bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meniscus tissue engineering using a novel combination of electrospun scaffolds and human meniscus cells embedded within an extracellular matrix hydrogel
Authors: Baek Jihye , Chen Xian , Sovani Sujata , Jin Sungho , Grogan Shawn P. , D'Lima Darryl D.
Published: January 2015

Meniscus injury and degeneration have been linked to the development of secondary osteoarthritis (OA). Therapies that successfully repair or replace the meniscus are, therefore, likely to prevent or delay OA progression. We investigated the novel approach of building layers of aligned polylactic acid (PLA) electrospun (ES) scaffolds with human meniscus cells embedded in extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogel to lead to formation of neotissues that resemble meniscus‐like tissue. PLA ES scaffolds with randomly oriented or aligned fibers were seeded with human meniscus cells derived from vascular or avascular regions. Cell viability, cell morphology, and gene expression profiles were monitored via confocal microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), respectively. Seeded scaffolds were used to produce multilayered constructs and were examined via histology and immunohistochemistry. Morphology and mechanical properties of PLA scaffolds (with and without cells) were influenced by fiber direction of the scaffolds. Both PLA scaffolds supported meniscus tissue formation with increased COL1A1, SOX9, and COMP, yet no difference in gene expression was found between random and aligned PLA scaffolds. Overall, ES materials, which possess mechanical strength of meniscus and can support neotissue formation, show potential for use in cell‐based meniscus regeneration strategies. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:572–583, 2015.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy improves angiogenesis and bone formation in critical sized diaphyseal defects
Authors: Grassmann JP , Schneppendahl J , Hakimi AR , Herten M , Betsch M , Lögters TT , Thelen S , Sager M , Wild M , Windolf J , Jungbluth P , Hakimi M
Published: January 2015

Besides the use of autologous bone grafting several osteoconductive and osteoinductive methods have been reported to improve bone healing. However, persistent non‐union occurs in a considerable number of cases and compromised angiogenesis is suspected to impede bone regeneration. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) improves angiogenesis. This study evaluates the effects of HBO on bone defects treated with autologous bone grafting in a bone defect model in rabbits. Twenty‐four New‐Zealand White Rabbits were subjected to a unilateral critical sized diaphyseal radius bone defect and treated with autologous cancellous bone transplantation. The study groups were exposed to an additional HBO treatment regimen. Bone regeneration was evaluated radiologically and histologically at 3 and 6 weeks, angiogenesis was assessed by immunohistochemistry at three and six weeks. The additional administration of HBO resulted in a significantly increased new bone formation and angiogenesis compared to the sole treatment with autologous bone grafting. These results were apparent after three and six weeks of treatment. The addition of HBO therapy to autologous bone grafts leads to significantly improved bone regeneration. The increase in angiogenesis observed could play a crucial role for the results observed. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:513–520, 2015.
Mechanisms of tendon injury and repair
Authors: Thomopoulos Stavros , Parks William C. , Rifkin Daniel B. , Derwin Kathleen A.
Published: January 2015

Tendon disorders are common and lead to significant disability, pain, healthcare cost, and lost productivity. A wide range of injury mechanisms exist leading to tendinopathy or tendon rupture. Tears can occur in healthy tendons that are acutely overloaded (e.g., during a high speed or high impact event) or lacerated (e.g., a knife injury). Tendinitis or tendinosis can occur in tendons exposed to overuse conditions (e.g., an elite swimmer's training regimen) or intrinsic tissue degeneration (e.g., age‐related degeneration). The healing potential of a torn or pathologic tendon varies depending on anatomic location (e.g., Achilles vs. rotator cuff) and local environment (e.g., intrasynovial vs. extrasynovial). Although healing occurs to varying degrees, in general healing of repaired tendons follows the typical wound healing course, including an early inflammatory phase, followed by proliferative and remodeling phases. Numerous treatment approaches have been attempted to improve tendon healing, including growth factor‐ and cell‐based therapies and rehabilitation protocols. This review will describe the current state of knowledge of injury and repair of the three most common tendinopathies—flexor tendon lacerations, Achilles tendon rupture, and rotator cuff disorders—with a particular focus on the use of animal models for understanding tendon healing. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:832–839, 2015.
Alterations in intervertebral disc composition, matrix homeostasis and biomechanical behavior in the UCD‐T2DM rat model of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Fields Aaron J. , Berg‐Johansen Britta , Metz Lionel N. , Miller Stephanie , La Brandan , Liebenberg Ellen C. , Coughlin Dezba G. , Graham James L. , Stanhope Kimber L. , Havel Peter J. , Lotz Jeffrey C.
Published: January 2015

