bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Chemistry of Calcium
Authors: Perrone Daniel , Monteiro Mariana
Published: October 2015

Calcium is an alkaline-earth metal very abundant in nature, which participates in several biological processes. Due to its electronic configuration, calcium is easily oxidized and forms doubly charged cations. Calcium inorganic salts are usually water soluble, but some complexes or chelates show different solubility behavior, strongly dependent on pH. While oxalate and phytate salts are especially insoluble in water, thus decreasing calcium absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, the chelate with glycine is extremely water soluble and therefore used for fortification of foods. Calcium shows six stable isotopes and eighteen radioisotopes, many of which have been employed in biological studies. Stable isotopes are widely used for the investigation of calcium absorption, bioavailability and homeostasis, usually employing double-isotopic approaches and mass-spectrometry techniques.
Ultrasonic-Dialysis Capillary Electrophoresis Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry Analysis of Calcium Speciation in Red Blood Cells
Authors: Deng Biyang , Sun Shuangjiao , Wang Yingzi
Published: October 2015

A novel method for analysis of calcium species in human red blood cells (HRBC) through ultrasonic dialysis and capillary electrophoresis inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry techniques is reviewed. The optimized separation conditions are achieved at 20 kV in 40 mmol L−1 of tris(hydroxymethyl)-aminomethane–HCl buffer at pH of 7.40. Eight primary calcium-containing species (concentrations 1.21–21.8 mg L−1) are observed in HRBC. Three species reveal molecular weights of larger than 100 kDa, three between 50 and 100 kDa, one between 15 and 50 kDa, and one smaller than 15 kDa. The calcium species with the greatest mobility is a calcium-erythrocyte membrane species with a molecular weight of 50–100 kDa. The concentration of free Ca2+ in HRBC cytoplasm was determined as 112 nmol L−1. The recovery of spiked samples was observed in the range of 96.0–103%. The attempted method is sensitive and more selective than other common methods for determination of free Ca2+ in HRBC.
Methods for the X-Ray Diffraction Patterns of Nanocalcium in Milk
Authors: Chen Ching-Hsiang , Chen Liang-Yih , Chen Hsiao-Chien
Published: October 2015

In the first section of this chapter, the function of calcium in the human body, food nanotechnology, and several traditional analyzed methods for nanocalcium were described. The normal methods could determine the concentrations of nanocalcium additives in food and the analytic species is in ionic or ionized state. However, it is not easy to evaluate the sources of the calcium salt. To find the correct structures of added calcium salts, it would be one of the important issues to identify the phase transformation of the calcium during any treatments. X-ray diffraction technology can provide useful structural information of any crystals to detect the quantities of additives in the nanofood or identify the phase variation of food treated by different procedures. Therefore, the basic fundamental principles of the X-ray diffraction technology are shown in the second section. The content of the third section further probes into the crystal structures of nanocalcium additives in milk powders in the recent market. The X-ray diffraction patterns of the milk samples with the addition of nanocalcium have been obtained to evaluate the crystal phase and its structure transformation. In addition, the results also inferred that the milk powders containing nanocalcium after processing would prompt the transformation of crystal structure to partially generate oxide structures or even hydroxide structures. These trends make the mean of structure information of the nanocalcium additives more complicated. Herein, this chapter provides a simple methodology by using the X-ray diffraction technology to carry out the structural identification of the nanocalcium additives in milk powders. It can effectively characterize the phases of components and also reveal the structural stability of the nanoscale additives in food nanotechnology.
Determining Calcium Bioavailability Using Caco-2 Cells
Authors: Alegría Amparo , Garcia-Llatas Guadalupe , Barberá Reyes
Published: October 2015

Calcium plays an important role in prevention of chronic diseases and in critical biological functions; however, not only must the calcium content in foods be known, but also its bioavailability. This chapter discusses the usefulness of Caco-2 culture cells as an in vitro method for evaluating calcium bioavailability in foods. Structural and functional characteristics of this cell culture, beside some methodological aspects of Caco-2 cell assays, and calcium-absorption mechanisms are reported. In particular, the effect of food components upon the bioavailability of calcium, as well as its influence upon iron absorption is discussed in this chapter.
Adolescents and Dietary Calcium
Authors: Mesías Marta , Seiquer Isabel , Navarro M. Pilar
Published: October 2015

Calcium requirements are increased during adolescence due to the accelerated growth and development of this period. An adequate calcium intake during growth is decisive to reach the maximum peak bone mass, which protects against future resorption and osteoporosis, a disease whose incidence is increasing progressively in Western countries. Hormonal changes associated with puberty have a great influence on calcium absorption and retention, thus promoting calcium metabolism and enhancing bone mineralization. In addition, the lifestyle and dietary habits of adolescents should be aimed to promote calcium absorption the formation of the bone mass. Diet, therefore, must contribute nutrients in sufficient quality and quantity to allow maximum bone mass development. Mediterranean patterns, together with physical activity, should be recommended among adolescent population as a useful dietary model to facilitate the utilization of dietary calcium and prevent degenerative diseases such as osteoporosis.
Adding Calcium to Foods and Effect on Acrylamide
Authors: Göncüoğlu Taş Neslihan , Hamzalıoğlu Aytül , Kocadağlı Tolgahan , Gökmen Vural
Published: October 2015

