bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visualizing the Invisible Hand of Markets: Simulating Complex Dynamic Economic Interactions
Authors: Jaffé Klaus
Published: May 2015

In complex systems, many different parts interact in nonobvious ways. Traditional research focuses on a few or a single aspect of the problem so as to analyse it with the tools available. To get a better insight of phenomena that emerge from complex interactions, we need instruments that can analyse simultaneously complex interactions between many parts. Here, a simulator modelling different types of economies is used to visualize complex quantitative aspects that affect economic dynamics. The main conclusions are: (1) relatively simple economic settings produce complex nonlinear dynamics and, therefore, linear regressions are often unsuitable to capture complex economic dynamics; (2) flexible pricing of goods by individual agents according to their microenvironment increases the health and wealth of the society, but asymmetries in price sensitivity between buyers and sellers increase price inflation; (3) prices for goods conferring risky long‐term benefits are not tracked efficiently by simple market forces; (4) division of labour creates synergies that improve enormously the health and wealth of the society by increasing the efficiency of economic activity; (5) stochastic modelling improves our understanding of real economies, and didactic games based on them might help policy‐makers and nonspecialists in grasping the complex dynamics underlying even simple economic settings. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kinin B1 Receptor Deletion Affects Bone Healing in Type 1 Diabetic Mice
Authors: Cignachi Natália P. , Pesquero João B. , Oliveira Rogério B. , Etges Adriana , Campos Maria M.
Published: May 2015

The effects of kinin B1 receptor (B1R) deletion were examined on femur bone regeneration in streptozotocin (STZ)‐type 1 diabetes. Diabetes induction in wild‐type C57/BL6 (WTC57BL6) mice led to decrease in body weight and hyperglycemia, compared to the non‐diabetic group of the same strain. The lack of B1R did not affect STZ‐elicited body weight loss, but partially prevented hyperglycemia. Diabetic mice had a clear delay in bone regeneration, and displayed large areas of loose connective tissue within the defects, with a reduced expression of the mineralization‐related protein osteonectin, when compared to the non‐diabetic WTC57/BL6. The non‐diabetic and diabetic B1R knockout (B1RKO) mice had bone regeneration levels and osteonectin expression comparable to that seen in control WTC57/BL6 mice. WTC57/BL6 STZ‐diabetic mice also showed a marked reduction of collagen contents, with increased immunolabeling for the apoptosis marker caspase‐3, whereas diabetic B1RKO had collagen levels and caspase‐3 activity comparable to those observed in non‐diabetic WTC57/BL6 or B1RKO mice. No significant difference was detected in the number of tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)‐stained cells, or in RANK/RANKL/OPG system immunolabeling throughout the experimental groups. Data bring novel evidence on the relevance of kinin B1R under type 1 diabetes with regards to its role in bone regeneration. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 3019–3028, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Control of the Normal and Pathological Development of Neural Stem and Progenitor Cells by the PC3/Tis21/Btg2 and Btg1 Genes
Authors: Micheli Laura , Ceccarelli Manuela , Farioli‐Vecchioli Stefano , Tirone Felice
Published: May 2015

The PC3/Tis21/Btg2 and Btg1 genes are transcriptional cofactors belonging to the Btg/Tob family, which regulate the development of several cell types, including neural precursors. We summarize here the actions of these genes on neural precursors in the adult neurogenic niches and the cognitive defects associated when their expression is altered. We consider also recent findings implicating them in neural and non‐neural tumors, since common developmental mechanisms are involved. PC3/Tis21 is required for the regulation of the maturation of stem and progenitor cells in the adult dentate gyrus and subventricular zone (SVZ), by controlling both their exit from the cell cycle and the ensuing terminal differentiation. Such actions are effected by regulating the expression of several genes, including cyclin D1, BMP4, Id3. In cerebellar precursors, however, PC3/Tis21 regulates chiefly their migration rather than proliferation or differentiation, with important implications for the onset of medulloblastoma, the cerebellar tumor. In fact PC3/Tis21 is a medulloblastoma‐suppressor, as its overexpression in cerebellar precursors inhibits this tumor; PC3/Tis21 shows anti‐tumor activity also in non‐neural tumors. Btg1 presents a different functional profile, as it controls proliferation in adult stem/progenitor cells of dentate gyrus and SVZ, where is required to maintain their self‐renewal and quiescence, but is apparently devoid of a direct control of their terminal differentiation or migration. Notably, physical exercise in Btg1‐null mice rescues the loss of proliferative capability occurring in older stem cells. Both genes could be further investigated as therapeutical targets, namely, Btg1 in the process of aging and PC3/Tis21 as a tumor‐suppressor. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 2881–2890, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reproducibility of quantitative susceptibility mapping in the brain at two field strengths from two vendors
Authors: Deh Kofi , Nguyen Thanh D. , Eskreis‐Winkler Sarah , Prince Martin R. , Spincemaille Pascal , Gauthier Susan , Kovanlikaya Ilhami , Zhang Yan , Wang Yi
Published: May 2015

Purpose

To assess the reproducibility of brain quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) in healthy subjects and in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) on 1.5 and 3T scanners from two vendors.

