bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combustion of Pure, Hydrolyzed and Methyl Ester Formed of Jatropha Curcas Lin oil
Authors: Muhaji Muhaji , Wardana I.N.G , Yulianti Y , Nursasongko M
Published: December 2015

The density and viscosity of vegetable oil are higher than that of diesel oil. Thus its direct combustion in the diesel engine results many problems. This research was conducted to investigate the flame characteristics of combustion of jatropha curcas lin in pure, hydrolyzed and methyl ester form. The results indicated that the combustion of pure jatropha curcas lin occurs in three stages, hydrolyzed in two stages    and methyl ester in one stage. For pure jatropha curcas lin, in the first stage, unsaturated fatty acid burned for  0.265 s.  It is followed by saturated fatty acid, burned for 0.389 s in the second stage. And, in the last stage is the burned of glycerol for 0.560 s. Meanwhile for hydrolyzed one, in the first stage, unsaturated fatty acid burned for 0.736 s, followed by saturated fatty acid, burned  for 0.326 s in the second stage. And the last, for methyl ester is the burned for 0.712 s. The highest burning rate was for methyl ester which was 0.003931cc/s. The energy releasing rate of methyl ester, which was for 13,628.67 kcal/(kg.s) resembled that of diesel oil the most, while the lowest rate was for pure jatropha curcas lin which was 8,200.94 kcal/(kg.s). In addition, massive explosion occurred in the fuel containing unsaturated fatty acid and glycerol
Biogas Production in Dairy Farming in Indonesia: A Challenge for Sustainability
Authors: Wahyudi Jatmiko , Achmad Kurnani Tb. Benito , Clancy Joy
Published: December 2015

Biogas plays an important role in supporting and ensuring the dairy farming sector remains sustainable. Biogas technology is not only as a method to dispose dairy farming waste but also benefiting economically, socially and environmentally. Biogas technology has been introduced since 1970s and many biogas programmes have been implemented in Indonesia. However compare to other countries like China and India, the dissemination of biogas technology in Indonesia runs quite slowly. There are several factors such as financial, policies and people’s perception hindering biogas use regarding the increase of biogas plants installed in Indonesia. In addition, many installed biogas plants are non-functional due to inadequate maintenance causing users stop to operate biogas plants and influencing potential users to reject adopting the technology. This paper provides an overview of biogas production sustainability which consists of five sustainability dimensions: technical, economic, social, environmental and organizational/institutional sustainability. Understanding the biogas sustainability helps stakeholders to realize that in order to promote biogas technology many sectors must be developed and many institutions must be involved and cooperated. The sustainability of biogas will determine the success of biogas dissemination particularly in dairy farming in the future.
Distributed Revisiting: an Analytic for Retention of Coherent Science Learning
Authors: Svihla Vanessa , Wester Michael J. , Linn Marcia C.
Published: December 2015

Designing learning experiences that support the development of coherent understanding of complex scientific phenomena is challenging. We sought to identify analytics that can guide such designs to also support retention of coherent understanding. Based on prior research that distributing study of material over time supports retention, we explored revisiting previously studied material as an analytic. We tested ways to operationalize revisiting: as a general propensity to revisit previously studied material; as a propensity to revisit specific curricular steps; as a general propensity to distribute study by revisiting previously studied material on different days; and as a propensity to distribute study by revisiting specific steps on different days. The specific steps identified as central to the learning design included a static illustration and a dynamic visualization. We modeled revisiting in a sample of 664 students taught by 7 different teachers using a Web-based Inquiry Science Environment unit. Analysis of log files and regression modeling revealed that a general propensity to revisit did not predict retention. Revisiting the dynamic visualization better supported retention than revisiting static material, but only for distributed revisiting. Our findings suggest that revisiting can be a useful analytic when aligned to the framework guiding learning design.
Commentary on “Distributed Revisiting: an Analytic for Retention of Coherent Science Learning”
Authors: Hewitt Jim
Published: December 2015

The article, “Distributed Revisiting: An Analytic for Retention of Coherent Science Learning” is an interesting study that operates at the intersection of learning theory and learning analytics. The authors observe that the relationship between learning theory and research in the learning analytics field is constrained by several problems: 1) differences between the context of the research and the context of the studies that yielded the underlying theory; and 2) the challenge of constructing metrics that make accurate inferences about psychological or group processes. These problems are discussed in relation to Svihla, Wester, and Linn’s paper
Latitudinal gradients in ecosystem engineering by oysters vary across habitats
Authors: McAfee Dominic , Cole Victoria J. , Bishop Melanie J.
Published: December 2015

