bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF LABORATORY TESTING OF OIL AND DISPERSANTS ON MANGROVES
Authors: Getter Charles D. , Ballou Thomas G. , Dahlin Jeffrey A.
Published: January 2015

Relatively few data exist on the effects of oil and dispersing agents on tropical wetlands. This is true despite extensive near-shore and onshore drilling, onshore refining, and transportation of oil through the past decade in tropical areas of the world. This paper reports on preliminary results from a laboratory experiment on the toxicity of oil and dispersants to mangroves (tropical marine forests).

A controlled-growth chamber with regulated light, temperature, and humidity was used to monitor growth and stress responses. Seedlings of the mangrove genera Rhizophora and Avicennia were selected for study since they represent species found growing along most oil-sensitive, tropical shorelines. Mangrove seedlings were treated with three oil types (bunker C, No. 2 fuel oil, and light Arabian crude), both with and without a dispersant concentrate added. The plants were dosed with oil at 25, 50, 500, 5,000, and 50,000 parts per million; dispersant concentrates were added as a well-mixed, unweathered dilution with oil in a 1:22 ratio.

From these results, preliminary conclusions are drawn regarding the differential response of mangrove species, different oil and dispersant combinations, and the difference in response to oil and dispersants by stocks of mangroves from chronically oiled environments.
To the Editor: Is the Serum Level of Reactive Oxygen Metabolites Appropriate for Evaluating Short-Term Surgical Stress of Patients Undergoing Colectomy?
Authors: Fujita Fumihko , Torashima Yasuhiro , Takatsuki Mitsuhisa , Kuroki Tamotsu , Eguchi Susumu
Published: January 2015

To demonstrate whether reactive oxygen and free radical measuring are appropriate to evaluate short-term surgical stress after laparoscopic colectomy. The subjects consisted of 22 cases (laparoscopic surgery, 16; and laparotomy, 6) that underwent surgery for colon cancer. The reactive oxygen metabolites (ROM) value in the blood were measured perioperatively. The average ROM values immediately prior to surgery, immediately following surgery, and 1 day following surgery were 360.1, 316.0, and 346.7 U.CARR, respectively, meaning that ROM declined immediately following surgery compared with immediately prior to surgery (P < 0.05), while a tendency was observed for these values to increase again 1 day following surgery. In the comparison of pain control 1 day following surgery, a significantly lower value was indicated in the epidural anesthesia group (n = 12) compared with the fentanyl intravenous injection group (n = 10). Moreover, no significant change was observed in the surgical stress level in a comparison of patient background items such as age, sex, and so forth, laparoscopic surgery, and laparotomy. The low-invasiveness of laparoscopic surgery was not indicated in the ROM value 1 day following surgery, probably because pain control offsets the level of surgical stress using this method.
First 3‐D simulations of meteor plasma dynamics and turbulence
Authors: Oppenheim Meers M. , Dimant Yakov S.
Published: January 2015

Millions of small but detectable meteors hit the Earth's atmosphere every second, creating trails of hot plasma that turbulently diffuse into the background atmosphere. For over 60 years, radars have detected meteor plasmas and used these signals to infer characteristics of the meteoroid population and upper atmosphere, but, despite the importance of meteor radar measurements, the complex processes by which these plasmas evolve have never been thoroughly explained or modeled. In this paper, we present the first fully 3‐D simulations of meteor evolution, showing meteor plasmas developing instabilities, becoming turbulent, and inhomogeneously diffusing into the background ionosphere. These instabilities explain the characteristics and strength of many radar observations, in particular the high‐resolution nonspecular echoes made by large radars. The simulations reveal how meteors create strong electric fields that dig out deep plasma channels along the Earth's magnetic fields. They also allow researchers to explore the impacts of the intense winds and wind shears, commonly found at these altitudes, on meteor plasma evolution. This study will allow the development of more sophisticated models of meteor radar signals, enabling the extraction of detailed information about the properties of meteoroid particles and the atmosphere.
A biomimetic microfluidic chip to study the circulation and mechanical retention of red blood cells in the spleen
Authors: Picot Julien , Ndour Papa Alioune , Lefevre Sophie D. , El Nemer Wassim , Tawfik Harvey , Galimand Julie , Da Costa Lydie , Ribeil Jean‐Antoine , de Montalembert Mariane , Brousse Valentine , Le Pioufle Bruno , Buffet Pierre , Le Van Kim Caroline , Français Olivier
Published: January 2015

