bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Semi‐quantitative estimation of cellular SiO2nanoparticles using flow cytometry combined with X‐ray fluorescence measurements
Authors: Choi Seo Yeon , Yang Nuri , Jeon Soo Kyung , Yoon Tae Hyun
Published: July 2014

In this study, we have demonstrated feasibility of a semi‐quantitative approach for the estimation of cellular SiO2nanoparticles (NPs), which is based on the flow cytometry measurements of their normalized side scattering intensity. In order to improve our understanding on the quantitative aspects of cell–nanoparticle interactions, flow cytometry, transmission electron microscopy, and X‐ray fluorescence experiments were carefully performed for the HeLa cells exposed to SiO2NPs with different core diameters, hydrodynamic sizes, and surface charges. Based on the observed relationships among the experimental data, a semi‐quantitative cellular SiO2NPs estimation method from their normalized side scattering and core diameters was proposed, which can be applied for the determination of cellular SiO2NPs within their size‐dependent linear ranges. © 2014 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Mammalian Nkx2.2+ perineurial glia are essential for motor nerve development
Authors: Clark Jessica K. , O'keefe Ashley , Mastracci Teresa L. , Sussel Lori , Matise Michael P. , Kucenas Sarah
Published: July 2014

Background: All vertebrate peripheral nerves connect the central nervous system (CNS) with targets in the periphery and are composed of axons, layers of ensheathing glia and connective tissue. Although the structure of these conduits is well established, very little is known about the origin and developmental roles of some of their elements. One understudied component, the perineurium, ensheaths nerve fascicles and is a component of the blood‐nerve‐barrier. In zebrafish, the motor nerve perineurium is composed of CNS‐derived nkx2.2a+ perineurial glia, which establish the motor exit point (MEP) during development. To determine if mouse perineurial cells also originate within the CNS and perform a similar function, we created a Nkx2.2:EGFP transgenic reporter line. Results: In conjunction with RNA expression analysis and antibody labeling, we observed Nkx2.2+ cells along peripheral motor nerves at all stages of development and in adult tissue. Additionally, in mice lacking Nkx2.2, we demonstrate that Nkx2.2+ perineurial glia are essential for motor nerve development and Schwann cell differentiation. Conclusions: Our studies reveal that a subset of mouse perineurial cells are CNS‐derived, express Nkx2.2, and are essential for motor nerve development. This work highlights an under‐appreciated but essential contribution of CNS‐derived cells to the development of the mammalian peripheral nervous system (PNS). Developmental Dynamics 243:1116–1129, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Photosensitizing Properties of Alkynylrhenium(I) Complexes [Re(–C≡C–R)(CO)3(N∩N)] (N∩N = 2,2′‐bipy, phen) for H2 Production
Authors: Oberholzer Miriam , Probst Benjamin , Bernasconi Dominik , Spingler Bernhard , Alberto Roger
Published: July 2014

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Roger Alberto at the University of Zürich, Switzerland. The cover image shows the reduction of protons by illumination of a catalytic mixture containing a cobalt‐based water‐reduction catalyst (WRC), a rhenium(I)–alkynyl photosensitizer, a proton source (H+), and a sacrificial electron donor (D/D+). The final product, hydrogen gas, stores the energy of light in its chemical bond.
Determination of muscimol and ibotenic acid in mushrooms of Amanitaceae by capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Poliwoda Anna , Zielińska Katarzyna , Halama Marek , Wieczorek Piotr P.
Published: July 2014

In this study, the CZE method for rapid quantitative and qualitative determination of ibotenic acid and muscimol in Amanita mushrooms naturally grown in Poland was developed. The investigations included the species of A. muscaria, A. pantherina, and A. citrina, collected in southern region of Poland. The studied hallucinogenic compounds were effectively extracted with a mixture of methanol and 1 mM sodium phosphate buffer at pH 3 (1:1 v/v) using ultrasound‐assisted procedure. The obtained extracts were separated and determined by CZE utilizing a 25 mM sodium phosphate running buffer adjusted to pH 3 with 5% content of acetonitrile v/v. The calibration curves for both analytes were linear in the range of 2.5–7000 μg/mL. The intraday and interday variations of quantitative data were 1.0 and 2.5% RSD, respectively. The recovery values of analyzed compounds were over 87%. The identities of ibotenic acid and muscimol were confirmed by UV spectra, migration time, and measurements after addition of external standard.
The international surface temperature initiative global land surface databank: monthly temperature data release description and methods
Authors: Rennie J. J. , Lawrimore J. H. , Gleason B. E. , Thorne P. W. , Morice C. P. , Menne M. J. , Williams C. N. , de Almeida W. Gambi , Christy J.R. , Flannery M. , Ishihara M. , Kamiguchi K. , Klein‐Tank A. M. G. , Mhanda A. , Lister D. H. , Razuvaev V. , Renom M. , Rusticucci M. , Tandy J. , Worley S. J. , Venema V. , Angel W. , Brunet M. , Dattore B. , Diamond H. , Lazzara M. A. , Le Blancq F. , Luterbacher J. , Mächel H. , Revadekar J. , Vose R. S. , Yin X.
Published: July 2014