Materials and Methods

Ten healthy volunteers and 10 patients were scanned twice on a 3T scanner from one vendor. The healthy volunteers were also scanned on a 1.5T scanner from the same vendor and on a 3T scanner from a second vendor. Similar imaging parameters were used for all scans. QSM images were reconstructed using a recently developed nonlinear morphology‐enabled dipole inversion (MEDI) algorithm with L1 regularization. Region‐of‐interest (ROI) measurements were obtained for 20 major brain structures. Reproducibility was evaluated with voxel‐wise and ROI‐based Bland–Altman plots and linear correlation analysis.

Results

ROI‐based QSM measurements showed excellent correlation between all repeated scans (correlation coefficient R ≥ 0.97), with a mean difference of less than 1.24 ppb (healthy subjects) and 4.15 ppb (patients), and 95% limits of agreements of within −25.5 to 25.0 ppb (healthy subjects) and −35.8 to 27.6 ppb (patients). Voxel‐based QSM measurements had a good correlation (0.64 ≤ R ≤ 0.88) and limits of agreements of −60 to 60 ppb or less.

Conclusion

Brain QSM measurements have good interscanner and same‐scanner reproducibility for healthy and MS subjects, respectively, on the systems evaluated in this study. J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2015;42:1592–1600.
Ultrasensitive method to quantify intracellular zidovudine mono‐, di‐ and triphosphate concentrations in peripheral blood mononuclear cells by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Kinai Ei , Gatanaga Hiroyuki , Kikuchi Yoshimi , Oka Shinichi , Kato Shingo
Published: May 2015

Although zidovudine (AZT) is not the preferred antiretroviral drug for adult HIV‐infected patients, it is still widely used in infants for both prevention of mother‐to‐infant HIV‐1 transmission and treatment of HIV‐infected children. However, it is difficult to measure intracellular concentrations of AZT metabolites in small blood samples due to their extremely low concentrations in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and interference by endogenous nucleotide triphosphates, residual plasma phosphates and electrolytes. We developed an ultrasensitive assay using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) for measurement of intracellular concentrations of zidovudine (AZT)‐monophosphate (AZT‐MP), ‐diphosphate (AZT‐DP) and ‐triphosphate (AZT‐TP). The high sensitivity was due to the improvement of peripheral blood mononuclear cells extraction for complete removal of plasma and electrolytes, alkalization of LC buffer and use of alkaline‐stable high performance liquid chromatography column and tetrabutylammonium hydroxide as the ion pair. Using this method, the lower limits of quantification of AZT, AZT‐MP, ‐DP and ‐TP were 6, 6, 10 and 10 fmol per sample, respectively. Accuracy ranged 89–115% and precision was lower than 15% in the quantification range of 6–6000 fmol/sample for plasma AZT and intracellular AZT‐MP and 10–10 000 fmol/sample for AZT‐DP and ‐TP. The validation parameters met the international requirements. Among nine AZT‐treated HIV‐infected adult patients, five had low AZT‐TP levels (<10 fmol/106 cells). Our assay has high sensitivity and is advantageous for evaluation of AZT phosphates in children and infants based on minimum blood sampling requirement. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐throughput workflow for identification of phosphorylated peptides by LC‐MALDI‐TOF/TOF‐MS coupled to in situ enrichment on MALDI plates functionalized by ion landing
Authors: Krásný Lukáš , Pompach Petr , Strnadová Marcela , Hynek Radovan , Vališ Karel , Havlíček Vladimír , Novák Petr , Volný Michael
Published: May 2015

We report an MS‐based workflow for identification of phosphorylated peptides from trypsinized protein mixtures and cell lysates that is suitable for high‐throughput sample analysis. The workflow is based on an in situ enrichment on matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) plates that were functionalized by TiO2 using automated ion landing apparatus that can operate unsupervised. The MALDI plate can be functionalized by TiO2 into any array of predefined geometry (here, 96 positions for samples and 24 for mass calibration standards) made compatible with a standard MALDI spotter and coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography. The in situ MALDI plate enrichment was compared with a standard precolumn‐based separation and achieved comparable or better results than the standard method. The performance of this new workflow was demonstrated on a model mixture of proteins as well as on Jurkat cells lysates. The method showed improved signal‐to‐noise ratio in a single MS spectrum, which resulted in better identification by MS/MS and a subsequent database search. Using the workflow, we also found specific phosphorylations in Jurkat cells that were nonspecifically activated by phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate. These phosphorylations concerned the mitogen‐activated protein kinase/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase signaling pathway and its targets and were in agreement with the current knowledge of this signaling cascade. Control sample of non‐activated cells was devoid of these phosphorylations. Overall, the presented analytical workflow is able to detect dynamic phosphorylation events in minimally processed mammalian cells while using only a short high‐performance liquid chromatography gradient. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of mass spectral library search algorithms implemented in commercial software
Authors: Samokhin Andrey , Sotnezova Ksenia , Lashin Vitaly , Revelsky Igor
Published: May 2015

