bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of PI3Kδ Reduces Kidney Infiltration by Macrophages and Ameliorates Systemic Lupus in the Mouse
Authors: Suárez-Fueyo Abel , Rojas José M. , Cariaga Ariel E. , García Esther , Steiner Bart H. , Barber Domingo F. , Puri Kamal D. , Carrera Ana C.
Published: June 2014

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a human chronic inflammatory disease generated and maintained throughout life by autoreactive T and B cells. Class I phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K) are heterodimers composed of a regulatory and a catalytic subunit that catalyze phosphoinositide-3,4,5-P3 formation and regulate cell survival, migration, and division. Activity of the PI3Kδ isoform is enhanced in human SLE patient PBLs. In this study, we analyzed the effect of inhibiting PI3Kδ in MRL/lpr mice, a model of human SLE. We found that PI3Kδ inhibition ameliorated lupus progression. Treatment of these mice with a PI3Kδ inhibitor reduced the excessive numbers of CD4+ effector/memory cells and B cells. In addition, this treatment reduced serum TNF-α levels and the number of macrophages infiltrating the kidney. Expression of inactive PI3Kδ, but not deletion of the other hematopoietic isoform PI3Kγ, reduced the ability of macrophages to cross the basement membrane, a process required to infiltrate the kidney, explaining MRL/lpr mice improvement by pharmacologic inhibition of PI3Kδ. The observations that p110δ inhibitor prolonged mouse life span, reduced disease symptoms, and showed no obvious secondary effects indicates that PI3Kδ is a promising target for SLE.
Ambulatory and Hospital-based Quality Improvement Methods in Israel
Authors: Blum Nava , Halperin Dafna , Masharawi Youssef
Published: June 2014

This review article compares ambulatory and hospital-based quality improvement methods in Israel. Data were collected from: reports of the National Program for Quality Indicators in community, the National Program for Quality Indicators in Hospitals, and from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Reviews of Health Care Quality.
Evaluating the performance of commonly used gas analysers for methane eddy covariance flux measurements: the InGOS inter-comparison field experiment
Authors: Peltola O. , Hensen A. , Helfter C. , Belelli Marchesini L. , Bosveld F. C. , van den Bulk W. C. M. , Elbers J. A. , Haapanala S. , Holst J. , Laurila T. , Lindroth A. , Nemitz E. , Röckmann T. , Vermeulen A. T. , Mammarella I.
Published: June 2014

Abstract. The performance of eight fast-response methane (CH4) gas analysers suitable for eddy covariance flux measurements were tested at a grassland site near the Cabauw tall tower (Netherlands) during June 2012. The instruments were positioned close to each other in order to minimise the effect of varying turbulent conditions. The moderate CH4 fluxes observed at the location, of the order of 25 nmol m−2 s−1, provided a suitable signal for testing the instruments' performance. Generally, all analysers tested were able to quantify the concentration fluctuations at the frequency range relevant for turbulent exchange and were able to deliver high-quality data. The tested cavity ringdown spectrometer (CRDS) instruments from Picarro, models G2311-f and G1301-f, were superior to other CH4 analysers with respect to instrumental noise. As an open-path instrument susceptible to the effects of rain, the LI-COR LI-7700 achieved lower data coverage and also required larger density corrections; however, the system is especially useful for remote sites that are restricted in power availability. In this study the open-path LI-7700 results were compromised due to a data acquisition problem in our data-logging setup. Some of the older closed-path analysers tested do not measure H2O concentrations alongside CH4 (i.e. FMA1 and DLT-100 by Los Gatos Research) and this complicates data processing since the required corrections for dilution and spectroscopic interactions have to be based on external information. To overcome this issue, we used H2O mole fractions measured by other gas analysers, adjusted them with different methods and then applied them to correct the CH4 fluxes. Following this procedure we estimated a bias of the order of 0.1 g (CH4) m−2 (8% of the measured mean flux) in the processed and corrected CH4 fluxes on a monthly scale due to missing H2O concentration measurements. Finally, cumulative CH4 fluxes over 14 days from three closed-path gas analysers, G2311-f (Picarro Inc.), FGGA (Los Gatos Research) and FMA2 (Los Gatos Research), which were measuring H2O concentrations in addition to CH4, agreed within 3% (355–367 mg (CH4) m−2) and were not clearly different from each other, whereas the other instruments derived total fluxes which showed small but distinct differences (±10%, 330–399 mg (CH4) m−2).
Large methyl halide emissions from south Texas salt marshes
Authors: Rhew R. C. , Whelan M. E. , Min D.-H.
Published: June 2014

Abstract. Coastal salt marshes are natural sources of methyl chloride (CH3Cl) and methyl bromide (CH3Br) to the atmosphere, but measured emission rates vary widely by geography. Here we report large methyl halide fluxes from subtropical salt marshes of south Texas. Sites with the halophytic plant, Batis maritima, emitted methyl halides at rates that are orders of magnitude greater than sites containing other vascular plants or macroalgae. B. maritima emissions were generally highest at midday; however, diurnal variability was more pronounced for CH3Br than CH3Cl, and surprisingly high nighttime CH3Cl fluxes were observed in July. Seasonal and intra-site variability were large, even taking into account biomass differences. Overall, these subtropical salt marsh sites show much higher emission rates than temperate salt marshes at similar times of the year, supporting the contention that low-latitude salt marshes are significant sources of CH3Cl and CH3Br.
Sensitivity and uncertainty in crop water footprint accounting: a case study for the Yellow River basin
Authors: Zhuo L. , Mekonnen M. M. , Hoekstra A. Y.
Published: June 2014