Ecological theory predicts that positive interactions among organisms will increase across gradients of increasing abiotic stress or consumer pressure. This theory has been supported by empirical studies examining the magnitude of ecosystem engineering across environmental gradients and between habitat settings at local scale. Predictions that habitat setting, by modifying both biotic and abiotic factors, will determine large‐scale gradients in ecosystem engineering have not been tested, however. A combination of manipulative experiments and field surveys assessed whether along the east Australian coastline: (1) facilitation of invertebrates by the oyster Saccostrea glomerata increased across a latitudinal gradient in temperature; and (2) the magnitude of this effect varied between intertidal rocky shores and mangrove forests. It was expected that on rocky shores, where oysters are the primary ecosystem engineer, they would play a greater role in ameliorating latitudinal gradients in temperature than in mangroves, where they are a secondary ecosystem engineer living under the mangrove canopy. On rocky shores, the enhancement of invertebrate abundance in oysters as compared to bare microhabitat decreased with latitude, as the maximum temperatures experienced by intertidal organisms diminished. By contrast, in mangrove forests, where the mangrove canopy resulted in maximum temperatures that were cooler and of greater humidity than on rocky shores, we found no evidence of latitudinal gradients of oyster effects on invertebrate abundance. Contrary to predictions, the magnitude by which oysters enhanced biodiversity was in many instances similar between mangroves and rocky shores. Whether habitat‐context modifies patterns of spatial variation in the effects of ecosystem engineers on community structure will depend, in part, on the extent to which the environmental amelioration provided by an ecosystem engineer replicates that of other co‐occurring ecosystem engineers.
Скрининг за дијабетес тип 2 во примарна здравствена заштита
Authors: Илиев Дарко , Мишевска Петранка , Илиева Наташа
Published: December 2015

ОСНОВА: Инцидената на дијабетес тип 2 е во пораст. Во делот на раното откривање потребно е да се најде интервенција која најдобро ќе ја препознае болеста во што порана фаза. Семејниот лекар има иницијален контакт со општата популација и игра клучна улога во превенцијата на хроничните болести.
ЦЕЛ: Целта на овој труд е да ги пребара, да ги анализира и да ги прикаже резултатите од пребарувањето објавени трудови поврзани со скрининг за дијабетес тип 2 во примарна здравствена заштита.
МАТЕРИЈАЛ И МЕТОДИ: Пребарување на истражувања повзани со рано откривање дијабетес тип 2 со клучни зборови: скрининг, дијабетес тип 2, примарна здравствена заштита на Pubmed, Pubmed Central и кохрановата база.
РЕЗУЛТАТИ: Достапната литаратура укажува дека скрингот може да е ефективен метод во раното откривање на Дијабетес тип 2 во примарна здравствена заштита. Добри резултати се постигнати доколку се изведува структурирано и стратифицирано кај пациенти со дефиниран ризик. Америчката асоцијација за дијабетес го препорачува опортуниот скрининг кај семејниот лекар во раното откривање и превенција на дијабетес. Како пристап мерењето на гликоза во крв на гладно, HgbA1c или ОГТТ може да се користат во скринингот, но гликоза на во крв на гладно е најпогодна поради тоа што е лесно изводлива, прифатлива за пациентите, ефтина и брза метода. Кај позитивните наоди потребно е да се повтори тестот.
ЗАКЛУЧОЦИ: Скрингот за дијабетес тип 2 во примарна заштита е изводлив. Мерењето на гликоза во крв на гладно е најдобар избор кај семејниот лекар. Ефикасноста на скринингот варира зависно од стратегијата која ќе се примени, потребни се повеќе истражувања во насока на дефинирање на најдобрите практики за одредување на ризик групи.
Acute Prevertebral Calcific Tendinitis
Authors: Tamm Alexander Stephen , Jeffery Caroline , Ansari Khalid , Naik Sandeep
Published: December 2015

We present a case of neck pain in a middle-aged woman, initially attributed to a retropharyngeal infection and treated with urgent intubation. With the help of computed tomography, the diagnosis was later revised to acute prevertebral calcific tendinitis, a self-limiting condition caused by abnormal calcium hydroxyapatite deposition in the longus colli muscles. It is critical to differentiate between these two disease entities due to dramatic differences in management. A discussion of acute prevertebral calcific tendinitis and its imaging findings is provided below.
Idiopathic Arterial Calcification of Infancy: Case Report
Authors: ATTIA TAREK HAMED , Abd Alhamed Mohamed , Selim Mohamed , Haggag Mohamed , Fathalla Diaa
Published: December 2015

Idiopathic arterial calcification of infancy is a rare autosomal recessive disease, characterized by deposition of calcium along the internal elastic membrane of arteries, accompanied by fibrous thickening of the intima which causes luminal narrowing. Here we are reporting a case of idiopathic arterial calcification of infancy in a Saudi female newborn of non-consanguineous pregnant woman who had polyhydramnios. The newborn baby had severe respiratory distress, systemic hypertension and persistent pulmonary hypertension of newborn. She was admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, where she was ventilated and proper treatment was provided. Molecular genetic testing was positive for mutations of ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase1 gene which is reported in 80% of cases of Idiopathic arterial calcification of infancy. The baby died at about 5 month of age because of myocardial ischemia and cardiorespiratory arrest. Idiopathic Arterial Calcification of Infancy should be considered in any newborn who presented with persistent pulmonary hypertension of newborn, severe systemic hypertension and echogenic vessels on any radiological study. Calcifications of large and medium-sized arteries are important diagnostic finding.
The Impacts of Decreasing Paddy Field Area on Local Climate in Central Java, Indonesia
Authors: Komariah  , Senge Masateru , Sumani  , Dewi Widyatmani Sih , Yoshiyama Kohei , Rachmadiyanto Arief Noor
Published: December 2015

