bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A hypomorphic allele reveals an important role of inturned in mouse skeletal development
Authors: Chang Rachel , Petersen Juliette R. , Niswander Lee A. , Liu Aimin
Published: March 2015

Background: Cilia are important for Hedgehog signaling in vertebrates and many genes that encode proteins involved in ciliogenesis have been studied for their roles in embryonic development. Null mutations in many of these genes cause early embryonic lethality, hence an understanding of their roles in postnatal development is limited. Results: The Inturned (Intu) gene is required for ciliogenesis and here we report a recessive hypomorphic mutation, resulting in substitution of a conserved hydrophobic residue (I813N) near the C‐terminus, that sheds light on later functions of Intu. Mice homozygous for this Double‐thumb (IntuDtm) allele exhibit polydactyly, retarded growth, and reduced survival. There is a moderate loss of cilia in IntuDtm/Dtm mutants, and IntuI813N exhibits compromised ability to increase ciliogenesis in cultured Intu null mutant cells. IntuDtm mutants show rib defects and delay of endochondral ossification in long bones, digits, vertebrae, and the sternum. These skeletal defects correlate with a decrease in Hh signaling. However, patterning of the neural tube and planar cell polarity appear to be normal. Conclusions: This hypomorphic Intu allele highlights an important role of Intu in mouse skeletal development. Developmental Dynamics 244:736–747, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Niobium–Containing Lindqvist Isopolyanions [NbxW6–xO19](2+x)– Used as Precursors for Hydrodesulfurization Catalysts with Isomerization Properties
Authors: Bouadjadja‐Rohan Karolina , Lancelot Christine , Fournier Michel , Bonduelle‐Skrzypczak Audrey , Hugon Antoine , Mentré Olivier , Lamonier Carole
Published: March 2015

Lindqvist isopolyanions [NbxW6–xO19](2+x)– (x = 0–4 and 6) were prepared and their spectroscopic and thermal properties were determined by Raman and IR spectroscopy as well as TGA/DSC. The structure of the [NbW5O19]3– anion obtained as single crystal was determined. Ni‐promoted alumina‐supported hydrodesulfurization (HDS) catalysts were prepared from the best soluble NbW polyoxometalates. In the calcined catalysts, better dispersion of the metallic species is observed when using NbW isopolyanions instead of the conventional ammonium metatungstate. The presence of niobium was expected to introduce acidity leading to isomerization property in classical NiW HDS catalysts. In HDS reaction conditions (under hydrogen pressure and sulfided environment) the cyclohexane isomerization into methylcyclopentane activity of niobium‐based catalysts was found up to 5 times superior to that of conventional NiW catalyst, showing the beneficial effect of niobium for this reaction.
Synthesis and DNA‐Damaging Properties of Cisplatin‐N‐Mustard Conjugates
Authors: Schiesser Stefan , Hackner Benjamin , Vrabel Milan , Beck Wolfgang , Carell Thomas
Published: March 2015

We report the synthesis of two novel cisplatin‐N‐mustard conjugates. In these compounds two potentially DNA‐damaging molecules are combined and are separated by a spacer containing either one or four ethylene glycol units. We have shown that these conjugates are capable of forming novel clustered DNA adducts, thereby strongly increasing the lesion density in double‐stranded DNA, which is thought to block DNA repair and translesion synthesis. Their ability to inhibit cell division was proven in anE. coliassay.
Fluid flow and sediment entrainment in the Garonne River bore and tidal bore collision
Authors: Keevil Claire E. , Chanson Hubert , Reungoat David
Published: March 2015

A detailed field study was carried out on a tidal bore to document the turbulent processes and sediment entrainment which occurred. The measured bore, within the Arcins Channel of the Garonne River (France), was undular in nature and was followed by well‐defined secondary wave motion. Due to the local river geometry a collision between the Arcins channel tidal bore and the bore which formed within the main Garonne River channel was observed about 800 m upstream of the sampling site. This bore collision generated a transient standing wave with a black water mixing zone. Following this collision the bore from the main Garonne River channel propagated ‘backward’ to the downstream end of the Arcins channel. Velocity measurements with a fine temporal resolution were complemented by measurements of the sediment concentration and river level. The instantaneous velocity data indicated large and rapid fluctuations of all velocity components during the tidal bore. Large Reynolds shear stresses were observed during and after the tidal bore passage, including during the 'backward' bore propagation. Large suspended sediment concentration estimates were recorded and the suspended sediment flux data showed some substantial sediment motion, consistent with the murky appearance of the flood tide waters. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of the capacity of two biotic ligand models to predict chronic copper toxicity to two Daphnia magna clones and formulation of a generalized bioavailability model
Authors: Van Regenmortel Tina , Janssen Colin R. , De Schamphelaere Karel A.C.
Published: March 2015

