bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrographic variability in the St. Helena Bay region of the southern Benguela ecosystem
Authors: Lamont T. , Hutchings L. , van den Berg M. A. , Goschen W. S. , Barlow R. G.
Published: April 2015

Cross‐shelf distributions of temperature, salinity, water masses, and dissolved oxygen in St. Helena Bay revealed substantial vertical and seasonal variations. In the surface layers, nearshore and offshore temperature and salinity patterns differed, with bay‐scale variability linked to upwelling dynamics and coastal processes, while the offshore region was influenced by solar insolation. Spectral analysis revealed that an annual signal prevailed at most stations, and corroborated contrasting patterns between the offshore and nearshore regions, with phase differences suggesting shoreward propagation of the offshore temperature signal. The shelf was dominated by Modified Upwelled Water (MUW) and Subantarctic Mode Water (SAMW), which comprised the primary source of upwelled water. Clear zonation of MUW was evident across the shelf, resulting from seasonal variations in locations of the oceanic and bifurcated shelf‐break fronts. Dynamics within St. Helena Bay consistently differed from those further offshore, due to the influences of the shelf‐break front, Cape Columbine upwelling plume, and cyclonic recirculation, which appeared to be associated with an intraannual signal with a periodicity of 3–4 months. Persistent hypoxia in the bottom waters suggested the occurrence of a permanent reservoir of Low Oxygen Water (LOW). Seasonal shoreward and offshore expansion of LOW occurred throughout the upwelling season, with maximum extent reached during summer and autumn, due to the coupled effects of advection and local phytoplankton decay. While wind mixing ventilated the water column at nearshore stations in winter, and the onset of upwelling during spring introduced oxygen‐richer water from further offshore, hypoxia persisted in the center of the Bay.
Sediment transport and shear stress partitioning in a vegetated flow
Authors: Le Bouteiller Caroline , Venditti J. G.
Published: April 2015

Vegetation is a common feature in natural coastal and riverine water ways, interacting with both the water flow and sediment transport. However, the physical processes governing these interactions are still poorly understood, which makes it difficult to predict sediment transport and morphodynamics in a vegetated environment. We performed a simple experiment to study how sediment transport responds to the presence of flexible, single‐blade vegetation, and how this response is influenced by the vegetation density. We found that the skin friction and sediment transport are reduced in a plant patch, and that this effect is larger for denser vegetation. We then evaluated several methods to calculate the skin friction in a vegetated flow, which is the key to sediment transport prediction. Among these, the inversion of bed load transport formulas and the Einstein and Banks (1950) methods appeared to produce the most reasonable values of the skin friction. Finally, we suggest using the parameter α, which is the ratio of the skin friction computed by these methods to the total bed shear stress, to make more realistic sediment transport predictions in morphodynamic models.
Solution Heat Treatment of the Single Crystal Nickel‐Base Superalloy CMSX‐4 Fabricated by Selective Electron Beam Melting
Authors: Ramsperger Markus , Mújica Roncery Laís , Lopez‐Galilea Inmaculada , Singer Robert F. , Theisen Werner , Körner Carolin
Published: April 2015

Selective electron beam melting (SEBM), which belongs to the additive manufacturing processes, is applied to produce samples from the single crystalline nickel‐base superalloy CMSX‐4. The influence of the high solidification rates on the microstructure and element distribution is investigated by OM, SEM, DSC, and EMPA. Solution heat treatments at different temperatures and holding times are applied to demonstrate the difference between conventionally cast and SEBM material. The results demonstrate that SEBM is able to produce superalloys with a degree of homogeneity which cannot be realized in conventional processes.
Functional and Well‐Defined β‐Sheet‐Assembled Porous Spherical Shells by Surface‐Guided Peptide Formation
Authors: Wibowo Steven Harris , Sulistio Adrian , Wong Edgar H. H. , Blencowe Anton , Qiao Greg G.
Published: April 2015

Polypeptides have attracted widespread attention as building blocks for complex materials due to their ability to form higher‐ordered structures such as β‐sheets. However, the ability to precisely control the formation of well‐defined β‐sheet‐assembled materials remains challenging as β‐sheet formation tends to lead to ill‐defined and unprocessable aggregates. This work reports a simple, rapid, and robust strategy to form well‐defined peptide β‐sheet‐assembled shells (i.e., hollow spheres) by employing surface‐initiated N‐carboxyanhydride ring‐opening polymerization under a highly efficient surface‐driven approach. The concept is demonstrated by the preparation of enzyme‐degradable rigid shell architectures composed of H‐bonded poly(L‐valine) (PVal) grafts with porous and sponge‐like surface morphology. The porous PVal‐shells exhibit a remarkable and unprecedented ability to non‐covalently entrap metal nanoparticles, proteins, drug molecules, and biorelevant polymers, which could potentially lead to a diverse range of biodegradable and functional platforms for applications ranging from therapeutic delivery to organic catalysis.
A generalized model to predict minimum particle transport velocities in multiphase air–water horizontal pipes
Authors: Najmi Kamyar , McLaury Brenton S. , Shirazi Siamack A. , Hill Alan L. , Cremaschi Selen
Published: April 2015

