bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A unifying framework for the analysis of proportionate NLMS algorithms
Authors: Jelfs B. , Mandic D. P.
Published: September 2014

Despite being a de facto standard in sparse adaptive filtering, the two most important members of the class of proportionate normalised least mean square (PNLMS) algorithms are introduced empirically. Our aim is to provide a unifying framework for the derivation of PNLMS algorithms and their variants with an adaptive step‐size. These include algorithms with gradient adaptive learning rates and algorithms with adaptive regularisation parameters. Convergence analysis is provided for the proportionate least mean square (PLMS) algorithm in both the mean and mean square sense and bounds on its parameters are derived. An alternative, more insightful approach to the convergence analysis is also presented and is shown to provide an estimate of the optimal step‐size of the PLMS. Incorporating the so obtained step‐size into the PLMS gives the standard PNLMS together with a unified framework for introducing other adaptive learning rates. Simulations on benchmark sparse impulse responses support the approach. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The extent of cultural variation between adjacent chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus) communities; A microecological approach
Authors: Luncz Lydia V. , Boesch Christophe
Published: September 2014

Chimpanzees show cultural differences among populations across Africa but also between neighboring communities. The extent of these differences among neighbors, however, remains largely unknown. Comparing three neighboring chimpanzee community in the Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire, we found 27 putative cultural traits, including tool use, foraging, social interaction, communication and hunting behavior, exceeding by far previously known diversity. As foraging behavior is predominantly influenced by the environment, we further compared in detail ecological circumstances underlying insectivore feeding behavior to analyze whether foraging differences onDorylusants andThoracotermestermites seen between neighboring chimpanzee communities were caused by environmental factors. Differences in the prey characteristics ofDorylusants (aggression level, running speed, and nest structure) that could influence the behavior of chimpanzees were excluded, suggesting that the observed group‐specific variation is not ecologically driven. Only one community preyed onThoracotermestermites despite a similar abundance of termite mounds in all three territories, supporting the idea that this difference is also not shaped by the environment. Therefore, our study suggests that transmission of cultural knowledge plays a role in determining insectivory prey behavior. This behavioral plasticity, independent of ecological conditions, can lead to large numbers of cultural diversification between neighboring chimpanzee communities. These findings not only deepen our understanding of the cultural abilities of chimpanzees in the wild but also open up possible future comparisons of the origin of cultural diversification among humans and chimpanzees. Am J Phys Anthropol 156:67–75, 2015 © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Role of platelet‐derived growth factor‐α in eosinophilic and non‐eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
Authors: Lin Hai , Lin Dong , Xiong Xi‐Sheng , Dai Xiong‐Xiong , Lin Ting
Published: September 2014

Background

The pathogenesis of human chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) comprising eosinophilic CRSwNP (ECRSwNP) and non‐eosinophilic (nECRSwNP) is not completely understood. Recent evidence has suggested that platelet‐derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα) is implicated in cell growth, transformation, proliferation, migration, and vascular permeability and platelet‐derived growth factor‐A (PDGF‐A) is a specific ligand for PDGFRα. However, little is known about their roles in CRSwNP. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the expression and role of PDGFRα and PDGF‐A in CRSwNP.

Methods

PDGFRα protein expression was investigated by immunohistochemistry method and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of PDGFRα and PDGF‐A were assessed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in CRSwNP patients and control subjects. Moreover, the effects of various stimulators with different concentrations and time on PDGFRα were evaluated on nasal explant culture.

Results

Quantitative analysis of immunostaining for PDGFRα showed an obvious elevation in immunolabeling of PDGFRα in CRSwNP groups compared with controls. Furthermore, PDGFRα protein was significantly stronger expressed in ECRSwNP group than nECRSwNP group and atopic patients showed stronger expression of PDGFRα protein than nonatopic patients. The mRNA of PDGFRα and PDGF‐A were overexpressed in CRSwNP, especially in ECRSwNP. PDGFRα mRNA expression was closely related to PDGF‐A mRNA. In nasal explant culture and stimulation, PDGFRα mRNA was augmented by interleukin 4 (IL‐4), IL‐5, or IL‐1β respectively, but suppressed by IL‐27.

Conclusion

PDGFRα may play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of ECRSwNP and nECRSwNP by combining with PDGF‐A. IL‐4, IL‐5, or IL‐1β may be critical for PDGFRα gene expression.
Abstract Analogical Reasoning in High‐Functioning Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Green Adam E. , Kenworthy Lauren , Mosner Maya G. , Gallagher Natalie M. , Fearon Edward W. , Balhana Carlos D. , Yerys Benjamin E.
Published: September 2014

Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) exhibit a deficit in spontaneously recognizing abstract similarities that are crucial for generalizing learning to new situations. This may contribute to deficits in the development of appropriate schemas for navigating novel situations, including social interactions. Analogical reasoning is the central cognitive mechanism that enables typically developing children to understand abstract similarities between different situations. Intriguingly, studies of high‐functioning children with ASD point to a relative cognitive strength in basic, nonabstract forms of analogical reasoning. If this analogical reasoning ability extends to abstract analogical reasoning (i.e., between superficially dissimilar situations), it may provide a bridge between a cognitive capability and core ASD deficits in areas such as generalization and categorization. This study tested whether preserved analogical reasoning abilities in ASD can be extended to abstract analogical reasoning, using photographs of real‐world items and situations. Abstractness of the analogies was determined via a quantitative measure of semantic distance derived from latent semantic analysis. Children with ASD performed as well as typically developing children at identifying abstract analogical similarities when explicitly instructed to apply analogical reasoning. Individual differences in abstract analogical reasoning ability predicted individual differences in a measure of social function in the ASD group. Preliminary analyses indicated that children with ASD, but not typically developing children, showed an effect of age on abstract analogical reasoning. These results provide new evidence that children with ASD are capable of identifying abstract similarities through analogical reasoning, pointing to abstract analogical reasoning as a potential lever for improving generalization skills and social function in ASD. Autism Res 2014, 7: 677–686. © 2014 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Epigenetic mechanism causes Wnt9b deficiency and nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate in the A/WySn mouse strain
Authors: Juriloff Diana M. , Harris Muriel J. , Mager Dixie L. , Gagnier Liane
Published: September 2014

Background: The heritable multifactorial etiology of human nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL ± P) is not understood. CL ± P occurs in 15% of neonates in the homozygous A/WySn mouse strain, with a multifactorial genetic etiology, the clf1 and clf2 variant genes. Clf1 acts as a mutant allele of Wnt9b but its coding sequence is normal. An IAP (intracisternal A particle) retrotransposon inserted near the Wnt9b gene is associated with clf1. Methods: Transcription of noncoding sequence between the IAP and the Wnt9b gene was examined in A/WySn embryos. The levels of Wnt9b transcript and of an “IAP antisense” transcript initiated in the IAP and extending into the noncoding interval were assayed in A/WySn and C57BL/6J whole embryos or heads across embryonic days 8 to 12. Methylation of the 5′ LTR of the IAP was examined in E12 A/WySn embryo heads. Results: Mean Wnt9b transcript levels were lower in A/WySn than in C57BL/6J at all ages examined and lower in CL ± P embryos than in their normal littermates. The “IAP antisense” transcript was found in all A/WySn embryos and was highest in CL ± P embryos. The IAP at Wnt9b was generally unmethylated in CL ± P embryos and approximately 50% methylated in normal littermates. Conclusion: The clf1 mutation in A/WySn is a “metastable epiallele”, in which stochastic deficiency in some individuals of DNA methylation of a retrotransposon uniquely inserted near the Wnt9b gene allows transcriptional activity of the retrotransposon and interference with transcription from Wnt9b. Methylation of metastable epialleles should be investigated in human nonsyndromic CL ± P. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 100:772–788, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Embryological and molecular development of the adrenal glands
Authors: Ross Ian L. , Louw Graham J.
Published: September 2014

In this mini review, the embryological and functional development of the adrenal glands is presented from a molecular perspective. While acknowledging that this is a highly complex series of events, the processes are described in simple and broad strokes in a single text for the reader who is interested in this field but is not an active researcher. The origin of the adrenal glands is in the mesodermal ridge as early as the fourth week of gestation. Between the eighth and ninth weeks of gestation, the adrenal glands are encapsulated and this results in the presence of a distinct organ. There have been great strides in deciphering the very complicated molecular aspects of adrenal gland development in which multiple transcription factors have been identified, directing the adrenogonadal primordium into the adrenal cortex, kidney, or bipotential gonad. Adrenocorticotrophic hormone is critical for early development of the hypothalamic‐pituitary adrenal axis. Several mutations in transcription factors, responsible for normal adrenal gland development have been found to induce the familial syndrome of congenital adrenal hypoplasia or neoplasia. Clin. Anat. 28:235–242, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Manipulation of gene expression by infrared laser heat shock and its application to the study of tracheal development in Drosophila
Authors: Miao Guangxia , Hayashi Shigeo
Published: September 2014

Background: Induction of gene expression in a specific cell and a defined time window is desirable to investigate gene function at the cellular level during morphogenesis. To achieve this, we attempted to introduce the infrared laser‐evoked gene operator system (IR‐LEGO, Kamei et al., 2009) in the Drosophila embryo. In this technique, infrared laser light illumination induces genes to be expressed under the control of heat shock promoters at the single cell level. Results: We applied IR‐LEGO to a transgenic fly stock, HS‐eGFP, in which the enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) gene is placed under the control of heat shock protein 70 promoter, and showed that eGFP expression can be induced in single cells within 1–2 hr after IR illumination. Furthermore, induction of HS‐Branchless transgene encoding the Drosophila fibroblast growth factor (FGF) effectively altered the migration and branching patterns of the tracheal system. Conclusions: Our results indicated that IR‐LEGO is a promising choice for the timely control of gene expression in a small group of cells in the Drosophila embryo. By using IR‐LEGO, we further demonstrated that the tracheal terminal branching program is sensitive to localized expression of exogenous FGF. Developmental Dynamics 244:479–487, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ethanol production from vineyard pruning residues with steam explosion pretreatment
Authors: Buratti C. , Barbanera M. , Lascaro E.
Published: September 2014