Although it is increasingly recognized that biotic ligand models (BLMs) are valuable in the risk assessment of metals in aquatic systems, the use of 2 differently structured and parameterized BLMs (1 in the United States and another in the European Union) to obtain bioavailability-based chronic water quality criteria for copper is worthy of further investigation. In the present study, the authors evaluated the predictive capacity of these 2 BLMs for a large dataset of chronic copper toxicity data with 2 Daphnia magna clones, termed K6 and ARO. One BLM performed best with clone K6 data, whereas the other performed best with clone ARO data. In addition, there was an important difference between the 2 BLMs in how they predicted the bioavailability of copper as a function of pH. These modeling results suggested that the effect of pH on chronic copper toxicity is different between the 2 clones considered, which was confirmed with additional chronic toxicity experiments. Finally, because fundamental differences in model structure between the 2 BLMs made it impossible to create an average BLM, a generalized bioavailability model (gBAM) was developed. Of the 3 gBAMs developed, the authors recommend the use of model gBAM-Cuni, which combines a log-linear relation between the 21-d median effective concentration (expressed as free Cu2+ ion activity) and pH, with more conventional BLM-type competition constants for sodium, calcium, and magnesium. This model can be considered a first step in further improving the accuracy of chronic toxicity predictions of copper as a function of water chemistry (for a variety of Daphnia magna clones), even beyond the robustness of the current BLMs used in regulatory applications. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:1597–1608. © 2015 SETAC
Species interactions and chemical stress: Combined effects of intraspecific and interspecific interactions and pyrene on Daphnia magna population dynamics
Authors: Viaene Karel P. J. , De Laender Frederik , Rico Andreu , Van den Brink Paul J. , Di Guardo Antonio , Morselli Melissa , Janssen Colin R.
Published: March 2015

Species interactions are often suggested as an important factor when assessing the effects of chemicals on higher levels of biological organization. Nevertheless, the contribution of intraspecific and interspecific interactions to chemical effects on populations is often overlooked. In the present study, Daphnia magna populations were initiated with different levels of intraspecific competition, interspecific competition, and predation and exposed to pyrene pulses. Generalized linear models were used to test which of these factors significantly explained population size and structure at different time points. Pyrene had a negative effect on total population densities, with effects being more pronounced on smaller D. magna individuals. Among all species interactions tested, predation had the largest negative effect on population densities. Predation and high initial intraspecific competition were shown to interact antagonistically with pyrene exposure. This was attributed to differences in population structure before pyrene exposure and pyrene-induced reductions in predation pressure by Chaoborus sp. larvae. The present study provides empirical evidence that species interactions within and between populations can alter the response of aquatic populations to chemical exposure. Therefore, such interactions are important factors to be considered in ecological risk assessments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:1751–1759. © 2015 SETAC
Panel: life safety options for people with disabilities – how far have we come?
Authors: Fahy Rita
Published: March 2015

A panel discussion considered life safety options for people with disabilities and their evacuation challenges, with a particular focus on buildings, such as small care facilities, group homes and nursing homes. Questions to be discussed included consideration of how well occupants in those types of facilities have fared in actual fires, and how well current regulations protect them. The panelists focused on three specific areas – the implications of changing demographics on code development; the factors important in fire safety in small care facilities; and real experiences and future implications for mixed‐ability evacuation. This paper details the presentations and the open discussion that followed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Caesaljaponins A and B: New Cassane‐Type Furanoditerpenoids from the Seeds of Caesalpinia decapetala var. japonica
Authors: Kamikawa Sayuri , Ohta Emi , Ohta Shinji
Published: March 2015

Two new cassane‐type furanoditerpenoids, designated caesaljaponin A and caesaljaponin B (1 and 2, resp.), were isolated from seeds of Caesalpinia decapetala var. japonica. The structures were elucidated by spectroscopic data, and the absolute configuration of 1 was determined by X‐ray crystallographic analysis using the anomalous scattering of CuKα radiation.
Time profiles and toxicokinetic parameters of key biomarkers of exposure to cypermethrin in orally exposed volunteers compared with previously available kinetic data following permethrin exposure
Authors: Ratelle Mylène , Coté Jonathan , Bouchard Michèle
Published: March 2015

Biomonitoring of pyrethroid exposure is largely conducted but human toxicokinetics has not been fully documented. This is essential for a proper interpretation of biomonitoring data. Time profiles and toxicokinetic parameters of key biomarkers of exposure to cypermethrin in orally exposed volunteers have been documented and compared with previously available kinetic data following permethrin dosing. Six volunteers ingested 0.1 mg kg–1 bodyweight of cypermethrin acutely. The same volunteers were exposed to permethrin earlier. Blood samples were taken over 72 h after treatment and complete timed urine voids were collected over 84 h postdosing. Cis‐ and trans‐3‐(2,2‐dichlorovinyl)‐2,2‐dimethylcyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acids (trans‐ and cis‐DCCA) and 3‐phenoxybenzoic acid (3‐PBA) metabolites, common to both cypermethrin and permethrin, were quantified. Blood and urinary time courses of all three metabolites were similar following cypermethrin and permethrin exposure. Plasma levels of metabolites reached peak values on average ≈ 5–7 h post‐dosing; the elimination phase showed mean apparent half‐lives (t½) for trans‐DCCA, cis‐DCCA and 3‐PBA of 5.1, 6.9 and 9.2 h, respectively, following cypermethrin treatment as compared to 7.1, 6.2 and 6.5 h after permethrin dosing. Corresponding mean values obtained from urinary rate time courses were peak values at ≈ 9 h post‐dosing and apparent elimination t½ of 6.3, 6.4 and 6.4 h for trans‐DCCA, cis‐DCCA and 3‐PBA, respectively, following cypermethrin treatment as compared to 5.4, 4.5 and 5.7 h after permethrin dosing. These data confirm that the kinetics of cypermethrin is similar to that of permethrin in humans and that their common biomarkers of exposure may be used for an overall assessment of exposure. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation on cobalt‐oxide nanoparticles cyto‐genotoxicity and inflammatory response in two types of respiratory cells
Authors: Cavallo Delia , Ciervo Aureliano , Fresegna Anna Maria , Maiello Raffaele , Tassone Paola , Buresti Giuliana , Casciardi Stefano , Iavicoli Sergio , Ursini Cinzia Lucia
Published: March 2015