Performance of several library search algorithms (against EI mass spectral databases) implemented in commercial software products ( acd/specdb, chemstation, gc/ms solution and ms search) was estimated. Test set contained 1000 mass spectra, which were randomly selected from NIST'08 (RepLib) mass spectral database. It was shown that composite (also known as identity) algorithm implemented in ms search (NIST) software gives statistically the best results: the correct compound occupied the first position in the list of possible candidates in 81% of cases; the correct compound was within the list of top ten candidates in 98% of cases. It was found that use of presearch option can lead to rejection of the correct answer from the list of possible candidates (therefore presearch option should not be used, if possible). Overall performance of library search algorithms was estimated using receiver operating characteristic curves. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tentative identification of polar and mid‐polar compounds in extracts from wine lees by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry in high‐resolution mode
Authors: Delgado de la Torre M. P. , Priego‐Capote F. , Luque de Castro M. D.
Published: May 2015

Sustainable agriculture has a pending goal in the revalorization of agrofood residues. Wine lees are an abundant residue in the oenological industry. This residue, so far, has been used to obtain tartaric acid or pigments but not for being qualitatively characterized as a source of polar and mid‐polar compounds such as flavonoids, phenols and essential amino acids. Lees extracts from 11 Spanish wineries have been analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) in high resolution mode. The high‐resolution power of LC–MS/MS has led to the tentative identification of the most representative compounds present in wine lees, comprising primary amino acids, anthocyans, flavanols, flavonols, flavones and non‐flavonoid phenolic compounds, among others. Attending to the profile and content of polar and mid‐polar compounds in wine lees, this study underlines the potential of wine lees as an exploitable source to isolate interesting compounds. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distribution study of cisplatin in rat kidney and liver cancer tissues by using liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Bandu Raju , Ahn Hyun Soo , Lee Joon Won , Kim Yong Woo , Choi Seon Hee , Kim Hak Jin , Kim Kwang Pyo
Published: May 2015

A sensitive and rapid liquid chromatography positive ion electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometric (LC/ESI‐MS/MS) method has been developed and validated for the quantitative determination and distribution of cisplatin (CP) in kidney and liver tissues after intravenous administration of drug to adult male Sprague Dawley rats. Oxaliplatin (OXP) was used as an internal standard. The tissue samples were homogenized and extracted using conventional liquid–liquid extraction method with phosphate buffer containing ethyl acetate and then subjected to LC‐MS analysis. The chromatographic separation was achieved on an Agilent ZORBAX SB C‐18 column (50 × 2.1 mm, 1.8 µm) using the mobile phase consisting of 0.1% formic acid in water (Solvent A) : methanol (Solvent B) (40 : 60; v/v) in an isocratic elution followed by detection with positive ion electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry using the transitions of m/z 301 > 265 for CP and m/z 398 > 310 for OXP in multiple reaction monitoring mode. The calibration curve was linear in the range of 5.0–7000 and 10.0–6000 ng/ml for kidney and liver tissue homogenates, respectively. The method revealed good performances in terms of within‐batch, between‐batch precision (1.31–5.70%) and accuracy (97.0–102.24%) for CP in both kidney and liver tissue homogenates including lower and upper limits of quantification. The recoveries from spiked control samples were >81.0% and >87.0 % for CP and OXP, respectively. Matrix effect was found to be negligible, and the stability data were within the acceptable limits. Further, the validated LC/ES‐MS/MS method was successfully applied to investigate the distribution of CP in kidney and liver tissues after intravenous administration of CP to male Sprague Dawley rats. The results showed that the higher amount of CP was distributed in kidney followed by liver, which indicated that CP mainly accumulated in kidney tissues and renal excretion might be a primary and main elimination route. This is the first research approach focused on the quantitative determination and distribution of CP in rat kidney and liver tissue homogenates by using LC/ESI‐MS/MS, which could provide essential information for further pharmacological and clinical studies of CP. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Atypical exanthems associated with Parvovirus B19 (B19V) infection in children and adults
Authors: Drago Francesco , Ciccarese Giulia , Broccolo Francesco , Javor Sanja , Parodi Aurora
Published: May 2015

Parvovirus B19 (B19V) infection may differently manifest in various age groups. Erythema infectiosum (‘fifth disease’) is the most common B19V manifestations in children. Arthralgias and arthritis, with or without rash, are common manifestations of B19V infection in adults. Pruritus is usually present in adults and children. However, other cutaneous manifestations and atypical exanthems have been occasionally reported during B19V infection. To investigate the putative role of B19V infection in atypical exanthems, a total of 390 consecutive patients with atypical exanthems were analysed for B19V infection by determining B19V IgG and IgM antibodies titres in acute and convalescent phase as well as B19V DNA detection in serum by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Atypical exanthems resulted related to B19V infection in 6 of the 120 pediatric (5%) and 14 of the 270 adult patients (5.2%). In conclusion this study reveals that atypical exanthems related to B19V infection are possible both in children and in adults, with a similar prevalence. J. Med. Virol. 87:1981–1984, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Raman spectra of water in fluid inclusions: I. Effect of host mineral birefringence on salinity measurement
Authors: Caumon Marie‐Camille , Tarantola Alexandre , Mosser‐Ruck Régine
Published: May 2015