This article is discussing the impacts of land cover change from paddy field to barren land in small scale area (1,516.5 km2), on the surrounding local climate components in central Java, Indonesia. Data of several climate components from 2000-2010 were collected from weather stations that located separately. The land covers were dominated with cropland and little forest on eastern site, and settlements (urban) on western site. This study confirmed that the decrease in 13.1% of paddy field and the increase in 12.4% of barren land had significantly resulted in low daily actual vapor pressure (ea) during dry months with low rainfalls. The eastern areas that were originally occupied by croplands and trees, responded to the decrease of paddy fields by the increasing of air temperatures. The air temperatures and their variations at urban areas located in the western part were not distinctly affected by the land cover change.
Hemostasis Achieved Endoscopically for Diverticular Bleeding from the Horizontal Portion of the Duodenum
Authors: Matuso Yasumasa , Yasuda Hiroshi , Suzuki Midori , Ishigooka Shinya , Ozawa Shun-Ichiro , Yamashita Masaki , Yamamoto Hiroyuki , Itoh Fumio
Published: December 2015

Diverticulum of the horizontal portion of the duodenum is a rare cause of upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Since it is difficult to access the horizontal portion of the duodenum by standard upper GI endoscopy, only a very few cases of endoscopic hemostasis have been reported. Herein, we report a case of diverticular bleeding from the horizontal portion of the duodenum for which hemostasis was achieved using a small-caliber colonoscope, which has an insertion part designed with a passive-bending function/high-force transmission and a transparent tip hood.
Article Commentary: Predictive Modeling of Drug Treatment in the Area of Personalized Medicine
Authors: Ogilvie Lesley A. , Wierling Christoph , Kessler Thomas , Lehrach Hans , Lange Bodo M. H.
Published: December 2015

Despite a growing body of knowledge on the mechanisms underlying the onset and progression of cancer, treatment success rates in oncology are at best modest. Current approaches use statistical methods that fail to embrace the inherent and expansive complexity of the tumor/patient/drug interaction. Computational modeling, in particular mechanistic modeling, has the power to resolve this complexity. Using fundamental knowledge on the interactions occurring between the components of a complex biological system, large-scale in silico models with predictive capabilities can be generated. Here, we describe how mechanistic virtual patient models, based on systematic molecular characterization of patients and their diseases, have the potential to shift the theranostic paradigm for oncology, both in the fields of personalized medicine and targeted drug development. In particular, we highlight the mechanistic modeling platform ModCell™ for individualized prediction of patient responses to treatment, emphasizing modeling techniques and avenues of application.
Ice thickness of the northern half of the Patagonia Icefields of South America from high‐resolution airborne gravity surveys
Authors: Gourlet P. , Rignot E. , Rivera A. , Casassa G.
Published: December 2015

We employ high‐resolution, high‐precision, helicopter‐borne gravity observations of the Northern (NPI) and Southern Patagonia Icefields (SPI), South America, to infer ice thickness and bed topography using a three‐dimensional model constrained by Fjord and lake bathymetry, and a land‐ice mask. The results reveal thicker ice than the reflecting horizon of radar sounders, with 1 km deep ice for Glaciar San Rafael and Colonia (NPI) and 1.5 km deep ice for Glaciar Occidental (SPI). These bedrock troughs channelize fast motion of ice from the plateaus. Combining ice motion and thickness, we calculate balance accumulation levels of 3–6 m/yr water equivalent for the plateaus. Bed elevation remains below sea/lake level 15–20 km inland for Jorge Montt and O'Higgins, which favors retreat, and is at sea level for San Rafael, which halted its retreat. The results demonstrate the utility of airborne gravity surveys for providing critical data on ice volume, bed elevation, and balance accumulation of temperate ice masses.
Discrimination of biogenic and detrital magnetite through a double Verwey transition temperature
Authors: Chang Liao , Heslop David , Roberts Andrew P. , Rey Daniel , Mohamed Kais J.
Published: December 2015

Magnetite occurs widely in natural environments in both inorganic and biogenic forms. Discrimination of the origin of magnetite has important implications, from searching for past microbial activity to interpreting paleomagnetic and environmental magnetic records in a wide range of settings. In this study, we present rock magnetic and electron microscopic analyses of marine sediments from the continental margin of Oman. Low‐temperature magnetic data reveal two distinct Verwey transition (Tv) temperatures that are associated with the presence of biogenic and inorganic magnetite. This interpretation is consistent with room temperature magnetic properties and is confirmed by electron microscopic analyses. Our study justifies the use of two distinct Tv temperatures as a diagnostic signature for discriminating inorganic and biogenic magnetite. Simple low‐temperature magnetic measurements, therefore, provide a tool to recognize rapidly the origin of magnetite within natural samples. In addition, our analyses reveal progressive down‐core dissolution of detrital and biogenic magnetite, but with preservation of significant amounts of fine‐grained magnetite within sediments that have been subjected to severe diagenetic alteration. We demonstrate that preservation of magnetite in such environments is due to protection of fine‐grained magnetite inclusions within silicate hosts. Our results, therefore, also provide new insights into diagenetic processes in marine sediments.
Possible mechanism of abrupt jump in winter surface air temperature in the late 1980s over the Northern Hemisphere
Authors: Kim Yeon‐Hee , Kim Maeng‐Ki , Lau William K. M. , Kim Kyu‐Myong , Cho Chun‐Ho
Published: December 2015