The increasing use of cobalt oxide (Co3O4) nanoparticles (NPs) in several applications and the suggested genotoxic potential of Co‐oxide highlight the importance of evaluating Co3O4 NPs toxicity. Cyto‐genotoxic and inflammatory effects induced by Co3O4 NPs were investigated in human alveolar (A549), and bronchial (BEAS‐2B) cells exposed to 1–40 µg ml–1. The physicochemical properties of tested NPs were analysed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Cytotoxicity was studied to analyze cell viability (WST1 test) and membrane damage (LDH assay), direct/oxidative DNA damage was assessed by the Formamido‐pyrimidine glycosylase (Fpg)‐modified comet assay and inflammation by interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8 and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) release (ELISA). In A549 cells, no cytotoxicity was found, whereas BEAS‐2B cells showed a viability reduction at 40 µg ml–1 and early membrane damage at 1, 5 and 40 µg ml–1. In A549 cells, direct and oxidative DNA damage at 20 and 40 µg ml–1 were detected without any effects on cytokine release. In BEAS‐2B cells, significant direct DNA damage at 40 µg ml–1 and significant oxidative DNA damage with a peak at 5 µg ml–1, that was associated with increased TNF‐α release at 1 µg ml–1 after 2 h and increased IL‐8 release at 20 µg ml–1 after 24 h, were detected. The findings show in the transformed alveolar cells no cytotoxicity and genotoxic/oxidative effects at 20 and 40 µg ml–1. In normal bronchial cells, moderate cytotoxicity, direct DNA damage only at the highest concentration and significant oxidative‐inflammatory effects at lower concentrations were detected. The findings confirm the genotoxic‐oxidative potential of Co3O4 NPs and show greater sensitivity of BEAS‐2B cells to cytotoxic and oxidative‐inflammatory effects suggesting the use of different cell lines and multiple end‐points to elucidate Co3O4 NPs toxicity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Meloxicam inhibits fipronil‐induced apoptosis via modulation of the oxidative stress and inflammatory response in SH‐SY5Y cells
Authors: Park Jae Hyeon , Park Youn Sun , Lee Je‐Bong , Park Kyung‐Hun , Paik Min‐kyoung , Jeong Mihye , Koh Hyun Chul
Published: March 2015

Oxidative stress and inflammatory responses have been identified as key elements of neuronal cell apoptosis. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms by which inflammatory responses contribute to apoptosis in human neuroblastoma SH‐SY5Y cells treated with fipronil (FPN). Based on the cytotoxic mechanism of FPN, we examined the neuroprotective effects of meloxicam against FPN‐induced neuronal cell death. Treatment of SH‐SY5Y cells with FPN induced apoptosis via activation of caspase‐9 and ‐3, leading to nuclear condensation. In addition, FPN induced oxidative stress and increased expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) via inflammatory stimulation. Pretreatment of cells with meloxicam enhanced the viability of FPN‐exposed cells through attenuation of oxidative stress and inflammatory response. FPN activated mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and inhibitors of MAPK abolished FPN‐induced COX‐2 expression. Meloxicam also attenuated FPN‐induced cell death by reducing MAPK‐mediated pro‐inflammatory factors. Furthermore, we observed both nuclear accumulation of p53 and enhanced levels of cytosolic p53 in a concentration‐dependent manner after FPN treatment. Pretreatment of cells with meloxicam blocked the translocation of p53 from the cytosol to the nucleus. Together, these data suggest that meloxicam may exert anti‐apoptotic effects against FPN‐induced cytotoxicity by both attenuating oxidative stress and inhibiting the inflammatory cascade via inactivation of MAPK and p53 signaling. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cell Cycle‐Dependent Localization of Dynactin Subunit p150glued at Centrosome
Authors: Chen Ting‐Yu , Syu Jhih‐Siang , Han Tsung‐Yu , Cheng Hui‐ling , Lu Fu‐I , Wang Chia‐Yih
Published: March 2015

p150glued is the largest subunit of dynactin protein complex, through which cargo vesicles link to the microtubule minus‐end directed motor protein dynein. In addition, p150glued also locates in the mother centriole where it organizes the subdistal appendage. The components of appendage are dynamically regulated throughout the cell cycle stages, but it is still unclear whether the centrosomal residency of p150glued correlated with cell cycle progression. Here we found that p150glued was located in the mother centriole during G1/S stage and its centrosomal residency was independent of microtubule transportation. However, the centrosomal p150glued became blurred at G2/M phase and this event was not regulated by its phosphorylation. Entering into mitosis, p150glued was robustly enriched in the mitotic spindle nearby the spindle poles but not in the centrosome. During serum starvation (G0 stage), p150glued appeared at the base of primary cilium and its depletion attenuated starvation‐induced primary cilium formation. We also checked its role in the maintenance of centrosome homeostasis and configuration, and found depletion of p150glued did not induce centrosome amplification or splitting but inhibited U2OS cell growth. G1 arrest and reduced EdU incorporation were observed in p150glued deficient U2OS cells. In addition, cyclin E was downregulated following p150glued depletion. The p53/p21 signaling was activated indicating that CDKs were inactivated. The reduced cell growth was ameliorated in the p150glued depleted cells when treated with p53 inhibitor. Thus, we have identified the centrosomal targeting of p150glued in distinct cell cycle stage and uncovered its role in controlling G1/S transition. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 2049–2060, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cell wall metabolism of peaches and nectarines treated with UV‐B radiation: a biochemical and molecular approach
Authors: Scattino Claudia , Negrini Noemi , Morgutti Silvia , Cocucci Maurizio , Crisosto Carlos H , Tonutti Pietro , Castagna Antonella , Ranieri Annamaria
Published: March 2015