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) adversely affects many tissues, and the greater incidence of discogenic low back pain among diabetic patients suggests that the intervertebral disc is affected too. Using a rat model of polygenic obese T2D, we demonstrate that diabetes compromises several aspects of disc composition, matrix homeostasis, and biomechanical behavior. Coccygeal motion segments were harvested from 6‐month‐old lean Sprague‐Dawley rats, obese Sprague‐Dawley rats, and diabetic obese UCD‐T2DM rats (diabetic for 69 ± 7 days). Findings indicated that diabetes but not obesity reduced disc glycosaminoglycan and water contents, and these degenerative changes correlated with increased vertebral endplate thickness and decreased endplate porosity, and with higher levels of the advanced glycation end‐product (AGE) pentosidine. Consistent with their diminished glycosaminoglycan and water contents and their higher AGE levels, discs from diabetic rats were stiffer and exhibited less creep when compressed. At the matrix level, elevated expression of hypoxia‐inducible genes and catabolic markers in the discs from diabetic rats coincided with increased oxidative stress and greater interactions between AGEs and one of their receptors (RAGE). Taken together, these findings indicate that endplate sclerosis, increased oxidative stress, and AGE/RAGE‐mediated interactions could be important factors for explaining the greater incidence of disc pathology in T2D. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:738–746, 2015.
Culture temperature affects redifferentiation and cartilaginous extracellular matrix formation in dedifferentiated human chondrocytes
Authors: Ito Akira , Aoyama Tomoki , Iijima Hirotaka , Tajino Junichi , Nagai Momoko , Yamaguchi Shoki , Zhang Xiangkai , Kuroki Hiroshi
Published: January 2015

To date, there have been few studies on how temperature affects the phenotype and metabolism of human chondrocytes. Thus, the purpose of this study was to elucidate the effects of culture temperature on chondrocyte redifferentiation and extracellular matrix (ECM) formation using dedifferentiated mature human chondrocytes in vitro. Dedifferentiated chondrocytes were cultured in a pellet culture system for up to 21 days. The pellets were randomly divided into three groups with different culture temperature (32, 37, and 41°C). Chondrocyte redifferentiation and ECM formation were evaluated by wet weight, messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA), histological, and biochemical analyses. The results showed that the wet weight and the mRNA expressions of collagen type II A1 and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein at 37°C were higher than the corresponding values at 32°C. The histological and biochemical analyses revealed that the syntheses of type II collagen and proteoglycan were promoted at 37°C compared to those at 32°C, whereas they were considerably inhibited at 41°C. In conclusion, the results obtained herein indicated that temperature affects chondrocyte redifferentiation and ECM formation, and modulation of temperature might thus represent an advantageous means to regulate the phenotype and biosynthetic activity of chondrocytes. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:633–639, 2015.
Low voltage fast response display using dual π‐cells with quarter‐wave thickness
Authors: Cheng HsienHui , Bhowmik Achintya , Bos Philip. J.
Published: January 2015

In this paper, a design for a fast response display consisting of dual π‐cells is investigated. The thickness of each liquid crystal cell layer is only half of a single LC cell device with the same retardation change, which results in about one quarter of the response time for a single π‐cell device. While this result is obviously anticipated, an additional advantage is that a good viewing angle can be achieved by using negative C plates, which allows a lower cost device with a more uniform black state across the area of the display than the case of a single cell compensated by a discotic compensator. We also propose a solution to solve parallax issue from two‐layer structure of liquid crystal cell, and it opens a window of opportunity for a device with two‐layer structure.
Aging and availability of binocular disparity and pictorial depth cues in 3D graphics contents
Authors: Kihara Ken , Fujisaki Hirotaka , Ohtsuka Sakuichi , Miyao Masaru , Shimamura Jun , Arai Hiroyuki , Taniguchi Yukinobu
Published: January 2015

Some stereoblind observers do not perceive depth of 3D stimuli that depends on binocular disparity. These individuals, who have no disabilities, comprise over 5% of the general population. In addition, 17–30% of nonstereoblind young and young–middle people do not use disparity information in certain 3D environments, a phenomenon known as pseudo‐stereoblindness. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between aging and the proportion of pseudo‐stereoblindness in the general population. In an experiment, 134 nonstereoblind participants, ranging in age from 17 to 83 years, judged subjective depth of 3D stimuli containing binocular disparity and pictorial depth cues. Results showed that the proportion of pseudo‐stereoblindness among young (17–24 years old) and young–middle aged observers (25–39 years old) was 29%, in both cases. However, the proportion of pseudo‐stereoblind observers increased in older populations: 65% and 82% in the middle (40–54 years old) and senior (55–83 years old) age groups, respectively. These results suggest that a number of people, especially in elderly populations, have trouble perceiving depth from binocular disparity in 3D graphic contents despite their essential ability to use disparity information.
Distance estimation of near‐field visual objects in stereoscopic displays
Authors: Lin Chiuhsiang Joe , Woldegiorgis Bereket H. , Caesaron Dino
Published: January 2015

