bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reporter mice express green fluorescent protein at initiation of meiosis in spermatocytes
Authors: Brown Paula R. , Odet Fanny , Bortner Carl D. , Eddy Edward M.
Published: October 2014

Transgenic mice were generated using a heat shock protein 2 (Hspa2) gene promoter to express green fluorescent protein (GFP) at the beginning of meiotic prophase I in spermatocytes. Expression was confirmed in four lines by in situ fluorescence, immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and PCR assays. The expression and distribution of the GFP and HSPA2 proteins co‐localized in spermatocytes and spermatids in three lines, but GFP expression was variegated in one line (F46), being present in some clones of meiotic and post‐meiotic germ cells and not in others. Fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) was used to isolate purified populations of spermatocytes and spermatids. Although bisulfite sequencing revealed differences in the DNA methylation patterns in the promoter regions of the transgene of the variegated expressing GFP line, a uniformly expressing GFP reporter line, and the Hspa2 gene, these differences did not correlate with variegated expression. The Hspa2‐GFP reporter mice provide a novel tool for studies of meiosis by allowing detection of GFP in situ and in isolated spermatogenic cells. They will allow sorting of meiotic and post‐meiotic germ cells for characterization of molecular features and correlation of expression of GFP with stage‐specific spermatogenic cell proteins and developmental events. genesis 52:976–984, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High‐Temperature Synthesis of Ordered Hexagonal Mesoporous Silica Materials (SBA‐15) with Adjustable Large Mesopores for Selective Adsorption of Biomolecules
Authors: Zhang Pengling , Wu Zhuofu , Liu Tongxin , Li Zhengqiang
Published: October 2014

AL‐SBA‐15 materials with additional large‐mesopore networks have been successfully synthesized at high‐temperature (200 °C) in the presence of inorganic salts. Compared with conventional SBA‐15 which has monomesopores, the samples synthesized by using cations and assisted by high‐temperature show a bimodal pore size distribution. Interestingly, the large mesopores in the samples can be tuned by a simple adjustment in the preparation time and temperature. In addition, this route also results in the formation of a high degree of silica condensation which is favorable for improvement of sample hydrothermal stability. More importantly, the adsorption and separation of biomolecules over AL‐SBA‐15 materials and conventional SBA‐15100 or SBA‐15200 samples shows that AL‐SBA‐15 samples exhibit superior selective adsorption and separation capabilities compared with conventional samples and this is potentially important for their applications in adsorption and separation of bulky biomolecules.
Gas‐Phase Fragmentation Reactions of Keggin‐Type {PW11O39M} (M = Rh, Ir, and Ru) Polyoxometalates as Fingerprints of the Ligands Attached at the Noble Metal Site
Authors: Vicent Cristian , Adonin Sergey A. , Anyushin Alexander V. , Mainichev Dmitry A. , Sokolov Maxim N.
Published: October 2014

The gas‐phase fragmentation reactions of Keggin‐type [PW11O39MCl]5– (M = Rh, Ir) polyoxometalates (POMs) featuring chloride terminal ligands have been investigated. Different adducts of the general formulas [PW11O39MCl + 2cat]3– and [PW11O39MCl + 3cat]2– [cat = alkylammonium cations (Me4N+, Bu4N+), alkali cations (Na+, K+) or protons] were subjected to collision‐induced dissociation (CID) conditions. The (cat)Cl (cat = H+, Na+ or K+) fragments were released as a common fragmentation pathway and were taken as a fingerprint of the ligands attached at the noble metal site. Other {PW11O39ML} POMs (M = Rh, Ir) with L = thiocyanate, nitrite, methyl, phenylacetate or phenyl were identified on the basis of CID experiments. Coordination studies of thiocyanate anions and CO to {PW11O39Ru} POMs to yield the new compounds [PW11O39RuSCN]5– and [PW11O39RuCO]4– are also reported. CID experiments were also used to validate that thiocyanate and CO ligation at the Ru metal site had occurred.
Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis, Characterisation and Dielectric Properties of Nanocrystalline Zirconia
Authors: Hoffmann Rudolf C. , Kaloumenos Mareiki , Erdem Emre , Weber Stefan , Schneider Jörg J.
Published: October 2014

Nanocrystalline zirconia particles with a diameter of about 4 nm were obtained by microwave‐assisted decomposition of basic zirconium acetate in ethoxyethanol. The reaction yields optically transparent and stable dispersions, which can ideally be employed for the manufacture of dielectric thin films by spin‐coating followed by a subsequent annealing step. The influence of the processing conditions on the electronic performance of an electrical capacitor device built from this nanomaterial was studied. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopic studies exclude the presence of point defects within the zirconia bulk; however, they reveal the presence of surface‐related paramagnetic species.
β5′ Loop of turkey pancreatic lipase: Involvement in the resistance to interfacial denaturation
Authors: Ali Madiha Bou , Gargouri Youssef , Ali Yassine Ben
Published: October 2014

β5′ Loop is a hydrophobic loop in the C‐terminal domain of pancreatic lipases playing an important role in the interaction with lipid–water interface. The turkey pancreatic lipase (TPL) β5′ loop N404, S406, and V408 residues were mutated to Y, N, and I, respectively, to replace TPL β5′ loop by those of human pancreatic lipase (HPL), which denatures rapidly in the tributyrin–water interface, in order to investigate the involvement of theses β5′ loop residues in the pancreatic lipases interfacial stability. TPL Mut β5′ was expressed in Pichia pastoris, the mutated enzyme was purified and interfacial properties study showed that TPL Mut β5′ interfacial denaturation was faster than that of wild type TPL, which is resistant to interfacial denaturation unlike many pancreatic lipases such as HPL. TPL Mut β5′ activity in the absence of tension‐active reagents was clearly lower than that of TPL. This decreased activity was more pronounced at high temperatures. Thus mutations (N404‐Y, S406‐N, and V408‐I) introduced in the TPL β5′ loop changed the TPL behavior at tributyrin–water interface to be similar to HPL. These TPL β5′ loop residues could be responsible for the TPL interfacial stability at high temperatures and in the absence of bile‐salts.

