bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cannabinoid findings in children hair – what do they really tell us? An assessment in the light of three different analytical methods with focus on interpretation of Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinolic acid A concentrations
Authors: Moosmann Bjoern , Roth Nadine , Hastedt Martin , Jacobsen‐Bauer Andrea , Pragst Fritz , Auwärter Volker
Published: July 2014

Hair analysis for drugs and drugs of abuse is increasingly applied in child protection cases. To determine the potential risk to a child living in a household where drugs are consumed, not only can the hair of the parents be analyzed but also the hair of the child. In the case of hair analysis for cannabinoids, the differentiation between external contamination and systemic uptake is particularly difficult, since the drug is quite often handled extensively prior to consumption (e.g. when preparing a joint) and smoke causes a further risk for an external contamination. Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinolic acid A (THCA‐A), the non‐psychoactive biogenetic precursor of Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is a suitable marker for external contamination since it is not incorporated into the hair matrix through the bloodstream in relevant amounts. In the presented study, hair samples from 41 children, 4 teenagers, and 34 drug‐consuming parents were analyzed for THCA‐A, THC and cannabinol (CBN) applying methanolic extraction and a fully validated liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) method (Method 1). For comparison, a part of the samples was also analyzed applying alkaline hydrolysis followed by liquid/liquid extraction and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐M)S (Method 2), or by headspace‐solid phase microextraction‐gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (HS‐SPME‐GC‐MS) (Method 3). Furthermore, 458 seized marihuana samples and 180 seized hashish samples were analyzed for the same cannabinoids by gas‐chromatography‐flame ionization detector (GC‐FID). In all but one of the hair samples, the concentration of THCA‐A was higher than the concentration of THC and in 14 cases no THC could be detected despite the presence of THCA‐A, suggesting that in almost all cases a significant external contamination had occurred. Within‐family comparison showed a higher THCA‐A/THC ratio in hair of children than of their consuming caregivers. Mean and median of this ratio of all hair samples (6.7 and 4.2) were between those of marihuana (11.0 and 8.3) and hashish (2.8 and 2.1) with a large variation in all samples. Comparison of the Methods 1 to 3 showed clearly that the choice of the analytical procedure has a strong influence on the quantitative results, mainly because of decarboxylation of THCA‐A during hair hydrolysis by NaOH and other analytical steps, which lead to artifactually elevated THC concentrations. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the major part of the cannabinoids detected in the hair samples from children arose from an external contamination through ‘passive’ transfer by e.g. contaminated hands or surfaces and not from inhalation or deposition of side stream smoke. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficient Anti‐Markovnikov‐Selective Catalysts for Intermolecular Alkyne Hydroamination: Recent Advances and Synthetic Applications
Authors: Yim Jacky C. ‐H. , Schafer Laurel L.
Published: July 2014

Transition‐metal‐catalyzed hydroamination of alkynes with primary amines is a reliable tool for the synthesis of imines and enamines. Intramolecular hydroamination has been successfully applied in the synthesis of biologically relevant compounds, but intermolecular hydroamination is less commonly employed in synthesis, due to the possible formation of multiple regioisomers. With catalyst control, regioselectivity can be defined. This microreview focuses on recent advances in intermolecular alkyne hydroamination with primary amines in the presence of transition‐metal catalysts that are regioselective for anti‐Markovnikov addition. To highlight their potential use in synthesis, some recently developed methodologies that use intermolecular hydroamination in a tandem sequential manner to generate interesting organic cores are also covered.
Plasma insulin, C‐peptide and blood glucose and the risk of gastric cancer: The Japan Public Health Center‐based prospective study
Authors: Hidaka Akihisa , Sasazuki Shizuka , Goto Atsushi , Sawada Norie , Shimazu Taichi , Yamaji Taiki , Iwasaki Motoki , Inoue Manami , Noda Mitsuhiko , Tajiri Hisao , Tsugane Shoichiro ,   for the JPHC Study Group
Published: July 2014

To date, the association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and gastric cancer has been controversial, including the underlying mechanism. We investigated the association between plasma diabetic biomarkers (insulin, C‐peptide, and blood glucose) and gastric cancer risk. In addition, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) and homeostasis model assessment of β‐cell function (HOMA‐β) were calculated. A total of 36,745 subjects aged 40–69 years in the Japan Public Health Center‐based prospective study (JPHC) who returned the baseline questionnaire and provided blood samples were followed from 1990 to 2004. In the present analysis, 477 cases and 477 matched controls were used. The odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for developing gastric cancer were calculated using conditional logistic regression models. Plasma insulin was positively associated with increased risk of gastric cancer; compared to tertile 1, ORs were 1.69 (95% CI = 1.11–2.59) and 2.01 (1.19–3.38) for tertiles 2 and 3, respectively (p for trend = 0.009). In men, C‐peptide was also positively associated with a significant risk; corresponding ORs were 1.42 (0.85–2.38) and 1.91 (1.03–3.54), respectively (p for trend = 0.04). These findings were confirmed for blood samples from the fasting group (≥8 hr after a meal). Higher HOMA‐IR was also associated with increased risk, whereas no association was observed for blood glucose. Our findings suggest that Japanese population with higher insulin and C‐peptide levels derived from insulin resistance have an elevated risk of gastric cancer.
Improved vaccine efficacy of tumor exosome compared to tumor lysate loaded dendritic cells in mice
Authors: Gu Xiaoyu , Erb Ulrike , Büchler Markus W. , Zöller Margot
Published: July 2014

