bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge, attitude and practice of voluntary blood donation among physicians in a tertiary health facility of a developing country
Authors: Benedict Nwogoh , Usimenahon Aigberadion , Ikenna Alexander Nwannadi , Isi Aigbe
Published: May 2015

Aims: The objectives of this study were to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of voluntary blood donation among physician, to identify and recruit potential voluntary blood donors amongst them and to determine the association between blood donation and gender, duration of practice and sub-specialty of the physicians.
Methods: This was a cross sectional qualitative study carried out at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City. Pre-tested questionnaires were administered to 140 physicians in the tertiary health facility.
Results: Most of the respondents (95.7%) were aware of the risk of transmission of infection by transfusion. The risk of transmission of HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis was affirmed by 99.3%, 97.9%, 73.6% and 42.9% respectively. Fifty-eight (41.4%) physicians have donated blood in the past, with 33 (56.9%) donating less than once a year, 18 (31%) between 1–3 times a year and five (8.6%) more than thrice a year. Most (53.4%) donated voluntarily, 39.7% donated for friends and relatives, 3.4% for remuneration and 5.2% donated in order to know their HIV, HBV and HCV status. There was no significant association between gender, duration of medical practice, specialty of the physicians and the practice of blood donation as P values were 0.227, 0.613 and 0.844 respectively.
Conclusions: Physicians have good knowledge of voluntary donation and a positive attitude towards donation but there were disparities in their practice of blood donation.
Exact Traveling Wave Solutions for the Modified Double Sine-Gordon Equation
Authors: Huang Ying , Li Bao Rong
Published: May 2015

With some elementary  methods, a number of new travelling  solutions of  the  modified double Sine-Gordon (SG) equation are obtained,including different types of exact solion solutions and exact periodic solutions.
The Weight and Nonlinearity of 2-rotation Symmetric Cubic Boolean Function
Authors: Liu Hongli
Published: May 2015

The conceptions of $\chi$-value and K-rotation symmetric Boolean functions are introduced by Cusick. K-rotation symmetric Boolean functions are a special rotation symmetric functions, which are invariant under the $k-th$ power of $\rho$.In this paper, we discuss cubic 2-value 2-rotation symmetric Boolean function with $2n$ variables, which denoted by $F^{2n}(x^{2n})$. We give the recursive formula of weight of $F^{2n}(x^{2n})$, and prove that the weight of $F^{2n}(x^{2n})$ is the same as its nonlinearity.
A Method to Construct Sets of Commuting Matrices
Authors: Wang Hongmei , Ye Guoju , Zhou Hao , Liang Bing
Published: May 2015

Using the method of upper and lower solutions, we study theexistence of solutions of the hyperbolic equation involving thedistributional Henstock-Kurzweil integral. Results presented in thispaper are extension of the previous results in the literatures.
$L^{\Phi }-L^{\infty }$\ Inequalities and Applications
Authors: Granucci Tiziano
Published: May 2015

In this paper we prove some $L^{\Phi }-L^{\Phi }$ and $L^{\Phi }-L^{\infty }$inequalities for quasi-minima of scalar integral functionals defined inOrlicz-Sobolev space $W^{1}L^{\Phi }\left( \Omega \right) $, where $\Phi $\is a N-function and $\Phi \in \triangle _{2}$. Moreover, if $\Phi \in\triangle ^{^{\prime }}$ or if $\Phi \in \triangle _{2}\cap \nabla _{2}$, weprove that quasi-minima are H\"{o}lder continuous functions.
Opting-in in de relaxbranche, een legitieme oplossing?
Authors: Ketelaars Elise
Published: May 2015

The legitimacy of the application of the ‘opting-in’ regulation on the Dutch prostitution industry from a socio legal perspective

In 2000 the Netherlands has lifted the ban on brothels. By legalizing sex work the Dutch government aimed to increase the opportunities to regulate this sector and to improve the social position of sex workers. This article examines to what extent the application of a particular fiscal regulation known as ‘opting-in’ to certain branches of the Dutch prostitution industry is legitimate from a socio legal perspective. It takes into account both the efficacy of the regulation with an eye on achieving the goals which were formulated in 2000 and the experiences of sex workers with this fiscal construction. Aubert’s theory regarding the influence of social factors on the observance of regulations is used to explain the discrepancy between the high degree of acceptance of the regulation amongst sex workers and the limited effectiveness with regard to the improvement of their labour rights.
Sociology of law in European civil law countries
Authors: Ferrari Vincenzo
Published: May 2015

Sociology of law in European civil law countries

In continental Europe, post-war sociology of law passed through diverse phases, swinging between grand theorizing and empirical research. In the last two decades, socio-legal studies have shown a more balanced approach with respect to these models. Neo-functionalism à-la Luhmann still takes the lead in high theory, although some more eclectic voices make themselves heard and some signs of renaissance of conflict theories have become visible again. Through an overview of the recent editorial policy of three influential journals in France, Germany and Italy, the author highlights that middle range socio-legal theory has successfully dealt with some relevant aspects of legal change of the last decades, in such fields as criminal justice, migrations, or family law. Yet, it has left aside other and no less important aspects, such as commerce and property laws, common goods, environment, and other crucial questions of our times. Thus, there is a risk for sociology of law not to perform its critical and pioneering task that belongs to its own tradition.
Developments in socio-legal studies: subjects and methodologies – the Anglo-Saxon model
Authors: Sommerlad Hilary
Published: May 2015