Stereoscopic displays have a promising future because of recent advancements and popularity of handheld devices and maturing head mounted displays. Gesture interaction such as pointing, selection, pinching, and manipulation are now possible in the current virtual environments, where accurate distance judgment is required. In this paper, we address the perception of exocentric distance in stereoscopic displays under two target orientations: horizontal and vertical. Three parallax conditions (on screen, 5 cm from screen, and 10 cm from screen) were considered, where the screen was fixed at a distance of 100 cm from the observer. Four levels of center‐to‐center distance between 10 and 50 cm were employed. The perceptual matching task revealed underestimation in all conditions. The overall judgment of exocentric distance was only about 80% of the actual. We also found a main effect of distance and interaction between layout and distance to be significant. The two important findings of this study are that underestimation of exocentric distance increases as the separation between virtual targets increases and that in vertical orientation, accuracy increases with closer targets. However, the main effects of layout and parallax on accuracy of judgment were not significant. Engineering implications of the results are also discussed in this paper.
Determination of mercury(II) ions in seafood samples after extraction and preconcentration by a novel functionalized magnetic metal–organic framework nanocomposite
Authors: Ghorbani‐Kalhor Ebrahim , Hosseinzadeh‐Khanmiri Rahim , Abolhasani Jafar , Babazadeh Mirzaagha , Hassanpour Akbar
Published: January 2015

This work describes a novel functionalized magnetic metal–organic framework nanocomposite [(Fe3O4‐2,5‐dimercapto‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole)/metal–organic framework] and its application in the preconcentration of Hg(II) ions. The parameters affecting the preconcentration procedure were optimized by a Box–Behnken design through response surface methodology. Three variables (uptake time, magnetic nanosorbent amount, and pH value) were selected as the main factors affecting the sorption step, while four variables (type, volume, and concentration of the eluent; and elution time) were selected as main factors in the optimization study of the elution step. Following the sorption and elution of analytes, the ions were quantified by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry. Under the optimum conditions, the limit of detection was 0.01 ng/mL and all the relative standard deviations were less than 10%. The obtained sorption capacity (in mg/g) of this new sorbent was 124. Ultimately, this nanocomposite was successfully applied to the rapid extraction of trace quantities of Hg(II) ions in seafood samples and satisfactory results were obtained.
Improved Gene Transfection Efficacy and Cytocompatibility of Multifunctional Polyamidoamine‐Cross‐Linked Hyaluronan Particles
Authors: Srivastava Akshay , Cunningham Claire , Pandit Abhay , Wall J. Gerard
Published: January 2015

We describe a multi‐functional, cationic hyaluronic acid (HA)‐based gene carrier with improved transfection over non‐cross‐linked HA, and negligible cytotoxicity. Cationized particles are developed by cross‐linking HA chain carboxyl groups with polyamidoamine amine termini to produce well segregated particles of 350–400 nm with a surface charge density of +2 mV, compared with –35 mV for non‐cationized particles. A tethered antibody fragment retains ligand binding for cell targeting. Cationized and antibody‐linked particles complex plasmid DNA efficiently and the cationized particles successfully deliver reporter genes to bovine intervertebral disk cells as an intervertebral disk regeneration model.
Synthesis of clean aluminide coatings on Ni‐based superalloys via a modified pack cementation process
Authors: Priest M. S. , Zhang Y.
Published: January 2015

With the aim of seeking a modified pack cementation process as a potential low‐cost alternative to form clean and reproducible aluminide coatings for laboratory diffusion coating research, four non‐contact arrangements were employed to coat Ni‐based superalloy specimens. The advantages and disadvantages of each arrangement were discussed by comparing the cleanliness of coating surface, the homogeneity of surface Al content and coating thickness, as well as the easiness of preparation. By utilizing the arrangement with the best overall quality, an Ni‐rich β‐NiAl coating with a clean surface and a low S level (0.3 ppmw) was achieved, which was comparable to the coatings previously made by an ultra‐clean laboratory chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. Reactive element (RE) additions such as Hf, Zr, or Y were codeposited by including a small amount of the respective RE oxide in the pack mixture, and approximately 500 ppmw Hf was detected in the Hf‐modified NiAl coating.
Electrochemical behaviour of AA2198 and AA2139 in neutral solutions
Authors: Balbo A. , Frignani A. , Grassi V. , Zucchi F.
Published: January 2015

The corrosion behaviour of innovative Li‐containing (AA2198) and Ag‐containing (AA2139) aluminium alloys was investigated by means of electrochemical techniques in neutral media (sulphate and chloride solutions). Li presence caused a more active corrosion potential in the initial immersion times, but successively, the corrosion potentials of AA2198 became about 100 mV more positive than those of AA2139. Although in chloride media these alloys presented the same cathodic polarization curves, the passivity interval of AA2198 was characterized by lower passive currents and more positive pitting potentials than AA2139. Such differences were attributed to different amounts of intermetallic dispersoids between these aluminium alloys
Influence of solution annealing temperature and cooling medium on microstructure, hardness and corrosion resistance of martensitic stainless steel X46Cr13
Authors: Rosemann P. , Kauss N. , Müller C. , Halle T.
Published: January 2015

The corrosion behavior of carbon containing martensitic stainless steels depends strongly on the applied heat treatment which determines the distribution of carbon and chromium in the microstructure. This work's focus is on the effect of solution annealing on microstructure, hardness and the resulting corrosion resistance of the martensitic stainless steel X46Cr13. Solution annealing was performed at selected temperatures based on thermodynamic calculations of the chromium and carbon contents in solid solution and the chemical composition of the remaining carbides as function of temperature. The corrosion resistance was investigated with electrochemical potentiodynamic reactivation (EPR) and the KorroPad (KP) technique. The results indicate a large influence of the solution treatment temperature, duration and cooling rate on passivation behavior and pitting corrosion resistance. Higher solution annealing temperatures increase the amount of chromium and carbon dissolved in solid solution resulting in easier passivation and higher hardness. If diffusion is enabled by slow air‐cooling, chromium depletion was detected causing high susceptibility to pitting corrosion.
Shape‐Memory Capability of Copolyetheresterurethane Microparticles Prepared via Electrospraying
Authors: Zhang Quanchao , Sauter Tilman , Fang Liang , Kratz Karl , Lendlein Andreas
Published: January 2015