A new model is proposed to predict minimum flow rates required to constantly move particles in both intermittent and stratified flow regimes. The new model consists of a single‐phase flow model along with an appropriate length scale to be extended to multiphase flow regime. A comparison of the new model with experimental data in a multiphase air–water flow shows that the new model is able to predict minimum flow rates well for a wide range of operating conditions. The new model can capture the effects of particle size, particle concentration, and pipe size as confirmed by experimental data. A comparison of the new model with previously proposed models in the literature shows that the new model improves critical velocity predictions significantly. Moreover, the new model is the only model that takes into account the effect of particle concentration and can predict critical velocity in both intermittent and stratified flow regimes. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 2634–2646, 2015
Preliminary investigation of flexibility in learning color‐reward associations in gibbons (Hylobatidae)
Authors: D'Agostino Justin , Cunningham Clare
Published: April 2015

Previous studies in learning set formation have shown that most animal species can learn to learn with subsequent novel presentations being solved in fewer presentations than when they first encounter a task. Gibbons (Hylobatidae) have generally struggled with these tasks and do not show the learning to learn pattern found in other species. This is surprising given their phylogenetic position and level of cortical development. However, there have been conflicting results with some studies demonstrating higher level learning abilities in these small apes. This study attempts to clarify whether gibbons can in fact use knowledge gained during one learning task to facilitate performance on a similar, but novel problem that would be a precursor to development of a learning set. We tested 16 captive gibbons' ability to associate color cues with provisioned food items in two experiments where they experienced a period of learning followed by experimental trials during which they could potentially use knowledge gained in their first learning experience to facilitate solution I subsequent novel tasks. Our results are similar to most previous studies in that there was no evidence of gibbons being able to use previously acquired knowledge to solve a novel task. However, once the learning association was made, the gibbons performed well above chance. We found no differences across color associations, indicating learning was not affected by the particular color / reward association. However, there were variations in learning performance with regard to genera. The hoolock (Hoolock leuconedys) and siamang (Symphalangus syndactylus) learned the fastest and the lar group (Hylobates sp.) learned the slowest. We caution these results could be due to the small sample size and because of the captive environment in which these gibbons were raised. However, it is likely that environmental variability in the native habitats of the subjects tested could facilitate the evolution of flexible learning in some genera. Further comparative study is necessary in order to incorporate realistic cognitive variables into foraging models. Am. J. Primatol. 77:854–868, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electrosynthesis of poly(3‐amino‐4‐hydroxybenzoic acid) nanoparticles with electroactivity even in highly alkaline solutions
Authors: Chen Chuanxiang , Hong Xiaozhang , Gao Yuhua
Published: April 2015

Electroactive poly(3‐amino‐4‐hydroxybenzoic acid) nanoparticles were synthesized using cyclic voltammetry and exhibited high electroactivity in 0.30 M Na2SO4 solutions with pH values ranging from 1.0 to 12.0. This indicates that polymer has excellent electrochemical properties even in near‐neutral and alkaline solutions compared to polyaniline. The anodic and cathodic peak currents of the polymer increase linearly with the square root of scan rate from 5 to 150 mV s−1, indicating that the electrode reaction is controlled by a diffusion process. The structure of the polymer was investigated using UV–visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Based on the spectroscopic measurements, a possible polymerization mechanism of 3‐amino‐4‐hydroxybenzoic acid was proposed. The polymer surface morphology was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The enhanced electrochemical properties are ascribed to the synergistic effect of COOH and OH groups in the polymer chains. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42190.
Fabrication of high‐viscosity biodegradable poly(butylene succinate) (PBS)/solid epoxy (SE)/carboxyl‐ended polyester (CP) blends
Authors: Li Haibo , Luo Yu , Qi Rongrong , Feng Jie , Zhu Jian , Hong Yuzhuo , Feng Zhengming , Jiang Pingkai
Published: April 2015

Expanding the applications of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) in processing fields requiring high melt strength, PBS/solid epoxy (SE)/carboxyl‐ended polyester (CP) blends with high melt viscosity were fabricated by the in‐situ crosslinking reaction using SE and CP. The influence of SE/CP had been studied in terms of the rheological property, crystallization behavior, and mechanical property of PBS. The results showed that the melt viscosity of PBS could be enhanced significantly by three orders of magnitude, when the loading ratio of SE to CP was over 15/15. Furthermore, it had also been found that SE/CP component had positive impact on the mechanical properties of PBS, inclusive of reduction of brittleness. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42193.
Preparation and characterization of poly(glycerol sebacate)/cellulose nanocrystals elastomeric composites
Authors: Zhou Ling , He Hui , Jiang Can , He Shuai
Published: April 2015

Poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) is one of the new elastomers used for soft tissue engineering, while improving its limited mechanical strength is the biggest challenge. In this work, a novel biodegradable elastomer composite PGS/cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) was prepared by solution‐casting method and the mechanical properties, sol–gel contents, crosslink density, and hydrophilic performance were characterized. The thermal and degradation properties of composites were also investigated. Results show that the addition of CNCs into PGS resulted a significant improvement in tensile strength and modulus, as well as the crosslink density and the hydrophilicity of PGS. When the CNCs loading reached 4 wt %, the tensile strength and modulus of the composite reached 1.5 MPa and 1.9 MPa, respectively, resulting 204% and 158% increase compared to the pure PGS. Prolonging the curing time also improved the strength of both the neat PGS and PGS/CNCs composites according to the association and shift of hydroxy peaks around 3480 cm−1. DSC results indicate that the addition of CNCs improved both the crystallization capacity and moving capability of PGS molecular chain. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42196.
Experimental study of the influences of the pellet shape on the bulk density and the frictional behavior of polypropylene
Authors: Längauer Manuel , Kneidinger Christian , Liu Keyan , Zitzenbacher Gernot
Published: April 2015

Bulk solids are the raw material for almost every polymeric thermoplastic product. Their properties determine the quality of solids conveying and also influence the melting behavior of the material in processing units. This study investigates the influence of pressure and temperature on the bulk density of two thermoplastic polypropylene pellets of different shapes. Furthermore, the external friction dependent on temperature and pressure of those materials is examined at conditions usually occurring in the solids conveying zone of smooth barrel plasticating units. The experiments are carried out using a tribometer for polymer pellets which was adapted for these tests by making the sample chamber, the piston, and the cylindrical roll heatable. The tests show that long cylindrical pellets exhibit low bulk densities at low pressure and temperature, which can be increased dramatically—even above the values of spheroidal pellets—as those parameters increase. Moreover, the external coefficient of friction is always higher for the long cylinders and strongly dependent on the temperature. Those facts add up and can cause a higher output of single‐screw extruders. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42197.
Effects of EPDM‐g‐MAH compatibilizer and internal mixer processing parameters on the properties of NR/EPDM blends: An analysis using response surface methodology
Authors: Razak Jeefferie Abd , Ahmad Sahrim Haji , Ratnam Chantara Thevy , Mahamood Mazlin Aida , Yaakub Juliana , Mohamad Noraiham
Published: April 2015

This study evaluates the effects of ethylene‐propylene‐diene‐monomer grafted maleic anhydride (EPDM‐g‐MAH) and internal mixer melt compounding processing parameters on the properties of natural rubber/ethylene‐propylene‐diene rubber (NR/EPDM) blends. Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) of 25 two‐level fractional factorial, we studied the effects of NR/EPDM ratio, mixing temperature, Banbury rotor speed, mixing period, and EPDM‐g‐MAH contents in NR/EPDM blends. The study found that the presence of EPDM‐g‐MAH in NR/EPDM blends had a predominant role as a compatibilizing agent, which affected the processability and properties of the final material. We also determined the model fitting with constant determination, R2 of 99.60% for tensile strength (TS) response with a suggested combination of mixing process input parameters. The reproducibility of the proposed mixing strategy was then confirmed through model validation with a minor deviation at +2.303% and higher desirability of 0.960. This study is essential in providing a process design reference for NR/EPDM blends preparation by melt‐blending and the role of a compatibilizer from the systematic Design of Experiment (DOE) approach. The experimental findings were further supported with swelling and cross‐link density measurements, differential scanning calorimetry analysis, and observation of fracture morphology using a scanning electron microscope. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42199.
A comparison of rheology and FTIR in the study of polypropylene and polystyrene photodegradation
Authors: Mylläri Ville , Ruoko Tero‐Petri , Syrjälä Seppo
Published: April 2015

Rheology and FTIR spectroscopy are compared as methods to study the degree of photodegradation in polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS) sheets. The materials are hot pressed, artificially photo‐aged with fluorescent lights for 4–2048 h and then measured with a rotational rheometer and FTIR. Both materials show a tendency for chain scission which can be seen as a reduction in viscosity. Changes in PP can be observed with both methods after 256 h of irradiation. Changes in PS become significant in rheology after 64 h but in FTIR only after 1024 h of irradiation. Due to the different chemical nature of the materials, the degradation of PS is rather linear with exposure, whereas the degradation of PP is more exponential. Using the zero shear viscosities obtained through extrapolations of the Cole–Cole and Carreau–Yasuda models, relative molecular weights are estimated with the aid of the power–law relationship between these two. These results are compared with the carbonyl indices determined from the FTIR spectra. Rheology is found to be a viable alternative for FTIR in certain situations. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42246.
Applications of the Dynamic‐Maturational Model of Attachment with Children Involved in Care and Family Proceedings
Authors: Wilcox Daniel T. , Baim Clark
Published: April 2015

Attachment theory has had a profound influence on our understanding of human relationships. This paper focuses on the application of the Dynamic‐Maturational Model of attachment to children involved in care and family proceedings. It describes the central principles of attachment as developed by Ainsworth et al. (); Bowlby (); Crittenden () and Main (). Attachment patterns are explored and the circumstances under which these various engagement strategies arise. The authors provide two case examples of different insecure attachment styles. They include brief background information, observations about clinical presentation and formulation sections, offering the reader an opportunity to integrate their thinking about how different insecure attachment styles necessitate alternative intervention approaches. The paper highlights the complexity of assessing attachment in different circumstances, and the authors propose that this article should be viewed as a ‘primer’ for helping practitioners to take better account of attachment issues whenever undertaking assessments within the context of child and family proceedings. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

‘The paper highlights the complexity of assessing attachment in different circumstances’

Key Practitioner Messages

Attachment theory applies to every stage of life.