Leukemia immunotherapy frequently does not meet expectation, one of the handicaps being tumor exosome (TEX)‐promoted immunosuppression. We here asked, using the mouse myeloid leukemia WEHI3B and the renal cell carcinoma line RENCA, whether dendritic cell (DC) vaccination suffices to counterregulate TEX‐induced immunosuppression and whether TEX could serve as tumor antigen for DC‐loading. DC‐vaccination significantly prolonged the survival time of WEHI3B‐bearing mice, TEX‐loaded DC (DC‐TEX) being superior to lysate‐loaded DC (DC‐lys), even an excess of TEX not interfering with immune response induction. The superior response to DC‐TEX was accompanied by an increase in WEHI3B‐specific CD4+ T cells, evaluated by trogocytosis and proliferation. Similar findings accounted for DC loaded with RENCA TEX. TEX was efficiently taken‐up by DC and TEX uptake supported CD11c, MHCII and IL12 upregulation in DC. Importantly, TEX was partly recruited into the MHCII‐loading compartment such that “TEX” presentation time and recovery in T cells significantly exceeded that of tumor‐lysate. Thus, TEX did not drive DC into a suppressive phenotype and were a superior antigen due to higher efficacy of TEX‐presentation that is supported by prolonged persistence, preferential processing in the MHCII‐loading compartment and pronounced trogocytosis by T helper cells. TEX is present in tumor patients' sera. TEX, recovered and enriched from patients' sera, might well provide an optimized, individual‐specific antigen source for DC‐loading and vaccination.
Risk of multiple myeloma is associated with polymorphisms within telomerase genes and telomere length
Authors: Campa Daniele , Martino Alessandro , Varkonyi Judit , Lesueur Fabienne , Jamroziak Krzysztof , Landi Stefano , Jurczyszyn Artur , Marques Herlander , Andersen Vibeke , Jurado Manuel , Brenner Hermann , Petrini Mario , Vogel Ulla , García‐Sanz Ramón , Buda Gabriele , Gemignani Federica , Ríos Rafael , Vangsted Annette Juul , Dumontet Charles , Martínez‐López Joaquín , Moreno María José , Stępień Anna , Wątek Marzena , Moreno Victor , Dieffenbach Aida Karina , Rossi Anna Maria , Butterbach Katja , Jacobsen Svend E. Hove , Goldschmidt Hartmut , Sainz Juan , Hillengass Jens , Orciuolo Enrico , Dudziński Marek , Weinhold Niels , Reis Rui Manuel , Canzian Federico
Published: July 2014

Compelling biological and epidemiological evidences point to a key role of genetic variants of the TERT and TERC genes in cancer development. We analyzed the genetic variability of these two gene regions using samples of 2,267 multiple myeloma (MM) cases and 2,796 healthy controls. We found that a TERT variant, rs2242652, is associated with reduced MM susceptibility (OR = 0.81; 95% CI: 0.72–0.92; p = 0.001). In addition we measured the leukocyte telomere length (LTL) in a subgroup of 140 cases who were chemotherapy‐free at the time of blood donation and 468 controls, and found that MM patients had longer telomeres compared to controls (OR = 1.19; 95% CI: 0.63–2.24; ptrend = 0.01 comparing the quartile with the longest LTL versus the shortest LTL). Our data suggest the hypothesis of decreased disease risk by genetic variants that reduce the efficiency of the telomerase complex. This reduced efficiency leads to shorter telomere ends, which in turn may also be a marker of decreased MM risk.
Suppression of AKT expression by miR‐153 produced anti‐tumor activity in lung cancer
Authors: Yuan Ye , Du Weijie , Wang Ying , Xu Chaoqian , Wang Jinghao , Zhang Yang , Wang Huimin , Ju Jiaming , Zhao Liang , Wang Zhiguo , Lu Yanjie , Cai Benzhi , Pan Zhenwei
Published: July 2014

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide. microRNAs have been shown to be a novel class of regulators in lung cancer. Here, we explored the role of miR‐153 in the pathogenesis of lung cancer and its therapeutic potential. miR‐153 was significantly decreased in lung cancer tissues than the adjacent tissues. The protein and mRNA levels of protein kinase B (AKT), which were shown to promote tumor growth, were both increased in lung cancer tissues than adjacent tissues. Overexpression of miR‐153 significantly inhibited AKT protein expression, which were abrogated by co‐transfection of AMO‐153, the specific inhibitor of miR‐153. Luciferase assay showed that transfection of miR‐153 markedly suppressed the fluorescent intensity of chimeric vectors carrying the 3'UTR of AKT1, while produced no effect on the mutant construct, indicating that AKT is regulated by miR‐153. Overexpression of miR‐153 significantly inhibited the proliferation and migration, and promoted apoptosis of cultured lung cancer cells in vitro, and suppressed the growth of xenograft tumors in vivo. Interestingly, lung cancer cells with lower endogenous miR‐153 expression are more sensitive to ectopic overexpressed miR‐153. The IC50 of miR‐153 on lung cancer cells is positive correlated with the endogenous miR‐153 level, while negative correlated with AKT level. Knockdown of AKT expression suppressed lung cancer cell proliferation. In summary, miR‐153 exerted anti‐tumor activity in lung cancer by targeting on AKT. The sensitivity of lung cancer cells to miR‐153 is determined by its endogenous miR‐153 level.
A model measuring therapeutic inertia and the associated factors among diabetes patients: A nationwide population‐based study in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Li‐Ying , Shau Wen‐Yi , Yeh Hseng‐Long , Chen Tsung‐Tai , Hsieh Jun Yi , Su Syi , Lai Mei‐Shu
Published: July 2014