Practical applications: In contrast to classical pancreatic lipases, turkey pancreatic lipase has a high stability at the lipid‐water interface and this property makes it suitable for detergency applications. Here we have studied the β5′ loop residues responsible for the interfacial stability.

(A) Surface pressure–activity profiles of TPL and TPL Mut β5′ measured on 1,2‐sn‐dicaprin. Assays were carried out at 37°C in a “zero‐order” trough (volume, 130 mL; surface area, 120 cm2). Buffer: 10 mM Tris–HCl, pH 8.0, 150 mM NaCl, 21 mM CaCl2, and 1 mM EDTA. Activities are expressed as the number of moles of substrate hydrolyzed by unit time and unit surface of the reaction compartment of the “zero‐order” trough for an arbitrary lipase concentration of 1 M. (B) Hydrolysis kinetics of 1,2‐sn‐dicaprin by TPL and TPL Mut β5′ at 37°C and at a surface pressure of 5 mN/m. Each experiment was performed in duplicate and no significant difference was observed.
Fatty acid profile of Albizia lebbeck and Albizia saman seed oils: Presence of coronaric acid
Authors: Knothe Gerhard , Phoo Zan Win Moh Moh , de Castro Maria Ellenita G. , Razon Luis F.
Published: October 2014

In this work, the fatty acid profiles of the seed oils of Albizia lebbeck and Albizia saman (Samanea saman) are reported. The oils were analyzed by GC, GC‐MS and NMR. The most prominent fatty acid in both oils is linoleic acid (30–40%), followed by palmitic acid and oleic acid for A. lebbeck and oleic acid and behenic acid for A. saman. Both oils contain slightly more than 30% saturated fatty acids with stearic, eicosanoic and tetracosanoic acids present as well as odd‐numbered saturated fatty acids in minor amounts. Furthermore, for the first time, epoxy fatty acids are reported in the fatty acid profiles of Albizia seed oils. Coronaric acid (9,10‐epoxy‐12(Z)‐octadecenoic acid) is the major epoxy fatty acid at approximately 3–4% of the fatty acid profiles with minor amounts of vernolic (12,13‐epoxy‐9(Z)‐octadecenoic acid) and 9,10‐epoxystearic acids also detected. The results are compared to previous literature on the fatty acid profiles of other Albizia seed oils. The coronaric acid content of Albizia resembles that of Acacia species with both genera belonging to the Fabaceae family. The mass spectrum of the pyridylcarbinol (picolinyl) ester of coronaric acid is reported.

The fatty acid profiles of Albizia lebbeck and Albizia saman seed oils contain coronaric acid.
An Impedimetric Sensor Based on a Gold Electrode Functionalized with a Thiol Self‐Assembled Monolayer Modified by Terpyridine Ligands for the Detection of Free Gadolinium Ions
Authors: Mefteh Wahid Ben , Touzi Hassen , Bessueille François , Chevalier Yves , Kalfat Rafik , Jaffrezic‐Renault Nicole
Published: October 2014

An impedimetric method of detection of gadolinium(III) free species has been developed using gold electrodes functionalized by terpyridine ligands. Two chemical attachment processes, on an acidic thiol and on an aminothiol, were designed and the sensitized surfaces were then characterized by chemical analyses, physicochemical and electrochemical methods. The detection of Gd3+ was investigated by impedance spectroscopy. A linear calibration curve was obtained from the variation of the polarization resistance versus pGd3+ in the range 10−8 M to 10−3 M. The impedimetric sensor presented a shelf life of more than six months. Moreover, Gd3+ detection in spiked diluted real urine samples was satisfactorily performed.
A stochastic model and synthesis for near‐fault impulsive ground motions
Authors: Yang Dixiong , Zhou Jilei
Published: October 2014

The orientations of ground motions are paramount when the pulse‐like motions and their unfavorable seismic responses are considered. This paper addresses the stochastic modeling and synthesizing of near‐fault impulsive ground motions with forward directivity effect taking the orientation of the strongest pulses into account. First, a statistical parametric analysis of velocity time histories in the orientation of the strongest pulse with a specified magnitude and various fault distances is performed. A new stochastic model is established consisting of a velocity pulse model with random parameters and a stochastic approach to synthesize high‐frequency velocity time history. The high‐frequency velocity history is achieved by integrating a stochastic high‐frequency accelerogram, which is generated via the modified K‐T spectrum of residual acceleration histories and then modulated by the specific envelope function. Next, the associated parameters of pulse model, envelope function, and power spectral density are estimated by the least‐square fitting. Some chosen parameters in the stochastic model of near‐fault motions based on correlation analysis are regarded as random variables, which are validated to follow the normal or lognormal distribution. Moreover, the number theoretical method is suggested to select efficiently representative points, for generating artificial near‐fault impulsive ground motions with the feature of the strongest pulse, which can be used to the seismic response and reliability analysis of critical structures conveniently. Finally, the simulated ground motions demonstrate that the synthetic ground motions generated by the proposed stochastic model can represent the impulsive characteristic of near‐fault ground motions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nonlinear rooftop tuned mass damper frame for the seismic retrofit of buildings
Authors: Johnson Jerod G. , Pantelides Chris P. , Reaveley Lawrence D.
Published: October 2014