Acrylamide is found in widely consumed heat-treated foods such as fried potato and bakery products. It is formed from asparagine via a Maillard reaction at temperatures higher than 100 °C. The presence of acrylamide has been considered as an important food-related crisis since it is classified as probably carcinogenic to humans. For this reason, acrylamide mitigation in foods becomes an important issue. Calcium salts are used to mitigate acrylamide formation in especially potato and bakery products. Calcium cation restricts asparagine to form a Schiff base during Maillard reaction in the presence of carbonyl compounds. There are several studies indicating the effect of calcium on mitigation of acrylamide both in model and food systems. According to these studies usage of calcium salts is found to be effective in mitigation of acrylamide formation. On the other hand, calcium salts cause increases in sugar dehydration products like 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural during heating. High solubility in water, effectiveness in low concentrations without changing sensorial properties and low price of calcium salts make them suitable in industrial applications.
Intracellular Calcium Modulation of Gene Expression
Authors: Casas Mariana , Jaimovich Enrique
Published: October 2015

Cells have developed a variety of mechanisms to keep free calcium ion concentrations at very low levels in the cytosol. These mechanisms allow transient increases in cell calcium concentrations to be used as signals to trigger a variety of cellular processes, gene expression being one of them. Skeletal muscle relies on nerve activity both for contraction and also for the expression of genes related to pathways that include survival and the plastic changes required for adaptation to exercise. A particular pathway that involves Cav1.1 as a voltage sensor for nerve activity, pannexin-1 channels to release ATP to the extracellular milieu, purinergic P2Y receptors to link the signal via G protein to PI3 kinase and phospholipase C, will finally give rise to slow, long-lasting calcium transients in the nuclear region that can be linked to either expression or repression of a variety of genes. This mechanism appears to be the basis of fast to slow muscle fiber transition.
Mitochondrial Calcium Homeostasis and Implications for Human Health
Authors: Calì Tito , Ottolini Denis , Brini Marisa
Published: October 2015

Ca2+ has a central role in all the cellular functions. Its signal is shaped by the coordinated action of the Ca2+-transporting proteins and the intracellular organelles. Mitochondria have a special role since they are the energy powerhouse of the cells, but also a major hub for cellular Ca2+ signaling crucial for cell life and death. The mitochondrial membrane potential generated by the respiratory chain is used by the ATP synthase for running the endergonic reaction of ADP phosphorylation and by the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter to take up Ca2+ into the matrix accordingly its electrochemical gradient. The action of the H+/Ca2+ and the Na+/Ca2+ exchangers prevents the attainment of the electrical equilibrium. Impaired Ca2+ handling can lead to matrix Ca2+ overload and activation of the high conductance mitochondrial permeability transition pore. Mitochondrial Ca2+ overload has deleterious consequences for the cells: increased membrane permeability leads to the release of proapoptotic factors and the activation of the apoptotic pathway. Even the absence of proper Ca2+ transfer from the endoplasmic reticulum to mitochondria could be detrimental since it results in defective metabolism and autophagy. Thus, mitochondrial Ca2+ handling dysfunctions may have important implications in different physiopathological conditions.
Simultaneous electrochemical detection of catechol and hydroquinone based on gold nanoparticles@carbon nanocages modified electrode
Authors: Huang Yi Hong , Chen Jian Hua , Ling Li Jing , Su Zhen Bo , Sun Xue , Hu Shi Rong , Weng Wen , Huang Yang , Wu Wen Bing , He Ya San
Published: October 2015

Illustration of the synthesis of AuNPs@CNCs and the electrochemical oxidization of CC and HQ.
Expansile crosslinked polymersomes for pH sensitive delivery of doxorubicin
Authors: Liu Xifeng , Yaszemski Michael J. , Lu Lichun
Published: October 2015

Shell crosslinked polymersomes self-assembled by amphiphilic chains showed pH-responsive swelling through acidic cleavage of the hydrophobic content.
A novel supramolecular polymer gel constructed by crosslinking pillar[5]arene-based supramolecular polymers through metal–ligand interactions
Authors: Wang Pi , Xing Hao , Xia Danyu , Ji Xiaofan
Published: October 2015

A novel heteroditopic A–B monomer was synthesized and used to construct linear supramolecular polymers utilizing pillar[5]arene-based host–guest interactions. Upon addition of Cu2+ ions, a supramolecular polymer gel formed through metal–ligand interactions.
Dynamic flow synthesis of porous organic cages
Authors: Briggs Michael E. , Slater Anna G. , Lunt Neil , Jiang Shan , Little Marc A. , Greenaway Rebecca L. , Hasell Tom , Battilocchio Claudio , Ley Steven V. , Cooper Andrew I.
Published: October 2015

Two imine-based porous organic cages were successfully synthesised in continuous flow. The same flow reactor was then used to scramble the constituents of these two cages in differing ratios to form cage mixtures.
Interplay mechanism between secondary phase particles and extended dislocations in CdZnTe crystals
Authors: Xu Yadong , Jia Ningbo , He Yihui , Guo Rongrong , Gu Yaxu , Jie Wanqi
Published: October 2015

Te-rich secondary phase dissociation dominates the volume variation during isothermal annealing, which results in the activation of dislocation glide and climb systems and, simultaneously, the diffusion of Te interstitials (Tei).
Multiscale study of the influence of cationic surfactants on amorphous calcium phosphate precipitation
Authors: Selmani A. , Coha I. , Magdić K. , Čolović B. , Jokanović V. , Šegota S. , Gajović S. , Gajović A. , Jurašin D. , Dutour Sikirić M.
Published: October 2015

