, 19, 21 vertices and have maximum degree 11, 12, 13, respectively. This partially answers a question that arose in [T.R. Jensen, B. Toft, Graph coloring problems, Wiley Interscience Series in Discrete Mathematics and Optimization, 1995, p. 204]. We also consider similar problems for bipartite multigraphs.
On Generalized Ramsey Numbers for 3‐Uniform Hypergraphs
Authors: Dudek Andrzej , Mubayi Dhruv
Published: August 2013

The well‐known Ramsey number is the smallest integer n such that every ‐free graph of order n contains an independent set of size u. In other words, it contains a subset of u vertices with no K2. Erdős and Rogers introduced a more general problem replacing K2 by  for . Extending the problem of determining Ramsey numbers they defined the numbers

urn:x-wiley:03649024:media:jgt21760:jgt21760-math-0005where the minimum is taken over all ‐free graphs G of order n. In this note, we study an analogous function for 3‐uniform hypergraphs. In particular, we show that there are constants c1 and c2 depending only on s such that

urn:x-wiley:03649024:media:jgt21760:jgt21760-math-0008
Autologous solution protects bovine cartilage explants from IL‐1α‐ and TNFα‐induced cartilage degradation
Authors: Matuska Andrea , O'shaughnessey Krista , King William , Woodell‐May Jennifer
Published: August 2013

Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by deterioration of articular cartilage driven by an imbalance of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines. To address the cartilage deterioration observed in OA, an autologous protein solution (APS) has been developed which has been shown to inhibit the production of destructive proteases and inflammatory cytokines from chondrocytes and monocytes, respectively. The purpose of this study was to determine the chondroprotective effect of APS on IL‐1α‐ or TNFα‐challenged bovine articular cartilage explants. Cartilage explants were cultured in the presence or absence of recombinant inflammatory cytokines, IL‐1α and TNFα. Explants under equivalent inflammatory conditions were pretreated with recombinant antagonists IL‐1ra, sTNF‐RI, or APS to measure their inhibition of matrix degradation. Explants were further evaluated with Safranin‐O, Masson's Trichrome, and Hematoxylin and Eosin histological staining. APS was more effective than recombinant antagonists in preventing cartilage matrix degradation and inhibited any measurable IL‐1α‐induced collagen release over a 21‐day culture period. APS treatment reduced the degree of Safranin‐O staining loss when cartilage explants were cultured with IL‐1α or TNFα. Micrographs of APS treated cartilage explants showed an increase in observed cellularity and apparent cell division. APS may have the potential to prevent cartilage loss associated with early OA. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:1929–1935, 2013
Thermal stability of liquid antioxidative extracts from pomegranate peel
Authors: Qu Wenjuan , Li Pingping , Hong Jihua , Liu Zhiling , Chen Yufang , Breksa Andrew P , Pan Zhongli
Published: August 2013

BACKGROUND

Liquid extracts from pomegranate peel have the potential for use as natural antioxidant products. This study investigates the quality changes of liquid extracts before and after thermal treatment during sterilization and storage. Liquid pomegranate peel extracts were prepared, sterilized under ultra‐high temperature (UHT) at 121 °C for 10 s and then stored at three temperatures (4, 25 and 37 °C) for up to 180 days. The industrial, color, UV‐visible spectrum profile and antioxidant (phenolics) characteristics were measured.

RESULTS

Thermal sterilization treatment had no negative effects on the industrial, color, spectral and antioxidant characteristics of the extracts. After 180 days, the extracts stored at 4 °C retained 67% of the initial total soluble phenolic content and 58% of the original scavenging activity. The major antioxidant components in the extracts (stored at 4 °C for 180 days) were gallic acid, punicalagin A, punicalagin B and ellagic acid having concentrations of 19.3, 197.2, 221.1 and 92.4 mg L−1, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The results show that liquid pomegranate peel extracts had acceptable thermal stability after sterilization and storage. The recommended storage condition of this product was low temperature. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography coupled with MS/MS to detect and quantify dicarboxyethyl glutathione, a metabolic biomarker of the fumarate hydratase deficient cancer cell
Authors: Nguyen Hien P. , Chandel Navdeep S. , DeBerardinis Ralph J. , Schug Kevin A.
Published: August 2013