Described herein is the first version release of monthly temperature holdings of a new Global Land Surface Meteorological Databank. Organized under the auspices of the International Surface Temperature Initiative (ISTI), an international group of scientists have spent three years collating and merging data from numerous sources to create a merged holding. This release in its recommended form consists of over 30 000 individual station records, some of which extend over the past 300 years. This article describes the sources, the chosen merge methodology, and the resulting databank characteristics. Several variants of the databank have also been released that reflect the structural uncertainty in merging datasets. Variants differ in, for example, the order in which sources are considered and the degree of congruence required in station geolocation for consideration as a merged or unique record. Also described is a version control protocol that will be applied in the event of updates. Future updates are envisaged with the addition of new data sources, and with changes in processing, where public feedback is always welcomed. Major updates, when necessary, will always be accompanied by a new journal paper. This databank release forms the foundation for the construction of new global land surface air temperature analyses by the global research community and their assessment by the ISTI's benchmarking and assessment working group.
The role of testosterone and estradiol in brain volume changes across adolescence: A longitudinal structural MRI study
Authors: Herting Megan M. , Gautam Prapti , Spielberg Jeffrey M. , Kan Eric , Dahl Ronald E. , Sowell Elizabeth R.
Published: July 2014

It has been postulated that pubertal hormones may drive some neuroanatomical changes during adolescence, and may do so differently in girls and boys. Here, we use growth curve modeling to directly assess how sex hormones [testosterone (T) and estradiol (E2)] relate to changes in subcortical brain volumes utilizing a longitudinal design. 126 adolescents (63 girls), ages 10 to 14, were imaged and restudied ∼2 years later. We show, for the first time, that best‐fit growth models are distinctly different when using hormones as compared to a physical proxy of pubertal maturation (Tanner Stage) or age, to predict brain development. Like Tanner Stage, T and E2 predicted white matter and right amygdala growth across adolescence in both sexes, independent of age. Tanner Stage also explained decreases in both gray matter and caudate volumes, whereas E2 explained only gray matter decreases and T explained only caudate volume decreases. No pubertal measures were related to hippocampus development. Although specificity was seen, sex hormones had strikingly similar relationships with white matter, gray matter, right amygdala, and bilateral caudate volumes, with larger changes in brain volume seen at early pubertal maturation (as indexed by lower hormone levels), followed by less robust, or even reversals in growth, by late puberty. These novel longitudinal findings on the relationship between hormones and brain volume change represent crucial first steps toward understanding which aspects of puberty influence neurodevelopment. Hum Brain Mapp 35:5633–5645, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
PTU‐induced hypothyroidism in rats leads to several early neuropathological signs of Alzheimer's disease in the hippocampus and spatial memory impairments
Authors: Chaalal Amina , Poirier Roseline , Blum David , Gillet Brigitte , Le Blanc Pascale , Basquin Marie , Buée Luc , Laroche Serge , Enderlin Valérie
Published: July 2014

The multifactorial causes impacting the risk of developing sporadic forms of Alzheimer's disease (AD) remain to date poorly understood. Epidemiologic studies in humans and research in rodents have suggested that hypothyroidism could participate in the etiology of AD. Recently, we reported that adult‐onset hypothyroidism in rats favors β‐amyloid peptide production in the hippocampus. Here, using the same hypothyroidism model with the antithyroid molecule propythiouracyl (PTU), we further explored AD‐related features, dysfunctional cell‐signaling mechanisms and hippocampal‐dependent learning and memory. In vivo MRI revealed a progressive decrease in cerebral volume of PTU‐treated rats. In the hippocampus, hypothyroidism resulted in tau hyperphosphorylation and increases in several proinflammatory cytokines. These modifications were associated with impaired spatial memory and reduced hippocampal expression of signaling molecules important for synaptic plasticity and memory, including neurogranin, CaMKII, ERK, GSK3β, CREB, and expression of the transcription factor EGR1/Zif268. These data strengthen the idea that hypothyroidism represents an important factor influencing the risk of developing sporadic forms of AD. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intracellular Zn2+ signaling in the dentate gyrus is required for object recognition memory
Authors: Takeda Atsushi , Tamano Haruna , Ogawa Taisuke , Takada Shunsuke , Nakamura Masatoshi , Fujii Hiroaki , Ando Masaki
Published: July 2014

The role of perforant pathway‐dentate granule cell synapses in cognitive behavior was examined focusing on synaptic Zn2+ signaling in the dentate gyrus. Object recognition memory was transiently impaired when extracellular Zn2+ levels were decreased by injection of clioquinol and N,N,N′,N′‐tetrakis‐(2‐pyridylmethyl) ethylendediamine. To pursue the effect of the loss and/or blockade of Zn2+ signaling in dentate granule cells, ZnAF‐2DA (100 pmol, 0.1 mM/1 µl), an intracellular Zn2+ chelator, was locally injected into the dentate molecular layer of rats. ZnAF‐2DA injection, which was estimated to chelate intracellular Zn2+ signaling only in the dentate gyrus, affected object recognition memory 1 h after training without affecting intracellular Ca2+ signaling in the dentate molecular layer. In vivo dentate gyrus long‐term potentiation (LTP) was affected under the local perfusion of the recording region (the dentate granule cell layer) with 0.1 mM ZnAF‐2DA, but not with 1–10 mM CaEDTA, an extracellular Zn2+ chelator, suggesting that the blockade of intracellular Zn2+ signaling in dentate granule cells affects dentate gyrus LTP. The present study demonstrates that intracellular Zn2+ signaling in the dentate gyrus is required for object recognition memory, probably via dentate gyrus LTP expression. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Establishment of an in vivo electroporation method into postnatal newborn neurons in the dentate gyrus
Authors: Ito Hidenori , Morishita Rika , Iwamoto Ikuko , Nagata Koh‐ichi
Published: July 2014