Raman microspectrometry of water in individual aqueous fluid inclusions can provide chemical information about fluid composition, in particular the concentration of chloride ions. The regular method consists in correlating the deformation of the OH stretching vibration band of liquid water in the region assigned to hydrogen‐bonded OH groups with chloride concentration. In the present study, a set of seven different minerals with various birefringence properties (barite, calcite, celestine, fluorite, kyanite, quartz and siderite) was selected for the analysis of the water band of their hosted aqueous fluid inclusions. The comparison with microthermometry highlighted that any birefringent mineral may affect the determination of salinity carried out by the analysis of the Raman signal of water: the Raman salinity exposed sinusoidal variations when rotating the samples on the microscope stage. This phenomenon was explained by mineral birefringence, and by the polarization properties of the OH stretching vibration band of liquid water and of the spectrometers gratings. A good knowledge of the polarization properties of the optical devices of the Raman spectrometer and a correct positioning of the sample thus result in salinity (chloride concentration) measurements with the same accuracy as classic microthermometry. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An assessment of the barriers to the consumers' uptake of genetically modified foods: a neural network analysis
Authors: Rodríguez‐Entrena Macario , Salazar‐Ordóñez Melania , Becerra‐Alonso David
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUND

This paper studies which of the attitudinal, cognitive and socio‐economic factors determine the willingness to purchase genetically modified (GM) food, enabling the forecasting of consumers' behaviour in Andalusia, southern Spain. This classification has been made by a standard multilayer perceptron neural network trained with extreme learning machine. Later, an ordered logistic regression was applied to determine whether the neural network can outperform this traditional econometric approach.

RESULTS

The results show that the highest relative contributions lie in the variables related to perceived risks of GM food, while the perceived benefits have a lower influence. In addition, an innovative attitude towards food presents a strong link, as does the perception of food safety. The variables with the least relative contribution are subjective knowledge about GM food and the consumers' age. The neural network approach outperforms the correct classification percentage from the ordered logistic regression.

CONCLUSION

The perceived risks must be considered as a critical factor. A strategy to improve the GM food acceptance is to develop a transparent and balanced information framework that makes the potential risk understandable by society, and make them aware of the risk assessments for GM food in the EU. For its success, it is essential to improve the trust in EU institutions and scientific regulatory authorities. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Assessment of volatile and non‐volatile compounds in durian wines fermented with four commercial non‐Saccharomyces yeasts
Authors: Lu Yuyun , Huang Dejian , Lee Pin‐Rou , Liu Shao‐Quan
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUND

Chemical compositions of durian wines fermented with Metschnikowia pulcherrima Flavia, Torulaspora delbrueckii Biodiva, Pichia kluyveri FrootZen and Kluyveromyces thermotolerans Concerto were investigated.

RESULTS

Sucrose was not utilized by M. pulcherrima and P. kluyveri, resulting in little formation of ethanol (0.3–0.5%, v/v), while about 7% ethanol was produced by the other two yeasts. Volatiles such as esters and sulfur‐containing compounds were synthesized or catabolized and distinctive differences existed among yeasts. Larger amounts of higher alcohols and ethyl esters were detected in wines fermented by T. delbrueckii and K. thermotolerans, whereas M. pulcherrima and P. kluyveri produced more acetate esters such as ethyl acetate (1034.43 and 131.05 mg L−1 respectively) and isoamyl acetate (0.56 and 27.68 mg L−1 respectively). Most endogenous sulfur volatiles such as disulfides declined to trace levels, but new ones such as thioesters were formed. Sulfur volatiles in wines fermented by T. delbrueckii accounted for 0.20% relative peak area (RPA), followed by K. thermotolerans (0.23% RPA), P. kluyveri (1.43% RPA) and M. pulcherrima (4.16% RPA).

CONCLUSION

The findings showed that a more complex flavor could result from fermentation with different non‐Saccharomyces yeasts and the typical durian odor would still remain. Copyright © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Hibiscus sabdariffacalyx palliates insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia and oxidative rout in fructose‐induced metabolic syndrome rats
Authors: Ajiboye Taofeek O , Raji Hikmat O , Adeleye Abdulwasiu O , Adigun Nurudeen S , Giwa Oluwayemisi B , Ojewuyi Oluwayemisi B , Oladiji Adenike T
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUND

The effect ofHibiscus sabdariffacalyx extract was evaluated in high‐fructose‐induced metabolic syndrome rats. Insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia and oxidative rout were induced in rats using high‐fructose diet. High‐fructose diet‐fed rats were administered 100 and 200 mg kg−1body weight ofH. sabdariffaextract for 3 weeks, starting from week 7 of high‐fructose diet treatment.

RESULTS

High‐fructose diet significantly (P< 0.05) increased the serum levels of blood glucose, insulin, total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TAG), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) and very‐low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDLc), with a concomitant reduction in high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc). These alterations were significantly ameliorated by the extract. High‐fructose diet‐mediated decreases in the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), glutathione reductase (GSH‐red) and glucose 6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (Glc 6‐PD) were significantly (P< 0.05) attenuated. Altered levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and glutathione disulfide (GSSG) were significantly (P< 0.05) restored to normal. High‐fructose diet‐mediated increases in the concentrations of malondialdehyde, conjugated dienes, lipid hydroperoxides, protein carbonyl and percentage fragmentedDNAwere significantly (P< 0.05) lowered by theHibiscusextract.