Red blood cells (RBCs) are deformable and flow through vessels narrower than their own size. Their deformability is most stringently challenged when they cross micrometer‐wide slits in the spleen. In several inherited or acquired RBC disorders, blockade of small vessels by stiff RBCs can trigger organ damage, but a functional spleen is expected to clear these abnormal RBCs from the circulation before they induce such complications. We analyzed flow behavior of RBCs in a microfluidic chip that replicates the mechanical constraints imposed on RBCs as they cross the human spleen. Polymer microchannels obtained by soft lithography with a hydraulic diameter of 25 μm drove flow into mechanical filtering units where RBCs flew either slowly through 5‐ to 2‐μm‐wide slits or rapidly along 10‐μm‐wide channels, these parallel paths mimicking the splenic microcirculation. Stiff heated RBCs accumulated in narrow slits seven times more frequently than normal RBCs infused simultaneously. Stage‐dependent retention of Plasmodium falciparum‐infected RBCs was also observed in these slits. We also analyzed RBCs from patients with hereditary spherocytosis and observed retention for those having the most altered mechanical properties as determined by ektacytometry. Thus, in keeping with previous observations in vivo and ex vivo, the chip successfully discriminated poorly deformable RBCs based on their distinct mechanical properties and on the intensity of the cell alteration. Applications to the exploration of the pathogenesis of malaria, hereditary spherocytosis, sickle cell disease and other RBC disorders are envisioned.Am. J. Hematol. 90:339–345, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reduced occurrence of tumor flare with flavopiridol followed by combined flavopiridol and lenalidomide in patients with relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
Authors: Maddocks Kami , Wei Lai , Rozewski Darlene , Jiang Yao , Zhao Yuan , Adusumilli Mikhil , Pierceall William E. , Doykin Camille , Cardone Michael H. , Jones Jeffrey A. , Flynn Joseph , Andritsos Leslie A. , Grever Michael R. , Byrd John C. , Johnson Amy J. , Phelps Mitch A. , Blum Kristie A
Published: January 2015

Flavopiridol and lenalidomide have activity in refractory CLL without immunosuppression or opportunistic infections seen with other therapies. We hypothesized that flavopiridol treatment could adequately de‐bulk disease prior to lenalidomide therapy, decreasing the incidence of tumor flare with higher doses of lenalidomide. In this Phase I study, the maximum tolerated dose was not reached with treatment consisting of flavopiridol 30 mg m−2 intravenous bolus (IVB) + 30 mg m−2 continuous intravenous infusion (CIVI) cycle (C) 1 day (D) 1 and 30 mg m−2 IVB + 50 mg m−2 CIVI C1 D8,15 and C2‐8 D3,10,17 with lenalidomide 15 mg orally daily C2‐8 D1‐21. There was no unexpected toxicity seen, including no increased tumor lysis, tumor flare (even at higher doses of lenalidomide) or opportunistic infection. Significant clinical activity was demonstrated, with a 51% response rate in this group of heavily pretreated patients. Biomarker testing confirmed association of mitochondrial priming of the BH3 only peptide Puma with response.Am. J. Hematol. 90:327–333, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Single‐cell analysis reveals heterogeneity in onset of transgene expression from synthetic tetracycline‐dependent promoters
Authors: Rand Ulfert , Riedel Jan , Hillebrand Upneet , Shin Danim , Willenberg Steffi , Behme Sara , Klawonn Frank , Köster Mario , Hauser Hansjörg , Wirth Dagmar
Published: January 2015