Multifunctional thermo‐responsive and degradable microparticles exhibiting a shape‐memory effect (SME) have attracted widespread interest in biomedicine as switchable delivery vehicles or microactuators. In this work almost spherical solid microparticles with an average diameter of 3.9 ± 0.9 μm are prepared via electrospraying of a copolyetheresterurethane named PDC, which is composed of crystallizable oligo(p‐dioxanone) (OPDO) hard and oligo(ε‐caprolactone) (OCL) switching segments. The PDC microparticles are programmed via compression at different pressures and their shape‐memory capability is explored by off‐line and online heating experiments. When a low programming pressure of 0.2 MPa is applied a pronounced thermally‐induced shape‐memory effect is achieved with a shape recovery ratio about 80%, while a high programming pressure of 100 MPa resulted in a weak shape‐memory performance. Finally, it is demonstrated that an array of PDC microparticles deposited on a polypropylene (PP) substrate can be successfully programmed into a smart temporary film, which disintegrates upon heating to 60 °C.
Finite elements with mesh refinement for elastic wave propagation in polygons
Authors: Müller Fabian , Schwab Christoph
Published: January 2015

Error estimates for the space‐semidiscrete finite element approximation of solutions to initial boundary value problems for linear, second‐order hyperbolic systems in bounded polygons
with straight sides are presented. Using recent results on corner asymptotics of solutions of linear wave equations with time‐independent coefficients in conical domains, it is shown that continuous, simplicial Lagrangian finite elements of uniform polynomial degree p≥1, with either suitably graded mesh refinement or with bisection‐tree mesh refinement toward the corners of G, achieve the (maximal) asymptotic rate of convergence O(N−p/2), where N denotes the number of degrees of freedom spent for the finite element space semidiscretization. In the present analysis, Dirichlet, Neumann and mixed boundary conditions are considered. Numerical experiments that confirm the theoretical results are presented for linear elasticity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal Caffey disease (prenatal cortical hyperostosis): severe forms with favorable outcome
Authors: Hoen Nathalie , Cagneaux Maud , Combourieu Danièle , Cordier Marie‐Pierre , Massardier Jérôme , Lacalm Audrey , Gaucherand Pascal , Guibaud Laurent , Massoud Mona
Published: January 2015

What's already known about this topic?

The severe form of prenatal cortical hyperostosis affects fetuses before 35 weeks of gestation (WG) causing severe bone injuries, fetal hydrops, and polyhydramnios. It is associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Accordingly, many pregnancies are terminated. The mild form usually occurs later, with milder bone lesions and a better prognosis.

What does this study add?

Even the severe form may have a favorable outcome because the disease may resolve. Computed Tomography (CT) scan of the fetus with 3D reconstruction of the bones is of a great help to visualize hyperostosis.
Early Membrane Responses to Magnetic Particles are Predictors of Particle Uptake in Neural Stem Cells
Authors: Fernandes Alinda R. , Adams Christopher F. , Furness David N. , Chari Divya M.
Published: January 2015

Magnetic particles (MPs) offer several advantages for neural cell therapy, but limited particle uptake by neural cells is a barrier to translation. It is recently proved that tailoring particle physicochemical properties (by enhancing their iron content) dramatically improves uptake in neural stem cells (NSCs)—a major transplant population. High‐throughput screening of particles with varying physicochemical properties can therefore aid in identifying particles with optimal uptake features, but research is hampered by the lack of simple methodologies for studying neural cell membrane responses to nanoparticle platforms. A high‐resolution–high throughput method has been used to study early membrane responses of primary rodent NSCs to particles of variant magnetite loading, to attempt to correlate these responses with known particle internalization profiles. Membrane imaging is enhanced through sequential staining with osmium (O) and thiocarbohydrazide (T), a method termed OTOTO, combined with field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). A five‐point classification system was used to systematically evaluate early MP‐induced membrane responses to particles possessing distinct physicochemical properties. Significantly different profiles of membrane activation were noted that correlate with particle uptake profiles. It is suggested that our method can serve as a valuable predictor of particle internalization in neural cells for diverse particle platforms.
Salivary proteomics and biomarkers in neurology and psychiatry
Authors: Wormwood Kelly L. , Aslebagh Roshanak , Channaveerappa Devika , Dupree Emmalyn J , Borland Megan M. , Ryan Jeanne P. , Darie Costel C. , Woods Alisa G.
Published: January 2015