Developments in socio-legal studies: subjects and methodologies – the Anglo-Saxon model

In the course of it short existence, Socio-legal studies (SLS) in the Anglo-Saxon world has burgeoned into a rich and variegated field. Reviewing it is therefore a challenging task. I begin with some general reflections and an outline of recent developments. Although these indicate an extremely vibrant field, concerns have been expressed for the future. In my discussion of these, I argue that our analysis of SLS needs to be historicised since the emergence of SLS is connected to processes of social modernization and democratization. The erosion of these processes by neo-liberal discourses and policies is the background to a discussion of my own research into the impact of the cuts to civil legal aid in England and Wales. This leads me to conclude that the fundamental dissonance between neo-liberal rationality and social science may portend a difficult future, in particular for empirical work; however, I note too that other developments such as the ongoing juridification of society and new social media may make continued SL engagement irresistible.
Sociology of law in search of a distinct identity
Authors: Van Aeken Koen
Published: May 2015

Sociology of law in search of a distinct identity

Rechtssociologie en recht-en-samenlevingstudies hebben behoefte aan de ontwikkeling van een eigen identiteit, die hen onder meer onderscheidt van het groeiende juridisch onderzoek waarbij empirische methoden gehanteerd worden. Deze identiteit kent vijf verbindende elementen: excellente (primaire of secundaire) empirische methodologie, kritisch, nuttig, blijvend geïnformeerd door theorie uit een inclusieve sociologie, en afwijzend tegenover reductionistische benaderingen van de werkelijkheid. Als een van deze eigenschappen ontbreekt, is er geen sprake van volwaardige rechtssociologie. Als alle eigenschappen aanwezig zijn, is de rechtssociologie bijzonder goed uitgerust om de actuele veranderingen in recht en samenleving te bestuderen. In die context kan de ontwikkeling en verspreiding van een eigen identiteit, die de vijf eigenschappen incorporeert, kansen bieden om de rechtssociologie een meer centrale positie toe te kennen in de rechtenfaculteiten.
Cracks in the mirror
Authors: Hertogh Marc
Published: May 2015

Cracks in the mirror: Does European law and society research still reflect European society?

What’s the significance of sociology of law in Europe? Before we can answer this question, it’s even more important to consider the reverse question: what’s the significance of Europe in sociology of law? European sociology of law has been very productive, but it has also become increasingly out of touch. Unlike the early years of the discipline, contemporary European law and society research is no longer a mirror of European society. There are three main reasons for this development. First, there’s a strong pull of the policy audience. Second, some of the most important studies in European sociology of law borrow their theories and concepts from previous work in the United States. And finally, most researchers are concerned with studying law and society in their own country, but only very few studies look at law and society from a transnational perspective. To fix these cracks in the mirror, we need more ‘Europe’ in European sociology of law. Similar to the work of the founding fathers of the discipline, sociology of law should once again become a reflection of society. Not for reasons of nostalgia, but because this will secure the future of European law and society research.
Acidic pH and divalent cation sensing by PhoQ are dispensable for systemic salmonellae virulence
Authors: Hicks Kevin G , Delbecq Scott P , Sancho-Vaello Enea , Blanc Marie-Pierre , Dove Katja K , Prost Lynne R , Daley Margaret E , Zeth Kornelius , Klevit Rachel E , Miller Samuel I
Published: May 2015

Salmonella PhoQ is a histidine kinase with a periplasmic sensor domain (PD) that promotes virulence by detecting the macrophage phagosome. PhoQ activity is repressed by divalent cations and induced in environments of acidic pH, limited divalent cations, and cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAMP). Previously, it was unclear which signals are sensed by salmonellae to promote PhoQ-mediated virulence. We defined conformational changes produced in the PhoQ PD on exposure to acidic pH that indicate structural flexibility is induced in α-helices 4 and 5, suggesting this region contributes to pH sensing. Therefore, we engineered a disulfide bond between W104C and A128C in the PhoQ PD that restrains conformational flexibility in α-helices 4 and 5. PhoQW104C-A128C is responsive to CAMP, but is inhibited for activation by acidic pH and divalent cation limitation. phoQW104C-A128C Salmonella enterica Typhimurium is virulent in mice, indicating that acidic pH and divalent cation sensing by PhoQ are dispensable for virulence.
The homo-oligomerisation of both Sas-6 and Ana2 is required for efficient centriole assembly in flies
Authors: Cottee Matthew A , Muschalik Nadine , Johnson Steven , Leveson Joanna , Raff Jordan W , Lea Susan M
Published: May 2015

Sas-6 and Ana2/STIL proteins are required for centriole duplication and the homo-oligomerisation properties of Sas-6 help establish the ninefold symmetry of the central cartwheel that initiates centriole assembly. Ana2/STIL proteins are poorly conserved, but they all contain a predicted Central Coiled-Coil Domain (CCCD). Here we show that the Drosophila Ana2 CCCD forms a tetramer, and we solve its structure to 0.8 Å, revealing that it adopts an unusual parallel-coil topology. We also solve the structure of the Drosophila Sas-6 N-terminal domain to 2.9 Å revealing that it forms higher-order oligomers through canonical interactions. Point mutations that perturb Sas-6 or Ana2 homo-oligomerisation in vitro strongly perturb centriole assembly in vivo. Thus, efficient centriole duplication in flies requires the homo-oligomerisation of both Sas-6 and Ana2, and the Ana2 CCCD tetramer structure provides important information on how these proteins might cooperate to form a cartwheel structure.
Initial Experience With the New York State Breast Density Inform Law at a Community‐Based Breast Center
Authors: Destounis Stamatia , Arieno Andrea , Morgan Renee
Published: May 2015

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to review our initial experience with the New York State breast density inform law (New York public health law, S2404‐C) at our outpatient breast center. We sought to review the findings in patients returning for screening breast sonography after a screening mammogram revealed heterogeneously dense or extremely dense breast tissue.

