bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scarcity and Artificial Scarcity
Authors: Daoud Adel
Published: March 2015

In its simplest form, scarcity refers to the quantitative relationship between means and ends. When the means available to satisfy some ends are not enough, then a situation of scarcity arises. If the reverse is true, then a situation of abundance is present. Sufficiency arises when means and ends are just about equal. Of these three, scarcity seems to have played the most central role in social science theories. Scarcity is thus a different concept to the concept of limited resources. The qualitative dimensions of scarcity refer to several things, including: (1) the ontological nature of the means and ends; (2) the level of analysis (individual, household, country, etc.); and (3) a system of entitlements for access to resources. When individuals are excluded from accessing sufficient resources in a given system, those individuals are said to experience artificial scarcity. Artificial scarcity can also refer to a situation when scarcity is induced into a system, when it potentially could have sufficiency or abundance.
Supermarkets
Authors: Schwartz Rachel
Published: March 2015

In less than a century after their genesis, supermarkets have grown from their roots as regional chains to be transnational corporations. The supermarkets have become the gatekeepers, influencing production, distribution, and consumption, of the global food and nutrition system. Vertical integration within the food retailing industry has resulted in supermarkets developing new manufacturing practices and privatizing new markets.
Cities, Visual Consumption of
Authors: Zuev Dennis
Published: March 2015

Visual consumption brings together three somewhat different research areas: the cultural history of consumption, tourism research, and research in advertising and marketing. The idea of the power of the gaze and the look is central to visual consumption, as is the development of visual technologies (camera and the internet), images, and changes in the commodity industry – such as the development and establishment of department stores, the packaging industry, branding, and tourism. The image economy of visual consumption is made up of shopping windows, advertisements, souvenirs, postcards, websites, brands, and so forth. It also concerns managerial strategies for visualizing commodities and consumer gazes. Visual consumption focuses on the visual aestheticization and visual symbolism of consumption.
W
illiams,
R
aymond
Authors: Dassopoulos Andrea
Published: March 2015

Raymond Williams was a founder of cultural studies. He was among the first scholars to take popular culture seriously. He redefined culture as an entire way of life, deconstructing the distinction between high and low culture. His body of work spanned 30 years and was ever evolving. His key contributions were the theory of cultural materialism, the concept of structure of feeling, and his politics of representation. He thought of culture as inherently political and was personally politically active with the British Left and a devoted Marxist his entire life.
Quality of Life, Measurements of
Authors: Brown Clair
Published: March 2015

Defining and measuring the standard of living has a long history in economics and sociology, and is essential for understanding the role that consumption plays in how people live and their quality of life. The most commonly used national measure to compare the quality of life across countries and across time is gross domestic product (
GDP
) per capita or the closely related national income per capita. This approach has several weaknesses, and researchers have devised alternative measurements of the standard of living that are more comprehensive at both the national level and the individual level. There is no consensus on the best measure to use, and this entry is an overview of three alternative models and measures of quality of life: neoclassical, institutional, and Buddhist.
Locavorism
Authors: Haedicke Michael A.
Published: March 2015

The wordslocavoreandlocavorismare recent additions to American English, and they reflect concerns about the negative effects of the global food economy and popular celebrations of the virtues and pleasures of local foods consumption. The ethical arguments that underlie locavorist advocacy are contested, and locavorism reveals some of the contradictions of ethical consumerism. Nevertheless, locavore tastes and practices have significantly changed food retailing and marketing.
Consumers in Emerging Economies
Authors: Agarwal Sharad , Xavier M. J.
Published: March 2015

Emerging economies are nations with social or business activities in the process of rapid growth and industrialization, experiencing much higher growth than their developed counterparts. Emerging economies generally refer to the
BRIC
countries, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, and China. This entry discusses the growth in the size of the markets of these economies with a focus on the Indian consumer market, projected to grow to
INR70
trillion by 2025 (
US
$1 =
INR65
approx.). Consumption in emerging economies is largely influenced by the socioeconomic status of the consumers, which is explained through the consumer categories in the Indian markets and the growth projected in each consumer category. The entry also discusses the “Bottom‐of‐Pyramid” (
BoP
) consumers, who account for
US
$5 trillion in the global market, and their characteristics, along with an example of an innovative project, Shakti, aimed toward developing and penetrating the
BoP
markets in India.
Failing Consumption
Authors: Eisewicht Paul
Published: March 2015

Failing consumption sums up the manifold problems that consumers encounter in the process of consumption, and the ways they resolve them. Risks of failing consumption include the diffusion of needs, problems with the retrieval of information, spatial/temporal/juridical limitations to the purchase, problems with the transfer of the money and/or good, disappointments at the expected usage, as well as problems when storing or disposing the good. Confronted with these problems, consumers draw on various routines of problem solving (including heuristics regarding the attribution of the cause as well as patterns of action to resolve them). Failing consumption emphasizes the constant struggle of wanting to have and having to choose, which is a characteristic consequence for the disembedded individual in contemporary society.
Digital‐Mobile Consumption and Marketing
Authors: Carbino Jessica
Published: March 2015