Possible cause of an abrupt warming in winter mean surface air temperature in the midlatitudes of the Northern Hemisphere in the late 1980s is investigated using observation and reanalysis data. To determine the timing of abrupt warming, we use a regime shift index based on detection of the largest significant differences between the mean values of two contiguous periods. Results show that the abrupt warming occurred in association with a regime shift after the 1980's in which the zonal mean sea level pressure (SLP) is significantly increased (decreased) at the latitude 25–35°N (60–70°N), in the form of north‐south dipole‐like SLP anomaly spanning the subtropics and high latitude. The dipole SLP anomaly can be attributed to a northward expansion of Hadley cell, a poleward broadening and intensification of the Ferrel cell, coupled with a collapse of polar cell. During the abrupt warming, strong anomalous southerly warm advection at the surface was induced by an enhanced and expanded Ferrel circulation, in association with a northward and downward shift of maximum center of northward eddy heat flux over the midlatitudes. An intensification of polar jet subsequent to regime shift may be instrumental in sustaining the warming up to more than 5 years.
Menu‐Labeling Formats and Their Impact on Dietary Quality
Authors: Streletskaya Nadia A. , Amatyakul Wansopin , Rusmevichientong Pimbucha , Kaiser Harry M. , Liaukonyte Jura
Published: December 2015

The impact of three menu‐labeling formats on changes in dietary quality of an away‐from‐home meal is measured. The analysis is based on a lunchtime experiment using 232 student participants, with a control group and three treatments: (1) a calorie‐content posting, (2) a complete nutrition‐facts panel, and (3) health‐related claims. We find that the calorie content posting lead to the highest calorie reduction, but it was also the only treatment associated with a significant reduction in the fiber content of the meal. The complete nutrition‐facts panel treatment resulted in most sizable decreases in problematic nutrient content such as empty calories and calories from fat and added sugar. The health‐related claims treatment led to a reduction in carbohydrates and calories from fat. The nutrient density of selected meals remained mostly unchanged across all treatments, but the empty calories proportion of total calories was reduced in the nutrition‐facts and health‐related claims treatments, with the latter also leading to some reduction in added sugar density. [EconLit citations: I12, I18, Q18].
Crystallinity dynamics of gold nanoparticles during sintering or coalescence
Authors: Goudeli Eirini , Pratsinis Sotiris E.
Published: December 2015

The crystallinity of gold nanoparticles during coalescence or sintering is investigated by molecular dynamics. The method is validated by the attainment of the Au melting temperature that increases with increasing particle size approaching the Au melting point. The morphology and crystal dynamics of nanoparticles of (un)equal size during sintering are elucidated. The characteristic sintering time of particle pairs is determined by tracing their surface area evolution during coalescence. The crystallinity is quantified by the disorder variable indicating the system's degree of disorder. The atoms at the grain boundaries are amorphous, especially during particle adhesion and during sintering when grains of different orientation are formed. Initial grain orientation affects final particle morphology leading to exposure of different crystal surfaces that can affect the performance of Au nanoparticles (e.g., catalytic efficiency). Coalescence between crystalline and amorphous nanoparticles of different size results in polycrystalline particles of increasing crystallinity with time and temperature. Crystallinity affects the sintering rate and mechanism. Such simulations of free‐standing Au nanoparticle coalescence are relevant also to Au nanoparticles on supports that do not exhibit strong affinity or strong metal support interactions. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 589–598, 2016
Novel carboxyethyl amine sodium salts as draw solutes with superior forward osmosis performance
Authors: Long Qingwu , Wang Yan
Published: December 2015

A series of carboxyethyl amine sodium salts (CASSs) with different carboxyl group numbers are synthesized as draw solutes for forward osmosis (FO) application. Their chemical structures are examined by 1HNMR and HRMS. FO performances are investigated and compared in terms of different physicochemical properties. The effects of the CASS concentration on the osmotic pressure and viscosity of the draw solutions, as well as the resulted FO performance are also systematically investigated. A high water flux of 23.07 LMH and an acceptable reverse salt flux of 0.75 gMH can be achieved with 0.5 g mL−1 triethylenetetramine hexapropionic acid sodium (TTHP‐Na) draw solution under PRO mode, which is superior to most other draw solutes reported in previous literatures. TTHP‐Na draw solution is further evaluated to recycle the Congo red solution via FO process to examine its applicability for waste water treatment. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 1226–1235, 2016
Beyond catecholamines: Measuring autonomic responses to psychosocial context
Authors: DeCaro Jason A.
Published: December 2015

Despite longstanding interest among human biologists in autonomic responses to socioecological context or culture change, the adoption of autonomic measures has been limited by methodological challenges. Catecholamine secretion is the most direct measure, but not all study designs are amenable to urinary sampling, and blood pressure lacks specificity to the parasympathetic or sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system. This article reviews three alternative approaches for measuring autonomic responses: salivary α‐amylase as a nonspecific autonomic marker, respiratory sinus arrhythmia as a specific parasympathetic marker, and the pre‐ejection period as a specific sympathetic marker. Study design considerations are discussed in detail, including ambulatory sampling protocols that permit the evaluation of autonomic responses to everyday life. Researchers interested in how culture and social experience “get under the skin,” as well as those concerned with the evolution of social engagement, can benefit from these well‐validated biomarkers that are nevertheless relatively novel in human biology. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 28:309–317, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Using occupancy‐based surveys and multi‐model inference to estimate abundance and distribution of crested gibbons (Nomascusspp.) in central Laos
Authors: Hallam Christopher D. , Johnson Arlyne , O'Kelly Hannah , Seateun Sengvilai , Thamsatith Thongla , O'Brien Timothy G. , Strindberg Samantha
Published: December 2015

