bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-resolution accurate mass spectrometry as a technique for characterization of complex lysimeter leachate samples
Authors: Hand Laurence H. , Marshall Samantha J. , Saeed Mansoor , Earll Mark , Hadfield Stephen T. , Richardson Kevan , Rawlinson Paul
Published: December 2015

Lysimeter studies can be used to identify and quantify soil degradates of agrochemicals (metabolites) that have the potential to leach to groundwater. However, the apparent metabolic profile of such lysimeter leachate samples will often be significantly more complex than would be expected in true groundwater samples. This is particularly true for S-metolachlor, which has an extremely complex metabolic pathway. Consequently, it was not practically possible to apply a conventional analytical approach to identify all metabolites in an S-metolachlor lysimeter study, because there was insufficient mass to enable the use of techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance. Recent advances in high-resolution accurate mass spectrometry, however, allow innovative screening approaches to characterize leachate samples to a greater extent than previously possible. Leachate from the S-metolachlor study was screened for accurate masses (±5 ppm of the nominal mass) corresponding to more than 400 hypothetical metabolite structures. A refined list of plausible metabolites was constructed from these data to provide a comprehensive description of the most likely metabolites present. The properties of these metabolites were then evaluated using a principal component analysis model, based on molecular descriptors, to visualize the entire chemical space and to cluster the metabolites into a number of subclasses. This characterization and principal component analysis evaluation enabled the selection of suitable representative metabolites that were subsequently used as exemplars to assess the toxicological relevance of the leachate as a whole. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:1401–1412. © 2015 SETAC
Impact of type of child growth intervention program on caregivers’ child feeding knowledge and practices: a comparative study in Ga West Municipality, Ghana
Authors: Agbozo Faith , Colecraft Esi , Ellahi Basma
Published: December 2015

Community‐based growth promotion (CBGP) delivered by community volunteers aims at enhancing the traditional growth monitoring and promotion (GMP) program delivered by community health nurses through the promotion of optimum infant and young child feeding (IYCF) leading to improved child growth. This study compared IYCF knowledge and practices among caregiver–child pairs (0–24 months) receiving child welfare services from CBGP (n = 124) and GMP (n = 108) programs. Semistructured questionnaires were used to interview caregivers on IYCF knowledge/practices and validated food frequency questionnaire used to record infants’ food intakes. Group differences were determined using Chi‐square and independent samples t‐tests (P < 0.05; 95% confidence interval [CI]). Mean IYCF knowledge scores were similar (CBGP: 10.84 ± 1.69 vs. GMP: 10.23 ± 1.38, P = 0.062). However, more CBGP caregivers (17%) were highly knowledgeable than their GMP counterparts (5%) (P = 0.011). Early breastfeeding initiation (CBGP: 54% vs. GMP: 28%, P < 0.0001), exclusive breastfeeding (CBGP: 73% vs. GMP: 56%, P = 0.001), and timely complementary feeding (CBGP: 72% vs. GMP: 49%, P = 0.014) were reportedly higher among CBGP caregivers. Underweight was 11% (CBGP: 8% vs. GMP: 14%, P = 0.154). Mean dietary diversity scores (10 food groups) were similar (CBGP: 4.49 ± 1.89 vs. GMP: 3.87 ± 1.89, P = 0.057) but more CBGP caregivers (77%) achieved minimum dietary diversity than their GMP counterparts (61%) (P = 0.035). Few caregivers achieved minimum meal frequency (CBGP: 31% vs. GMP: 29%, P = 0.486) and minimum acceptable diet (CBGP: 23% vs. GMP: 21%, P = 0.464) indicators. Number of children under 5 years owned by caregiver (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.405; 95% CI: 1.13–78.53, P = 0.038), her educational level (AOR: 0.112; 95% CI: 0.02–0.90, P = 0.040), and IYCF knowledge (AOR: 0.140; 95% CI: 0.03–0.79, P = 0.026) significantly predicted optimum child feeding. Nutrition education on optimum complementary feeding and birth spacing strategies should intensify.
The Granitztal tunnel chain / Tunnelkette Granitztal
Authors: Gschwandtner Gunter G. , Höhndorf Markus , Übleis Martin
Published: December 2015

The Granitztal tunnel chain, located after the Koralm Tunnel in a southward direction and adjoining the new IC station in the Lavanttal, essentially consists of the Deutsch Grutschen and Langer Berg Tunnels, which are being excavated cyclically, and the Granitztal gallery in cut‐and‐cover. The article offers a general overview of the project, described the geological and geotechnical conditions and compares the experience gained in the current early construction phase with the underlying conditions for design and tendering.

Die Tunnelkette Granitztal in südlicher Richtung gesehen nach dem Koralmtunnel sowie anknüpfend an den neu zu errichtenden IC Bahnhof im Lavanttal umfasst im Wesentlichen die Tunnel Deutsch Grutschen und Langer Berg, die im zyklischen Vortrieb aufgefahren werden, sowie geographisch dazwischenliegend die Einhausung Granitztal, die in offener Bauweise erstellt wird. Der Beitrag gibt eine allgemeine Projektübersicht, beschreibt die geologischen und geotechnischen Verhältnisse und betrachtet die in der aktuellen frühen Bauphase gewonnenen Erkenntnisse mit den der Planung und Ausschreibung zugrunde liegenden Gegebenheiten.
The Lavanttal area: Construction phase node point in the key area of the Koralmbahn / Der Raum Lavanttal: Knotenpunkt in der Bauphase im Kernbereich der Koralmbahn
Authors: Zwittnig Gerald
Published: December 2015