This entry explores the origins and influences of digital‐mobile consumption and marketing. The effects of digital‐mobile consumption on multiple aspects of social life are explored, as well as the influence of digital‐mobile consumption on business and the implications for marketing.
Role of Side‐Chain Branching on Thin‐Film Structure and Electronic Properties of Polythiophenes
Authors: Himmelberger Scott , Duong Duc T. , Northrup John E. , Rivnay Jonathan , Koch Felix P. V. , Beckingham Bryan S. , Stingelin Natalie , Segalman Rachel A. , Mannsfeld Stefan C. B. , Salleo Alberto
Published: March 2015

Side‐chain engineering is increasingly being utilized as a technique to impact the structural order and enhance the electronic properties of semiconducting polymers. However, the correlations drawn between structural changes and the resulting charge transport properties are typically indirect and qualitative in nature. In the present work, a combination of grazing incidence X‐ray diffraction and crystallographic refinement calculations is used to determine the precise molecular packing structure of two thiophene‐based semiconducting polymers to study the impact of side‐chain modifications. The optimized structures provide high‐quality fits to the experimental data and demonstrate that in addition to a large difference in interchain spacing between the two materials, there exists a significant disparity in backbone orientation as well. The calculated structures are utilized in density functional theory calculations to determine the band structure of the two materials and are shown to exhibit a dramatic disparity in interchain dispersion which accounts for the large observed difference in charge carrier mobility. The techniques presented here are meant to be general and are therefore applicable to many other highly diffracting semicrystalline polymers.
Synthesis of Chalcogenophenes via Cyclization of 1,3‐Diynes Promoted by Iron(III) Chloride and Dialkyl Dichalcogenides
Authors: Bilheri Filipe N. , Stein André L. , Zeni Gilson
Published: March 2015

In this paper, we report the iron(III) chloride and dibutyl diselenide‐mediated cyclization of 1,3‐diynes which leads to 3,4‐bis(butylselanyl)selenophenes. The optimization studies showed that the reaction was best performed with equimolar amounts of iron(III) chloride and dibutyl diselenide in dichloromethane at 40 °C for 4 h. The method allows the synthesis of symmetrical and unsymmetrical selenophenes in moderate to good yields. A similar protocol was also extended to the synthesis of thiophene derivatives using dimethyl disulfide instead of dibutyl diselenide. The resulting selenophenes and thiophenes were further functionalized by selenium–halogen exchange reactions, Sonogashira cross‐coupling reactions and electrophilic cyclizations.

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A Tale of Two Sites: On Defining the Carrier Concentration in Garnet‐Based Ionic Conductors for Advanced Li Batteries
Authors: Thompson Travis , Sharafi Asma , Johannes Michelle D. , Huq Ashfia , Allen Jan L. , Wolfenstine Jeff , Sakamoto Jeff
Published: March 2015

Solid electrolytes based on the garnet crystal structure have recently been identified as a promising material to enable advance Li battery cell chemistries because of the unprecedented combination of high ionic conductivity and electrochemical stability against metallic Li. To better understand the mechanisms that give rise to high conductivity, the goal of this work is to correlate Li site occupancy with Li‐ion transport. Toward this goal, the Li site occupancy is studied in cubic garnet as a function of Li concentration over the compositions range: Li7−xLa3Zr2−xTaxO12 (x = 0.5, 0.75, and 1.5). The distribution of Li between the two interstitial sites (24d and 96h) is determined using neutron and synchrotron diffraction. The bulk conductivity is measured on >97% relative density polycrystalline specimens to correlate Li‐ion transport as a function of Li site occupancy. It is determined that the conductivity changes nonlinearly with the occupancy of the octahedral (96h) Li site. It is shown that the effective carrier concentration is dependent on the Li site occupancy and suggests that this is a consequence of significant carrier–carrier coulombic interactions. Furthermore, the observation of maximum conductivity near Li = 6.5 mol is explained.
The study of binary interaction parameters on VLE for alternative refrigerant mixtures
Authors: Sun Yanjun , Liu Zhigang
Published: March 2015

The vapor–liquid equilibrium (VLE) data for hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) + hydrocarbons (HCs) and HFCs + dimethyl ether (DME) are correlated by the Soave–Redlich–Kwong, Peng–Robinson, and Carnahan–Starling–DeSantis, respectively, with one adjustable binary interaction parameter kij, and each equation can represent the satisfactory results. For the three equations, the obtained optimum interaction parameter kij is almost the same for the binaries containing the same HFC component in the same class, and when the kij of the lack‐of‐data mixtures are needed, it just needs to know the kij of any binary in the same class on the basis of the phenomena and law. Moreover, a new equation for kij is developed that enables the three equations of state to predict the VLE properties for such mixtures within reasonable accuracy. © 2015 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and properties of UV‐curable fluorinated polyurethane acrylates containing crosslinkable vinyl methacrylate for antifouling coatings
Authors: Jeon Jae‐Hwan , Park Young‐Gwang , Lee Young‐Hee , Lee Dong‐Jin , Kim Han‐Do
Published: March 2015