Reliable assessments of species’ status are prerequisites for monitoring the success of conservation programmes. However, survey conditions such as terrain and inaccessibility, compounded by the low densities of many species across Southeast Asia and other parts of the world are considerable barriers to obtaining robust populations estimates. We used an occupancy‐based approach and multi‐model inference to generate occupancy and abundance estimates for northern white‐cheeked crested gibbonsNomascus leucogenysand southern white‐cheeked crested gibbonsN. sikiin the Nam Kading National Protected Area (NKNPA) in central Lao Peoples’ Democratic Republic (hereafter Laos). We present these estimates for gibbons within the context of a strategy designed to monitor multiple species and discuss the practical challenges to obtaining sufficient data for robust population estimates to detect change in gibbon status over time. We surveyed approximately 210 km2of habitat and estimate an abundance of 45 (SE = 17, CV = 37%) groups, giving an average site abundance of 0.21 (SE = 0.08, CV = 37%) groups per km2. We make recommendations for ongoing gibbon monitoring and discuss the wider implications for cost effective wildlife monitoring in Laos. Am. J. Primatol. 78:462–472, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Body mass in wild bearded capuchins, (Sapajus libidinosus): Ontogeny and sexual dimorphism
Authors: Fragaszy Dorothy M. , Izar Patricia , Liu Qing , Eshchar Yonat , Young Leigh Anna , Visalberghi Elisabetta
Published: December 2015

Body mass is fundamental for understanding growth, health, and aspects of life history but records of body mass are rarely available for wild primates. We documented the body mass of all individuals in a group of wild bearded capuchin monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus) at annual intervals for seven consecutive years. Sexual dimorphism in body mass was more pronounced than reported in the literature for adults in this genus: females in our sample were relatively light (average 2.1 kg), while males had average body mass (3.5 kg). Three other notable differences between males and females were evident. First, males grew more rapidly and for a longer period than females. We estimate that males attained full body mass at 9.8 years of age and females at 7.5 years. Second, males showed greater inter‐individual variability than females in growth rates and adult mass. Third, males gained about 20% above their baseline body mass upon becoming alpha, and lost that amount when they lost that status, but body mass in females was unrelated to social status. We also report preliminary data on mass and age of natal males at dispersal and mass and age at first reproduction for one female. The pattern of sexual dimorphism in ontogeny and inter‐individual variability in body mass in bearded capuchins suggests different competitive risks in the two sexes commensurate with a mating system characterized by female choice of mates in multi‐male, multi‐female groups. Am. J. Primatol. 78:473–484, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Silica‐based self‐healing microcapsules for self‐repair in concrete
Authors: Tan Noel Peter Bengzon , Keung Lok Hang , Choi Wing Ho , Lam Wai Chak , Leung Hei Nga
Published: December 2015

New self‐healing material for concrete repair has been fabricated through microencapsulation of silica sol via interfacial polymerization of poly(urea‐urethane). Smooth, uniform, and spherical capsules of 60–120 µm sizes were synthesized and optimized by studying the emulsification and polymerization steps of its synthesis. A hydrophile–lyophile balance (HLB) value of 3.0–5.0 and a rotational speed of 500 rpm were necessary to produce a stable emulsion system of silica sol in surfactants. The polymerization speed of 900 rpm and the methylene diisocyanate (MDI) monomer content of 15 wt % were both significant in getting the right size and smoothness of the microcapsules. With this method and cheap healing agents, industrial scale‐up is highly possible. The viscoelastic properties of the microcapsules were examined, and further characterizations were carried out through scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. After healing the microcracks in concrete, the results showed that the significant increase of compressive and bending strengths manifested the self‐healing ability of the microcapsules in concrete. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43090.
Synthesis of poly(propylene carbonate) from highly active, inexpensive achiral (Salph)Co(III)X as initiator and bis(triphenyl phosphine) iminium as co‐initiator
Authors: Narang Shilpa , Macova Eva , Berek Dušan , Upadhyay S. N. , Mehta Rajeev
Published: December 2015

Copolymerization of carbon dioxide with racemic propylene oxide has been investigated in the presence of an inexpensive achiral (Salph)Co(III)X [Salph is N,N′‐bis(3,5‐di‐tert‐butylsalicylidene) phenylenediimine and X is pentaflorobenzoate] as initiator and [PPN]+Cl− ([PPN] is bis(triphenylphosphine) iminium) as co‐initiator. Effects of monomer‐to‐initiator ratio, initiator/co‐initiator ratio, and reaction conditions like stirring rate, temperature, and pressure of CO2 on the molecular weight, yield, and selectivity of poly(propylene carbonate) over propylene carbonate have been studied. The initiator used in the study has been found to be highly active at milder conditions of pressure and temperature, giving a product with maximum Mw of 14.8 × 103 g/mol at 25 bar and 50°C. The conversion increases with an increase in stirring rate and then becomes almost constant at 1100 rpm and above, indicating that the reaction is no longer limited by mass transfer. The molecular weight Mw of the polymer has been found to increase with increasing monomer‐to‐initiator ratio up to 3000:1, but it starts decreasing with a further increase in monomer‐to‐initiator ratio, giving a polymer of lower Mw. The activity of the initiator is considerably affected by pressure, temperature, time, and amount of co‐initiator. The polymeric product has low polydispersity (near unity) with negligible formation of polypropylene oxide. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43099.
Tailoring copper (II) methacrylate‐containing copolymers and its use as electrode modifier agent in electroanalytical applications
Authors: Ferreira Gabriella Ribeiro , Jensen Alan Thyago , Ardila Jorge Armando , Fatibello‐Filho Orlando , Umpierre Alexandre Perez , Machado Fabricio
Published: December 2015