The new Koralm railway line between Graz and Klagenfurt will connect the Lavanttal region in Lower Carinthia to the European railway network. This area is already a sensitive junction point, where activities for the adjacent tunnel building contracts and the future InterCity station overlap concerning construction time and available space. Activities will intensify in the technical equipment installation phase and demand well coordinated preliminary planning. Extensive framework conditions and requirements were already taken into account in the planning of the railway line to the new station, which is to fulfil development and intermodal connection functions resulting in a purposeful and modern configuration, also taking maintenance and tunnel rescue into account. The construction, equipment and activation phases in the Lavanttal region are being coordinated with detailed planning of procedures and logistics, with regular updates and refinements.

Die Koralmbahn als neue Hochleistungsstrecke zwischen Graz und Klagenfurt wird künftig die Region Lavanttal in Unterkärnten an das überregionale Bahnnetz anbinden. Bereits in der Errichtungsphase ist dieser Bereich ein sensibler Knotenpunkt, an dem sich Bautätigkeiten in der Rohbauphase für die angrenzenden Tunnelbaulose sowie für den neuen, zukünftigen InterCity‐Bahnhof zeitlich und räumlich überlagern. In der Ausrüstungsphase verdichten sich die Abläufe und erfordern im Vorfeld eine gut aufeinander abgestimmte Planung. In der eisenbahntechnischen Streckenplanung des neuen Bahnhofs, der eine Erschließungs‐ und Verknüpfungsfunktion mit verschiedensten Verkehrsträgern erfüllen soll, waren bereits umfangreiche Randbedingungen und Anforderungen zu berücksichtigen und führten zu einer zweckmäßigen und modernen Konfiguration unter Mitberücksichtigung der Instandhaltung und der Tunnelrettung. Die Rohbau‐ und Ausrüstungs‐ sowie Inbetriebnahmephasen im Raum Lavanttal werden durch detaillierte Ablauf‐ und Logistikplanungen mit regelmäßigen Aktualisierungen und Verfeinerungen aufeinander abgestimmt.
Particular aspects of the tendering contract SBT3.1 “Tunnel Grautschenhof” / Besondere Aspekte des Ausschreibungsprojekts SBT3.1 Tunnel Grautschenhof
Authors: Klais Frank , Wagner Oliver K. , Proprenter Michael , Wolf Petra
Published: December 2015

The present invitation to tender for the third tunneling contract of the Semmering Base Tunnel is the last one to complete the tunnel. This contract section has not reached the dimensions of its preceding sections SBT2.1 and SBT1.1 concerning the extent of construction work and time for completion. Nonetheless it emerged to an extremely complex project caused by a gain of knowledge regarding the ground conditions, during the process of preparing the tender documents. This knowledge led to an adjustment containing comprehensive grouting measures and a temporary intermediate construction access via two vertical shafts. Furthermore a sophisticated order of construction sequences for the installation of facilities in the invert and the concrete lining had to be issued, which considered a progressive takeover by subsequent contractors. Additional challenges arose because the tendering documents were adjusted while concurrently the design of documents for the partial modification of the construction permission had to be prepared.

Mit der dritten Tunnelbauausschreibung des Semmering‐Basistunnel wird der letzte Rohbauabschnitt in geschlossener Bauweise – das Baulos SBT3.1 “Tunnel Grautschenhof” – vergeben. Liegt dieses Baulos hinsichtlich Bauumfang und Bauzeit etwas hinter den Dimensionen seiner Vorgängerlose SBT2.1 und SBT1.1, so hat es sich im Zuge der Erstellung der Ausschreibungsdokumente auf Grund neuer Baugrunderkenntnisse zu einem äußerst komplexen Ausschreibungs‐ und Bauprojekt entwickelt. Umfangreiche Injektionsmaßnahmen, ein temporärer Zugang über zwei Schächte und ein komplexer Bauablauf für den Innenausbau mit gestaffelten Übergaben an das Nachfolgegewerk stellen die wesentlichsten Herausforderungen für den künftigen Bau dar. Die Änderung des Zwischenangriffs von einem Zugangstunnel auf zwei Schächte und die damit verbundene planungsparallele Umsetzung einer Änderung des teilkonzentrierten Genehmigungsprojektes für die Baugenehmigung erschwerten die Planungsphase zusätzlich.
Three Approaches to Modeling Gene‐Environment Interactions in Longitudinal Family Data: Gene‐Smoking Interactions in Blood Pressure
Authors: Basson Jacob , Sung Yun Ju , de las Fuentes Lisa , Schwander Karen L. , Vazquez Ana , Rao Dabeeru C.
Published: December 2015