Methods

From January 1, 2013, through May 31, 2014, 102,841 patients who underwent screening mammography were seen at our institution. Of these, 35,153 were determined to have heterogeneously dense breast tissue, and 11,864 were determined to have extremely dense breast tissue. Due to the New York State breast density inform law, these 47,017 patients were notified of their breast density, with 935 patients (2%) returning for 971 screening breast sonographic examinations.

Results

Heterogeneously dense breast tissue was noted in 66% of the patients (619), and extremely dense breast tissue was noted in 34% (316). Thirty‐one percent of the patients (290) reported no additional risk factors; 68% (635) presented with 1 or more additional risk factors; and 1% (10) were adopted, and the risk status could not be assessed. Twenty‐five procedures (2.6%) were performed after screening breast sonography, resulting in 22 benign findings, 1 atypical finding, and 2 malignancies. The overall positive predictive value was 8% (2 of 25), and the overall cancer detection rate was 2.1 per 1000 (2 of 935).

Conclusions

Handheld screening breast sonography performed in women with dense breast tissue can aid in the detection of otherwise occult breast cancer, as we found 2 cancers in the study population, with an overall positive predictive value of 8%. The addition of screening sonography in this cohort did lead to an increase in minimally invasive procedures in 2.6%.
Multistimuli Sensitive Behavior of Novel Bodipy‐Involved Pillar[5]arene‐Based Fluorescent [2]Rotaxane and Its Supramolecular Gel
Authors: Sun Nana , Xiao Xin , Li Wenjun , Jiang Jianzhuang
Published: May 2015

Fluorescent [2]rotaxane BC12P5 is successfully constructed with 1,4‐diethoxypillar[5]arene as wheel over a long alkyl axle with Bodipy chromophore as one stopper for the first time. NMR spectra clearly reveal its molecular shuttle nature triggered by multiple external stimuli including solvent polarity and temperature. In particular, the fluorescence nature introduced into [2]rotaxane BC12P5 renders it a good sensor for the external stimuli. Nevertheless, the supramolecular gel successfully fabricated from this novel rotaxane system via self‐assembly in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) also shows reversible gel–sol phase transition upon multiple external stimuli such as heating/cooling, shaking/resting, or the addition of different anions. Interestingly, exposure of the supramolecular gel film to HCl or ammonia vapor induces the change in the film fluorescence intensity, endowing this system with a potential application in gas detecting.
Aufbau eines intern B3N3‐dotierten Nanographenmoleküls
Authors: Krieg Matthias , Reicherter Florian , Haiss Peter , Ströbele Markus , Eichele Klaus , Treanor Michael‐John , Schaub Renald , Bettinger Holger F.
Published: May 2015

Hier wird die Synthese eines Hexa‐peri‐hexabenzocoronens (HBC) mit innerem Borazinkern beschrieben. Die Festkörperstruktur dieses Bor‐Stickstoff‐dotierten HBC (BN‐HBC) ist isotyp mit derjenigen des ursprünglichen HBC. Aufnahmen mit dem Rastertunnelmikroskop zeigen, dass BN‐HBC flach in zweidimensionalen Mustern auf einer Au(111)‐Oberfläche aufliegt.
Abnormalities in brain systems supporting individuation and enumeration in autism
Authors: O'Hearn Kirsten , Velanova Katerina , Lynn Andrew , Wright Catherine , Hallquist Michael , Minshew Nancy , Luna Beatriz
Published: May 2015

Previous work indicates that adults with autism display a decreased capacity when rapidly enumerating small sets of elements (i.e., subitizing), compared to typically developing (TD) individuals. This ability is crucial for fundamental visual functions such as object individuation and parallel processing. Thus, the deficit in autism suggests limits in these skills. To examine the neural basis of this limitation, adults with and without high functioning autism rapidly enumerated 1 to 8 randomly located squares during a neuroimaging study. Typically, adults are thought to use parallel visual processes to quantify up to three or four elements, and serial processes to enumerate more (5+) elements. We hypothesized that parietal lobe regions associated with counting would be recruited with smaller sets of elements in adults with autism, compared to TD adults. Consistent with this hypothesis, activation in parietal regions increased with smaller set sizes in adults with autism compared to TD adults. Increased activation for three elements was evident in several regions, including those thought to underlie subitizing. In addition, regions specific to the counting range in TD adults were often equally active for set sizes in the subitizing range in the adults with autism. Finally, significant deactivation was evident in TD adults, presumably reflecting relative suppression of regions specialized for competing processes, but was not apparent in adults with autism. These differences in brain function in adults with autism on a simple enumeration task suggest atypical brain organization and function that is likely to impact most visual tasks, especially those with multiple elements. Autism Res 2015. © 2015 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Modified Photobioreactor for Biofixation of Carbon Dioxide by Chlorella vulgaris at Different Light Intensities
Authors: Naderi Gita , Tade Moses O. , Znad Hussein
Published: May 2015