This work focuses on the synthesis of a new class of copolymer materials consisting of traditional vinyl monomers (essentially, vinyl acetate, ethyl acrylate, and methyl methacrylate) and copper (II) methacrylate (Cu(II)MA) intended to be used as surface modification agents in electrochemical quantifications of organic and inorganic analytes. Voltammetry assays showed that when deposited on glassy‐carbon electrode (GCE), Cu(II)MA‐based copolymers are very promising materials to be applied in electrochemical determinations, exhibiting high analytical signal in the oxidation and reduction peaks during quantification of potassium hexacyanoferrate (III) in comparison to a bare GCE, contributing to increase the effective electrode area. When employed for the determination of ascorbic acid, PVAcCu(II)MA/GCE exhibited performance similar to that of the bare GCE. Polymers characterizations showed that glass transition temperature of the Cu(II)MA‐based materials increased in approximately 10–20°C, as consequence of the copper present in molecular structure of the copolymer chains (bidentate bridging coordination mode). Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy measurements of Cu(II)MA monomer and Cu(II)MA‐based copolymers showed strong characteristic peaks Kα and Kβ at 8.04 and 8.90 keV, respectively, with an average amount of copper of 99%. The performance of the Cu(II)MA‐based copolymers modified electrodes is strongly dependent on the amount of copper into the copolymer chains and consequently on the monomers conversion. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43202.
Ablation of Perlecan Domain 1 Heparan Sulfate Reduces Progressive Cartilage Degradation, Synovitis, and Osteophyte Size in a Preclinical Model of Posttraumatic Osteoarthritis
Authors: Shu Cindy C. , Jackson Miriam T. , Smith Margaret M. , Smith Susan M. , Penm Steven , Lord Megan S. , Whitelock John M. , Little Christopher B. , Melrose James
Published: December 2015

Objective

To investigate the role of the heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycan perlecan (HSPG‐2) in regulating fibroblast growth factor (FGF) activity, bone and joint growth, and the onset and progression of posttraumatic osteoarthritis (OA) in a mouse gene‐knockout model.

Methods

Maturational changes were evaluated histologically in the knees of 3‐, 6‐, and 12‐week‐old wild‐type (WT) mice and Hspg2Δ3−/Δ3− mice (Hspg2 lacking domain 1 HS, generated by ablation of exon 3 of perlecan). Cartilage damage, subchondral bone sclerosis, osteophytosis, and synovial inflammation were scored at 4 and 8 weeks after surgical induction of OA in WT and Hspg2Δ3−/Δ3− mice. Changes in cartilage expression of FGF‐2, FGF‐18, HSPG‐2, FGF receptor 1 (FGFR‐1), and FGFR‐3 were examined immunohistochemically. Femoral head cartilage from both mouse genotypes was cultured in the presence or absence of interleukin‐1α (IL‐1α), FGF‐2, and FGF‐18, and the content and release of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and expression of messenger RNA (mRNA) for key matrix molecules, enzymes, and inhibitors were quantified.

Results

No effect of perlecan HS ablation on growth plate or joint development was detected. After induction of OA, Hspg2Δ3−/Δ3− mice had significantly reduced cartilage erosion, osteophytosis, and synovitis. OA‐induced loss of chondrocyte expression of FGF‐2, FGF‐18, and HSPG‐2 occurred in both genotypes. Expression of FGFR‐1 after OA induction was maintained in WT mice, while FGFR‐3 loss after OA induction was significantly reduced in Hspg2Δ3−/Δ3− mice. There were no genotypic differences in GAG content or release between unstimulated control cartilage and IL‐1α–stimulated cartilage. However, IL‐1α–induced cartilage expression of Mmp3 mRNA was significantly reduced in Hspg2Δ3−/Δ3− mice. Cartilage GAG release in either the presence or absence of IL‐1α was unaltered by FGF‐2 in both genotypes. In cartilage cultures with FGF‐18, IL‐1α–stimulated GAG loss was significantly reduced only in Hspg2Δ3−/Δ3− mice, and this was associated with maintained expression of Fgfr3 mRNA and reduced expression of Mmp2/Mmp3 mRNA.