Blood pressure (BP) has been shown to be substantially heritable, yet identified genetic variants explain only a small fraction of the heritability. Gene‐smoking interactions have detected novel BP loci in cross‐sectional family data. Longitudinal family data are available and have additional promise to identify BP loci. However, this type of data presents unique analysis challenges. Although several methods for analyzing longitudinal family data are available, which method is the most appropriate and under what conditions has not been fully studied. Using data from three clinic visits from the Framingham Heart Study, we performed association analysis accounting for gene‐smoking interactions in BP at 31,203 markers on chromosome 22. We evaluated three different modeling frameworks: generalized estimating equations (GEE), hierarchical linear modeling, and pedigree‐based mixed modeling. The three models performed somewhat comparably, with multiple overlaps in the most strongly associated loci from each model. Loci with the greatest significance were more strongly supported in the longitudinal analyses than in any of the component single‐visit analyses. The pedigree‐based mixed model was more conservative, with less inflation in the variant main effect and greater deflation in the gene‐smoking interactions. The GEE, but not the other two models, resulted in substantial inflation in the tail of the distribution when variants with minor allele frequency <1% were included in the analysis. The choice of analysis method should depend on the model and the structure and complexity of the familial and longitudinal data.
Many Phenotypes Without Many False Discoveries: Error Controlling Strategies for Multitrait Association Studies
Authors: Peterson Christine B. , Bogomolov Marina , Benjamini Yoav , Sabatti Chiara
Published: December 2015

The genetic basis of multiple phenotypes such as gene expression, metabolite levels, or imaging features is often investigated by testing a large collection of hypotheses, probing the existence of association between each of the traits and hundreds of thousands of genotyped variants. Appropriate multiplicity adjustment is crucial to guarantee replicability of findings, and the false discovery rate (FDR) is frequently adopted as a measure of global error. In the interest of interpretability, results are often summarized so that reporting focuses on variants discovered to be associated to some phenotypes. We show that applying FDR‐controlling procedures on the entire collection of hypotheses fails to control the rate of false discovery of associated variants as well as the expected value of the average proportion of false discovery of phenotypes influenced by such variants. We propose a simple hierarchical testing procedure that allows control of both these error rates and provides a more reliable basis for the identification of variants with functional effects. We demonstrate the utility of this approach through simulation studies comparing various error rates and measures of power for genetic association studies of multiple traits. Finally, we apply the proposed method to identify genetic variants that impact flowering phenotypes in Arabidopsis thaliana, expanding the set of discoveries.
Effects of Nandrolone Stimulation on Testosterone Biosynthesis in Leydig Cells
Authors: Pomara Cristoforo , Barone Rosario , Marino Gammazza Antonella , Sangiorgi Claudia , Barone Fulvio , Pitruzzella Alessandro , Locorotondo Nicola , Di Gaudio Francesca , Salerno Monica , Maglietta Francesca , Sarni Antonio Luciano , Di Felice Valentina , Cappello Francesco , Turillazzi Emanuela
Published: December 2015

Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are among the drugs most used by athletes for improving physical performance, as well as for aesthetic purposes. A number of papers have showed the side effects of AAS in different organs and tissues. For example, AAS are known to suppress gonadotropin‐releasing hormone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle‐stimulating hormone. This study investigates the effects of nandrolone on testosterone biosynthesis in Leydig cells using various methods, including mass spectrometry, western blotting, confocal microscopy and quantitative real‐time PCR. The results obtained show that testosterone levels increase at a 3.9 μM concentration of nandrolone and return to the basal level a 15.6 μM dose of nandrolone. Nandrolone‐induced testosterone increment was associated with upregulation of the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and downregulation of 17a‐hydroxylase/17, 20 lyase (CYP17A1). Instead, a 15.6 µM dose of nandrolone induced a down‐regulation of CYP17A1. Further in vivo studies based on these data are needed to better understand the relationship between disturbed testosterone homeostasis and reproductive system impairment in male subjects. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 1385–1391, 2016. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Cellular Physiology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Review of New Pharmacologic Treatments for Patients With Chronic Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction
Authors: Nguyen Elaine , Weeda Erin R. , White C. Michael
Published: December 2015

Heart failure (HF) impacts an estimated 5.7 million Americans, and its prevalence is projected to increase to more than 8 million Americans in the next 15 years. Key clinical trials have established an evidence‐based foundation for treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Ivabradine and sacubitril/valsartan, which inhibit the f‐channel and the angiotensin receptor and neprilysin, respectively, were recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for HFrEF. In systolic heart failure, treatment with the If inhibitor ivabradine significantly reduced the combined endpoint of cardiovascular mortality or heart failure hospital admission vs placebo (P < .05). In the Prospective Comparison of angiotensin receptor‐neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI) with angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) to Determine Impact on Global Mortality and Morbidity in Heart Failure trial, sacubitril/valsartan significantly reduced the combined endpoint of cardiovascular death or heart failure hospitalization vs enalapril (P < .001). The place of therapy with ivabradine and sacubitril/valsartan is defined by these trials and their interplay with guideline‐directed medical therapy. Ivabradine and sacubitril/valsartan increase pharmacotherapy options for the treatment of HFrEF but are not yet first‐line agents. Clinical application will be better defined in the coming years as practitioners increase their familiarity with ivabradine and sacubitril/valsartan.
Population Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Modeling of AZD4901 and Simulation to Support Dose Selection for the Phase 2a Study
Authors: Xu Hongmei , Li Jianguo , Webber Lorraine , Kakkar Rahul , Chen Yingxue , Al‐Huniti Nidal
Published: December 2015