Second generation bioethanol is a renewable fuel that can be produced from cellulosic biomass through hydrolysis and fermentation based processes. Vineyard pruning residues constitute a potential lignocellulosic substrate for bioethanol production, since they have high sugar content and are a renewable, cheap, and readily available feedstock. In this work, vineyard pruning residues were firstly characterized to determine the content of ash (3.0 ± 0.0%), extractives (12.2 ± 0.0%), acid insoluble lignin (31.6 ± 2.2%), glucan (28.4 ± 0.9%), XMG (14.4 ± 0.4%), arabinan (2.6 ± 0.2%), and acetyl groups (3.9 ± 0.8%) using the standard laboratory analytical procedures for biomass analysis provided by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. Vineyard pruning residues were then pretreated in a steam explosion pilot unit at severity of 3.83, 4.24, 4.56, and 4.69. The two pretreated water insoluble fiber fractions, characterized by the highest cellulose recovery yield, were tested for ethanol production by separate hydrolysis and fermentation process. The composition of pretreatment products, the enzymatic digestibility, and the ethanol yield were analyzed. Results show that the maximum ethanol yield (8.9 g ethanol/100 g raw material) is obtained after pretreatment at a severity of 4.24. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 802–809, 2015
Feeling Bad Posing as a Model: An Objective Manner of Study Upward Own‐Body Comparisons in Body‐Dissatisfied Women
Authors: Ortega‐Roldán Blanca , Rodríguez‐Ruiz Sonia , Díaz‐Ferrer Sandra , Fernández‐Santaella M. Carmen , Vila Jaime
Published: September 2014

Emotional effects of upward body comparisons are suggested to occur automatically. A startle reflex paradigm was used to objectively examine the emotions elicited by viewing a picture of one's own body adopting a model pose or a neutral pose, in 30 women with high body dissatisfaction (HBD) and 33 women with low body dissatisfaction (LBD). In‐task emotional responses in perceived valence, arousal and control were assessed. Additionally, post‐task positive/negative and body‐related beauty feelings were recorded. The results revealed that HBD women, compared with LBD women, showed (i) less pleasure, higher activation and less control whilst viewing their own bodies and (ii) less pleasure, more negative/ugliness feelings and an increased startle response when viewing themselves posing as models. The data showed that their own bodies provoked an immediate negative emotional state in HBD women. However, greater aversive psychophysiological mechanisms were automatically activated only when these women posed as models, suggesting that they made upward own‐body comparisons. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
A nonlinear ALE‐FCT scheme for non‐equilibrium reactive solute transport in moving domains
Authors: Mabuza Sibusiso , Kuzmin Dmitri
Published: September 2014

In this paper, we present a conservative, positivity‐preserving, high‐resolution nonlinear ALE‐flux‐corrected transport (FCT) scheme for reactive transport models in moving domains. The mathematical model is a convection–diffusion equation with a nonlinear flux equation on the moving channel wall. The reactive transport is assumed to have dominant Péclet and Damköhler numbers, a phenomenon that often results in non‐physical negative solutions. The scheme presented here is proven to be mass conservative in time and positive at all times for a small enough Δt. Reactive transport examples are simulated using this scheme for its validation, to show its convergence, and to compare it against the linear ALE‐FCT scheme. The nonlinear ALE‐FCT is shown to perform better than the linear ALE‐FCT schemes for large time steps. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modelling and Trading the Greek Stock Market with Gene Expression and Genetic Programing Algorithms
Authors: Karatahansopoulos Andreas , Sermpinis Georgios , Laws Jason , Dunis Christian
Published: September 2014

This paper presents an application of the gene expression programming (GEP) and integrated genetic programming (GP) algorithms to the modelling of ASE 20 Greek index. GEP and GP are robust evolutionary algorithms that evolve computer programs in the form of mathematical expressions, decision trees or logical expressions. The results indicate that GEP and GP produce significant trading performance when applied to ASE 20 and outperform the well‐known existing methods. The trading performance of the derived models is further enhanced by applying a leverage filter. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Triassic tectonics and mineral systems in the Qinling Orogen, central China
Authors: Chen Yan‐Jing , Santosh M.
Published: September 2014

The Qinling Orogen in central China preserves the records of a complex geological and tectonic history, and also carries abundant mineral resources. Previous investigations on the Qinling Orogen have identified that the final transition from the Palaeo‐Tethys Ocean to a continental orogen occurred in the Triassic, although the timing of the oceanic closure and the tectonic affinity of the Triassic Qinling belt have been poorly constrained. In this contribution, we compile the palaeomagnetic data and geological evidence related to sedimentation, magmatism and mineral systems. The palaeomagnetic data show that the Palaeo‐Tethys Ocean in the Qinling Orogen gradually closed westward during the Triassic, terminating in the beginning of the Jurassic. Triassic strata are widely developed in the Qinling Orogen and conformably overlie the Permian strata. They are composed of carbonates and siliciclastic rocks that were strongly deformed and weakly metamorphosed during the Late Triassic to Late Jurassic. The Triassic magmatic rocks are dominated by I‐type granitoids, with subordinate S‐type and alkaline granites and minor carbonatite dykes, with a clear northward transition in lithology and geochemical features from the Mian‐Lue Suture. Different types of Triassic mineral systems have been reported from this region, including sedimentary‐hosted epizonogenic hydrothermal Hg–Sb, Pb–Zn ± Ag, Au deposits, metamorphic hydrothermal lodes of Au, Ag–Pb–Zn, Mo–Au and Mo, magmatic hydrothermal systems including porphyry Mo, breccia pipe Au, and carbonatite‐hosted Mo deposits. We infer that the Triassic Qinling Orogen witnessed synchronous oceanic plate subduction in the west and continental linkage in the east, with a transition from oceanic basin to continental orogen through gradual subduction‐related consumption of the oceanic plate. The Palaeo‐Tethys Ocean closed in a westward scissor‐like fashion in the Triassic and continental collision and extensive crustal shortening in the Jurassic, following which post‐collisional extension occurred in the Early Cretaceous. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of fruit quality, bioactive compounds and total antioxidant activity of flat peach cultivars
Authors: Di Vaio Claudio , Marallo Nadia , Graziani Giulia , Ritieni Alberto , Di Matteo Antonio
Published: September 2014