The performance of a modified bioreactor inside a light enclosure for carbon dioxide biofixation by Chlorella vulgaris was investigated. The influence of different light intensities on the CO2 biofixation and biomass production rates was evaluated. The results showed that the photon flux available to the microalgal cultures can be a key issue in optimizing the microalgae photobioreactor performance, particularly at high cell concentrations. Although the optimal pH values for C. vulgaris are in the range of 6–8, cell growth can take place even at pH 4 and 10. Batch microalgae cultivation in the photobioreactor was used to investigate the effect of different light intensities. The maximum biomass concentration of 1.83 g L−1 was obtained at a light intensity of 100 μmol m−2s−1 and under aeration with 2 L min−1 of 2 % CO2‐enriched air.
Collaborate to provide students with comprehensive support
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: May 2015

When students appear to be struggling, faculty members often suggest tutoring or other academic resources. But what if the student is hungry? What if she is being evicted from her apartment?
Livers of terrestrial production animals as a source of long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids for humans: An alternative to fish?
Authors: Gladyshev Michail I. , Makhutova Olesia N. , Gubanenko Galina A. , Rechkina Ekaterina A. , Kalachova Galina S. , Sushchik Nadezhda N.
Published: May 2015

Long‐chain polyunsaturated n‐3 fatty acids (LC‐PUFA), including eicosapentaenoic (EPA), and docosahexaenoic (DHA) are an essential part of human diets, but their main source, the wild fish catch, is limited. Terrestrial production animals, such as cattle, pigs, and chicken, can synthesize these compounds from the plant‐derived precursor α‐linolenic acid, and the synthesis occurs mainly in liver. We estimated the putative contribution of liver products to the LC‐PUFA supply in human nutrition, as an alternative to fish. We measured EPA and DHA contents in raw and cooked livers of the animals. Calculations of global production of EPA and DHA in the livers of these animals were done. Mean contents of LC‐PUFA in raw livers of chicken, pigs, and cattle were comparable with those in some fish. Culinary treatments of the liver did not result in a decrease of EPA and DHA contents. Global production of EPA and DHA in animals’ livers was estimated as ∼4 106 kg/year, while the global EPA + DHA supply through the wild fish catch is known to be 180 106 kg/year. Thus, liver of production animals is an additional source of LC‐PUFA for human nutrition, rather than an alternative to fish.

Practical applications: Consumption of food with a high PUFA content and a low n‐6/n‐3 ratio is recommended for humans to prevent cardiovascular disease and psychiatric disorders. We found that cooked pork and beef liver is a valuable source of n‐3 LC‐PUFA in human nutrition. In contrast, cooked chicken liver had too high of a n‐6/n‐3 ratio and, thereby, had a lower nutritive value concerning n‐3 LC‐PUFA.

An estimate has been made of the putative contribution of liver products of terrestrial animals to the LC‐PUFA supply as alternative to fish in human nutrition.
Delay‐aware resource control for device‐to‐device underlay communication systems
Authors: Li Junchao , Xia Weiwei , Shen Lianfeng
Published: May 2015

In this paper, we study delay‐aware resource control in device‐to‐device underlay communication systems with multiple source‐destination pairs. With the consideration of random bursty arrivals and delay‐sensitive information flows, cross‐layer optimization seeks to develop algorithms that (i) provide efficient throughput‐utility, (ii) are robust to general time‐varying conditions and (iii) guarantee bounded worst‐case delay. To deal with the delay constraints, both the large deviation approach and the Lyapunov drift approach are presented. We also allow each source‐destination pair to select its best communication mode, that is, cellular mode or device‐to‐device mode, at each slot. Theoretical analyses and simulation results show that adopting such mode selection can significantly increase the network flexibility and improve the system performance. The simulation results also imply that the large deviation approach performs better in light traffic loading regimes with large delay bound requirements, while the Lyapunov drift approach may not have good delay performance in moderate and light traffic loading regimes but can keep the system stability when data arrival rate grows large. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two New Triterpene Saponins from Acanthophyllum laxiusculum
Authors: Pertuit David , Baghery Lotfabad Tayebe , Mitaine‐Offer Anne‐Claire , Miyamoto Tomofumi , Tanaka Chiaki , Lacaille‐Dubois Marie‐Aleth
Published: May 2015

Two new triterpene glycosides, 1 and 2, together with three known ones, were isolated from roots of Acanthophyllum laxiusculum Schiman‐Czeika. The structures of the new compounds were established by extensive 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR spectroscopic experiments and MS analyses as 23‐O‐β‐D‐galactopyranosylgypsogenic acid 28‐O‐{β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐6‐O‐[4‐carboxy‐3‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐1‐oxobutyl]‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→6)}‐[β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→3)]‐β‐D‐galactopyranosyl ester (1) and gypsogenic acid 28‐O‐{β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐6‐O‐[4‐carboxy‐3‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐1‐oxobutyl]‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→6)}‐[β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→3)]‐β‐D‐galactopyranosyl ester (2).
An Efficient Synthesis of Chromeno[2,3‐d]pyrimidine‐2,4‐diones with a Nitroketene‐Aminal Moiety at C(5) by a One‐Pot Four‐Component Reaction
Authors: Alizadeh Abdolali , Ghanbaripour Rashid , Weng Ng Seik
Published: May 2015

