bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Concise Review: Ex Vivo Expansion of Cord Blood-Derived Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells: Basic Principles, Experimental Approaches, and Impact in Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Flores-Guzmán Patricia , Fernández-Sánchez Verónica , Mayani Hector
Published: October 2013

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) play key roles in the production of mature blood cells and in the biology and clinical outcomes of hematopoietic transplants. The numbers of these cells, however, are extremely low, particularly in umbilical cord blood (UCB); thus, ex vivo expansion of human UCB-derived HSCs and HPCs has become a priority in the biomedical field. Expansion of progenitor cells can be achieved by culturing such cells in the presence of different combinations of recombinant stimulatory cytokines; in contrast, expansion of actual HSCs has proved to be more difficult because, in addition to needing recombinant cytokines, HSCs seem to deeply depend on the presence of stromal cells and/or elements that promote the activation of particular self-renewal signaling pathways. Hence, there is still controversy regarding the optimal culture conditions that should be used to achieve this. To date, UCB transplants using ex vivo-expanded cells have already been performed for the treatment of different hematological disorders, and although results are still far from being optimal, the advances are encouraging. Recent studies suggest that HSCs may also give rise to nonhematopoietic cells, such as neural, cardiac, mesenchymal, and muscle cells. Such plasticity and the possibility of producing nonhematopoietic cells at the clinical scale could bring new alternatives for the treatment of neural, metabolic, orthopedic, cardiac, and neoplastic disorders. Once standardized, ex vivo expansion of human HSCs/HPCs will surely have a positive impact in regenerative medicine.
Jewish-Christian Dialogue and the Theology of Religions
Authors: Rutishauser Christian M.
Published: October 2013

From a historical point of view, the new understanding of the relationship between the Catholic Church and the Jewish people was the catalyst for the Second Vatican Council to elaborate a declaration on the non-Christian religions. This is not a mere accident. The Jewish-Christian relationship does, even from a systematic point of view, play a paradigmatic, critical and corrective function for a Christian theology of religions. It has a character sui generis, for Judaism constitutes the Other within Christian self-identity. The Jewish-Christian relationship helps to formulate the meaning of the particular in the discussion of the universal Christian claim of truth and salvation when facing other religions. Furthermore, it prevents a theology of religion from sliding into abstract, non-historical and purely speculative definitions. Normally, Christology and especially the theology of Incarnation guarantees it, but they have to be linked themselves back to the messianic idea of Judaism and the history of salvation where the Church itself recognizes the unrevoked covenant between God and Israel. Only a theology of religions that recognizes the lasting challenge of the Jewish faith for Christian identity will have overcome anti-Judaism at its roots.
Bernd Janowski and Peter Stuhlmacher, eds. The Suffering Servant: Isaiah 53 in Jewish and Christian Sources
Authors: Kessler Edward
Published: October 2013

No abstract is available.
Michael Wyschogrod. Abraham's Promise: Judaism and Jewish-Christian Relations
Authors: Cunningham Philip A.
Published: October 2013

No abstract is available.
The Catholic Context in Bonhoeffer's Lifetime
Authors: Dietrich Donald J.
Published: October 2013

Delivered during a panel discussion entitled "Bonhoeffer's Context: The Churches' Responses to Nazism" during the conference Dietrich Bonhoeffer for Our Times: Jewish and Christian Perspectives, cosponsored by the Center for Christian-Jewish Learning at Boston College, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Hebrew College, and Andover-Newton Theological School, September 17, 2006. The essay discusses the lack of resistance by the Catholic Church in general and, with some exceptions, by Catholic theologians in particular.
Seelisberg: An Appreciation
Authors: Barnett Victoria
Published: October 2013

The 1947 Seelisberg "Address to the Churches" was a groundbreaking document in the history of Jewish-Christian relations. Its character was shaped by the personal experiences of its signers. Many of the Jewish signers had suffered directly in the Holocaust; many of the Christians had been engaged in advocacy and rescue.
Pluralism Out Of The Sources Of Judaism: Religious Pluralism Without Relativism
Authors: Jospe Raphael
Published: October 2013

Jewish theology is compatible with religious pluralism, based on the paradigm of the Jewish obligation to live in accordance with the commandments of the Torah while accepting the legitimacy of other ways of life in accordance with the paradigm of the universal “seven commandments of the children of Noah.” Jospe here answers two challenges to this thesis, one, voiced by Christian theologians, that pluralism equals relativism, and a second, voiced by the Jewish scholar, Menachem Kellner, that there are no sources for pluralism in Jewish tradition and that pluralism itself makes no sense. In presenting his arguments, Jospe invokes a wide range of ancient, medieval and modern thinkers, probing the theological possibilities for pluralism within Jewish tradition and its boundaries with relativism. In doing so, he argues that one should differentiate between moral relativism, a non-negotiable category, and epistemological relativism, where there is room for compromise.
Peter Schafer. Jesus in the Talmud
Authors: Langer Ruth
Published: October 2013

No abstract is available.
Joseph Telushkin. A Code of Jewish Ethics. Volume 1: You Shall be Holy
Authors: Keenan, S.J. James F.
Published: October 2013