BACKGROUND

Ultra‐violet B (UV‐B) radiation has been shown to improve, at least in selected genotypes, both the health‐promoting potential and the aesthetic properties of tomato and peach fruits during their post‐harvest period. The effects of post‐harvest UV‐B treatment on the cell‐wall metabolism of peaches and nectarines (Prunus persica L. Batsch) were assessed in this study. Three cultivars, Suncrest (melting flesh, MF) and Babygold 7 (non‐melting flesh, NMF) peaches and Big Top (slow melting, SM) nectarine, differing in the characteristics of textural changes and softening during ripening, were analysed.

RESULTS

The effects of UV‐B differ in relation to the cultivar considered. In MF ‘Suncrest’ fruit, UV‐B treatment significantly reduced the loss of flesh firmness despite the slight increase in the presence and activity of endo‐polygalacturonase. The activity of exo‐polygalacturonase increased as well, while endo‐1,4‐β‐d‐glucanase/β‐d‐glucosidase, β‐galactosidase and pectin methylesterase were substantially unaffected by the treatment. The UV‐B‐induced reduction of flesh softening was paralleled by the inhibition of PpExp gene transcription and expansin protein accumulation. The UV‐B treatment did not induce differences in flesh firmness between control and UV‐B‐treated NMF ‘Babygold 7’ and SM ‘Big Top’ fruit.

CONCLUSION

Based on these results, post‐harvest UV‐B treatment may be considered a promising tool to improve shelf‐life and quality of peach fruit. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Compound‐specific stable carbon isotopic signature of carbohydrate pyrolysis products from C3 and C4 plants
Authors: González‐Pérez José A , Jiménez‐Morillo Nicasio T , de la Rosa José M , Almendros Gonzalo , González‐Vila Francisco J
Published: March 2015

BACKGROUND

Pyrolysis‐compound specific isotopic analysis (Py‐CSIA: Py‐GC‐(FID)‐C‐IRMS) is a relatively novel technique that allows on‐line quantification of stable isotope proportions in chromatographically separated products released by pyrolysis. Validation of the Py‐CSIA technique is compulsory for molecular traceability in basic and applied research. In this work, commercial sucrose from C4 (sugarcane) and C3 (sugarbeet) photosystem plants and admixtures were studied using analytical pyrolysis (Py‐GC/MS), bulk δ13C IRMS and δ13C Py‐CSIA.

RESULTS

Major pyrolysis compounds were furfural (F), furfural‐5‐hydroxymethyl (HMF) and levoglucosan (LV). Bulk and main pyrolysis compound δ13C (‰) values were dependent on plant origin: C3 (F, −24.65 ± 0.89; HMF, −22.07 ± 0.41‰; LV, −21.74 ± 0.17‰) and C4 (F, −14.35 ± 0.89‰; HMF, −11.22 ± 0.54‰; LV, −11.44 ± 1.26‰). Significant regressions were obtained for δ13C of bulk and pyrolysis compounds in C3 and C4 admixtures. Furfural (F) was found 13C depleted with respect to bulk and HMF and LV, indicating the incorporation of the light carbon atom in position 6 of carbohydrates in the furan ring after pyrolysis.

CONCLUSION

This is the first detailed report on the δ13C signature of major pyrolytically generated carbohydrate‐derived molecules. The information provided by Py‐CSIA is valuable for identifying source marker compounds of use in food science/fraud detection or in environmental research. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for primary cutaneous/soft tissue angiosarcoma: Determining tumor behavior prior to surgical resection
Authors: Oxenberg Jacqueline , Khushalani Nikhil I. , Salerno Kilian E. , Attwood Kristopher , Kane John M.
Published: March 2015

Background

Given the propensity for hematogenous metastases, neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) could treat occult metastatic disease early, potentially improving survival and better defining which primary angiosarcomas (AS) benefit from surgical resection.

Methods

A retrospective comparison was performed of 23 patients with resectable, localized cutaneous/soft tissue primary AS treated with surgery alone (S, n = 13) or NAC followed by surgery (NAC‐S, n = 12).

Results

Primary sites included breast/chest (n = 9), head/neck (n = 9), extremity (n = 3), and other (n = 2). 23% S versus 40% NAC‐S had prior radiation (RT). NAC regimens were paclitaxel (n = 6) or gemcitabine/docetaxel (n = 4). Seventy percent were high grade. Distant metastases were found in 17% after NAC. Non‐primary wound closure was required in 54 %S versus 30%NAC‐S (P = 0.4). R0 resections were achieved in 85% S versus 80% NAC‐S (30% had a complete pathologic response). Two‐year local recurrence (LR)‐free, disease‐free, and overall survivals were 67.1, 38.5, and 61.5% for S versus 68.6, 54.9, and 68.6% for NAC‐S (P = 0.52, 0.67, and 0.58). The mean number of surgical resections/patient to maintain local control was 1.8 S versus 1.3 NAC‐S (P = 0.06).