To obtain highly effective antifouling coatings, a series of UV‐curable polyurethane acrylates containing diluents [heptadecafluorodecyl methacrylate (PFA, 6 wt %)/isobornyl acrylate (IBOA, 34 wt %)/methyl methacrylate (MMA, 20‐5 wt %)/vinyl methacrylate (VMA, 0–15 wt %)] were prepared. This study examined the effect of bulky MMA (20‐5 wt %)/crosslinkable VMA (0–15 wt %) weight ratio on the properties of the UV‐curable polyurethane acrylates. The fluorine concentration in UV‐cured film surface increased with increasing VMA content up to 9 wt % and then decreased. TheTgα, transparency, elasticity, and mechanical properties of the UV‐cured film samples increased with increasing VMA content. The water/methylene iodide contact angles and surface tension of samples increased from 107/79 to 121/91° and decreased from 17.8 to 12.7 mN/m with increasing VMA content up to 9 wt % and then decreased/increased, respectively. From these results, it was found that the optimum VMA content was 9 wt % to obtain a high‐performance antifouling coating. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2015,132, 42168.
Hyoid Bone Development: An Assessment Of Optimal CT Scanner Parameters and Three‐Dimensional Volume Rendering Techniques
Authors: COTTER MEGHAN M. , WHYMS BRIAN J. , KELLY MICHAEL P. , DOHERTY BENJAMIN M. , GENTRY LINDELL R. , BERSU EDWARD T. , VORPERIAN HOURI K.
Published: March 2015

The hyoid bone anchors and supports the vocal tract. Its complex shape is best studied in three dimensions, but it is difficult to capture on computed tomography (CT) images and three‐dimensional volume renderings. The goal of this study was to determine the optimal CT scanning and rendering parameters to accurately measure the growth and developmental anatomy of the hyoid and to determine whether it is feasible and necessary to use these parameters in the measurement of hyoids from in vivo CT scans. Direct linear and volumetric measurements of skeletonized hyoid bone specimens were compared with corresponding CT images to determine the most accurate scanning parameters and three‐dimensional rendering techniques. A pilot study was undertaken using in vivo scans from a retrospective CT database to determine feasibility of quantifying hyoid growth. Scanning parameters and rendering technique affected accuracy of measurements. Most linear CT measurements were within 10% of direct measurements; however, volume was overestimated when CT scans were acquired with a slice thickness greater than 1.25 mm. Slice‐by‐slice thresholding of hyoid images decreased volume overestimation. The pilot study revealed that the linear measurements tested correlate with age. A fine‐tuned rendering approach applied to small slice thickness CT scans produces the most accurate measurements of hyoid bones. However, linear measurements can be accurately assessed from in vivo CT scans at a larger slice thickness. Such findings imply that investigation into the growth and development of the hyoid bone, and the vocal tract as a whole, can now be performed using these techniques. Anat Rec, 298:1408–1415, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Blocked: When the information is hidden by the visualization
Authors: Oh Kyong Eun , Halpern Daniel , Tremaine Marilyn , Chiang James , Silver Deborah , Bemis Karen
Published: March 2015

This study investigated how people comprehend three‐dimensional (3D) visualizations and what properties of such visualizations affect comprehension. Participants were asked to draw the face of a 3D visualization after it was cut in half. We videotaped the participants as they drew, erased, verbalized their thoughts, gestured, and moved about a two‐dimensional paper presentation of the 3D visualization. The videorecords were analyzed using a grounded theory approach to generate hypotheses related to comprehension difficulties and visualization properties. Our analysis of the results uncovered three properties that made problem solving more difficult for participants. These were: (a) cuts that were at an angle in relation to at least one plane of reference, (b) nonplanar properties of the features contained in the 3D visualizations including curved layers and v‐shaped layers, and (c) mixed combinations of layers. In contrast, (a) cutting planes that were perpendicular or parallel to the 3D visualization diagram's planes of reference, (b) internal features that were flat/planar, and (c) homogeneous layers were easier to comprehend. This research has direct implications for the generation and use of 3D information visualizations in that it suggests design features to include and avoid.
π‐Conjugated [2]Catenanes Based on Oligothiophenes and Phenanthrolines: Efficient Synthesis and Electronic Properties
Authors: Götz Günther , Zhu Xiaozhang , Mishra Amaresh , Segura Jose‐Luis , Mena‐Osteritz Elena , Bäuerle Peter
Published: March 2015

Novel π‐conjugated topologies based on oligothiophenes and phenanthroline have been assembled by combining their outstanding electronic and structural benefits with the specific properties of the topological structure. Macrocycles and catenanes are prepared by using an optimized protocol of transition metal‐templated macrocyclization followed by efficient Pd‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reaction steps. By using this method, [2]catenanes comprising two interlocked π‐conjugated macrocycles with different ring sizes have been synthesized. The structures of the [2]catenanes and corresponding macrocycles are confirmed by detailed 1H NMR spectroscopy and high resolution mass spectrometry. Single crystal X‐ray structural analysis of the quaterthiophene–diyne macrocycle affords important insight into the packing features and intermolecular interaction of the new systems. The fully conjugated interlocked [2]catenanes are fully characterized by spectroscopic and electrochemical measurements.
Fabrication of Supramolecular Semiconductor Block Copolymers by Ring‐Opening Metathesis Polymerization
Authors: Elacqua Elizabeth , Weck Marcus
Published: March 2015