The identification of a glutathione (GSH) fumarate conjugate, dicarboxyethyl glutathione, formed during the nonenzymatic succination of GSH by fumarate was confirmed in fumarate hydratase deficient cells using a product ion scan approach followed by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography coupled with MS/MS. GSH and its conjugates, including dicarboxyethyl glutathione and glutathione disulfide, were successfully separated on a zwitterionic stationary phase and detected by MS/MS operated under negative ESI mode. The relative quantitation of the analytes in cell extracts was carried out and a correction model was established to determine correction factors under matrix effects and the response mismatch between the analytes. These factors were calculated and iteratively used to measure all analytes in cell extracts, based on calibration curves constructed in neat solution. The model was a closed‐loop calculation, consisting of two sides with each side of the loop presenting a calculation pathway. Deviation of the correction factors obtained from these pathways manifested the model accuracy. The model was evaluated and there was no significant difference between the two pathways.
Identification of regioisomers and enantiomers of triacylglycerols in different yeasts using reversed‐ and chiral‐phase LC–MS
Authors: Řezanka Tomáš , Kolouchová Irena , Čejková Alena , Cajthaml Tomáš , Sigler Karel
Published: August 2013

LC with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (ACPI) MS with RP and chiral phase was used for separation of triacylglycerols (TAGs) from yeasts of the genera Candida, Kluyveromyces, Rhodotorula, Saccharomyces, Torulospora, Trichosporon, and Yarrowia. Chiral LC–APCI‐MS is based on using two columns in series packed with a 3,5‐dimethylphenyl carbamate modified β‐cyclodextrin chiral phase. All regioisomers and enantiomers of TAGs containing one to five double bonds were separated. Molecular species of TAGs, i.e. regioisomers and enantiomers, were identified and quantified by MS/MS. Among the 94 identified TAGs, the most abundant were triolein, oleopalmitoleoolein, and dipalmitoleoolein. In strains producing palmitoleic acid in amounts >25% of total fatty acids (FAs), this acid, or unsaturated FA is bound in sn‐1. In strains containing palmitoleic acid at 10–25% total FAs this acid is mainly bound in sn‐3, saturated FA being bound in sn‐1. Strains containing <10% palmitoleic acid form preferentially symmetrical TAGs.
The Role of Knowledge Intermediaries in the Management of Experience Knowledge
Authors: Franssila Heljä
Published: August 2013

Effectively collecting, sharing and cultivating experience‐based knowledge in work organisations is demanding. As the challenges are getting more intensive, there is a need for dedicated personnel who are able to steer, enable and support knowledge sharing activities. In the knowledge management literature, these types of individuals may be characterised as knowledge intermediaries.

This paper presents results from an empirical study of an inquiry into the work tasks of knowledge intermediaries. The study focused on exploring the challenges and demands knowledge intermediaries experienced in enabling experience knowledge sharing and reuse. The study was conducted in two industrial enterprises that both manufacture complex machinery products and provide after sales installation and maintenance services for the machines at clients' sites. Empirical data were collected through interviews with technical support personnel who serve as knowledge intermediaries in after sales services.

The study analyses and describes prototypical activity episodes that illustrate the nature of knowledge intermediary work and the information interaction challenges faced in their work. Typical demands and challenges for the management of experience knowledge include the following: (i) problem space assembly and narrowing in urgent support request situations; (ii) assembly of the hidden experience‐based knowledge; and (iii) new component and product knowledge acquisition and updating. The paper contributes to the understanding of the needs for and practices of knowledge intermediaries, and it offers some guidelines for the enhancement of experience knowledge sharing in workplaces. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Viscosity Law of Dendronized Linear Polymers
Authors: Zhang Baozhong , Kroeger Anja , Schlüter A. Dieter , Wegner Gerhard
Published: August 2013

The intrinsic viscosity [η] of dendronized linear macromolecules dissolved in thermodynamically good solvents depends both on chain length that is contour length Lc of the backbone of the polymer and on the persistence length lp. Investigating a set of samples of identical Lc but differing in the generation number for which data on lp are available, it becomes possible to establish a generalized viscosity law in the form [η] = K(M/Mp)α in which Mp denotes the molar mass of the objects per lp, M is the total molar mass, K is a constant, and α is the Mark–Howink exponent, which is found to be 0.55.

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Maternal vitamin D deficiency causes smaller muscle fibers and altered transcript levels of genes involved in protein degradation, myogenesis, and cytoskeleton organization in the newborn rat
Authors: Max Daniela , Brandsch Corinna , Schumann Sarah , Kühne Hagen , Frommhagen Matthias , Schutkowski Alexandra , Hirche Frank , Staege Martin S. , Stangl Gabriele I.
Published: August 2013

Scope

Epidemiologic data reveal associations between low serum concentrations of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and higher risk of falls and muscle weakness. Fetal stage is critical for the development of skeletal muscle, but little information is available on the impact of maternal vitamin D deficiency on muscles of offspring.