Significant and reversible reductions in testosterone levels were observed with AZD4901 in both preclinical and clinical testing. A comprehensive population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modeling of AZD4901 concentration and testosterone relationship from 3 phase 1 studies was performed using NONMEM to support dose selection for phase 2a development. A 2‐compartment model with first‐order absorption and first‐order elimination best described AZD4901 PK. Circadian rhythm of baseline testosterone concentrations was well described by a cosine function. An indirect response model with inhibition of testosterone production was used to link the AZD4901 concentration to testosterone response. The AZD4901 concentration to yield 50% maximum testosterone suppression (IC50) was estimated to be 230 ng/mL. Based on simulations, following 40 mg twice daily (BID) treatment, the AZD4901 steady‐state trough concentration will be much higher compared to 80 mg once daily (QD). The AZD4901 concentration time above IC50 after 40 mg BID is 84% of the time of the dosing interval compared to only 49% after 80 mg QD. The mean predicted testosterone concentrations at steady state are lower and overall less variable over 24 hours for 40 mg BID dosing compared to 80 mg QD dosing. Population PK and PK/PD analyses demonstrated that AZD4901 40 mg BID is a better dosing strategy to more consistently suppress testosterone during the entire dosing interval. Consequently, 40 mg BID dosing was suggested in a phase 2a trial in females with polycystic ovary syndrome, and the trial resulted in a positive outcome as shown by significant testosterone decrease compared to placebo.
Hindlimb musculature of the largest living rodent Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris (Caviomorpha): Adaptations to semiaquatic and terrestrial styles of life
Authors: García‐Esponda César M. , Candela Adriana M.
Published: December 2015

The caviomorph species Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris (Cavioidea), or capybara, is the largest living rodent. This species is widely distributed, from northern South America to Uruguay and eastern Argentina, inhabiting in a wide variety of densely vegetated lowlands habitats in the proximity of water. Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris not only runs with agility, like other members of the Cavioidea, but it can also swim and dive easily. For these reasons, it has been classified as a cursorial as well as semiaquatic species. However, comprehensive anatomical descriptions of the osteology and myology of the capybara are not available in the literature and analyses on its swimming abilities are still required. We hypothesize that some of the characters of the hindlimb of H. hydrochaeris could reveal a unique morphological arrangement associated with swimming abilities. In this study, an anatomical description of the hindlimb musculature of H. hydrochaeris, and a discussion of the possible functional significance of the main muscles is provided. In addition, we explore the evolution of some myological and osteological characters of the capybara in the context of the cavioids. We concluded that most of the muscular and osteological features of the hindlimb of H. hydrochaeris are neither adaptations to a specialized cursoriality, nor major modifications for an aquatic mode of life. Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris share several features with other cavioids, being a generalized cursorial species in the context of this clade. However, it shows some adaptations of the hindlimb for enhancing propulsion through water, of which the most notable seems to be the shortening of the leg, short tendons of most muscles of the leg, and a well‐developed soleus muscle. These adaptations to a semiaquatic mode of life could have been acquired during the most recent evolutionary history of the hydrochoerids. J. Morphol. 277:286–305, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enhanced production of phenazine‐like metabolite produced by Streptomyces aurantiogriseus VSMGT1014 against rice pathogen, Rhizoctonia solani
Authors: Harikrishnan Hariharan , Shanmugaiah Vellasamy , Nithya Karmegham , Balasubramanian Natesan , Sharma Mahaveer P. , Gachomo Emma W. , Kotchoni Simeon O.
Published: December 2015

The efficacy of a rhizobacterium Streptomyces aurantiogriseus VSMGT1014 for the production of bioactive metabolites with antifungal properties was evaluated under in vitro conditions. The production of bioactive metabolites by S. aurantiogriseus VSMGT1014 in International Streptomyces Project‐2 (ISP‐2) broth, supplemented with glucose and ammonium acetate was found to be the most suitable carbon and nitrogen sources for the maximum production of bioactive metabolites against rice pathogen, Rhizoctonia solani. The zone of inhibition range from 23.5 to 28.5 mm and 10.3 to 18.3 mm for glucose and ammonium acetate supplemented media, respectively. The culture filtrate of S. aurantiogriseus VSMGT1014 at pH 7.5, 37 °C at 120 rpm in 6 days of incubation showed the maximum production of bioactive metabolites with antagonistic potential. The crude metabolite was characterized by different spectral studies such as Ultraviolet spectrum, infrared‐spectrum and based on the different analytical techniques, including thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with the retention time 29.4 and the bioactive metabolite was identified as phenazine, which was confirmed by pure phenazine compound as positive control.
Extracellular matrix‐blood composite injection reduces post‐traumatic osteoarthritis after anterior cruciate ligament injury in the rat
Authors: Proffen Benedikt L. , Sieker Jakob T. , Murray Martha M. , Akelman Matthew R. , Chin Kaitlyn E. , Perrone Gabriel S. , Patel Tarpit K. , Fleming Braden C.
Published: December 2015

The objective of this study was to determine if an injection of a novel extracellular matrix scaffold and blood composite (EMBC) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury would have a mitigating effect on post‐traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) development in rat knees. Lewis rats underwent unilateral ACL transection and were divided into three groups as follows: (1) no further treatment (ACLT; n = 10); (2) an intra‐articular injection of EMBC on day 0 (INJ0; n = 11); and (3) an intra‐articular injection of EMBC on day 14 (INJ14; n = 11). Ten additional animals received capsulotomy only (n = 10, SHAM group). The OARSI histology scoring of the tibial cartilage and micro‐CT of the tibial epiphysis were performed after 35 days. The ratio of intact/treated hind limb forces during gait was determined using a variable resistor walkway. The OARSI cartilage degradation sum score and total degeneration width were significantly greater in the ACLT group when compared to the INJ0 (p = 0.031, and p = 0.005) and INJ14 (p = 0.022 and p = 0.04) group. Weight bearing on the operated limb only decreased significantly in the ACLT group (p = 0.048). In the rat ACL transection model, early or delayed injection of EMBC ameliorated the significant decrease in weight bearing and cartilage degradation seen in knees subjected to ACL transection without injection. The results indicate that the injection of EMBC may slow the process of PTOA following ACL injury and may provide a promising treatment for PTOA. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:995–1003, 2016.
Calculating the hip center of rotation using contralateral pelvic anatomy
Authors: Durand‐Hill Matthieu , Henckel Johann , Satchithananda Keshthra , Sabah Shiraz , Hua Jia , Hothi Harry , Langstaff Ronald J. , Skinner John , Hart Alister
Published: December 2015