CONCLUSION

Overall, aqueous extract ofH. sabdariffapalliates insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia and oxidative rout in high‐fructose‐induced metabolic syndrome rats. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Analysis of nitrogenous organic compounds from mainstream cigarette smoke using low‐temperature solvent extraction followed by comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography with high‐resolution time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Xiang Zhangmin , Cai Kai , Zhou Shuping , Geng Zhaoliang , Pan Wenjie
Published: May 2015

A method involving comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography coupled to high‐resolution time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry was developed and applied to the analysis of nitrogenous organic compounds present in mainstream cigarette smoke trapped on self‐designed equipment. The samples were prepared using low‐temperature solvent extraction under liquid nitrogen and analyzed by comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography with high‐resolution time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. Important experimental parameters, such as the type and volume of the extraction solvent and flow rate of smoking, were optimized to improve the analysis parameter. The results indicated that 180 mL of diethyl ether in the low‐temperature solvent extraction apparatus system with a 4 mL/min smoke flow rate were the optimal conditions. Then, 85 nitrogenous organic compounds were identified and quantified using a mass spectral library search, accurate mass ion and N‐rules of a molecular formula for nitrogen compounds. Finally, a comparison of the low temperature solvent extraction method and Cambridge filter pad method indicated that more peaks, a higher peak volume and better repeatability were obtained using the low‐temperature solvent extraction method.
Preparation of melamine molecularly imprinted polymer by computer‐aided design
Authors: Wang Yan , Liu Jun‐Bo , Tang Shan‐Shan , Jin Rui‐Fa
Published: May 2015

Melamine was chosen as template, methacrylic acid was chosen as functional monomer, and divinylbenzene, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, trimethylolpropane trimethylacrylate were chosen as cross‐linking agents, respectively. The WB97XD/6‐31G(d, p) method was used to calculate the geometry optimization of the different imprinting ratios, the action sites, the bonding situation, and the optimization of the cross‐linking agents. The nature of the imprinting effect was also studied by the atoms in molecules theory. The theoretical results showed that melamine interacts with methacrylic acid by hydrogen bonding, and the melamine molecularly imprinted polymers with a molar ratio of 1:6 have the most hydrogen bonds and the most stable structure. Divinylbenzene is the best cross‐linking agent for the melamine molecularly imprinted polymers. The melamine molecularly imprinted polymers were synthesized by precipitation polymerization. The results showed that the maximum adsorption capacity for molecularly imprinted polymers towards melamine is 19.84 mg/g, and the adsorption quantity of the polymers to melamine is obviously higher than that of cyromazine, cyanuric acid, and trithiocyanuric in milk. This study could provide theoretical and experimental references for the screening of the imprinting ratio and the cross‐linking agent for the given template and monomer system.
Couple Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Pilot Results From U.S. Military Veterans and Their Partners
Authors: Schumm Jeremiah A. , Monson Candice M. , O'Farrell Timothy J. , Gustin Nancy G. , Chard Kathleen M.
Published: May 2015

We studied 13 U.S. male military veterans and their female partners who consented to participate in an uncontrolled trial of couple treatment for alcohol use disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder (CTAP). CTAP is a 15‐session, manualized therapy, integrating behavioral couples therapy for alcohol use disorder (AUD) with cognitive–behavioral conjoint therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Due to ineligibility (n = 1) and attrition (n = 3), 9 couples completed the study, and 7 completed 12 or more sessions. There were 8 veterans who showed clinically reliable pre‐ to posttreatment reduction of PTSD outcomes. There were also significant group‐level reductions in clinician‐, veteran‐, and partner‐rated PTSD symptoms (d = 0.94 to 1.71). Most veterans showed clinically reliable reductions in percentage days of heavy drinking. Group‐level reduction in veterans’ percentage days of heavy drinking was significant (d = 1.01). There were 4 veterans and 3 partners with clinically reliable reductions in depression, and group‐level change was significant for veterans (d = 0.93) and partners (d = 1.06). On relationship satisfaction, 3 veterans and 4 partners had reliable improvements, and 2 veterans and 1 partner had reliable deterioration. Group‐level findings were nonsignificant for veteran relationship satisfaction (d = 0.26) and for partners (d = 0.52). These findings indicate that CTAP may be a promising intervention for individuals with comorbid PTSD and AUD who have relationship partners.
Contribution of protein and polysaccharide binders to corrosion of gold‐imitating brass in illuminated manuscripts
Authors: Kouril M. , Jindrova E. , Jamborova T. , Stoulil J. , Dernovskova J.
Published: May 2015