Abstract. Water Footprint Assessment is a fast-growing field of research, but as yet little attention has been paid to the uncertainties involved. This study investigates the sensitivity of and uncertainty in crop water footprint (in m3 t−1) estimates related to uncertainties in important input variables. The study focuses on the green (from rainfall) and blue (from irrigation) water footprint of producing maize, soybean, rice, and wheat at the scale of the Yellow River basin in the period 1996–2005. A grid-based daily water balance model at a 5 by 5 arcmin resolution was applied to compute green and blue water footprints of the four crops in the Yellow River basin in the period considered. The one-at-a-time method was carried out to analyse the sensitivity of the crop water footprint to fractional changes of seven individual input variables and parameters: precipitation (PR), reference evapotranspiration (ET0), crop coefficient (Kc), crop calendar (planting date with constant growing degree days), soil water content at field capacity (Smax), yield response factor (Ky) and maximum yield (Ym). Uncertainties in crop water footprint estimates related to uncertainties in four key input variables: PR, ET0, Kc, and crop calendar were quantified through Monte Carlo simulations. The results show that the sensitivities and uncertainties differ across crop types. In general, the water footprint of crops is most sensitive to ET0 and Kc, followed by the crop calendar. Blue water footprints were more sensitive to input variability than green water footprints. The smaller the annual blue water footprint is, the higher its sensitivity to changes in PR, ET0, and Kc. The uncertainties in the total water footprint of a crop due to combined uncertainties in climatic inputs (PR and ET0) were about ±20% (at 95% confidence interval). The effect of uncertainties in ET0was dominant compared to that of PR. The uncertainties in the total water footprint of a crop as a result of combined key input uncertainties were on average ±30% (at 95% confidence level).
Comparison of monsoon variations over groundwater hydrochemistry changes in small Tropical Island and its repercussion on quality
Authors: Isa N. M. , Aris A. Z. , Wan Sulaiman W. N. A. , Lim A. P. , Looi L. J.
Published: June 2014

Abstract. Study on the spatial and temporal distribution of groundwater hydrochemistry in the small tropical islands is important as their insular character may expose the groundwater aquifer to too many sources of pollution, especially salinization. A total of 216 groundwater samples were collected from the monitoring boreholes during two different monsoon seasons; pre- and post-monsoon. As overall, data of groundwater concentration illustrated a trend of Ca > Na > Mg > K and HCO3 > Cl > SO4 dominations with the major finding of two different groundwater types. Pre-monsoon reported Na-HCO3 and Ca-HCO3 types while post-monsoon were only dominated by the Ca-HCO3 type. The statistical analysis shows the in situ parameters (Temp, pH, EC, Salinity, DO, TDS and Eh) and major ions (Ca, Mg, Na, K, HCO3, Cl and SO4) were strongly correlated with the monsoon changes (p < 0.01). From the analysis, its reveals that the seasonal changes have significantly affects the groundwater composition. While, the analytical calculations of the ionic ratio (Na vs. Cl; Cl/HCO3 vs. Cl; Ca + Mg vs. SO4 + HCO3) describes the groundwater is influenced by the cation exchanges processes, simple mixing and water–rock interaction. Saturation indices of carbonate minerals shows strong correlationship (p < 0.01) with Ca constituent indicating solubility on minerals, which led to dissolution or precipitation condition of water. Results of present study contribute to a better understanding of a complex groundwater system and the hydrochemical processes related.
The Use of Modified Beetroot Fibers by Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS) Cleaning Water Contaminated by Organic and Inorganic Compounds
Authors: Rima Jamil , Rahme Kamil , Assaker Karrine
Published: June 2014

The beetroot fibers were used to decontaminate water polluted by methylene blue dye (MB), to remove heavy metals from wastewater and to soften hard water. In order to improve the adsorbent performance and to determine the optimum conditions of industrial wastewater cleaning, the effect of fiber particle sizes, initial concentrations of pollutants, pH of aqueous solutions and effluent rates on the cleaning procedure were investigated. Data showed that the efficiency of cleaning increased when fiber particle size decreased (from mm to µm scale). Optimum pH value for adsorption was 6 to 6.5. Maximum metal cations retention or hardness of modified fibers by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) was estimated at 70 mg per gram of fiber; while the maximum retention of methylene blue was found to be 300 mg of dye per gram of fiber. Chemical modification of fibers by an anionic surfactant such as sodium dodecyl sulfate increased the efficiency of the dye elimination by 2-fold when compared to unmodified fibers. The adsorption parameters were determined using Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms.
RNA Secondary Structure Analysis Using RNAstructure
Authors: Mathews David H.
Published: June 2014