Biomarkers are greatly needed in the fields of neurology and psychiatry, to provide objective and earlier diagnoses of CNS conditions. Proteomics and other omics MS‐based technologies are tools currently being utilized in much recent CNS research. Saliva is an interesting alternative biomaterial for the proteomic study of CNS disorders, with several advantages. Collection is noninvasive and saliva has many proteins. It is easier to collect than blood and can be collected by professionals without formal medical training. For psychiatric and neurological patients, supplying a saliva sample is less anxiety‐provoking than providing a blood sample, and is less embarrassing than producing a urine specimen. The use of saliva as a biomaterial has been researched for the diagnosis of and greater understanding of several CNS conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases, autism, and depression. Salivary biomarkers could be used to rule out nonpsychiatric conditions that are often mistaken for psychiatric/neurological conditions, such as fibromyalgia, and potentially to assess cognitive ability in individuals with compromised brain function. As MS and omics technology advances, the sensitivity and utility of assessing CNS conditions using distal human biomaterials such as saliva is becoming increasingly possible.
Trans‐Proteomic Pipeline, a standardized data processing pipeline for large‐scale reproducible proteomics informatics
Authors: Deutsch Eric W. , Mendoza Luis , Shteynberg David , Slagel Joseph , Sun Zhi , Moritz Robert L.
Published: January 2015

Democratization of genomics technologies has enabled the rapid determination of genotypes. More recently the democratization of comprehensive proteomics technologies is enabling the determination of the cellular phenotype and the molecular events that define its dynamic state. Core proteomic technologies include MS to define protein sequence, protein:protein interactions, and protein PTMs. Key enabling technologies for proteomics are bioinformatic pipelines to identify, quantitate, and summarize these events. The Trans‐Proteomics Pipeline (TPP) is a robust open‐source standardized data processing pipeline for large‐scale reproducible quantitative MS proteomics. It supports all major operating systems and instrument vendors via open data formats. Here, we provide a review of the overall proteomics workflow supported by the TPP, its major tools, and how it can be used in its various modes from desktop to cloud computing. We describe new features for the TPP, including data visualization functionality. We conclude by describing some common perils that affect the analysis of MS/MS datasets, as well as some major upcoming features.
ZnO TFTs prepared by chemical bath deposition technique with high‐k La2O3 gate dielectric annealed in ambient atmosphere
Authors: Gogoi Paragjyoti , Saikia Rajib , Saikia Dipok , Dutta Ronen Prakash , Changmai Sanjib
Published: January 2015

In this paper, the electrical properties of top‐gated thin‐film transistors with low‐cost chemical bath deposition (CBD) of ZnO as active material and a high‐k rare‐earth oxide La2O3 as gate dielectric have been reported. The source‐drain and gate electrodes and dielectric layers are fabricated by thermal evaporation techniques in high vacuum of the order of 10−6 Torr in a coplanar electrode structure. The channel length of the TFT is of 50 μm. The fabricated TFTs are annealed at 500 °C in air. The TFTs exhibit a field effect mobility 0.58 (cm2 V−1 s−1). Use of a high dielectric constant (high‐k) gate insulator reduces the threshold voltage and subthreshold swing of the TFTs. The TFTs exhibit a low threshold voltage of 4 V. The calculated values of gain–bandwidth product and subthreshold swing are also evaluated and presented. The ON/OFF ratio of the TFT is found to be 106.
Antiinflammatory, Antioxidant, and Immunological Effects of Carum copticum L. and Some of Its Constituents
Authors: Alavinezhad Azam , Boskabady Mohammad Hossein
Published: January 2015

Carum copticum L. has been used traditionally for its various therapeutic effects. The plant contains various components such as thymol and carvacrol. Different therapeutic effects such as antifungal, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiparasitic, and antilipidemic were described for the plant and its constituents. Therefore, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and immunological effects of C. copticum and its constituents, thymol and carvacrol, were discussed in the present review. Previous studies have shown potent antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and immunological effects for C. copticum and its constituents, thymol and carvacrol. Therefore, the plant and its constituents have therapeutic values in several inflammatory and immunological disorders as well as in the oxidative stress conditions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pharmacological Activity of 6‐Gingerol in Dextran Sulphate Sodium‐induced Ulcerative Colitis in BALB/c Mice
Authors: Ajayi Babajide O. , Adedara Isaac A. , Farombi Ebenezer O.
Published: January 2015

Gingerols are phenolic compounds in ginger (Zingiber officinale), which have been reported to exhibit antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. The present study aimed at evaluating the possible pharmacologic activity of 6‐gingerol in a mouse model of dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)‐induced ulcerative colitis. Adult male mice were exposed to DSS in drinking water alone or co‐treated with 6‐gingerol orally at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg for 7 days. Disease activity index, inflammatory mediators, oxidative stress indices, and histopathological examination of the colons were evaluated to monitor treatment‐related effects of 6‐gingerol in DSS‐treated mice. Administration of 6‐gingerol significantly reversed the DSS‐mediated reduction in body weight, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, and colon shrinkage to near normal. Moreover, 6‐gingerol significantly suppressed the circulating concentrations of interleukin‐1β and tumor necrosis factor alpha and restored the colonic nitric oxide concentration and myeloperoxidase activity to normal in DSS‐treated mice. 6‐Gingerol efficiently prevented colonic oxidative damage by increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes and glutathione content, decreasing the hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde levels, and ameliorated the colonic atrophy in DSS‐treated mice. 6‐Gingerol suppressed the induction of ulcerative colitis in mice via antioxidant and antiinflammatory activities, and may thus represent a potential anticolitis drug candidate. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two‐part test of vaccine effect
Authors: Hu Zonghui , Proschan Michael
Published: January 2015