The survey of 10‐century‐old illuminations showed that the gold‐like areas were made with the use of brass powder. Since this layer has been showing significant damage, it is vital to identify the degradation mechanisms to prevent the priceless manuscript from further deterioration. Degradation of the pseudo‐gilded areas, such as darkening of the metal phase and disintegration of the binder, are well visible on the illuminations. The aim of the study was to compare the corrosivity of brass induced by binders using artificial aging tests modelling the conditions for the deposition of illuminated documents in the archives. Egg white, gum Arabic, isinglass and parchment glue were applied throughout the experiments. The samples on brass coupons and electrical resistance probes (ER‐probes) were subjected to artificial aging at a high relative humidity and in the air containing acetic acid vapour and the effect of an increased relative humidity on the corrosion behaviour of brass was evaluated. Corrosion depth of the ER‐probes versus time was evaluated as well. The results show that the presence of the binder layer on brass increases the corrosion rate of brass at an elevated relative humidity of ambient air. Protein‐based binders resulted in a higher corrosion rate of brass probes compared to that of polysaccharide‐based binder – gum Arabic.
Advances in mass spectrometric characterization of naphthenic acids fraction compounds in oil sands environmental samples and crude oil—A review
Authors: Headley John V. , Peru Kerry M. , Barrow Mark P.
Published: May 2015

There has been a recent surge in the development of mass spectrometric methods for detailed characterization of naphthenic acid fraction compounds (all CcHhNnOoSs, species, including heteroatomic and aromatic components in the acid‐extractable fraction) in environmental samples. This surge is driven by the increased activity in oil sands environmental monitoring programs in Canada, the exponential increase in research studies on the isolation and toxicity identification of components in oil sands process water (OSPW), and the analytical requirements for development of technologies for treatment of OSPW. There has been additional impetus due to the parallel studies to control corrosion from naphthenic acids during the mining and refining of heavy bitumen and crude oils. As a result, a range of new mass spectrometry tools have been introduced since our last major review of this topic in 2009. Of particular significance are the developments of combined mass spectrometric methods that incorporate technologies such as gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, and ion mobility. There has been additional progress with respect to improved visualization methods for petroleomics and oil sands environmental forensics. For comprehensive coverage and more reliable characterization of samples, an approach based on multiple‐methods that employ two or more ionization modes is recommended. On‐line or off‐line fractionation of isolated extracts, with or without derivatization, might also be used prior to mass spectrometric analyses. Individual ionization methods have their associated strengths and weaknesses, including biases, and thus dependence upon a single ionization method is potentially misleading. There is also a growing trend to not rely solely on low‐resolution mass spectrometric methods (<20,000 resolving power at m/z 200) for characterization of complex samples. Future research is anticipated to focus upon (i) structural elucidation of components to determine the correlation with toxicity or corrosion, (ii) verification of characterization studies based on authentic reference standards and reference materials, and (iii) integrated approaches based on multiple‐methods and ionization methods for more‐reliable oil sands environmental forensics. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev 35:311–328, 2016.
Clinical Scales Predict Significant Videofluoroscopic Dysphagia in Machado Joseph Disease Patients
Authors: Russo Aline D. , Reckziegel Estela R. , Krum‐Santos Ana C. , Augustin Marina C. , Scheeren Betina , Freitas Carine D. , Torman Vanessa L. , Saraiva‐Pereira Maria‐Luiza , Saute Jonas A. , Jardim Laura B.
Published: May 2015

Background

Although aspiration is one of the main causes of death in SCA, such as SCA3/Machado Joseph disease (SCA3/MJD), clinical studies on dysphagia are lacking for these diseases. The aims of this study were to characterize dysphagia in SCA3/MJD through videofluoroscopy (VF) of swallowing, correlate VF with disease severity criteria and weight loss, and determine the clinical criteria cutoffs for performing VF in the clinical routine, in order to detect aspiration.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study on 34 SCA3/MJD patients was performed. Clinical and molecular data, as well as body mass index (BMI), were obtained. Neurological scales, such as the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA), and the Swallowing Quality of Life (SWAL‐QOL) questionnaire were applied. The VF scores, Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale (DOSS) and penetration/aspiration scale (PAS), were obtained: Moderate‐to‐severe scores were grouped as “significant dysphagia.”

Results

Overall, 31 of 34 individuals showed abnormal scores at VF. SARA, BMI, and the domain “eating duration” of SWAL‐QOL correlated with VF: Their relation to significant dysphagia (DOSS <4 points or PAS >3) was evaluated through receiver operating characteristic curves. A sensitivity of 100% was equivalent to a cutoff of 15 points on SARA score, 23.72 kg/m2 on BMI, and 60% on eating duration‐SWAL‐QOL (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Significant dysphagia was not related to age at onset, disease duration, or CAG repeat expansion, but with SARA scores, lower BMI, and the domain eating duration of SWAL‐QOL. As a guideline for preventing aspiration, we suggest that SARA scores greater than 15 or eating duration‐SWAL‐QOL lower than 60% should urge VF studies in SCA3/MJD.
Plasma Oligomeric Alpha‐Synuclein Is Associated With Glucocerebrosidase Activity in Gaucher Disease
Authors: Nuzhnyi Evgenii , Emelyanov Anton , Boukina Tatyana , Usenko Tatiana , Yakimovskii Andrey , Zakharova Ekaterina , Pchelina Sofya
Published: May 2015

Background

The link between Parkinson's disease (PD) and Gaucher disease (GD), the most common lysosomal storage disease associated with loss of glucocerebrosidase (GBA) activity, can be explained by abnormal accumulation of oligomeric alpha‐synuclein (α‐Syn) species resulting from mutations in the GBA gene. However, in GD, the relationship between GBA activity and α‐Syn accumulation in biological fluids has not been investigated.