Methods and results

To investigate the morphology and transcriptome of gastrocnemius muscle in newborns in response to maternal vitamin D deficiency, 14 female rats were fed either a vitamin D3 deficient (0 IU/kg) or a vitamin D3 adequate diet (1000 IU/kg) 8 weeks prior to conception, during pregnancy, and lactation. Analysis of cholecalciferol, 25(OH)D3 and 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 show that dams fed the vitamin D deficient diet and their newborns suffered from a relevant vitamin D deficiency. Muscle cells of vitamin D deficient newborns were smaller than those of vitamin D adequate newborns (p < 0.05). Muscle transcriptome of the newborns revealed 426 probe sets as differentially expressed (259 upregulated, 167 downregulated) in response to vitamin D deficiency (fold change ≥1.5, p < 0.05). The effected genes are involved in protein catabolism, cell differentiation and proliferation, muscle cell development, and cytoskeleton organization.

Conclusion

Maternal vitamin D deficiency has a major impact on morphology and gene expression profile of skeletal muscle in newborns.
Effect of Nanoparticles on Nanomechanical and Nanotribological Properties of Polyethylene Blend Films
Authors: Kumar Aditya , Bhushan Bharat
Published: August 2013

Nanomechanical and nanotribological studies of polyethylene films containing a blend of high density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, and low density polyethylene, are carried out by means of nanoindentation and atomic force microscopy. The results of the polyblend films are compared with that of the individual components. Moreover, a TiO2 nanoparticle filled polyethylene blend film is studied as well as the effect of the nanoparticles on the nanomechanical and nanotribological properties. Additionally, wear mechanisms of various films are discussed. The improved nanomechanical and nanotribological properties of the nanoparticle filled polyethylene films render them attractive for various applications.
Selective Extraction of N‐Heterocyclic Precursors of 1,3,5,7‐Tetranitro‐1,3,5,7‐tetraazacyclooctane (HMX) Using Molecularly Imprinted Polymers
Authors: Wang Lei , Xu Zhi‐Bin , Wang Peng , Xue Min , Dong Xue‐Min , Meng Zi‐Hui , Lou Zhong‐Liang , Lin Zhi‐Hui , Lu Cheng‐Yi
Published: August 2013

N‐heterocyclic compounds are key nitration precursors for some high energy density explosives such as 1,3,5,7‐tetranitro‐1,3,5,7‐tetraazacyclooctane (HMX). Nitration of 1,3,5,7‐tetraacetyl‐1,3,5,7‐tetraazacyclooctane (TAT) yields HMX in high yields and purity. However, the analogue 1,3,5‐triacetyl‐1,3,5‐triazacyclohexane (TRAT) is easily co‐produced via the condensation of acetonitrile and 1,3,5‐trioxan. To selectively extract TAT from a mixture of TAT and TRAT, the molecular imprinting technology (MIT) was developed in this study. The capacity of the dry polymer is 16 mg g−1 and the recovery surpasses 75 %.
Synthesis and Characterization of Mono‐, Di‐, and Tetranitrated 7,8‐Disubstituted Glycolurils
Authors: Sherrill William M. , Johnson Eric C. , Paraskos Alexander J.
Published: August 2013

Three 7,8‐disubstitited glycolurils were synthesized and subjected to various nitration conditions yielding the corresponding mono‐, di‐, and tetranitro derivatives. Prior to their synthesis, these nitrated compounds were evaluated computationally to determine their densities and heats of formation, from which explosive performance was predicted. Details on the methods used for the synthesis as well as the results from their computational analysis are discussed.
Conformational stability of CopC and roles of residues Tyr79 and Trp83
Authors: Song Zhen , Zheng Xiaoyan , Yang Binsheng
Published: August 2013

CopC is a periplasmic copper Chaperone protein that has a β‐barrel fold and two metal‐binding sites distinct for Cu(II) and Cu(I). In the article, four mutants (Y79F, Y79W, Y79WW83L, Y79WW83F) were obtained by site‐directed mutagenesis. The far‐UV CD spectra of the proteins were similar, suggesting that mutations did not bring any significant changes in secondary structures. Meanwhile the effects of mutations on the protein's function were manifested by Cu(II) binding. Fluorescence lifetime measurement and quenching of tryptophan fluorescence by acrylamide and KI showed that the microenvironment around Trp83 was more hydrophobic than that around Tyr79 in apoCopC. Unfolding experiments induced by guanidinium chloride (GdnHCl), urea provided the conformational stability of each protein. The Δ<ΔG0element> obtained using the model of structural elements was used to show the role of Tyr79 and Trp83. On the one hand, the <ΔG0element> induced by urea for Y79F, Y79W have a loss of 6.51, 2.03 kJ/mol, respectively, compared with apoCopC, proving that replacement of Tyr79 by Phe or Trp all decreased the protein stability, meaning that the hydrogen bonds interactions between Tyr79 and Thr75 played an important role in stabilizing apoCopC. On the other hand, the <ΔG0element> induced by urea for Y79WW83L have a loss of 11.44 kJ/mol, but for Y79WW83F did a raise of 1.82 kJ/mol compared with Y79W. The replacement of Trp83 by Phe and Leu yields opposite effects on protein stability, which suggested that the aromatic ring of Trp83 was important in maintaining the hydrophobic core of apoCopC.
Insecticidal activity of pogostone against Spodoptera litura and Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Huang Si‐Han , Xian Ji‐Dong , Kong Song‐Zhi , Li Yu‐Cui , Xie Jian‐Hui , Lin Ji , Chen Jian‐Nan , Wang Hong‐Feng , Su Zi‐Ren
Published: August 2013