Electroporation‐mediated gene transfer has been developed for the analysis of mammalian brain development in vivo. Indeed, in utero electroporation method is widely used for the investigation of the mouse embryonic cortical development while in vivo electroporation using neonatal mouse brain is employed for the analysis of the rostral migratory stream (RMS) and postnatal olfactory neurogenesis. In the present study, we established a stable gene‐transfer method to dentate gyrus (DG) neurons by carefully determining the in vivo electroporation conditions, such as position and direction of electrode, voltage for electric pulses, and interval between electroporation and sample preparation. Consequently, GFP‐positive cells in DG were observed to extend branched dendrites and long axons into the molecular layer and the hilus, respectively, 21 days after electrporation. They were morphologically identified as dentate granule neurons with many protrusions on dendrites, and some of them had wide head and thin neck that resembled matured mushroom spines. Expression of GFP in dentate neurons sustained for at least 9 months after electroporation under our experimental conditions. Taken together, the method developed here could be a powerful new tool for the analysis of the postnatal DG development. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Isolated limb perfusion with melphalan, tumour necrosis factor‐alpha and oncolytic vaccinia virus improves tumour targeting and prolongs survival in a rat model of advanced extremity sarcoma
Authors: Pencavel Tim D. , Wilkinson Michelle J. , Mansfield David C. , Khan Aadil A. , Seth Rohit , Karapanagiotou Eleni M. , Roulstone Victoria , Aguilar Richard J. , Chen Nanhai G. , Szalay Aladar A. , Hayes Andrew J. , Harrington Kevin J.
Published: July 2014

Isolated limb perfusion (ILP) is a treatment for advanced extremity sarcoma and in‐transit melanoma. Advancing this procedure by investigating the addition of novel agents, such as cancer‐selective oncolytic viruses, may improve both the therapeutic efficacy of ILP and the tumour‐targeted delivery of oncolytic virotherapy. Standard in vitro assays were used to characterise single agent and combinatorial activities of melphalan, tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) and Lister strain vaccinia virus (GLV‐1h68) against BN175 rat sarcoma cells. An orthotopic model of advanced extremity sarcoma was used to evaluate survival of animals after ILP with combinations of TNF‐α, melphalan and GLV‐1h68. We investigated the efficiency of viral tumour delivery by ILP compared to intravenous therapy, the locoregional and systemic biodistribution of virus after ILP, and the effect of mode of administration on antibody response. The combination of melphalan and GLV‐1h68 was synergistic in vitro. The addition of virus to standard ILP regimens was well tolerated and demonstrated superior tumour targeting compared to intravenous administration. Triple therapy (melphalan/TNF‐α/GLV‐1h68) resulted in increased tumour growth delay and enhanced survival compared to other treatment regimens. Live virus was recovered in large amounts from perfused regions, but in smaller amounts from systemic organs. The addition of oncolytic vaccinia virus to existing TNF‐α/melphalan‐based ILP strategies results in survival advantage in an immunocompetent rat model of advanced extremity sarcoma. Virus administered by ILP has superior tumour targeting compared to intravenous delivery. Further evaluation and clinical translation of this approach is warranted.
Polymorphisms in genes of the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system and renal cell cancer risk: Interplay with hypertension and intakes of sodium, potassium and fluid
Authors: Deckers Ivette A. , van den Brandt Piet A. , van Engeland Manon , van Schooten Frederik‐Jan , Godschalk Roger W. , Keszei András P. , Schouten Leo J.
Published: July 2014

Hypertension is an established risk factor for renal cell cancer (RCC). The renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system (RAAS) regulates blood pressure and is closely linked to hypertension. RAAS additionally influences homeostasis of electrolytes (e.g. sodium and potassium) and fluid. We investigated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in RAAS and their interactions with hypertension and intakes of sodium, potassium and fluid regarding RCC risk in the Netherlands Cohort Study (NLCS), which was initiated in 1986 and included 120,852 participants aged 55 to 69 years. Diet and lifestyle were assessed by questionnaires and toenail clippings were collected. Genotyping of toenail DNA was performed using the SEQUENOM® MassARRAY® platform for a literature‐based selection of 13 candidate SNPs in seven key RAAS genes. After 20.3 years of follow‐up, Cox regression analyses were conducted using a case‐cohort approach including 3,583 subcohort members and 503 RCC cases. Two SNPs in AGTR1 were associated with RCC risk. AGTR1_rs1492078 (AA vs. GG) decreased RCC risk [hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence interval (CI)): 0.70(0.49–1.00)], whereas AGTR1_rs5186 (CC vs. AA) increased RCC risk [HR(95%CI): 1.49(1.08–2.05)]. Associations were stronger in participants with hypertension. The RCC risk for AGT_rs3889728 (AG + AA vs. GG) was modified by hypertension (p interaction = 0.039). SNP‐diet interactions were not significant, although HRs suggested interaction between SNPs in ACE and sodium intake. SNPs in AGTR1 and AGT influenced RCC susceptibility, and their effects were modified by hypertension. Sodium intake was differentially associated with RCC risk across genotypes of several SNPs, yet some analyses had probably inadequate power to show significant interaction. Results suggest that RAAS may be a candidate pathway in RCC etiology.
Expression and Localization of GEN1 in Mouse Mammary Epithelial Cells
Authors: Sun Lihua , Zhang Yifang , Pan Zhenxiang , Li Bingjin , Sun Mei , Zhang Xingyi
Published: July 2014

