bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving care of patients with MS and psychiatric disorders in general practice
Authors: Mansour Nassif S
Published: April 2014

Our series of Commentaries from the Primary Care Neurology Society (P‐CNS) provide a primary care perspective on the neurology articles featured in Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry. Here, Dr Nassif Mansour considers ‘Management of neuropsychiatric symptoms in multiple sclerosis’ (see page 14). Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons
Charles Bonnet syndrome: an enigmatic neurological condition
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: April 2014

Charles Bonnet syndrome is a neurological disease characterised by clear, recurrent visual hallucinations usually following visual loss. It is often misdiagnosed as psychosis, delirium or early dementia, but patients generally retain insight. Mark Greener discusses what we currently know about this fascinating condition and what remains a mystery. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons
Soft template synthesis of donor–acceptor conjugated polymer nanoparticles: Structural effects, stability, and photothermal studies
Authors: MacNeill Christopher M. , Graham Elizabeth G. , Levi‐Polyachenko Nicole H.
Published: April 2014

Donor–acceptor conjugated polymer nanoparticles and nanofibers, based on Poly[4,4‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)‐cyclopenta[2,1‐b;3,4‐b']dithiophene‐2,6‐diyl‐alt−2,1,3‐benzoselenadiazole‐4,7‐diyl] (PCPDTBSe), were synthesized using Pluronic F127 as a template. The nanomaterials were compared to previously reported PCPDTBSe nanoparticles, which were synthesized without the use of a template. Our goal was to improve on the aqueous stability and photothermal heating efficiency of the previously synthesized PCPDTBSe nanoparticles by decreasing their size and coating them with a biocompatible surfactant. The pluronic wrapped PCPDTBSe (PW‐PCPDTBSe) nanoparticles (40–60 nm) showed excellent aqueous stability compared to the PW‐PCPDTBSe nanofibers (d = 20–60 nm, l = 200–1000 nm) and previously synthesized PCPDTBSe nanoparticles (150 nm). Under stimulation from 800 nm near infrared light (3 W, 1 min), the PW‐PCPDTBSe nanoparticles showed greater heat generation (ΔT = 47 °C) compared to bare PCPDTBSe nanoparticles and PW‐PCPDTBSe nanofibers (ΔT = 35 °C for both). Cytotoxicity studies determined that both the PW‐PCPDTBSe nanoparticles and PW‐PCPDTBSe nanofibers displayed no significant toxicity toward either noncancerous small intestinal cells (FHs 74 Int) or colorectal cancer cells (CT26). Photothermal ablation studies confirmed that both the PW‐PCPDTBSe nanoparticles and the PW‐PCPDTBSe nanofibers can be used as localized photothermal agents to eradicate colorectal cancer cells due to their excellent ablation efficiency (>95% cell death at 15 µg/mL concentration). © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 1622–1632
Characteristics of Floating Potential in Negative Ion Plasma
Authors: Zhang Jing Ying , Ichiki Ryuta , Uchino Kiichiro , Kawai Yoshinobu
Published: April 2014

We proposed the floating potential method to estimate the negative ion density in a negative ion plasma. The floating potential in a negative ion double plasma was examined as a function of negative ion concentration and compared with the theoretical value calculated from the sheath equation including negative ions. Here, the negative ion plasma was produced by introducing SF6 gas into a Xe (Ar) double plasma. The negative ion density mormalized to the ion density was estimated from the reduction of the electron saturation current. It was found that the observed floating potential agree with the theoretical values qualitatively.
Preparation of Nano‐RDX by Evaporation Assisted SolventAntisolvent Interaction
Authors: Kumar Raj , Siril Prem F. , Soni Pramod
Published: April 2014

Nanoparticles of cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX) were prepared by a simple re‐precipitation method using acetone as solvent and water as the antisolvent. The effect of changing experimental parameters such as ratio of solvent to antisolvent, temperature of antisolvent during injection and concentration of solution on particle size and morphology of RDX was systematically studied. The size of the particles was characterized using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The mean particle size of the RDX nanoparticles according to FESEM analysis ranged from 40 nm to 230 nm under different conditions of preparation. The UV/Vis absorption maximum of nano‐RDX was found to be blue shifted when compared to the absorption maximum for bulk‐RDX. Powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD) results showed that RDX nanoparticles precipitated in stable α‐crystalline form. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to characterize the chemical nature of the nano‐RDX. Thermal characterization of the RDX‐nanoparticles was done using simultaneous thermogravimetric analysis coupled with differential scanning calorimetry (TGA‐DSC).
Synthesis and Desensitization of Nano‐β‐HMX
Authors: Risse Benedikt , Schnell Fabien , Spitzer Denis
Published: April 2014

Efforts are made worldwide to desensitize explosives against accidental initiation. For several years, nanostructuring of explosives is a promising field of research aiming for this goal. In this work we describe the continuous preparation of nano‐β‐HMX and a promising approach towards the desensitization of nano‐energetic materials. By means of the Spray Flash‐Evaporation (SFE) technique, nano explosives and nano composites with reproducible properties can be prepared in a single processing step. By increasing the thermal effusivity of an energetic nanomaterial the heat created by hot‐spots can more rapidly be dissipated, reducing the risk of an unwanted reaction.
Shaped Charge Liner Early Collapse Experiment Execution and Validation
Authors: Scheid Eric , Burleigh T. David , Deshpande Nishkamraj U. , Murphy Michael J.
Published: April 2014