If the baby's care is predictable but not attuned, she learns that thinking protects her and displaying negative emotions endangers her.

When the baby's carer is unpredictable and inconsistently attuned, she learns that exaggerating emotions gets results.

Mother was unaware that her inconsistency worsened Tammy's behaviour.

Anna experienced feelings of self‐blame due to her mother feeling overwhelmed.

Assessing attachment can be very complex where a child experiences extended trauma.

‘Assessing attachment can be very complex where a child experiences extended trauma’
Present‐Day Crustal Movement and Focal Mechanism Solutions, and Plate Interaction Since Late‐Miocene in the Eastern South China Sea
Authors: Jin‐Long SUN , Jing‐He CAO , Hui‐Long XU
Published: April 2015

The plate convergent belt in the eastern South China Sea (SCS) is an important window for studying the tectonic evolution of the SCS and the Philippine Sea (PhS) since late‐Miocene. We studied the plate interactions of this area since the late‐Miocene based on block kinematics, morphology of the subducted SCS slab and focal mechanism solutions (FMS). At the late stage of the late‐Miocene, the westward motion of the PhS plate was first impeded by its collision with the Palawan micro continental plate in the south, and then by the collision of the Luzon arc with the South China continental margin in the north. Consequently, the middle part between the two collision zones became a passage where westward movement of the PhS plate continued relatively smoothly. Because of these two impediments, the rate of westward motion increased northwards to its maximum in the northern Luzon and then decreased northwards, leading to the westward migration of the Manila trench. The subducted SCS slab, however, did not roll back accordingly due to the SE‐directed mantle flow. As a result, the subducted slab suffered strong push and slightly reverse bending of the subducted slab occurred in the contact face between PhS and SCS lithosphere. According to this model, morphology of the Manila trench was shaped by the differential westward motion rates from south to north of the northern Luzon, and the width of the subducted slab played little role. Furthermore, the double arc in the north Luzon arc was also induced by a differential westward moving velocity along the arc. A shear zone whose location coincides with the east arc might have facilitated its formation.
AgPt Hollow Nanodendrites: Synthesis and Uniform Dispersion over SiO2 Support for Catalytic Applications
Authors: Rodrigues Thenner S. , da Silva Anderson G. M. , Gonçalves Mariana C. , Fajardo Humberto V. , Balzer Rosana , Probst Luiz F. D. , Camargo Pedro H. C.
Published: April 2015

We describe the synthesis of AgPt hollow nanodendrites employing Ag nanospheres as seeds by combining a galvanic replacement reaction between Ag and PtCl62− and PtCl62− reduction to Pt in the presence of hydroquinone. AgPt hollow nanodendrites comprised of several Pt islands ≈6 nm in diameter could be obtained in only 15 s following the addition of PtCl62− to a suspension containing Ag nanospheres, and their size and composition could be tuned as a function of the growth time. The synthesis could be scaled up by 100 folds, which enabled us to uniformly support the AgPt nanostructures onto commercial silica. The AgPt nanodendrites displayed good catalytic activities for both the 4‐nitrophenol reduction and the BTX oxidation reactions. The results presented herein may inspire the synthesis of noble metal nanostructures displaying attractive features for catalysis, such as hollow interiors, ultrathin walls, and uniform dispersion over solid supports (solid supported catalysts).
Patterns in spontaneous adverse event reporting among branded and generic antiepileptic drugs
Authors: Bohn J , Kortepeter C , Muñoz M , Simms K , Montenegro S , Pan G Dal
Published: April 2015

Spontaneous adverse event reports constitute an important source of information on previously unknown adverse reactions to marketed medicines. However, the dynamics of such reporting following generic introduction are poorly understood. Using adverse event reports on five antiepileptic drugs from the US Food and Drug Administration's Adverse Event Reporting System, we describe temporal trends in adverse event reporting before and after generic introduction, and survey the quality of product‐identifying information contained therein. The majority of reports were sent by innovator drug manufacturers while few were sent by generic manufacturers, even when generics accounted for >90% of dispensed prescriptions. We manually reviewed narratives from 2,500 reports and found that the suspect product type (brand or generic) could not be determined in 84% of reports, while generic products (16%) were identified more often than brand‐name products (<1%). These results suggest that pharmacovigilance stakeholders should act to promote more detailed reporting practices.
Targeting Bruton's tyrosine kinase with ibrutinib in B‐cell malignancies
Authors: Wang Y , Zhang LL , Champlin RE , Wang ML
Published: April 2015