GEN1, a Holliday junction resolvase, is involved in homologous repair of DNA double strand break and in maintaining centrosome integrity. Although GEN1 mutants have been reported in breast cancer patients and cell lines, little is currently known about the functions of GEN1 in the development and oncogenic transformation of mammary gland. In the present study, we demonstrate that GEN1 expression is correlated with mammary epithelial cell proliferation, differentiation in various physiological stages as well as casein. By immunofluorescence analysis, the centrosomal association of GEN1 is confirmed in mammary epithelial cells. Additionally, GEN1 is likely involved in DNA damage response of breast cancer cell lines. These results suggest that GEN1 may play an important role in the development of mammary gland; its response upon DNA damage indicates that GEN1 gene alteration may contribute to breast cancer formation.
Intra‐articular tibiofemoral injection of a nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug has no detrimental effects on joint mechanics in a rat model
Authors: Riggin Corinne N. , Tucker Jennica J. , Soslowsky Louis J. , Kuntz Andrew F.
Published: July 2014

Administration of intra‐articular medications, including corticosteroids and analgesics, is common clinical practice for knee pathology and dysfunction. Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are another category of medication commonly prescribed for their analgesic and anti‐inflammatory properties. Recent studies demonstrated the efficacy of injectable NSAIDs in the treatment of intra‐articular pathology and postoperative analgesia. However, little data exist regarding the safety of intra‐articular injection, despite the increase in its application. Therefore, we investigated the effects of intra‐articular NSAID injection on articular cartilage, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and joint function in the rat. Sixty‐four Sprague‐Dawley rats were divided into either saline (SAL) or ketorolac (NSAID) tibiofemoral single injection treatment groups. Animals were euthanized at 2, 7, 28, and 84 days post‐injection for histological and mechanical analyses. Additionally, a subset of animals underwent longitudinal ambulatory evaluation to determine joint functional properties. We hypothesized that intra‐articular ketorolac injection would result in no detrimental mechanical, histological, or functional changes. No differences were reported between the NSAID and SAL groups in any of the parameters measured at any time point, demonstrating the potential safety of intra‐articular NSAID administration. Therefore, NSAID injection could be further considered for clinical application in humans. © 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:1512–1519, 2014.
On the completeness of root vectors generated by systems of coupled hyperbolic equations
Authors: Shubov Marianna A.
Published: July 2014

The paper is the second in a set of two papers, which are devoted to a unified approach to the problem of completeness of the generalized eigenvectors (the root vectors) for a specific class of linear non‐selfadjoint unbounded matrix differential operators. The list of the problems for which such operators are the dynamics generators includes the following: (a) initial boundary‐value problem (IBVP) for a non‐homogeneous string with both distributed and boundary damping; (b) IBVP for small vibrations of an ideal filament with a one‐parameter family of dissipative boundary conditions at one end and with a heavy load at the other end; this filament problem is treated for two cases of the boundary parameter: non‐singular and singular; (c) IBVP for a three‐dimensional damped wave equation with spherically symmetric coefficients and both distributed and boundary damping; (d) IBVP for a system of two coupled hyperbolic equations constituting a Timoshenko beam model with variable coefficients and boundary damping; (e) IBVP for a coupled Euler‐Bernoulli and Timoshenko beam model with boundary energy dissipation (the model known in engineering literature as bending‐torsion vibration model); (f) IBVP for two coupled Timoshenko beams model, which is currently accepted as an appropriate model describing vibrational behavior of a longer double‐walled carbon nanotube. Problems have been discussed in the first paper of the aforementioned set. Problems are discussed in the present paper.
Synthesis of amphiphilic dendronized polymers to study their self‐assembly and transport behavior
Authors: Kumari Meena , Singh Abhishek Kumar , Kumar Shiv , Achazi Katharina , Gupta Shilpi , Haag Rainer , Sharma Sunil K.
Published: July 2014

Herein, we report on the synthesis of PEG‐1000‐diethyl ester and 2‐azido‐propane‐1,3‐diol‐based copolymers utilizing Novozym 435 (Candida antarctica lipase) using a biocatalytic method. The linear base copolymer was then functionalized with polyglycerol‐based regular [G1.0] and [G2.0] dendrons and C12/C14 hydrophobic alkyl chains via an efficient “Click approach.” The resulting amphiphilic dendronized polymers form well‐defined micelles in aqueous solutions. The transport behavior of these polymers was studied by using Nile red as a fluorescent model dye. The cytotoxicity profiles of a few representative polymers were evaluated, and the effect of hydrophobic alkyl chain length as well as the hydrophilic polyglycerol dendron's generation on the biocompatibility of polymeric systems was studied. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Differences in IGF axis‐related proteins in amniotic fluid of trisomy 21 and trisomy 18 using a multiple reaction monitoring approach
Authors: Lai Guangrui , Zhang Yuanyuan , Wang Leitong , Zhang Bijun , Zheng Gaoyan , Wang Xuanyi , Zhao Xiaoqiu , Gao Haiming , Zhao Yanyan
Published: July 2014

Objective

Trisomy 21 and trisomy 18 are the two most common chromosomal anomalies in live births. To find new biomarkers for aneuploidies and pathogenesis of fetal malformations, we measured insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) axis‐related proteins in amniotic fluid (AF) of pregnant women carrying trisomies 21 or 18 affected fetuses using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) approach.