RNAstructure is a user‐friendly program for the prediction and analysis of RNA secondary structure. It is available as a Web server, as a program with a graphical user interface, or as a set of command‐line tools. The programs are available for Microsoft Windows, Macintosh OS X, or Linux. This unit provides protocols for RNA secondary structure prediction (using the Web server or the graphical user interface) and prediction of high‐affinity oligonucleotide biding sites to a structured RNA target (using the graphical user interface). Curr. Protoc. Bioinform. 46:12.6.1‐12.6.25. © 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Transporting Mouse Embryos and Germplasm as Frozen or Unfrozen Materials
Authors: Kenyon Janet , Guan Mo , Bogani Debora , Marschall Susan , Raspa Marcello , Pickard Amanda , Takeo Toru , Nakagata Naomi , Fray Martin
Published: June 2014

The 21st century has seen a huge proliferation in the availability of genetically altered mice. The availability of these resources has been accompanied by ever greater opportunities for international collaborations between laboratories involving the exchange of mouse strains. This exchange can involve significant costs in terms of animal welfare and transportation expenses. In an attempt to mitigate some of these costs, the mouse community has developed a battery of techniques that can be used to avoid transporting live mice. Transporting frozen embryos and sperm at liquid nitrogen (LN2) temperatures using dry shippers has been common practice for some time. However, current advances in this field have refined transportation procedures and introduced new techniques for disseminating embryos and sperm: for example, shipping frozen sperm on dry ice, exchanging unfrozen epididymides from which sperm can be extracted, and transporting frozen/thawed embryos in isotonic media. This article discusses some of the current practices used by laboratories to transport mouse strains around the world without having to exchange live mice. Curr. Protoc. Mouse Biol. 4:47‐65 © 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Study on the accelerated biodegradation of PP modified with an organic pro‐degradant additive
Authors: Montagna Larissa Stieven , Forte Maria Madalena de Camargo , Santana Ruth Marlene Campomanes
Published: June 2014

In order to reduce the environmental impact of the accumulation of synthetic polymer waste, especially in the case of products with a short shelf life, such as disposable diapers and sanitary napkins, this study evaluated the biodegradation of samples of polypropylene (PP) modified with an organic additive free of transition metals. The samples were prepared using a single‐screw extruder, then ground with liquid nitrogen and processed by thermal compression molding into the form of plates. They were then submitted to a respirometric test involving biodegradation carried out at 58°C for 120 days. The samples were characterized according to their physical, thermal, and morphological properties. The results verified that the modified PP showed evidence of enhanced degradation through increased CO2 generation and weight loss during incubation. The thermal analysis revealed an increase in the degree of crystallinity and a decrease in the melt temperature. SEM micrographs showed exfoliation, the appearance of holes, and surface deterioration. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 41054.
pH‐sensitive crosslinked guar gum‐based superabsorbent hydrogels: Swelling response in simulated environments and water retention behavior in plant growth media
Authors: Chandrika K. S. V. Poorna , Singh Anupama , Sarkar Dhruba Jyoti , Rathore Abhishek , Kumar Anil
Published: June 2014

Crosslinked guar gum‐g‐polyacrylate (cl‐GG‐g‐PA) superabsorbent hydrogels were prepared to explore their potential as soil conditioners and carriers. The hydrogels were prepared by in situ grafting polymerization and crosslinking of acrylamide onto a natural GG followed by hydrolysis. Microwave‐initiated synthesis under the chosen experimental conditions did not exhibit any significant improvement over the conventional technique. The optimization studies of various synthesis parameters, namely, monomer concentration, crosslinker concentration, initiator concentration, quantity of water per unit reaction mass, particle size of backbone, and concentration of alkali were performed. The hydrogels were characterized by wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and solid‐state 13C‐NMR spectroscopy. Swelling behavior of a candidate hydrogel [GG‐superabsorbent polymer (SAP)] in response to external stimuli, namely, salt solutions, fertilizer solutions, temperature, and pH, was studied. The GG‐SAP exhibited significant swelling in various environments. The effect of GG‐SAP on water absorption and the retention characteristics of sandy loam soil and soil‐less medium were also studied as a function of temperature and moisture tensions. The addition of GG‐SAP significantly improved the moisture characteristics of plant growth media (both soil and soil‐less), showing that it has tremendous potential for diverse applications in moisture stress agriculture. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 41060.
Design, implementation, and evaluation of sustainable bioenergy production systems
Authors: Dale Bruce E. , Ong Rebecca G.
Published: June 2014

Bioenergy systems are an essential part of a renewable energy portfolio, particularly as only liquid biofuels can replace petroleum in key applications. Unlike fossil energy systems, bioenergy systems can potentially be sustainable, that is, able to operate indefinitely into the future. Based on our work and the work of others who have examined various sustainability aspects of bioenergy systems, we believe it is possible to operate these systems so that they are sustainably profitable, improve the welfare of local populations, and provide environmental benefits for local and global ecosystems. However achieving greater sustainability by deploying bioenergy systems will not occur without careful thought and consideration. Therefore we propose and apply a set of sustainability objectives for bioenergy systems that span the economic, environmental, and social aspects of sustainability. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Molybdenum Substitution for Improving the Charge Compensation and Activity of Li2MnO3
Authors: Ma Jun , Zhou Yong‐Ning , Gao Yurui , Kong Qingyu , Wang Zhaoxiang , Yang Xiao‐Qing , Chen Liquan
Published: June 2014