Different effects that surfactant monomers and micelles exert on different length scales during CaPs formation in solution can lead to similar effects on the microscale.
Geometry controlled anomalous diffusion in random fractal geometries: looking beyond the infinite cluster
Authors: Mardoukhi Yousof , Jeon Jae-Hyung , Metzler Ralf
Published: October 2015

We study the strongly non-ergodic effects of a random walk on a percolation geometry below, at, and above the percolation threshold.
Insights into dissociative electron transfer in esterified shikonin semiquinones by in situ ESR/UV-Vis spectroelectrochemistry
Authors: Armendáriz-Vidales G. , Frontana C.
Published: October 2015

Electrochemical, spectroelectrochemical and theoretical analysis of isovalerylshikonin suggests the presence of a stepwise dissociative electron transfer.
Oriented polyvinylidene fluoride–trifluoroethylene (P(VDF–TrFE)) films by Langmuir–Blodgett deposition: a synchrotron X-ray diffraction study
Authors: Lindemann W. R. , Philiph R. L. , Chan D. W. W. , Ayers C. T. , Perez E. M. , Beckman S. P. , Strzalka J. , Chaudhary S. , Vaknin D.
Published: October 2015

Langmuir–Blodgett films of polyvinylidene fluoride trifluoroethylene – P(VDF–TrFE)-copolymers possess substantially improved electrocaloric and pyroelectric properties, when compared with conventionally spin-cast films.
Effective rate constant for nanostructured heterogeneous catalysts
Authors: Rajabi Leila , Hendy S. C.
Published: October 2015

There is a great deal of interest in the use of nanostructured heterogeneous catalysts, particularly those based on expensive precious metals, in order to maximise the surface to volume ratio of the catalyst, potentially reducing the cost without sacrificing performance.
Theoretical prediction of silicene as a new candidate for the anode of lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Seyed-Talebi Seyedeh Mozhgan , Kazeminezhad Iraj , Beheshtian Javad
Published: October 2015

Using DFT calculations, we determine the adsorption and diffusion of Li/Li+ onto a silicene supercell.
Nonlinear optical chromophores based on Dewar's rules: enhancement of electro-optic activity by introducing heteroatoms into the donor or bridge
Authors: Xu Huajun , Yang Dan , Liu Fenggang , Fu Mingkai , Bo Shuhui , Liu Xinhou , Cao Yuan
Published: October 2015

In this work, we investigated the enhancement of the electro-optic response by introducing electron-rich heteroatoms as additional donors to the donor or bridge of a conventional second-order nonlinear optical chromophore.
Polymer based graphene/titanium dioxide nanocomposite (GTNC): an emerging and efficient thermoelectric material
Authors: Dey Abhijit , Hadavale Sayali , Khan Md Abdul Shafeeuulla , More Priyesh , Khanna Pawan K. , Sikder Arun Kanti , Chattopadhyay Santanu
Published: October 2015

An ecofriendly procedure for the synthesis of graphene–titanium dioxide nanocomposites (GTNC) has been developed by dispersing nano-titanium dioxide (TiO2) and graphene nanosheets (GNSs) in ethanolviaultrasonication followed by microwave irradiation.
Imido–hydrido complexes of Mo(iv): catalysis and mechanistic aspects of hydroboration reactions
Authors: Khalimon Andrey Y. , Farha Philip M. , Nikonov Georgii I.
Published: October 2015

Stoichiometric reaction of complexes (ArN)Mo(H)(Cl)(PMe3)3 (1) and (ArN)Mo(H)2(PMe3)3 (3) with nitriles and HBCat suggest that catalytic hydroboration reactions proceed via a series of agostic borylamido and borylamino complexes.
Tin(ii)-functionalization of the archetypal {P8W48} polyoxotungstate
Authors: Izarova N. V. , Klaß L. , de Oliveira P. , Mbomekalle I.-M. , Peters V. , Haarmann F. , Kögerler P.
Published: October 2015

The synthesis of {SnII8P8W48}, the first example of the archetypal {P8W48}-type polyoxotungstate cluster functionalized with the main group metal ions, elucidates the critical reaction parameters that have to be adjusted to avoid numerous competing side reactions.
Graphene quantum dot sensitized leaf-like InVO4/BiVO4 nanostructure: a novel ternary heterostructured QD-RGO/InVO4/BiVO4 composite with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity
Authors: Lin Xue , Wang Yushuang , Zheng Jia , Liu Chang , Yang Yang , Che Guangbo
Published: October 2015

A QD-RGO/InVO4/BiVO4 nanoheterostructure exhibiting enhanced photocatalytic activity was synthesized. The heterostructure included QD-RGO assembled on the surface of leaf-like InVO4/BiVO4.
De facto methodologies toward the synthesis and scale-up production of UiO-66-type metal–organic frameworks and membrane materials
Authors: Hu Zhigang , Zhao Dan
Published: October 2015

The recent development in the synthetic methods and scale-up production of UiO-66-type MOFs and their related composites is presented.
Catalytic conversion of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural into 2,5-furandiamidine dihydrochloride
Authors: Jia Xiuquan , Ma Jiping , Wang Min , Ma Hong , Chen Chen , Xu Jie
Published: October 2015

2,5-Furandiamidine dihydrochloride was synthesized from 5-hydroxymethylfurfural for the first time by reaction of dimethyl furan-2,5-dicarboximidate preparedin situwith ammonium chloride.
Engineering chemically modified viruses for prostate cancer cell recognition
Authors: Mohan K. , Weiss G. A.
Published: October 2015