ω‐Telechelic poly(p‐phenylene vinylene) species (PPVs) are prepared by living ring‐opening metathesis polymerization of a [2.2]paracyclophane‐1,9‐diene in the presence of Hoveyda–Grubbs 2nd generation initiator, with terminating agents based on N1,N3‐bis(6‐butyramidopyridin‐2‐yl)‐5‐hydroxyisophthalamide (Hamilton wedge), cyanuric acid, PdII–SCS‐pincer, or pyridine moieties installing the supramolecular motifs. The resultant telechelic polymers are self‐assembled into supramolecular block copolymers (BCPs) via metal coordination or hydrogen bonding and analyzed by 1H NMR spectroscopy. The optical properties are examined, whereby individual PPVs exhibit similar properties regardless of the nature of the end group. Upon self‐assembly, different behaviors emerge: the hydrogen‐bonding BCP behaves similarly to the parent PPVs whereas the metallosupramolecular BCP demonstrates a hypsochromic shift and a more intense emission owing to the suppression of aggregation. These results demonstrate that directional self‐assembly can be a facile method to construct BCPs with semiconducting networks, while combating solubility and aggregation.
Intramuscular pH modulates glutamate‐evoked masseter muscle pain magnitude in humans
Authors: Sato H. , Castrillon E.E. , Cairns B.E. , Bendixen K.H. , Wang K. , Nakagawa T. , Wajima K. , Svensson P.
Published: March 2015

Background

This study was conducted to determine whether glutamate‐evoked jaw muscle pain is modulated by the acidity and temperature of the solution injected.

Methods

Thirty two participants participated and received injections of high‐temperature acidic (HT‐A) glutamate (pH 4.8, 48  °C), high‐temperature neutral (HT‐N) glutamate (pH 7.0, 48  °C) and neutral temperature neutral (NT‐N) glutamate (pH 7.0, 38  °C) solutions (0.5 mL) into the masseter muscle. Pain intensity was assessed with an electronic visual analogue scale (eVAS). Numerical rating scale (NRS) scores of unpleasantness and temperature perception, pain‐drawing areas, mechanical sensitivity and pressure pain thresholds (PPT) were also measured. Participants filled out the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ). One or two way ANOVAs were used for data analyses.

Results

Injection of HT‐A glutamate solutions significantly increased the area under the VAS‐time curve compared with injection of HT‐N glutamate and NT‐N glutamate solution (p < 0.040). The duration of glutamate‐evoked pain was significantly longer when HT‐A glutamate was injected than when NT‐N glutamate was injected (p < 0.017). No significant effects of acidity were detected on pain drawings, NRS unpleasantness and heat perception, but there was a significant effect of acidity on MPQ scores and mechanical sensitivity.

Conclusion

Acidity and temperature modulate glutamate‐evoked jaw muscle pain suggesting an interaction between acid sensing and glutamate receptors which could be of importance for understanding clinical muscle pain conditions.
Development of Silver Nanowires Based Highly Sensitive Amperometric Glucose Biosensor
Authors: Ahmad Mashkoor , Sun Hongyu , Hussain Muhammad , Karim Shafqat , Nisar Amjad , Khan Maaz
Published: March 2015

The fabrication of a highly sensitive amperometric glucose biosensor based on silver nanowires (AgNWs) is presented. The electrochemical behavior of glassy carbon electrode modified by Ag NWs exhibits remarkable catalytic performance towards hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and glucose detection. The biosensor could detect glucose in the linear range from 0.005 mM to 10 mM, with a detection limit of 50 µM (S/N=3). The glucose biosensor shows high and reproducible sensitivity of 175.49 µA cm−2 mM and good stability. In addition, the biosensor exhibits a good anti‐interference ability and favorable stability over relatively long‐term storage (more than 21 days).
Metalless electrodes for capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection on electrophoresis microchips
Authors: Duarte Junior Gerson F , Fracassi da Silva José Alberto , Mendonça Francisco Kelliton José , do Lago Claudimir Lucio , Carrilho Emanuel , Coltro Wendell K. T.
Published: March 2015

This paper describes the use of ionic solutions as sensing electrodes for capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection on electrophoresis microchips. Initially, two channels were engraved in a PMMA holder by using a CO2 laser system and sealed with a thin adhesive membrane. PDMS electrophoresis chips were fabricated by soft lithography and reversibly sealed against the polymer membrane. Different ionic solutions were investigated as metalless electrodes. The electrode channels were filled with KCl solutions prepared in conductivity values from approximately 10 to 40 S/m. The best analytical response was achieved using the KCl solution with 21.9 S/m conductivity (2 mol/L). Besides KCl, we also tested NaCl and LiCl solutions for actuating as detection electrodes. Taking into account the same electrolyte concentration (2 mol/L), the best response was recorded with KCl solution due to its higher ionic conductivity. The optimum operating frequency (400 kHz) and the best sensing electrode (2 mol/L KCl) were used to monitor electrophoretic separations of a mixture containing K+, Na+, and Li+. The use of liquid solutions as sensing electrodes for capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection measurements has revealed great performance to monitor separations on chip‐based devices, avoiding complicated fabrication schemes to include metal deposition and encapsulation of electrodes. The LOD values were estimated to be 28, 40, and 58 μmol/L for K+, Na+, and Li+, respectively, what is comparable to that of conventional metal electrodes. When compared to the use metal electrodes, the proposed approach offers advantages regarding the easiness of fabrication, simplicity, and lower cost per device.
Comparative glycoprofiling of HIV gp120 immunogens by capillary electrophoresis and MALDI mass spectrometry
Authors: Guttman Miklós , Váradi Csaba , Lee Kelly K. , Guttman András
Published: March 2015