A novel experiment developed for researching the initial collapse of an aluminum shaped charge liner was designed, executed, and validated. The experiment evolved from the need to recover shocked liner material to enable the analysis of relationships between microstructure and early liner collapse behavior. The research required material that had been shocked, yet was sufficiently intact to allow for metallurgical examination. Additionally, the experiment was designed to replicate the unique shock loading of shaped charge liners. Practically, the experiment had to be inexpensive to perform. The paper describes the experimental design, execution and validation and presents practical examples of the utility of the output. The experimental design is based on recreating a unique shock front, halting the deformation within a few microseconds and recovering material suitable for examination. Validation of the experiment employs a combination of available hydrocode modeling data and shaped charge liner collapse theory. The data collection supporting the validation was performed with computed tomography (CT) and laser generated 3D imagery. The output is recovered material valid for study.
Energetic Derivatives of 2‐Nitrimino‐5,6‐dinitro‐benzimidazole
Authors: Klapötke Thomas M. , Preimesser Andreas , Stierstorfer Jörg
Published: April 2014

2‐Nitrimino‐5,6‐dinitrobenzimidazole (1) was synthesized by nitration of 2‐aminobenzimidazole at ambient temperature in good yield. In order to explore new insensitive explosives four energetic nitrogen‐rich 1 : 1 salts such as the guanidinium (1a), aminoguanidinium (1b), triaminoguanidinium (1c) and hydroxylammonium (1d) were synthesized either by facile acid/base or in situ metathesis reaction. In addition 2‐nitrobenzimidazole (2) was synthesized by the reaction of 2‐aminobenzimidazole using potassium hyperoxide in THF. Different nitration methods were tested to obtain a theoretically 2,4,5,6,7‐pentanitrobenzimidazole but only the already known 4,5,6,7‐tetranitrobenzimidazol‐2‐one (3) could be isolated. All synthesized compounds were characterized especially by low temperature X‐ray diffraction, CHN elemental analysis and 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The heat of formation of all new synthesized compounds was calculated using CBS‐4M electronic enthalpies in combination with the atomization method to calculate their detonation parameters with the EXPLO 5 V5.05 computer code.
Simple and rapid preparation of spherical flower‐like ZnO and their photocatalytic property
Authors: Huang Chun , Duan Xiaoqiang
Published: April 2014

The influences brought about by different microstructure of ZnO on its special chemical and optical properties have been widely discussed. Precipitates from the mixed solution of oleic acid with Zn(NO3)2 and KOH were investigated using SEM, TEM, XRD, Raman, and FTIR. The obtained microstructure of the ZnO precipitates was proved to be a unique hierarchical structure consisted of 5 nm thick nanosheets. The catalytic property of the received flower‐like ZnO was explored, and it was found that the photodegradable property of rhodamine B was largely improved when the precipitates were heat treated at 500 °C for 2 h due to a high crystallinity with a heat treatment, and the decomposition of the oleic acid molecules.
Processing and interfacial reaction evaluation in MWCNT/Ni composites
Authors: Suarez Sebastián , Lasserre Federico , Prat Orlando , Mücklich Frank
Published: April 2014

Nickel composites reinforced with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) are manufactured via hot pressing. The precursor blends are processed by a colloidal mixing method, which mixes the Ni with a dispersion of MWCNT in ultrasound. The structure of the MWCNTs is evaluated with Raman spectroscopy in order to assess the defect situation, observing that despite increasing the amount of defects, the nanotubes retain their structure. After sintering, interfacial interactions between the MWCNTs and Ni are studied by different approaches. The sintering is analyzed in situ by high temperature X‐ray diffraction, noticing no phase formation (particularly, Ni3C) throughout the process. Moreover, the MWCNT/Ni interface is studied with transmission electron microscopy. The observed interface is well defined, conserving the Ni its crystallographic structure. This study shows that no interfacial products are generated by this manufacturing method, thus proposing it as a suitable candidate when the retention of the nanotube original features is needed.
HeLa cells separation using MICA antibody conjugated to magnetite nanoparticles
Authors: Lago‐Cachón David , Rivas Montserrat , López‐Larrea Carlos , López‐Vázquez Antonio , Martínez‐Paredes Graciela , García José A.
Published: April 2014

Superparamagnetic nanoparticles (MNP) have attracted much interest for medical applications, like magnetic cell separation, magnetic resonance imaging, drug delivery and hyperthermia In this work, 10 nm MNP were functionalized with human α‐MICA antibody, via biotin‐streptavidin conjugation, due to the importance of MICA receptor in antitumor immunity.

The potentiality of the nanoparticles has been tested in vitro with two different cell lines: HeLa (with MICA ligands on surface) and HL‐60 (without MICA ligands). MNP tagged HeLa cells were effectively separated by application of a magnetic field gradient. TEM micrographs were performed after magnetic separation, proving intracellular presence of the functionalized MNP. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Anisotropic magnetoresistance effect of a strong ferromagnet: magnetization direction dependence in a model with crystal field
Authors: Kokado Satoshi , Tsunoda Masakiyo
Published: April 2014