Viruses wrapped with peptide ligand-functionalized PEG allowed differentiation of biomarker levels on prostate cancer cells distinguishing disease aggressiveness.
Effect of oncogene activating mutations and kinase inhibitors on amino acid metabolism of human isogenic breast cancer cells
Authors: Kim Eung-Sam , Samanta Animesh , Cheng Hui Shan , Ding Zhaobing , Han Weiping , Toschi Luisella , Chang Young Tae
Published: October 2015

K-Ras/PI3K knock-in mutation and treatment of kinase inhibitors altered the intracellular amino acid metabolism compared to the wild-type breast cell.
Clickable complexing agents: functional crown ethers for immobilisation onto polymers and magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Mendoza Carolina , Jansat Susanna , Vilar Ramón , Pericàs Miquel A.
Published: October 2015

A modular library of crown ethers and monoazacrown ethers supported by CuAAC reactions onto magnetic nanoparticles and polymers has been prepared and evaluated as extracting materials for Pb2+ from aqueous and organic solutions.
Conducting poly(o-anisidine-co-o-phenyldiammine) nanorod dispersed epoxy composite coatings: synthesis, characterization and corrosion protective performance
Authors: Rawat Neha Kanwar , Sinha Alok Kumar , Ahmad Sharif
Published: October 2015

Conducting polymers (CPs) have been significantly contributing to the development of high performance new-generation anti-corrosive coatings.
Magnetic Co3O4/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite as a superior heterogeneous catalyst for one-pot oxidative esterification of aldehydes to methyl esters
Authors: Panwar Vineeta , Al-Nafiey Amer , Addad Ahmed , Sieber Brigitte , Roussel Pascal , Boukherroub Rabah , Jain Suman L.
Published: October 2015

Magnetic Co3O4/reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite as a superior heterogeneous catalyst for one-pot oxidative esterification of aldehydes to methyl esters.
Photoluminescence properties, crystal structure and electronic structure of a Sr2CaWO6:Sm3+ red phosphor
Authors: Wang Lili , Moon Byung Kee , Park Sung Heum , Kim Jung Hwan , Shi Jinsheng , Kim Kwang Ho , Jeong Jung Hyun
Published: October 2015

A novel Sm3+-doped Sr2CaWO6 (SCWO) red phosphor was synthesized and its crystal structure and electronic structure were investigated.
Nano-pesticide formulation based on fluorescent organic photoresponsive nanoparticles: for controlled release of 2,4-D and real time monitoring of morphological changes induced by 2,4-D in plant systems
Authors: Atta Sanghamitra , Bera Manoranjan , Chattopadhyay Tirthartha , Paul Amrita , Ikbal Mohammed , Maiti Mrinal K. , Singh N. D. Pradeep
Published: October 2015

In recent times, nano-pesticide formulations have gained great popularity since they enable effective usage of smaller quantities of the pesticides without creating much damage to the environment.
Formal total synthesis of calothrixin B and its N-benzyl analogues
Authors: Ramkumar Nagarajan , Nagarajan Rajagopal
Published: October 2015

A formal total synthesis of calothrixin B and its N-benzyl analogues has been reported from (2-chlorophenyl)boronic acid, 8-bromophenanthridine-dione and benzylamines.
Fabrication and characterization of Ag2CO3/SnS2 composites with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activity for the degradation of organic pollutants
Authors: Luo Jin , Zhou Xiaosong , Zhang Jinquan , Du Zhihua
Published: October 2015

The efficient charge transfer at the interfaces of the Ag2CO3/SnS2 composite due to the inner established electric field (E), which effectively facilitated interfacial charge transfer and improved photogenerated electron–hole pairs separation.
Studies of dispersed liquid crystals in binary mixtures with ionic liquid and their excitation by electric signals
Authors: Srivastava Jagdeesh Kumar , Singh Rajendra Kumar , Dhar Ravindra , Singh Shri
Published: October 2015

Morphological changes observed in the binary mixtures of nematic liquid crystal and ionic liquid with externally applied electric signals.
Correction: Studies of intermolecular interactions in solid dispersions using advanced surface chemical analysis
Authors: Maniruzzaman M. , Snowden Martin J. , Bradley Mike S. , Douroumis D.
Published: October 2015

Correction for ‘Studies of intermolecular interactions in solid dispersions using advanced surface chemical analysis’ by M. Maniruzzaman et al., RSC Adv., 2015, 5, 74212–74219.
Profiling the reactivity of cyclic C-nucleophiles towards electrophilic sulfur in cysteine sulfenic acid
Authors: Gupta Vinayak , Carroll Kate S.
Published: October 2015

Oxidation of a protein cysteine thiol to sulfenic acid, termedS-sulfenylation, is a reversible post-translational modification that plays a crucial role in regulating protein function and is correlated with disease states.
An optoelectronic nose for identification of explosives
Authors: Askim Jon R. , Li Zheng , LaGasse Maria K. , Rankin Jaqueline M. , Suslick Kenneth S.
Published: October 2015

A portable optoelectronic nose for the identification of explosives uses a highly cross-reactive colorimetric sensor array and a handheld scanner.
Porous nitrogen and phosphorus co-doped carbon nanofiber networks for high performance electrical double layer capacitors
Authors: Xu Guiyin , Ding Bing , Pan Jin , Han Jinpeng , Nie Ping , Zhu Ye , Sheng Qi , Dou Hui
Published: October 2015