Vaccine benefit is usually two‐folded: (i) prevent a disease or, failing that, (ii) diminish the severity of a disease. To assess vaccine effect, we propose two adaptive tests. The weighted two‐part test is a combination of two statistics, one on disease incidence and one on disease severity. More weight is given to the statistic with the larger a priori effect size, and the weights are determined to maximize testing power. The randomized test applies to the scenario where the total number of infections is relatively small. It uses information on disease severity to bolster power while preserving disease incidence as the primary interest. Properties of the proposed tests are explored asymptotically and by numerical studies. Although motivated by vaccine studies, the proposed tests apply to any trials that involve both binary and continuous outcomes for evaluating treatment effect. Published 2015. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Evaluation of treatment efficacy using a Bayesian mixture piecewise linear model of longitudinal biomarkers
Authors: Zhao Lili , Feng Dai , Neelon Brian , Buyse Marc
Published: January 2015

Prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) is a widely used marker in clinical trials for patients with prostate cancer. We develop a mixture model to estimate longitudinal PSA trajectory in response to treatment. The model accommodates subjects responding and not responding to therapy through a mixture of two functions. A responder is described by a piecewise linear function, represented by an intercept, a PSA decline rate, a period of PSA decline, and a PSA rising rate; a nonresponder is described by an increasing linear function with an intercept and a PSA rising rate. Each trajectory is classified as a linear or a piecewise linear function with a certain probability, and the weighted average of these two functions sufficiently characterizes a variety of patterns of PSA trajectories. Furthermore, this mixture structure enables us to derive clinically useful endpoints such as a response rate and time‐to‐progression, as well as biologically meaningful endpoints such as a cancer cell killing fraction and tumor growth delay. We compare our model with the most commonly used dynamic model in the literature and show its advantages. Finally, we illustrate our approach using data from two multicenter prostate cancer trials. The R code used to produce the analyses reported in this paper is available on request. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tailored Crumpling and Unfolding of Spray‐Dried Pristine Graphene and Graphene Oxide Sheets
Authors: Parviz Dorsa , Metzler Shane D. , Das Sriya , Irin Fahmida , Green Micah J.
Published: January 2015

For the first time, pristine graphene can be controllably crumpled and unfolded. The mechanism for graphene is radically different than that observed for graphene oxide; a multifaced crumpled, dimpled particle morphology is seen for pristine graphene in contrast to the wrinkled, compressed surface of graphene oxide particles, showing that surface chemistry dictates nanosheet interactions during the crumpling process. The process demonstrated here utilizes a spray‐drying technique to produce droplets of aqueous graphene dispersions and induce crumpling through rapid droplet evaporation. For the first time, the gradual dimensional transition of 2D graphene nanosheets to a 3D crumpled morphology in droplets is directly observed; this is imaged by a novel sample collection device inside the spray dryer itself. The degree of folding can be tailored by altering the capillary forces on the dispersed sheets during evaporation. It is also shown that the morphology of redispersed crumpled graphene powder can be controlled by solvent selection. This process is scalable, with the ability to rapidly process graphene dispersions into powders suitable for a variety of engineering applications.
Formability of AHSS under an Attach–Detach Forming Mode
Authors: Majidi Omid , Barlat Frédéric , Lee Myoung‐Gyu , Kim Dong‐Jin
Published: January 2015

In this work, a direct‐drive digital servo‐press functioning with a non‐conventional punch displacement profile was used to enhance the drawability of DP780 and TR780 steel sheet samples. Cup drawing tests were conducted under multiple detachments between the tools and the partially deformed part. The experiments were conducted with a special die set‐up that provides a decreasing blank holding force scheme during the test. The results were compared with those obtained with the same die set‐up but with a more traditional V‐type punch motion, which continuously keeps the contact between tool and work‐piece. The percentage of successfully drawn cups and the depth of the fractured cups were considered to evaluate the performance of this approach. In addition, two sets of friction tests were conducted with a flat die on a specially designed testing machine. The friction coefficient was measured as a function of the normal contact pressure, which varies spatially and temporally during drawing. FE simulations were conducted in order to explain the differences in experimental results obtained using conventional and unconventional punch motions. In particular, the roles of a variable friction coefficient as well as that of springback after detachment of the tool from the blank were investigated. It was demonstrated that the combination of these two effects successfully explain the higher drawing performance achieved using the attach–detach mode.
A Multi‐perspective Investigation of Attitudes Towards English Accents in Hong Kong: Implications for Pronunciation Teaching
Authors: Chan Jim Y. H.
Published: January 2015