We theoretically study magnetization direction dependence of the anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) effect of a strong ferromagnet. We here use the two‐current model which takes into account the s –d scattering, where s (d) is the conduction state (the localized d states). The d states have the spin–orbit interaction, exchange field, and crystal field of tetragonal symmetry. From the model, we derive analytic expressions of twofold and fourfold symmetric terms of the AMR ratio. The dominant component in the twofold symmetric term is proportional to the difference of partial density‐of‐states (DOS) at the Fermi energy (EF) between dγ and dε orbitals. The fourfold symmetric term is proportional to the difference of partial DOS at EF among dε orbitals. In addition, using the expressions, we analyze an experimental result of the AMR ratio of Fe4N. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Nanostructured Titanate with Different Metal Ions on the Surface of Metallic Titanium: A Facile Approach for Regulation of rBMSCs Fate on Titanium Implants
Authors: Ren Na , Li Jianhua , Qiu Jichuan , Sang Yuanhua , Jiang Huaidong , Boughton Robert I. , Huang Ling , Huang Wei , Liu Hong
Published: April 2014

Titanium (Ti) is widely used for load‐bearing bio‐implants, however, it is bio‐inert and exhibits poor osteo‐inductive properties. Calcium and magnesium ions are considered to be involved in bone metabolism and play a physiological role in the angiogenesis, growth, and mineralization of bone tissue. In this study, a facile synthesis approach to the in situ construction of a nanostructure enriched with Ca2+ and Mg2+ on the surface of titanium foil is proposed by inserting Ca2+ and Mg2+ into the interlayers of sodium titanate nanostructures through an ion‐substitution process. The characteriz 0.67, and 0.73 nm ation results validate that cations can be inserted into the interlayer regions of the layered nanostructure without any obvious change of morphology. The cation content is positively correlated to the concentration of the solutions employed. The biological assessments indicate that the type and the amount of cations in the titanate nanostructure can alter the bioactivity of titanium implants. Compared with a Na+ filled titanate nanostructure, the incorporation of divalent ions (Mg2+, Ca2+) can effectively enhance protein adsorption, and thus also enhance the adhesion and differentiation ability of rat bone‐marrow stem cells (rBMSCs). The Mg2+/Ca2+‐titanate nanostructure is a promising implantable material that will be widely applicable in artificial bones, joints, and dental implants.
Enhanced Magnetism in Highly Ordered Magnetite Nanoparticle‐Filled Nanohole Arrays
Authors: Duong Binh , Khurshid Hafsa , Gangopadhyay Palash , Devkota Jagannath , Stojak Kristen , Srikanth Hariharan , Tetard Laurene , Norwood Robert A. , Peyghambarian N. , Phan Manh‐Huong , Thomas Jayan
Published: April 2014

A new approach to develop highly ordered magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticle‐patterned nanohole arrays with desirable magnetic properties for a variety of technological applications is presented. In this work, the sub‐100 nm nanohole arrays are successfully fabricated from a pre‐ceramic polymer mold using spin‐on nanoprinting (SNAP). These nanoholes a then filled with monodispersed, spherical Fe3O4 nanoparticles of about 10 nm diameter using a novel magnetic drag and drop procedure. The nanohole arrays filled with magnetic nanoparticles a imaged using magnetic force microscopy (MFM). Magnetometry and MFM measurements reveal room temperature ferromagnetism in the Fe3O4‐filled nanohole arrays, while the as‐synthesized Fe3O4 nanoparticles exhibit superparamagnetic behavior. As revealed by MFM measurements, the enhanced magnetism in the Fe3O4‐filled nanohole arrays originates mainly from the enhanced magnetic dipole interactions of Fe3O4 nanoparticles within the nanoholes and between adjacent nanoholes. Nanoparticle filled nanohole arrays can be highly beneficial in magnetic data storage and other applications such as microwave devices and biosensor arrays that require tunable and anisotropic magnetic properties.
Stretchable, Wireless Sensors and Functional Substrates for Epidermal Characterization of Sweat
Authors: Huang Xian , Liu Yuhao , Chen Kaile , Shin Woo‐Jung , Lu Ching‐Jui , Kong Gil‐Woo , Patnaik Dwipayan , Lee Sang‐Heon , Cortes Jonathan Fajardo , Rogers John A.
Published: April 2014

This paper introduces materials and architectures for ultrathin, stretchable wireless sensors that mount on functional elastomeric substrates for epidermal analysis of biofluids. Measurement of the volume and chemical properties of sweat via dielectric detection and colorimetry demonstrates some capabilities. Here, inductively coupled sensors consisting of LC resonators with capacitive electrodes show systematic responses to sweat collected in microporous substrates. Interrogation occurs through external coils placed in physical proximity to the devices. The substrates allow spontaneous sweat collection through capillary forces, without the need for complex microfluidic handling systems. Furthermore, colorimetric measurement modes are possible in the same system by introducing indicator compounds into the depths of the substrates, for sensing specific components (OH−, H+, Cu+, and Fe2+) in the sweat. The complete devices offer Young's moduli that are similar to skin, thus allowing highly effective and reliable skin integration without external fixtures. Experimental results demonstrate volumetric measurement of sweat with an accuracy of 0.06 μL/mm2 with good stability and low drift. Colorimetric responses to pH and concentrations of various ions provide capabilities relevant to analysis of sweat. Similar materials and device designs can be used in monitoring other body fluids.
Horizontal Single Belt Casting of Aluminum and Steel
Authors: Guthrie Roderick I. L. , Isac Mihaiela
Published: April 2014

The horizontal single belt casting of steels and non‐ferrous alloy systems is by far the simplest of all near net shape casting machines (NNSC), but paradoxically, the least researched, and tested. With the imminent start‐up of the world's first horizontal single belt casting (HSBC) caster manufactured by SMS Siemag for operation at Salzgitter's steelplant at Peine, we review some of the fundamental experiments that have been carried out at McGill, in support of the HSBC casting concept. We show how the heat fluxes from the strip to the water‐cooled belt can be predicted from first principles, and how the bottom substrate of the strip can be rendered perfectly smooth. Similarly, we demonstrate how the cast microstructure can be superior to more conventional casting processes.
Therapeutic applications of carbon nanotubes: opportunities and challenges
Authors: Rogers‐Nieman Gabrielle M. , Dinu Cerasela Zoica
Published: April 2014