BACKGROUND

Fruit quality traits (fresh weight, dry weight, soluble solids content, titratable acidity and firmness) as well as the content of bioactive compounds (phenolic compounds) and total antioxidant activity were evaluated in four commercial cultivars of peach (Greta, Ufo 4, Rome Star and Ufo 6) and four of nectarine (Neve, Planet 1, Maria Carla and Mesembrina) differing in fruit shape (standard or flat) and flesh colour (white or yellow), important cultivars of the Italian and foreign market. The higher fruit organoleptic quality and nutritional profile of flat peach and nectarine cultivars make them candidates for exploiting new market opportunities and the chance to improve profits of farmers.

RESULTS

The results showed that assayed quality parameters differed greatly among cultivars. In particular, flesh color and fruit shape accounted for most of the variation in traits underlying organoleptic and nutritional quality.

CONCLUSION

Overall data suggested that the flat white‐fleshed nectarine Planet 1, the yellow‐fleshed nectarine Mesembrina and the yellow‐fleshed peach Ufo 6, because of their profiles in terms of soluble solids content, titratable acidity and bioactive compounds, have the greatest potential to meet current consumer requirements. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Tailored Thiol‐Functional Polyamides: Synthesis and Functionalization
Authors: Mommer Stefan , Keul Helmut , Möller Martin
Published: September 2014

In this article, a synthetic concept for the preparation of polyamides with functional side groups is described. First, the synthesis of a bis(thiolactone) monomer is shown in a concise three‐step route from itaconic acid and DL‐homocysteine thiolactone. The reactivity of the resulting bis(thiolactone) toward hexyl amine is examined. Next, the bis(thiolactone) is reacted as A,A‐type monomer with different B,B‐type comonomers (1,12‐diaminododecane and 1,3‐bis(aminopropyl)tetramethyldisiloxane). Ring opening of the thiolactones by the diamines leads to polyamides with pendant thiol groups. Using two diamines in different ratios, the properties of the resulting polyamides are tuned (thermal properties are determined) and different molecular weights are acquired. Subsequently, the thiol groups are reacted with methyl acrylate via Michael addition to functionalize the polyamides. Functionalization of thiol‐functional polyamides using poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether (mPEG) acrylates ( = 480 and 1700 g mol−1) results in water‐soluble amphiphilic poly­amides with molecular weights higher than 10 000 g mol−1.

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Development of a Mechanical Actuator for Active Lenses
Authors: Vargas Angela C. , Picciani Paulo H. , Michel Ricardo C.
Published: September 2014

Variable focus lenses can vary their shape and consequently their focus when a stimulus is applied. This kind of lenses, on some applications, has advantages over the regular lenses because of their smaller size and weight. Different types of stimulus can be used to change the shape of these lenses; the element that applies the stimulus is called actuator. Lenses deformed by a mechanical force are interesting devices that work in a way similar to human eyes. The muscles around a human eye compress or relax its lens every time a focus change is needed. On this paper we describe a voice coil actuator that applies mechanical force over a flexible polymeric lens, changing its shape and consequently its focus. The applied force, the deformation of the lens and its convergence power are functions of the driving current in the voice coil actuator. The maximum force applied by the actuator is 0.48N. The convergence power is also dependent of optical and viscoelastic properties of the lens material.
Synthesis of Core‐Shell Particles with Low Molecular Weight Alkanes by Miniemulsion Polymerization
Authors: Capeletto Claudia A. , da Silva Marcel R. , Sayer Claudia , de Araújo Pedro H. H.
Published: September 2014

Miniemulsion polymerization technique was used to obtain core‐shell nanoparticles with a core of low molecular weight alkanes and a polystyrene shell. Reactions were performed at 80°C for 5 hours using benzoyl peroxide as oil‐soluble initiator. The effect of different alkane types, namely n‐hexadecane, n‐octane and n‐heptane, and initiator concentrations on reaction rates, particle sizes, molecular weights and particles morphology were evaluated. When shorter chain alkanes as n‐heptane and n‐octane were used it was observed lower reaction rates, higher particle sizes and less sharp particle morphology than in reactions with hexadecane in which well formed core‐shell particles were obtained. These results were assigned to the plasticizing effect and higher water‐solubility of n‐octane and n‐heptane, responsible for decreasing the gel effect and favoring the diffusional degradation.
Synthesis and Characterization of Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) PMMA and Evaluation of Cytotoxicity for Biomedical Application
Authors: Feuser Paulo E. , Gaspar Pamela C. , Ricci‐Júnior Eduardo , Silva Maria C. S. da , Nele Marcio , Sayer Claudia , H. H. de Araújo Pedro.
Published: September 2014