This article presents an analysis conducted on the patterns related to therapeutic inertia with the aim of uncovering how variables at the patient level and the healthcare provider level influence the intensification of therapy when it is clinically indicated. A cohort study was conducted on 899,135 HbA1c results from 168,876 adult diabetes patients with poorly controlled HbA1c levels. HbA1c results were used to identify variations in the prescription of hypoglycemic drugs. Logistic regression and hierarchical linear models (HLMs) were used to determine how differences among healthcare providers and patient characteristics influence therapeutic inertia. We estimated that 38.5% of the patients in this study were subject to therapeutic inertia. The odds ratio of cardiologists choosing to intensify therapy was 0.708 times that of endocrinologists. Furthermore, patients in medical centers were shown to be 1.077 times more likely to be prescribed intensified treatment than patients in primary clinics. The HLMs presented results similar to those of the logistic model. Overall, we determined that 88.92% of the variation in the application of intensified treatment was at the within‐physician level. Reducing therapeutic inertia will likely require educational initiatives aimed at ensuring adherence to clinical practice guidelines in the care of diabetes patients.
Management of calcium channel blocker overdoses
Authors: Shenoy Sundeep , Lankala Shilpa , Adigopula Sasikanth
Published: July 2014

Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are some of the most commonly used medications in clinical practice to treat hypertension, angina, cardiac arrhythmias, and some cases of heart failure. Recent data show that CCBs are the most common of the cardiovascular medications noted in intentional or unintentional overdoses.1 Novel treatment approaches in the form of glucagon, high‐dose insulin therapy, and intravenous lipid emulsion therapies have been tried and have been successful. However, the evidence for these are limited to case reports and case series. We take this opportunity to review the various treatment options in the management of CCB overdoses with a special focus on high‐dose insulin therapy as the emerging choice for initial therapy in severe overdoses. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2014;9:663–668. © 2014 Society of Hospital Medicine
Safety and efficacy of coformulated efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir single‐tablet regimen in treatment‐naive patients infected with HIV‐1
Authors: Gallien Sébastien , Flandre Philippe , Nguyen Nga , De Castro Nathalie , Molina Jean‐Michel , Delaugerre Constance
Published: July 2014

Due to the differences between bioavailability of efavirenz (EFV) and tenofovir (TDF), the single‐tablet regimen of EFV/emtricitabine (FTC)/TDF is not approved as initial antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Europe by the European Medical Agency. To compare clinical, immunological, and virological outcomes between co‐formulated TDF/FTC+EFV and the co‐formulated EFV/FTC/TDF single‐tablet regimen in patients infected with HIV‐1 naive to ART, the data of patients (n = 231) who initiated either TDF/FTC+EFV (n = 155) or EFV/FTC/TDF (n = 76) between January 1, 2007 and June 1, 2010 were analyzed. Changes from baseline to week 48 (TDF/FTC+EFV vs. EFV/FTC/TDF) in HIV plasma load (− 3.25 log vs. −3.32 log) and CD4+ T cell count (+180 vs. +138 cells/mm3) were similar in the two groups. Treatment discontinuation was recorded in 50 (22%) patients (40 on TDF/FTC+EFV and 10 on EFV/FTC/TDF, P = 0.03) but time to discontinuation did not differ between the two groups. Only patients on TDF/FTC+EFV discontinued treatment because of neurological symptoms. Virological failure occurred in 11 (4.7%) patients (seven on TDF/FTC+EFV and four on EFV/FTC/TDF, P = 0.75) with new resistance‐associated mutations in five among the six with successful resistance genotype tests. Only baseline resistance‐associated mutations was a risk factor for virological failure (P = 0.0146). These data show comparable outcomes between TDF/FTC+EFV or EFV/FTC/TDF used in patients infected with HIV‐1 and not treated previously, consistent with a low rate of virological failure in the absence of pretreatment resistance. This would suggest that the European Medical Agency should approve co‐formulated EFV/FTC/TDF single‐tablet regimen for patients naive to ART. J. Med. Virol. 87:187–191, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tree‐ring reconstruction of July–May precipitation (AD 1816–2010) in the northwestern marginal zone of the East Asian summer monsoon reveals the monsoon‐related climate signals
Authors: Chen Feng , Wang Huiqin , Chen Fa‐hu , Yuan Yujiang , Zhang Rui‐bo
Published: July 2014

A July–May precipitation reconstruction for the period AD 1816–2010 was developed from a tree‐ring width chronology of Picea wilsonii for the Xinglong Mountains area of Lanzhou. The reconstruction explains 55.8% of the actual precipitation variance during the calibration period from 1951 to 2010. Wet conditions prevailed during the periods 1822–1835, 1843–1858, 1870–1877, 1884–1891, 1911–1921, 1933–1938, 1944–1979 and 2009–2010. Dry episodes occurred during 1816–1821, 1836–1842, 1859–1869, 1878–1883, 1892–1910, 1922–1932, 1939–1943 and 1980–2008. Multi‐taper method spectral analysis indicates the existence of some significant peaks at 2.8, 3.0 and 3.5 years. Spatial correlations with gridded land surface precipitation data revealed that our reconstruction represents regional precipitation signal for a large area of North China linked to the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM). Comparison with other tree‐ring‐based precipitation/drought reconstructions from surrounding areas implies a high degree of confidence for our reconstruction. Precipitation variations in the study area are significantly correlated with sea surface temperatures in eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean and tropical western Pacific Ocean, suggesting a possible connection of regional precipitation variations to the EASM and the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO).
Effect of timing of surgical SSP tendon repair on muscle alterations
Authors: Uhthoff Hans K. , Coletta Elizabeth , Trudel Guy
Published: July 2014