Based on their physicochemical properties that allow efficient functionalization with biomolecules and cellular membrane translocation, as well as on their applications in Raman and near‐infrared fluorescence imaging, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been proposed as viable candidates for developing therapeutic platforms that ensure targeting of tumor cells without affecting healthy cells. This article reviews the research on toxicological effects of CNTs on host cells, as well as their pharmacological profiles on cancer cells. The potential impact of this approach is discussed along with some potential pitfalls that will need to be overcome when therapeutic implementation CNTs are considered.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology

Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials
Synthesis and Crystal Growth of Tetragonal β‐Fe1.00Se
Authors: Koz Cevriye , Schmidt Marcus , Borrmann Horst , Burkhardt Ulrich , Röβler Sahana , Carrillo‐Cabrera Wilder , Schnelle Walter , Schwarz Ulrich , Grin Yuri
Published: April 2014

Single crystals of tetragonal β‐Fe1.00Se were grown from polycrystalline material by chemical vapor transport reaction at temperatures below 723 K using AlCl3 as transport additive. The plate‐shaped single crystals have edge lengths up to 4 mm. The single crystals display complete diamagnetic shielding 4πχ ≈ –1 below the superconducting transition.
Crystallization of Hybrid Molybdates based on Organic Bases
Authors: Kumar Dinesh , Kumar Vineet , Upreti Shailesh , Ramanan Arunachalam
Published: April 2014

The crystallization of hybrid molybdates invariably involves reaction of appropriate molybdenum source and organic bases in a suitable solvent. The outcome of the crystallization process depends on the nature of the condition favoring a particular supramolecular assembly. In this work, it was aimed to utilize hydrogen bonding to engineer multidimensional structures by appropriate choice of dinitrogen containing organic bases. Five new hybrid molybdates and their structural characterization are reported herein: [(H2bpee){MoO2Cl3(H2O)}Cl] (1), triclinic, space group P$\bar{1}$ a = 7.555(2) Å, b = 9.416(3) Å, c = 12.952(4) Å, α = 72.024(5)°, β = 85.837(6)°, γ = 73.879(5)°, Z = 2; [(H2temed){Mo2O4(EDTA)}] (2), monoclinic, space group P21/n, a = 8.6796(12) Å, b = 15.705(2) Å, c = 18.599(3) Å, β = 89.993(2)°, Z = 4; [(H2dab){Mo2O6(H2EDTA)}] (3), triclinic, space group P$\bar{1}$, a = 7.3082(16) Å, b = 9.169(2) Å, c = 11.472(3) Å, α = 91.008(4)°, β = 91.940(4)°, γ = 107.099(3)°, Z = 1; [(H2temed)2Mo7O24]·9H2O (4), monoclinic, space group P21, a = 11.0957(16) Å, b = 16.499(2) Å, c = 11.1463(16) Å, β = 91.513(2)°, Z = 2; and [(H2bp)3(P2Mo18O62)]·6H2O (6), monoclinic, space group P21/n, a = 23.4967 (11) Å, b = 15.0024(7) Å, c = 24.7144(11) Å, β = 104.214(10)°, Z = 4.
Biodegradable Block Copolymer Scaffolds for Loading and Delivering Cisplatin Anticancer Drug
Authors: Surnar Bapurao , Subash Pramod P. , Jayakannan Manickam
Published: April 2014

A carboxylic acid substituted amphiphilic diblock copolymer scaffold with a hydrophilic PEG‐chain and hydrophobic biodegradable poly(caprolactone) (PCL), which forms a cisplatin anticancer drug is reported herein. Cisplatin [cis‐dichloro‐diammine platinum(II), CDDP] was anchored on the polymer backbone through Pt–OOC–PCL chemical linkage that enabled self‐assembly of the prodrug to produce 110 ± 10 nm nanoparticles in water. These drug loaded nanoparticles were characterized by dynamic light scattering, electron microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. The polymer‐drug conjugate burst instantaneously in saline and PBS to release 35 % of the cisplatin drug for immediate administration. The remaining drug that retained in the polymer scaffold underwent slow and controlled release to deliver the drug over a period of 6–7 d. In the presence of esterase enzyme; the biodegradable PCL aliphatic ester backbone broke completely to release 100 % loaded drugs within a few hours. This biodegradable diblock copolymer design strategy opens up new platform for cisplatin‐polymer drug delivery approach.
The Structure of Bis(dimethyldithioarsinato)gallium(III) Sulfide [(Me2AsS2)2Ga]2S·0.75H2O: A Hydrolysis Product of (Me2AsS2)3Ga that Contains a Bridging Sulfide and both Pendant and Bridging Dimethyldithioarsinato Ligands
Authors: Papatriantafyllopoulou Constantina , Nastopoulos Vassilios , Ioannou Panayiotis V.
Published: April 2014

The complex (Me2AsS2)3Ga (1) attracted water molecules that slowly and completely hydrolyzed it. The product was the dinuclear gallium compound (Me2AsS2)2Ga–S–Ga(S2AsMe2)2 (2) as 2·0.75H2O, which was structurally characterized with X‐ray crystallography (P212121, R1 = 0.0321, wR2 = 0.0622). Compound 2 shows an approximate non‐crystallographic twofold axis. The packing in the crystalline state is dictated by the mediation of crystallization water molecules, which connect the complex units through strong O–H···S and weak C–H···O hydrogen bonds into infinite zigzag chains.
Is Perineural Invasion More Accurate Than Other Factors to Predict Early Recurrence after Pancreatoduodenectomy for Pancreatic Head Adenocarcinoma?
Authors: Fouquet Thibaut , Germain Adeline , Brunaud Laurent , Bresler Laurent , Ayav Ahmet
Published: April 2014

Background

Some patients operated by pancreaticoduodenectomy for resectable pancreatic head adenocarcinoma will present with a recurrence during the first year (early recurrence).