Numerical studies of existing buildings demonstrate the effectiveness of nonlinear/inelastic rooftop tuned mass damper frames (NRTMDF) used as a retrofit for reducing seismic response. The technique utilizes a rooftop penthouse as a tuned mass damper with mass incorporated as the roof deck of the penthouse while targeted nonlinearity and energy dissipation are introduced through buckling restrained braces (BRBs) linking the penthouse mass to the structure below. The writers summarize numerical studies of ten existing buildings modified with a specifically tuned NRTMDF. The studies demonstrate the effectiveness of the technique that stems from elastic and transient inelastic period shifts enabled by the damper coupled with targeted energy dissipation in the penthouse BRBs. Numerical simulations using response nonlinear time‐history analysis techniques show that for many structures and sites, the NRTMDF decreases peak transient response and overall seismic demand of the original structure. The technique also reduces seismic demand on nonstructural elements and components, manifested as reductions in floor acceleration spectra. Energy methods show that the approach enables significant reductions in energy demand on the original structure through the complete earthquake acceleration history. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ground motion directionality in the 2010–2011 Canterbury earthquakes
Authors: Bradley Brendon A. , Baker Jack W.
Published: October 2014

This paper examines the observed directionality of ground motions in the Christchurch urban area during the 2010–2011 Canterbury, New Zealand earthquakes. A dataset of ground motions recorded at 20 strong motion stations over 10 different earthquake events is utilized to examine the ratios of various response spectral directionality definitions and the orientation of the maximum direction. Because the majority of previous related studies have utilized overlapping ground motion datasets from the NGA database, the results of this study provide a largely independent assessment of these ground motion aspects. It is found that the directionality ratio between the maximum (100th percentile) and 50th percentile orientation‐independent spectral acceleration is similar to that obtained from recent studies. Ground motions from the 4 September 2010 Darfield earthquake are shown to exhibit strong directionality for source‐to‐site distances up to Rrup = 30 km, notably further than results from a previous study, which suggests that such effects are generally limited to Rrup < 5 km. The adopted dataset also offers the unique potential to consider site‐specific effects on directionality ratios and maximum direction orientations; however, in both cases, site‐specific effects are found not to be significant in the observed empirical results. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pipe–soil interaction for segmented buried pipelines subjected to dip faults
Authors: Erami Mohammad Hossein , Miyajima Masakatsu , Kaneko Shogo , Toshima Toshio , Kishi Shozo
Published: October 2014

This paper describes an investigation of pipe–soil interaction equations suggested by currently used pipeline seismic design codes and the applicability of these equations to segmented pipelines. The results of computer‐aided analyses were compared to results obtained in full‐scale experiments on a segmented ductile iron pipeline 93 mm in diameter and 15 m in length. The pipeline was installed 600 mm below the ground surface in a sandy soil compacted to two different subgrade reaction values. The type of fault considered was a reverse fault with an intersection angle of 60° with the pipeline, and the fault movement was a total of 350 mm in three same steps in the fault trace direction. The findings of this study demonstrate the necessity of considering the nature of soil behavior in pipe–soil interaction equations and the effects of connection joints on the integrated response of pipelines to fault‐induced ground deformations. A new combination of equations constituting a direction‐wise selection from among the equations proposed by currently used guidelines is introduced as a new series to describe pipe–soil interaction for segmented pipelines and is verified using the results of full‐scale experiments. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhancement of real‐time hybrid simulation on a shaking table configuration with implementation of an advanced control method
Authors: Günay Selim , Mosalam Khalid M.
Published: October 2014

This paper presents the implementation of Three Variable Control (TVC), an advanced control method, to the existing hybrid simulation (HS) system at the University of California, Berkeley. Motivation, background, and implementation of the TVC are explained together with modifications in the existing HS system. An application, which consists of the real‐time HS of electrical disconnect switches on a shaking table configuration, demonstrates successful implementation of the TVC. The presented application also covers other HS‐related features, namely employment of a three‐dimensional analytical substructure, real‐time HS‐compatible operator‐splitting integration method, and an efficient equation solver for faster computations. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robust integrated actuator control: experimental verification and real‐time hybrid‐simulation implementation
Authors: Ou Ge , Ozdagli Ali Irmak , Dyke Shirley J. , Wu Bin
Published: October 2014