The study reported in this article examined Hong Kong students' attitudes towards English accents from three interrelated perspectives: (1) their awareness of accents, (2) their perception of accents in relation to the dimensions of status and solidarity, and (3) their choice of accents in various local language‐using contexts. By means of the verbal‐guise technique, it explored the issue from multiple perspectives by comparing the attitudes among English learners at differing stages of study (i.e., junior secondary, senior secondary, and university students). These participants had different perceptions of English based on their prior knowledge, learning experience, and exposure to English. The findings indicate that the university students perceived the local accent more negatively than their secondary counterparts in the dimensions of both status and solidarity, despite their greater awareness of accents. Nevertheless, all the participants showed fewer reservations about the use of second language English accents in more casual and interactive English‐speaking situations. The article concludes by discussing the potential for the design of language awareness tasks in TESOL materials and assessments for secondary school as a crucial step to initiate attitudinal changes.
Is There a Better Time to Focus on Form? Teacher and Learner Views
Authors: Valeo Antonella , Spada Nina
Published: January 2015

This study investigated the views of teachers and learners regarding the timing of grammatical instruction, conceptualized as a distinction between isolated and integrated form‐focused instruction (FFI) proposed by Spada and Lightbown (2008). Both types of FFI are described as taking place in primarily meaning‐based communicative classrooms. They differ in that isolated FFI occurs separately from communicative activities, whereas integrated FFI occurs during communicative activities. Using this theoretical distinction, the researchers developed teacher and learner questionnaires and validated them as measures of both constructs supported by factor analysis. The questionnaires were administered to explore the views of teachers and learners in two contexts, ESL in Canada and EFL in Brazil. Quantitative and qualitative analyses of the questionnaire data indicate a distinct preference for integrated FFI across groups (i.e., teachers and learners) and contexts (i.e., EFL and ESL). At the same time teachers and learners also acknowledged the value of isolated FFI. These views recognizing the important roles played by both integrated and isolated FFI are consistent with those discussed in the instructed second language acquisition literature. Teachers and learners also drew attention to contextual and individual differences that may have an impact on decisions about the timing of grammatical instruction.
Changing tides: ecological and historical perspectives on fish cognition
Authors: Patton B. Wren , Braithwaite Victoria A.
Published: January 2015

The capacity for specialization and radiation make fish an excellent group in which to investigate the depth and variety of animal cognition. Even though early observations of fish using tools predates the discovery of tool use in chimpanzees, fish cognition has historically been somewhat overlooked. However, a recent surge of interest is now providing a wealth of material on which to draw examples, and this has required a selective approach to choosing the research described below. Our goal is to illustrate the necessity for basing cognitive investigations on the ecological and evolutionary context of the species at hand. We also seek to illustrate the importance of ecology and the environment in honing a range of sensory systems that allow fish to glean information and support informed decision‐making. The various environments and challenges with which fish interact require equally varied cognitive skills, and the solutions that fish have developed are truly impressive. Similarly, we illustrate how common ecological problems will frequently produce common cognitive solutions. Below, we focus on four topics: spatial learning and memory, avoiding predators and catching prey, communication, and innovation. These are used to illustrate how both simple and sophisticated cognitive processes underpin much of the adaptive behavioral flexibility exhibited throughout fish phylogeny. Never before has the field had such a wide array of interdisciplinary techniques available to access both cognitive and mechanistic processes underpinning fish behavior. This capacity comes at a critical time to predict and manage fish populations in an era of unprecedented global change.WIREs Cogn Sci2015, 6:159–176. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1337

This article is categorized under:

Cognitive Biology > Evolutionary Roots of Cognition

Neuroscience > Behavior

Neuroscience > Cognition
Multivariate curve resolution alternating least squares in the quantitative determination of sulfur using overlapped S(Kα)–Mo(Lα) emission peaks by wavelength dispersive X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry
Authors: Ghasemi Jahan B. , Rofouei Mohammad K. , Amiri Nayereh
Published: January 2015

Spectral line overlap is a serious problem in quantitative X‐ray fluorescence analysis. In this study multivariate curve resolution alternating least squares (MCR‐ALS) approach was used to resolve the effect of overlapping S(Kα)–Mo(Lα) emission lines generated by standard‐less software of a wavelength dispersive X‐ray fluorescence spectrometer (WDXRF) for the quantitative monitoring of sulfur in mineral samples. Scan channel set contained Ge crystal, 550‐µm collimator, flow detector (Ar + CH3) and rhodium (Rh) tube. The 18 calibration and 10 validation samples contain 0.00%–10.98% sulfate (SO3) and 0.00%–92.40% MoO3. The digitized spectral data were extracted in the range between 109° and 113.9° (2θ) at every 0.1 degree. Lack of fit percentage (LOF%) for experimental data and the variance explained at the optimum condition () were 2.32 and 99.94, respectively. The values of the root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) for analyzing of sulfur were 0.23. MCR‐ALS was also compared with partial least squares (PLS) method for determination of sulfur in the presence of molybdenum. To evaluate the resolution and quantification performance of MCR‐ALS procedure, the method was used to determine sulfur in presence of molybdenum in two synthetic soil samples. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ablation for Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Systematic Review of Clinical Efficacy and Prognostic Factors
Authors: Thomasset S. C. , Dennison A. R. , Garcea G.
Published: January 2015

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) typically recurs following primary treatment. The primary objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ablative therapies for recurrent HCC. The secondary objective was to identify any factors associated with prognosis following ablation for recurrent disease.