Lithium‐rich layer‐structured oxides xLi2MnO3⋅ (1−x)LiMO2 (0<x<1, M=Mn, Ni, Co, etc.) are interesting and potential cathode materials for high energy‐density lithium ion batteries. However, the characteristic charge compensation contributed by O2− in Li2MnO3 leads to the evolution of oxygen during the initial Li+ ion extraction at high voltage and voltage fading in subsequent cycling, resulting in a safety hazard and poor cycling performance of the battery. Molybdenum substitution was performed in this work to provide another electron donor and to enhance the electrochemical activity of Li2MnO3‐based cathode materials. X‐ray diffraction and adsorption studies indicated that Mo5+ substitution expands the unit cell in the crystal lattice and weakens the LiO and MnO bonds, as well as enhancing the activity of Li2MnO3 by lowering its delithiation potential and suppressing the release of oxygen. In addition, the chemical environment of O2− ions in molybdenum‐substituted Li2MnO3 is more reversible than in the unsubstituted sample during cycling. Therefore molybdenum substitution is expected to improve the performances of the Li2MnO3‐based lithium‐rich cathode materials.
3D Master Toothguide according to L*, C*, and h* coordinates
Authors: Gómez‐Polo Cristina , Gómez‐Polo Miguel , Martínez Vazquez De Parga Juan Antonio , Celemin‐Viñuela Alicia
Published: June 2014

The purposes of this study are to describe the color coordinates of the 26 shade tabs of the 3D Master Toothguide according to their L*, C*, h* coordinates, and to calculate ΔEab*, ΔL*, ΔC*, and Δh* in the 26 shade tabs. The tooth color of 1361 maxillary central incisors was measured “in vivo” using a spectrophotometer. Tooth color was recorded following the 3D Master system and its corresponding L*, C*, h*color coordinates. Of the 325 shade tabs pairs compared a color difference (
) of between 2.6 and 5.5 units was found in 9.54% (31 pairs). In 291 pairs (89.54%) there was color difference that exceeded the 5.5 units. Only 0.92% of the color differences () were less than 2.6 units. The minimum color difference (
) found was 2.1 units and the maximum 45.0 units. The intervals in lightness, chroma, and hue groups between adjacent shade tabs were not uniform. In conclusion, this toothguide is clearly ordered regarding lightness or the L* coordinate. Most of the color differences between the 26 shade tabs of the 3D Master exceed the perceptible threshold of 2.6 units. Some clinical implications are as follows: the 26 shade tabs of the 3D Master Toothguide offer improvements as far as spatial arrangement is concerned. Thus, it is highly possible that the subjective visual color of the measurement would be correct. If there is a mistake when choosing the shade tab from the 3D Master guide there will quite probably be an unacceptable color difference from the clinical point of view. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 40, 518–524, 2015.
Experimental discussion on the mechanisms behind the fire spalling of concrete
Authors: Mindeguia Jean‐Christophe , Carré Hélène , Pimienta Pierre , La Borderie Christian
Published: June 2014

The behaviour of six concretes at high temperature (600 °C) and in particular the risk of fire spalling is studied. Tests are performed with two sizes of samples: small samples (300 × 300 × 120 mm3) and small slabs (700 × 600 × 150 mm3). Different storage conditions (pre‐drying at 80 °C, air and water storing) are used to highlight the effect of the initial water content. Thanks to different scenarios of heating, the influence of the heating curve is studied.

Results enabled to identify parameters that highly influence the risk of fire spalling: initial water content and concrete permeability during heating. The permeability of concrete can increase during heating due to the melting of the polypropylene fibres or by thermal damage. This thermal damage is important when heating is violent (ISO 834 or increased hydrocarbon fire), or when concrete is made with silico‐calcareous aggregates (flint).

Fire spalling cannot be explained by either the only thermo‐mechanical behaviour of concrete, or only by the appearance of high pore gas pressure. Based on the recent hypothesis of the critical zone, the formation of a saturated layer of liquid water is consistent with the results obtained. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dopaminergic modulation of resting‐state functional connectivity in de novo patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Baik KyoungWon , Cha Jungho , Ham Jee Hyun , Baek Gwang‐Min , Sunwoo Mun Kyung , Hong Jin Yong , Shin Na‐Young , Kim Jae Seung , Lee Jong‐Min , Lee Seung‐Koo , Sohn Young Ho , Lee Phil Hyu
Published: June 2014

Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by degenerative changes of nigral dopamine neurons, resulting in the dopaminergic denervation of the striatum. Resting state networks studies have demonstrated that dopamine modulates distinct network connectivity patterns in both a linear and a nonlinear fashion, but quantitative analyses of dopamine‐dependent functional connectivity secondary to PD pathology were less informative. In the present study, we performed a correlation analysis between striatal dopamine levels assessed quantitatively by FP‐CIT positron emission tomography imaging and resting‐state functional connectivity in 23 drug naïve de novo patients with PD to elucidate dopamine‐dependent functional networks. The major finding is that the patterns of dopamine‐dependent positive functional connectivity varied depending on the location of striatal seeds. Dopamine‐dependent functional connectivity with the caudate predominantly overlay pericentral cortical areas, whereas dopamine‐dependent structures functionally connected with the posterior putamen predominantly involved cerebellar areas. The dorsolateral frontal area overlapped as a dopamine‐dependent cortical region that was positively connected with the anterior and posterior putamen. On the other hand, cortical areas where functional connectivity from the posterior cingulate was negatively correlated with dopaminergic status in the posterior putamen were localized in the left anterior prefrontal area and the parietal area. Additionally, functional connectivity between the anterior putamen and mesiofrontal areas was negatively coupled with striatal dopamine levels. The present study demonstrated that dopamine‐dependent functional network connectivity secondary to PD pathology mainly exhibits a consistent pattern, albeit with some variation. These patterns may reflect the diverse effects of dopaminergic medication on parkinsonian‐related motor and cognitive performance. Hum Brain Mapp 35:5431–5441, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Stereoselective Total Synthesis of Decarestrictine I
Authors: Yadav Jhillu Singh , Venkatesh Miriyal , Kumar Alleni Suman , Reddy Poli Adi Narayana , Reddy Basi V. Subba , Prasad Attaluri R.
Published: June 2014