Conclusions

NAC for primary AS was well tolerated. Although there was no statistically significant survival benefit, NAC helped define who would benefit from surgical resection. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015 111:829–833. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Water Balance Components for Sustainability Assessment of Groundwater‐Dependent Agriculture: Example of the Mendae Plain (Tigray, Ethiopia)
Authors: Walraevens Kristine , Gebreyohannes Tewolde Tesfamichael , Amare Kassa , Hussein Abdelwassie , Berhane Gebremedhin , Baert Ruben , Ronsse Silke , Kebede Samuel , Van Hulle Laure , Deckers Jozef , Martens Kristine , Van Camp Marc
Published: March 2015

Mendae Plain at Abraha Atsbaha (Tigray Region, northern Ethiopia) is an agricultural area, which has been very drought‐prone in the past. In the last decade, agricultural development has boosted because of the intensive use of large diameter wells that tap the phreatic aquifer. Pumped water is used for irrigation during the long dry season (October to May). Since 15 years, water harvesting measures have been implemented, mainly in the form of infiltration ponds and trenches that enhance local infiltration of rainfall runoff from hillslopes. To investigate the sustainability of the groundwater exploitation and the efficiency of the measures, the different recharge and discharge components of the water balance of data‐scarce Mendae Plain have been identified and quantified, using different methods. Diffuse aquifer recharge is calculated from a soil moisture balance, based on meteorological data, and with the chloride mass balance method, based on groundwater analyses. Diffuse recharge is much higher on cultivated land plots than on non‐cultivated bare soils. Rainfall infiltration in ponds and trenches is estimated based on the inflow catchment derived from the topography. Groundwater flow to a nearby river is obtained by balancing inflow and outflow by the other components over an 11 year period. The balance components are integrated into a lumped parameter model that was run for the period from 2000 to 2010. The results show that infiltration in ponds and trenches contributes between 30 and nearly 50% of total aquifer recharge, with the highest values in dry years. Changes in aquifer storage over time are an indicator for the evolution of groundwater levels in the aquifer and confirm the occurrence of two dry periods in 2002–2005 and 2008–2009. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maastricht essential fatty acid birth cohort
Authors: van der Wurff Inge S. M. , de Groot Renate H. M. , Stratakis Nikos , Gielen Marij , Hornstra Gerard , Zeegers Maurice
Published: March 2015

The Maastricht Essential Fatty Acid Birth cohort (MEFAB) was established in 1989 to study the changes in fatty acid concentration during pregnancy and how this related to the fatty acid concentrations of the neonate. The original sample contains data of 1203 subjects. Some participants whom participated in the original MEFAB study also participated in follow‐up studies at age 4, 7 or 12; 41%, 52% and 35% of eligible participants, respectively. Collected data include maternal fatty acid concentrations at multiple points during pregnancy and at birth and at age 7 for the child, but also anthropometric measurements during development, assessments of cognitive development, asthma, atopy and cardiovascular risk factors. Data of MEFAB have been used in 37 articles in peer‐reviewed journals and 4 doctoral theses have been completed. Data of MEFAB is upon request available for new research questions.
Quantitative analysis of transcranial and intraparenchymal light penetration in human cadaver brain tissue
Authors: Tedford Clark E. , DeLapp Scott , Jacques Steven , Anders Juanita
Published: March 2015

Background and Objective

Photobiomodulation (PBM) also known as low‐level light therapy has been used successfully for the treatment of injury and disease of the nervous system. The use of PBM to treat injury and diseases of the brain requires an in‐depth understanding of light propagation through tissues including scalp, skull, meninges, and brain. This study investigated the light penetration gradients in the human cadaver brain using a Transcranial Laser System with a 30 mm diameter beam of 808 nm wavelength light. In addition, the wavelength‐dependence of light scatter and absorbance in intraparenchymal brain tissue using 660, 808, and 940 nm wavelengths was investigated. in vivo. Lasers Surg. Med. 47:312–322, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Study Design/Material and Methods

Intact human cadaver heads (n = 8) were obtained for measurement of light propagation through the scalp/skull/meninges and into brain tissue. The cadaver heads were sectioned in either the transverse or mid‐sagittal. The sectioned head was mounted into a cranial fixture with an 808 nm wavelength laser system illuminating the head from beneath with either pulsed‐wave (PW) or continuous‐wave (CW) laser light. A linear array of nine isotropic optical fibers on a 5 mm pitch was inserted into the brain tissue along the optical axis of the beam. Light collected from each fiber was delivered to a multichannel power meter. As the array was lowered into the tissue, the power from each probe was recorded at 5 mm increments until the inner aspect of the dura mater was reached. Intraparenchymal light penetration measurements were made by delivering a series of wavelengths (660, 808, and 940 nm) through a separate optical fiber within the array, which was offset from the array line by 5 mm. Local light penetration was determined and compared across the selected wavelengths.

Results

Unfixed cadaver brains provide good anatomical localization and reliable measurements of light scatter and penetration in the CNS tissues. Transcranial application of 808 nm wavelength light penetrated the scalp, skull, meninges, and brain to a depth of approximately 40 mm with an effective attenuation coefficient for the system of 2.22 cm−1. No differences were observed in the results between the PW and CW laser light. The intraparenchymal studies demonstrated less absorption and scattering for the 808 nm wavelength light compared to the 660 or 940 nm wavelengths.