No abstract is available.
Does the Catholic Church Have a Mission “with” Jews or “to” Jews?
Authors: Boys Mary C.
Published: October 2013

Over the course of developments since Vatican II, Catholics scholars engaged in dialogue with Jews have interpreted the church's mission as one "with" Jews in furthering the Reign of God. Yet it is evident that others advocate a mission "to" Jews, that is, seek to convert Jews. This essay reviews and assesses the various theological perspectives with regard to the mission of the Catholic Church in relationship to the Jewish people.
David G. Dalin and Matthew Levering, eds. John Paul II and the Jewish People: A Jewish-Christian Dialogue
Authors: Fisher Eugene J.
Published: October 2013

No abstract is available.
Jesus-Believing Jews in Australia: Celebrate Messiah as a Case Study
Authors: Abramovich Dvir
Published: October 2013

This article is the first to examine the messianic Jewish movement, or Jesus-believing Jews, in Australia. It focuses on the Celebrate Messiah organization and its transplanted messianic congregation Beit Hamashiach in Melbourne, Australia. Discussed are Celebrate Messiah's efforts in spreading its message among the Jewish people, and its strained relationship with the local Jewish community. In addition, the essay offers a wide-ranging mapping of the historical emergence of Messianic Judaism, its basic tenets, growth in Israel, as well as the attendant controversy it has generated.
The Holocaust as a Source for Jewish-Christian Bonding
Authors: Greenberg Gershon
Published: October 2013

The crucible of the Holocaust distilled Judaism to its essence. The conception of sacred death which emerged included the elements of Akedah, physical suffering, love between God and man, and crucifixion. These elements were identified with sacred death by the Church Fathers during Christianity's formative martyrdom-period. But they were already present in Judaism and continued to be so into the modern era.
The sacred death of the Holocaust is a source for intimate bonding between Judaism and Christianity, as proposed by Marcel Dubois, Franklin Sherman and Clemens Thoma. Nor does the bonding deplete the respective identities (for Judaism, the national suffering which redeemed the world, for Christianity the mystery of Christ's crucifixion which transfigured suffering and death into a crucible of resurrection) - as Juergen Moltman implies (according to Gregory Baum). The bonding also sets aside grounds for conversion to Christianity.
Steven Leonard Jacobs, ed. Maven in Blue Jeans: A Festschrift in Honor of Zev Garber
Authors: Eckardt Alice
Published: October 2013

No abstract is available.
Rembert G. Weakland, OSB. A Pilgrim in a Pilgrim Church
Authors: Fisher Eugene
Published: October 2013

No abstract is available.
A Study of Covenant
Authors: Kessler Edward
Published: October 2013

No abstract is available.
The Lifting of the Excommunications of Bishops Ordained by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre
Authors: Cunningham Philip A. , Carroll Michael J. , Iser Alan
Published: October 2013

No abstract is available.
Unmuzzling the Ox: Should Torah be Normative for Gentile Christians?
Authors: Hatlem Jodie Boyer , Hatlem Doug Johnson
Published: October 2013

No abstract is available.
Response to Papers Presented at the American Academy of Religion Conference
Authors: Gregerman Adam
Published: October 2013

No abstract is available.
The Jewishness of Jesus and Christian-Jewish Dialogue: A Colloquium in Honor of Joep van Beeck, S.J.
Authors: Tobin, S.J. Thomas H. , Mallow, Jeffry V.
Published: October 2013

No abstract is available.
“Liberty of Conscience” and the Jews in the Dutch Republic
Authors: Bodian Miriam
Published: October 2013

In the popular imagination, seventeenth-century Amsterdam was an oasis of religious toleration in a conflict-ridden Europe and a city that welcomed Jews with open arms. This image is exaggerated and misleading, as scholars have long since shown. In this essay, I will examine how the interests of the Dutch ruling class, the regents, dovetailed with the interests of the governing elite of the Portuguese-Jewish community of Amsterdam to create structures of Jewish governance that were agreeable to both governing parties. While maintaining peace was one of the common interests between them, so was maintaining discipline. Neither the Dutch nor the Jewish authorities sought “liberty of conscience” in the modern sense of the term, that is, individual religious and philosophical freedom. For most, though not all, members of the Portuguese-Jewish community, this arrangement was natural and fully acceptable.
Kent L. Yinger. The New Perspective on Paul: An Introduction
Authors: Garroway Joshua D.
Published: October 2013

No abstract is available.
Dietary Laws in Medieval Christian-Jewish Polemics: A Survey
Authors: Resnick Irven
Published: October 2013

In the religious debate between Jews and Christians, the biblical dietary laws come to illustrate important assumptions concerning the “other.”  Early medieval Christians asserted that Christians were not bound by the dietary laws and tended to explicate them allegorically or figuratively. Although the biblical dietary laws prohibit many foods to Jews, as pork became a more important part of the medieval diet, the prohibition against swine’s flesh became central to the debate. Christians will assert not only that the consumption of pork proclaims a correct messianic theology, but also that the Lord, like a good physician, ordained a special diet for the Jews because they—and not Christians—have a corrupt bodily nature that is subject to deleterious influences from pork that incline Jews to gluttony and wantonness. Therefore, when a Jew converted to Christianity, the consumption of pork became a sign of his transfer from one religious community to another, as well as a sign of a physical, intellectual, and moral transformation.
Daniel J. Harrington, S.J. The Synoptic Gospels Set Free: Preaching without Anti-Judaism
Authors: Cook Michael J.
Published: October 2013