A convergent and stereoselective total synthesis of decarestrictine I, a polyketide natural product, is described. Both acid and alcohol fragments were prepared from the readily available L‐malic acid via StillGennari olefination and Sharpless asymmetric epoxidation. The Steglich esterification and ring‐closing metathesis (RCM) are employed to combine both acid and alcohol fragments.
Selection and evolution of resistance to antimicrobial drugs
Authors: Hughes Diarmaid
Published: June 2014

The overuse and misuse of antibiotics over many years has selected a high frequency of resistance among medically important bacterial pathogens. The evolution of resistance is complex, frequently involving multiple genetic alterations that minimize biological fitness costs and/or increase the resistance level. Resistance is selected at very low drug concentrations, such as found widely distributed in the environment, and this selects for resistant mutants with a high fitness. Once resistance with high fitness is established in a community it is very difficult to reduce its frequency. Addressing the problem of resistance is essential if we are to ensure a future where we can continue to enjoy effective medical control of bacterial infections. This will require several actions including the discovery and development of novel antibiotics, the creation of a continuous pipeline of drug discovery, and the implementation of effective global antibiotic stewardship to reduce the misuse of antibiotics and their release into the environment. © 2014 IUBMB Life, 66(8):521–529, 2014
Fetal and Childhood Growth Patterns Associated with Bone Mass in School-Age Children: The Generation R Study
Authors: Heppe Denise HM , Medina-Gomez Carolina , de Jongste Johan C , Raat Hein , Steegers Eric AP , Hofman Albert , Rivadeneira Fernando , Jaddoe Vincent WV
Published: June 2014

Low birth weight is associated with lower bone accrual in children and peak bone mass in adults. We assessed how different patterns of longitudinal fetal and early childhood growth influence bone properties at school age. In 5431 children participating in a population-based prospective cohort study, we measured fetal growth by ultrasound at 20 and 30 weeks gestation, and childhood growth at birth, 1, 2, 3, and 4 years of age. We analyzed these growth measurements in relation to total body (less head) BMD measured by DXA at age 6. We used conditional growth modeling; a technique which takes into account correlation between repeatedly measured growth measures. Our results showed that estimated fetal weight gain, femur length growth between 20 and 30 weeks of gestation, femur length growth between 30 weeks and birth, as well as all height and weight growth measurements from birth to 4 years of age were all positively associated with BMC, bone area (BA), and BMD (all p < 0.01). Fetal femur length growth between 30 weeks and birth was positively associated with BMC and BA (both p < 0.001), but not with BMD. Overall, childhood growth measurements exerted a larger influence on bone measures than fetal growth measures. The strongest effect estimate was observed during the first year of life. Children born small (<10th percentile) for gestational age (SGA) had lower BMC and BA, but not BMD, than children born appropriate for gestational age (AGA), whereas children born large (>90th percentile) for gestational age (LGA) had higher BMC and BA (all p < 0.001). These differences were no longer present in children showing subsequent accelerated and decelerated infant growth, respectively. We conclude that both fetal and childhood growth patterns are associated with bone mineral accrual, showing the strongest effect estimates in infancy. Compensatory infant growth counteracts the adverse consequences of fetal growth restriction on bone development. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Forelimb anatomy and the discrimination of the predatory behavior of carnivorous mammals: The thylacine as a case study
Authors: Janis Christine M. , Figueirido Borja
Published: June 2014

Carnivorous mammals use their forelimbs in different ways to capture their prey. Most terrestrial carnivores have some cursorial (running) adaptations, but ambush predators retain considerable flexibility in their forelimb movement, important for grappling with their prey. In contrast, predators that rely on pursuit to run down their prey have sacrificed some of this flexibility for locomotor efficiency, in the greater restriction of the forelimb motion to the parasagittal plane. In this article, we measured aspects of the forelimb anatomy (44 linear measurements) in 36 species of carnivorous mammals of known predatory behavior, and used multivariate analyses to investigate how well the forelimb anatomy reflects the predatory mode (ambush, pursuit, or pounce‐pursuit). A prime intention of this study was to establish morphological correlates of behavior that could then be applied to fossil mammals: for this purpose, five individuals of the recently extinct thylacine (Thylacinus cynocephalus) were also included as unknowns. We show that the three different types of predators can be distinguished by their morphology, both in analyses where all the forelimb bones are included together, and in the separate analyses of each bone individually. Of particular interest is the ability to distinguish between the two types of more cursorial predators, pursuit and pounce‐pursuit, which have previously been considered as primarily size‐based categories. Despite a prior consideration of the thylacine as a “pounce‐pursuit” or an “ambush” type of predator, the thylacines did not consistently cluster with any type of predatory carnivores in our analyses. Rather, the thylacines appeared to be more generalized in their morphology than any of the extant carnivores. The absence of a large diversity of large carnivorous mammals in Australia, past and present, may explain the thylacine's generalized morphology. J. Morphol. 275:1321–1338, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
T1ρ MRI of human musculoskeletal system
Authors: Wang Ligong , Regatte Ravinder R.
Published: June 2014