Porous nitrogen and phosphorus co-doped carbon nanofiber networks show excellent electrochemical stability for high performance electrical double layer capacitors.
MoSx supported hematite with enhanced photoelectrochemical performance
Authors: Ahn Hyo-Jin , Yoon Ki-Yong , Kwak Myung-Jun , Lee Jung-Soo , Thiyagarajan Pradheep , Jang Ji-Hyun
Published: October 2015

By creating a p–n heterojunction of molybdenum sulfide (MoSx)/Ti-doped Fe2O3 (Ti-Fe2O3), we successfully addressed electron–hole transfer problems of hematite and thus achieved the enhanced photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance.
Lithium storage in a highly conductive Cu3Ge boosted Ge/graphene aerogel
Authors: Zhang Chuanjian , Chai Fenglian , Fu Lin , Hu Pu , Pang Shuping , Cui Guanglei
Published: October 2015

A Cu3Ge/Ge@G aerogel was synthesized via a simple pyrolysis route and directly employed as a high performance anode for lithium-ion batteries.
A novel peroxisome proliferator response element modulates hepatic low-density lipoprotein receptor gene transcription in response to PPARδ activation
Authors: Shende Vikram R. , Singh Amar Bahadur , Liu Jingwen
Published: October 2015

The hepatic expression of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor (LDLR) gene is regulated primarily at the transcriptional level by a sterol-regulatory element (SRE) in its proximal promoter region which is the site of action of SRE-binding protein 2 (SREBP2). However whether additional cis-regulatory elements contribute to LDLR transcription has not been fully explored. We investigated the function of a putative peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-response element (PPRE) sequence motif located at −768 to −752 bases upstream of the transcription start site of human LDLR gene in response to PPARδ activation. Promoter luciferase reporter analyses showed that treating HepG2 cells with PPARδ agonist L165041 markedly increased the activity of a full-length LDLR promoter construct (pLDLR-1192) without any effects on the shorter promoter reporter pLDLR-234 that contains only the core regulatory elements SRE-1 and SP1 sites. Importantly, mutation of the PPRE sequence greatly attenuated the induction of the full-length LDLR promoter activity by L165041 without affecting rosuvastatin (RSV)-mediated transactivation. EMSA and ChIP assay further confirmed the binding of PPARδ to the LDLR-PPRE site. Treating HepG2 cells with L165041 elevated the mRNA and protein expressions of LDLR without affecting the LDLR mRNA decay rate. The induction of LDLR expression by PPARδ agonist was further observed in liver tissue of mice and hamsters treated with L165041. Altogether, our studies identify a novel PPRE-mediated regulatory mechanism for LDLR transcription and suggest that combined treatment of statin with PPARδ agonists may have advantageous effects on LDLR expression.
Improvement of skin wound healing in diabetic mice by kinin B2 receptor blockade
Authors: Desposito Dorinne , Chollet Catherine , Taveau Christopher , Descamps Vincent , Alhenc-Gelas François , Roussel Ronan , Bouby Nadine , Waeckel Ludovic
Published: October 2015

Impaired skin wound healing is a major medical problem in diabetic subjects. Kinins exert a number of vascular and other actions limiting organ damage in ischaemia or diabetes, but their role in skin injury is unknown. We investigated, through pharmacological manipulation of bradykinin B1 and B2 receptors (B1R and B2R respectively), the role of kinins in wound healing in non-diabetic and diabetic mice. Using two mouse models of diabetes (streptozotocin-induced and db/db mice) and non-diabetic mice, we assessed the effect of kinin receptor activation or inhibition by subtype-selective pharmacological agonists (B1R and B2R) and antagonist (B2R) on healing of experimental skin wounds. We also studied effects of agonists and antagonist on keratinocytes and fibroblasts in vitro. Levels of Bdkrb1 (encoding B1R) and Bdkrb2 (encoding B2R) mRNAs increased 1–2-fold in healthy and wounded diabetic skin compared with in non-diabetic skin. Diabetes delayed wound healing. The B1R agonist had no effect on wound healing. In contrast, the B2R agonist impaired wound repair in both non-diabetic and diabetic mice, inducing skin disorganization and epidermis thickening. In vitro, B2R activation unbalanced fibroblast/keratinocyte proliferation and increased keratinocyte migration. These effects were abolished by co-administration of B2R antagonist. Interestingly, in the two mouse models of diabetes, the B2R antagonist administered alone normalized wound healing. This effect was associated with the induction of Ccl2 (encoding monocyte chemoattractant protein 1)/Tnf (encoding tumour necrosis factor α) mRNAs. Thus stimulation of kinin B2 receptor impairs skin wound healing in mice. B2R activation occurs in the diabetic skin and delays wound healing. B2R blockade improves skin wound healing in diabetic mice and is a potential therapeutic approach to diabetic ulcers.
Chirp-Evoked Auditory Brainstem Response in Children: A Review
Authors: Bargen Gabriel Anne
Published: October 2015

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess the use of the chirp stimulus to record auditory brainstem responses in the pediatric population via a traditional review.

Method

An electronic search of the literature and a hand search of the literature were conducted. Studies that utilized chirp stimuli within the pediatric population that met all of the inclusion criteria were included in this review. Qualitative synthesis and interpretation of the data were completed.

Results

Seven studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in the review. Chirp stimuli produce auditory brainstem response (ABR) waveform amplitudes in children similar to those in adults when presented at moderate to low frequency levels. Latency data from chirp stimuli are not consistent when stimulus presentation rates are altered. Test–retest reliability when using the chirp stimulus was found to be good, as were sensitivity and specificity of chirp-evoked ABRs utilized in a newborn hearing screening protocol.