Synthetic promoters have been designed for mammalian cells to achieve both temporal and quantitative control over transgene expression without interfering with the endogenous cellular network. Routine applications of synthetic expression systems are based on steady‐state measurements of gene expression while the mechanism by which these steady‐states are realised at the single‐cell level has not been investigated. We focused on the elucidation of the kinetics of doxycycline‐controlled synthetic modules as a paradigm. Following gene expression in single cells, we observed a gradual increase of transgene expression within the first 48 h after activation, as determined by flow cytometry. Time‐lapse microscopy revealed that the onset of transgene expression was highly variable in individual cells. Interestingly, a bidirectional cassette design showed significantly reduced cell‐to‐cell heterogeneity in expression. Of note, the influence of the cell cycle seems to be negligible, since the onset of expression correlates with cell division in only a minor fraction of the cell population. In contrast, rapid and synchronous transgene expression could be realized using a posttranslational regulation system that relies on ligand‐induced stabilization of a tagged protein. Thus, the inherent temporal variability of transcriptionally regulated synthetic transgene expression systems has to be considered for kinetic and correlative experimental applications.
Antimicrobial activity and mechanism of action of a novel cationic α‐helical octadecapeptide derived from α‐amylase of rice
Authors: Taniguchi Masayuki , Ochiai Akihito , Takahashi Kiyoshi , Nakamichi Shun‐ichi , Nomoto Takafumi , Saitoh Eiichi , Kato Tetsuo , Tanaka Takaaki
Published: January 2015

AmyI‐1–18, an octadecapeptide derived from α‐amylase (AmyI‐1) of rice (Oryza sativa L. japonica), is a novel cationic α‐helical antimicrobial peptide (AMP) that contains two lysine and two arginine residues. The antimicrobial activity of AmyI‐1–18 against human pathogens was quantitatively evaluated using a chemiluminescence method that measures ATP derived from viable cells. Of the ten kinds of human pathogens, AmyI‐1–18 exhibited antimicrobial activity against nine. Its 50% growth‐inhibitory concentrations (ICs50) against Porphyromonas gingivalis, Propionibacterium acnes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, and Streptococcus mutans were 13, 19, 50, 64, and 77 μM, respectively. AmyI‐1–18 had little or no hemolytic activity even at 500 μM, and showed negligible cytotoxicity up to 1200 μM. The degree of 3,3′‐dipropylthiadicarbocyanine iodide release from P. gingivalis cells induced by the addition of AmyI‐1–18 was significantly lower than that induced by the addition of melittin. Flow cytometric analysis showed that the percentages of P. aeruginosa, S. mutans, and C. albicans cells stained with propidium iodide (PI), a DNA‐intercalating dye, were 89%, 43%, and 3%, respectively, when AmyI‐1–18 was added at a concentration equal to its 4×IC50. Therefore, the antimicrobial activity of AmyI‐1–18 against P. aeruginosa and S. mutans appears to be mainly attributable to its membrane‐disrupting activity. In contrast, its antimicrobial activity against P. gingivalis and C. albicans most likely depends upon interactions with intracellular targets other than their cell membranes. Collectively, these results indicate that AmyI‐1–18 is useful as a safe and potent AMP against the pathogens described above in many fields of healthcare. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 104: 73–83, 2015.
Recognize everyone's duty of reasonable care to student‐athletes
Authors: Neal Timothy , Quandt Eric , Thornton James , Anderson Jeffrey
Published: January 2015

Athletic trainers, team physicians, coaches, athletics directors, and senior administrative staff — as well as the institution — each face potential liability for the overall health care provided to student‐athletes.
Effectively manage a partnership with outside legal counsel
Authors: Sievert Justin P. , Thomas Kaitlyn R.
Published: January 2015

When partnering with outside legal counsel on a National Collegiate Athletic Association rules‐compliance issue, you can help ensure a successful partnership by addressing these areas.
CC Coupling of Ketones with Methanol Catalyzed by a N‐Heterocyclic Carbene–Phosphine Iridium Complex
Authors: Quan Xu , Kerdphon Sutthichat , Andersson Pher G.
Published: January 2015