Conclusions

Transcranial light measurements of unfixed human cadaver brains allowed for determinations of light penetration variables. While unfixed human cadaver studies do not reflect all the conditions seen in the living condition, comparisons of light scatter and penetration and estimates of fluence levels can be used to establish further clinical dosing. The 808 nm wavelength light demonstrated superior CNS tissue penetration. Lasers Surg. Med. 47:???–???, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of the Molecular Weight and Charge of Antibiotics on Their Release Kinetics From Gelatin Nanospheres
Authors: Song Jiankang , Odekerken Jim C. E. , Löwik Dennis W. P. M. , López‐Pérez Paula M. , Welting Tim J. M. , Yang Fang , Jansen John A. , Leeuwenburgh Sander C. G.
Published: March 2015

In this study, we investigated the fundamental relationship between the physicochemical characteristics of antibiotics and the kinetics of their release from gelatin nanospheres. We observed that antibiotics of high molecular weight (colistin and vancomycin) were released in a sustained manner from oppositely charged gelatin carriers for more than 14 d, as opposed to antibiotics of low molecular weight (gentamicin and moxifloxacin) which were released in a burst‐like manner. The release kinetics of positively charged colistin strongly correlated with the rate of the enzymatic degradation of gelatin. To elucidate the differences among release kinetics of antibiotics, we explored the mechanism of interactions between antibiotics and gelatin nanospheres by monitoring the kinetics of release of antibiotics as a function of pH, ionic strength, and detergent concentrations. These studies revealed that the interactions between antibiotics and gelatin nanospheres were mainly dominated by (i) strong electrostatic forces for colistin; (ii) strong hydrophobic and electrostatic forces for vancomycin; (iii) weak electrostatic and hydrophobic forces for gentamicin; and (iv) weak hydrophobic forces for moxifloxacin. These results confirm that release of antibiotics from gelatin nanospheres strongly depends on the physicochemical characteristics of the antibiotics.
Electrochemical corrosion behaviour of zirconia particle‐reinforced high alloyed steel
Authors: Mandel M. , Krüger L. , Decker S.
Published: March 2015

The electrochemical corrosion behaviour of a particle‐reinforced high‐alloyed CrMnNi‐steel with varying particle content of 0 vol.‐%, 5 vol.‐% and 10 vol.‐% was investigated by potentiodynamic polarisation in 5 wt.‐% sodium chloride solution. Electron microscopy and white light interferometry revealed pitting corrosion for the materials without (0 vol.‐%) and with a particle content of 5 vol.‐%, whereas the composite containing 10 vol.‐% particle content exhibited an intensified particle detachment and homogeneous corrosion attack on the surface. Furthermore, after the polarisation the electrolyte was analysed for containing dissolved iron and main alloying elements of chromium, nickel and manganese by ICP‐MS method. It was found that when the particle content increases a pronounced drastic enhancement of dissolved iron and main alloying elements occurs which directly correlates to the corrosion mechanisms found by optical investigations.
Monte Carlo Modeling of Free Radical Polymerization in Microflow Reactors
Authors: Gao Zehui , He Junpo
Published: March 2015

A Monte Carlo algorithm is developed to simulate the radical polymerization and copolymerization in microflow reactor. The algorithm couples the stochastic reaction process, based on Gillespie's theory, with material diffusion and flow. The simulation results agree well with the experimental kinetic data reported in the literature. The method can be used to predict the polymerization kinetics, molecular weight and molecular weight distribution, and composition and sequence length distribution (both instantaneous and cumulative) of the polymer products obtained from microflow reactors. The effects of various reaction parameters, such as flow rate, initial concentration, and temperature, on the polymerization kinetics are also discussed.
Polymer/boron nitride nanosheet composite with high thermal conductivity and sufficient dielectric strength
Authors: Yu Jinhong , Mo Hailin , Jiang Pingkai
Published: March 2015

An efficient method was reported to fabricate boron nitride (BN) nanosheets using a sonication–centrifugation technique in DMF solvent. Then non‐covalent functionalization and covalent functionalization of BN nanosheets were performed by octadecylamine (ODA) and hyperbranched aromatic polyamide (HBP), respectively. Then, three different types of epoxy composites were fabricated by incorporation of BN nanosheets, BN‐ODA, and BN‐HBP. Among all three epoxy composites, the thermal conductivity and dielectric strength of epoxy composites using BN‐HBP nanosheets display the highest value, efficiently enhancing to 9.81 W/m K at 50 vol% and 34.8 kV/mm at 2.7 vol% (increase by 4057% and 9.4% compared with the neat epoxy), respectively. The significantly improved thermal conductivity and dielectric strength are attributed to the large surface area, which increases the contact area between nanosheets and nanosheets, as well as enhancement of the interfacial interaction between nanosheets and epoxy matrix. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Catching the tip of the iceberg – Evaluation of sample preparation protocols for metaproteomic studies of the rumen microbiota
Authors: Deusch Simon , Seifert Jana
Published: March 2015