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) envelope glycoprotein (Env) is the primary antigenic feature on the surface of the virus and is of key importance in HIV vaccinology. Vaccine trials with the gp120 subunit of Env are ongoing, with the recent RV144 trial showing moderate efficacy. gp120 is densely covered with N‐linked glycans that are thought to help evade the host's humoral immune response. To assess how the global glycosylation patterns vary between gp120 constructs, the glycan profiles of several gp120s were examined by CE with LIF detection and MALDI‐MS. The glycosylation profiles were found to be similar for chronic versus transmitter/founder isolates and only varied moderately between gp120s from different clades. This study revealed that the addition of specific tags, such as the herpes simplex virus glycoprotein D tag used in the RV144 trial, had significant effects on the overall glycosylation patterns. Such effects are likely to influence the immunogenicity of various Env immunogens and should be considered for future vaccine strategies, emphasizing the importance of the glycosylation analysis approach described in this paper.
Guidelines for Closing the Efficiency Gap between Hero Solar Cells and Roll‐To‐Roll Printed Modules
Authors: Lucera Luca , Kubis Peter , Fecher Frank W. , Bronnbauer Carina , Turbiez Mathieu , Forberich Karen , Ameri Tayebeh , Egelhaaf Hans‐Joachim , Brabec Christoph J.
Published: March 2015

One of the biggest challenges for the commercialization of polymer‐based and other printed photovoltaic (PV) technologies is to establish reliable up‐scaling processes that minimize the efficiency losses occurring during the transition from record laboratory cells to roll‐to‐roll (R2R) printed PV modules. This article reviews the latest advances in reducing the efficiency gap between record solar cells and large‐area organic PV modules. The major loss sources are identified for the most popular cell architectures and categorized into optical, electrical, and processing‐related contributions. Their relative shares in the overall efficiency drop are quantified through optical and electrical simulations. Further potential sources of efficiency loss, such as the replacement of halogenated by green solvents for active layer processing, are also addressed. Finally, the effect of reduced efficiency gaps on the production costs of R2R printed modules is discussed, demonstrating that values as low as € 0.5 Wp−1 (the nominal power of a solar module/cell) can be achieved.
Mutations in TERT promoter and FGFR3 and telomere length in bladder cancer
Authors: Hosen Ismail , Rachakonda P. Sivaramakrishna , Heidenreich Barbara , de Verdier Petra J. , Ryk Charlotta , Steineck Gunnar , Hemminki Kari , Kumar Rajiv
Published: March 2015

Mutations in the promoter of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) genes constitute the most recurrent somatic alterations in urothelial carcinoma of bladder. In this study, we screened DNA from 327 urothelial bladder carcinomas from well‐documented patients, with different stages and grades and known TERT promoter mutational status, for FGFR3 alterations and measured relative telomere length (RTL). Although, the frequency of the TERT promoter mutations was higher than those in FGFR3; however, the alterations at the two loci occurred together more frequently than per chance [Odds ratio (OR) = 4.93, 95% CI = 2.72–8.92, p < 0.0001]. While tumors with TERT promoter and FGFR3 mutations had shorter RTL than those without mutations (p < 0.0001), the TERT promoter mutations in conjunction with the common allele of the rs2853669 polymorphism defined sub‐group of patients with an observed decreased overall survival (OR = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.00–4.61) and increased recurrence in patients with TaG1+TaG2 disease categories (OR = 3.68, 95%CI = 1.12–12.05). The finding of shorter telomeres in tumors with TERT promoter and/or FGFR3 mutations than without mutations implies mechanistic relevance of telomere biology in cancer progression. The observed association with recurrence and survival shows that the TERT promoter mutations can potentially be used as markers to refine selection of patients for different treatments. The overwhelming frequency of the TERT promoter mutations also represents a case for development of an eventual therapeutic target.
Sialidase NEU3 contributes neoplastic potential on colon cancer cells as a key modulator of gangliosides by regulating Wnt signaling
Authors: Takahashi Kohta , Hosono Masahiro , Sato Ikuro , Hata Keiko , Wada Tadashi , Yamaguchi Kazunori , Nitta Kazuo , Shima Hiroshi , Miyagi Taeko
Published: March 2015

The plasma membrane‐associated sialidase NEU3 is a key enzyme for ganglioside degradation. We previously demonstrated remarkable up‐regulation of NEU3 in various human cancers, with augmented malignant properties. Here, we provide evidence of a close link between NEU3 expression and Wnt/β‐catenin signaling in colon cancer cells by analyzing tumorigenic potential and cancer stem‐like characteristics. NEU3 silencing in HT‐29 and HCT116 colon cancer cells resulted in significant decrease in clonogenicity on soft agar and in vivo tumor growth, along with down‐regulation of stemness and Wnt‐related genes. Analyses further revealed that NEU3 enhanced phosphorylation of the Wnt receptor LRP6 and consequently β‐catenin activation by accelerating complex formation with LRP6 and recruitment of GSK3β and Axin, whereas its silencing exerted the opposite effects. NEU3 activity‐null mutants failed to demonstrate the activation, indicating the requirement of ganglioside modulation by the sialidase for the effects. Under sphere‐forming conditions, when stemness genes are up‐regulated, endogenous NEU3 expression was found to be significantly increased, whereas NEU3 silencing suppressed sphere‐formation and in vivo tumor incidence in NOD‐SCID mice. Increased ability of clonogenicity on soft agar and sphere formation by Wnt stimulation was abrogated by NEU3 silencing. Furthermore, NEU3 was found to regulate phosphorylation of ERK and Akt via EGF receptor and Ras cascades, thought to be additionally required for tumor progression. The results indicate an essential contribution of NEU3 to tumorigenic potential through maintenance of stem‐like characteristics of colon cancer cells by regulating Wnt signaling at the receptor level, in addition to tumor progression via Ras/MAPK signaling.
Surface Modification of Silicon Anodes for Durable and HighEnergy Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Son Seoung‐Bum , Kappes Branden , Ban Chunmei
Published: March 2015