BACKGROUND

Essential oil of Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth. has been reported to exhibit strong insecticidal activities, but few studies have focused on the insecticidal activity of its main individual constituent, pogostone (PO). The goal of this research was to investigate the insecticidal activity of PO against two harmful noctuid insects, Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) and Spodoptera exigua (Hübner).

RESULTS

In a no‐choice assay, PO exhibited strong antifeedant activity against S. litura and S. exigua. PO showed pronounced larvicidal activities, including oral toxicity (LC50 986.88 mg L−1 and 545.61 mg L−1 respectively) and contact toxicity (LC50 1041.42 mg L−1 and 519.48 mg L−1 respectively) against these two noctuid insects. Additionally, PO treatment significantly increased the larval and pupal developmental period. Furthermore, PO showed moderate ovicidal activities and influenced the emergence and deformity of the moth. However, PO failed to exert a potent effect on adult development. These tested parameters proved to be dose dependent for both insect species.

CONCLUSION

PO possesses strong insecticidal activities, especially antifeedant, larvicidal, growth inhibitory and pupicidal activities, against S. litura and S. exigua. PO may partly account for the insecticidal activity of patchouli oil and may be a promising candidate for the control of agricultural insects. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Power spectrum of electronic heat current fluctuations
Authors: Zhan Fei , Denisov Sergey , Hänggi Peter
Published: August 2013

We analyze the fluctuations of an electronic thermal current across an idealized molecular junction. The focus here will be on the spectral features of the resulting heat fluctuations. By use of the Green function method we derive an explicit expression for the frequency‐dependent power spectral density of the emerging energy fluctuations. The complex expression simplifies considerably in the limit of zero frequency, yielding the noise intensity of the heat current. The spectral density for the electronic heat fluctuations still depends on the frequency in the zero‐temperature limit, assuming different asymptotic behaviors in the low‐ and high‐frequency regions. We further address subtleties and open problems from an experimental view point for measurements of frequency‐dependent power spectral densities.

Sketch of a molecular junction setup used in the text. The average heat flow is generated by electrons moving from a hot electrode across the molecular junction towards a neighboring cold electrode . The inter‐electrode electronic level can be tuned continuously.
Distinctive contributions to dielectric response of relaxor ferroelectric lead scandium niobate ceramic system
Authors: Bobnar Vid , Uršič Hana , Casar Goran , Drnovšek Silvo
Published: August 2013

Dielectric properties of (PSN) ceramic system, prepared from mechanochemically activated powder, were studied in a broad temperature range of 150–750 K. Various distinctive contributions were recognized in the detected reponse. A typical relaxor dispersive maximum, accompanied by a sharp dielectric anomaly showing a hysteretic behavior, reveals that developed disordered PSN ceramics undergoes a spontaneous relaxor‐to‐ferroelectric phase transition, even in zero electric field. At high temperatures, a strong dielectric dispersion due to the Maxwell–Wagner‐type contributions of interface layers between the sample and contacts governs the detected response above 500 K. The intrinsic high‐temperature dielectric response follows, however, the universal scaling rather than the classical mean‐field behavior. The latter can be rejected on the confidence level better than 99% according to the F‐test and, furthermore, the analysis revealed a critical exponent that indicates a critical behavior associated with universality classes typically found in spin glasses. Finally, nearly perfect agreement between the fitting parameter of K (obtained by analysis in the interval of 600–775 K) and the experimentally detected value of this relaxor‐to‐ferroelectric phase transition temperature manifests that the low‐temperature fingerprint behavior can be observed at much higher temperatures, well above the dispersive relaxor dielectric maximum.
Oral manifestations of 17 patients affected with mucopolysaccharidosis type VI
Authors: Kantaputra Piranit Nik , Kayserili Hülya , Güven Yeliz , Kantaputra Warissara , Balci Mehmet C. , Tanpaiboon Pranoot , Uttarilli Anusha , Dalal Ashwin
Published: August 2013

Objective

To assess oral manifestations of 17 patients with mucopolysaccharidosis type VI (MPS VI) or Maroteaux‐Lamy syndrome.