In this paper, we propose a new actuator control algorithm that achieves the design flexibility, robustness, and tracking accuracy to give real‐time hybrid‐simulation users the power to achieve highly accurate and robust actuator control. The robust integrated actuator control (RIAC) strategy integrates three key control components: loop shaping feedback control based on H∞ optimization, a linear‐quadratic‐estimation block for minimizing noise effect, and a feed‐forward block that reduces small residual delay/lag. The combination of these components provides flexible controller design to accommodate setup limits while preserving the stability of the H∞ algorithm. The efficacy of the proposed strategy is demonstrated through two illustrative case studies: one using large capacity but relatively slow actuator of 2500 kN and the second using a small‐scale fast actuator. Actuator tracking results in both cases demonstrate that the RIAC algorithm is effective and applicable for different setups. Real‐time hybrid‐simulation validation is implemented using a three‐DOF building frame equipped with a magneto‐rheological damper on both setups. Results using the two very different physical setups illustrate that RIAC is efficient and accurate. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Entropy‐based opportunistic spectrum access for cognitive radio networks
Authors: Pirmoradian Mahdi , Adigun Olayinka , Politis Christos
Published: October 2014

This paper proposes an opportunistic spectrum decision scheme based on the weighted residual entropy concept for cognitive radio networks. The proposed scheme maximum entropy channel access selects appropriate spectrum opportunities based on the usefulness of the idle‐channel remaining lifetime estimated through the weighted residual entropy function for the unoccupied channels. The performance of the proposed spectrum decision scheme is evaluated using a wealth of efficiency metrics, namely channel utilisation, channel collision, spectrum handoff rate and collision probability in perfect and imperfect spectrum sensing environments. The probabilities of primary signal detection and false detection are taken into the proposed spectrum hole selection technique. Despite the increasing probability of false detection, simulation results show that this central spectrum decision scheme greatly improves spectrum utilisation when the stated performance metrics were compared with those of known spectrum decision schemes such as random channel access, first‐opportunity channel access and maximum remaining lifetime. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Barium Borosilicate Sealing Glasses Synthesized by a Sol–Gel Process: Chemical Interactions with a Stainless Steel and Gas‐Tightness of a SOFC
Authors: Puig J. , Ansart F. , Lenormand P. , Bailly N. , Georges S. , Dailly J.
Published: October 2014

Several glasses synthesized by sol–gel route and based on the BaO–B2O3–X–Al2O3–SiO2 (X = CaO, MgO) glass system have been investigated to evaluate their applicability as sealant for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). Chemical interactions with K41X stainless steel and hydrogen‐tightness of these materials were evaluated after operations at high temperatures over 1,000 h in air atmosphere. Formation of a new phase at the steel–glass interface and formation of porosity in the glass were observed and determined as critical problems over mid‐term operations. The role of MgO is important to obtain a gas‐tight sealing. Application of the glass paste without binder addition was performed in order to avoid possible residual porosity related problems. The best glass was finally used as sealant between anodic and cathodic compartments in complete SOFCs operated at 760 and at 800 °C. Open circuit voltages and power densities of the cells were recorded during the first hours of operation.
Sintering and Electrical Characterization of La and Nb Co‐doped SrTiO3 Electrode Materials for Solid Oxide Cell Applications
Authors: Sudireddy B. R. , Agersted K.
Published: October 2014

Single‐phase lanthanum and niobium co‐doped strontium titanate (Sr1–3x/2LaxTi0.9Nb0.1O3; x = 0–0.02) ceramics were prepared. Dilatometry in reducing atmosphere showed an increase in the sintering rate and sintered density with an increase in La amount. Microscopy of fractured surfaces of sintered samples showed that the average grain size increased drastically in reducing conditions with increasing La content (and associated A‐site vacancies). By incorporating 2 mol.% La, the electronic conductivity significantly improved from 80 to 135 S cm−1 at 1,000 °C, and even larger improvements were observed at lower temperatures. These observations demonstrate the flexibility in tailoring the microstructure and electronic transport properties by doping small amounts of La into the Nb‐doped SrTiO3 and show that Sr1–3x/2LaxTi0.9Nb0.1O3 is a potential electrode material for solid oxide cells.
Use of Grooved Microchannels to Improve the Performance of Membrane‐Less Fuel Cells
Authors: D'Alessandro J. , Fodor P. S.
Published: October 2014

In this work, the fluid dynamics within a membrane‐less microchannel fuel cell is analyzed computationally. The membrane‐less design is a result of the laminar nature of the fluid flow at small Reynolds numbers, restricting the fuel and oxidant to the vicinity of the corresponding electrodes, without the need of a proton exchange membrane (PEM). However, the performance of such cells is limited by the slow diffusive mass transport near the electrodes, with a large fraction of the reactants leaving the channel without coming in contact with the catalytic surfaces, and thus not being used. We mitigate this problem through the introduction of channel surface modification consisting of angled grooves designed to create convective flows that direct the reactants toward the active surfaces. The grooved structures are optimized for maximum fuel utilization. Operation of this type of cells at Péclet numbers close to 2,500 leads to a performance doubling compared with unmodified cells. Moreover, this increase in efficiency is accompanied by a more uniform distribution of the current across the electrodes, reducing the possibility of hot spots being developed.
The associations between parenting styles and proactive and reactive aggression in Hong Kong children and adolescents
Authors: Gao Yu , Zhang Wei , Fung Annis Lai Chu
Published: October 2014