To investigate the impacts of delayed repairs of a supraspinatus tendon tear on the supraspinatus muscle, we used an animal model data from two previously published studies in which one supraspinatus (SSP) tendon was detached. In one cohort, the rabbits were killed in groups of 10 at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. In the other cohort, a repair was done at these time points, 12 rabbits each, and the animals killed were 12 weeks later. SSP fossa volume (Muscle belly plus extramuscular fat [e‐fat] volume), percentage of intramuscular fat (i‐fat), and muscle tissue volume (muscle belly volume minus i‐fat), as well as CT determination of e‐fat and i‐fat of both cohorts, were compared. Fossa volume increased (p < 0.05). Muscle belly and muscle tissue volumes did not increase after repair (p > 0.05), but early repair prevented further volume losses, a fact not seen after 8 and 12 weeks delay of repair. No reversal of e‐fat or of i‐fat occurred, in fact i‐fat almost doubled after 4 weeks delay of repair (p < 0.05). CT studies confirmed the fat results. We conclude that early repair prevented loss of muscle belly and muscle tissue volumes, but that it has no positive influence on fat accumulation. © 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 32:1430–1435, 2014.
Biocontrol of post‐harvest Alternaria alternata decay of cherry tomatoes with rhamnolipids and possible mechanisms of action
Authors: Yan Fujie , Xu Shixiang , Guo Jun , Chen Qianru , Meng Qin , Zheng Xiaodong
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND

Rhamnolipids were reported to have evident antifungal activity. The efficacy of rhamnolipids against Alternaria alternata and their possible mechanisms involved were investigated.

RESULT

The decay incidences of A. alternata of cherry tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum) treated by rhamnolipids were significantly reduced. The in vitro assays showed that rhamnolipids inhibited fungal growth on solid medium and prevented spore germination and mycelium growth in liquid medium. In addition, the combination of rhamnolipids and essential oil had a synergistic effect leading to the decrease of fungicidal concentrations of laurel oil. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy observations of the pathogen revealed significant morphological and cell structural alterations in the hyphae. Compared to the control, the content of nucleic acid in supernatant of the suspension of A. alternata increased, while the content of DNA and protein of mycelium decreased, which was in agreement with electrolyte leakage experiments.

CONCLUSION

Rhamnolipids could be an alternative to chemicals for controlling post‐harvest phytopathogenic fungi on fruits and vegetables. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Does the tympanic membrane have a natural opening? The historical saga of the foramen of rivinus
Authors: Mudry Albert
Published: July 2014

Objectives

From the end of the 17th century until well into the 20th century, the question of whether the tympanic membrane possesses a natural opening or not in its normal state has been the subject of much controversy. The aim of this study was to go back to the original documents describing this tympanic foramen, and to follow through the centuries the various controversies and discussions surrounding the presence or not of this foramen.

Data Sources

Selected otological textbooks and articles from the end of the 17th century until the second part of the 20th century.

Review Method

Historical.

Results

This study demonstrates the tenacity of the human brain in its regular review of questions that seem to have been answered, even when universal acceptation of said answer is almost present. The controversy around the foramen of Rivinus spanned nearly 300 years, until the mid‐20th century.

Conclusions

The introduction of the regular use of an ear microscope to practice otoscopy gave the definitive answer: the tympanic membrane does not have a natural opening in its normal state.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 125:448–452, 2015
Individually Addressable Suspended Conducting‐Polymer Wires in a Chemiresistive Gas Sensor
Authors: Chang Won Suk , Kim Jung Hyun , Kim Daeho , Cho Sung Ho , Kwon Seol Seung
Published: July 2014

An effective method is described for producing poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) arched microwires, which are used as transducers in chemiresistive gas sensors. Three‐dimensional arched wires with diameters of 0.8, 1.2, 2.5, and 10 μm are individually fabricated by using a simple, inexpensive fountain‐pen lithography technique. The wires show superior stretchable behavior under omnidirectional strain of ca. 120%. A gas sensor assembled with the PEDOT:PSS arched wires exhibits linear responses to the concentrations of different vapor gases, such as ethanol, acetone, and methanol, at room temperature. The signal‐to‐noise ratio in the sensing response, which influences the detection limit, is enhanced by increasing the number of wires with a larger surface‐to‐volume ratio in parallel to increasing the signal level and diminishing the baseline noise in the wire transducers.

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Evolution of a Wavelike Undulation in Polymer Thin Films with Immobilized Film Spanning Nanoparticles
Authors: Dou Nannan , Jiang Hua , Zhang Xiaohua , Yang Zhaohui
Published: July 2014

The evolution of wavelike surface undulations in a thin polymer film under thermal stress in the presence of immobilized film spanning nanoparticles (NPs) is investigated. The elastic stresses in the plane of the polymer thin films is induced by fixed lateral constraints within the film (immobilized NPs) that resist in‐plane film thermal expansion as the temperature increases. Wavelike surface undulations arising from stress relaxation are observed as the thin‐film systems are heated above the glass‐transition temperature (Tg). The thermal stress affects both the characteristic wavelengths and the amplitudes of the wavelike surface undulations. Although the origin is different, the dynamic evolution of these wavelike undulations is strikingly similar in characteristics to spinodal decomposition. As compared with typical spinodal‐decomposition kinetics in liquid systems in which the early and intermediate stages are difficult to probe due to the narrow range of time scales, the overall evolutionary process of the wavelike surface undulations in NP‐filled polymer thin films is captured. The growth of the wavelike undulations shows characteristic time dependencies at the intermediate and late stages of instability.