An efficient and novel synthesis of chromeno[2,3‐d]pyrimidine‐2,4‐dione derivatives with a nitroketene‐aminal moiety at C(5) via four‐component reaction of salicylaldehydes, barbituric acid, diamines, and 1,1‐bis(methylsulfanyl)‐2‐nitroethene in EtOH and in the presence of AcOH is reported. Easy performance, good yields, and easy purification are the main advantages of this method. All structures were confirmed by IR, MS, and 1H‐ and 13C‐NMR, and by X‐ray crystal‐structure analyses. A plausible mechanism for this type of reaction is proposed (Scheme).
New Pentacyclic Triterpenoids from Centella asiatica
Authors: Shao Yan , Ou‐Yang Dan‐Wei , Cheng Liang , Gao Wen , Weng Xiao‐Xiang , Kong De‐Yun
Published: May 2015

Three new pentacyclic triterpenoids, named centellasaponins G, H, and F (1–3, resp.), together with four known compounds, 4–7, were isolated from the whole plants of Centella asiatica. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of chemical and spectral analysis, including 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR and HR‐MS experiments, and by comparison with literature data.
Automated production at the curie level of no‐carrier‐added 6‐[18F]fluoro‐ l‐dopa and 2‐[18F]fluoro‐ l‐tyrosine on a FASTlab synthesizer
Authors: Lemaire C. , Libert L. , Franci X. , Genon J.‐L. , Kuci S. , Giacomelli F. , Luxen A.
Published: May 2015

An efficient, fully automated, enantioselective multi‐step synthesis of no‐carrier‐added (nca) 6‐[18F]fluoro‐L‐dopa ([18F]FDOPA) and 2‐[18F]fluoro‐L‐tyrosine ([18F]FTYR) on a GE FASTlab synthesizer in conjunction with an additional high‐ performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) purification has been developed. A PTC (phase‐transfer catalyst) strategy was used to synthesize these two important radiopharmaceuticals. According to recent chemistry improvements, automation of the whole process was implemented in a commercially available GE FASTlab module, with slight hardware modification using single use cassettes and stand‐alone HPLC. [18F]FDOPA and [18F]FTYR were produced in 36.3 ± 3.0 % (n = 8) and 50.5 ± 2.7 % (n = 10) FASTlab radiochemical yield (decay corrected). The automated radiosynthesis on the FASTlab module requires about 52 min. Total synthesis time including HPLC purification and formulation was about 62 min. Enantiomeric excesses for these two aromatic amino acids were always >95 %, and the specific activity of was >740 GBq/µmol. This automated synthesis provides high amount of [18F]FDOPA and [18F]FTYR (>37 GBq end of synthesis (EOS)). The process, fully adaptable for reliable production across multiple PET sites, could be readily implemented into a clinical good manufacturing process (GMP) environment.
Dental root size in bats with diets of different hardness
Authors: Self Casey J.
Published: May 2015

The relationship between tooth roots and diet is relatively unexplored, although a logical relationship between harder diets and increased root surface area (RSA) is suggested. This study addresses the interaction between tooth morphology, diet, and bite force in small mammals, phyllostomid bats. Using micro computed tomography (microCT), tooth root morphology of two fruit‐eating species (Carollia perspicillata and Chiroderma villosum) and two insect‐eating species (Mimon bennettii and Macrotus californicus) was compared. These species did not differ in skull or estimated body size. Food hardness, rather than dietary classification, proved to be the strongest grouping factor, with the two insectivores and the seed‐processing frugivore (C. villosum) having significantly larger RSAs. Bite force was estimated using skull measurements; bite force significantly correlated with tooth RSA but not with body size. Although the three durophagous species did exhibit larger crowns, the area of the occlusal surface did not vary among the four species. There was a linear relationship between root size and crown size, indicating that the roots were not expanded disproportionately; instead the entire tooth was larger in the hard diet species. MicroCT allows the nondestructive quantification of previously difficult‐to‐access tooth morphology; this method shows the potential for tooth roots to provide valuable dietary, behavioral, and ecological information in small mammals. J. Morphol. 276:1065–1074, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Arrival time distributions of product ions reveal isomeric ratio of deprotonated molecules in ion mobility–mass spectrometry of hyaluronan‐derived oligosaccharides
Authors: Hermannová Martina , Iordache Andreea‐Maria , Slováková Kristína , Havlíček Vladimír , Pelantová Helena , Lemr Karel
Published: May 2015

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring linear polysaccharide with substantial medical potential. In this work, discrimination of tyramine‐based hyaluronan derivatives was accessed by ion mobility–mass spectrometry of deprotonated molecules and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. As the product ion mass spectra did not allow for direct isomer discrimination in mixture, the reductive labeling of oligosaccharides as well as stable isotope labeling was performed. The ion mobility separation of parent ions together with the characteristic fragmentation for reduced isomers providing unique product ions allowed us to identify isomers present in a mixture and determine their mutual isomeric ratio. The determination used simple recalculation of arrival time distribution areas of unique ions to areas of deprotonated molecules. Mass spectrometry data were confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robot‐assisted sialolithotomy with sialendoscopy for the management of large submandibular gland stones
Authors: Razavi Christopher , Pascheles Celine , Samara Ghassan , Marzouk Mark
Published: May 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