Conclusion

Reviewed studies indicated that when presented at 60 dB nHL or lower, broadband chirp–generated ABRs have larger amplitudes than click-generated ABRs in children with normal hearing. Utilization of chirp stimuli decreases test time because waveforms are easier to detect with increased synchronization. Further research should focus on correlating chirp thresholds with behavioral hearing thresholds. Given the variance of results in these select studies, future research should also evaluate latency findings and focus on developing normative data for infants with hearing impairment and normal hearing.
Robust stabilisation for constrained discrete‐time switched positive linear systems with uncertainties
Authors: Liu Jinjin , Zhang Kanjian , Pang Guochen , Wei Haikun
Published: October 2015

Robust stabilisation problem of discrete‐time switched linear systems with bounds on the controls and states is investigated in this study. Firstly, the controller synthesis for systems with interval uncertainties which guarantees positivity and stability of the closed‐loop system is studied. These results are then extended to the systems with polytopic uncertainties. All the conditions are formulated in terms of linear feasibility. Finally, numerical examples illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Quantisation effect on zero‐order‐holder discretisation of multi‐input sliding‐mode control systems
Authors: Yan Yan , Yu Xinghuo , Sun Changyin , Yu Shuanghe
Published: October 2015

This study investigates the quantisation effect on dynamical behaviours of the zero‐order‐holder discretisation of multi‐input sliding‐mode control systems with matched uncertainties. The quasi‐sliding mode induced by both quantisation and discretisation is analysed and the thicknesses of the boundary layers are calculated. It is shown that chattering phenomenon occurs in the union of the two boundary layers induced by both kinds of discontinuous laws. The stability condition is given and the authors show that the switching manifold has relatively low chattering frequencies due to quantised state feedback. Finally, the theoretical results are verified through the simulation study of a third‐order system with two inputs.
Analysis of sine‐triangle and zero‐sequence injection modulation schemes for split‐phase induction motor drive
Authors: Rakesh Padikkat R. , Narayanan Gopalaratnam
Published: October 2015

A split‐phase induction motor is fed from two three‐phase voltage source inverters for speed control. This study analyses carrier‐comparison based pulse width modulation (PWM) schemes for a split‐phase motor drive, from a space‐vector perspective. Sine‐triangle PWM, one zero‐sequence injection PWM where the same zero‐sequence signal is used for both the inverters, and another zero‐sequence injection PWM where different zero‐sequence signals are employed for the two inverters are considered. The set of voltage vectors applied, the sequence in which the voltage vectors are applied, and the resulting current ripple vector are analysed for all the PWM methods. Besides all the PWM methods are compared in terms of dc bus utilisation. For the same three‐phase sine reference, the PWM method with different zero‐sequence signals for the two inverters is found to employ a set of vectors different from the other methods. Both analysis and experimental results show that this method results in lower total harmonic distortion and higher dc bus utilisation than the other two PWM methods.
Flexible active compensation based on load conformity factors applied to non‐sinusoidal and asymmetrical voltage conditions
Authors: Brandao Danilo Iglesias , Paredes Helmo Kelis Morales , Costabeber Alessandro , Marafão Fernando Pinhabel
Published: October 2015

This study proposes a flexible active power filter (APF) controller operating selectively to satisfy a set of desired load performance indices defined at the source side. The definition of such indices, and of the corresponding current references, is based on the orthogonal instantaneous current decomposition and conformity factors provided by the conservative power theory. This flexible approach can be applied to single‐ or three‐phase APFs or other grid‐tied converters, as those interfacing distributed generators in smart grids. The current controller is based on a modified hybrid P‐type iterative learning controller which has shown good steady‐state and dynamic performances. To validate the proposed approach, a three‐phase four‐wire APF connected to a non‐linear and unbalanced load has been considered. Experimental results have been generated under ideal and non‐ideal voltage sources, showing the effectiveness of the proposed flexible compensation scheme, even for weak grid scenarios.
Nonlinear Trivelpiece-Gould waves: Frequency, functional form, and stability
Authors: Dubin D. H. E. , Ashourvan A.
Published: October 2015

This paper considers the frequency, spatial form, and stability of nonlinear Trivelpiece-Gould (TG) waves on a cylindrical plasma column of length L and radius rp, treating both traveling waves and standing waves, and focussing on the regime of experimental interest in which L/rp≫1. In this regime, TG waves are weakly dispersive, allowing strong mode-coupling between Fourier harmonics. The mode coupling implies that linear theory for such waves is a poor approximation even at fairly small amplitude, and nonlinear theories that include a small number of harmonics, such as three-wave parametric resonance theory, also fail to fully capture the stability properties of the system. It is found that nonlinear standing waves suffer jumps in their functional form as their amplitude is varied continuously. The jumps are caused by nonlinear resonances between the standing wave and nearly linear waves whose frequencies and wave numbers are harmonics of the standing wave. Also, the standing waves are found to be unstable to a multi-wave version of three-wave parametric resonance, with an amplitude required for instability onset that is much larger than expected from three wave theory. It is found that traveling waves are linearly stable for all amplitudes that could be studied, in contradiction to three-wave theory.
On the bubble rise velocity of a continually released bubble chain in still water and with crossflow
Authors: Wang Binbin , Socolofsky Scott A.
Published: October 2015