The objective this work was the synthesis, characterization and evaluation of cytotoxicity poly(methyl methacrylate), PMMA, nanoparticles (NPs) produced using miniemulsion polymerization technique adopting azobisisobutylonitrile (AIBN) as initiator and biocompatible and biodegradable surfactant, lecithin and co‐stabilizer, miglyol 812 The NPs showed high stability during one year and an average diameter of 89 nm with polydispersity index of 0.11 and a zeta potential −48 mV. The PMMA NPs were tested for cytotoxicity in acute monocytic leukemia cells (THP1) and in human lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549). The PMMA NPs did not show any adverse effect on cell viability indicating their potential to encapsulate antitumor agents.
Surface Modification of Starch Films by Plasma
Authors: de Albuquerque Marta D. F. , Bastos Daniele C. , Simão Renata A.
Published: September 2014

Many studies have shown that starch is a good alternative to produce biodegradable plastics. Corn starch based films were prepared by solvent evaporation using water and glycerol as plasticizers and their surfaces were modified by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) employing different plasma treatments in order to induce different surface wettability characteristics. Three different surfaces were produced: (i) starch modified by helium (He) plasma at −100 V for 10 min; (ii) starch coated using hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) monomer at −60 V for 20 min;and (iii) starch surface modification by He plasma at −100 V for 10 min followed by coating with HMDSO monomer at −60 V for 20 min. The results indicated that He plasma treatment under this condition was not able to induce changes in the surface wettability, but HMDSO coating led to surface hydrophobization, both of the as‐prepared starch films and the He‐modified surfaces.
Variable number tandem repeats in dopamine receptor D4 in Tourette's syndrome
Authors: Liu Shiguo , Cui Jiajia , Zhang Xinhua , Wu Weifeng , Niu Haitao , Ma Xu , Xu Hongmei , Yi Mingji
Published: September 2014

Background

We attempted to clarify the association between dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) 48‐bp variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) polymorphism and Tourette's syndrome.

Methods

The DRD4 48‐bp VNTR polymorphism was genotyped in 291 Tourette's syndrome patients (including 218 trios) and 405 controls. Chi‐square and transmission disequilibrium test analysis were used to compare genetic distributions. We retrieved related studies in a meta‐analysis to clarify the role of 2‐repeat and 4‐repeat alleles in the pathogenesis.

Results

Obvious genotype and allele distribution differences were observed between patients and healthy controls for both 2‐repeat and 4‐repeat alleles. This was verified using transmission disequilibrium test analysis. Meta‐analysis showed strong associations in both the total population and the Asian population.

Conclusions

The DRD4 48‐bp VNTR polymorphism appears to be associated with Tourette's syndrome, with the 2‐repeat allele performing a protective role and the 4‐repeat allele a nonprotective role in the genesis of the disease. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Lack of validation of variants associated with cervical dystonia risk: A GWAS replication study
Authors: Gómez‐Garre Pilar , Huertas‐Fernández Ismael , Cáceres‐Redondo María Teresa , Alonso‐Canovas Araceli , Bernal‐Bernal Inmaculada , Blanco‐Ollero Alberto , Bonilla‐Toribio Marta , Burguera Juan Andrés , Carballo Manuel , Carrillo Fatima , José Catalán‐Alonso M. , Escamilla‐Sevilla Francisco , Espinosa‐Rosso Raul , Carmen Fernández‐Moreno María , García‐Caldentey Juan , García‐Moreno José Manuel , Giacometti‐Silveira Sandra , Gutiérrez‐García Javier , Jesús‐Maestre Silvia , López‐Valdés Eva , Martínez‐Castrillo Juan Carlos , Medialdea‐Natera María Pilar , Méndez‐Lucena Carolina , Mínguez‐Castellanos Adolfo , Angel Moya Miguel , Ochoa‐Sepulveda Juan José , Ojea Tomas , Rodríguez Nuria , Rubio‐Agusti Ignacio , Sillero‐Sánchez Miriam , del Val Javier , Vargas‐González Laura , Mir Pablo
Published: September 2014

Background

A recent genome‐wide association study (GWAS) has identified a putative association, not statistically confirmed, of cervical dystonia within several regions in a British population. Hence, the authors proposed dysfunction of the ion channel NALCN (for sodium leak channel, nonselective) as a plausible cause of cervical dystonia. The objective of our study was to investigate the association of five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) previously reported with high signals as putative genetic risk factors for cervical dystonia in a British GWAS, including two located in the NALCN gene region.

Methods

We performed a case‐control association study in a Spanish population. The SNPs selected for genotyping were two SNPS in the NALCN gene (rs61973742 and rs1338041), one SNP in the OR4X2 gene (rs67863238), one SNP in the COL4A1 region (rs619152), and one intergenic SNP (rs1249277). Genomic DNA was collected from 252 patients with cervical dystonia, with a mean age of 55.3 ± 14.1 years (mean age at onset, 43.5 ± 15.7 years), and 342 unrelated control subjects with a mean age of 56.3 ± 14.3 years. Genotyping of SNPs was performed using TaqMan assays and SimpleProbe assays.

Results

The SNP rs619152 had to be excluded because of assay failure. No significant differences were found in allele distribution between cases and controls for all analyzed SNPs. Therefore, we found no association with cervical dystonia for the analyzed SNPs in our Spanish population.