Failure to place an artificial hip in the optimal center of rotation results in poor hip function and costly complications. The aim of this study was to develop robust methodology to estimate hip center of rotation (hCoR) from preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans, using contralateral anatomy, in patients with unilateral diseased hips. Ten patients (five male, five female) with normal pelvic anatomy, and one patient with a unilateral dysplastic acetabulum were recruited from the London Implant Retrieval center image bank. 3D models of each pelvis were generated using commercial software. Two methods for estimation of hCoR were compared. Method 1 used a mirroring technique alone. Method 2 utilized mirroring and automatic alignment. Predicted versus actual hCoR co‐ordinates were compared using intraclass correlation coefficients and paired T‐tests. Both methods predicted hCoR with excellent agreement to original co‐ordinates (>0.9) in all axes. Both techniques allowed prediction of the hCoR within ± 5 mm in all axes. Both techniques provided useful clinical information for planning acetabular reconstruction in patients with unilateral defects. Method 1 was less complex and is suitable for patients with developmental and degenerative pathologies. Method 2 may provide greater accuracy in a discrete group of patients with normal development prior to pathology (e.g., acetabular fractures). © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1077–1083, 2016.
Micro‐fractional, directional skin tightening: A porcine model
Authors: Russe Elisabeth , Purschke Martin , Farinelli William A. , Wang Ying , Doukas Apostolos G. , Limpiangkanan Wikunda , Sakamoto Fernanda H. , Tam Joshua , Wechselberger Gottfried , Anderson Richard Rox
Published: December 2015

Background and Objective

Skin changes are among the most visible signs of aging. Fractional ablative lasers improve skin quality by making small skin wounds that heal rapidly without scarring. While they improve skin texture and discoloration, there is minimal effect on skin laxity. This study was performed to assess skin shrinkage performed by removing multiple small full‐thickness skin columns with coring needles combined with wound closure.

Materials and Methods

In 5 swine 116 squares (3 cm2) were demarcated for treatment and control sites. In treatment sites 10% of the skin was removed by full‐thickness skin coring needles (19 gauge) and afterwards closed and compressed with an elastic adhesive dressing. This procedure was compared to puncturing the skin with standard hypodermic needles (without tissue removal) and subsequent closure with compressive dressing. Area and shape of sites were measured before and 28 days after treatment.

Results

Test and control sites healed within a week without scarring. Coring with wound closure caused significant shrinkage after 28 days. The treated skin area was reduced by 9% (P < 0.0001) and the direction of shrinkage was influenced by the direction of wound closure. Coring without wound closure and puncturing the skin without tissue removal produced an insignificant 3% decrease in area.

Conclusion

Significant minimally invasive skin tightening in a preferred direction can be achieved by removing skin with coring needles followed by wound closure. The direction of shrinkage is influenced by the direction of micro‐hole closure, irrespective of the skin tension lines. This approach may allow reshaping the skin in a desired direction without scarring. Lasers Surg. Med. 48:264–269, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Weak Musielak–Orlicz Hardy spaces and applications
Authors: Liang Yiyu , Yang Dachun , Jiang Renjin
Published: December 2015

Let satisfy that , for any given , is an Orlicz function and is a Muckenhoupt weight uniformly in . In this article, the authors introduce the weak Musielak–Orlicz Hardy space via the grand maximal function and then obtain its vertical or its non–tangential maximal function characterizations. The authors also establish other real‐variable characterizations of , respectively, in terms of the atom, the molecule, the Lusin area function, the Littlewood–Paley g‐function or ‐function. All these characterizations for weighted weak Hardy spaces (namely, and with and ) are new and part of these characterizations even for weak Hardy spaces (namely, and with ) are also new. As an application, the boundedness of Calderón–Zygmund operators from to in the critical case is presented.
The MeteoMet project – metrology for meteorology: challenges and results
Authors: Merlone A. , Lopardo G. , Sanna F. , Bell S. , Benyon R. , Bergerud R. A. , Bertiglia F. , Bojkovski J. , Böse N. , Brunet M. , Cappella A. , Coppa G. , del Campo D. , Dobre M. , Drnovsek J. , Ebert V. , Emardson R. , Fernicola V. , Flakiewicz K. , Gardiner T. , Garcia‐Izquierdo C. , Georgin E. , Gilabert A. , Grykałowska A. , Grudniewicz E. , Heinonen M. , Holmsten M. , Hudoklin D. , Johansson J. , Kajastie H. , Kaykısızlı H. , Klason P. , Kňazovická L. , Lakka A. , Kowal A. , Müller H. , Musacchio C. , Nwaboh J. , Pavlasek P. , Piccato A. , Pitre L. , de Podesta M. , Rasmussen M. K. , Sairanen H. , Smorgon D. , Sparasci F. , Strnad R. , Szmyrka‐ Grzebyk A. , Underwood R.
Published: December 2015

The study describes significant outcomes of the ‘Metrology for Meteorology’ project, MeteoMet, which is an attempt to bridge the meteorological and metrological communities. The concept of traceability, an idea used in both fields but with a subtle difference in meaning, is at the heart of the project. For meteorology, a traceable measurement is the one that can be traced back to a particular instrument, time and location. From a metrological perspective, traceability further implies that the measurement can be traced back to a primary realization of the quantity being measured in terms of the base units of the International System of Units, the SI. These two perspectives reflect long‐standing differences in culture and practice and this project – and this study – represents only the first step towards better communication between the two communities.