Previous research suggests that reactive and proactive aggression may be differentially related to family contextual (e.g. parenting practices) factors. However, the existing research has focused largely on children and adolescents from Western countries, and no study has examined the parenting–aggression association using a parenting style measure sensitive to Asian culture. In this study parenting styles (i.e. warmth, control and guan/training) and proactive and reactive aggression were assessed in a large sample of school children in Hong Kong, China (N = 4,175, mean age = 11.75). We found that: (a) both low warmth (in boys only) and guan (i.e. high expectation and close supervision, in both boys and girls) were associated with elevated parent‐reported proactive aggression, (b) high restrictive control (i.e. dominating and rejecting) was associated with high reactive aggression (in both boys and girls) based on parent‐ or child‐report data, and with high proactive aggression (in boys only) based on parent‐report data, and (c) guan was also positively associated with parent‐reported reactive aggression. Findings provide more information about the Parenting Inventory using a large Asian sample, and extend existing research on familial correlates of different types of aggression.
Working Therapeutically with Indian Families within a New Zealand Context
Authors: Wali Renuka
Published: October 2014

This article aims to raise awareness amongst non‐Indian therapists working with Indian people by highlighting some of the important aspects of Indian culture within the New Zealand context. Although there is a great deal of diversity amongst Indians, there are some fundamental issues that would have relevance for most Indians. Specific issues relating to immigrant families are discussed, such as the sacrifices made by families in the hope of providing a better future for their children and the difficulties encountered by new migrants. The cultural clash for young people caught between parental expectations and peer pressure can often lead to significant family conflict. Some of the common pitfalls for non‐Indian therapists working with Indian people are outlined and suggestions made in relation to the process of therapy.
Psychologists in Tortured States: A Review of Nancy Caro Hollander's Love in a Time of Hate
Authors: Rochkovski Olga
Published: October 2014

How do we understand the human capacity to inflict and endure such violence? How do we comprehend its toll on the human spirit? Is it possible to live through the trauma of extreme violation of human rights and sustain hope and faith in human goodness and our capacity to build loving and creating social bonds?
Couple Therapy and Attachment: An Interview with Susan Johnson
Authors: Webster Michelle
Published: October 2014

Susan M. Johnson is an international expert in Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFT). She is a Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of Ottawa and Director of the Marital and Family Therapy Clinic at Ottawa Civic Hospital. She is the author of The Practice of Emotionally Focused Marital Therapy – Creating Connection (Brunner/Mazel, 1996) and the co‐author of Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples: The Heart of the Matter. EFT is now one of the most empirically validated couples therapies and is accepted as such by the American Psychological Association. On sabbatical in 1999, she went to New Zealand and then visited Australia in April, conducting workshops in Sydney and Perth.
Theoretical Beacons: Maturana's Theory in Clinical Practice
Authors: Miran‐Khan Claire
Published: October 2014

This paper introduces several theoretical constructs drawn from the work of Humberto Maturana that can be applied to a diverse range of clinical contexts, including supervision. These constructs are: love as a fundamental need of human beings; pathways of explanation: (Objectivity), Objectivity; Emotioning; Structural Coupling; Plasticity; Domains of Operational Coherences. These constructs assist in choosing a point of entry for specific clinical situations and form a foundation on which one's preferred model of practice can be built.
Syringe fading as treatment for feeding refusal
Authors: Groff Rebecca A. , Piazza Cathleen C. , Volkert Valerie M. , Jostad Candice M.
Published: October 2014

The efficacy of nonremoval of the cup or spoon as treatment for feeding refusal is dependent on prevention of escape from presentations. In the current investigation, 1 child with feeding refusal escaped presentations during nonremoval of the cup and spoon by clenching his teeth. Therefore, we used a syringe to deposit liquids and solids, increased the volume of liquids and solids in the syringe, and conducted syringe‐to‐cup and syringe‐to‐spoon fading.
Behavioral variability and autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Rodriguez Nicole M. , Thompson Rachel H.
Published: October 2014

Restricted and repetitive behavior is a diagnostic characteristic of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To the extent that the behavior of individuals with ASD can be conceptualized as problems of invariance, our understanding of environmental variables that influence restricted and repetitive behavior may be informed by the basic and applied literature on response variability. The purposes of this paper are (a) to describe how restricted and repetitive behavior can be conceptualized as problems of invariance, (b) to consider the implications of a lack of varied responding for individuals with ASD, (c) to review relevant basic and applied research on response variability, (d) to present methods to address invariant responding for individuals with ASD, and (e) to suggest areas for future research.
Effect of citric acid crosslinking cellulose‐based hydrogels on osteogenic differentiation
Authors: Raucci M. G. , Alvarez‐Perez M. A. , Demitri C. , Giugliano D. , De Benedictis V. , Sannino A. , Ambrosio L.
Published: October 2014

Understanding the relationships between material surface properties and cellular responses is essential to designing optimal material surfaces for implantation and tissue engineering. In this study, cellulose hydrogels were crosslinked using a non‐toxic and natural component namely citric acid. The chemical treatment induces COOH functional groups that improve the hydrophilicity, roughness, and materials rheological properties. The physiochemical, morphological, and mechanical analyses were performed to analyze the material surface before and after crosslinking. This approach would help determine if the effect of chemical treatment on cellulose hydrogel improves the hydrophilicity, roughness, and rheological properties of the scaffold. In this study, it was demonstrated that the biological responses of human mesenchymal stem cell with regard to cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation were influenced in vitro by changing the surface chemistry and roughness. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 2045–2056, 2015.
Three‐layered scaffolds for artificial esophagus using poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) nanofibers and silk fibroin: An experimental study in a rat model
Authors: Chung Eun‐Jae , Ju Hyung Woo , Park Hyun Jung , Park Chan Hum
Published: October 2014