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers the direct visualization of the human musculoskeletal (MSK) system, especially all diarthrodial tissues including cartilage, bone, menisci, ligaments, tendon, hip, synovium, etc. Conventional MRI techniques based on T1‐ and T2‐weighted, proton density (PD) contrast are inconclusive in quantifying early biochemically degenerative changes in MSK system in general and articular cartilage in particular. In recent years, quantitative MR parameter mapping techniques have been used to quantify the biochemical changes in articular cartilage, with a special emphasis on evaluating joint injury, cartilage degeneration, and soft tissue repair. In this article we focus on cartilage biochemical composition, basic principles of T1ρ MRI, implementation of T1ρ pulse sequences, biochemical validation, and summarize the potential applications of the T1ρ MRI technique in MSK diseases including osteoarthritis (OA), anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, and knee joint repair. Finally, we also review the potential advantages, challenges, and future prospects of T1ρ MRI for widespread clinical translation. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;41:586–600. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Castor oil–citric acid copolyester for tissue augmentation
Authors: Ickowicz Diana E. , Haim‐Zada Moran , Abbas Randa , Touitou Dan , Nyska Abraham , Golovanevski Ludmila , Weiniger Carolyn F. , Katzhendler Jeoshua , Domb Abraham J.
Published: June 2014

Biodegrable polyesters derived from hydroxy acids have a broad clinical use. The aim of the study was to synthesize polymer compositions based on citric acid and castor oil for use as soft tissue augmentation. Two polymers were synthesized, a branched viscous polyester with a monomer ratio of 93.5:6.5 w/w and an apparent molecular weight of 11,000 Da and a crosslinked semisolid polymer with a monomer ratio of 92.5:7.5 w/w. The branched polymer lost less than 10% of its weight during a 30‐day degradation study. In vivo biocompatibility study in rats showed 20% formulation weight loss 9 months post‐subcutaneous administration. These results were in accordance with the in vitro hydrolytic degradation of the polymer. The in vivo study revealed good tolerability of the copolymer. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Organizational change management for process safety
Authors: Wincek John , Sousa Luís Sávio , Myers Molly R. , Ozog Henry
Published: June 2014

It has long been acknowledged that when not properly evaluated and controlled, changes to physical equipment in a facility can lead to serious incidents with potentially severe consequences. Management of change (MOC) systems, replete with a variety of electronic systems, flow charts, and checklists, have been developed by a number of reliable organizations throughout the world to manage these physical changes. It is less commonly recognized that other types of changes such as changes in job responsibilities, loss of key personnel, or even changes in shift hours can have an adverse impact on process safety. These and other nonphysical changes, collectively referred to as Organizational Changes, can lead to serious incidents with potentially severe consequences. Due to their focus on managing physical changes, most MOC systems have overlooked or only superficially address organizational change management (OCM) and the impact of organizational changes that affect process safety.

Organizational change is an unavoidable aspect of doing business. There is a large variety of changes which fit under this umbrella of organizational change. Any of these types of changes could result in catastrophic consequences if the changes are not successfully administered. Effective OCM procedures must include a system for managing potential modifications to a variety of organizational aspects.

The Center for Chemical Process Safety recently published a new guideline book covering OCM. This presentation will highlight some of the key concerns related to OCM which are covered in this new publication and which should be included in a successful OCM program. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 34: 89–93, 2015
Enhancing Performance of Sphingobacterium spiritivorum in Bioremediation Phenanthrene Contaminated Sand
Authors: Mohd‐Kamil Nor‐Amani‐Filzah , Hussain Noor‐Hana , Mizad Meizareena Binti , Abdul‐Talib Suhaimi
Published: June 2014

Many biodegradation studies have focused on survival of isolated bacteria to increase the bacteria population and subsequently enhance the efficiency of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) biodegradation. However, there is limited research on enhancing the performance of isolated bacteria through reinoculation. Thus, this study was designed to evaluate the effects of reinoculation on the performance of Sphingobacterium spiritivorum in degradation of phenanthrene contaminated sand. Experiments were performed in three different reactors. Inoculation was performed once (day 0) in reactor 1. In reactor 2, inoculation was performed twice (day 0 and day 5). The bacteria was isolated from reactor 2 and inoculated into reactor 3. The study results show reactor 3 having the highest degradation rate (13.61 mg/kg/day) and percentage removal (95.36 percent). In contrast, without reinoculation in reactor 1, 68.93 percent of phenanthrene was removed. Thus, the performance of S. spiritivorum in phenanthrene degradation can be enhanced through reinoculation. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Recycling concrete in practice – a chance for sustainable resource management
Authors: Messari‐Becker Lamia , Mettke Angelika , Knappe Florian , Storck Ulrich , Bollinger Klaus , Grohmann Manfred
Published: June 2014