Conclusions

We did not find any evidence supporting the association of NALCN with cervical dystonia, indicating that this gene is not implicated in the pathogenesis of this disorder in our cervical dystonia population. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Quasi‐optimality of the adaptive finite element method for the eigenvalue problem arising from the vibration frequencies of the cavity flow
Authors: Shen Quan
Published: September 2014

In this article, we present a posteriori error analysis for the regularization formulation of the eigenvalue problem arising from the vibration frequencies of the cavity flow. The quasi‐optimality of the adaptive finite element method is also proved for the single eigenvalues under the Dörfler's marking strategy without marking the oscillation terms and enforcing the so‐called interior node property. Numerical examples illustrate the quasi‐optimality of the adaptive finite element method. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 31: 900–922, 2015
Prostacyclin‐synthase expression in head and neck carcinoma patients and its prognostic value in the response to radiotherapy
Authors: Camacho Mercedes , Piñeiro Zenaida , Alcolea Sonia , García Jacinto , Balart Josep , Terra Ximena , Avilés‐Jurado Francesc‐Xavier , Soler Marta , Quer Miquel , León Xavier , Vila Luis
Published: September 2014

Prostacyclin (PGI2) plays a role in cancer progression but the mechanism is currently poorly understood. Additionally, no data are available about the prognostic value of the PGI2 pathway in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) therapy. We evaluated the expression of the PGI2 pathway in HNSCC patients. PGI2 production and PGI synthase (PGIS) expression, in terms of mRNA (RT‐PCR) and protein (immunoblotting), were lower in tumour samples than in non‐tumoural mucosa, whereas, as expected, COX‐2 expression was increased in HNSCC tumour samples. Using local control of the tumour after radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy as a dependent variable, patients were classified into two categories of PGIS transcript levels. The high‐PGIS group had a significantly lower frequency of local and distant failure than the low‐PGIS group, and the 5‐year cancer‐specific survival was higher [90.2% (95% CI 81.0–99.4%) versus 60.5% (95% CI 44.4–76.6%)]. None of the four HNSCC cell lines analysed expressed PGIS and therefore they did not produce PGI2. However, HNSCC‐conditioned media enhanced PGI2 production in endothelial cells (ECs). The stable analogue of PGI2, carbaprostacyclin (cPGI2), exerted little effect on HNSCC cell line migration, and no effect on cell cycle distribution or proliferation rate after radiation injury was observed. Nevertheless, cPGI2 promoted EP‐4‐dependent in vitro angiogenesis. Von Willebrand factor expression (EC marker) and capillary density were significantly higher in the group of patients with high expression of PGIS. Our results indicate that PGIS expression was associated with radiotherapy efficiency. Although we do not provide direct evidence of a relationship between tumour vascularization and radiotherapy efficiency, our results suggest that the effect of PGI2 is related to its ability to promote vascularization. These results also support the concept that co‐adjuvant therapy with PGIS enhancers, such as retinoids, could have therapeutic value for HNSCC treatment. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The push–pull strategy for citrus psyllid control
Authors: Yan Huaxue , Zeng Jiwu , Zhong Guangyan
Published: September 2014

The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), is the only natural vector of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus that causes citrus huanglongbing (HLB), a most destructive disease of citrus. Currently, no remedial therapy exists for the disease, and so effective control of ACP is very important in curbing the transmission of the disease. The push–pull strategy should be thoroughly explored as an approach to ACP management. This mini‐review summarises the current progress towards more effective repellent and attractant chemicals through investigating known repellent and attractive plants. Interactions between ACP and its host plants are also addressed, with emphasis on the possible involvement of the host biochemicals in attracting the insect. Potential ways to increase the effectiveness of the pull–push strategy are briefly discussed. It is expected that the pull–push strategy will be gradually developed following more extensive research. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Natural enemy‐mediated indirect interactions among prey species: potential for enhancing biocontrol services in agroecosystems
Authors: Chailleux Anaïs , Mohl Emily K , Teixeira Alves Mickaël , Messelink Gerben J , Desneux Nicolas
Published: September 2014

Understanding how arthropod pests and their natural enemies interact in complex agroecosystems is essential for pest management programmes. Theory predicts that prey sharing a predator, such as a biological control agent, can indirectly reduce each other's density at equilibrium (apparent competition). From this premise, we (i) discuss the complexity of indirect interactions among pests in agroecosystems and highlight the importance of natural enemy‐mediated indirect interactions other than apparent competition, (ii) outline factors that affect the nature of enemy‐mediated indirect interactions in the field and (iii) identify the way to manipulate enemy‐mediated interactions for biological control. We argue that there is a need to increase the link between community ecology theory and biological control to develop better agroecological methods of crop protection via conservation biological control. In conclusion, we identify (i) interventions to be chosen depending on agroecosystem characteristics and (ii) several lines of research that will improve the potential for enemy‐mediated indirect interactions to be applied to biological control. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Impact of strain induced by polymer curing in benzocyclobutene embedded semiconductor nanostructures
Authors: Bussone Genziana , Dimakis Emmanouil , Grifone Raphael , Biermanns Andreas , Tahraoui Abbes , Carbone Dina , Geelhaar Lutz , Schülli Tobias U. , Pietsch Ullrich
Published: September 2014

Polymers such as benzocyclobutene are commonly used as embedding materials for semiconductor nanostructures. During the curing process of the polymer up to 250 °C, a significant impact of strain can be induced on the embedded semiconductor material due to different thermal expansion coefficients. This strain has been revealed by X‐ray diffraction in free‐standing GaAs nanowires grown on a silicon substrate, embedded in a polymer matrix. It will be shown that this strain is released during the X‐ray irradiation if additionally an external static electric field is applied.