The objectives of this study were to describe robot‐assisted sialolithotomy with sialendoscopy (RASS) for the management of large palpable hilar submandibular gland (SMG) stones and analyze procedural success and lingual nerve damage following RASS in comparison to the combined transoral sialendoscopic approach.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed on patients with large palpable hilar SMG stones managed with RASS following institutional review board approval. Large stones were defined as ≥5 mm, the upper limit that can be removed via sialendoscopy. Twenty‐two patients between January 2012 and June 2014, with mean stone size of 12.3 mm, were identified. Data collected included symptoms of recurrence, postoperative lingual nerve function, and patient satisfaction at a mean follow‐up of 14 months. Procedural success was defined as absence of symptom recurrence in conjunction with gland preservation.

These measures were compared with the combined approach (CA) outcomes reported in the English literature.

Results

Procedural success was 100% (22/22) for our cohort. No patients reported symptoms of lingual nerve damage at follow‐up, whereas four patients reported transient lingual nerve paresthesia (mean duration, 2.5 weeks). Mean patient satisfaction was 9.9 out of 10. Literature review identified 135 patients in the CA cohort. Procedural success rate for these patients was 75%, and lingual nerve damage was reported in 2% of patients.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates the safety and efficacy of RASS in the management of large SMG sialoliths. We attribute this preliminary success of RASS to the enhanced visualization, magnification, and technical advantages of the procedure.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 126:345–351, 2016
Polyaspartamide–Polylactide Graft Copolymers with Tunable Properties for the Realization of Fluorescent Nanoparticles for Imaging
Authors: Craparo Emanuela Fabiola , Porsio Barbara , Mauro Nicolò , Giammona Gaetano , Cavallaro Gennara
Published: May 2015

Here, the synthesis and the characterization of novel amphiphilic graft copolymers with tunable properties, useful in obtaining polymeric fluorescent nanoparticles for application in imaging, are described. These copolymers are obtained by chemical conjugation of rhodamine B (RhB) moieties, polylactic acid (PLA), and O‐(2‐aminoethyl)‐O′‐methyl poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) on α,β‐poly(N‐2‐hydroxyethyl)‐d,l‐aspartamide (PHEA). In particular, PHEA is first functionalized with RhB to obtain PHEA–RhB with a derivatization degree in RhB (DDRhB) equal to 0.55 mol%. By varying the reaction conditions, different amounts of PLA are grafted on PHEA–RhB to obtain PHEA‐RhB‐PLA with DDPLA equal to 1.9, 4.0, and 6.2 mol%. Then, PEG chains are grafted on PHEA‐RhB‐PLA derivatives to obtain PHEA‐RhB‐PLA‐PEG graft copolymers. The preparation of polymeric fluorescent nanoparticles with tunable properties and spherical shape is described by using PHEA‐RhB‐PLA‐PEG with DD in PLA and PEG equal to 4.0 and 4.9 mol%, by following easily scaling up processes, such as emulsion‐solvent evaporation and high pressure homogenization (HPH)‐solvent evaporation techniques.

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Lasers for Optogenetics and Multimodal Microscopy
Authors: Arrigoni Marco
Published: May 2015

A new type of short‐pulse ultrafast laser sources provides extremely wide (680 – 1300 nm) wavelength tunability of the primary output as well as simultaneous high power (1.5 watts) output at 1040 nm. This combination makes lasers such as the Chameleon Discovery ideal for demanding multiphoton excitation applications in optogenetics, multimodal imaging, and other microscopy applications that need two independent wavelengths. In this article we will see why these applications benefit from this performance.
Custom Designed Fabrication
Authors: Bähr Jochen
Published: May 2015

The silver sodium ion exchange process is a versatile and flexible technique for realizing high quality refractive microoptical elements with a high degree of freedom in design. An accurate mask technique allows for implementing a huge variety of optical functions, such as micro lens arrays with 100 % filling factor, custom designed micro lenses with different optical parameters (i. e. focal length, Numerical Aperture, sphericity, etc.) within the same array or beam shaping elements such as vortex elements. The article shows actual results and applications of these elements.
Polymer Planar Bragg Gratings
Authors: Rosenberger Manuel , Schmauss Bernhard , Hellmann Ralf
Published: May 2015

Combining the advantageous properties of cyclo olefin copolymers (COC) with a rapid UV laser based fabrication process, we highlight the generation of planar waveguide Bragg gratings suitable for multi‐axial strain sensing (Fig. 1). Bragg gratings are optical filters reflecting a small wavelength band, which is determined by the spatial grating period and the effective refractive index. As both determining factors depend, e. g., on mechanical load conditions and temperature, measuring the reflected Bragg wavelength facilitates optical sensing of these conditions.
miRNAs dysregulated in association with Gleason grade regulate extracellular matrix, cytoskeleton and androgen receptor pathways
Authors: Lichner Zsuzsanna , Ding Qiang , Samaan Sara , Saleh Carol , Nasser Aurfan , Al‐Haddad Sahar , Samuel Joseph N , Fleshner Neil E , Stephan Carsten , Jung Klaus , Yousef George M
Published: May 2015