No abstract is available.
"Heart-Rending Ambivalence": Jacques Maritain and the Complexity of Postwar Catholic Philosemitism
Authors: Crane Richard Francis
Published: October 2013

Philosopher Jacques Maritain (1882-1973) embraced a quest for sanctity at the core of his vocation as a French Catholic intellectual. Known as an exponent of the teachings of Saint Thomas Aquinas, he also devoted considerable energies to the promotion of democracy and human rights, as well as the combat against antisemitism. Maritain has been lauded for his sometimes courageous attempts to eradicate anti-Jewish prejudice from the Christian conscience, though some prevailing interpretations oversimplify this thinker's motivations and ideas. Keeping in mind the historically-contingent and often ambivalent nature of philosemitism, this article analyzes Maritain's postwar writings on the Jewish Question and his interactions with Popes Pius XII and Paul VI, Anglican theologian James Parkes, Jewish historians Leon Poliakov and Jules Isaac, and fellow Catholic writers Paul Claudel and Francois Mauriac.
Leonard Grob and John K. Roth, Eds. Anguished Hope: Holocaust Scholars Confront the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict
Authors: Lux Richard C.
Published: October 2013

No abstract is available.
Florian Wilk and J. Ross Wagner, Eds. Between Gospel and Election: Explorations in the Interpretation of Romans 9-11
Authors: Peppard Michael
Published: October 2013

No abstract is available.
Gary Burge. Jesus and the Land: The New Testament Challenge to "Holy Land" Theology
Authors: Valkenberg Pim
Published: October 2013

No abstract is available.
Alan Brill. Judaism and Other Religions: Models of Understanding
Authors: Knitter Paul F.
Published: October 2013

No abstract is available.
Philip A. Cunningham, Joseph Sievers, Mary Boys, Hans Herman Henrix, and Jesper Svartik, Eds. Christ Jesus and the Jewish People Today: New Explorations of Theological Interrelationships
Authors: Korn Eugene
Published: October 2013

No abstract is available.
"The Best Pope the Jews Ever Had": Jewish Reactions to the Death of Pope John Paul II
Authors: Watson Murray
Published: October 2013

With the death of Pope John Paul II in April 2005, the world lost what was arguably the most prominent and respected voice in the Jewish-Christian relationship in the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. John Paul was widely loved and appreciated by the Jewish community, for his life-long friendship with the Jewish people, and his consistent commitment to advancing Jewish-Catholic dialogue and uprooting antisemitism in all its forms. His death, therefore, sparked a torrent of eloquent tributes from Jewish leaders and spokespersons, both in Israel and throughout the Diaspora, highlighting his major accomplishments and historic gestures, and frankly acknowledging areas in which he had sometimes been at the center of disagreements, frictions and conflict with his “beloved elder brothers.” Through a re-visiting of a cross-section of published Jewish comments from the time of John Paul’s death, this article examines something of the complexity and challenges of the Jewish-Catholic relationship during his papacy, and discusses how, over the course of his nearly 27-year papacy, John Paul II became (at least for many people) “the best Pope the Jews ever had.”
What Difference Does a Life Make? Reflections on Jesus the Jew
Authors: Dewey Arthur
Published: October 2013

No abstract is available.
Reflections on Reflections: Jesus, Judaism, and Jewish-Christian Relations
Authors: Levine Amy-Jill
Published: October 2013

No abstract is available.
Yaacov Deutsch. Judaism in Christian Eyes: Ethnographic Descriptions of Jews and Judaism in Early Modern Europe, trans. by Avi Aronsky
Authors: Kaplan Debra
Published: October 2013

No abstract is available.
Sperm BerserKers
Authors: Clapham David E
Published: October 2013

Human sperm cells rely on an unusual type of potassium ion channel.
Elementary School Teachers' Desired Model for the Inclusion of Students with Disabilities
Authors: Gavish Bella , Shimoni Sarah
Published: October 2013

The study sought to determine which kind of models are suitable for the inclusion of students with disabilities in school and classroom settings, based on the views of general education teachers. Israeli general education teachers were asked to create a constraints free, 'Best case scenario' model, for the implementation of inclusion. Participants had difficulties visualizing a 'constraints free' scenario, thus most of them preferred to suggest some particular ideas for improving the actual situation. The teachers' responses enabled us to build a single composite model that contains within it seven dimensions: the awareness dimension, the moral dimension, the knowledge dimension, the organizational dimension, the ecological-logistical dimension, the social dimension, and the pedagogic-didactic dimension. These seven dimensions surround a “core” that is concerned with: cultivating a new school climate and language in which inclusion is an integral component of the school's overall character − under the leadership of the school principal. The model's uniqueness lies in its apparent richness, its net-like structure, its holism and − particularly − in its “emergence from the field”.
Parents as Teachers of Children with Autism in the Peoples' Republic of China
Authors: Puckett Kathleen S. , McCoy Kathleen M.
Published: October 2013