Carbonaceous materials have dominated lithium‐ion battery anodes since their discovery in 1972. Materials and design challenges have prevented the move to silicon‐based anodes, despite their significantly higher specific energies. Morphological design motifs have focused on minimizing the structural instabilities that arise during lithium insertion and removal, which are themselves the subject of numerous articles and reviews. This review focuses on surface modification techniques that have been developed to minimize volume expansion, stabilize the surface of silicon against electrical isolation following pulverization, and improve the electronic and ionic conductivities of silicon anodes during operation and cycling.
Safety and efficacy of blood exchange transfusion for priapism complicating sickle cell disease
Authors: Ballas Samir K. , Lyon David
Published: March 2015

Background: Priapism is unwanted painful penile erection that affects about 36% of boys and men with sickle cell disease (SCD) most of whom have sickle cell anemia. Clinically, priapism could be stuttering, minor, or major. The first two types are mild, last < 4 h, are usually treated at home, have good prognosis with normal sexual function. The major type of priapism lasts >4 h, associated with severe pain, requires hospitalization; often does not respond to medical treatment and may require shunt surgery. Untreated major priapism and surgical intervention often cause impotence. In this study, we report our 15‐year experience in treating adult patients with SCD and major priapism with blood exchange transfusion after being refractory to other medical therapies. Methods: Adult male African Americans patients with SCD and major priapism were enrolled in this study and followed for 15 years. A Haemonitics V‐50 machine was initially used for whole blood exchange and was later replaced with Cobe Spectra machine for RBC exchange. Results: We used 239 blood exchanges requiring 1,136 RBC units. We maintained a post‐exchange hemoglobin level of about 10 g/dL and hemoglobin S level < 30%. None of the patients had any neurological complications such as headache, seizures, neurological deficits, or obtundation post‐exchange. Conclusion: Together, the data indicate that blood exchange transfusion for the treatment of patients with SCD and major priapism is efficacious and safe. J. Clin. Apheresis 31:5–10, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intramembranous bone regeneration differs among common inbred mouse strains following marrow ablation
Authors: Moran Meghan M. , Virdi Amarjit S. , Sena Kotaro , Mazzone Steven R. , McNulty Margaret A. , Sumner Dale R.
Published: March 2015

Various intact and post‐injury bone phenotypes are heritable traits. In this study, we sought to determine if intramembranous bone regeneration following marrow ablation differed among common inbred mouse strains and to identify how early the differences appear. We found a ∼four‐fold difference in the regenerated bone volume 21 days after marrow ablation in females from four inbred mouse strains: FVB/N (15.7 ± 8.1%, mean and standard deviation), C3H/He (15.5 ± 4.2%), C57BL/6 (12.2 ± 5.2%), and BALB/c (4.0 ± 4.4%); with BALB/c different from FVB/N (p = 0.007) and C3H/He (p = 0.002). A second experiment showed that FVB/N compared to BALB/c mice had more regenerated bone 7 and 14 days after ablation (p < 0.001), while at 21 days FVB/N mice had a greater fraction of mineralizing surface (p = 0.008) without a difference in mineral apposition rate. Thus, differences among strains are evident early during intramembranous bone regeneration following marrow ablation and appear to be associated with differences in osteogenic cell recruitment, but not osteoblast activity. The amount of regenerating bone was not correlated with other heritable traits such as the intact bone phenotype or soft tissue wound healing, suggesting that there may be independent genetic pathways for these traits. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:1374–1381, 2015.
Comparison of Pioneer and Native Woodland Species Growing on Top of an Engineered Landfill, Hong Kong: Restoration Programme
Authors: Wong Ming Hung , Chan Yuk Sing Gilbert , Zhang Chaosheng , Ng Charles Wang‐Wai
Published: March 2015