The 3 year MeteoMet project was funded by the European Metrology Research Program (EMRP) and involved 18 European National Metrological Institutes, 3 universities and 35 collaborating stakeholders including national meteorology organizations, research institutes, universities, associations and instrument companies.

The project brought a metrological perspective to several long‐standing measurement problems in meteorology and climatology, varying from conventional ground‐based measurements to those made in the upper atmosphere. It included development and testing of novel instrumentation as well as improved calibration procedures and facilities, instrument intercomparison under realistic conditions and best practice dissemination. Additionally, the validation of historical temperature data series with respect to measurement uncertainties and a methodology for recalculation of the values were included.
Quercetin oppositely regulates insulin‐mediated glucose disposal in skeletal muscle under normal and inflammatory conditions: The dual roles of AMPK activation
Authors: Liu Kang , Mei Fan , Wang Yapu , Xiao Na , Yang Lele , Wang Yilei , Li Jia , Huang Fang , Kou Junping , Liu Baolin , Qi Lian‐Wen
Published: December 2015

Scope

Quercetin is a dietary flavonoid whose role in the regulation of the activity of insulin remains controversial. Our study aimed to investigate how quercetin and its major metabolite quercetin‐3‐glucuronide (Q‐3‐G) regulate insulin‐mediated glucose disposal in skeletal muscle under normal and inflammatory conditions.

Methods and results

Under normal conditions, quercetin impaired glucose and insulin tolerance and attenuated insulin‐mediated phosphorylation of Akt substrate of 160 kDa (AS160) and TBC1D1 without affecting Akt activity in male Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice. However, under inflammatory conditions, quercetin exhibited an opposite effect in these animals. In C2C12 cells, quercetin also decreased insulin‐stimulated AS160 and TBC1D1 phosphorylation and glucose uptake in the absence of an inflammatory insult, whereas it improved the action of insulin under inflammatory conditions. Knockdown of adenosine 5′‐monophosphate‐activated protein kinase α (AMPKα) blocked the differential effects of quercetin under both conditions. Unlike quercetin, Q‐3‐G had no influence on insulin‐induced phosphorylation of AS160 and TBC1D1 and glucose uptake in C2C12 myotubes under normal conditions. Q‐3‐G displayed a similar regulation with quercetin in glucose disposal under inflammatory conditions.

Conclusion

Quercetin suppressed insulin‐mediated glucose disposal in skeletal muscle tissue/cells under normal conditions while it ameliorated impaired glucose uptake under inflammatory conditions with activation of AMPK. In contrast, Q‐3‐G ameliorated insulin resistance in skeletal cells under inflammatory conditions without affecting glucose disposal under normal conditions.
Antidepressive‐like effects and antioxidant activity of green tea and GABA green tea in a mouse model of post‐stroke depression
Authors: Di Lorenzo Arianna , Nabavi Seyed Fazel , Sureda Antoni , Moghaddam Akbar Hajizadeh , Khanjani Sedigheh , Arcidiaco Patrizia , Nabavi Seyed Mohammad , Daglia Maria
Published: December 2015

Scope

Growing evidence suggests that oxidative stress plays a role in the development of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and some psychiatric disorders. Tea consumption exerts beneficial effects against damage induced by cerebral ischemia‐reperfusion in ischemic stroke and depressive symptoms in depression. The aim of this study was to evaluate, in vivo, the protective activity of green tea (GT) and GABA green tea (GGT) against post‐stroke depression (PSD), a common consequence of stroke.

Methods and results

The antidepressive‐like effects of GT and GGT were determined by behavioral tests in a mouse model of post‐stroke depression. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by GSH, SOD, and TBARS measurements on mouse brain. The chemical composition of tea extracts was characterized through chromatographic methods. GGT and GT resulted active in the modulation of depressive symptoms and the reduction of oxidative stress, restoring normal behavior, and at least in part, antioxidant endogenous defenses. The higher polyphenol, theanine, glutamine, and caffeine content may justify the higher activity found in GGT.

Conclusions

This work represents the first attempt to demonstrate the positive effect of tea, and especially GGT, on post‐stroke depression and to correlate this effect with the antioxidant activity and phytochemical composition of tea.
Impaired recovery from peritoneal inflammation in a mouse model of mild dietary zinc restriction
Authors: Phillips Brett E. , Geletzke Abby K. , Smith Philip B. , Podany Abigail B. , Chacon Alexander , Kelleher Shannon L. , Patterson Andrew D. , Soybel David I.
Published: December 2015

Scope

Mild dietary zinc (Zn) deficiency is wide‐spread in human populations, but the effect on Zn‐dependent processes of immune function and healing are not well understood. The consequences of mild dietary Zn restriction were examined in two mouse models of inflammation and recovery.