The B‐cell receptor signaling pathway, which is critical to the development and maturation of normal B‐cells, is emerging as an attractive therapeutic target in B‐cell malignancies. Ibrutinib is a potent irreversible inhibitor of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk), a key kinase important for signal transduction in the B‐cell receptor (BCR) pathway. In preclinical studies, ibrutinib potently bound to Btk, inhibited BCR signaling, and decreased tumor cell proliferation and survival in many B‐cell malignancy models. Excellent safety and efficacy data in clinical trials have led to US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of ibrutinib for previously treated mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), as well as CLL with 17p deletion. Ongoing clinical studies have also demonstrated great potency of ibrutinib in treating other types of non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), including diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL), follicular lymphoma (FL), and Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (WM). Combination of ibrutinib with chemoimmunotherapy and other promising novel agents in B‐cell malignancy therapy has also been under clinical investigation.
Potential of Enterobacter sp. Strain ATA1 on imidacloprid degradation in soil microcosm: Effects of various parameters
Authors: Sharma Teena , Rajor Anita , Toor Amrit Pal
Published: April 2015

Previously isolated strain ATA1 of Enterobacter sp. was used in this work to study various factors affecting degradation of IMI in soil microcosm. Minimal salt medium containing 1% (w/v) glucose was found to be suitable as carbon source for inoculums preparation. Effect of various parameters including soil pH, inoculum size, initial concentration of IMI and flooding of soil for the degradation of imidacloprid in soil were investigated. Strain ATA1 has effectively degraded imidacloprid of range 25−50 mg kg−1 when soil was spiked with different initial concentration of IMI (25−100 mg kg−1) as verified by HPLC analysis. Degradation rate was slower in soil with lower pH compare to neutral pH of soil. An inoculums size of 2 × 107 CFU g−1 of soil was found to be suitable at pH 7 for degrading IMI of 50 mg kg−1. Flooding of IMI spiked soil has also shown significant degradation as compare to nonflooded soil. Metabolites produced after IMI degradation under optimized parameters were identified by GC‐MS analysis. This model study could be used for removal of toxic compounds in field experiments. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 1291–1297, 2015
Geoarchaeological Investigations in Mesoamerica Move into the 21st Century: A Review
Authors: Dunning Nicholas P. , McCane Carmen , Swinney Tyler , Purtill Matthew , Sparks Jani , Mann Ashley , McCool Jon‐Paul , Ivenso Chantal
Published: April 2015

Over the past thirty years, geoarchaeology has moved from the fringe to mainstream status within Mesoamerican archaeological investigations. This review focuses on works published since the year 2000. Five themes are identified as central to recent studies: (1) the correlation of environmental change and cultural history; (2) anthropogenic environmental impacts; (3) ancient land cover, land use, and diet; (4) archaeological prospection; and (5) provenance studies. These themes are often interwoven in the application of complex systems approaches that allow scientists to more accurately model the intricacies of ancient human–environment interactions.
A poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) film loaded with abundant bone morphogenetic protein‐2: A substrate‐promoting osteoblast attachment, proliferation, and differentiation in bone tissue engineering
Authors: Qu Xiangyang , Cao Yujiang , Chen Cong , Die Xiaohong , Kang Quan
Published: April 2015

We explored a novel biodegradable poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) film loaded with over 80 wt % bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)‐2, which was regarded as a substrate‐promoting osteoblast attachment, proliferation, and differentiation for application of bone tissue engineering. Using phospholipid as a surfactant, BMP‐2 was modified as a complex (PBC) for dispersing in PLGA/dichloromethane solution. The PLGA film loaded with BMP‐2 and phospholipid complex (PBC‐PF) showed rough and draped morphology with high entrapment efficiency exceeding 80% and good hydrophilicity, respectively. Thein vitrorelease study of BMP‐2 showed that about 50% BMP‐2 was slowly and continuously released from PBC‐PF within 5 weeks and had a short initial burst release only in the last 1.5 days, which was better than serious burst release of PLGA film loaded with pure BMP‐2 without phospholipid (BMP‐PF) as control. By comparison with other PLGA films and tissue culture plates, it was confirmed that PBC‐PF significantly promoted the attachment, proliferation, and differentiation of osteoblasts with higher entrapment efficiency and better sustained release. These advantages illustrated that PBC‐PF could be a potential substrate providing long‐term requisite growth factors for osteoblasts, which might be applied in bone tissue engineering. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 2786–2796, 2015
Lamin A/C Acts as an Essential Factor in Mesenchymal Stem Cell Differentiation Through the Regulation of the Dynamics of the Wnt/β‐Catenin Pathway
Authors: Bermeo Sandra , Vidal Christopher , Zhou Hong , Duque Gustavo
Published: April 2015

Changes in the expression of lamin A/C, a fibrilar protein of the nuclear envelope, are associated with the cellular features of age‐related bone loss. Reduced expression of lamin A/C inhibits osteoblastogenesis while facilitating adipogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in vitro and in vivo. In this study we investigated the regulatory role that lamin A/C plays on the essential elements of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, which are pivotal in MSC differentiation. Initially, we assessed the effect of lamin A/C gene (LMNA) overexpression on MSC differentiation while compared it to lamin A/C depleted MSC. Osteogenesis and gene expression of osteogenic factors were higher in LMNA‐transfected MSC as compared to control. Conversely, adipogenesis and expression of adipogenic factors were significantly lower in LMNA transfected cells. Nuclear β‐catenin was significantly higher (∼two fold) in MSC expressing higher levels of LMNA as compared to control with nuclear β‐catenin levels being significantly lower (∼ ‐42%) in siRNA‐treated MSC. Luciferase activity for β‐catenin‐mediated transcriptional activation was significantly higher in cells overexpressing LMNA. These data indicate that MSC overexpressing LMNA have higher osteogenic and lower adipogenic differentiation potential. In conclusion, our studies demonstrate that lamin A/C plays a significant role in the differentiation of both osteoblasts and adipocytes by regulating some of the elements of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling during early MSC differentiation. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 2344–2353, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Glycation of Wild‐Type Apomyoglobin Induces Formation of Highly Cytotoxic Oligomeric Species
Authors: Iannuzzi Clara , Carafa Vincenzo , Altucci Lucia , Irace Gaetano , Borriello Margherita , Vinciguerra Roberto , Sirangelo Ivana
Published: April 2015