Method

Eighty‐five AF samples from pregnant women carrying either trisomy 21, trisomy 18, or normal fetuses were collected. IGF axis‐related proteins in AF after serial treatments were quantitated with MRM method. The differential protein levels were also confirmed by western blot in AF without any treatment.

Results

The IGF type I receptor and pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A in AF of trisomy 21 (1.35 ± 0.32 and 13.36 ± 3.64 µg/mg protein) and trisomy 18 (1.39 ± 0.40 and 12.80 ± 1.84 µg/mg protein) were decreased versus normal controls (2.16 ± 0.59 and 23.77 ± 6.18 µg/mg protein). IGF binding protein 5 was reduced in trisomy 18 (1.47 ± 0.33 vs 2.36 ± 0.77 µg/mg protein). These alterations were confirmed by western blot. The other proteins showed no significant difference between the three groups.

Conclusion

Our data suggested that MRM can provide a powerful platform for the identification of biomarkers in AF that have crucial developmental effects in the aneuploid fetus. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation of magnetic porous terpolymer and its application in cellulase immobilization
Authors: Qi Huimin , Duan Hongdong , Wang Xingjian , Meng Xia , Yin Xiaocong , Ma Lina
Published: July 2014

In this work, a series of porous terpolymers with degrees of crosslinking at 30–65% were synthesized by suspension polymerization. Fe3O4 nanoparticles were used to modify the porous terpolymer with degree of crosslinking at 30%. The resulting terpolymers with mean pore size of 10–30 nm were used as supports for immobilization of cellulases through covalent bondings. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermal gravity analysis measurements demonstrated that cellulases were immobilized onto the porous terpolymers. The effects of pH and temperature on enzyme activity were investigated in acetate buffer medium by hydrolysis of sodium carboxymethyl celluloses. The reusability of immobilized cellulases was also investigated. The result showed that immobilized cellulases exhibited higher residual activities and enzyme activities than free cellulases in wide ranges of pH and temperature. We also found that the reusability of cellulases immobilized on terpolymers with magnetism was better than that of cellulases immobilized on terpolymers without magnetism. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:1039–1045, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Acidic buffer mechanism of cyclotriphosphazene and melamine cyanurate synergism system flame retardant epoxy resin
Authors: Cheng Yanbo , Li Jiang , He Yueshan , Wang Biwu , Liu Yuan , Wang Qi
Published: July 2014

In this research, a new synergistic mechanism based on an acid‐buffer action for cyclotriphosphazene (CPZ)/melamine cyanurate (MCA) flame retardant epoxy resin (EP) was proposed. This mechanism broke through the conventional well‐recognized phosphorus–nitrogen interaction one. It revealed that CPZ had not only acid‐catalytic charring but also acid‐catalytic degrading effect on EP. The former that occurs in higher temperature range to improve the flame resistance in the condensed phase is a mechanism generally accepted for the phosphorus flame retardant, but the later that occurs in lower temperature range to deteriorate the flame retardance is usually ignored by the people. For CPZ/MCA flame retardant EP, the produced organic base from decomposed MCA can neutralize the acids from CPZ. Decline of the acidity effectively weakened the acid‐catalytic effect, and reduced the volatiles release rate of the degraded resin in the initial stage, thus slowing down the combustion in the gaseous phase. With increasing temperature, the neutralized products were converted to the phosphorus‐containing acids again to promote the formation of the chars. A series of characterizations such as vertical burning test, X‐ray photoelectron spectra, micro‐scale combustion calorimetry, thermogravimetric, and differential thermogravimetric analysis of the flame retardant materials and the pH value detection of the corresponding carbonation products were performed to investigate the acid‐buffer mechanism. The experimental results including no NP forms in the condensed phase obviously improved flame retardance and increased degradation temperature of CPZ/MCA/EP compared with CPZ/EP, as well as the enhanced pH value of the former carbonation residue confirmed the above mechanism. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:1046–1051, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
New method for determining the optical rotatory dispersion of hydroxypropyl cellulose polymer solutions in water
Authors: Barzic Andreea Irina , Dimitriu Dan Gheorghe , Dorohoi Dana Ortansa
Published: July 2014

The proposed method employs the recorded channeled spectrum of an optical active medium (crystal or liquid solution) placed between two crossed polarizers. The method of channeled spectrum, previously validated for quartz samples, is used to determine the optical rotatory dispersion of hydroxypropyl cellulose solutions (HPC) in water. Both the specific rotation and dispersion parameter depend on the wavelengths of the maxima and minima from the channeled spectrum and on the thickness of the optical active sample. The circular birefringence and its dispersion determined for HPC solutions in water of concentrations 30% and 45% were estimated with a precision of about 0.5%. The rotatory birefringence of HPC in water at 45% is (119.75–57.60)10−6 and the specific rotation determined in the visible range for these solutions has values between 4782 and 1402 degrees/dm, in agreement with the literature. The specific rotation (angle) of HPC solutions is independent of the polymer concentration and represents a dispersive parameter which decreases with the light wavelength. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:1077–1081, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Lighting‐invariant Adaptive Route Following Using Iterative Closest Point Matching
Authors: Krüsi Philipp , Bücheler Bastian , Pomerleau François , Schwesinger Ulrich , Siegwart Roland , Furgale Paul
Published: July 2014