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(© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Classroom Instruction
Authors: McNaughton Stuart
Published: September 2014

Marie Clay's body of work has influenced classroom instruction in direct and indirect ways, through large overarching themes in our pedagogical content knowledge as well as specific smart practices. This paper focuses on her the contributions to our thinking about instruction which come from two broad theoretical concepts; emergent literacy and tutorial for teaching. These have contributed to shifts in the ways we think about instruction and provide a basis for the development and retuning of instructional practices.
Ga2SbCl7O – A Molecular Gallium Antimony Chloride Oxide Synthesized from a GaCl3 Melt
Authors: Eich Andreas , Schnakenburg Gregor , Beck Johannes
Published: September 2014

Gallium antimony chloride oxide, Ga2SbCl7O, is formed in a GaCl3‐based melt containing tellurium, antimony, SbCl3, and Sb2O3 in form of colorless, highly hygroscopic crystals. The crystal structure consists of discrete molecules, in which a bent SbOCl unit is coordinated by two GaCl3 groups. The Ga atoms coordinate the oxygen atom, resulting in a planar [Ga2SbO] central building unit. A distinct stereochemical lone pair effect is present at the antimony atom. In the crystal, the molecules are packed in the motif of a hexagonal closest packing. DFT calculations and NBO considerations show that the low lying molecular orbital comprising the lone pair at the oxygen atom emerges from a pure p orbital showing almost no delocalization and no steric effect.
Regularity criteria for the incompressible Hall‐MHD system
Authors: Fan J. , Fukumoto Y. , Nakamura G. , Zhou Y.
Published: September 2014

This paper proves some regularity criteria for the Hall‐MHD system in terms of the pressure and the magnetic field.
Effect of Sodium Chloride on the Surface and Wetting Properties of Aqueous Solutions of Cocamidopropyl Betaine
Authors: Staszak Katarzyna , Wieczorek Daria , Michocka Katarzyna
Published: September 2014

Surfactants are important ingredients of personal care products and household products. The main characteristic of these compounds is to decrease the surface tension of solvent and resulting many properties such as contact angle, foam properties etc. The coexistence of other ingredients in the product may affect the properties of surfactants. One of the main components contained in almost every personal care and household product is sodium chloride. The main aim of this work was to determine the effect of this salt on some surface and usage properties of cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB). From our experiments it was shown that the effect of added sodium chloride in the aqueous solutions of CAPB on the properties is the opposite to the one described in the literature for cationic and anionic surfactants, i.e., CMC increases with increasing ionic strength, foam height decreases with increasing salt concentration. Our investigation showed that sodium chloride makes worse the properties of the CAPB solutions examined in this work.
Ekphrasis and the Theme of Artistic Failure in Ovid's Metamorphoses
Authors: Leach Eleanor Winsor
Published: September 2014

In his review of the first edition of Brooks Otis'sOvid as an Epic Poet, William Anderson challenges the notion that structural symmetry is the principle that governs Ovid's narrative design. To propose an alternative view of Ovidian aesthetics, he takes for his example the weaving contest of Arachne and Minerva in Book 6. Minerva's tapestry which depicts her own victory in the contest for the naming of Athens is arranged in a completely symmetrical design. The judging gods stand six on either side of Jupiter; the disputants likewise stand on opposite sides. Each corner of the tapestry contains a panel showing the punishment of mortals who in one way or another have challenged the gods, and the whole is framed with an ornamental border of olive leaves. “The goddess,” as Anderson says, “produced a perfect piece of Classicistic art, structurally balanced and thematically grandiose, in support of the established order.” With this monumental and authoritarian piece of work, the tapestry of Minerva's rival Arachne contrasts in every way. It is flagrantly asymmetrical and lifelike:

a swirl of divine figures in unedifying situations … one god after another gratifying his lust for a human woman. There is no apparent structure to the tapestry which consists of nine affairs of Jupiter; six of Neptune; four of Apollo and one each of Liber and Saturn. Juxtaposed as they apparently are, they have a cumulative effect, much as Baroque paintings do by contrast with the neatly arranged masterpieces of Raphael.
Microanalysis Characterization of Bioactive Protein-Bound Polysaccharides Produced by Amanita Ponderosa Cultures
Authors: Salvador Cátia , Martins M. Rosário , Caldeira A. Teresa
Published: September 2014

Different compounds of edible mushrooms are responsible for their bioactivity. The ability to synthesize polysaccharides, namely protein–polysaccharide (PPS) complexes, is related to the antioxidant capacity of these compounds and present great interest in preventing a number of diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular and auto-immune diseases, and accelerated aging. Amanita ponderosa are wild edible mushrooms that grow in Mediterranean “montado” areas [Portuguese name given to cork oak (Quercus suber) and holm oak (Quercus ilex) forests]. The aim of this study was to evaluate the production of PPS complexes obtained from A. ponderosa cultures using a new microanalytical approach to quickly and easily monitor the production process. Microanalysis using Fourier-transform infrared using attenuated total reflection and Raman spectroscopy of PPS samples showed spectra compatible with identification of this type of compound in culture extracts. PPS separated by size-exclusion chromatography showed seven main complexes. Molecular weights of the main PPS complexes isolated from cultures ranged between 1.5 and 20 kDa and did not present toxicity against Artemia salina, demonstrating the potential of A. ponderosa as a source of biologically active compounds with nutraceutical value. Application of this microanalytical approach to monitoring the production of PPS compounds can be successfully applied in biotechnological processes.
Co-Precipitated and Collocated Carbides and Cu-Rich Precipitates in a Fe–Cu Steel Characterized by Atom-Probe Tomography
Authors: Kolli R. Prakash , Seidman David N.
Published: September 2014