Private households consume about 30 % of Germany's total primary energy and cause about 15 % of the total CO2 emissions, and so this sector represents a key sector for climate protection targets. Whereas primary energy consumption in buildings is limited by regulations, the production of carbon emissions‐intensive materials is only moving slowly into the focus of legislation, regulations and, ultimately, the perception of society. Considering a thermally conditioned building during its life cycle, most environmental effects are during operation. Nevertheless, the grey energy of a concrete structure can add up to 20 % in individual cases. Owing to the carbon‐intensive cement production, concrete as a material causes relatively high environmental impacts. Logical options appear to be substituting cement with so called by‐products or using recycled additives. In fact, there are only a few projects that have used a resource‐saving concrete. In 2010 in Ludwigshafen, one building in a group of buildings was chosen as the first building in Germany to be built almost completely from recycled concrete without increasing the cement content. It was built as a low‐energy construction and in a zero‐carbon‐emissions area. The project was supported scientifically by the Institute of Energy and Environmental Research in Heidelberg and the Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus. The buildings won the Construction Prize 2011 with the distinction “best relation between quality and costs”. This paper discusses integral aspects of the use of recycling concrete from the structural design, eco‐accounting and materials properties perspectives. It demonstrates the potential and opportunities for the quality‐assured use of recycling concrete for sustainable resource management.
Prevalence and correlates of anger in the community: results from a national survey
Authors: Okuda Mayumi , Picazo Julia , Olfson Mark , Hasin Deborah S. , Liu Shang-Min , Bernardi Silvia , Blanco Carlos
Published: June 2014

Introduction

Little is known about the prevalence and correlates of anger in the community.

Methods

We used data derived from a large national sample of the U.S. population, which included more than 34,000 adults ages 18 years and older. We defined inappropriate, intense, or poorly controlled anger by means of self-report of the following: (1) anger that was triggered by small things or that was difficult to control, (2) frequent temper outbursts or anger that lead to loss of control, or (3) hitting people or throwing objects in anger.

Results

The overall prevalence of inappropriate, intense, or poorly controlled anger in the U.S. population was 7.8%. Anger was especially common among men and younger adults, and was associated with decreased psychosocial functioning. Significant and positive associations were evident between anger and parental factors, childhood, and adulthood adverse events. There were strong associations between anger and bipolar disorder, drug dependence, psychotic disorder, borderline, and schizotypal personality disorders. There was a dose-response relationship between anger and a broad range of psychopathology.

Conclusions

A rationale exists for developing screening tools and early intervention strategies, especially for young adults, to identify and help reduce anger.
How does the involvement of a multinational peacekeeping force affect the classification of a situation?
Authors: David Eric , Engdahl Ola
Published: June 2014

The ‘debate’ section of the Review aims at contributing to the reflection on current ethical, legal, or practical controversies around humanitarian issues.

In this issue of the Review, we invited two experts in international humanitarian law (IHL) and multinational peace operations –Professor Eric DavidandProfessor Ola Engdahl– to debate on the way in which the involvement of a multinational force may affect the classification of a situation. This question is particularly relevant to establishing whether the situation amounts to an armed conflict or not and, if so, whether the conflict is international or non-international in nature. This in turn will determine the rights and obligations of each party, especially in a context in which multinational forces are increasingly likely to participate in the hostilities.
Quorum sensing enhancement of the stress response promotes resistance to quorum quenching and prevents social cheating
Authors: García-Contreras Rodolfo , Nuñez-López Leslie , Jasso-Chávez Ricardo , Kwan Brian W , Belmont Javier A , Rangel-Vega Adrián , Maeda Toshinari , Wood Thomas K
Published: June 2014

Quorum sensing (QS) coordinates the expression of virulence factors and allows bacteria to counteract the immune response, partly by increasing their tolerance to the oxidative stress generated by immune cells. Despite the recognized role of QS in enhancing the oxidative stress response, the consequences of this relationship for the bacterial ecology remain unexplored. Here we demonstrate that QS increases resistance also to osmotic, thermal and heavy metal stress. Furthermore a QS-deficient lasR rhlR mutant is unable to exert a robust response against H2O2 as it has less induction of catalase and NADPH-producing dehydrogenases. Phenotypic microarrays revealed that the mutant is very sensitive to several toxic compounds. As the anti-oxidative enzymes are private goods not shared by the population, only the individuals that produce them benefit from their action. Based on this premise, we show that in mixed populations of wild-type and the mexR mutant (resistant to the QS inhibitor furanone C-30), treatment with C-30 and H2O2 increases the proportion of mexR mutants; hence, oxidative stress selects resistance to QS compounds. In addition, oxidative stress alone strongly selects for strains with active QS systems that are able to exert a robust anti oxidative response and thereby decreases the proportion of QS cheaters in cultures that are otherwise prone to invasion by cheats. As in natural environments stress is omnipresent, it is likely that this QS enhancement of stress tolerance allows cells to counteract QS inhibition and invasions by social cheaters, therefore having a broad impact in bacterial ecology.
Modulation of gut microbiota during probiotic-mediated attenuation of metabolic syndrome in high fat diet-fed mice
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Tang Huang , Zhang Chenhong , Zhao Yufeng , Derrien Muriel , Rocher Emilie , van-Hylckama Vlieg Johan E T , Strissel Katherine , Zhao Liping , Obin Martin , Shen Jian
Published: June 2014