Methods

We performed comprehensive oral examinations in 17 patients with MPS VI. Panoramic radiographs was performed only in 14 patients. All patients were of Thai, Turkish, and Indian origins. Ten of 17 patients had enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) (Naglazyme). Most Turkish patients (10/11) were on ERT. The Thai and Indian patients have never had ERT.

Results

Oral and radiographic examinations showed that hypoplastic mandibular condyles (93.3 %), malposition of unerupted teeth (92.9 %), large dental follicles (92.3 %), anterior open bite (86.7 %), maxillary constriction (56.3 %), and taurodontism (53.8 %) were common among patients with MPS VI. Newly recognized oral findings found in our study included taurodontism, long tooth roots, abnormal frenum, missing teeth, supernumerary teeth, and microdontia. Two patients who started ERT prior to 3 years old did not develope anterior open bite and one of them had mildly affected mandibular condyles.

Conclusion

Our study provides the most comprehensive study of oral manifestations in patients with MPS VI. Receiving ERT at very young ages may lessen craniofacial malformations including hypoplasic mandibular condyles and anterior open bite. Oral manifestations can be used as diagnostic features for MPS VI prior to assessing leukocyte ARSB activity or urinary excretion of dermatan sulfate.
Purification of Free DHA by Selective Esterification of Fatty Acids from Tuna Oil Catalyzed by Rhizopus oryzae Lipase
Authors: Bhandari Kriti , Chaurasia S. P. , Dalai A. K. , Gupta Alok
Published: August 2013

Tuna fish oil contains 25–30 % docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and is one of the richest sources of DHA. The present paper investigates the enrichment of DHA by selective esterification of fatty acids obtained from hydrolysis of tuna fish oil catalyzed by Rhizopus oryzae lipase (ROL). The fatty acid mixture obtained after hydrolysis of tuna fish oil, referred to as tuna‐FFA contained 26 % DHA. For purification/concentration of DHA in free fatty acids, selective esterification of the fatty acid mixtures with butanol was carried out using ROL in a water‐organic solvent system. The best reaction parameters found in this study were pH 7, temperature 35 °C, agitation speed 800 rpm and a fatty acid to solvent (iso‐octane) ratio of 1:1.32 (w/v). Also, the effects of other parameters such as type of alcohol, type of enzyme, alcohol to fatty acid ratio, enzyme to fatty acid ratio were studied to determine the most suitable reaction conditions. Exactly 76.2 % of tuna‐FFA was esterified in 24 h, under the most suitable reaction conditions and the DHA content in the fatty acid fraction rose from 26 to 86.9 % with 80 % recovery of DHA, after selective esterification. The DHA content of fatty acids in butyl esters was found to be 13.6 %.
Roles of epigenome in mammalian spermatogenesis
Authors: Song Ning , Endo Daisuke , Koji Takehiko
Published: August 2013

Mammalian spermatogenesis is a successive process consisting of spermatogonial proliferation, spermatocytic meiosis, and spermiogenesis, representing the maturation of haploid spermatids. During the process, 25–75 % of the expected sperm yield is thought to be lost through apoptosis. In addition, spermatogenesis is considered to be a process undergoing successive heterochromatinization, finally reaching a complete condensed form in the sperm head. Thus, cell proliferation, differentiation and death may be strictly regulated by epigenetic factors in this process. This review describes the current understanding of the role of epigenome in spermatogenesis, especially focusing on the following aspects; DNA methylation, modification of histones, and small RNA function. These epigenetic factors affect each other and play a central role in events essential for spermatogenesis, fertilization and embryogenesis, through the regulation of gene expression, transposon activities, meiotic sex chromosome inactivation, histone remodeling and genome imprinting. Finally, a brief discussion of future avenues of study is highlighted.
Being Secure Means Being Willing to Say You're Sorry: Attachment Style and the Communication of Relational Dissatisfaction and Disengagement
Authors: Pizzano Patricia A. , Sherblom John C. , Umphrey Laura R.
Published: August 2013

The present study examines the influence of attachment style on the communication choices people make in response to relational dissatisfaction and disengagement. A path analysis models these choices, showing that a secure attachment style predicts the use of voice and de-escalation. A preoccupied style predicts neglect, loyalty, and de-escalation. A dismissing-avoidant style also leads to neglect and loyalty, but predicts behavioural de-escalation. Finally, a fearful-avoidant style indicates more limited communication choices and relational exit. The model shows the possibility of strategically made communication choices changing the results of these attachment style outcomes. Pathways through the model show that active communication choices lead to more positive long-term relational outcomes and passive choices predict relational challenges.
SOCIAL SUPPORT DURING DELIVERY IN RURAL CENTRAL GHANA: A MIXED METHODS STUDY OF WOMEN'S PREFERENCES FOR AND AGAINST INCLUSION OF A LAY COMPANION IN THE DELIVERY ROOM
Authors: ALEXANDER AMIR , MUSTAFA AESHA , EMIL SARAH A. V. , AMEKAH EBENEZER , ENGMANN CYRIL , ADANU RICHARD , MOYER CHERYL A.
Published: August 2013