An N‐heterocyclic carbene–phosphine iridium complex system was found to be a very efficient catalyst for the methylation of ketone via a hydrogen transfer reaction. Mild conditions together with low catalyst loading (1 mol %) were used for a tandem process which involves the dehydrogenation of methanol, CC bond formation with a ketone, and hydrogenation of the new generated double bond by iridium hydride to give the alkylated product. Using this iridium catalyst system, a number of branched ketones were synthesized with good to excellent conversions and yields.
Diagnostic value of H3F3A mutations in giant cell tumour of bone compared to osteoclast‐rich mimics
Authors: Presneau Nadège , Baumhoer Daniel , Behjati Sam , Pillay Nischalan , Tarpey Patrick , Campbell Peter J , Jundt Gernot , Hamoudi Rifat , Wedge David C , Loo Peter Van , Hassan A Bassim , Khatri Bhavisha , Ye Hongtao , Tirabosco Roberto , Amary M Fernanda , Flanagan Adrienne M
Published: January 2015

Driver mutations in the two histone 3.3 (H3.3) genes, H3F3A and H3F3B, were recently identified by whole genome sequencing in 95% of chondroblastoma (CB) and by targeted gene sequencing in 92% of giant cell tumour of bone (GCT). Given the high prevalence of these driver mutations, it may be possible to utilise these alterations as diagnostic adjuncts in clinical practice. Here, we explored the spectrum of H3.3 mutations in a wide range and large number of bone tumours (n = 412) to determine if these alterations could be used to distinguish GCT from other osteoclast‐rich tumours such as aneurysmal bone cyst, nonossifying fibroma, giant cell granuloma, and osteoclast‐rich malignant bone tumours and others. In addition, we explored the driver landscape of GCT through whole genome, exome and targeted sequencing (14 gene panel). We found that H3.3 mutations, namely mutations of glycine 34 in H3F3A, occur in 96% of GCT. We did not find additional driver mutations in GCT, including mutations in IDH1, IDH2, USP6, TP53. The genomes of GCT exhibited few somatic mutations, akin to the picture seen in CB. Overall our observations suggest that the presence of H3F3A p.Gly34 mutations does not entirely exclude malignancy in osteoclast‐rich tumours. However, H3F3A p.Gly34 mutations appear to be an almost essential feature of GCT that will aid pathological evaluation of bone tumours, especially when confronted with small needle core biopsies. In the absence of H3F3A p.Gly34 mutations, a diagnosis of GCT should be made with caution.
Delay‐dependent robust reliable control for uncertain switched neutral systems
Authors: Selvi Subramaniam , Sakthivel Rathinasamy , Mathiyalagan Kalidass
Published: January 2015

This article investigates the robust reliable control problem for a class of uncertain switched neutral systems with mixed interval time‐varying delays. The system under study involves state time‐delay, parameter uncertainties and possible actuator failures. In particular, the parameter uncertainties is assumed to satisfy linear fractional transformation formulation and the involved state delay are assumed to be randomly time varying which is modeled by introducing Bernoulli distributed sequences. The main objective of this article is to obtain robust reliable feedback controller design to achieve the exponential stability of the closed‐loop system in the presence of for all admissible parameter uncertainties. The proposed results not only applicable for the normal operating case of the system, but also in the presence of certain actuator failures. By constructing an appropriate Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional, a new set of criteria is derived for ensuring the robust exponential stability of the closed‐loop switched neutral system. More precisely, zero inequality approach, Wirtinger's based inequality, convex combination technique and average dwell time approach are used to simplify the derivation in the main results. Finally, numerical examples with simulation result are given to illustrate the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed design approach. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 224–237, 2016
Impact of malonic acid on the segregation of glycine polymorphs – Analytical assisted molecular approach
Authors: Devi K. Renuka , Srinivasan K.
Published: January 2015