Various metabolic processes are performed in the rumen caused by a complex microbiota comprising bacteria, archaea, protozoa, and fungi. Thus, the description of the active microbial fraction and their functions are of great interest for animal nutrition, biotechnology, and climatology. Metaproteomic studies of the rumen microbiota are challenged by the need of optimized sample preparation protocols in order to retrieve an enhanced amount of prokaryotic instead of plant‐ and bovine‐derived cells before protein extraction and subsequent LC‐MS/MS analysis. The present study evaluates three different protocols applied to the rumen microbiota either attached to plant fibers or present as planktonic cells. The findings of our work suggest the integration of cheesecloth‐gauze filtration in sample preparation to achieve a better protein identification ratio. Our data have been deposited to ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD001526 (http://proteomecentral.proteomexchange.org/dataset/PXD001526).
Evaluation of preparation methods for MS‐based analysis of intestinal epithelial cell proteomes
Authors: Hesselager Marianne Overgaard , Codrea Marius Cosmin , Bendixen Emøke
Published: March 2015

The gut epithelium formed between an organism and the environment plays an essential role in host–microbe interactions, yet remains one of the least characterized mammalian tissues. Especially the membrane proteins, which are critical to bacterial adhesion, are understudied, because these proteins are low in abundance, and large amounts of sample is needed for their preparation and for undertaking MS‐based analysis. The aim of this study was to evaluate three different methods for isolation and preparation of pig intestinal epithelial cells for MS‐based analysis of the proteome. Samples were analyzed by LC and electrospray QTOF‐MS. The methods were evaluated according to efficiency, purity, transmembrane protein recovery, as well as for suitability to large‐scale preparations. Our data clearly demonstrate that mucosal shaving is by far the best‐suited method for in‐depth MS analysis in terms of ease and speed of sample preparation, as well as protein recovery. In comparison, more gentle methods where intestinal epithelial cells are harvested by shaking are more time consuming, result in lower protein yield, and are prone to increased technical variation due to multiple steps involved.
Partner support and anxiety in young women with breast cancer
Authors: Borstelmann Nancy A. , Rosenberg Shoshana M. , Ruddy Kathryn J. , Tamimi Rulla M. , Gelber Shari , Schapira Lidia , Come Steven , Borges Virginia , Morgan Evan , Partridge Ann H.
Published: March 2015

Objective

Using a large prospective cohort of women age 40 or younger diagnosed with breast cancer, we examined the relationship between perceived partner support and anxiety.

Methods

Six hundred seventy‐five young women with breast cancer Stages I–III, median age 36, completed a self‐report baseline questionnaire. Perceived partner support was assessed using items extracted from the marital subscale of the Cancer Rehabilitation Evaluation System; generalized social support was assessed with the Medical Outcomes Study–Social Support Survey. Anxiety was measured using the anxiety subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Multivariable logistic regression analyses evaluated the association between partner support, other sociodemographic factors, and anxiety.

Results

Mean age at diagnosis was 35.4 years. Fourteen percent of the women were not partnered, and among those who were partnered or in a significant relationship, 20% were categorized as unsupported. In univariate and multivariable analysis adjusting for sociodemographic factors, women in an unsupported‐partnered relationship had higher odds of anxiety symptoms compared with women in a supported‐partnered relationship. Young age and being financially insecure were also both independently associated with anxiety.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that partner support may play a key role in a young woman's adjustment to a serious stressor such as breast cancer. In addition, younger age increases vulnerability to anxiety as does struggling with finances. Because supportive efforts of a partner have potential to protect against the impact of stress, interventions to enhance partner support and reduce anxiety might be beneficial to address challenges experienced as a couple in this setting. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theoretical Study on Equivalent Target of Ceramic Composite Armor
Authors: Zu Xu‐Dong , Huang Zheng‐Xiang , Xiao Qiang‐Qiang , Liu Bei‐Bei
Published: March 2015

The theory of equivalent target was studied by considering the standoff curve and the penetration model of the horizontal velocity method to analyze the equivalent mechanism of spaced target equating ceramic composite armor. This theory can forecast the penetration ability of the escape jet. The equivalent target model can be obtained after the structure of the shaped charge and armor as well as the relationship between the armor and the shaped charge is confirmed. The experimental results confirmed the forecast accuracy of the theoretical model.
Interior Ballistics Two‐Phase Reactive Flow Model Applied to Small Caliber Projectile‐Gun System
Authors: Bougamra Ahmed , Lu Huilin
Published: March 2015

Multi‐dimensional multi‐component two‐phase flow modeling of solid propellant combustion in weapons is the new trend of the interior ballistics codes. Most of these codes are designated to large caliber guns and rockets simulation. Only a small number of investigations on small‐caliber gun have been recently reported, where the need of high‐performance and reliable small‐caliber guns stimulated significant interest in developing techniques to understand the phenomenology of small‐caliber ballistics and predict the behavior and the performance of this type of weapons. In this paper, a numerical model describing the combustion of solid propellant in small‐caliber gun is presented. The governing equations with customize parameters were derived in the form of coupled, non‐linear axisymmetric partial differential equations. They were further implemented into the CFD code Fluent. A numerical test showed that Fluent is able to handle correctly the interaction between the moving projectile and the combustion gases in the chamber. The interior ballistics curves along with the performance of small‐caliber gun 5.56 mm were adequately predicted. The numerical results were in agreement with the experimental results.
Electrochemical characterization of a responsive macromolecular interface on gold
Authors: Fandrich Artur , Buller Jens , Schäfer Daniel , Wischerhoff Erik , Laschewsky André , Lisdat Fred
Published: March 2015