In the People's Republic of China, many children with autism are excluded from government supported schools and parents are expected to deliver educational services. Parent training centers offer short term solutions by providing information regarding autism and instructional methods to parents of children with autism. In order to further refine teaching services, one training center encouraged parents to indicate which topics in a curriculum were important to them. Participants were 55 parents of children with autism ages 3–8, who completed a questionnaire in which they identified referral services received, needs and concerns for further training, and attitudes towards collaboration. Results indicated that parents' most important needs were centered on developing their children's communication skills and a desire to collaborate with teachers, and that they received very few initial referral services. Findings are discussed in the context of human and social capital for parents of children with autism in the People's Republic of China.
Convergent Validity of the Finnish Behavioral and Emotional Rating Scale-2 with Teachers and Parents as Raters
Authors: Savolainen Hannu , Nordness Philip D. , Sointu Erkko T. , Lappalainen Kristiina , Epstein Michael H.
Published: October 2013

In previous research the Finnish version of the Behavioral and Emotional Rating Scale-2 (Epstein, 2004) has demonstrated adequate internal consistency and reliability. The purpose of the present study was to examine the convergent validity of the Finnish BERS-2 by comparing it with the Finnish version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, with teachers and parents as the raters. The results add to the research base to suggest that the Finnish BERS-2 is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing the emotional and behavioral strengths of children and youth.
Adaptive parallel simultaneous stabilization of a set of uncertain port‐controlled hamiltonian systems subject to actuator saturation
Authors: Wei Airong , Wang Yuzhen
Published: October 2013

This paper investigates adaptive parallel simultaneous stabilization (APSS) of a set of uncertain nonlinear port‐controlled Hamiltonian (PCH) systems subject to actuator saturation and proposes a number of results on the design of the APSS controllers. First, the case of two PCH systems is studied. Using both the dissipative Hamiltonian structural and saturated actuator properties, the two systems are combined to generate an augmented PCH system, with which, some results on the control designs are then obtained. When there are external disturbances in the two systems, an H ∞  APSS controller is designed for the systems. Second, the case of more than two uncertain PCH systems subject to actuator saturation is investigated, and several new results are proposed for the APSS problem. Finally, an illustrative example is presented to show that the adaptive stabilization controllers obtained in this paper work very well. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Boroxine Nanotubes: Moisture‐Sensitive Morphological Transformation and Guest Release
Authors: Ishikawa Kazuyuki , Kameta Naohiro , Masuda Mitsutoshi , Asakawa Masumi , Shimizu Toshimi
Published: October 2013

Boroxines, (R‐BO)3, which can be easily synthesized via a dehydration reaction of boronic acids, R–B(OH)2, selectively self‐assemble in toluene into nanofibers, nanorods, nanotapes, and nanotubes, depending on the aromatic substituent (R). Spectroscopic measurements show that the nanotube consists of a J‐aggregate of the boroxine. Humidification converts the morphology from the nanotube to a sheet as a result of the hydrolysis of the boroxine components and subsequent molecular‐packing rearrangement from the J‐aggregate to an H‐aggregate. Such a transformation leads to the compulsive release of guest molecules encapsulated in the hollow cylinder of the nanotube. The hydrolysis and the molecular‐packing rearrangement described above are suppressed by coordination of pyridine to the boron atom, with the resulting moiety acting as a Lewis acid of the boroxine component. The pyridine‐coordinated nanotube is transformed into a helical coil by humidification. Guest release during the nanotube‐to‐helical‐coil transformation is much slower than during the nanotube‐to‐sheet transformation, but faster than from a nanotube that did not undergo morphological transformation. The storage and release of guest molecules from the boroxine nanotubes can be precisely controlled by adjusting the moisture level and the concentration of Lewis bases, such as amines.
The effect of intra‐uterine growth restriction on blood lipids and response to exercise training
Authors: Redmond Jessica G. , Gage Timothy B. , Kiyamu Melisa , Brutsaert Tom D.
Published: October 2013

Objectives

To determine if a small body size at birth is associated with an unfavorable metabolic profile and a reduced response to exercise training in young adults.

Methods

Thirty‐six college students, all singletons born to term, participated. Subjects were defined as either high ponderal index (HIGHPI) or low ponderal index (LOWPI). LOWPI was defined as below the 10th percentile of the PI‐for‐gestational age distribution. HIGHPI was defined as greater than the 10th percentile. Subject groups were matched pair‐wise on age, sex, BMI, and pretraining physical activity level. Subjects completed an 8‐week aerobic exercise program. Pre‐ and post‐training measurements included a blood lipid profile.