Proton dissociation assisted negative polarity of malonic acid molecules admist glycine zwitterions leads to orgination of γ nucleation in the solution. Alteration in the nucleation behaviour and segregation of glycine polymorphs in the presence of malonic acid over a wide range of concentrations has been investigated both by experimental and analytical approaches. Complete changeover in the nucleation behaviour from 100% α to 100% γ is observed at the critical concentration of the additive. Shifting in the overall charge environment of the system towards cationic in the presence of malonic acid favours the nucleation of γ through induced charge compensation in the solution. Tuning of merohedral twinning in γ nucleation by the additive concentration has been well revealed in the present work. CNT based analytical approach employed elucidates well the experimental observations through the estimated interfacial energy, volume excess free energy, critical radius, activation energy barrier and nucleation rates of α and γ polymorphs. Structural affirmation of the nucleated polymorphs was carried out by powder x‐ray diffraction.
Wide‐band divide‐by‐2 injection‐locked frequency divider using MOSFET mixers DC‐biased in subthreshold region
Authors: Jang Sheng‐Lyang , Lin Fa‐Bo , Huang Jhin‐Fang
Published: January 2015

A novel wide locking range divide‐by‐2 injection‐locked frequency divider (ILFD) is proposed in the paper and was implemented in the TSMC 0.18‐µm 1P6M CMOS process. The divide‐by‐2 ILFD is based on a cross‐coupled voltage‐controlled oscillator (VCO) with an LC resonator and injection MOSFETs with source voltage coupled from ILFD output, and the injection MOSFET mixer is biased in subthreshold region. At the drain–source bias of 0.9 V, and at the incident power of 0 dBm the locking range of the divide‐by‐2 ILFD is 6.4 GHz; from the incident frequency 3.7 GHz to 10.1 GHz, the percentage is 92.75%. The core power consumption is 16.56 mW. The die area is 0.839 × 0.566 mm2. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Word Position and Stress Effects in Consonant Cluster Perception and Production
Authors: Cilibrasi Luca , Stojanovik Vesna , Riddell Patricia
Published: January 2015

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the saliency effect for word beginnings reported in children with dyslexia (Marshall & Van der Lely, 2009) can be found also in typically developing children. Thirty‐four typically developing Italian children aged 8–10 years completed two specifically designed tasks: a production task and a perception task. Both tasks used nonwords containing clusters consisting of plosive plus liquid (e.g. pl). Clusters could be either in a stressed or in an unstressed syllable and could be either in initial position (first syllable) or in medial position (second syllable). In the production task, children were asked to repeat the nonwords. In the perception task, the children were asked to discriminate between two nonwords differing in one phoneme belonging to a cluster by reporting whether two repetitions were the same or different. Results from the production task showed that children are more accurate in repeating stressed than unstressed syllables, but there was no difference with respect to position of the cluster. Results from the perception task showed that children performed more accurately when discriminating word initial contrasts than when discriminating word medial contrasts, especially if the cluster was unstressed. Implications of this finding for clinical assessments are discussed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cold pressed capia pepperseed (Capsicum Annuum L.) oils: Composition, aroma, and sensory properties
Authors: Yılmaz Emin , Sevgi Arsunar Emel , Aydeniz Buket , Güneşer Onur
Published: January 2015

In this study, cold press‐produced capia pepperseed oil samples were characterized. Pre‐roasting and enzyme treatment against control group (no pre‐treatment) were applied to the seeds prior to cold pressing, and the oil yield, meal, and oil quality parameters were examined. The physico‐chemical parameters (refractive index, viscosity, turbidity, specific gravity, color, free acidity, peroxide and iodine values, antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content, and energy value), components composition (fatty acid, sterol, and tocopherol), thermal parameters (melting and crystallization temperatures and enthalpies), volatile aromatics composition, sensory properties (Flavor Profile Analysis), and consumer perception (hedonic test) of the oil samples were accomplished. It was found that cold pressing is low in efficiency, and oil sensory quality and consumer acceptability levels were also low. Although pre‐roasted seeds yielded a little more oil and had better sensory quality, it was determined that these oils need at least a deodorization or a physical refining for acceptable sensory quality.