Methods

We analyzed plasma oligomeric α‐Syn levels, leucocyte GBA activity, and plasma chitotriosidase activity in 21 patients with GD.

Results

Negative correlation between plasma oligomeric α‐Syn levels, and leucocyte GBA activity was observed in patients with GD (R2 = 0.487; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The decrease in GBA activity may influence α‐Syn oligomerization, explaining the high risk of PD development in GD patients. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Reliable transfer of multiple perforator‐based pedicled flaps: Surgical technique and clinical outcomes
Authors: Kwon Jae Hyun , Lee Kyeong‐Tae , Lim So Young , Pyon Jai‐Kyung , Bang Sa‐Ik , Oh Kap Sung , Mun Goo‐Hyun
Published: May 2015

Purpose

Although an increase in flap perfusion by incorporating multiple perforators has been demonstrated with free perforator flaps, whether the same efficacy can be achieved with pedicled flaps remains unclear, due to concerns regarding pedicle tension or kinking during flap transposition. The aim of this report was to investigate the reliability of multiple perforator‐based pedicled flaps in a series of clinical cases.

Patients and Methods

Twenty‐six patients undergoing soft tissue reconstruction using multiple perforator‐based pedicled flaps from 2008 to 2012 were reviewed. The causes of the defects were oncologic (n = 15) or chronic wounds (n = 11). The defect sites were the trunk (n = 19), lower extremities (n = 4), head and neck (n = 2), and upper extremities (n = 1). Diverse flap types were used, including the superior gluteal artery perforator flap, the lateral femoral circumflex artery perforator flap, the medial femoral circumflex artery perforator flap, and the thoracodorsal artery perforator flap. The flaps were transposed in a rotation‐and‐advancement manner after skeletonizing each perforator and proximally dissecting the pedicle. The donor site was closed primarily.

Results

Mean flap size was 125.2 cm2, and the mean number of perforators used was 2.3 (2–5). The mean angle of pivotal rotation for flap transposition was 132.8°. No rotation‐related problems including pedicle kinking or twisting developed, and all flaps survived completely. No significant donor‐site morbidity was observed. The mean follow‐up period was 38.1 months.

Conclusions

This report suggests that through meticulous dissection of pedicles of sufficient length, the multiple perforator‐based pedicled flaps can be successfully transposed while minimizing the risk of pedicle tethering. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 37:105–111, 2017.
Long‐term distribution of biodegradable microparticles in rat muscle quantified noninvasively by MRI
Authors: Tcheudji Jacques Kameni , Cannet Catherine , Gérard Christelle , Curdy Catherine , Beckmann Nicolau
Published: May 2015

Purpose

To demonstrate the feasibility of MRI to monitor longitudinally the fate of PLGA microparticles in muscle tissue after intramuscular injection in rats using standard equipment.

Methods

MRI was performed at different time points and until day 28 after intramuscular administration of microparticles. Image segmentation was used to quantify the MRI signals. Histology was performed at selected time points to validate the in vivo observations. The SOM230‐long acting release formulation was used as test compound.

Results

Microparticles were detected in vivo until 28 days following their administration. Imaging and histology data indicated that the MRI signals followed three phases: in an early phase (≤ 48 h after injection), vehicle, edema and hydration of microparticles contributed to the signals. In the second (days 3–17) and third phases (day 17 onward), microparticle hydration was the main contributor. SOM230 in blood displayed peaks at days 2 and 17.

Conclusion

MRI was suitable to follow longitudinally the presence of PLGA microparticles in the rat muscle without labeling them. This is advantageous, because labeling could potentially alter the properties and pharmacokinetics of the microparticles. Data were consistent with an initial compound release followed by diffusion and microparticle erosion as main mechanisms of SOM230 release. Magn Reson Med 75:1736–1742, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tissue structure and inflammatory processes shape viscoelastic properties of the mouse brain
Authors: Millward Jason M. , Guo Jing , Berndt Dominique , Braun Jürgen , Sack Ingolf , Infante‐Duarte Carmen
Published: May 2015

Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is an imaging method that reveals the mechanical properties of tissue, modelled as a combination of " viscosity" and " elasticity" . We recently showed reduced brain viscoelasticity in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients compared with healthy controls, and in the relapsing–remitting disease model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). However, the mechanisms by which these intrinsic tissue properties become altered remain unclear.

This study investigates whether distinct regions in the mouse brain differ in their native viscoelastic properties, and how these properties are affected during chronic EAE in C57Bl/6 mice and in mice lacking the cytokine interferon‐gamma. IFN‐γ−/− mice exhibit a more severe EAE phenotype, with amplified inflammation in the cerebellum and brain stem. Brain scans were performed in the sagittal plane using a 7 T animal MRI scanner, and the anterior (cerebral) and posterior (cerebellar) regions analyzed separately. MRE investigations were accompanied by contrast‐enhanced MRI scans, and by histopathology and gene expression analysis ex vivo.