Results

The LOWPI group, when compared to the HIGHPI group, exhibited higher total (183.6 mg dl−1 vs. 150.9, P = 0.04) and LDL cholesterol (114.8 mg dl−1 vs. 80.2, P = 0.019) values prior to exercise training. After training, these values decreased in the LOWPI group, eliminating the group difference. Various blood lipid ratios were more favorable for the HIGHPI group, both before and after training. The inclusion of maternal smoking as a covariate attenuated group differences for pretraining TChol, pre‐training TG:HDL, and post‐training HDL cholesterol.

Conclusions

An 8‐week exercise program corrected some, but not all, of the differences in blood lipid values between the LOWPI and HIGHPI group. The persistent group difference in blood lipid ratios suggests a higher long‐term risk of chronic disease in the LOWPI group independent of lifestyle intervention. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 25:844–846, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Body fat and facial shape are correlated in female adolescents
Authors: Windhager Sonja , Patocka Karin , Schaefer Katrin
Published: October 2013

Objectives

Relative body weight is not only an important indicator for health and reproductive condition, but also subject to stereotypes and stigmatization. It can be reliably assessed from adult faces alone, yet the facial correlates, especially in adolescents, remain largely unidentified. This study was designed to determine the facial features of adolescent girls that change with body fat proportion using a modern, comprehensive technique for shape analysis.

Methods

Standardized frontal facial photographs of 22 Caucasian female adolescents (mean age 15.8 ± 2.7 years) were taken, and body height, body weight, and body fat proportion measured. Seventy‐two somatometric measurement points were digitized on each photograph and their Cartesian coordinates regressed onto body fat proportion. Geometric morphometrics also enabled visualizing the statistical results as shapes.

Results

Body fat proportion explained 8.7% of the facial shape variation (10,000 permutations, P = 0.047). Girls with high body fat had a relatively rounder and larger lower face, relatively smaller eyes, and a shorter and wider nose, fuller lips and downturned corners of the mouth. Low body fat was associated with a more angular lower face and a pointier chin, relatively larger eyes and a longer nose. The lips were wider and thinner, the corners of the mouth upturned.

Conclusion

Body fat proportion is a substantial factor in facial shape variation of female adolescents. The potential influence of the corresponding facial features on social perception is discussed. Prospects for future research including novel possibilities for stimuli design (GM morphs) are highlighted. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 25:847–850, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dynamics of human milk nutrient composition of women from singapore with a special focus on lipids
Authors: Thakkar Sagar K. , Giuffrida Francesca , Cristina Cruz‐Hernandez , De Castro Carlos Antonio , Mukherjee Rajat , Tran Liên‐Anh , Steenhout Philippe , Lee Le Ye , Destaillats Frédéric
Published: October 2013

Background

A recent report suggested that human milk (HM) composition not only changes with lactation stages but also vary according to gender of the offspring. In spite of available literature, the dynamic changes of HM composition still remain to be completely explored and characterized. Progress in analytical technologies together with quantitative sampling of HM allows for a better quantification of HM nutrients and thereby providing a deeper understanding of the dynamics of HM secretion.

Objective

To characterize and quantify HM nutrients based on appropriate for analyses sampling procedures and advanced analytical methodologies.

Clinical study design

We conducted an observatory, single center, longitudinal trial with HM collection at 30, 60, and 120 days postpartum from 50 mothers (singleton‐deliveries of 25 male and 25 female infants). HM samples were analyzed for lipid, lactose, energy density, fatty acids, phospholipids, and gangliosides. Longitudinal analyses of the datasets have been carried out using linear mixed models.

Results

HM for male infants compared to females at 120 days, were higher for energy content and lipids by 24 and 39%, respectively. Similarly, other bioactive lipids such as linoleic acid, phospholipids and gangliosides were also significantly different based on the gender of the infant. Significant stage‐based differences were observed for total lipids, energy density, phospholipids, and gangliosides. Such difference in HM composition may stem from different energy needs to cope up for individual growth and development.

Conclusion

Collectively, the current observations affirm that HM secretion, especially the lipid composition, is a very dynamic and personalized biological process. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 25:770–779, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diversity Oriented Synthesis of Macrocyclic Diaryl Ethers by Dötz Benzannulation
Authors: Sen Subhabrata , Mamidala Rajanikanth , Gundla Rambabu , Charya M. T.
Published: October 2013

The intramolecular Dötz benzannulation with alkyne‐tethered aryloxy Fischer carbenes has been applied to synthesize a nine membered diaryl ether linked macrocyclic library. In silico tools, that is, shape space analysis was used to assess the diversity of the library, and polar surface area (PSA) of the compounds were deduced to understand the range of their surface electrostatic potential.
Reassessing manual proportions in Australopithecus afarensis
Authors: Rolian Campbell , Gordon Adam D.
Published: October 2013