This study aimed to explore pregnant women's attitudes towards the inclusion of a lay companion as a source of social support during labour and delivery in rural central Ghana. Quantitative demographic and pregnancy-related data were collected from 50 pregnant women presenting for antenatal care at a rural district hospital and analysed using STATA/IC 11.1. Qualitative attitudinal questions were collected from the same women through semi-structured interviews; data were analysed using NVivo 9.0. Twenty-nine out of 50 women (58%) preferred to have a lay companion during facility-based labour and delivery, whereas 21 (42%) preferred to deliver alone with the nurses in a facility. Women desiring a companion were younger, had more antenatal care visits, had greater educational attainment and were likely to be experiencing their first delivery. Women varied in the type of companion they prefer (male partner vs female relative). What was expected in terms of social support differed based upon the type of companion. Male companions were expected to provide emotional support and to ‘witness her pain’. Female companions were expected to provide emotional support as well as instrumental, informational and appraisal support. Three qualitative themes were identified that run counter to the inclusion of a lay helper: fear of an evil-spirited companion, a companion not being necessary or helpful, and being ‘too shy’ of a companion. This research challenges the assumption of a unilateral desire for social support during labour and delivery, and suggests that women differ in the type of companion and type of support they prefer during facility deliveries. Future research is needed to determine the direction of the relationship – whether women desire certain types of support and thus choose companions they believe can meet those needs, or whether women desire a certain companion and adjust their expectations accordingly.
Trichuris murisresearch revisited: a journey through time
Authors: HURST REBECCA J. M. , ELSE KATHRYN J.
Published: August 2013

The mouse whipwormTrichuris murishas long been used as a tractable model of human Trichuriasis. Here we look back at the history ofT. murisresearch; from the definition of the species and determination of its life cycle, through to the complex immune responses that we study today. We highlight the key research papers that have developed our understanding of immune responses to this parasite, and reflect on how original concepts have been transformed, as our knowledge of immunology has grown. Although we have a good understanding of host–parasite interactions in the context of the underlying cellular immunology, there are still many aspects of the biology of theTrichurisparasite that remain undefined. We predict that advances in parasite biology will be key in the future development of new and improved treatments for Trichuriasis.
Treatment of depression in diagnosed diabetes: common cause or detection bias?
Authors: Manderbacka K. , Jokela M. , Sund R. , Elovainio M.
Published: August 2013

Background

This study examined two competing hypotheses concerning the association between diabetes and treatment for depression: (1) the detection/ascertainment bias hypothesis suggesting that those with diabetes are more likely to be diagnosed with and treated for depression because of increased medical attention and (2) a hypothesis assuming that diabetes and depression share common underlying pathophysiological pathways.

Method

The study population included all persons aged 35–65 years in Finland with any record of type 2 diabetes in the national health and population registers from 1999 to 2002 and for whom register-based data on depression treatment (antidepressant medication use and hospitalizations for depression) were available at least 2 years before and after the diagnosis of diabetes (n = 18 217). Sociodemographic data were individually linked to the study population. Associations between diabetes diagnosis and time and indicators of depression care were assessed with population-averaged multilevel logistic models.

Results

Within the year following diagnosis diabetes, there was a 5% increase in antidepressant medication use but not in hospitalization for depression. The longitudinal change in antidepressant use over time was less steep after the diabetes diagnosis, and hospitalization risk decreased after the diagnosis. These associations between diabetes diagnosis and depression treatment were not modified by the participant's socio-economic position (SEP).

Conclusions

These findings support the common cause hypothesis that treatment for diabetes is beneficial to the prevention of depression rather than the detection/ascertainment hypothesis that individuals with diabetes have higher rates of depression because they receive more medical attention in general.
Wakefield generation and electron acceleration by intense super-Gaussian laser pulses propagating in plasma
Authors: Jha Pallavi , Saroch Akanksha , Mishra Rohit Kumar
Published: August 2013

Evolution of longitudinal electrostatic wakefields, due to the propagation of a linearly polarized super-Gaussian laser pulse through homogeneous plasma has been presented via two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. The wakes generated are compared with those generated by a Gaussian laser pulse in the relativistic regime. Further, one-dimensional numerical model has been used to validate the generated wakefields via simulation studies. Separatrix curves are plotted to study the trapping and energy gain of an externally injected test electron, due to the generated electrostatic wakefields. An enhancement in the peak energy of an externally injected electron accelerated by wakes generated by super-Gaussian pulse as compared to Gaussian pulse case has been observed.
Sport as a Moral Practice: An Aristotelian Approach
Authors: Austin Michael W.
Published: August 2013