Topological/metric route following, also called teach and repeat (T&R), enables long‐range autonomous navigation even without globally consistent localization. In the teach pass, the robot is driven manually and builds up a topological/metric map of the environment, a graph of metric submaps connected by relative transformations. For repeating the route autonomously, the map only needs to be locally consistent; errors on the global level due to localization drift are irrelevant. This renders T&R ideal for applications in which a global positioning system may not be available, such as navigation through street canyons or forests in search and rescue, reconnaissance in underground structures, surveillance, or planetary exploration. We present a T&R system based on iterative closest point matching (ICP) using data from a spinning three‐dimensional (3D) laser scanner. Our algorithm is highly accurate, robust to dynamic scenes and extreme changes in the environment, and independent of ambient lighting. It enables autonomous navigation along a taught path in both structured and unstructured environments, including highly 3D terrain. Furthermore, our system is able to detect obstacles and avoid them by adapting its path using a local motion planner. It enables autonomous route following in nonstatic environments, which is not possible with classical T&R systems. We demonstrate our algorithm's performance in two long‐range driving experiments, one in a highly dynamic urban environment, the other in unstructured, rough, 3D terrain. In these experiments, our robot autonomously drove a distance of over 22 km in both day and night. We analyze the localization accuracy of our system and show that it is highly precise. Moreover, we compare our ICP‐based method to a state‐of‐the‐art stereo‐vision‐based technique and show that our approach has a greatly increased robustness to path deviations and is less dependent on environmental conditions.
Multiplicity adjustments in testing for bioequivalence
Authors: Hua Steven Y. , Xu Siyan , D'Agostino Ralph B.
Published: July 2014

Bioequivalence of two drugs is usually demonstrated by rejecting two one‐sided null hypotheses using the two one‐sided tests for pharmacokinetic parameters: area under the concentration‐time curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax). By virtue of the intersection–union test, there is no need for multiplicity adjustment in testing the two one‐sided null hypotheses within each parameter. However, the decision rule for bioequivalence often requires equivalence to be achieved simultaneously on both parameters that contain four one‐sided null hypotheses together; without adjusting for multiplicity, the family wise error rate (FWER) could fail to be controlled at the nominal type‐I error rate α. The multiplicity issue for bioequivalence in this regard is scarcely discussed in the literature. To address this issue, we propose two approaches including a closed test procedure that controls FWER for the simultaneous AUC and Cmax bioequivalence and requires no adjustment of the type‐I error, and an alpha‐adaptive sequential testing (AAST) that controls FWER by pre‐specifying the significance level on AUC (α1) and obtaining it for Cmax (α2) adaptively after testing of AUC. While both methods control FWER, the closed test requires testing of eight intersection null hypotheses each at α, and AAST is at times accomplished through a slight deduction in α1 and no deduction in α2 relative to α. The latter considers equivalence reached in AUC a higher importance than that in Cmax. Illustrated with published data, the two approaches, although operate differently, can lead to the same substantive conclusion and are better than a traditional method like Bonferroni adjustment. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Temporal and spatial changes in golden eagle reproduction in relation to increased off highway vehicle activity
Authors: Steenhof Karen , Brown Jessi L. , Kochert Michael N.
Published: July 2014

We used >40 years of data on golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) nesting in southwestern Idaho, USA, to assess whether the proportion of territories and pairs producing young has changed over time, and whether territories in areas where off highway vehicle (OHV) use has increased significantly were less likely to be productive than those in areas that continued to have little or no motorized recreation. The proportion of territories that produced young was similar across southwestern Idaho from the late 1960s to 1999. After a dramatic increase in OHV use from 1999 to 2009, occupancy and success of territories in close proximity to recreational trails and parking areas declined, and the proportion of these territories producing young differed significantly from territories not impacted by OHVs. We could not pinpoint which types of motorized activity are most disturbing, nor could we identify disturbance thresholds at which eagles abandon their eggs, their young, and finally their territory. Timing, proximity, duration, and frequency of disturbance could all play a role. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.
Behavioral thermoregulation in a group of zoo‐housed colobus monkeys (Colobus guereza)
Authors: Wark Jason D. , Kuhar Christopher W. , Lukas Kristen E.
Published: July 2014