The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of an artificial esophagus using a three‐layered poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL)‐silk fibroin (SF) scaffold in a rat model. The artificial esophagus was a three‐layered, hybrid‐type prosthesis composed of an outer and inner layer of PCL with a middle layer of SF. After depositing the inner layer of the PCL scaffold by electrospinning, the lyophilized middle SF layer was created. The outer layer of PCL was produced following the same procedure used to make the inner PCL layer. Eleven rats were anesthetized using inhaled anesthesia. Circumferential defects of the cervical esophagus (n = 11) were created and reconstructed. Groups of rats were sacrificed after the 1st and 2nd weeks. Three rats died of an esophageal fistula and wound infection. No gross evidence of a fistula, perforation, abscess formation, seroma accumulation, or surrounding soft‐tissue necrosis was observed in the other rats sacrificed after the 1st and 2nd weeks. The artificial esophagus constructs produced complete healing of the circumferential defects by the 2nd week. The composition of the three‐layered artificial esophagus was confirmed histologically to have an outer and inner layer of PCL and a middle layer of SF. The fusion of the PCL‐SF scaffold and the regenerative tissue remained intact. Our study proposes a more practical experimental model for studying a three‐layered PCL‐SF scaffold in the esophagus. However, further studies on circumferential defect reconstruction in a rat model are still required. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 2057–2065, 2015.
Cyclophosphamide‐based hematopoietic stem cell mobilization before autologous stem cell transplantation in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma
Authors: Tuchman Sascha A , Bacon Wendi A , Huang Li‐Wen , Long Gwynn , Rizzieri David , Horwitz Mitchell , Chute John P. , Sullivan Keith , Morris Engemann Ashley , Yopp Amanda , Li Zhiguo , Corbet Kelly , Chao Nelson , Gasparetto Cristina
Published: October 2014

High‐dose cyclophosphamide (Cy) is frequently employed for peripheral blood mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells before high‐dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in multiple myeloma (MM). The benefit of mobilization with Cy over filgrastim (granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor; G‐CSF) alone is unclear. Between 2000 and 2008, 167 patients with newly diagnosed MM underwent single ASCT after melphalan conditioning at our institution. Seventy‐three patients were mobilized with G‐CSF alone, and 94 patients with Cy plus G‐CSF (Cy+G‐CSF). We retrospectively analyzed Cy's impact on both toxicity and efficacy. Mobilization efficiency was augmented by Cy; a mean total of 12 versus 5.8 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg were collected from patients mobilized with Cy+G‐CSF versus G‐CSF, respectively, (P < 0.01), over a mean of 1.6 versus 2.2 days of peripheral blood apheresis (p = 0.001). Mobilization‐related toxicity was also, however, augmented by Cy; 14% of Cy+G‐CSF patients were hospitalized because of complications versus none receiving G‐CSF (P < 0.0001). Toxicity, including death, related to ASCT was similar between cohorts. Regarding long‐term outcomes, multivariate analysis revealed no difference for Cy+G‐CSF versus G‐CSF (hazard ratio 0.8 for event‐free survival [95% confidence interval {CI} 0.57–1.25] and 0.96 for overall survival [95% CI 0.61–1.54]). In summary, we show that mobilization with Cy increases toxicity without positively impacting long‐term outcomes in MM. Our findings place into question Cy's benefit as a routine component of stem cell mobilization regimens in MM. Randomized trials are needed to elucidate the risks and benefits of Cy more definitively. J. Clin. Apheresis 30:176–182, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Internal versus external control of calcium nutrition in kiwifruit
Authors: Montanaro Giuseppe , Dichio Bartolomeo , Lang Alexander , Mininni Alba N. , Nuzzo Vitale , Clearwater Michael J. , Xiloyannis Cristos
Published: October 2014

Higher calcium (Ca) concentration in several fleshy fruit including kiwifruit is a pre‐requisite for lower incidence of Ca‐related diseases and improved fruit nutritional value. This review examines the internal and external factors operating along the soil‐to‐fruit pathway that are involved in the uptake and partitioning of Ca in kiwifruit vines. After a brief description of fruit growth and the dynamic of nutrient accumulation during fruit development, the review considers the role of soil Ca concentration and availability, root elongation, mass flow in the apoplast, fruit transpiration, competition between fruit and highly transpiring leaves, weather variables and soil moisture. How fruit morphological and anatomical traits, including skin anatomy, xylem development and hydraulic resistance, influence physiological processes such as transpiration and impact on Ca accumulation is also discussed. The review highlights that approximately 80% of the total Ca content of fruit is accumulated during the early weeks after fruit‐set, suggesting that failure of good fruit Ca nutrition at that time may lead to poor fruit Ca content at harvest. Therefore, based on the analysis of the internal and external factors that influence Ca accumulation, recommendations are made for orchard practices that maximize Ca accumulation in the kiwifruit berry, including optimal pollination, nutrient and irrigation management, and manipulation of canopy architecture.
Ultrabroadband strong light absorption based on thin multilayered metamaterials
Authors: Ding Fei , Jin Yi , Li Borui , Cheng Hao , Mo Lei , He Sailing
Published: October 2014