Methods

A systematic search of the literature published between January 2000 and December 2013 was undertaken using the PubMed, Medline and Scopus databases. Reference lists from selected studies were manually searched to ensure complete capture of any relevant data.

Results

A total of 19 studies were included in the review. The median age of patients undergoing ablation for recurrent HCC was 58 years (range 52–69 years) and 85 % of patients had cirrhosis (range 56–100 %). HCC recurred as a single nodule in 79 % of those treated with ablation (range 46–100 %). There were few significant complications associated with any form of ablation. Sufficient data were only available to allow analysis of survival outcomes following radiofrequency ablation (RFA). After RFA the median, 1, 3 and 5‐year survivals were 84 % (73–99 %), 51 % (42–84 %) and 40 % (28–83 %), respectively. The only factor consistently associated with overall survival following ablation for recurrence was the alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) level.

Conclusion

Comparable survival figures from previously published systematic reviews suggest that hepatic resection is the most effective treatment for recurrent HCC. However, ablation can be a safe and effective option for the majority of patients with recurrent disease who are unsuitable for surgery. Elevated levels of AFP suggest a poorer prognosis following ablation.
Lipids in hepatic glycogen storage diseases: pathophysiology, monitoring of dietary management and future directions
Authors: Derks Terry G. J. , van Rijn Margreet
Published: January 2015

Hepatic glycogen storage diseases (GSD) underscore the intimate relationship between carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. The hyperlipidemias in hepatic GSD reflect perturbed intracellular metabolism, providing biomarkers in blood to monitor dietary management. In different types of GSD, hyperlipidemias are of a different origin. Hypertriglyceridemia is most prominent in GSD type Ia and associated with long‐term outcome morbidity, like pancreatitis and hepatic adenomas. In the ketotic subtypes of GSD, hypertriglyceridemia reflects the age‐dependent fasting intolerance, secondary lipolysis and increased mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation. The role of high protein diets is established for ketotic types of GSD, but non‐traditional dietary interventions (like medium‐chain triglycerides and the ketogenic diet) in hepatic GSD are still controversial and necessitate further studies. Patients with these rare inherited disorders of carbohydrate metabolism meet several criteria of the metabolic syndrome, therefore close monitoring for cardiovascular diseases in ageing GSD patients may be justified.
Combined biotic and abiotic stress resistance in tomato
Authors: Kissoudis Christos , Chowdhury Rawnaq , van Heusden Sjaak , van de Wiel Clemens , Finkers Richard , Visser Richard G. F. , Bai Yuling , van der Linden Gerard
Published: January 2015

Abiotic and biotic stress factors are the major constrains for the realization of crop yield potential. As climate change progresses, the spread and intensity of abiotic as well as biotic stressors is expected to increase, with increased probability of crops being exposed to both types of stress. Shielding crops from combinatorial stress requires a better understanding of the plant’s response and its genetic architecture. In this study, we evaluated resistance to salt stress, powdery mildew and to both stresses combined in tomato, using the Solanum habrochaites LYC4 introgression line (IL) population. The IL population segregated for both salt stress tolerance and powdery mildew resistance. Using SNP array marker data, QTLs were identified for salt tolerance as well as Na+ and Cl− accumulation. Salt stress increased the susceptibility of the population to powdery mildew in an additive manner. Phenotypic variation for disease resistance was reduced under combined stress as indicated by the coefficient of variation. No correlation was found between disease resistance and Na+ and Cl− accumulation under combined stress Most genetic loci were specific for either salt stress tolerance or powdery mildew resistance. These findings increase our understanding of the genetic regulation of responses to abiotic and biotic stress combinations and can provide leads to more efficiently breeding tomatoes and other crops with a high level of disease resistance while maintaining their performance in combination with abiotic stress.
Investigating Fatty Acid Composition of Samples were Homogenized Various Meat and Offal Products from Turkey
Authors: Coskuntuna Levent , Gecgel Umit , Yilmaz Ismail , Gecgel Unal , Dulger Gizem Cagla
Published: January 2015

The aim of the present study was to compare the fatty acid composition, PUFA:SFA ratio, n6/n3 ratio, and TFA of different farm animal meats and offal products. These products were collected at a regional farm in Istanbul which is the most populous city in Turkey. The results of fatty acid composition analysis indicated that the major fatty acids of C16:0 (18.00–29.35 %), C18:0 (4.10–29.71 %), C18:1 (29.21–57.30 %), and C18:2 (1.37–18.60 %) were found in the samples. The total saturated fatty acids, total monounsaturated fatty acids and total polyunsaturated fatty acids content of the samples ranged between 30.00 and 61.83 %, 32.24 and 57.80 %, and 1.64 and 23.60 %, respectively (p < 0.05). Except for turkey abdominal fat, TFA content in all other samples showed a variation between 0.10 and 3.36 %. The PUFA:SFA ratio was higher in turkey meat (0.64) and was lower in sheep kidney fat (0.02). Moreover, the n6/n3 PUFA ratio changed between 2.90 and 22.28 (p < 0.05).