Conclusion

Perlecan HS has significant roles in directing the development of posttraumatic OA, potentially via the alteration of FGF/HS/FGFR signaling. These data suggest that the chondroprotection conferred by perlecan HS ablation could be attributed, at least in part, to the preservation of FGFR‐3 and increased FGF signaling.
A newborn with a large mass: vacuum extraction‐caused dura lesion
Authors: Poryo Martin , Yilmaz Umut , Linsler Stefan , Gortner Ludwig , Meyer Sascha
Published: December 2015

Key Clinical Message

We report on a newborn with a large, high parieto‐frontally located mass after vacuum extraction. Imaging methods revealed a large subcutaneous collection of cerebrospinal fluid and hemorrhage. Traumatic dura lesions should be considered in neonates presenting with a large head lump after assisted delivery with vacuum extraction.
Alterations of telomere length and DNA methylation in hairdressers: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Li Huiqi , Åkerman Gabriella , Lidén Carola , Alhamdow Ayman , Wojdacz Tomasz K. , Broberg Karin , Albin Maria
Published: December 2015

Working as hairdressers has been associated with increased risk for cancer, particularly bladder cancer. To evaluate if current hairdressers have elevated risks of adverse health effects, we measured several biomarkers related to cancer‐related DNA alterations. We enrolled 295 hairdressers and 92 non‐hairdressers (all female non‐smokers) from Stockholm and southern Sweden. Questionnaire data were collected for each participant, including work tasks for the hairdressers. We measured telomere length in peripheral blood leucocytes using quantitative PCR and DNA methylation status of genes relevant for bladder cancer using methylation sensitive high resolution melting analysis. The hairdressers had shorter telomeres (β = −0.069, P = 0.019) compared with non‐hairdressers. Shorter telomeres were found in hairdressers up to 32 years old performing hair waving more than once per week as compared with hairdressers in the same age group performing hair waving less often (β = −0.12, P = 0.037). Hair waving was associated with less frequent CDKN2A methylation (odds ratio, OR = 0.19, P = 0.033). Shorter telomeres in hairdressers may indicate a genotoxic effect. Performing hair waving was associated with short telomere length, although the effect was only observed in young hairdressers. No clear patterns were discerned with regard to DNA methylation of bladder cancer‐related genes. The observed changes of methylation were not all in the expected direction and warrant further investigation. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 57:159–167, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mutant p53 in concert with an interleukin‐27 receptor alpha deficiency causes spontaneous liver inflammation, fibrosis, and steatosis in mice
Authors: Dibra Denada , Xia Xueqing , Mitra Abhisek , Cutrera Jeffry J. , Lozano Guillermina , Li Shulin
Published: December 2015

The cellular and molecular etiology of unresolved chronic liver inflammation remains obscure. Whereas mutant p53 has gain‐of‐function properties in tumors, the role of this protein in liver inflammation is unknown. Herein, mutant p53R172H is mechanistically linked to spontaneous and sustained liver inflammation and steatosis when combined with the absence of interleukin‐27 (IL27) signaling (IL27RA), resembling the phenotype observed in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) patients. Indeed, these mice develop, with age, hepatocyte necrosis, immune cell infiltration, fibrosis, and micro‐ and macrosteatosis; however, these phenotypes are absent in mutant p53R172H or IL27RA‐/‐ mice. Mechanistically, endothelin A receptor (ETAR)‐positive macrophages are highly accumulated in the inflamed liver, and chemical inhibition of ETAR signaling reverses the observed phenotype and negatively regulates mutant p53 levels in macrophages. Conclusion: The combination of mutant p53 and IL27RA‐/‐ causes spontaneous liver inflammation, steatosis, and fibrosis in vivo, whereas either gene alone in vivo has no effects on the liver. (Hepatology 2016;63:1000–1012)
Screening for familial and hereditary prostate cancer
Authors: Lynch Henry T. , Kosoko‐Lasaki Omofolasade , Leslie Stephen W. , Rendell Marc , Shaw Trudy , Snyder Carrie , D'Amico Anthony V. , Buxbaum Sarah , Isaacs William B. , Loeb Stacy , Moul Judd W. , Powell Isaac
Published: December 2015

Prostate cancer (PC) has the highest degree of genetic transmission of any form of malignancy. In some families, the hereditary pattern is so strong as to mimic an autosomal dominance trait. We reviewed the known predisposing genetic markers to assess possible strategies for screening of families at risk. We carried out a systematic literature search using the Pubmed service of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and several gene libraries, including the NCBI SNP Library, the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man® Catalog of Human Genes and Genetic Disorders (OMIM) and SNPedia to obtain known gene loci, SNPs and satellite markers associated with PC. We further cross referenced information on identified loci comparing data from different articles and gene reference sites. Whenever possible, we recorded the odds ratio (OR) for the allele associated with PC.

In multiple different linkage studies, many independent PC associated loci have been identified on separate chromosomes. Genome‐wide association studies have added many more markers to the set derived from linkage investigations. A subset of the alleles is associated with early onset and aggressive cancer. Due to the great heterogeneity, the OR for any one allele predicting future development of this malignancy is low. The strongest predictors are the BRCA2 mutations, and the highly penetrant G84E mutation in HOXB13. The presence of multiple risk alleles is more highly predictive than a single allele.