The Gleason grading system is an important determinant of treatment decisions and prognosis in prostate cancer. It has a number of limitations, including significant inter‐observer variability, creating a need for biological parameters to accurately assess the Gleason grade. The objective of this study was to determine the molecular correlates of the different Gleason grades. Global miRNA expression was analysed in pure regions of each Gleason grade. Bioinformatics analysis was performed to predict miRNA‐mediated signalling. We experimentally validated the effect of miRNAs on target gene expression and cellular functions using cell line models. We also examined the correlation of miRNAs with biochemical failure, metastasis and prognosis. We identified miRNAs that are differentially expressed between grades 3 and 5, and the top biological processes associated with Gleason grade transition were extracellular matrix (ECM)‐mediated signalling, focal adhesion kinase‐ and mitogen‐activated kinase pathways. Transfection with miR‐29c, miR‐34a and miR‐141 repressed genes involved in ECM‐mediated pathways, such as SRC, PRKCA, COL1A1, ITGB1 and MAPK13, and decreased cell proliferation and migration. Furthermore, miR‐29c and miR‐34a influenced downstream pathways that affect actin cytoskeleton organization and androgen receptor localization. Finally, miR‐29c, miR‐34a, miR‐141 and miR‐148a showed inverse correlations with biochemical recurrence, but were independent of other clinical parameters. Our results demonstrate the potential role of miRNAs as independent prognostic markers and pave the road for a biological‐based reclassification of the Gleason grading system. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Utilization of renewable filler from lichen in low density polyethylene
Authors: Gültekin Musa , Çaylı Gökhan , Esen Hüseyin
Published: May 2015

New organic filler, obtained from a local lichen type, Rinodina Poeltii, was utilized in low density polyethylene (LDPE). Thermal characterization of organic filler revealed its suitability to be used as filler during extrusion and injection processes. Filler did not exhibit any weight loss up to 300°C except the dehydration loss at 155°C. Unmodified filler was compounded as 5, 10, and 15% by weight with LDPE. Filler addition resulted in a decrease for both tensile strength and % elongation at break. However, an increase was observed in elastic modulus. The compatibility of the filler material and polymer matrix was also found to be good as a result of absence of pull out voids in SEM observation. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:389–395, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Diagnostic value of ultrasonographic combining biochemical markers for Down syndrome screening in first trimester: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Yang , Ye Xingguang , Zhang Na. , Zhang Baohuan , Guo Congcong , Huang Weihuang , Jing Lipeng , Wang Man , Yang Guang , Wei Xiangcai , Jing Chunxia
Published: May 2015

What's already known about this topic?

Different combinations of MA and NT and NB and free β‐hCG and PAPP‐A have been used in the first trimester to screen for Down syndrome; however, the sensitivity and specificity of these screening tests varied among studies.

What does this study add?

This is the first meta‐analysis that analyzes the diagnostic value of four different combining tests by MA and NT and NB and PAPP‐A and free β‐hCG for Down syndrome. It shows that the combination of NT and PAPP and free β‐hCG is a cost‐effective diagnostic tool for Down syndrome.

© 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and characterization of super dye adsorbent hydrogels based on acrylic acid and acryloyl tetrasodium thiacalix[4]arene tetrasulfonate
Authors: Narimani Farhad , Mansour Lakouraj Moslem
Published: May 2015

Acryloyl tetrasodium thiacalix[4]arene tetrasulfonate (ACSTCA) was synthesized via fictionalization of tetrasodium thiacalix[4]arene tetrasulfonate (STCA). Hydrogels based on acrylic acid (AA) (20–70 mol%) and ACSTCA (30–80 mol%) were prepared by solution copolymerization in water using methylene bisacrylamide and ammonium persulfate as crosslinker and initiator, respectively. The gels obtained exhibited a good ability for absorbing water. Swelling of the gels was improved with increase in ACSTCA content in the gel feed. Characterization of the synthesized monomer (ACSTCA) was performed using mass spectrometry and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopies and the synthesized gels were characterized by FTIR. The thermal and mechanical properties of these copolymers were also studied using TGA and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. The glass transition temperature and storage modulus of the copolymer were increased with increasing content of ACSTCA in the gel. Thermal stability was improved with increasing ACSTCA content in the structure of the copolymer. The results showed that the synthesized copolymer (ACSTCA‐AA) can effectively remove dye from wastewater. The dye removal capacity of the gels was investigated with a UV−visible spectrophotometer. In addition, the effect of key operation parameters such as the ACSTCA content in the structure of the copolymer, contact time, adsorbent dosage, pH of the solution and temperature on dye removal from aqueous solution was experimentally studied. The equilibrium data were analyzed using the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms. The Freundlich isotherms provided a better fit to the data. Results from the kinetic studies revealed that the adsorption of malachite green onto the hydrogels followed a pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Advances in the study of the deformation mechanism of stishovite
Authors: Azzopardi Keith M. , Brincat Jean‐Pierre , Grima Joseph N. , Gatt Ruben
Published: May 2015