Methods and results

Male C57BL/6 mice were fed a Zn adequate diet (ZA, 30 mg Zn/kg diet), or diets containing sub‐optimal Zn levels (ZM, 15 mg Zn/kg diet; ZD, 10 mg Zn/kg diet) for 30 days before a thioglycollate peritonitis challenge. Plasma lipid profiles were distinct, with greater Zn restriction resulting in a greater impact on metabolites. The milder ZM diet was selected for immune studies. Peritoneal macrophages from ZM mice displayed increased phagocytosis and amplified pro‐inflammatory cytokine (IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNFα) release compared to ZA, at baseline and after a secondary LPS challenge. Splenocytes isolated from ZM mice displayed an increase in IL‐6 and a reduction in anti‐inflammatory IL‐4 compared to ZA. Cytokine levels in plasma were unaltered. Following mechanical manipulation of the intestines to induce ileus, ZM mice had delayed intestinal transit compared to ZA.

Conclusion

Mild Zn deficiency enhances local inflammatory responses, amplifying macrophage functions and delaying recovery from acute insults within the peritoneum.
Monitoring oil displacement processes with k‐t accelerated spin echo SPI
Authors: Li Ming , Xiao Dan , Romero‐Zerón Laura , Balcom Bruce J.
Published: December 2015

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a robust tool to monitor oil displacement processes in porous media. Conventional MRI measurement times can be lengthy, which hinders monitoring time‐dependent displacements. Knowledge of the oil and water microscopic distribution is important because their pore scale behavior reflects the oil trapping mechanisms. The oil and water pore scale distribution is reflected in the magnetic resonance T2 signal lifetime distribution. In this work, a pure phase‐encoding MRI technique, spin echo SPI (SE‐SPI), was employed to monitor oil displacement during water flooding and polymer flooding. A k‐t acceleration method, with low‐rank matrix completion, was employed to improve the temporal resolution of the SE‐SPI MRI measurements. Comparison to conventional SE‐SPI T2 mapping measurements revealed that the k‐t accelerated measurement was more sensitive and provided higher‐quality results. It was demonstrated that the k‐t acceleration decreased the average measurement time from 66.7 to 20.3 min in this work. A perfluorinated oil, containing no 1H, and H2O brine were employed to distinguish oil and water phases in model flooding experiments. High‐quality 1D water saturation profiles were acquired from the k‐t accelerated SE‐SPI measurements. Spatially and temporally resolved T2 distributions were extracted from the profile data. The shift in the 1H T2 distribution of water in the pore space to longer lifetimes during water flooding and polymer flooding is consistent with increased water content in the pore space. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Effectiveness of Occupational Therapy Supervised Usage of Adaptive Devices on Functional Outcomes and Independence after Total Hip Replacement in Iranian Elderly: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Jame Bozorgi Ali Asghar , Ghamkhar Leila , Kahlaee Amir Hossein , Sabouri Hamidreza
Published: December 2015

The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to assess the effect of an occupational therapy protocol of teaching the usage of adaptive devices to older individuals in Iran who have had a total hip replacement as compared with conventional occupational therapy on functional outcomes and independence. Forty individuals diagnosed with osteoarthritis and a total hip replacement aged >60 years were randomly allocated to either control group (n = 20) or experimental (n = 20) group. Pain, disability, independence and hip muscle strength were assessed with visual analogue scale, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis and Barthel Index and dynamometer, 2 days before and 6 weeks after the hip operation. Both groups received conventional occupational therapy, but the experimental group was additionally supervised on the use of adaptive devices. Correct use of the devices was instructed during the training session. Both groups significantly improved on all variables post‐operatively. However, the experimental group showed significantly more improvement in all dependent variables post‐operatively. No data were available on the use of the devices by the control group patients. Supervision of the utilization of the adaptive devices during regular home visits by the occupational therapist is recommended. Further research is needed to clarify which aspects of this supervision were most beneficial for the patients. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metastatic Group 3 Medulloblastoma in a Patient With Tuberous Sclerosis Complex: Case Description and Molecular Characterization of the Tumor
Authors: Moavero Romina , Folgiero Valentina , Carai Andrea , Miele Evelina , Ferretti Elisabetta , Po Agnese , Diomedi Camassei Francesca , Lepri Francesca Romana , Vigevano Federico , Curatolo Paolo , Valeriani Massimiliano , Colafati Giovanna S. , Locatelli Franco , Tornesello Assunta , Mastronuzzi Angela
Published: December 2015

Medulloblastoma is the most common pediatric brain tumor. We describe a child with tuberous sclerosis complex that developed a Group 3, myc overexpressed, metastatic medulloblastoma (MB). Considering the high risk of treatment‐induced malignancies, a tailored therapy, omitting radiation, was given. Based on the evidence of mammalian target of rapamycin mTORC, mTOR Complex; RAS, Rat sarcoma; RAF, rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma (mTOR) pathway activation in the tumor, targeted therapy was applied resulting in complete remission of disease. Although the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway plays a role in MB, we did not find TSC1/TSC2 (TSC, tuberous sclerosis complex) mutation in our patient. We speculate that a different pathway resulting in mTOR activation is the basis of both TSC and MB in this child; H&E, haematoxilin and eosin; Gd, gadolinium.
Surface Treatment of Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with Atmospheric Pressure Rotating Plasma Jet. Modeling and Optimization of the Surface Treatment Conditions
Authors: Jofre‐Reche José Antonio , Pulpytel Jérôme , Fakhouri Houssam , Arefi‐Khonsari Farzaneh , Martín‐Martínez José Miguel
Published: December 2015