Practical applications: The results of this study indicated that capia pepperseeds obtained as waste during vegetable processing can be used as an alternative source for cold pressed oils and a raw material for animal feed. Moreover, these seed oils have economical impact due to their essential fatty acid (linoleic acid, 71.13%), sterol, and tocopherol content. Based on the sensory findings, full or partial refining is recommended in order to increase the sensory quality of the pepperseed oil.

The capia pepperseeds pretreated by roasting and enzyme applications were extracted by a cold‐pressing technique. It was shown that both treatments caused a decrease in antioxidant capacity, total phenol content, viscosity, and turbidity but an increase in oil yield and iodine number of the oils.
Nutritional and metabolic effects of dietary trans fats depend on the intake of linoleic acid
Authors: Fariña Ana Clara , González Marcela Aída , Scalerandi María Victoria , Lavandera Jimena Verónica , Bernal Claudio Adrián
Published: January 2015

This study aimed to investigate the differential effects of trans fatty acids (TFA) on the nutritional parameters, serum and tissue triacylglycerol (TAG) levels, as well as the mechanisms involved in their regulation, in male Wistar rats fed linoleic acid‐enriched (+LA) or LA‐deficient (−LA) diets. The TFA effects on nutritional parameters and TAG metabolism differed depending on the dietary LA status. In the +LA + TFA diet, compared to the +LA diet, TFA did not alter the serum TAG levels despite the increased epididymal adipose tissue (EAT) lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity and the higher hepatic TAG content associated with a lower CPT‐Ia activity. Otherwise, in –LA + TFA rats versus −LA, TFA increased the serum, liver, and adipose tissue TAG levels associated with higher FAS, G6PDH, and ME enzyme activities in both liver and adipose tissue, and a reduced TAG clearance by the adipose tissue LPL enzyme. Although TFA supplementation in both –LA and +LA‐rats tended to decrease the CPT‐Ib activity, the muscle TAG levels were not modified. We conclude that the nutritional and metabolic TFA effects depended mainly on the changes in the FA profile induced by dietary LA and, in a lesser extent, on the specific type of isomer retained in the tissues.

Practical applications: Our approach involved growing animals in healthy physiological conditions with recommended levels of dietary fats, moderate intake of industrial TFA, and an unbalanced dietary LA:ALA ratio. These variables constitute a feasible situation to be observed in the human population. The present study might contribute to the understanding of how nutritional and lipid parameters are affected in the metabolic disorders induced by TFA.

TAG regulation by TFA in rats fed LA enriched and deficient diets.
A novel 1H NMR spectroscopic method for determination of glycidyl fatty acid esters coexisting with acylglycerols
Authors: Song Ziliang , Wang Yong , Li Guoqiang , Tan Wei , Yao Shengwen
Published: January 2015

A new approach for determination of glycidyl fatty acid esters (GDEs) based on 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy was developed. The 1H NMR spectra of the GDE standards were prepared and characterized. The quantification formula was then deduced from the characteristic signals of two epoxy methylene (CH2) protons at chemical shifts 2.56 and 2.76 ppm. Tests on repeatability, reproducibility, and recovery were conducted and proved the reliability of the quantification method. This method was extended to GDEs mixed with oil matrices composed of different acylglycerols (GREs). The weighted average factor fw is introduced to calculate the fatty acid composition based on the stoichiometric proportion of the lipid component and its esterification degree. With the fatty acid composition determined, the molar percentage obtained from 1H NMR can be converted to the weight percentage. This method is an analytical model for the determination of GDEs, with advantages such as easy operation and high accuracy.

Practical applications: Heat treatment of edible oils in the refinery process can generate GDEs, a group of contaminants having potential risks to liberate a carcinogenic compound called glycidol during digestion of oil in the human body. It has become an important issue for the oil industry to develop an effective method for the determination of GDEs. The proposed 1H NMR spectroscopic method is able to characterize and quantify GDEs in an accurate, rapid, and noninvasive way. With these advantages, the analytical results also provide quantitative criteria for subsequent concentration and mitigation of GDEs in refined edible oils.