Previous analyses of hand morphology in Australopithecus afarensis have concluded that this taxon had modern human‐like manual proportions, with relatively long thumbs and short fingers. These conclusions are based on the A.L.333 composite fossil assemblage from Hadar, Ethiopia, and are premised on the ability to assign phalanges to a single individual, and to the correct side and digit. Neither assignment is secure, however, given the taphonomy and sample composition at A.L.333. We use a resampling approach that includes the entire assemblage of complete hand elements at Hadar, and takes into account uncertainties in identifying phalanges by individual, side and digit number. This approach provides the most conservative estimates of manual proportions in Au. afarensis. We resampled hand long bone lengths in Au. afarensis and extant hominoids, and obtained confidence limits for distributions of manual proportions in the latter. Results confirm that intrinsic manual proportions in Au. afarensis are dissimilar to Pan and Pongo. However, manual proportions in Au. afarensis often fall at the upper end of the distribution in Gorilla, and very lower end in Homo, corresponding to disproportionately short thumbs and long medial digits in Homo. This suggests that manual proportions in Au. afarensis, particularly metacarpal proportions, were not as derived towards Homo as previously described, but rather are intermediate between gorillas and humans. Functionally, these results suggest Au. afarensis could not produce precision grips with the same efficiency as modern humans, which may in part account for the absence of lithic technology in this fossil taxon. Am J Phys Anthropol 152:393–406, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Klein aber fein: sensitive Mikrogelkapseln
Authors: Seiffert Sebastian
Published: October 2013

Sensitive Mikrogele bestehen aus mikrometerskaligen gequollenen Polymernetzwerken, die durch externe Reize selektiv aktuiert werden können. Um diese Partikel zur Verkapselung von Additiven maßzuschneidern, ist es notwendig, ihre Form und Größe zu kontrollieren; dies ist mithilfe der Tropfenmikrofluidik möglich.
Ausgeprägte Methyleffekte in der Wirkstoff‐Forschung und der Bedarf an neuen C‐H‐Methylierungsreaktionen
Authors: Schönherr Heike , Cernak Tim
Published: October 2013

Die Methylgruppe gehört zu den häufigsten Kohlenstoffbausteinen in niedermolekularen Wirkstoffen. Dieser einfachste Alkylrest kommt in mehr als 67 % der 2011 meistverkauften Wirkstoffe vor und kann die biologischen und physikalischen Eigenschaften einer Verbindung in bedeutendem Maß modulieren. Den Schwerpunkt dieses Aufsatzes bildet der so genannte magische Methyleffekt auf das Bindungsvermögen, bei dem der scheinbar banale Wechsel von der C‐H‐ zur C‐Me‐Gruppe den IC50‐Wert eines potenziellen Wirkstoffs um mehr als das 100fache verbessert. Anschließend an diese Diskussion folgt ein Überblick über Fortschritte in der Synthesechemie, die eine direkte Methylierung von sp2‐ und sp3‐C‐H‐Bindungen ermöglichen. Wir hoffen, dass die hier besprochene Bedeutung der einfachen Methylgruppe für die Wirkstoff‐Forschung zu Berichten über neue und umfassende C‐H‐Methylierungsreaktionen anregt.
Synthesis, characterization, and drug‐release behavior of amphiphilic quaternary ammonium chitosan derivatives
Authors: Zhang Aidi , Ding Derun , Ren Jicun , Zhu Xiangli , Yao Youhong
Published: October 2013

A new type of amphiphilic quaternary ammonium chitosan derivative, 2‐N‐carboxymethyl‐6‐O‐diethylaminoethyl chitosan (DEAE–CMC), was synthesized through a two‐step Schiff base reaction process and applied to drug delivery. In the first step, benzaldehyde was used as a protective agent for the incorporation of diethylaminoethyl groups to form the intermediate (6‐O‐diethylaminoethyl chitosan). On the other hand, NaBH4 was used as a reducing agent to reduce the Schiff base, which was generated by glyoxylic acid, for the further incorporation of carboxymethyl groups to produce DEAE–CMC. The structure, thermal properties, surface morphology, and diameter distribution of the resulting chitosan graft copolymers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, 1H‐NMR, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, X‐ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and laser particle size analysis. Benefiting from the amphiphilic structure, DEAE–CMC was able to be formed into microspheres in aqueous solution with an average diameter of 4.52 ± 1.21 μm. An in vitro evaluation of these microspheres demonstrated their efficient controlled release behavior of a drug. The accumulated release ratio of vitamin B12 loaded DEAE–CMC microspheres were up to 93%, and the duration was up to 15 h. The grafted polymers of DEAE–CMC were found to be blood‐compatible, and no cytotoxic effect was shown in human SiHa cells in an MTT [3‐(4, 5‐dimethyl‐thiazol‐2‐yl)‐2, 5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide] cytotoxicity assay. These results indicate that the DEAE–CMC microspheres could be used as safe, promising drug‐delivery systems. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39890.
Effects of solution mixing temperature on dielectric properties of PMMA/Pristine bentonite nanocomposites
Authors: Uğur Kaya A. , Güner Selahaddin , Esmer Kadir
Published: October 2013

We examined the effects of mixing temperature on the dielectric properties of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)‐pristine bentonite nanocomposites by using X‐ray diffraction, FT‐IR and dielectric spectroscopies. The samples were prepared during 8 hours at temperatures 265 K, 273 K, 281 K, 289 K and 298 K without any intercalative agent and the PMMA to pristine bentonite weight ratio was chosen as 1 : 10. It was observed that with decreasing the mixing temperatures, the permittivity decreases and the dielectric relaxation displaces towards the lower frequencies with the decrease of mixing temperatures. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39907.
Preparation and reaction kinetics of polypropylene‐graft‐cardanol by reactive extrusion and its compatibilization on polypropylene/polystyrene
Authors: Chen Qinhui , Deng Yi , Mao Xinggong , Yin Fengqin , Lin Jinhuo
Published: October 2013