Although wild primates are known to modify behavior in response to thermal stress, less is known about behavioral thermoregulation in zoo‐housed primates. Zoo exhibits expose individuals to unique thermal environments and may constrain the thermoregulatory strategies available to individual animals. In this study, we observed a group of seven colobus monkeys (Colobus guereza) living on a concrete “Monkey Island” style exhibit that featured limited shade and limited arboreal space. Behaviors were recorded using continuous focal animal sampling (n = 63 days, 97.7 hr). Logistic regression revealed 23°C was the temperature at which monkeys began resting more in shade than in sun. When temperatures exceeded 23°C, animals spent more time in open sitting postures with limbs extended from the body; sat less frequently in closed, hunched postures; spent more time in social contact; and performed more self‐directed behaviors. Exhibit use also shifted under higher temperatures, with more time spent in areas with shade and lower surface temperatures. Lastly, when provided with access to an indoor holding area, the colobus monkeys spent more than half the time indoors when temperatures exceeded 23°C, yet only 10% of their time indoors when the temperature was below this value. Although postural changes have been reported in wild colobus, the postural and other behavioral changes observed in the current study occurred at temperatures lower than expected based on the published thermoneutral zone of colobus monkeys and highlight the importance of considering the specific thermoregulatory responses of zoo animals. Zoo Biol. 33:257–266, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Role of Migration in the Urban Transition: A Demonstration From Albania
Authors: Lerch Mathias
Published: July 2014

Although natural increase has been recognized as the main driver of postwar urban growth in developing countries, urban transition theory predicts a dominant role for population mobility in the early and late phases of the process. To account for this discrepancy between theory and empirical evidence, I demonstrate the complex role played by internal and international migration in the pattern of urban growth. Using a combination of indirect demographic estimations for postwar Albania, I show that the dominant contribution of natural increase from the 1960s to the 1990s was induced by a limited urban in-migration; this was due to the restrictions on leaving the countryside imposed under communist rule and, thereafter, to the redirection abroad of rural out-migrants. Although young adults in cities also engaged in international movements and significantly reduced their fertility, the indirect effects of rural-to-urban migration attenuated the fall in urban birth rates and postponed demographic aging. In-migrants swelled urban cohorts of reproductive age and delayed the urban fertility transition. Despite a high level of urban natural increase in Albania, I thus conclude that the role of population mobility dominated in the early and most recent phases of urban growth. The results also have implications for our understanding of demographic processes during the second urban transition in developing countries.
Depletion of IK causes mitotic arrest through aberrant regulation of mitotic kinases and phosphatases
Authors: Lee Sunyi , Han Sora , Jeong Ae Lee , Park Jeong Su , Yang Young
Published: July 2014

IK is known to inhibit the expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II antigen, but other cellular functions of IK remain to be uncovered. In this study, IK depletion caused misalignment of chromosomes through an increase in Aurora A and PLK1 phosphorylation, which was mediated by a decrease in PP1 and PP2A activities. On the other hand, the treatment of a dual inhibitor against CDK and Aurora kinases overrode IK depletion‐induced mitotic arrest through the activation of phosphatase activity. These findings imply that IK is an essential protein for achieving correct mitotic progress through the regulation of mitotic kinases and phosphatases.
AN INDUSTRY QUESTION: THE ULTIMATE AND ONE-YEAR RESERVING UNCERTAINTY FOR DIFFERENT NON-LIFE RESERVING METHODOLOGIES
Authors: Dal Moro Eric , Lo Joseph
Published: July 2014

In the industry, generally, reserving actuaries use a mix of reserving methods to derive their best estimates. On the basis of the best estimate, Solvency 2 requires the use of a one-year volatility of the reserves. When internal models are used, such one-year volatility has to be provided by the reserving actuaries. Due to the lack of closed-form formulas for the one-year volatility of Bornhuetter-Ferguson, Cape-Cod and Benktander-Hovinen, reserving actuaries have limited possibilities to estimate such volatility apart from scaling from tractable models, which are based on other reserving methods. However, such scaling is technically difficult to justify cleanly and awkward to interact with. The challenge described in this editorial is therefore to come up with similar models like those of Mack or Merz-Wüthrich for the chain ladder, but applicable to Bornhuetter-Ferguson, mix Chain-Ladder and Bornhuetter-Ferguson, potentially Cape-Cod and Benktander-Hovinen — and their mixtures.
Transition Into and Out of Special Education Services by Young Australian School Children Between 2006 and 2010
Authors: Dempsey Ian
Published: July 2014

The extent to which school students continue to receive special education services over time is largely unknown because longitudinal studies are rare in this area. The present study examined a large Australian longitudinal database to track the status of children who received special education support in 2006 and whether they continued to access such support over a 4-year period. Nearly two thirds of the children receiving additional assistance in 2006 did not receive such assistance 4 years later. There were substantial variations in the principal reason for providing special education services to students over this period, and the relative academic performance of the students who received special education support across the 4 years substantially declined. The findings have ramifications for the way we consider changes in the needs of young children as they progress through the primary school system.
Population dynamics of the garfish,Belone euxini(Belonidae: Belone) from the south-east Black Sea
Authors: Bilgin Sabri , Taşçi Burak , Bal Hatice
Published: July 2014