Compared with the cerebrum, the cerebellum in healthy mice has a lower viscoelasticity, i.e. it is intrinsically " softer" . This was seen both in the wild‐type mice and the IFNγ−/− mice. During chronic EAE, C57Bl/6 mice did not show altered brain viscoelasticity. However, as expected, the IFNγ−/− mice showed a more severe EAE phenotype, and these mice did show altered brain elasticity during the course of disease. The magnitude of the elasticity reduction correlated with F4/80 gene expression, a marker for macrophages/microglia in inflamed central nervous system tissue.

Together these results demonstrate that MRE is sensitive enough to discriminate between viscoelastic properties in distinct anatomical structures in the mouse brain, and to confirm a further relationship between cellular inflammation and mechanical alterations of the brain. This study underscores the utility of MRE to monitor pathological tissue alterations in vivo. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Statistical reconstruction and Karhunen–Loève expansion for multiphase random media
Authors: Feng J. W. , Cen S. , Li C. F. , Owen D. R. J.
Published: May 2015

Termed as random media, rocks, composites, alloys and many other heterogeneous materials consist of multiple material phases that are randomly distributed through the medium. This paper presents a robust and efficient algorithm for reconstructing random media, which can then be fed into stochastic finite element solvers for statistical response analysis. The new method is based on nonlinear transformation of Gaussian random fields, and the reconstructed media can meet the discrete‐valued marginal probability distribution function and the two‐point correlation function of the reference medium. The new method, which avoids iterative root‐finding computation, is highly efficient and particularly suitable for reconstructing large‐size random media or a large number of samples. Also, benefiting from the high efficiency of the proposed reconstruction scheme, a Karhunen–Loève (KL) representation of the target random medium can be efficiently estimated by projecting the reconstructed samples onto the KL basis. The resulting uncorrelated KL coefficients can be further expressed as functions of independent Gaussian random variables to obtain an approximate Gaussian representation, which is often required in stochastic finite element analysis. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identifying and Interpreting Domestic Violence in Archaeological Human Remains: A Critical Review of the Evidence
Authors: Redfern R. C.
Published: May 2015

This research reviews and discusses the clinical and social science datasets used to identify victims of domestic violence (DV) in the archaeological record. Clinical sources are skewed by law enforcement and cost issues, dominated by Western female data and suggest that DV is a well‐documented form of abuse. Social science sources and perspectives, having arisen from activist movements, are more spatiotemporally diverse in breadth and perspective, and challenge the notion that DV is universal and well‐documented, but are biased because they rely upon self‐survey reports.

Palaeopathology and bioarchaeology have adopted a clinical approach to DV, relying on a pattern of injuries (focussed on the head, face and neck), without critically evaluating whether such datasets are appropriate to the spatiotemporal and socio‐cultural diversity present in the archaeological record. A case study evaluating the injury patterns in 964 post‐medieval adult females from London (England) demonstrates that the majority of injuries that conform to the clinical model have robust alternative explanations, and only a small minority of females have injuries that may have been produced by interpersonal violence, not necessarily DV.

In conclusion, the review highlights that the perspectives of the elderly and male victims are currently neglected in research, and evidence for injury, especially that which may reflect abuse, necessitates interpretation within a ‘web of violence’ approach, as DV does not occur in isolation from other violence in a community. It challenges the ‘check‐list’ approach to interpretation and suggests that a closer examination of fracture mechanism combined with injury patterning may be a more informative approach with which to identify DV victims of both sexes and identifies the need to integrate other health data into the interpretation of violence and abuse. Overall, it concurs with the minority of clinical and forensic literature that it might not be possible to differentiate DV and assault victims. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Describing Archaeological Iguana Laurenti, 1768 (Squamata: Iguanidae) Populations: Size and Skeletal Maturity
Authors: Bochaton C.
Published: May 2015

The goal of this study was to provide tools to estimate size and maturity of the archaeological Iguana specimens on the basis of their skeletal remains. To achieve this, a reference of 40 Iguana osteological specimens from different collections was used to derive size prediction equations relying on bone measurements. The sequence of fusions of skeletal elements was also observed and found to be strictly identical in all observed specimens. These observations enable the size and skeletal maturity of an archaeological specimen to be determined on the basis of an isolated bone. Such data could be valuable in zooarchaeological studies, as is demonstrated using the case of a pre‐Columbian archaeological site in the Lesser Antilles. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Study of the Potential of Deciduous Incisor Wear as an Indicator of Weaning Using a Human Skeletal Population
Authors: Mays S.
Published: May 2015

The aim of this work is to investigate the potential of wear on the earliest erupting teeth, the deciduous central incisors, for studying weaning in human skeletal populations. The study group is from mediaeval Wharram Percy, where existing δ15N data indicate cessation of breastfeeding occurred by about 24 months post‐partum. The hypothesis tested is that there should be an increase in dental wear as breast milk is replaced with solid foods during weaning. Incisor wear is monitored using crown heights, measured from photographs using image analysis. Results provide little evidence for alteration in incisor wear rates with the attenuation of breastfeeding, perhaps because abrasive foods were used as supplements well before breastfeeding declined. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.