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine prognostic factors associated with early recurrence in a large retrospective study.

Methods

From January 1995 to November 2010, all patients operated by pancreaticoduodenectomy for pancreatic head adenocarcinoma in our institution were retrospectively included. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine factors associated with early recurrence.

Results

A total of 166 patients were included; 57 patients (34 %) developed early recurrence. In univariate analysis, factors associated with early recurrence were perineural invasion (p = 0.0002), preoperative bilirubin (p = 0.01), lymph node ratio (LNR) ≥0.2 (p = 0.009), and T stage (p = 0.02). In multivariate analysis, perineural invasion (odds ratio [OR] 3.31; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.42–7.72; p = 0.005), LNR ≥0.2 (OR 2.55; 95 % CI 1.17–5.52; p = 0.02), and preoperative bilirubin (OR 1.04; 95 % CI 1.01–1.07; p = 0.03) were independent factors associated with early recurrence. Perineural invasion was also associated with poor overall survival (p = 0.001) and poor disease‐free survival (p = 0.07).

Conclusion

In our study, perineural invasion (OR 3.31) is more accurate than T stage and lymph node status (OR 2.55) to predict early recurrence after pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic head adenocarcinoma.
Ketone body metabolism and its defects
Authors: Fukao Toshiyuki , Mitchell Grant , Sass Jörn Oliver , Hori Tomohiro , Orii Kenji , Aoyama Yuka
Published: April 2014

Acetoacetate (AcAc) and 3‐hydroxybutyrate (3HB), the two main ketone bodies of humans, are important vectors of energy transport from the liver to extrahepatic tissues, especially during fasting, when glucose supply is low. Blood total ketone body (TKB) levels should be evaluated in the context of clinical history, such as fasting time and ketogenic stresses. Blood TKB should also be evaluated in parallel with blood glucose and free fatty acids (FFA). The FFA/TKB ratio is especially useful for evaluation of ketone body metabolism. Defects in ketogenesis include mitochondrial HMG‐CoA synthase (mHS) deficiency and HMG‐CoA lyase (HL) deficiency. mHS deficiency should be considered in non‐ketotic hypoglycemia if a fatty acid beta‐oxidation defect is suspected, but cannot be confirmed. Patients with HL deficiency can develop hypoglycemic crises and neurological symptoms even in adolescents and adults. Succinyl‐CoA‐3‐oxoacid CoA transferase (SCOT) deficiency and beta‐ketothiolase (T2) deficiency are two defects in ketolysis. Permanent ketosis is pathognomonic for SCOT deficiency. However, patients with “mild” SCOT mutations may have nonketotic periods. T2‐deficient patients with “mild” mutations may have normal blood acylcarnitine profiles even in ketoacidotic crises. T2 deficient patients cannot be detected in a reliable manner by newborn screening using acylcarnitines. We review recent data on clinical presentation, metabolite profiles and the course of these diseases in adults, including in pregnancy.
Enzyme therapy and immune response in relation to CRIM status: the Dutch experience in classic infantile Pompe disease
Authors: van Gelder Carin M. , Hoogeveen‐Westerveld Marianne , Kroos Marian A. , Plug Iris , van der Ploeg Ans T. , Reuser Arnold J. J.
Published: April 2014

Background

Enzyme‐replacement therapy (ERT) in Pompe disease—an inherited metabolic disorder caused by acid α‐glucosidase deficiency and characterized in infants by generalized muscle weakness and cardiomyopathy—can be complicated by immune responses. Infants that do not produce any endogenous acid α‐glucosidase, so‐called CRIM‐negative patients, reportedly develop a strong response. We report the clinical outcome of our Dutch infants in relation to their CRIM status and immune response.

Methods

Eleven patients were genotyped and their CRIM status was determined. Antibody formation and clinical outcome were assessed for a minimum of 4 years.

Results

ERT was commenced between 0.1 and 8.3 months of age, and patients were treated from 0.3 to 13.7 years. All patients developed antibodies. Those with a high antibody titer (above 1:31,250) had a poor response. The antibody titers varied substantially between patients and did not strictly correlate with the patients’ CRIM status. Patients who started ERT beyond 2 months of age tended to develop higher titers than those who started earlier. All three CRIM‐negative patients in our study succumbed by the age of 4 years seemingly unrelated to the height of their antibody titer.