The composition of co-precipitated and collocated NbC carbide precipitates, Fe3C iron carbide (cementite), and Cu-rich precipitates are studied experimentally by atom-probe tomography (APT). The Cu-rich precipitates located at a grain boundary (GB) are also studied. The APT results for the carbides are supplemented with computational thermodynamics predictions of composition at thermodynamic equilibrium. Two types of NbC carbide precipitates are distinguished based on their stoichiometric ratio and size. The Cu-rich precipitates at the periphery of the iron carbide and at the GB are larger than those distributed in theα-Fe (body-centered cubic) matrix, which is attributed to short-circuit diffusion of Cu along the GB. Manganese segregation is not observed at the heterophase interfaces of the Cu-rich precipitates that are located at the periphery of the iron carbide or at the GB, which is unlike those located at the edge of the NbC carbide precipitates or distributed in theα-Fe matrix. This suggests the presence of two populations of NiAl-type (B2 structure) phases at the heterophase interfaces in multicomponent Fe–Cu steels.
FORUM: ELIE HALEVY, FRENCH LIBERALISM, AND THE POLITICS OF THE THIRD REPUBLIC INTRODUCTION
Authors: VINCENT K. STEVEN
Published: September 2014

The history of French liberalism is undergoing a renaissance. For much of the twentieth century, it was viewed with disdain, as insufficiently “engaged,” as too tentative in its demands for social reform, as overly optimistic concerning the progress of reason and science. Scholarship during the past three decades has challenged these views, though it is notable that there is still, to my knowledge, no general history of French liberalism that goes past the consolidation of the Third Republic in the late 1870s. Part of the ongoing reassessment has been the consequence of the decline of revolutionary illusions and of marxisant frameworks of analysis following 1968, reinforced by the more general decline of the left following the end of the Cold War in 1989 and the implosion of the Soviet Union in 1991. Another element contributing to this reassessment has been the emergence of more nuanced definitions of “liberalism,” ones that are not limited to legal (civil liberties), political (constitutionalism), and/or economic (free trade) dimensions. Equally important, scholars are insisting, are conceptions of science, of religion, of the role of the state, of solidarity, of sociability, of moeurs, of identity, of gender, of the self.
Analyse der ambulanten und stationären Pflegenoten hinsichtlich der Nützlichkeit für den Verbraucher
Authors: Sünderkamp Susanne , Weiß Christian , Rothgang Heinz
Published: September 2014

Hintergrund: Seit dem Pflege-Weiterentwicklungsgesetz von 2008 und der Entwicklung der Pflegetransparenzvereinbarungen sollen Verbraucher die Möglichkeit erhalten, auf Basis einer flächendeckenden Qualitätsbeurteilung von ambulanten Pflegediensten und stationären Pflegeeinrichtungen eine informierte Wahl ihres Pflegeanbieters vorzunehmen. Ziel: Diese Studie prüft die Pflegenoten auf Basis einer empirischen Analyse der veröffentlichten MDK-Qualitätsberichte von 11 884 ambulanten Pflegediensten und 10 310 Pflegeheimen, was einer erstmaligen Vollerhebung aller bundesdeutschen Pflegeanbieter gleichkommt. Methoden: Auswertungen der deskriptiven Statistik und Diskussion der Ergebnisse in Hinblick auf die Nützlichkeit der Noten für den Verbraucher. Ergebnisse: Die Auswertungen zeigen eine begrenzte Aussagekraft der Pflegenoten für den Verbraucher. Ursächlich dafür sind insbesondere die durchschnittlich sehr guten Noten bei geringer Streuung und die großen Lücken in der Bewertung der einzelnen Kriterien, vor allem im ambulanten Bereich. Sie verstärken den Einfluss pflegeferner Kriterien auf die Gesamtnote und begünstigen den Ausgleich von Pflegemängeln durch guten Service. Dies kommt aber sehr selten vor. Eine stärkere Bewertung von Risikokriterien würde die Aussagekraft derzeit kaum erhöhen. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Konzeption der Pflegenoten bedarf einer gründlichen Optimierung, um die Nützlichkeit für den Verbraucher zu erhöhen.
Nanocoaxes for optical and electronic devices
Authors: Rizal Binod , Merlo Juan M. , Burns Michael J. , Chiles Thomas C. , Naughton Michael J.
Published: September 2014

The evolution of micro/nanoelectronics technology, including the shrinking of devices and integrated circuit components, has included the miniaturization of linear and coaxial structures to micro/nanoscale dimensions.
Integration of graphene oxide and DNA as a universal platform for multiple arithmetic logic units
Authors: Wang Kun , Ren Jiangtao , Fan Daoqing , Liu Yaqing , Wang Erkang
Published: September 2014

Multiple logic gates were integrated on a universal GO–DNA platform to implement both half adder and half subtractor functions.