To describe the age, growth, mortality and distribution of the garfish,Belone euxiniand differences in these parameters from other populations, monthly samplings were conducted between December 2011 and July 2013 in the south-east Black Sea. Garfish catch decreased to its lowest levels in spring months, especially after May, and it was completely finished by the summer months. The mean total length (TL) of the female was significantly greater than the mean TL of the male (P < 0.05). The sex-ratio of female:male with size was skewed towards males up to 38 cm length-class, and skewed towards females above the 38 cm class (P < 0.05). The growth pattern of garfish was described by goodness of fit of the data and biological interpretation of growth parameters. The exponential (females:L∞ = 88.3 cm TL,K = 0.108 yr−1, males:L∞ = 71.9 cm TL,K = 0.151 yr−1) and von Bertalanffy (females:L∞ = 81.6 cm TL,K = 0.125 yr−1,t0 = −2.25 year, males:L∞ = 81.6 cm TL,K = 0.125 yr−1,t0 = −2.13 year) models were considered the most suitable growth models. Total instantaneous mortality rate,Z, was estimated as 1.04 yr−1for females and 1.24 yr−1for males. Instantaneous natural mortality ratio,M, was estimated higher for males than for females. The exploitation rate of both sexes was also higher than the optimum exploitation (E = 0.5) criterion, which is indicative of overfishing of the garfish population.
An ‘Expanded’ Class Perspective: Bringing capitalism down to earth in the changing political lives of Adivasi workers in Kerala
Authors: STEUR LUISA
Published: July 2014

Following the police raid on the ‘Muthanga’ land occupation by Adivasi (‘indigenous’) activists in Kerala, India, in February 2003, intense public debate erupted about the fate of Adivasis in this ‘model’ development state. Most commentators saw the land occupation either as the fight-back of Adivasis against their age-old colonization or the work of ‘external’ agitators. Capitalist restructuring and ‘globalization’ was generally seen as simply the latest chapter in the suffering of these Adivasis. Little focused attention was paid to the recent class trajectory of their lives under changing capitalist relations, the exact social processes under which they were having to make a living, and what had only recently—and still largely ambiguously—made them ready to identify themselves politically as ‘Adivasi’. Demonstrating the usefulness of ethnographic curiosity driven by an ‘expanded’ class analysis, as elaborated in Marxian anthropology, this article provides an alternative to the liberal-culturalist explanation of indigenism in Kerala. It argues instead that contemporary class processes—as experienced close to the skin by the people who decided to participate in the Muthanga struggle—were what shaped their decision to embrace indigenism.
Socially aware path planning for mobile robots
Authors: Kodagoda Sarath , Sehestedt Stephan , Dissanayake Gamini
Published: July 2014

Human–robot interaction is an emerging area of research where a robot may need to be working in human-populated environments. Human trajectories are generally not random and can belong to gross patterns. Knowledge about these patterns can be learned through observation. In this paper, we address the problem of a robot's social awareness by learning human motion patterns and integrating them in path planning. The gross motion patterns are learned using a novel Sampled Hidden Markov Model, which allows the integration of partial observations in dynamic model building. This model is used in the modified A* path planning algorithm to achieve socially aware trajectories. Novelty of the proposed method is that it can be used on a mobile robot for simultaneous online learning and path planning. The experiments carried out in an office environment show that the paths can be planned seamlessly, avoiding personal spaces of occupants.
The impact of ethnicity and geographical location of residence on the 2009 influenza H1N1 pandemic vaccination
Authors: XIAO Y. , MOGHADAS S. M.
Published: July 2014

In Canada, vaccination policies against the 2009 influenza H1N1 pandemic (H1N1pdm09) were modified at different times during the autumn wave. We hypothesized that ethnicity and place of residence influenced the odds of vaccination. To test this hypothesis, we used vaccination databases for the entire province of Manitoba, and obtained the age distribution of vaccination for First Nations (FN) and non-First Nations (non-FN) populations. We used regression analysis to determine the effect of ethnicity and location of residence on odds of vaccination. We found that individuals with FN identity were over 2.8 times [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.79–2.87] more likely to receive vaccination compared to non-FN individuals. For the FN populations, on-reserve residency was associated with 5.15-fold (95% CI 5.00–5.30) higher odds of vaccination compared to off-reserve residency. Our study highlights the importance of demographic and geographical variables in developing strategies for vaccine prioritization.
Long-term outcome of congenital aortic valve stenosis: predictors of reintervention
Authors: Hochstrasser Léa , Ruchat Patrick , Sekarski Nicole , Hurni Michel , von Segesser Ludwig K.
Published: July 2014

Objectives:To evaluate long-term outcome of initial aortic valve intervention in a paediatric population with congenital aortic stenosis, and to determine risk factors associated with reintervention.Patients and methods:From 1985 to 2009, 77 patients with congenital aortic stenosis and a mean age of 5.8±5.6 years at diagnosis were followed up in our institution for 14.8±9.1 years.Results:First intervention was successful with 86% of patients having a residual peak aortic gradient <50 mmHg, and the proportion of patients with grade >1 regurgitation increased by 7%. Long-term survival after the first procedure was excellent, with 91% survival at 25 years. At a mean interval of 7.6±5.3 years, 30 patients required a reintervention (39%), mainly because of a recurrent aortic stenosis. Freedom from reintervention was 97, 89, 75, 53, and 42% at 1, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years, respectively. Predictors of reintervention were residual peak aortic gradient (p=0.0001), aortic regurgitation post-intervention >1 (p=0.02), prior balloon aortic valvuloplasty (p=0.04), and increased left ventricular posterior wall thickness (p=0.1).Conclusions:Aortic valve intervention is a safe and effective procedure for congenital aortic stenosis with excellent survival results. However, rate of reintervention is high and influenced by increased left ventricular posterior wall thickness pre-intervention, prior balloon valvuloplasty, higher residual peak systolic valve gradient, and more than mild regurgitation post-intervention. The study highlights that long-term follow-up is recommended for these patients.