Light absorbers have drawn intensive attention as crucial components for solar‐energy harvesting, thermal emission tailoring, modulators, etc. However, achievement of light absorbers with wide bandwidth remains a challenge thus far. Here, a thin, unprecedentedly ultrabroadband strong light absorber is proposed and experimentally demonstrated, which consists of periodic taper arrays constructed by an alumina–chrome multilayered metamaterial (MM) on a gold substrate. This MM can change from a hyperbolic material to an anisotropic dielectric material at different frequency ranges and the special material features are the fundamental origins of the ultrabroadband absorption. The absorber is quite insensitive to the incident angle, and can be insensitive to the polarization. One two‐dimensional periodic array of 400‐nm height MM tapers is fabricated. The measured absorption is over 90% over almost the entire solar spectrum, reaching an average level of 96%, and remains high (above 85%) even in the longer‐wavelength range till 4 μm. The proposed absorbers open up a new avenue to realize broadband thin light‐harvesting structures.
Endogenous R&D Networks among Upstream Firms
Authors: Kesavayuth Dusanee , Manasakis Constantine , Zikos Vasileios
Published: October 2014

This paper studies the endogenous formation of R&D networks among upstream firms and the welfare implications thereof. Both under an upstream price setting and an upstream quantity setting, it is shown that the complete R&D network emerges in equilibrium but only if spillovers are sufficiently low. Yet, under a quantity setting, the complete network arises within a larger range of spillovers. In both cases, however, there is a potential conflict between private incentives for R&D collaboration and societal ones. We discuss policy measures that may help to steer firms towards a more socially desirable outcome. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical shift separation with controlled aliasing for hyperpolarized 13C metabolic imaging
Authors: Shin Peter J. , Larson Peder E.Z. , Uecker Martin , Reed Galen D. , Kerr Adam B. , Tropp James , Ohliger Michael A. , Nelson Sarah J. , Pauly John M. , Lustig Michael , Vigneron Daniel B.
Published: October 2014

Purpose

A chemical shift separation technique for hyperpolarized 13C metabolic imaging with high spatial and temporal resolution was developed. Specifically, a fast three‐dimensional pulse sequence and a reconstruction method were implemented to acquire signals from multiple 13C species simultaneously with subsequent separation into individual images.

Theory and Methods

A stack of flyback echo‐planar imaging readouts and a set of multiband excitation radiofrequency pulses were designed to spatially modulate aliasing patterns of the acquired metabolite images, which translated the chemical shift separation problem into parallel imaging reconstruction problem. An eight‐channel coil array was used for data acquisition and a parallel imaging method based on nonlinear inversion was developed to separate the aliased images.

Results

Simultaneous acquisitions of pyruvate and lactate in a phantom study and in vivo rat experiments were performed. The results demonstrated successful separation of the metabolite distributions into individual images having high spatial resolution.

Conclusion

This method demonstrated the ability to provide accelerated metabolite imaging in hyperpolarized 13C MR using multichannel coils, tailored readout, and specialized RF pulses. Magn Reson Med 74:978–989, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CEST signal at 2 ppm (CEST@2ppm) from Z‐spectral fitting correlates with creatine distribution in brain tumor
Authors: Cai Kejia , Singh Anup , Poptani Harish , Li Weiguo , Yang Shaolin , Lu Yang , Hariharan Hari , Zhou Xiaohong J. , Reddy Ravinder
Published: October 2014

In general, multiple components such as water direct saturation, magnetization transfer (MT), chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) and aliphatic nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) contribute to the Z‐spectrum. The conventional CEST quantification method based on asymmetrical analysis may lead to quantification errors due to the semi‐solid MT asymmetry and the aliphatic NOE located on a single side of the Z‐spectrum. Fitting individual contributors to the Z‐spectrum may improve the quantification of each component. In this study, we aim to characterize the multiple exchangeable components from an intracranial tumor model using a simplified Z‐spectral fitting method. In this method, the Z‐spectrum acquired at low saturation RF amplitude (50 Hz) was modeled as the summation of five Lorentzian functions that correspond to NOE, MT effect, bulk water, amide proton transfer (APT) effect and a CEST peak located at +2 ppm, called CEST@2ppm. With the pixel‐wise fitting, the regional variations of these five components in the brain tumor and the normal brain tissue were quantified and summarized. Increased APT effect, decreased NOE and reduced CEST@2ppm were observed in the brain tumor compared with the normal brain tissue. Additionally, CEST@2ppm decreased with tumor progression. CEST@2ppm was found to correlate with the creatine concentration quantified with proton MRS. Based on the correlation curve, the creatine contribution to CEST@2ppm was quantified. The CEST@2ppm signal could be a novel imaging surrogate for in vivo creatine, the important bioenergetics marker. Given its noninvasive nature, this CEST MRI method may have broad applications in cancer bioenergetics. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combined impact of high body mass index and in vitro fertilization on preeclampsia risk: A hospital‐based cohort study
Authors: Dayan Natalie , Pilote Louise , Opatrny Lucie , Basso Olga , Messerlian Carmen , El‐Messidi Amira , Daskalopoulou Stella S.
Published: October 2014

Objectives

Overweight and obese women may be heavy users of in vitro fertilization (IVF) owing to obesity‐related oligo‐anovulation. The higher doses of gonadotropins required to achieve pregnancy in obese women may contribute to impaired placentation and the development of preeclampsia. This study was designed to assess the combined effect of high maternal body mass index (BMI) and IVF on risk of preeclampsia and to evaluate for an interaction between the two factors.