The rise velocities of in-chain bubbles continually released from a single orifice in still water with and without crossflow are investigated in a series of laboratory experiments for wobbling ellipsoidal bubbles with moderate Reynolds number. For the limiting case in still water, that is, crossflow velocity = 0, the theoretical turbulent wake model correctly predicts the in-chain bubble rise velocity. In this case, the bubble rise velocities VB are enhanced compared to the terminal velocities of the isolated bubbles V0 due to wake drafting and are scaled with flow rate Q and bubble diameter D. Here, we also derive an updated wake model with consideration of the superposition of multiple upstream bubble wakes, which removes the nonlinear behavior of the non-distant (i.e., local) wake model. For the cases with crossflow, the enhancement of the in-chain bubble rise velocity can be significantly reduced, and imaging of the experiments shows very organized paring and grouping trajectories of rising bubbles not observed in still water under different crossflow velocities. The in-chain bubble rise velocities in crossflow are described by two models. First, an empirical model is used to correct the still-water equation for the crossflow effect. In addition, a semi-theoretical model considering the turbulent wake flow and the crossflow influence is derived and used to develop a theoretical normalization of bubble rise velocity, crossflow velocity, and the released bubble flow rate. The theoretical model suggests there are two different regimes of bubble-bubble interaction, with strong interaction occurring for the non-dimensional crossflow velocity Uc+=πUc3D3V0/(18gβQ2) less than 0.06 and weaker interaction occurring for Uc+ greater than 0.06, where Uc is the crossflow velocity, g is the acceleration of gravity, and β is the mixing length coefficient.
Frozen flux violation, electron demagnetization and magnetic reconnection
Authors: Scudder J. D. , Karimabadi H. , Daughton W. , Roytershteyn V.
Published: October 2015

We argue that the analogue in collisionless plasma of the collisional diffusion region of magnetic reconnection is properly defined in terms of the demagnetization of the plasma electrons that enable “frozen flux” slippage to occur. This condition differs from the violation of the “frozen-in” condition, which only implies that two fluid effects are involved, rather than the necessary slippage of magnetic flux as viewed in the electron frame. Using 2D Particle In Cell (PIC) simulations, this approach properly finds the saddle point region of the flux function. Our demagnetization conditions are the dimensionless guiding center approximation expansion parameters for electrons which we show are observable and determined locally by the ratio of non-ideal electric to magnetic field strengths. Proxies for frozen flux slippage are developed that (a) are measurable on a single spacecraft, (b) are dimensionless with theoretically justified threshold values of significance, and (c) are shown in 2D simulations to recover distinctions theoretically possible with the (unmeasurable) flux function. A new potentially observable dimensionless frozen flux rate, ΛΦ, differentiates significant from anecdotal frozen flux slippage. A single spacecraft observable, ϒ, is shown with PIC simulations to be essentially proportional to the unobservable local Maxwell frozen flux rate. This relationship theoretically establishes electron demagnetization in 3D as the general cause of frozen flux slippage. In simple 2D cases with an isolated central diffusion region surrounded by separatrices, these diagnostics uniquely identify the traditional diffusion region (without confusing it with the two fluid “ion-diffusion” region) and clarify the role of the separatrices where frozen flux violations do occur but are not substantial. In the more complicated guide and asymmetric 2D cases, substantial flux slippage regions extend out along, but inside of, the preferred separatrices, demonstrating that ΛΦ ≠ 0 violations are present over significant distances (in ion inertial units) from the separator identified by the 2D flux function; these violations are, however, generally weaker than seen at known separators in 2D simulations.
Thyroid function and autoimmunity during ovarian stimulation for intracytoplasmic sperm injection
Authors: Mintziori Gesthimani , Goulis Dimitrios G. , Kolibianakis Efstratios M. , Slavakis Aristidis , Bosdou Julia , Grimbizis Grigorios , Tarlatzis Basil C.
Published: October 2015

The aim of the present study was to assess changes in thyroid function and thyroid autoimmunity (TAI) throughout ovarian stimulation (OS) for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and the association of these changes with ICSI outcome. A flexible gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist protocol was used in 42 women and their thyroid function and TAI were assessed at baseline and five times during OS (Days 3 and 5 of the menstrual cycle, the day of hCG administration, the day of ovum pick-up and the day of the pregnancy test). The primary outcome measure was the change in thyroid function throughout OS. No overall change was recorded in thyrotropin-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations throughout OS (P = 0.066). In women who became pregnant (n = 8), an increase in TSH concentrations was noted on the day of the pregnancy test compared with Day 3 of the menstrual cycle (3.410 ± 1.200 vs 2.014 ± 0.950 μIU mL–1, respectively; P = 0.001; mean ± s.d.). TAI was present in 11 of 42 women. Biochemical pregnancy was negatively correlated with changes in TSH (r = –0.7, P = 0.004). No such association was noted regarding the live birth rate. The present study provides evidence that TSH concentrations could increase during OS, especially in women who become pregnant.
An invertebrate smooth muscle with striated muscle myosin filaments
Authors: Sulbarán Guidenn , Alamo Lorenzo , Pinto Antonio , Márquez Gustavo , Méndez Franklin , Padrón Raúl , Craig Roger
Published: October 2015