This study dealt with a restoration project conducted at South‐East New Territories Landfill in Hong Kong, in order to screen suitable tree and shrub species (both native and pioneer species) for revegetation. For engineered landfills, landfill gas migration and leachate contamination to the topsoil are rarely problematic, but the lack of nutrients and moisture and poor physical soil conditions may jeopardize potential woodland establishment. The growth performance of 25 woody plant species subjected to 12 different soil amelioration and seedlings planting methods was compared. The results showed that the general performance (mortality rate, apical height, crown diameter and basal diameter) of pioneer species (notably Acacia species) was much better than that of native species in all blocks of woodland mix and scrub mix. The notch planting method was effective in helping seedling roots to have better contact with soil for water uptake, which subsequently increased the survival rates of seedlings, leading to a better tree coverage. Soil ameliorations (horticultural soil with fertilizer and horse and pig manure) generally increased the seedling survival rate and improved plant growth. Tree coverage on all the plant trial blocks was mainly established by the three Acacia species. A planting distance of 1 m was recommended for woodland establishment, and such dense seedlings planting would achieve a better tree coverage under a shorter period of time (than the distance of 3 m). Difficulties in woodland establishment were discussed, and the strategies for achieving a better tree growth were recommended. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ascorbic acid modulates cell migration in differentiated HL‐60 cells and peripheral blood leukocytes
Authors: Schwager Joseph , Bompard Albine , Weber Peter , Raederstorff Daniel
Published: March 2015

Scope

The impact of L‐ascorbic acid (L‐AA) on the chemokinesis (CK) and chemotaxis (CT) of HL‐60 cells and polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) was investigated.

Methods and results

HL‐60 cells were differentiated with DMSO, retinoic acid (RA), vitamin D, or L‐AA. Chemokinesis and chemotaxis of differentiated HL‐cells were assayed. Vitamin D3‐treated HL‐60 cells (dHL‐60vitD3 cells) and RA‐treated cells (dHL‐60RA cells) acquired monocyte/macrophage‐like and neutrophil‐like phenotypes, respectively. DMSO induced the differentiation of an intermediate phenotype (dHL‐60DMSO cells), whereas L‐AA downregulated neutrophil markers (dHL‐60L‐AA cells). dHL‐60DMSO cells had increased CK and potent CT in gradients of IL‐8 and N‐formyl‐L‐methionyl‐L‐leucyl‐L‐phenylalanine (fMLP). dHL‐60RA cells and dHL‐60L‐AA cells migrated less toward IL‐8 and fMLP; dHL‐60vitD3 cells preferably responded to fMLP. L‐AA enhanced CK of dHL‐60DMSO cells and was a weak chemo‐attractant. In human leukocytes, IL‐8 and fMLP triggered receptor‐mediated chemotaxis. CXCR2 and fMLPR were downregulated by IL‐8 and fMLP, respectively. L‐AA stimulated chemotaxis although significantly less than IL‐8 and fMLP. IL‐8 targeted chemotaxis was enhanced both in HL‐60 cells and leukocytes when cells were incubated with L‐AA.

Conclusion

L‐AA modulated chemokinesis and had significant chemo‐attractant properties, which were independent on fMLP or IL‐8 receptors. The results suggest that L‐AA improves leukocyte function in innate immune responses.
Resveratrol treatment restores peripheral insulin sensitivity in diabetic mice in a sirt1‐independent manner
Authors: González‐Rodríguez Águeda , Santamaría Beatriz , Mas‐Gutierrez José Antonio , Rada Patricia , Fernández‐Millán Elisa , Pardo Virginia , Álvarez Carmen , Cuadrado Antonio , Ros Manuel , Serrano Manuel , Valverde Ángela M.
Published: March 2015

Scope

Mice with deletion of insulin receptor substrate (IRS) 2 develop hyperglycaemia, impaired hepatic insulin signaling and elevated gluconeogenesis. Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibition by resveratrol improves peripheral insulin sensitivity of these mice. Although resveratrol activates Sirtuin1 (Sirt1), the mechanisms underlying its beneficial effects are not totally elucidated. In this study, we have investigated whether Sirt1 mediates the effects of resveratrol in controlling insulin resistance in diabetic mice.

Methods and results

We attempted to ameliorate peripheral insulin resistance in two diabetic models, Irs2‐deficient (Irs2−/−) mice and streptozotocin (STZ)‐injected mice by resveratrol treatment or Sirt1 overexpression. Resveratrol improved systemic insulin sensitivity of Irs2‐deficient mice. Irs2‐deficient mice are characterized by high levels of PTP1B expression in liver and muscle. Interestingly, resveratrol decreased PTP1B in both tissues, thereby restoring IRS1‐mediated insulin signaling. Moreover, resveratrol also restored insulin sensitivity and hepatic insulin signaling in STZ‐diabetic mice. In contrast, moderate overexpression of Sirt1 neither normalized PTP1B levels nor restored insulin signaling in Irs2‐deficient mice or STZ‐diabetic mice.

Conclusion

Resveratrol improves peripheral insulin signaling independently of Sirt1 in diabetic mice in association with the inhibition of PTP1B and, therefore, this polyphenol could be an effective adjuvant for the treatment of diabetes.
Dose effect on the uptake and accumulation of hydroxytyrosol and its metabolites in target tissues in rats
Authors: López de las Hazas Maria‐Carmen , Rubió Laura , Kotronoulas Aristotelis , de la Torre Rafael , Solà Rosa , Motilva Maria‐José
Published: March 2015