Methods

This is a hospital‐based cohort study of 10,013 singleton pregnancies that delivered from 2001 to 2008 at a tertiary hospital in Montreal, Canada. The combined effect of high BMI and IVF on preeclampsia versus no risk factors was estimated in multivariate logistic regression models fitted with an interaction term between high BMI (> 25 or > 30 kg/m2) and IVF.

Results

IVF pregnancies in obese women had a considerably higher risk of preeclampsia than spontaneous nonobese pregnancies (OR 6.7, 95% CI 3.3‐13.8; p interaction 0.03). IVF was not independently associated with preeclampsia (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.3‐1.4). Analyses were similar in subgroup analyses and in analyses correcting for bias.

Conclusions

High BMI is strongly associated with preeclampsia, and this risk is compounded in IVF pregnancies.
Weight bias in 2001 versus 2013: Contradictory attitudes among obesity researchers and health professionals
Authors: Tomiyama A. Janet , Finch Laura E. , Belsky Angela C. Incollingo , Buss Julia , Finley Carrie , Schwartz Marlene B. , Daubenmier Jennifer
Published: October 2014

Objectives

To assess levels of two types of anti‐fat bias in obesity specialists, explicit bias, or consciously accessible anti‐fat attitudes, and implicit bias, or attitudes that are activated outside of conscious awareness, were examined. This study also assessed changes over time by comparing levels of bias in 2013 to published data from 2001.

Methods

In 232 attendees at the ObesityWeek 2013 conference, we measured explicit anti‐fat bias and conducted the Implicit Association Test. These data were compared to those from a study conducted at the 2001 meeting of this group.

Results

Participants exhibited significant implicit and explicit anti‐fat/pro‐thin bias. Positivity of professional experience with obesity, but not type of professional experience, was correlated with lower explicit anti‐fat bias. Compared to 2001, the 2013 sample had lower levels of implicit bias and higher levels of explicit bias.

Conclusions

Although implicit anti‐fat attitudes appeared to decrease from 2001 to 2013, explicit anti‐fat attitudes increased. Future research should examine whether increasing positive experiences with obese patients reduces anti‐fat bias among health professionals. Together, these results suggest that despite the current climate of widespread anti‐fat bias, there are pathways toward understanding and ameliorating this bias.
Counterintuitive relationship between visceral fat and all‐cause mortality in an elderly Asian population
Authors: Shil Hong Eun , Khang Ah Reum , Roh Eun , Jeong Ku Eu , An Kim Ye , Min Kim Kyoung , Hoon Moon Jae , Hee Choi Sung , Soo Park Kyong , Woong Kim Ki , Chul Jang Hak , Lim Soo
Published: October 2014

Objective

Abdominal obesity is considered to be a risk factor for mortality. However, recent studies indicate that overweight may be negatively associated with mortality (“obesity paradox”). The relationships between mortality and various obesity markers in an elderly Asian cohort were evaluated.

Methods

Subjects of the Korean Longitudinal Study on Health and Aging (KLoSHA) (n = 1000, age ≥65 years) were included. The visceral fat area (VFA) and subcutaneous fat area (SFA) were measured using computed tomography.

Results

A total of 222 deaths occurred during the 6‐year follow‐up (median = 5.2 [range 0.1–6.3] years). Body mass index (BMI), VFA, SFA, and total fat mass were negatively associated with all‐cause mortality in the univariable analyses (hazard ratio [HR] 0.67 per 1 SD [95% CI 0.57‐0.77], 0.66 [0.55‐0.79], 0.73 [0.61‐0.86], and 0.74 [0.63‐0.87], respectively). BMI and VFA were significantly associated with all‐cause mortality in the multivariable analyses (HR 0.85 per 1 SD [95% CI 0.73‐0.99] and 0.64 [0.47‐0.87], respectively). When stratified by quartiles, the HR associated with VFA was the lowest in the third quartile.

Conclusions

In this observational study with a short follow‐up of elderly Asian people, higher amounts of visceral fat, a marker for central obesity, were associated with decreased all‐cause mortality.
Weight loss decreases follicle stimulating hormone in overweight postmenopausal women
Authors: Kim Catherine , Randolph John F. , Golden Sherita H. , Labrie Fernand , Kong Shengchun , Nan Bin , Barrett‐Connor Elizabeth
Published: October 2014

Objectives

To examine the impact of a weight loss intervention upon follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in postmenopause.

Methods

Participants were postmenopausal, overweight, glucose‐intolerant women not using exogenous estrogen (n = 382) in the Diabetes Prevention Program. Women were randomized to intensive lifestyle change (ILS) with the goals of weight reduction of at least 7% of initial weight and 150 min per week of moderate‐intensity exercise, metformin 850 mg twice a day, or placebo administered twice a day.

Results

Randomization to ILS led to small increases in FSH between baseline and 1‐year follow‐up vs. placebo (2.3 IU/l vs. −0.81 IU/l, P < 0.01). Increases in FSH were correlated with decreases in weight (r = −0.165, P < 0.01) and estradiol (E2) (r = −0.464, P < 0.0001) after adjustment for age, race/ethnicity, and randomization arm. Changes in FSH were still significantly associated with changes in weight even after adjustment for E2 levels. Metformin users had reductions in weight but non‐significant changes in FSH and E2 levels vs. placebo.

Conclusions

Weight loss leads to small increases in FSH among overweight, postmenopausal women, potentially through pathways mediated by endogenous estrogen as well as other pathways.