Polypropylene‐graft‐cardanol (CAPP) was prepared by reactive extrusion with polypropylene (PP) and natural renewable cardanol, which improved the inherent defects of PP such as its chemical inertness and hydrophobicity. Moreover, the cardanol grafted onto PP resolved the degradation of PP during reactive extrusion and use. The effects of reactive extrusion on the change of the molecular structure of PP, the change in the free‐radical concentration during processing, and the compatibilization of CAPP on the PP/polystyrene (PS) composite materials were examined in this study. The constants of the grafting reaction rate at the beginning of reactive extrusion were also deduced. The results show that cardanol was grafted onto PP, and the p–π conjugate system in cardanol was observed to stabilize free radicals. The grafting reaction rate (Rg) at the initial stage of the grafting reaction process was calculated through the equation Rg = kg[M·][Cardanol], where kg is the constant of the apparent grafting reaction rate and [M·] is the concentration of free radicals in the reaction system. kg first increased with the growth of temperature and then began to decrease when the temperature exceeded the critical temperature of 200°C. The mechanical properties showed almost no change after the samples were aged for 72 h. This was due to CAPP, which changed PP/PS to a ductile material from a brittle one. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39911.
Integrated Ground‐penetrating Radar and Archaeological Surveys in the Ancient City of Hierapolis of Phrygia (Turkey)
Authors: Leucci G. , Di Giacomo G. , Ditaranto I. , Miccoli I. , Scardozzi G.
Published: October 2013

Hierapolis of Phrygia (Turkey) was one of the most important Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine city in Asia Minor. The Italian Archaeological Mission in more than 50 years of activity has brought to light and restored many monuments of the ancient city, helping to understand the urban layout in the various periods of its history. In 2011 ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) prospection, with the aim of supporting the archaeological excavations and surveys, was performed in some important sample areas by a team of the Institute for Archaeological and Monumental Heritage of the National Research Council of Italy. The analysis of the GPR measurements revealed many anomalies that could be ascribed to archaeological structures, as well as other anomalies of presumable natural origin. The data collected were georeferenced in the digital archaeological map of Hierapolis using a RTK‐GPS system. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gross anatomy videos: Student satisfaction, usage, and effect on student performance in a condensed curriculum
Authors: Topping Daniel B.
Published: October 2013

Anatomy educators are being tasked with delivering the same quantity and quality of material in the face of fewer classroom and laboratory hours. As a result they have turned to computer‐aided instruction (CAI) to supplement and augment curriculum delivery. Research on the satisfaction and use of anatomy videos, a form of CAI, on examination performance continues to grow. The purpose of this study was to describe the usage and effect on examination scores of a series of locally produced anatomy videos after an 11% curriculum reduction. First‐year medical students (n = 40) were given access to the videos and the prior year's students (n = 40) were used as historical controls. There was no significant difference in demographics between the two groups. The survey response rate was 85% (n = 34) in the experimental group. The students found the videos to be highly satisfying (median = 5 on a five‐point Likert scale, interquartile range = 1) and used them on average 1.55 times/week (SD ± 0.77). Availability of the videos did have a statistically significant effect (4% improvement) on the final laboratory examination (p = 0.039). This suggests that the videos were a well‐received form of CAI that may be useful in bridging the gap created by a reduction in gross anatomy course contact hours. Anat Sci Educ 7: 273–279. © 2013 American Association of Anatomists.
Characteristics of retracted open access biomedical literature: A bibliographic analysis
Authors: Peterson Gabriel M.
Published: October 2013

The author analyzes retracted biomedical literature to determine if open access and fee‐for‐access works differ in terms of the practice and effectiveness of retraction. Citation and content analysis were applied to articles grouped by accessibility (libre, gratis, and fee for access) for various bibliometric attributes. Open access literature does not differ from fee‐for‐access literature in terms of impact factor, detection of error, or change in postretraction citation rates. Literature found in the PubMed Central Open Access subset provides detailed information about the nature of the anomaly more often than less accessible works. Open access literature appears to be of similar reliability and integrity as the population of biomedical literature in general, with the added value of being more forthcoming about the nature of errors when they are identified.
Trends in precipitation extremes during the typhoon season in Taiwan over the last 60 years
Authors: Chu Pao‐Shin , Chen Den‐Jing , Lin Pay‐Liam
Published: October 2013

The trends of four common climate change indices related to extreme precipitation events during the typhoon season (July–October) from 21 stations in Taiwan are investigated using a robust nonparametric method. Upward trends in precipitation intensity and 5‐day total precipitation amounts prevail from 1950 to 2010. Longer drought duration is also noted, in southern Taiwan in particular. Daily precipitation during the typhoon season is further partitioned into typhoon and monsoon rainfall. Precipitation intensity induced by typhoons and monsoon systems has both increased over the last 60 years; these two components collectively contribute to strong upward trend in precipitation intensity.
Machbarkeitsstudie für die innovative Bauweise “Vorgefertigte und aufrollbare Straße”
Authors: Wang Dawei , Schacht Andreas , Chen Xianhua , Oeser Markus , Steinauer Bernhard
Published: October 2013