Conclusion

Antibody formation is a common response to ERT in classic infantile Pompe disease and counteracts the effect of treatment. The counteracting effect seems determined by the antibody:enzyme molecular stoichiometry. The immune response may be minimized by early start of ERT and by immune modulation, as proposed by colleagues. The CRIM‐negative status itself seems associated with poor outcome.
Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors used in coal mines
Authors: Wang Jinyu , Liu Tongyu , Song Guangdong , Xie Hongjing , Li Lianqing , Deng Xiaolin , Gong Zhijie
Published: April 2014

The fiber Bragg grating (FBG) strain sensors were used for on-line monitoring of the stress variation of the lined wall in the gateway retained along the goaf of No. 3203 coal mining face in Dongtan Mine. The results showed that the FBG strain sensor with the wide measuring range could measure the stress variation accurately during the support process of the gateway retained along the goaf and could provide the basis to further optimize the support structure and to determine the support plan of the gateway retained along the goaf. The FBG micro-seismic sensors were used in Xinglong Mine to detect the micro-seismic signal. The signals were well received and analyzed to determine the location and energy level of the source of the micro-seismic event warning. The FBG sensors and detecting system show a significant potential for micro-seismic detection and geological disasters detection.
Application of wavelet transform modulus maxima in raman distributed temperature sensors
Authors: Wang Zongliang , Chang Jun , Zhang Sasa , Luo Sha , Jia Cuanwu , Sun Boning , Jiang Shuo , Liu Yongning , Liu Xiaohui , Lv Guangping , Liu Zhi
Published: April 2014

We proposed and demonstrated a wavelet transform modulus maxima (WTMM) de-noising method to decrease the temperature error. In this scheme, the composition scale was determined simply by the WTMM amplitude variation with the growth of the decomposition scale at 30 °C, and the signal WTMM was obtained by the wavelet decomposition modulus on every decomposition scale based on the modulus propagating difference between the signal and noise. Then, we reconstructed the signal using the signal WTMM. Experimental results show that the proposed method is effective for de-noising, allowing for a temperature error decrease of about 1 °C at 40 °C and 50 °C comparing to the original data.
Supernumerary subunits NDUFA3, NDUFA5 and NDUFA12 are required for the formation of the extramembrane arm of human mitochondrial complex I
Authors: Rak Malgorzata , Rustin Pierre
Published: April 2014

Mammalian complex I is composed of fourteen highly conserved core subunits and additional thirty subunits acquired in the course of evolution. At present, the function of the majority of these supernumerary subunits is poorly understood. In this work, we have studied NDUFA3, NDUFA5 and NDUFA12 supernumerary subunits to gain insight into their role in CI activity and biogenesis. Using human cell lines in which the expression of these subunits was knocked down with miRNAs, we showed that they are necessary for the formation of a functional holoenzyme. Analysis of the assembly intermediates in mitochondria depleted for these subunits further suggested that they are required for assembly and/or stability of the electron transferring Q module in the peripheral arm of the CI.
Litter and sex effects on maternal behavior and DNA methylation of the Nr3c1 exon 17 promoter gene in hippocampus and cerebellum
Authors: Kosten Therese A. , Nielsen David A.
Published: April 2014

Early life events can alter gene expression through DNA methylation. The methylation status of the exon 17 promoter of the glucocorticoid receptor (Nr3c1 gene) in hippocampus associates with frequency of pup licking. Much of this work was conducted with male rats. Because dams more frequently lick male pups, this may contribute to sex differences in phenotypes through DNA methylation. Modifying litter gender composition (LGC), in which offspring of single‐sex litters are compared to mixed‐sex litters, alters maternal behavior. Previously, we demonstrated that LGC and sex affected pup licking times as well as anxiety and hippocampal DNA methylation of the Nr3c1 exon 17 promoter gene in adolescence. Now, we expand upon this work by examining effects in cerebellum and measuring mRNA levels. We also re‐assessed DNA methylation in hippocampus using pyrosequencing and re‐analyzed pup licking with the more commonly used frequency measure. Litters, culled to 8 pups on postnatal day 1 (PN1), were assigned to one of three conditions: all male (n = 10), all female (n = 12), or half of each sex (n = 20). Licking was rated on PN4, 7, and 10. On PN35, hippocampal and cerebellar samples were obtained. Single‐sex males were licked the least and mixed‐sex males, the most. Hippocampal Nr3c1 mRNA levels were lowest in mixed females with no LGC or Sex effects in DNA methylation. Cerebellar DNA methylation levels were lowest in mixed males with no effect on mRNA levels. Maternal pup licking associated with DNA methylation of the Nr3c1 exon 17 promoter gene in cerebellum and with hippocampal mRNA.
Idiopathic ventricular arrhythmias arising from the left ventricular outflow tract: Tips and tricks
Authors: Kumagai Koji
Published: April 2014

Idiopathic left ventricular outflow tract ventricular arrhythmias (LVOT‐VAs) arising from the LVOT are rare compared with the VAs arising from the RVOT. Idiopathic LVOT‐VAs have been divided into four subgroups based on successful catheter ablation sites: the aorto‐mitral continuity (AMC), the anterior site around the mitral annulus (MA), the aortic sinus cusps (ASC), and the epicardium. Recognition of the ECG characteristics of LVOT‐VAs combined with anatomical information should facilitate their appropriate diagnosis and treatment. In particular, the AMC is located adjacent to the anterior site of the MA, ASC, and epicardium. All subtypes of LVOT‐VAs, except those with epicardial origins, are successfully treated with endocardial radiofrequency catheter ablation combined with pace mapping and the identification of the earliest ventricular electrogram with a prepotential, if it is recordable. In addition, LVOT‐VAs originating from an inaccessible area in the LV summit of the epicardium, which cannot be treated by epicardial catheter ablation, should be differentiated from those in an accessible area using novel electrophysiological characteristics. Despite many morphological similarities among the subtypes of LVOT‐VAs, the ECG characteristics and anatomical information obtained from visualization using computed tomographic image integration with electroanatomical mapping may advance the safety and success of catheter ablation of idiopathic LVOT‐VAs.
A Dictionary of the Burman Language
Authors: Judson Adoniram
Published: April 2014