Sport builds character. If this is true, why is there a consistent stream of news detailing the bad behavior of athletes? We are bombarded with accounts of elite athletes using banned performance-enhancing substances, putting individual glory ahead of the excellence of the team, engaging in disrespectful and even violent behavior towards opponents, and seeking victory above all else. We are also given a steady diet of more salacious stories that include various embarrassing, immoral, and illegal behaviors in the private lives of elite athletes. Elite sport is not alone in this; youth sport has its own set of moral problems. Parents assault officials, undermine coaches, encourage a win-at-all costs mentality, and in many cases ruin sport for their children.
Rivalry in Cricket and Beyond: Healthy or Unhealthy?
Authors: Brearley Michael
Published: August 2013

What is the point of sport? For those to whom sport doesn't appeal, it seems futile, pointless. Yet a small child takes pleasure in his or her bodily capacities and adroitness. Gradually the child achieves a measure of physical coordination and mastery. Walking, jumping, dancing, catching, kicking, hitting, climbing, being in water, using an implement as a bat or racquet – all these offer a sense of achievement and satisfaction. Sport it seems to me is an extension of such activities.
Review Article Relationships between intuitive eating and health indicators: literature review
Authors: Van Dyke Nina , Drinkwater Eric J
Published: August 2013

Objective

To review the peer-reviewed literature on relationships between intuitive eating and health indicators and suggest areas of inquiry for future research. We define the fundamental principles of intuitive eating as: (i) eating when hungry; (ii) stopping eating when no longer hungry/full; and (iii) no restrictions on types of food eaten unless for medical reasons.

Design

We include articles cited by PubMed, PsycInfo and Science Direct published in peer-reviewed journals or theses that include ‘intuitive eating’ or related concepts in the title or abstract and that test relationships between intuitive eating and physical or mental health indicators.

Results

We found twenty-six articles that met our criteria: seventeen cross-sectional survey studies and nine clinical studies, eight of which were randomised controlled trials. The cross-sectional surveys indicate that intuitive eating is negatively associated with BMI, positively associated with various psychological health indicators, and possibly positively associated with improved dietary intake and/or eating behaviours, but not associated with higher levels of physical activity. From the clinical studies, we conclude that the implementation of intuitive eating results in weight maintenance but perhaps not weight loss, improved psychological health, possibly improved physical health indicators other than BMI (e.g. blood pressure; cholesterol levels) and dietary intake and/or eating behaviours, but probably not higher levels of physical activity.

Conclusions

Research on intuitive eating has increased in recent years. Extant research demonstrates substantial and consistent associations between intuitive eating and both lower BMI and better psychological health. Additional research can add to the breadth and depth of these findings. The article concludes with several suggestions for future research.
Financial competence, risk presentation and retirement portfolio preferences
Authors: BATEMAN HAZEL , ECKERT CHRISTINE , GEWEKE JOHN , LOUVIERE JORDAN , SATCHELL STEPHEN , THORP SUSAN
Published: August 2013

Financial regulators are weighing up the effectiveness of different templates for communicating investment risk to retirement savers since welfare depends on comprehension of risk information. We compare nine standard risk presentations using a discrete choice experiment where subjects choose between three retirement accounts. Switching between graphical or textual presentations, or between formats that emphasize benchmarks rather than return ranges or values at risk, affects predicted choices more than large changes in underlying risk. Innumerate individuals are more susceptible to presentation, and those with weak basic financial literacy are insensitive to increasing risk levels, regardless of presentation. Presentation effects are moderated but not eliminated as financial literacy improves.
Comparative carbon footprint assessment of winter lettuce production in two climatic zones for Midwestern market
Authors: Plawecki Rachel , Pirog Rich , Montri Adam , Hamm Michael W.
Published: August 2013