Surface treatment of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with a rotative nozzle atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) was reported. Operating conditions were optimized by statistical design of experiments, using water contact angle and XPS as response variables; OES (optical emission spectroscopy) was used for plasma diagnosis. The nozzle‐PDMS distance and the torch speed were the most influencing parameters and were optimum at 6.6 mm and 10.3 m s−1, respectively. The extent of hydrophobic recovery of treated PDMS, investigated by water contact angle measurements, was less than what reported in the literature for this amorphous polymer. However, the APPJ treatment proposed in this paper is meant to be inserted in line for a homogeneous surface treatment of PDMS for enhanced adhesion improvement to coatings or adhesives.
Emission Factors for Aerial Pyrotechnics and Use in Assessing Environmental Impact of Firework Displays: Case Study from Malta
Authors: Camilleri Renato , Vella Alfred J.
Published: December 2015

The measurement of emission factors for PM10 for different aerial (display) firework devices, namely, flash crackers, stars, blast charges, and fuse matches as produced in Malta are reported herein. Additionally, the content in fireworks‐generated PM10 of Al, Ba, Cu, Sr, and Sb is determined. PM10 values were as follows in kg per kg composition: blast charges 0.054; flash crackers 0.43; stars 0.175 (red); 0.176 (blue); 0.254 (green); 0.123 (white); fuse matches 0.204. The metal content in PM10 from fireworks (in kg per kg composition) depends on the type of device burnt, with green stars producing Ba at 0.0553, blue stars Cu at 0.0123, and red stars Sr at 0.0057. White stars and flash crackers containing Sb2S3 produce Sb at 0.0395 and 0.1083 kg per kg composition, respectively. We used these emission factors and trade information on chemicals used for the manufacture of pyrotechnics in Malta to estimate the total load of PM10 and associated metalliferous content released to the atmosphere from aerial fireworks displays. In 2007, PM10 emissions amounted to about 37 t and metal loads (in kg) were Al (2193), Ba (1161), Sb (504), Cu (331), and Sr (142). The data and modeling approach presented herein illustrates a general methodology for the assessment of environmental risk from display fireworks especially when more specific information is unavailable.
Amorphous alumina thin films deposited on titanium: Interfacial chemistry and thermal oxidation barrier properties
Authors: Baggetto Loïc , Charvillat Cédric , Thébault Yannick , Esvan Jérôme , Lafont Marie‐Christine , Scheid Emmanuel , Veith Gabriel M. , Vahlas Constantin
Published: December 2015

Ti/Al2O3 bilayer stacks are used as model systems to investigate the role of atomic layer deposition (ALD) and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) to prepare 30–180 nm thick amorphous alumina films as protective barriers for the medium temperature oxidation (500–600 °C) of titanium, which is employed in aeronautic applications. X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with selected area electron diffraction (SAED), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results show that the films produced from the direct liquid injection (DLI) CVD of aluminum tri‐isopropoxide (ATI) are poor oxygen barriers. The films processed using the ALD of trimethylaluminum (TMA) show good barrier properties but an extensive intermixing with Ti which subsequently oxidizes. In contrast, the films prepared from dimethyl aluminum isopropoxide (DMAI) by CVD are excellent oxygen barriers and show little intermixing with Ti. Overall, these measurements correlate the effect of the alumina coating thickness, morphology, and stoichiometry resulting from the preparation method to the oxidation barrier properties, and show that compact and stoichiometric amorphous alumina films offer superior barrier properties.
Effect of torch power on the microstructure of plasma sprayed Al2O3 coatings
Authors: Marcinauskas Liutauras , Milieška Mindaugas , Kėželis Romualdas
Published: December 2015

Al2O3 coatings were formed on stainless steel substrates by atmospheric plasma spraying using air and hydrogen gasses. The increase of the power increases the mean plasma flow temperature and velocity from 4540 to 5150 K and 1460  to 1590 m/s, respectively. The effect of torch power on the coating microstructure and phase composition was investigated. The increase of torch power almost has no effect on the elemental composition of Al2O3 coatings. The results indicated that the coating roughness decreased from 5.05 to 3.65 µm with increased power. The X‐ray diffraction measurements indicated that the as‐sprayed coatings are composed of α‐Al2O3, γ‐Al2O3, and β‐Al2O3 phases. The coating produced at the highest torch power had the highest amount of the γ‐Al2O3 and β‐Al2O3 phases. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface structural and energetic heterogeneity of carbon materials prepared from corn grains using steam and H3PO4‐steam activations
Authors: Shim Wang‐Geun , Kim Chan , Lee Jae‐Wook , Balathanigaimani M. S. , Moon Hee
Published: December 2015

The porous activated carbons (ACs) were prepared from corn grains through physical (steam) and chemical–physical (H3PO4‐steam) activations. The effects of steam activation temperature (700–900 °C) on pore development, surface roughness, and energetic heterogeneity were investigated in both activations. Also, the effect of prior carbonization on H3PO4‐steam activation was studied. The physical properties, surface fractal dimensions, and adsorption energy distributions of ACs were determined from nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherm data. Both physical and chemical–physical activations show that the AC with higher surface area, relatively smoother surface, and energetically heterogeneous surface could be produced at a maximum steam activation temperature (900 °C). Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.