This is the 1826 edition of the Burmese–English dictionary compiled from a grammar and other manuscripts written by the American Baptist missionary Adoniram Judson (1788–1850), with additional content by fellow missionaries Felix Carey and James Coleman. Prepared by the Baptist Mission Press while Judson was imprisoned on suspicion of spying in Ava, it is the fruit of his work towards making the written word an evangelistic tool. He was convinced from the first that the translation and publication of Christian scriptures and a familiarity with indigenous languages and customs was the most effective and enduring form of evangelism, and to this end he published a Burmese New Testament in 1832. Judson finished compiling his groundbreaking and comprehensive bilingual dictionary in 1849, shortly before his death. This earlier work, with headwords in Burmese script followed by English definitions, remains relevant in historical linguistics.
HAPPINESS: A JEWISH PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Sacks Jonathan
Published: April 2014

Happiness has both universal and culturally specific forms. This article describes three sensibilities of happiness in Judaism: the prophetic life of struggle; the happiness of ashrei, with its life of simplicity in accordance with the will of God; and simchah, the life-lived-in-relationship given supreme expression in Moses's covenantal vision in the book of Deuteronomy. Focusing, in particular, on the social vision of Moses, the article explores how Jewish notions of happiness challenge contemporary conceptions of happiness grounded in materialism and acquisition, and it discusses how a focus on material happiness threatens to undermine relationships and the social fiber that is the thread from which true and lasting happiness is woven.
HOA HAKANANAI'A: A NEW STUDY OF AN EASTER ISLAND STATUE IN THE BRITISH MUSEUM
Authors: Pitts Mike , Miles James , Pagi Hembo , Earl Graeme
Published: April 2014

A digital survey, combining photogrammetry and reflectance transformation imaging (RTI), offers significant new insights into the British Museum's Easter Island statue called Hoa Hakananai'a. These include the likelihood that it was made with a tapering base to stand in the ground, as seen by the crew of HMS Topaze in 1868, and that a nearby stone described a century ago was a pukau, a stone ‘hat’. Petroglyphs consisting of two komari (stylised female genitalia) were subsequently added. Succeeding these were bas-relief carvings, here interpreted as a single composition that narrates the island's birdman myth as recorded in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. This reading is supported by photographs of Hoa Hakananai'a taken in Chile in 1868. A new model is presented for the relationship between the statue and the birdman cult. As it now stands, in a nineteenth-century plinth, Hoa Hakananai'a appears to lean slightly from its intended placing.
Effect of tryptophan supplementation on diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in mice
Authors: Ritze Yvonne , Bárdos Gyöngyi , Hubert Astrid , Böhle Maureen , Bischoff Stephan C.
Published: April 2014

Intestinal serotonin (5-hydroxytrypamine, 5-HT) metabolism is thought to play a role in gut functions by regulating motility, permeability and other functions of the intestine. In the present study, we investigated the effect of tryptophan (TRP), the precursor of 5-HT, supplementation on intestinal barrier functions and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). An established mouse model of NAFLD induced by feeding a fructose-rich diet (N group) was used in the present study. TRP was administered orally for 8 weeks to C57BL/6J control or NAFLD mice. NAFLD-related liver parameters (hepatic TAG and Oil Red O staining), intestinal barrier parameters (tight-junction protein occludin and portal plasma lipopolysaccharides (LPS)) and 5-HT-related parameters (5-HT, 5-HT transporter (SERT) and motility) were measured. We observed reduced duodenal occludin protein concentrations (P= 0·0007), high portal plasma LPS concentrations (P= 0·005) and an elevated liver weight:body weight ratio (P= 0·01) in the N group compared with the parameters in the control group. TRP supplementation led to an increase in occludin concentrations (P= 0·0009) and consecutively reduced liver weight:body weight ratio (P= 0·009) as well as overall hepatic fat accumulation in the N group (P= 0·05). In addition, the N group exhibited reduced SERT protein expression (P= 0·002), which was normalised by TRP supplementation (P= 0·02). For the first time, our data indicate that oral TRP supplementation attenuates experimental NAFLD in mice. The underlying mechanisms are not clear, but probably involve stabilisation of the intestinal barrier in the upper small intestine and amelioration of the dysregulated intestinal serotonergic system.
Effect of selenium on markers of risk of pre-eclampsia in UK pregnant women: a randomised, controlled pilot trial
Authors: Rayman Margaret P. , Searle Elizabeth , Kelly Lynne , Johnsen Sigurd , Bodman-Smith Katherine , Bath Sarah C. , Mao Jinyuan , Redman Christopher W. G.
Published: April 2014