A novel 1H NMR spectroscopic method was developed to determine glycidyl fatty acid esters (GDEs), a processing contaminant in refined edible oil.
Blending Local olive oils with Arbequina or Picual oils produces high quality, distinctive EVOOs
Authors: Reboredo‐Rodríguez Patricia , González‐Barreiro Carmen , Cancho‐Grande Beatriz , Fregapane Giuseppe , Salvador María Desamparados , Simal‐Gándara Jesus
Published: January 2015

Arbequina and Picual are the most common olive fruit varieties cultivated in Galicia (NW Spain). However, in recent years, the interest of oil producers in autochthonous Local olive fruits has increased substantially since its oil has differentiated and peculiar characteristics, especially with respect to the aromatic and phenolic composition. The blending of Local oil (in low percentages) with Arbequina or Picual oils is assessed in this study. Quality‐related indices, fatty acid composition, as well as minor compounds, such as volatiles and phenolics, were determined for both monovarietal and blending oils. Results obtained showed that the blending has the advantage of producing high quality virgin olive oil with predictable phenolic and aromatic profiles.

Practical application: The development of high quality and distinctive extra virgin olive oils in NW Spain based on blends with a minor oil of differentiated and peculiar characteristics, especially with respect to the aromatic and phenolic composition, could produce highly marketable EVOO, with qualities that could be selected à la carte.

Galician virgin olive oil producers want to promote the production and marketing of high quality extra virgin olive oils with peculiar sensory and health characteristics. To reach this goal, it is of great interest to recover old autochthonous Local olive varieties, which may bring added value to the most common Galician olive oils elaborated from Arbequina and Picual cultivars. Results obtained in this study showed that the previous knowledge of quality‐related indices, fatty acid composition, as well as minor composition, such as phenolic and volatile profiles of monovarietal EVOOs, could be a good strategy to produce high quality extra virgin olive oils à la carte.
Visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue stearoyl‐CoA desaturase‐1 mRNA levels and fatty acid desaturation index positively correlate with BMI in morbidly obese women
Authors: Mika Adriana , Kaska Lukasz , Korczynska Justyna , Mirowska Agnieszka , Stepnowski Piotr , Proczko Monika , Ratnicki‐Sklucki Krzysztof , Goyke Elzbieta , Sledzinski Tomasz
Published: January 2015

The aim of this study was to re‐evaluate possible associations between BMI and (1) stearoyl‐CoA desaturase‐1 (SCD1) gene expression in adipose tissue; (2) adipose tissue or serum lipids oleic acid/stearic acid (18:1/18:0) desaturation index (DI); and (3) expression of less studied SCD isoform SCD5 in adipose tissue of obese patients. SCD1 and SCD5 mRNA levels in adipose tissue from 16 morbidly obese women were analyzed by RT‐PCR. Fatty acid composition of adipose tissue and whole serum lipids were determined with gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. The SCD1 mRNA levels, as well as 18:1/18:0 DI in adipose tissue, correlated positively with BMI in obese patients. A weak positive association between the serum lipid 18:1/18:0 DI and BMI did not reach the threshold of statistical significance. The SCD5 mRNA levels in adipose tissue were approximately 400 times lower than the SCD1 levels and did not correlate with BMI. Positive correlations between BMI and visceral or subcutaneous adipose tissue 18:1/18:0 DI were stronger than the association between serum whole lipid 18:1/18:0 DI and BMI in morbidly obese women. The expression of the SCD1 gene in human adipose tissue is markedly stronger than the expression of the SCD5 gene.

Practical applications: Our findings confirm previous suggestions that SCD1 may serve as an attractive therapeutic target in patients with obesity and related disorders.