Mit der innovativen Bauweise “Vorgefertigte und aufrollbare Straße” wird ein Straßenbelag aus Textilbeton mit Kurzfasern (TmK) entwickelt. Durch eine gezielte Gestaltung und Strukturierung der Oberfläche werden die Gebrauchseigenschaften, insbesondere die Griffigkeit sowie die Reifen‐Fahrbahngeräusche, optimiert. Grundsätzlich wird aufgezeigt, dass durch den Einsatz dieses neuartigen Belags eine deutlich verbesserte Performance bezüglich der klassischen Aufgaben einer Straßendecke erzielt werden kann. Die Erneuerung der Fahrbahnoberfläche kann innerhalb von wenigen Stunden abgeschlossen werden, sodass eine möglichst schnelle Bauausführung sowie eine frühe Verkehrsfreigabe gewährleistet werden können. Somit besteht eine sehr gute Chance, einen wesentlichen Beitrag für dauerhafte Straßen und damit zur Nachhaltigkeit im Straßenbau zu leisten.

Feasibility study on the innovative construction method of a “prefabricated and rollable road”

With the innovative construction method of a “prefabricated and rollable road” a road surface is developed with textile concrete with short fibers (TmK). Through a purposeful design and structuring of the surface, the using performances especially the skid resistance and the tyre/road noise are optimized. It is shown, that generally through the application of this innovative surface better performance can be achieved in terms of the conventional duties of a road surface. The restoration of this road surface can be accomplished within only a few hours. It can be constructed as fast as possible and the new road surface can be opened to traffic as soon as possible. Therefore, it has the potential to contribute to durable road structures and the sustainability of road engineering.
Albumin‐based nanocomposite spheres for advanced drug delivery systems
Authors: Misak Heath E. , Asmatulu Ramazan , Gopu Janani S. , Man Ka‐Poh , Zacharias Nora M. , Wooley Paul H. , Yang Shang‐You
Published: October 2013

A novel drug delivery system incorporating human serum albumin, poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid, magnetite nanoparticles, and therapeutic agent(s) was developed for potential application in the treatment of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and skin cancer. An oil‐in‐oil emulsion/solvent evaporation (O/OSE) method was modified to produce a drug delivery system with a diameter of 0.5–2 μm. The diameter was mainly controlled by adjusting the viscosity of albumin in the discontinuous phase of the O/OSE method. The drug‐release study showed that the release of drug and albumin was mostly dependent on the albumin content of the drug delivery system, which is very similar to the drug occlusion‐mesopore model. Cytotoxicity tests indicated that increasing the albumin content in the drug delivery system increased cell viability, possibly due to the improved biocompatibility of the system. Overall, these studies show that the proposed system could be a viable option as a drug delivery system in the treatment of many illnesses, such as rheumatoid arthritis, and skin and breast cancers.
Neuropsychological Differential Diagnosis of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Larrabee Glenn J. , Rohling Martin L.
Published: October 2013

The diagnosis and evaluation of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is reviewed from the perspective of meta‐analyses of neuropsychological outcome, showing full recovery from a single, uncomplicated mTBI by 90 days post‐trauma. Persons with history of complicated mTBI characterized by day‐of‐injury computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities, and those who have suffered prior mTBIs may or may not show evidence of complete recovery similar to that experienced by persons suffering a single, uncomplicated mTBI. Persistent post‐concussion syndrome (PCS) is considered as a somatoform presentation, influenced by the non‐specificity of PCS symptoms which commonly occur in non‐TBI samples and co‐vary as a function of general life stress, and psychological factors including symptom expectation, depression and anxiety. A model is presented for forensic evaluation of the individual mTBI case, which involves open‐ended interview, followed by structured interview, record review, and detailed neuropsychological testing. Differential diagnosis includes consideration of other neurologic and psychiatric disorders, symptom expectation, diagnosis threat, developmental disorders, and malingering. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Testing Increases Suggestibility for Narrative‐based Misinformation but Reduces Suggestibility for Question‐based Misinformation
Authors: LaPaglia Jessica A. , Chan Jason C. K.
Published: October 2013

A number of recent studies have found that recalling details of an event following its occurrence can increase people's suggestibility to later presented misinformation. However, several other studies have reported the opposite result, whereby earlier retrieval can reduce subsequent eyewitness suggestibility. In the present study, we investigated whether differences in the way misinformation is presented can modulate the effects of testing on suggestibility. Participants watched a video of a robbery and some were questioned about the event immediately afterwards. Later, participants were exposed to misinformation in a narrative (Experiment 1) or in questions (Experiment 2). Consistent with previous studies, we found that testing increased suggestibility when misinformation was presented via a narrative. Remarkably, when misinformation was presented in questions, testing decreased suggestibility. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.