This study reports on the investigation of a thermo­responsive polymer as a thin film on electrodes and the influence of coupling a peptide and an antibody to the film. The utilized polymer from the class of poly(oligoethylene glycol)‐methacrylate polymers (poly(OEGMA)) with carboxy functions containing side chains was synthesized and properly characterized in aqueous solutions. The dependence of the cloud point on the pH of the surrounding media is discussed. The responsive polymer was immobilized on gold electrodes as shown by electrochemical, quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques. The temperature dependent behavior of the polymer covalently grafted to gold substrates is investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV) in ferro‐/ferricyanide solution. Significant changes in the slope of the temperature‐de­pendence of the voltammetric peak current and the peak separation values clearly indicate the thermally induced conformational change on the surface. Finally, a bio­recognition reaction between a short FLAG peptide (N‐Asp‐Tyr‐Lys‐Asp‐Asp‐Asp‐Asp‐Lys‐C) covalently im­mobilized on the polymer interface and the corresponding IgG antibody was performed. The study shows that the responsiveness of the electrode is retained after peptide coupling and antibody binding, although the response is diminished.
Homoepitaxial growth modes in textured, polycrystalline ultrathin pentacene films on dielectrics
Authors: Wu Yanfei , Kalihari Vivek , Haugstad Greg , Frisbie C. Daniel
Published: March 2015

Detailed knowledge of homoepitaxial growth modes in organic semiconductor thin films is critically important for understanding the interlayer electrostatic coupling and the surface energetics of device‐active organic films, yet it is still largely missing due to the lack of effective characterization tools. This paper presents a convenient approach to characterize explicitly the homoepitaxial growth modes of pentacene bilayers thermally deposited on different dielectrics by combining two scanning probe microscopy (SPM) imaging modes, i.e., friction force microscopy (FFM) and transverse shear microscopy (TSM). It is found that pentacene second layer grains consistently exhibit a mosaic of homoepitaxial modes (commensurism, coincidence, and non‐epitaxy) regardless of the substrate type and deposition condition. Among different homoepitaxial modes, a coincident twist epitaxy is more frequently observed. This combined FFM/TSM technique offers a feasible way to identify complex microstructural motifs such that a deeper understanding of growth and structure–property relationships in organic semiconductor thin films is possible.
Adaptive boundary stabilization for first‐order hyperbolic PDEs with unknown spatially varying parameter
Authors: Xu Zaihua , Liu Yungang
Published: March 2015

The adaptive boundary stabilization is investigated for a class of systems described by first‐order hyperbolic PDEs with unknown spatially varying parameter. Towards the system unknowns, a dynamic compensation is first given by using infinite‐dimensional backstepping method, adaptive techniques, and projection operator. Then an adaptive controller is constructed by certainty equivalence principle, which can stabilize the original system in a certain sense. Moreover, the effectiveness of the proposed method is illustrated by a simulation example. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Promoting Community Renewable Energy in a Corporate Energy World
Authors: Strachan Peter A. , Cowell Richard , Ellis Geraint , Sherry‐Brennan Fionnguala , Toke David
Published: March 2015

Small‐scale, decentralized and community‐owned renewable energy is widely acknowledged to be a desirable feature of low carbon futures, but faces a range of challenges in the context of conventional, centralized energy systems. This paper draws on transition frameworks to investigate why the UK has been an inhospitable context for community‐owned renewables and assesses whether anything fundamental is changing in this regard. We give particular attention to whether political devolution, the creation of elected governments for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, has affected the trajectory of community renewables. Our analysis notes that devolution has increased political attention to community renewables, including new policy targets and support schemes. However, these initiatives are arguably less important than the persistence of key features of socio‐technical regimes: market support systems for renewable energy and land‐use planning arrangements that systemically favour major projects and large corporations, and keep community renewables to the margins. There is scope for rolling out hybrid pathways to community renewables, via joint ownership or through community benefit funds, but this still positions community energy as an adjunct to energy pathways dominated by large, corporate generation facilities. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Detecting changes in arabidopsis cell wall composition using time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry
Authors: Tsai Alex Yi‐Lin , Goacher Robyn E. , Master Emma R.
Published: March 2015

Time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) was previously used to characterize lignocellulosic materials, including woody biomass. ToF‐SIMS can acquire both rapid spectral and spatial information about a sample's surface composition. In the present study, ToF‐SIMS was used to characterize the cell walls of stem tissue from the plant model organism, Arabidopsis thaliana. Using principal component analyses, ToF‐SIMS spectra from A. thaliana wild‐type (Col‐0), cellulose mutant (irx3), and lignin mutant (fah1) stem tissues were distinguished using ToF‐SIMS peaks annotated for wood‐derived lignocellulose, where spectra from the irx3 and fah1 were characterized by comparatively low polysaccharide and syringyl lignin content, respectively. Spatial analyses using ToF‐SIMS imaging furthermore differentiated interfascicular fiber and xylem vessels based on differences in the lignin content of corresponding cell walls. These new data support the applicability of ToF‐SIMS peak annotations based on woody biomass for herbaceous plants, including model plant systems like arabidopsis. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A History of Learning Communities Within American Higher Education
Authors: Fink John E. , Inkelas Karen Kurotsuchi
Published: March 2015

This chapter describes the historical development of learning communities within American higher education. We examine the forces both internal and external to higher education that contributed to and stalled the emergence of learning communities in their contemporary form.