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Tandem Action of SNS–Cr and CGC–Ti in Preparation of Ethylene–1‐Hexene Copolymers from Ethylene Feedstock
Authors: Guo Song , Fan Hong , Bu Zhiyang , Li Bo‐Geng , Zhu Shiping
Published: July 2014

Ethylene–1‐hexene copolymer materials, ranging from semicrystalline linear low‐density poly­ethylene (LLDPE) to completely amorphous polyethylenes (PEs), are prepared from ethylene alone in a single reactor by the tandem polymerization of bis(2‐dodecylsulfanyl‐ethyl)amine–CrCl3 (SNS–Cr) and (N‐tert‐butylamido) (tetramethylcyclopentadienyl)–titanium dichloride (CGC–Ti) at 75 °C and under atmospheric pressure. The polymerization activities are on the order of 105–106 g (mol Ti)−1 h−1. 1‐Hexene incorporation in the resulting copolymers can be adjusted by varying the Cr–Ti molar ratio and/or applying a short period of pre‐trimerization. Copolymers with high 1‐hexene incorporation up to 15 mol% are obtained. Few vinyl and vinylene chain ends are detected by 13C NMR, suggesting that 1‐hexene does not act as a chain‐transfer agent. Narrow molecular‐weight distributions with polydispersities from 1.9 to 2.6 are obtained, characteristic of a single‐active‐site nature of the catalyst system.

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On linear Brouwerian logics
Authors: Kostrzycka Zofia
Published: July 2014

We define a special family of Brouwerian logics determined by linearly ordered frames. Then we prove that all logics of this family have the finite model property and are Kripke complete.
Compression modeling of plain weave textile fabric using finite elements
Authors: Dixit A. , Misra R. K. , Mali H. S.
Published: July 2014

Textile composite are used extensively in aerospace as they offer a 3D reinforcement in a single layer providing better mechanical properties in both in‐plane and transverse directions. This paper reports on the mechanical behavior of a plain weave textile fabric under the compressive loading. Unit cell geometry of the plain weave fabric structure is identified and its model is created using TexGen geometric modeling scheme developed by the University of Nottingham (U.K.). Later on its mechanical behavior is predicted using finite element modeling (FEM) based simulation software ABAQUS® incorporating a transversely isotropic material law. Strain energy of the developed model has been compared with that of the published results and shows very good agreement. The analysis indicated that transverse‐longitudinal shear (TLS) modulus plays an important role in characterizing the behavior of the woven fabric under compression, while the friction between the yarns and longitudinal stiffness has less significant influence on compaction behavior. In order to ascertain the effectiveness of the developed model, exhaustive parametric studies have also been conducted to investigate the effect of transverse‐longitudinal shear modulus on some of the important parameters such as artificial strain energy, external work, frictional dissipation, internal energy, kinetic energy, strain energy and total energy of the model. The developed model has the capacity to predict and simulate the behavior of variety of fabric architectures based on their constituent yarn properties under various regimes of service loads.
Regularity criteria for the 3D MHD equations in term of velocity
Authors: Bie Qunyi , Wang Qiru , Yao Zheng‐an
Published: July 2014

In this paper, we consider three‐dimensional incompressible magnetohydrodynamics equations. By using interpolation inequalities in anisotropic Lebesgue space, we provide regularity criteria involving the velocity or alternatively involving the fractional derivative of velocity in one direction, which generalize some known results. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Scattered data quasi‐interpolation on spheres
Authors: Chen Zhixiang , Cao Feilong , Li Ming
Published: July 2014

This paper studies the construction and approximation of quasi‐interpolation for spherical scattered data. First of all, a kind of quasi‐interpolation operator with Gaussian kernel is constructed to approximate the spherical function, and two Jackson type theorems are established. Second, the classical Shepard operator is extended from Euclidean space to the unit sphere, and the error of approximation by the spherical Shepard operator is estimated. Finally, the compact supported kernel is used to construct quasi‐interpolation operator for fitting spherical scattered data, where the spherical modulus of continuity and separation distance of scattered sampling points are employed as the measurements of approximation error. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Global boundedness in a fully parabolic attraction–repulsion chemotaxis model
Authors: Liu Dongmei , Tao Youshan
Published: July 2014

This paper deals with a fully parabolic attraction–repulsion chemotaxis system in two‐dimensional smoothly bounded domains. It is shown that the system admits global bounded classical solutions whenever the repulsion is dominated. The proof is based on an entropy‐like inequality and coupled estimate techniques. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detailed Analysis of a Trepanation from the Late Avar Period (Turn of the 7th–8th Centuries—811) and Its Significance in the Anthropological Material of the Carpathian Basin
Authors: László O.
Published: July 2014

In 2008, 11 graves of a Late Avar period (turn of the 7th–8th centuries—811) cemetery were found in the outskirts of Baracs (in the area of the so called Szitányi parcel, Co. Fejér, Hungary). The present study discusses the skeleton of a 7‐ to 9‐year‐old child with signs of trepanation and argues for possible interpretations based on a detailed macroscopic description. As trepanations performed on children occur very rarely in this period, the discussed example is relevant to both the geographical distribution of such practices as well as their possible methods. The anthropological evaluation and publication of similar small‐scale cemeteries may thus be of further importance for general overviews on the period. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Chemically Standardized Extract of Ziziphus jujuba Fruit (Jujube) Stimulates Expressions of Neurotrophic Factors and Anti‐oxidant Enzymes in Cultured Astrocytes
Authors: Chen Jianping , Yan Artemis L. , Lam Kelly Y. C. , Lam Candy T. W. , Li Ning , Yao Ping , Xiong Aizhen , Dong Tina T. X. , Tsim Karl W. K.
Published: July 2014