Structural disruption of gut microbiota and associated inflammation are considered important etiological factors in high fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolic syndrome (MS). Three candidate probiotic strains, Lactobacillus paracasei CNCM I-4270 (LC), L. rhamnosus I-3690 (LR) and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis I-2494 (BA), were individually administered to HFD-fed mice (108 cells day−1) for 12 weeks. Each strain attenuated weight gain and macrophage infiltration into epididymal adipose tissue and markedly improved glucose–insulin homeostasis and hepatic steatosis. Weighted UniFrac principal coordinate analysis based on 454 pyrosequencing of fecal bacterial 16S rRNA genes showed that the probiotic strains shifted the overall structure of the HFD-disrupted gut microbiota toward that of lean mice fed a normal (chow) diet. Redundancy analysis revealed that abundances of 83 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were altered by probiotics. Forty-nine altered OTUs were significantly correlated with one or more host MS parameters and were designated ‘functionally relevant phylotypes’. Thirteen of the 15 functionally relevant OTUs that were negatively correlated with MS phenotypes were promoted, and 26 of the 34 functionally relevant OTUs that were positively correlated with MS were reduced by at least one of the probiotics, but each strain changed a distinct set of functionally relevant OTUs. LC and LR increased cecal acetate but did not affect circulating lipopolysaccharide-binding protein; in contrast, BA did not increase acetate but significantly decreased adipose and hepatic tumor necrosis factor-α gene expression. These results suggest that Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium differentially attenuate obesity comorbidities in part through strain-specific impacts on MS-associated phylotypes of gut microbiota in mice.
Application of twin screw extrusion to the manufacture of cocrystals: scale-up of AMG 517–sorbic acid cocrystal production
Authors: Daurio Dominick , Nagapudi Karthik , Li Lan , Quan Peter , Nunez Fernando-Alvarez
Published: June 2014

The application of twin screw extrusion (TSE) in the scale-up of cocrystal production was investigated by using AMG 517–sorbic acid as a model system. Extrusion parameters that influenced conversion to the cocrystal such as temperature, feed rate and screw speed were investigated. Extent of conversion to the cocrystal was found to have a strong dependence on temperature and a moderate dependence on feed rate and screw speed. Cocrystals made by the TSE process were found to have superior mechanical properties than solution grown cocrystals. Additionally, moving to a TSE process eliminated the need for solvent.
Rhodanine dye-based small molecule acceptors for organic photovoltaic cells
Authors: Kim Yujeong , Song Chang Eun , Moon Sang-Jin , Lim Eunhee
Published: June 2014

Two small molecule acceptors, composed of carbazole or fluorene cores and rhodanine dye ends, were synthesized and their high OPV performances up to 3.08% were demonstrated.
Iron or boron-catalyzed C–H arylthiation of substituted phenols at room temperature
Authors: Tian Hua , Zhu Changjin , Yang Haijun , Fu Hua
Published: June 2014

A simple, efficient and environmentally friendly method for iron or boron-catalyzed C–H arylthiation of substituted phenols at room temperature has been developed, and the corresponding diaryl sulfides were prepared in good to excellent yields.
Self-assembled DNA nanostructures prepared by rolling circle amplification for the delivery of siRNA conjugates
Authors: Hong Cheol Am , Jang Bora , Jeong Eun Hye , Jeong Hansaem , Lee Hyukjin
Published: June 2014

Large-scale preparation of DNA nanostructures for siRNA delivery has been achieved by an isothermal enzymatic amplification process.
Structural phase transitions in the kagome lattice based materials Cs2−xRbxSnCu3F12 (x = 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5)
Authors: Downie L. J. , Black C. , Ardashnikova E. I. , Tang C. C. , Vasiliev A. N. , Golovanov A. N. , Berdonosov P. S. , Dolgikh V. A. , Lightfoot P.
Published: June 2014

The system Cs2−xRbxSnCu3F12 exhibits several different distorted variants of the kagome lattice, which are probed in detail by powder diffraction methods.
A long-term static immersion experiment on the leaching behavior of heavy metals from waste printed circuit boards
Authors: Zhao Guo-hua , Luo Xing-zhang , Chen Gui , Zhao Yong-jun
Published: June 2014

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are the main components of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE).
Macroporous uniform azide- and alkyne-functional polymer microspheres with tuneable surface area: synthesis, in-depth characterization and click-modification
Authors: Albuszis Marco , Roth Peter J. , Pauer Werner , Moritz Hans-Ulrich
Published: June 2014

With surface areas of up to 467 m2 g−1, crosslinked azide- and alkyne-functional poly(styrene-co-divinylbenzene) microparticles enable versatile modification throughout the particle.
Facile synthetic strategy of oleophilic zirconia nanoparticles allows preparation of highly stable thermo-conductive coolant
Authors: Sreeremya Thadathil S. , Krishnan Asha , Satapathy Lakshmi Narayan , Ghosh Swapankumar
Published: June 2014

A simple one-step synthetic strategy was adopted for fabricating oil dispersable zirconia nanoparticles which produced a remarkably stable nanofluid in transformer oil with enhanced thermal conductivity for cooling applications.