Hydroxytyrosol (HT) is the most prominent phenolic compound of virgin olive oil and due to its scientifically validated biological activities it is entering to the market as a potentially useful supplement for cardiovascular disease prevention. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between the HT dose intake and its tissue uptake in rats, and thus, providing complementary information in relation to the target‐dose relationship. Rats were given a refined olive oil enriched with HT at different doses (1, 10, and 100 mg/kg) and they were sacrificed after 5 h to ensure the cell tissue uptake of HT and its metabolites. Plasma samples and different organs as liver, kidney, heart and brain were obtained, and HT metabolites were analyzed by UPLC‐MS/MS. The results showed that HT and its metabolites could be accumulated in a dose‐dependent manner basically in the liver, kidney, and brain and were detected in these tissues even at nutritionally relevant human doses. The detection of free HT in liver and kidney was noteworthy. To date, this appears to be the only biologically active form, and thus, it provides relevant information for optimizing the potential applications of HT to prevent certain hepatic and renal diseases. In recent years, HT and its derivatives have led to a great interest from the virgin olive oil producers and manufacturers of nutraceutical supplements. The increasing interest in HT is mainly due to the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition, and Allergies (NDA) scientific opinion that established a cause‐and‐effect relationship between the consumption of olive oil polyphenols and protection of LDL particles from oxidative damage . Based on this positive opinion, the health claim “Olive oil polyphenols contribute to the protection of blood lipids from oxidative stress” was included in the list of health claims , being the only authorized health claim in the European Union regarding polyphenols and health.
An optimized Gaussian beam for multicell indoor optical wireless communications
Authors: Wu Dehao , Ghassemlooy Zabih , Zhong Wen‐de , Chen Chen
Published: March 2015

The characteristics of a multipath indoor optical wireless channel can be estimated by two parameters: optical channel path loss (OCPL) and the root mean square (RMS) delay spread. In this letter, an optimized Gaussian beam (OGB) is proposed for a cellular indoor optical wireless communications (CI‐OWC) system. The expression for OGB with an optimized beam waist radius for OGB is derived. OCPL and the RMS delay spread (Drms) for four different configurations are simulated and analyzed. Results show that, for a CI‐OWC system, a minimum OCPL can be achieved by using the OGB and the maximum transmission data rate can be significantly extended by increasing the number of cells. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:1049–1052, 2015
A novel miniature dual‐band bandpass filter based on the first and second resonances for 2.4/5.2 GHz WLAN application
Authors: Luo Jie , Liao Cheng , Zhou Haijing , Xiong Xiangzheng
Published: March 2015

In this article, a dual‐band narrow bandpass filter using U‐shaped stepped‐impedance resonator (SIR) for 2.4/5.2 GHz wireless local area network (WLAN) application is proposed. The filter is composed of a simple U‐shaped SIR and novel feedlines with two open stubs. Furthermore, this article relatively used the first and second resonances to achieve the dual‐band performance. To validate the design and analysis, a prototype filter has been fabricated with two passbands are centered at 2.4 and 5.2 GHz with the fractional bandwidth of 4.9 and 3.5%, respectively. Its excellent selectivity is suitable for WLAN application. The measurement performances show good agreements with the simulated ones. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:1143–1146, 2015
Switchable power combining circuit for improved graceful‐degradation performance
Authors: Lee Dong‐Mook , Hong Yunseog , An Yon‐Jun , Yook Jong‐Gwan
Published: March 2015

A four‐way switchable power combiner/divider is proposed in this letter. The structure is based on a substrate integrated circular cavity, and control of the number of coupling probes is possible for graceful degradation. The proposed structure forms a switchable power combining circuit with amplifiers at 2.13 GHz. In addition, the proposed scheme provides improved graceful‐degradation performance under the condition of amplifier's failure. The graceful‐degradation characteristics of gain and output power are experimentally demonstrated as one or more amplifiers are switched off. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:1213–1216, 2015
Mediations of Cloth: Tapa and Personhood among the Maisin inPNG
Authors: Hermkens Anna‐Karina
Published: March 2015

Tapa (or barkcloth), which is made from the outer bark of specific trees, is intimately interwoven with past and present socialities acrossOceania. The cloths have been used to decorate, wrap, cover, protect, and carry the human body, as exchange valuables and commodities, in land claims, and as indexes and embodiments of ancestral power. This article explores the complexities of personhood inOceania by focusing on the making and ceremonial use of tapa among the Maisin of Collingwood Bay,PapuaNewGuinea. It elucidates dynamics of the intimate correspondence between people and things, and, in particular, how people's gendered identities are mediated: that is shaped, reproduced, and contested through the cloth's specific materiality and design. Ultimately, it reveals the mutual growth of people and things and how they are part of each other's substance, thereby dissolving the subject–object dichotomy.
Finding the Diamond: Prosperity, Secrecy, and Labour inVanuatu
Authors: Rousseau Benedicta
Published: March 2015

In this article I discuss a genre of stories circulating in contemporaryVanuatu that tells of mysterious routes to wealth through attainment and possession of ‘the diamond’ in one of its myriad forms. Examples of these stories are given, and the genre is discussed with reference to changes in the economic and labouring activities of ni‐Vanuatu, particularly in the pre‐independence plantation economy. While possession of the diamond may lead to undreamed‐of wealth, in the majority of the stories the recipient fails to abide by the necessary conditions of secrecy, and usually loses their newly gained prosperity. The links between ‘magic’ and wealth production described byAlfredGell are discussed, in addition to the ways in which the magical might be used as a metonym for the ‘double binds’ of modernity. Drawing onNeilMaclean's distinction between freedom and autonomy inMelanesia, the article concludes with reflections on how ni‐Vanuatu might find a ‘self of value’ amid changed economic conditions and their social corollaries.