The fruit of Ziziphus jujuba Mill., known as jujube or Chinese date, is commonly consumed as a health supplement worldwide. To study the role of jujube in brain benefits, the expression of neurotrophic factors and anti‐oxidant enzymes in the jujube‐treated cultured astrocytes was determined. Application of a chemical standardized water extract of jujube in cultured astrocytes for 24 h stimulated the expressions of nerve growth factor, brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor in a concentration‐dependent manner. The pre‐treatment with H89, a protein kinase A inhibitor, attenuated the jujube‐induced expression of neurotrophic factors. In parallel, the treatment of jujube water extract induced the transcriptional expressions of the enzymes responsible for anti‐oxidation, i.e. NAD(P)H: quinine oxidoreductase 1, glutamate‐cysteine ligase catalytic subunit, glutamate‐cysteine ligase modifier subunit and glutathione S‐transferase, in a concentration‐dependent manner. These results proposed the benefits of jujube in regulating expressions of neurotrophic factors and anti‐oxidant enzymes in cultured astrocytes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Apple Polyphenol Extracts Protect Against Aspirin‐induced Gastric Mucosal Damage in Rats
Authors: Paturi Gunaranjan , Butts Christine A. , Bentley‐Hewitt Kerry L. , McGhie Tony K. , Saleh Zaid S. , McLeod Andrew
Published: July 2014

The protective role of two apple polyphenol extracts, Douglas‐FB (FB) and Douglas‐EF (EF), on gastric mucosal damage following aspirin ingestion was investigated in healthy rats. Polyphenol content of the apple extracts varied, with the EF extract having 20% w/w polyphenols and a high proportion of flavanols as epicatechin and procyanidin, whereas the FB extract comprised 12% w/w polyphenols, which were mostly flavonols as quercetin glycosides. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were allocated to control, FB and EF groups and fed the experimental diet during the 10‐day trial. Control treatment rats received 1 mL of deionised water, whereas apple polyphenol treatment group rats, FB and EF received a concentration of 10−2 m polyphenols in 1 mL deionised water daily via oral gavage. At the end of 10‐day feeding period, rats were fasted overnight, and the following morning, aspirin (200 mg/kg) was given by oral gavage. Four hours after aspirin administration, the animals were euthanised, and samples taken for analysis. Both apple polyphenol extracts significantly reduced the ulcer area, ulcer lesion index and gastric injury score. The glutathione in gastric mucosa was increased significantly in rats given FB apple extract. Despite their different polyphenol compositions, FB and EF apple extracts assisted in protecting the gastric mucosa following acute aspirin administration in rats. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface and interface roughness estimations by X‐ray reflectivity and RBS measurements
Authors: Fujii Y. , Nakajima K. , Suzuki M. , Kimura K.
Published: July 2014

X‐ray reflectivity (XRR) is often used to estimate the interface roughness. In principle, XRR can measure both surface and interface roughness. However, the sensitivity to the interface roughness is rather poor compared with the surface roughness. In order to improve the accuracy in the interface roughness, a combination analysis of XRR with high‐resolution Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy was performed. The surface and interface roughness were determined so that both XRR and high‐resolution Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy spectra can be reproduced. We also found that the effective roughness measured by XRR may depend on the angle of incidence. This is because the roughness depends on the size of the probing area. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Austenite Transformation Behaviour of 2205 Duplex Stainless Steels under Hot Tensile Test
Authors: Li Hongfei , Fan Guangwei , He Yan , Bai Jingang , Zhang Caili , Han Peide
Published: July 2014

The aim of the present work was to evaluate initial secondary austenite phase microstructural changes (δ → γ′) in 2205 duplex stainless steel with N content of 0.36 wt% during hot tensile test. The results showed there is no secondary austenite microstructural change in zero deformation degree. The secondary austenite (γ2) phase transformation occurred only in the cooling process and under hot deformation condition. Initial secondary austenite (γ′) occurred within the ferrite matrix at the temperature range of 950–1150 °C. The precipitation of initial γ′ increased with the increase in aging time and deformation degree. With increasing time, a progressive transformation of initial γ′ to γ2 occurred. The orientation relationship between the initial γ′ phase and the δ matrix was different at varying high temperatures. A significant change in the hot deformation condition has been observed as a consequence of secondary austenite reformation. These results indicated the importance of control over the shape and volume fraction of secondary austenite phases on high nitrogen duplex stainless steels to improve hot ductility.
Lkb1 Is Indispensable for Skeletal Muscle Development, Regeneration, and Satellite Cell Homeostasis
Authors: Shan Tizhong , Zhang Pengpeng , Liang Xinrong , Bi Pengpeng , Yue Feng , Kuang Shihuan
Published: July 2014