Significance

All animals have the ability to move. In most animals, striated muscles move the body and smooth muscles the internal organs. In both muscles, contraction results from interaction between myosin and actin filaments. Based on vertebrate studies, smooth and striated muscles are thought to have different protein components and filament structures. We have studied muscle ultrastructure in the parasiteSchistosoma mansoni, where we find that this view is not supported. This invertebrate possesses only smooth muscles, yet its myosin sequence and filament structure are identical to those of striated muscle, while its actin filaments are smooth muscle-like. Such “hybrid” muscles may be common in other invertebrates. This finding challenges the paradigm that smooth and striated muscles always have different components.
Drosophila
TRPA1 isoforms detect UV light via photochemical production of H
2
O
2
Authors: Guntur Ananya R. , Gu Pengyu , Takle Kendra , Chen Jingyi , Xiang Yang , Yang Chung-Hui
Published: October 2015

Significance

Discovering new light-sensing mechanisms and cell types are of considerable interest to researchers across disciplines. Understanding how cells sense light is one of the most fundamental problems in biology. In addition, optogenetics has become a critical research tool and discovery of new light-sensing mechanisms may expand the existing toolbox. In this work, we described our discovery of a dTRPA1-dependent photochemical pathway that is sufficient to confer UV sensitivity to light-insensitive cells. We also discovered a group of neuroendocrine cells that express these isoforms endogenously and can sense UV. These findings demonstrate a new cell type that can sense strong UV and the potential of exploiting dTRPA1 channel as an optogenetic tool.
Impact of perceptual biases on cultural perception towards the ‘other’:the case of Egypt versus the European Union
Authors: Khatib Hakim
Published: October 2015

The empirical literature has focused on political, socio-economic and even religious indicators when attempting to understand the rise of Islamic factions in Egypt, thereby minimizing the role of cultural aspects in driving mobilization and contestation processes in the Arab World. With this issue in mind, this paper focuses on the alteration of cultural perception of the public through the capitalization of perceptual biases. The contribution of European Union policies in the region has served as useful material for the Islamic rhetoric of the ‘Salafi Call’ and the Muslim Brotherhood in creating a European Union-sceptical culture to contest and mobilize for the elections in 2012 in Egypt. Based on the sixth edition of Jerald Greenberg and Robert Baron’s Behavior in Organizations (London, 1997), perceptual biases of stereotyping, which may distort the image of the target collective, and comparative examples of Islamic rhetoric from the period covering the Egyptian elections will be analyzed to demonstrate how Islamic factions took advantage of these perceptual biases to disparage the ‘West’ in the region and, at the same time, to gain more sympathy, support and legitimacy from the Egyptian people. Whilst there is a significant knowledge gap about Europe in the Arab world, clouded by generalization and stereotyping, the European Union likewise lacks accurate and up-to-date information about religious movements. Religious elites constitute a significant player in altering cultural perception in the Arab region. Pragmatism of politically active religious factions increases their impact on perception of the ‘Self’ and the ‘Other’.
An analytic approach to the degree bound in the Nullstellensatz
Authors: Kwon Hyun-Kyoung , Netyanun Anupan , Trent Tavan
Published: October 2015

The Bezout version of Hilbert’s Nullstellensatz states that polynomials without a common zero form the unit ideal. In this paper, we start with a finite number of univariate polynomials and consider the polynomials that show up as a result of the Nullstellensatz. We present a simple analytic method of obtaining a bound for the degrees of these polynomials. Our result recovers W. D. Brownawell’s bound and is consistent with that of J. Kollár in the univariate case. The proof involves some well-known results on the analyticity of complex-valued functions.
Steiner symmetry in the minimization of the first eigenvalue in problems involving the 𝑝-Laplacian
Authors: Anedda Claudia , Cuccu Fabrizio
Published: October 2015

Let

Ω
⊂

R

N

\Omega \subset \mathbb {R}^N

be an open bounded connected set. We consider the eigenvalue problem

−

Δ
p

u
=
λ
ρ

|

u

|

p
−
2

u

-\Delta _p u =\lambda \rho |u|^{p-2}u

in

Ω
\Omega

with homogeneous Dirichlet boundary condition, where

Δ
p

\Delta _p

is the

p
p

-Laplacian operator and

ρ
\rho

is an arbitrary function that takes only two given values

0
>
α
>
β

0>\alpha >\beta

and that is subject to the constraint

∫
Ω

ρ

d
x
=
α
γ
+
β
(

|

Ω

|

−
γ
)

\int _\Omega \rho \,dx=\alpha \gamma +\beta (|\Omega |-\gamma )

for a fixed

0
>
γ
>

|

Ω

|

0>\gamma >|\Omega |

. The optimization of the map

ρ
↦

λ
1

(
ρ
)

\rho \mapsto \lambda _1(\rho )

, where

λ
1

\lambda _1

is the first eigenvalue, has been studied by Cuccu, Emamizadeh and Porru. In this paper we consider a Steiner symmetric domain

Ω
\Omega

and we show that the minimizers inherit the same symmetry.
The Psychological Treatment of Victims of Interpersonal Violence
Authors: Fitzgerald Monica M. , Nasser Nyla
Published: October 2015

This chapter provides a brief overview of empirically supported psychosocial treatments for adults who have developed serious clinical psychiatric disorders, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other psychosocial and behavioral problems as a result of exposure to interpersonal victimization and violence. In this chapter, we will describe important aspects of creating a safe and therapeutic environment for victims of interpersonal violence and the evidence-based core treatment components and strategies for use with adult victims of interpersonal violence with PTSD. Finally, we will introduce three empirically supported treatment programs incorporating some or all of the core treatment components discussed. We will also discuss emerging and novel interventions for the treatment of PTSD in adults that have varying levels of theoretical and empirical evidence.