Protein glycation is a non‐enzymatic, irreversible modification of protein amino groups by reactive carbonyl species leading to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Several proteins implicated in neurodegenerative diseases have been found to be glycated in vivo and the extent of glycation is related to the pathologies of the patients. Although it is now accepted that there is a direct correlation between AGEs formation and the development of neurodegenerative diseases related to protein misfolding and amyloid aggregation, several questions still remain unanswered: whether glycation is the triggering event or just an additional factor acting on the aggregation pathway. We have recently shown that glycation of the amyloidogenic W7FW14F apomyoglobin mutant significantly accelerates the amyloid fibrils formation providing evidence that glycation actively participates to the process. In the present study, to test if glycation can be considered also a triggering factor in amyloidosis, we evaluated the ability of different glycation agents to induce amyloid aggregation in the soluble wild‐type apomyoglobin. Our results show that glycation covalently modifies apomyoglobin and induces conformational changes that lead to the formation of oligomeric species that are not implicated in amyloid aggregation. Thus, AGEs formation does not trigger amyloid aggregation in the wild‐type apomyoglobin but only induce the formation of soluble oligomeric species able to affect cell viability. The molecular bases of cell toxicity induced by AGEs formed upon glycation of wild‐type apomyoglobin have been also investigated. J. Cell. Physiol. 9999: 2807–2820, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development and microstructure of tooth histotypes in the blue shark, Prionace glauca (Carcharhiniformes: Carcharhinidae) and the great white shark, Carcharodon carcharias (Lamniformes: Lamnidae)
Authors: Moyer Joshua K. , Riccio Mark L. , Bemis William E.
Published: April 2015

Elasmobranchs exhibit two distinct arrangements of mineralized tissues in the teeth that are known as orthodont and osteodont histotypes. Traditionally, it has been said that orthodont teeth maintain a pulp cavity throughout tooth development whereas osteodont teeth are filled with osteodentine and lack a pulp cavity when fully developed. We used light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and high‐resolution micro‐computed tomography to compare the structure and development of elasmobranch teeth representing the two histotypes. As an example of the orthodont histotype, we studied teeth of the blue shark, Prionace glauca (Carcharhiniformes: Carcharhinidae). For the osteodont histotype, we studied teeth of the great white shark, Carcharodon carcharias (Lamniformes: Lamnidae). We document similarities and differences in tooth development and the microstructure of tissues in these two species and review the history of definitions and interpretations of elasmobranch tooth histotypes. We discuss a possible correlation between tooth histotype and tooth replacement and review the history of histotype differentiation in sharks. We find that contrary to a long held misconception, there is no orthodentine in the osteodont teeth of C. carcharias. J. Morphol. 276:797–817, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Between the bay and a hard place: Altered diamondback terrapin nesting movements demonstrate the effects of coastal barriers upon estuarine wildlife
Authors: Winters Julianne M. , Avery Harold W. , Standora Edward A. , Spotila James R.
Published: April 2015

Human development can impede wildlife moving between complementary habitats, particularly in highly disturbed coastal ecosystems. Coastal barriers may affect the behavior of diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin), a salt‐tolerant estuarine turtle that requires access to complementary upland habitat for annual nesting. We used telemetry to quantify terrestrial and aquatic movements of 78 nesting female terrapins in response to coastal barriers at 2 sites in Barnegat Bay, New Jersey, a heavily developed estuary. Nesting female terrapins traveled significantly greater distances with more tortuous paths or spent significantly more time in the water when their movements were obstructed than females nesting at beaches with no obstructions. We hypothesize that the additional effort and displacement associated with reproduction where obstructions exist will reduce terrapin fitness and potentially contribute to population declines. Our study demonstrates a unique approach to quantifying effects of barriers on organisms requiring complementary habitats, and improves our understanding of the impacts of shoreline hardening on estuarine wildlife threatened by encroaching coastal development. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Dissolved organic nitrogen: A relevant, complementary source of nitrogen for the seagrass Zostera marina
Authors: Alexandre Ana , Hill Paul W. , Jones Davey L. , Santos Rui
Published: April 2015

Dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) forms a significant pool of bioavailable N in the water column (62%) and in sediments of Ria Formosa lagoon (53%). We assessed the uptake rates of inorganic and organic nitrogen and its interactions in the seagrass Zostera marina, and further explored the possibility of seagrasses to use complex organic substrates (peptides). Uptake rates by leaves and roots were quantified in choice‐uptake experiments where plants were exposed to mixed N solutions containing both 15N inorganic (ammonium + nitrate) and 13C15N organic (alanine + trialanine) nitrogen at field‐relevant concentrations, and compared with uptake rates of single inorganic or organic N forms. Ammonia was the preferred N source, but plants preferred DON to nitrate. DON uptake was significantly higher through roots than leaves, coinciding with the one‐order of magnitude higher concentration of DON in the sediment than in the water. Not only amino acids, as reported elsewhere for other seagrasses, but also peptides constitute relevant N sources for Z. marina (10% and 4% of the total N uptake). Seagrasses may thus compete with microbes for organic substrates at an earlier stage of protein degradation in the N cycle than previously thought. Because no interactions occurred between inorganic and organic N sources, the total N uptake by Z. marina was higher when both sources were present, showing that organic nitrogen is a complementary rather than alternative source of nitrogen. The uptake of organic nitrogen should be included in future studies assessing the total N budgets of seagrass meadows.
Synthesis of Aliphatic Polyesters via Ring‐Opening Polymerization of Macrocyclic Oligoesters
Authors: Nakayama Yuushou , Sakaguchi Keisuke , Tanaka Ryo , Cai Zhengguo , Shiono Takeshi
Published: April 2015

To synthesize high molecular weight aliphatic polyesters, ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of macrocyclic oligoesters made from several dicarboxylic acids and diols was investigated. Macrocyclic oligoesters used for the ROP were synthesized in ca. 50% yield via polycondensation of dicarboxylic acids (small excess) and diols under dilute condition in toluene, followed by washing with aq. NaHCO3 to remove linear oligomers. The obtained products were the mixtures of macrocyclic oligoesters with various ring size (dimer to heptamer). The polymerization of the macrocyclic oligoesters made from succinic acid and 1,4‐butanediol using rare earth catalysts such as Nd(BH3)(thf)3 and Nd(OiPr)3 was found to give high molecular weight polymers in good yields. Cyclic dimer of butylene succinate ((BS)2) was isolated from the mixture of the cyclic oligomers by column chromatography, and was similarly polymerized by the rare earth catalysts. Bulk polymerization of (BS)2 by Nd(BH3)(thf)3 yielded poly(butylene succinate) with Mn up to 38 000. Cyclic oligomers of trimethylene oxalate were not polymerized under the similar conditions applied in this study.
Advances in Switchable RAFT Polymerization
Authors: Moad Graeme , Keddie Daniel , Guerrero‐Sanchez Carlos , Rizzardo Ezio , Thang San H.
Published: April 2015

This paper reviews recent developments in RAFT Polymerization with proton switchable RAFT agents. We report on the successful use of N‐methyl‐N‐(4‐pyridinyl) dithiocarbamates RAFT agents for controlling the polymerization of N,N‐dimethylacrylamide (DMAm) in aqueous media, the dependence of the RAFT agent activity on acid type and acid strength (for best results a stoichiometric amount of a strong acid should be used), and the synthesis of block copolymers such as poly(DMAm)‐block‐poly(N‐vinylpyrrolidone). We describe a new class of switchable RAFT agents, the N‐aryl‐N‐(4‐pyridinyl) dithiocarbamates. These RAFT agents are more active with more activated monomers (MAMs) in protonated (switched) form and more active with less activated monomers (LAMS) in non‐protonated (unswitched) form. Finally we examine the dependence of RAFT polymerization of N‐vinylcarbazole (NVC) on the type of RAFT agent used (dithiobenzoate, trithiocarbonate, xanthate, switchable dithiocarbamate). Contrary to popular belief, NVC does not behave as a typical LAM, its polymerization is best controlled with a trithiocarbonate RAFT agent, and NVC should be described as an intermediate activity monomer (IAM).
Density Profiles of Well‐Defined Poly(methyl 2‐propenyl ether) (PMPE) Near Water Interface
Authors: Oda Yukari , Kawaguchi Daisuke , Hirata Toyoaki , Yamada Norifumi L. , Kanaoka Shokyoku , Aoshima Sadahito , Tanaka Keiji
Published: April 2015

Poly(methyl 2‐propenyl ether) (PMPE) is structually different in terms of the presence of an α‐methyl group on the main chain from poly(vinyl methyl ether) (PVME), the phase behaviors of which have been widely characterized with polystyrene (PS) and water. Due to the incorporation of the α‐methyl group, PMPE is immiscible with both PS and water. These results encouraged us to investigate a PMPE/water interface more closely. Thus, the density profiles of PMPE in the vicinity of the water interface were probed by neutron reflectivity (NR) measurement. Even in the presence of the α‐methyl group on the main chain, PMPE slightly swelled near the water interface. The obtained results will give us an insight into a better design and construction of the polymers for several bioapplications.
Idiopathic phrenic neuropathies: A case series and review of the literature
Authors: Podnar Simon
Published: April 2015