Technical limitations on screening large panels of alleles are being overcome. It is appropriate to begin supplementing prostate specific antigen testing with alleles, such as BRCA2 and HOXB13, disclosed by targeted genomic analysis in families with an unfavorable family cancer history. Future population studies of PC should include genomic sequencing protocols, particularly in families with a history of PC and other malignancies.
Adrenocortical tumors and insulin resistance: What is the first step?
Authors: Altieri Barbara , Tirabassi Giacomo , Casa Silvia Della , Ronchi Cristina L. , Balercia Giancarlo , Orio Francesco , Pontecorvi Alfredo , Colao Annamaria , Muscogiuri Giovanna
Published: December 2015

The pathogenetic mechanisms underlying the onset of adrenocortical tumors (ACTs) are still largely unknown. Recently, more attention has been paid to the role of insulin and insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) system on general tumor development and progression. Increased levels of insulin, IGF‐1 and IGF‐2 are associated with tumor cell growth and increased risk of cancer promotion and progression in patients with type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinemia may play a role in adrenal tumor growth through the activation of insulin and IGF‐1 receptors. Interestingly, apparently non‐functioning ACTs are often associated with a high prevalence of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. However, it is unclear if ACT develops from a primary insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinemia or if insulin resistance is only secondary to the slight cortisol hypersecretion by ACT. The aim of this review is to summarize the current evidence regarding the relationship between hyperinsulinemia and adrenocortical tumors.
Purification of a thermostable antinociceptive lectin isolated from Andira anthelmia
Authors: Nascimento Kyria Santiago , Nascimento Francisco Lucas Faustino do , Silva Mayara Torquato Lima , Nobre Camila Bezerra , Moreira Cleane Gomes , Brizeno Luiz André Cavalcante , da Ponte Edson Lopes , Assreuy Ana Maria Sampaio , Cavada Benildo Sousa
Published: December 2015

Andira anthelmia (tribe Dalbergieae), a plant from Brazilian Amazon, possesses a seed lectin that was purified by affinity chromatography in sepharose–mannose. This novel Dalbergieae lectin, named AAL, agglutinated rabbit erythrocytes treated with trypsin. The hemagglutinating activity of AAL was maintained after incubation at a wide range of temperature (40 to 70 °C) and pH, was shown to be dependent on divalent cations, and was inhibited by d‐mannose and d‐sucrose. AAL showed an electrophoretic profile in sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis similar to other lectins of the tribe Dalbergieae, presenting a double band of molecular weight with approximately 20 kDa and other minor bands of 17, 15, and 13 kDa, being the smaller fragment glycosylated. AAL injected by intravenous route in mice showed antinociceptive activity in two behavioral tests (writhing and formalin). In the writhing test induced by acetic acid, AAL showed inhibitory effect at 0.01 mg/kg (68%), 0.1 mg/kg (46%) and 1 mg/kg (74%). In the formalin test, AAL (0.1 mg/kg) inhibited by 48% the licking time in the inflammatory phase, an effect that was recovered by the lectin association with mannose. In conclusion, AAL presents analgesic effect involving the lectin domain via peripheral mechanisms of inflammatory nociception. This activity highlights the importance of lectins as tools to be used for understanding the interaction of protein–carbohydrate in processes associated to inflammatory pain. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long‐term health‐related quality of life in bariatric surgery patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Driscoll Shannon , Gregory Deborah M. , Fardy John M. , Twells Laurie K.
Published: December 2015

Objective

Bariatric surgery results in significant weight loss in the majority of patients. Improvement in health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) is an equally important outcome; however, there are few studies reporting long‐term (≥5 years) HRQoL outcomes. This study assesses the quality of evidence and effectiveness of surgery on HRQoL ≥ 5 years.

Methods

PubMed, Cochrane Review, EmBase, CINANL, PsycInfo, obesity conference abstracts, and reference lists were searched. Keywords were bariatric surgery, obesity, and quality of life. Studies were included if (1) there was ≥5 years follow‐up, (2) patients had class II or III obesity, (3) individuals completed a validated HRQoL survey, and (4) there was a nonsurgical comparison group with obesity. Two reviewers independently assessed each study.

Results

From 1376 articles, 9 studies were included in the systematic review (SR) and 6 in the meta‐analysis (MA). Inconsistent results for long‐term improvements in physical and mental health emerged from the SR. In contrast, the MA found significant improvements in these domains ≥5 years after surgery.

Conclusions

Study findings provide evidence for a substantial and significant improvement in physical and mental health favoring the surgical group compared with controls spanning 5 to 25 years after surgery.
Effects of maternal lifestyle intervention during pregnancy on untreated partner weight: Results from fit for delivery study
Authors: Hagobian Todd A. , Phelan Suzanne , Gorin Amy A. , Phipps Maureen G. , Abrams Barbara , Wing Rena R.
Published: December 2015

Objective

To test the hypothesis that untreated partners of pregnant women receiving a prenatal lifestyle intervention (vs. standard care) would lose more weight during pregnancy and postpartum.

Methods

Fit for Delivery was a study of 401 pregnant women with overweight/obesity (OW/OB) and normal weight (NW) randomized to prenatal lifestyle intervention or standard care. Mother's self‐report of partners’ weight was obtained at study entry (<16 weeks gestation), 30 weeks gestation, and 6 and 12 months postpartum.

Results

At study entry, 157 of 200 (78%) of intervention mothers and 144 of 201 (72%) of standard care mothers reported having a partner. In intent‐to‐treat analyses, there was no significant treatment × time effects on partner weight (P = 0.67). In secondary analyses, partners of OW/OB intervention women lost weight from study entry to 6 and 12 months postpartum (−0.5 ± 9.5 kg, −1.0 ± 9.3 kg; P < 0.05), while partners of standard care women gained weight during the same time frame (+2.5 ± 6.7 kg, +2.9 ± 7.4 kg; P < 0.05); adjusting for partner study entry BMI removed these effects.

Conclusions

Lifestyle intervention delivered to pregnant women did not significantly reduce weight of untreated partners. Future research is needed to test prenatal interventions that engage partners and use objective measures of weight.