Stishovite, a mineral which is estimated to be abundant in the Earth's mantle, exhibits negative Poisson's ratios for a range of loading directions at specific ambient pressure ranges. Here, we investigate the deformation mechanisms which lead to auxetic behaviour in the (001) plane in further detail, and show that the two‐dimensional projection of the structure is auxetic by the type α dilating rhombi mechanism. This corroborates the distorting octahedra three‐dimensional mechanism described previously [Azzopardi et al., RSC Adv. 5, 8974 (2015)].
Electrical characteristics of vapor deposited amorphous MoS2 two‐terminal structures and back gate thin film transistors with Al, Au, Cu and Ni‐Au contacts
Authors: Kouvatsos Dimitrios N. , Papadimitropoulos George , Spiliotis Thanassis , Vasilopoulou Maria , Barreca Davide , Gasparotto Alberto , Davazoglou Dimitris
Published: May 2015

Amorphous molybdenum sulphide (a‐MoS2) thin films were deposited at near room temperature on oxidized silicon substrates and were electrically characterized with the use of two‐terminal structures and of back‐gated thin film transistors utilizing the substrate silicon as gate. Current‐voltage characteristics were extracted for various metals used as pads, showing significant current variations attributable to different metal‐sulphide interface properties and contact resistances, while the effect of a forming gas anneal was determined. With the use of heavily doped silicon substrates and aluminum backside deposition, thin film transistor (TFT) structures with the a‐MoS2 film as active layer were fabricated and characterized. Transfer characteristics showing a gate field effect, despite a leakage often present, were extracted for these devices, indicating that high mobility devices can be fabricated. SEM and EDXA measurements were also performed in an attempt to clarify issues related to material properties and fabrication procedures, so as to achieve a reliable and optimized a‐MoS2 TFT fabrication process. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Tensor product methods and entanglement optimization for ab initio quantum chemistry
Authors: Szalay Szilárd , Pfeffer Max , Murg Valentin , Barcza Gergely , Verstraete Frank , Schneider Reinhold , Legeza Örs
Published: May 2015

The treatment of high‐dimensional problems such as the Schrödinger equation can be approached by concepts of tensor product approximation. We present general techniques that can be used for the treatment of high‐dimensional optimization tasks and time‐dependent equations, and connect them to concepts already used in many‐body quantum physics. Based on achievements from the past decade, entanglement‐based methods—developed from different perspectives for different purposes in distinct communities already matured to provide a variety of tools—can be combined to attack highly challenging problems in quantum chemistry. The aim of the present paper is to give a pedagogical introduction to the theoretical background of this novel field and demonstrate the underlying benefits through numerical applications on a text book example. Among the various optimization tasks, we will discuss only those which are connected to a controlled manipulation of the entanglement which is in fact the key ingredient of the methods considered in the paper. The selected topics will be covered according to a series of lectures given on the topic “New wavefunction methods and entanglement optimizations in quantum chemistry” at the Workshop on Theoretical Chemistry, February 18–21, 2014, Mariapfarr, Austria. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Aspects of surface scanning by direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry employing plasma glow visualization
Authors: Chernetsova Elena S. , Morlock Gertrud E.
Published: May 2015

Rationale

Visual monitoring of the Direct Analysis in Real Time (DART) gas impact region during sampling was demonstrated via its metastable plasma glow. It is known that adding neon into helium for DART leads to plasma glow, but this effect has not been used in practice and discussed in the literature so far.

Methods

A single quadrupole mass spectrometer with a DART SVPA ion source was used for recording of DART mass spectra from different surfaces, using galangin and p‐coumaric acid as model analytes. In specific cases, the composition of the mass spectra was clarified using an Orbitrap mass spectrometer.

Results

Plasma glow visualization made it possible to track the metastable gas distributions during surface scanning. The influence on the composition of the mass spectra was studied for different carrier gases, i.e. pure helium versus a helium–neon mixture, and for the vacuum pumping rate. The spatial resolution was substantially improved via a DART cap with a narrowed internal diameter, but impaired by a decreased sensitivity. Comparably low signal intensities were obtained for analytes on porous layers due to analyte penetration and metastable gas scattering.

Conclusions

Visualization through the plasma glow enables the optimal selection of the coordinates for DART‐MS analysis and thus it will support scanning and imaging MS on surfaces, including porous planar chromatographic separation materials. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CD38 Is Required for Neural Differentiation of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells by Modulating Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Wei Wenjie , Lu Yingying , Hao Baixia , Zhang Kehui , Wang Qian , Miller Andrew L. , Zhang Liang-Ren , Zhang Li-He , Yue Jianbo
Published: May 2015

CD38 is a multifunctional membrane enzyme and the main mammalian ADP-ribosyl cyclase, which catalyzes the synthesis and hydrolysis of cADPR, a potent endogenous Ca2+ mobilizing messenger. Here, we explored the role of CD38 in the neural differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs). We found that the expression of CD38 was decreased during the differentiation of mouse ESCs initiated by adherent monoculture. Perturbing the CD38/cADPR signaling by either CD38 knockdown or treatment of cADPR antagonists inhibited the neural commitment of mouse ESCs, whereas overexpression of CD38 promoted it. Moreover, CD38 knockdown dampened reactive oxygen species (ROS) production during neural differentiation of ESCs by inhibiting NADPH oxidase activity, while CD38 overexpression enhanced it. Similarly, application of hydrogen peroxide mitigated the inhibitory effects of CD38 knockdown on neural differentiation of ESCs. Taken together, our data indicate that the CD38 signaling pathway is required for neural differentiation of mouse ESCs by modulating ROS production. Stem Cells  2015;33:2664–2673