Introduction: Phrenic neuropathies (PNs) are a major cause of dyspnea, orthopnea, and hypercapnic respiratory failure. The aim of the study was to obtain diagnostic findings, assess therapeutic options, and review outcomes in PN patients.Methods: From 2004 to 2013, patients with PN referred to the author's institution were studied using clinical, pulmonary function, and electrodiagnostic tests. A PubMed search of published PN reports was also done. Unilateral PN (UPN) and bilateral PN (BPN) patients were compared.Results: The analysis consisted of 10 UPN and 9 BPN patients seen by the author, plus previous reports of 18 UPN and 40 BPN patients. BPN patients were older (in the author's series) and were more often hypertensive. They reported pain less often, dyspnea and orthopnea more often, and had worse results on pulmonary function tests than UPN patients.Conclusions: UPN and BPN are probably 2 variants of the same, immune‐mediated focal neuropathy. Electrodiagnosis is a valuable confirmatory test for PN.Muscle Nerve52: 986–992, 2015
Age‐related T2 changes in hindlimb muscles of mdx mice
Authors: Vohra Ravneet S. , Mathur Sunita , Bryant Nathan D. , Forbes Sean C. , Vandenborne Krista , Walter Glenn A.
Published: April 2015

Introduction

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to monitor changes in the transverse relaxation time constant (T2) in lower hindlimb muscles of mdx mice at different ages.

Methods

Young (5 weeks), adult (44 weeks), and old mdx (96 weeks), and age‐matched control mice were studied. Young mdx mice were imaged longitudinally, whereas adult and old mdx mice were imaged at a single time‐point.

Results

Mean muscle T2 and percent of pixels with elevated T2 were significantly different between mdx and control mice at all ages. In young mdx mice, mean muscle T2 peaked at 7–8 weeks and declined at 9–11 weeks. In old mdx mice, mean muscle T2 was decreased compared with young and adult mice, which could be attributed to fibrosis.

Conclusions

MRI captured longitudinal changes in skeletal muscle integrity of mdx mice. This information will be valuable for pre‐clinical testing of potential therapeutic interventions for muscular dystrophy. Muscle Nerve 53: 84–90, 2016
Tibial nerve F‐wave recordings
Authors: Nandedkar Sanjeev D. , Barkhaus Paul E.
Published: April 2015

Introduction

Tibial F‐wave recordings are remarkable for their complexity and persistence. We postulate that the signal recorded by the E2 (reference) electrode causes this pattern.

Methods

Tibial F‐wave recordings were made from the abductor hallucis (AH) muscle using the standard montage in 10 subjects. Additional far‐field simultaneous F‐wave recordings were made from the AH, the base of the large toe, and the base of the small toe with the E2 placed on the contralateral foot.

Results

F‐wave recordings made in the standard manner and from the base of the large or small toes showed complex waveforms and similar latencies. Recordings made from the AH‐contralateral foot had simple waveforms in most subjects; in 2 subjects the latencies were longer, and 1 showed reduced persistence.

Conclusions

The tibial F‐waves are composed primarily of volume conducted recordings of the tibial‐innervated foot muscles from the E2 electrode. Muscle Nerve 52: 997–1000, 2015
Synthesis and characterization of phenyl polysiloxane modified polyurea/polyurethanes
Authors: Xu Sixi , Xie Lisha , Yu Xuecheng , Xiong Ying , Tang Hongding
Published: April 2015

A series of phenyl polysiloxane‐modified polyurea/polyurethanes (SPUs) with different silicone loadings (10, 20, 30, and 40 wt %) have been designed and synthesized. The structures of SPUs were confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and FT‐IR. The impact of phenyl polysiloxane content on the properties of SPUs was fully studied. The residual methoxy groups on silicon could help SPUs form interpenetrating networks accompanying with the residual isocyanate under moisture, which was different with the conventional moisture‐crosslinking polyurethane system. The properties of SPUs films have been fully researched by attenuated total reflection flourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis, tensile tests, water contact angle, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, SEM, and AFM. Results indicated that the introduction of phenyl polysiloxane improved the thermal stability and remarkably increased the water contact angles accompanying with a comparable mechanical strength to the pure polyurethane. Meanwhile, it also brought out the decreased microphase separation and water absorption. The obvious surface migration has been observed in the SPUs, which changed their surface properties. Some voids were observed in all moisture curing SPUs system, but the phenyl silicone content impacted on the numbers and sizes of the voids. The phenyl groups introduced and carbon dioxide produced in the crosslinking procedure helped to form and stabilize the voids in the SPUs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 1794–1805
Specific heat of the Ce(Cu1−xNix)4Ga alloys
Authors: Synoradzki K. , Kowalczyk A. , Toliński T.
Published: April 2015

The influence of the modification of the 3d electronic states in the heavy fermion compound CeCu4Ga by substitution of Cu by Ni is reported. It has been verified that the crystallographic structure is hexagonal of the CaCu5 type and is preserved for all the x values in the alloys Ce(Cu1−xNix)4Ga. The measurements of the specific heat Cp(T) have revealed that the huge electronic specific coefficient γ = 3.3 J mol−1 K−2 for CeCu4Ga is reduced with the progressive Ni addition and follows the behavior of the hybridization parameter of the Ce f states with the conduction electrons. The analysis of the specific heat of the non‐magnetic reference compound LaCu4Ga has shown that including the mass correction corresponding to the change of Ce by La and Cu by Ni does not provide a correct estimation of the phonon term in the Ce(Cu1−xNix)4Ga alloys.