Pre-eclampsia is a serious hypertensive condition of pregnancy associated with high maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Se intake or status has been linked to the occurrence of pre-eclampsia by our own work and that of others. We hypothesised that a small increase in the Se intake of UK pregnant women of inadequate Se status would protect against the risk of pre-eclampsia, as assessed by biomarkers of pre-eclampsia. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, pilot trial, we randomised 230 primiparous pregnant women to Se (60 μg/d, as Se-enriched yeast) or placebo treatment from 12 to 14 weeks of gestation until delivery. Whole-blood Se concentration was measured at baseline and 35 weeks, and plasma selenoprotein P (SEPP1) concentration at 35 weeks. The primary outcome measure of the present study was serum soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (sFlt-1), an anti-angiogenic factor linked with the risk of pre-eclampsia. Other serum/plasma components related to the risk of pre-eclampsia were also measured. Between 12 and 35 weeks, whole-blood Se concentration increased significantly in the Se-treated group but decreased significantly in the placebo group. At 35 weeks, significantly higher concentrations of whole-blood Se and plasma SEPP1 were observed in the Se-treated group than in the placebo group. In line with our hypothesis, the concentration of sFlt-1 was significantly lower at 35 weeks in the Se-treated group than in the placebo group in participants in the lowest quartile of Se status at baseline (P= 0·039). None of the secondary outcome measures was significantly affected by treatment. The present finding that Se supplementation has the potential to reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia in pregnant women of low Se status needs to be validated in an adequately powered trial.
Retrospective lifetime dietary patterns predict cognitive performance in community-dwelling older Australians
Authors: Hosking Diane E. , Nettelbeck Ted , Wilson Carlene , Danthiir Vanessa
Published: April 2014

Dietary intake is a modifiable exposure that may have an impact on cognitive outcomes in older age. The long-term aetiology of cognitive decline and dementia, however, suggests that the relevance of dietary intake extends across the lifetime. In the present study, we tested whether retrospective dietary patterns from the life periods of childhood, early adulthood, adulthood and middle age predicted cognitive performance in a cognitively healthy sample of 352 older Australian adults >65 years. Participants completed the Lifetime Diet Questionnaire and a battery of cognitive tests designed to comprehensively assess multiple cognitive domains. In separate regression models, lifetime dietary patterns were the predictors of cognitive factor scores representing ten constructs derived by confirmatory factor analysis of the cognitive test battery. All regression models were progressively adjusted for the potential confounders of current diet, age, sex, years of education, English as native language, smoking history, income level, apoE ɛ4 status, physical activity, other past dietary patterns and health-related variables. In the adjusted models, lifetime dietary patterns predicted cognitive performance in this sample of older adults. In models additionally adjusted for intake from the other life periods and mechanistic health-related variables, dietary patterns from the childhood period alone reached significance. Higher consumption of the ‘coffee and high-sugar, high-fat extras’ pattern predicted poorer performance on simple/choice reaction time, working memory, retrieval fluency, short-term memory and reasoning. The ‘vegetable and non-processed’ pattern negatively predicted simple/choice reaction time, and the ‘traditional Australian’ pattern positively predicted perceptual speed and retrieval fluency. Identifying early-life dietary antecedents of older-age cognitive performance contributes to formulating strategies for delaying or preventing cognitive decline.
Accounts and Accountability: Corruption, Human Rights, and Individual Accountability Norms
Authors: Kim Hun Joon , Sharman J.C.
Published: April 2014

Two parallel norms mandate an international duty to hold state leaders individually accountable for serious corruption and human rights crimes. The development of these new norms is poorly explained by realist and neoliberal perspectives, but there are also weaknesses in recent constructivist explanations of norm diffusion that emphasize agency at the expense of structure. Such approaches have difficulty explaining the source of and similarities between new norms, and treat norm entrepreneurs as prior to and separate from their environment. In contrast, drawing on sociological institutionalism, we present a more structural explanation of individual accountability norms. The norms derive from an overarching modernist world culture privileging individual rights and responsibilities, as well as rational-legal authority. This culture is more generative of norm entrepreneurs than generated by them. The specific norms are instantiated through a process of “theorization” within permissive post–Cold War conditions, and diffused via mimicry, professionalization, and coercive isomorphism.
Characterization of a humic acid extracted from marine sediment and its influence on the growth of marine diatoms
Authors: Martin Marcela V. , Gebühr Christina , Mártire Daniel O. , Wiltshire Karen H.
Published: April 2014

Due to the input of humic substances from freshwater run-off into the marine habitat, the influences of such substances on marine organisms should not be neglected. We here investigate the effect of a humic acid (HA) extract from the North Sea, characterized by spectroscopic techniques and carboxylic and phenolic group content, on the growth of different algae. Two benthic pennate diatoms isolated from the Baltic Sea,Navicula ramosissima(C. Agardh) Cleve, 1895 andEntomoneis paludosa(W. Smith) Reimer, 1975, as well as two tychopelagic centric diatoms isolated from the North Sea,Melosira nummuloidesC. Agardh, 1824 andParalia sulcata(Ehrenberg) Cleve, 1873, were employed. The concentrations of pigments (fucoxanthin, diadinoxanthin, chlorophyll-aand β-carotene) and nutrients were also measured. Adding low concentrations of naturally humic substances (5.5 mg of C l−1) to the algae cultures resulted in enhanced growth rates compared to the control experiments, possibly due to the increase in the bioavailability of trace metals or other nutrients.
Friendships in the Shadow of Empire: Tagore's Reception in Chicago,circa1913–1932
Authors: CHAKRABARTY DIPESH
Published: April 2014

This paper supplies the historical context to the Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore's (1861–1941) first visit to the city of Chicago in January 1913 when he spoke at the University of Chicago and established life-long friendships with some of the literary personalities of the city. By focusing on how Tagore came to be received by the University authorities and on his friendship with Harriet Vaughan Moody (1857–1932), the widow of the American writer William Vaughn Moody, it also seeks to trace the role that the themes of ‘empire’ and ‘civilization’ played in determining how the poet was received, understood, and admired by his foreign friends.