The following study assesses cold-season hoop house lettuce production in the context of local food systems’ relative environmental effects. For this purpose, we compare the carbon footprints of leaf lettuce production in two climatic zones, one close to the consumer market and one distant, via environmental impact modeling in SimaPro 7.3. A site-specific scenario is first detailed with organic leaf lettuce locally grown in an East Lansing, Michigan hoop house. This is compared to a hypothetical scenario, modeled using average industry data, with leaf lettuce conventionally grown in California then shipped to East Lansing. The system boundaries used in this analysis extend from manufacturing of farm production inputs to a hypothetical retail gate. We assumed that the consumer drove the same distance to the retailer in each case. The functional unit used is 1 kg of leaf lettuce. Results demonstrate that the distant system exhibits 4.3 times the CO2 ‘footprint’ per kg of lettuce. This nonlocal system also resulted in higher resource depletion, health impact and ecological damage potential as demonstrated via the SimaPro simulation. This study concludes that unheated, hoop house lettuce production, given the assumption on within-area travel, has a smaller carbon footprint than outdoor, distant production, and speaks to both the potential value of more localized food systems and the need for a more diverse set of scenario modeling to understand the boundaries of this value.
Contributions of Degradation and Brain-to-blood Elimination Across the Blood—Brain Barrier to Cerebral Clearance of Human Amyloid-β Peptide(1-40) in Mouse Brain
Authors: Ito Shingo , Matsumiya Kohta , Ohtsuki Sumio , Kamiie Junichi , Terasaki Tetsuya
Published: August 2013

The purpose of the present study was to estimate the relative contributions of degradation and brain-to-blood elimination processes to the clearance of microinjected human amyloid-β peptide(1-40) (hAβ(1-40)) from mouse cerebral cortex, using a solid-phase extraction method together with a newly developed ultraperformance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC/MS/MS) quantitation method for intact hAβ(1-40). The clearance rate constant of hAβ(1-40) in mouse cerebral cortex was determined to be 3.21 × 10−2/min under conditions where the saturable brain-to-blood elimination process across the blood–brain barrier (BBB) was expected to be saturated. Thus, this clearance rate constant should mainly reflect degradation. The [125I]hAβ(1-40) elimination rate across the BBB under nonsaturating conditions was determined to be 1.48 × 10−2/min. Inhibition studies suggested that processes sensitive to insulin and phosphoramidon, which inhibit neprilysin, insulin-degrading enzyme, and endothelin-converting enzyme, are involved not only in degradation, but also in elimination of hAβ(1-40). In conclusion, our results suggest a dominant contribution of degradation to cerebral hAβ(1-40) clearance, and also indicate that a sequential process of degradation and elimination of degradation products is involved in cerebral hAβ(1-40) clearance.
Cerebral Extracellular Lactate Increase is Predominantly Nonischemic in Patients with Severe Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Sala Nathalie , Suys Tamarah , Zerlauth Jean-Baptiste , Bouzat Pierre , Messerer Mahmoud , Bloch Jocelyne , Levivier Marc , Magistretti Pierre J , Meuli Reto , Oddo Mauro
Published: August 2013

Growing evidence suggests that endogenous lactate is an important substrate for neurons. This study aimed to examine cerebral lactate metabolism and its relationship with brain perfusion in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). A prospective cohort of 24 patients with severe TBI monitored with cerebral microdialysis (CMD) and brain tissue oxygen tension (PbtO2) was studied. Brain lactate metabolism was assessed by quantification of elevated CMD lactate samples (>4 mmol/L); these were matched to CMD pyruvate and PbtO2 values and dichotomized as glycolytic (CMD pyruvate > 119 μmol/L vs. low pyruvate) and hypoxic (PbtO2 < 20 mm Hg vs. nonhypoxic). Using perfusion computed tomography (CT), brain perfusion was categorized as oligemic, normal, or hyperemic, and was compared with CMD and PbtO2 data. Samples with elevated CMD lactate were frequently observed (41 ±8%), and we found that brain lactate elevations were predominantly associated with glycolysis and normal PbtO2 (73 ± 8%) rather than brain hypoxia (14 ±6%). Furthermore, glycolytic lactate was always associated with normal or hyperemic brain perfusion, whereas all episodes with hypoxic lactate were associated with diffuse oligemia. Our findings suggest predominant nonischemic cerebral extracellular lactate release after TBI and support the concept that lactate may be used as an energy substrate by the injured human brain.
Functional Hyperemia and Mechanisms of Neurovascular Coupling in the Retinal Vasculature
Authors: Newman Eric A
Published: August 2013

The retinal vasculature supplies cells of the inner and middle layers of the retina with oxygen and nutrients. Photic stimulation dilates retinal arterioles producing blood flow increases, a response termed functional hyperemia. Despite recent advances, the neurovascular coupling mechanisms mediating the functional hyperemia response in the retina remain unclear. In this review, the retinal functional hyperemia response is described, and the cellular mechanisms that may mediate the response are assessed. These neurovascular coupling mechanisms include neuronal stimulation of glial cells, leading to the release of vasoactive arachidonic acid metabolites onto blood vessels, release of potassium from glial cells onto vessels, and production and release of nitric oxide (NO), lactate, and adenosine from neurons and glia. The modulation of neurovascular coupling by oxygen and NO are described, and changes in functional hyperemia that occur with aging and in diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and other pathologies, are reviewed. Finally, outstanding questions concerning retinal blood flow in health and disease are discussed.