Serine/threonine kinase 11, commonly known as liver kinase b1 (Lkb1), is a tumor suppressor that regulates cellular energy metabolism and stem cell function. Satellite cells are skeletal muscle resident stem cells that maintain postnatal muscle growth and repair. Here, we used MyoDCre/Lkb1flox/flox mice (called MyoD-Lkb1) to delete Lkb1 in embryonic myogenic progenitors and their descendant satellite cells and myofibers. The MyoD-Lkb1 mice exhibit a severe myopathy characterized by central nucleated myofibers, reduced mobility, growth retardation, and premature death. Although tamoxifen-induced postnatal deletion of Lkb1 in satellite cells using Pax7CreER mice bypasses the developmental defects and early death, Lkb1 null satellite cells lose their regenerative capacity cell-autonomously. Strikingly, Lkb1 null satellite cells fail to maintain quiescence in noninjured resting muscles and exhibit accelerated proliferation but reduced differentiation kinetics. At the molecular level, Lkb1 limits satellite cell proliferation through the canonical AMP-activated protein kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway, but facilitates differentiation through phosphorylation of GSK-3β, a key component of the WNT signaling pathway. Together, these results establish a central role of Lkb1 in muscle stem cell homeostasis, muscle development, and regeneration. Stem Cells  2014;32:2893–2907
MiR-7, Inhibited Indirectly by LincRNA HOTAIR, Directly Inhibits SETDB1 and Reverses the EMT of Breast Cancer Stem Cells by Downregulating the STAT3 Pathway
Authors: Zhang Hongyi , Cai Kai , Wang Jing , Wang Xiaoying , Cheng Kai , Shi Fangfang , Jiang Longwei , Zhang Yunxia , Dou Jun
Published: July 2014

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) contributes to tumor invasion and metastasis in many cancers and correlates highly with the acquisition of cancer stem cell (CSC) characteristics. EMT also correlates with changes in specific microRNAs (miRNAs) that have already been integrated into tumorigenic programs as either oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes. Here, we show that miR-7, which was downregulated in breast CSCs (BCSCs) isolated from the human MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines, inhibited cell invasion and metastasis, decreased the BCSC population and partially reversed EMT in MDA-MB-231 cells by directly targeting the oncogene, SETDB1. The conspicuous epigenetic transition induced by miR-7 overexpression was found not only in MDA-MB-231 cells but also in BCSC xenograft tumors. MiR-7 inhibited the metastasis of BCSCs in lungs, kidneys, and adrenal glands of NOD/SCID mice. ChIP-polymerase chain reaction result suggested that the SETDB1 induced STAT3 expression by binding to the promoter of STAT3. MiR-7-mediated downregulation of SETDB1 resulted in the suppression of STAT3, which led to the downregulation of c-myc, twist, and mir-9. In addition, the downregulation of miR-7 in BCSCs may be indirectly attributed to lincRNA HOTAIR by modulating the expression of HoxD10 that promotes the expression of miR-7. These findings demonstrate that miR-7 was a tumor suppressor and that the overexpression of miR-7 might serve as a good strategy for treating highly invasive breast cancer. Stem Cells  2014;32:2858–2868
Electron‐rich, Nitrido‐bridged Ruthenium Complexes
Authors: Glüer Arne , Askevold Bjorn , Schluschaß Bastian , Heinemann Frank W. , Schneider Sven
Published: July 2014

Terminal RuIV nitride [RuN{N(CH2CH2PtBu2)2}] (1) and [RuCl{N(CH2CH2PtBu2)2}] (2a) form an equilibrium with bridging nitride [{(tBu2PCH2CH2)2N}Ru(μ‐N)RuCl{N(CH2CH2PtBu2)2}] (3a). While 3a could only be spectroscopically characterized yet not isolated, the reaction of the divinylamido chloro complex [RuCl{N(CHCHPtBu2)2}] (2b) with half an equivalent azide directly gave the analogous bridging nitride [{(tBu2PCHCH)2N}Ru(μ‐N)RuCl{N(CHCHPtBu2)2}] (3b), which was isolated and fully characterized.
Synthesis, Structure, Photoluminescence, and Theoretical ­Calculation of an rtl‐type Zinc(II) Compound with Linear Trinuclear [Zn3(COO)4(μ2‐H2O)2] Subunits
Authors: Chen Yan‐Xue , Tang Kang‐Kang , Wang Xin , Chen Bing‐Yi , Qin Guo‐Qiang , Yang Jin‐Hui
Published: July 2014

The zinc(II) coordination polymer [Zn3(BPT)2(μ2‐H2O)2(H2O)2]n·n(DMA) (1) (H3BPT = biphenyl‐3,4′,5‐tricarboxylic acid, DMA = N,N′‐dimethylactamide) was obtained by the solvothermal reaction of H3BPT with Zn(NO3)2 in DMA/H2O mixed solvent. Single crystal X‐ray analysis reveals that compound 1 has a complicated 3D framework containing linear trinuclear [Zn3(COO)4(μ2‐H2O)2] clusters as building subunits, which can be simplified into a (3,6)‐connected rtl topological network with the Schläfli symbol {4.62}2{42.610.83}. The calculated results of total and partial density of states (DOS) indicate that the luminescence of 1 mainly originates from intraligand charge transfer.
Verification of distributed systems with the axiomatic system of MSVL
Authors: Ma Qian , Duan Zhenhua , Zhang Nan , Wang Xiaobing
Published: July 2014

Since distributed systems are inherently concurrent and asynchronous, it is a challenge for us to verify distributed systems. MSVL is a useful temporal logic programming language and its axiomatic system has been established. However, the axiomatic system of MSVL lacks mechanisms to manage asynchronous communication, which makes it cannot deal with distributed systems. Thus, to verify distributed systems with MSVL in a deductive way, this paper is motivated to extend the axiomatic system of MSVL with new axioms for asynchronous communication. To this end, firstly we formalize state axioms regarding asynchronous communication commands and then prove the soundness and completeness. Further, to demonstrate how the extended axiomatic system of MSVL works for distributed systems, we apply it to the well-known Ricart–Agrawala (RA) algorithm, which is a distributed mutual exclusion algorithm and has an infinite state space. To do this, we model the RA algorithm with MSVL, specify the desired properties and then verify an instance of the RA algorithm with respect to the first-come-first-served property.
Protective nesting association between the Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria and the Red‐backed Shrike Lanius collurio: an experiment using artificial and natural nests
Authors: Polak Marcin
Published: July 2014

The pressure of predators may significantly affects the distribution pattern of nesting birds. Some individuals may reduce the risk of predation by nesting near other species with an aggressive nest defence. In the present study I tested the predator protection hypothesis using experimental (artificial nests) and observational (real nests) approaches on two ecologically similar passerine birds–the Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria and the Red‐backed Shrike Lanius collurio. Studies have been conducted in eastern Poland in two types of habitat: river valley and farmland. The main predators of natural and artificial nests were birds, and to a lesser extent, also mammals. I found wide variation level of predation of both types of nests in different years. Nest survival rate of artificial nests was significantly lower in the farmland than in the river valley and in natural nests I observed reverse pattern. According to the predictions of the predator protection hypothesis the survival rates of the natural and artificial nests were significantly higher in territories of individuals breeding in the protective nesting association. This type of interspecific positive interaction between two associate species can be classified as facultative mutualism.
The relationship between p53 codon 72 genetic polymorphism and sperm parameters. A study of men with varicocele
Authors: Gentile V. , Nicotra M. , Minucci S. , Ambrosi S. , Saccucci P. , Gloria‐Bottini F. , Bottini E.
Published: July 2014

Purpose

Regulation of the apoptotic process has an important role in spermatogenesis. p53 has a prominent function in apoptosis and recent data suggest a relationship between varicocele and p53 codon 72 polymorphism and male infertility. This prompted us to study the relationship between this polymorphism and spermatic parameters.

Methods

We studied 134 subjects with varicocele admitted consecutively to the outpatients Department of Infertility at the University of Rome La Sapienza. We investigated in these subjects the effect of a strong apoptosis inducer, the p53 codon 72 *Arg/*Arg genotype, on spermatic parameters.

The p53 codon 72 genotype was determined by DNA analysis.

Results

The proportion of spermatozoa with abnormal (curvilinear) motility is higher in men with the *Arg/*Arg genotype than in men carrying the *Pro allele (p = 0.003). No statistical significant relationship has been observed with spermatozoa concentration and atypical spermatozoa.

Conclusions

We conclude: the p53 codon 72*Arg/*Arg genotype, with its strong apoptotic effects, negatively influences spermatozoa motility and male fertility.
The impact of general anesthesia on radiofrequency ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kuo Yuan‐Hung , Chung Kuan‐Chih , Hung Chao‐Hung , Lu Sheng‐Nan , Wang Jing‐Houng
Published: July 2014

This study investigates the impact of general anesthesia (GA) on percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A total of 118 treatment‐naïve HCC patients in Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer curative stage were enrolled. Patients who underwent RFA with GA were designated as the GA group, and the others were identified as the non‐GA group. All the percutaneous RFA procedures were performed by the same hepatologist. The GA group comprised 42 (44.1%) patients with 71 tumors (mean size, 2.53 cm) and the non‐GA group had 66 patients (55.9%) with 90 tumors (mean size, 2.35 cm). Complete tumor ablation was achieved after one session in 92.3% of the 52 GA patients, and after one to three sessions in 92.4% of 66 non‐GA patients. The GA group required significantly fewer RFA sessions to obtain a similar treatment effect (p < 0.001) and the duration of hospitalization was also shortened among the GA patients (4.4 ± 0.9 days vs. 5.1 ± 1.9 days, p = 0.044). The 2‐year overall survival and recurrence‐free survival rates were not significantly different between the two groups. Overall, performing RFA with GA can decrease the number of sessions required to achieve complete tumor ablation in early stage HCC patients and shorten the hospitalization duration.
On the rationalK2of a curve of GL2type over a global field of positive characteristic
Authors: Chida Masataka , Kondo Satoshi , Yamauchi Takuya
Published: July 2014

Ifis an integral model of a smooth curveXover a global fieldk, there is a localization sequence comparing theK-theory ofandX. We show thatK1() injects intoK1(X) rationally, by showing that the previous boundary map in the localization sequence is rationally a surjection, forXof “GL2type” andkof positive characteristic not 2. Examples are given to show that the relativeG1term can have large rank. Examples of such curves include non-isotrivial elliptic curves, Drinfeld modular curves, and the moduli of-elliptic sheaves of rank 2.
Three Supreme Court Cases on Compulsory Acquisition of Land in Nigeria
Authors: Sholanke Oladipo O
Published: July 2014

The law of compulsory acquisition of land in Nigeria is rooted in the country's constitution. It is enshrined that every Nigerian has the right to own private property and that such property shall not be acquired compulsorily, except in the manner and for the purposes prescribed by a law that requires both the payment of prompt compensation and compliance with the rule of law on access to court. In 2012, the Supreme Court of Nigeria delivered three decisions on the compulsory acquisition of land or the revocation of occupancy rights; Alhaji Tsoho Dan Amale v Sokoto Local Government and Others; Goldmark Nigeria Limited and Others v Ibafon Company Limited and Others; and Ohochukwu v Attorney General of Rivers State and Others. These three cases laid down principles on the subject which are worthy of exposition.