Oleic acid/stearic acid (18:1/18:0) desaturation index (DI) in adipose tissue of obese subjects reflects the level of SCD1 gene expression in adipose tissue. Positive correlations between BMI and adipose tissue DI were stronger than the association between serum whole lipid DI and BMI in morbidly obese women.
Phytonutrient concentration and unsaturation of glycerides predict optimal harvest time for Elaeis oleifera × E. guineensis palm oil hybrids
Authors: Lucci Paolo , Pacetti Deborah , Frega Natale G. , Mozzon Massimo
Published: January 2015

Hybrid palm oil has been recently proved to have interesting chemical and nutritional characteristics. However, there is rather limited information on the chemical composition changes of hybrid palm oil during fruit ripening. In this paper we present for the first time a detailed chemical characterization of O × G interspecific hybrid palm oil extracted from fruits of Coari × La Mé cultivar, planted in the region of Llanos Orientales (Colombia) during the last 6 wk of fruit ripening (18–24 wk after anthesis [WAA]). It was found that during fruit development a progressive and significant decrease of the saturated fatty acids (SFAs) palmitic and stearic, and a corresponding increase in the relative percentage of the unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) oleic and linoleic occurred: the SFAs/UFAs ratio decreased from 0.84 to 0.58. Statistically significant changes in triacylglycerol species between 18 and 24 WAA were also observed. On the contrary, total unsaponifiable matter content ranged from 0.87 to 1.05 g/100 g oil sample, without any significant difference due to harvest time. However, a trend of increase in total tocol content was also observed, with a final value at 24 WAA of more than 26 ppm.

Practical applications: The understanding of palm fruit development may be useful for setting both optimal harvest time and breeding purposes: the results of this study reveal that a better concentration of phytonutrients (tocols), together with a higher degree of unsaturation of glycerides, can be obtained at 24 WAA, which therefore represents the optimal harvest time for both quantitative (i.e., extraction rate, industrial applications, etc.) and qualitative (i.e., nutritional properties) characteristics of the O × G interspecific hybrid oil.

Hybrid palm oil has interesting chemical and nutritional characteristics. During fruit development, a progressive and significant decrease of the saturated fatty acids palmitic and stearic acid, and a corresponding increase in the relative percentage of unsaturated fatty acids, oleic and linoleic acid occurred, along with changes in triacylglycerol species. Furthermore, a trend of increase in phytonutrient (tocol) levels was also observed.
A novel method to synthesize 1‐acyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine and 1,2‐diacyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine
Authors: Marrapu Balakrishna , Mallampalli Lakshmi Karuna , Kaki Shiva Shanker , Rachapudi Badari Narayana Prasad
Published: January 2015

A facile, efficient, solvent‐free method for the synthesis of phosphocholines and lyso phosphocholines in excellent yields has been developed employing sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine‐kieselguhr complex with shorter reaction times with the recycling of kieselguhr for further use. Fatty acids with chain lengths C3–C6 and C8–C18 formed 1,2‐diacyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholines and 1‐acyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholines respectively. Fatty acid chlorides (C3–C18) resulted exclusively in 1,2‐diacyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholines.

Practical applications: Synthetic methodology for the synthesis of symmetrical phosphatidylcholines is described. The described method uses kieselguhr as a catalyst and reagent which can be recycled after the reaction. By this method gram quantities of phosphatidylcholines can be prepared without the use of any other acylating reagents. The synthetic method is a novel approach for producing phosphatidylcholines and lysophosphatidylcholines which have wide range of applications.

Synthesis of 1‐acyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine and 1,2‐diacyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine.
Surfactant‐coated graphitized multiwalled carbon nanotubes as the pseudostationary phase in electrokinetic chromatography for the analysis of phytochemical compounds in biological fluids
Authors: Cao Wan , Hu Shuai‐Shuai , Ying Xue‐zhen , Ye Li‐Hong , Cao Jun
Published: January 2015

This report describes the use of surfactant‐coated graphitized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (SC‐GMWNTs) as a novel pseudostationary phase in CE with diode array detection for the determination of phenolic acids and tanshinones in herbal and urine samples. Several parameters influencing the separation were studied, such as the concentrations of SDS, GMWNTs, and isopropanol; choice of carbon nanotubes; sodium borate content; and buffer pH. The results revealed that the presence of SC‐GMWNTs in buffer enhanced the separation efficiency for the target analytes relative to conventional micelles due to the strong interaction between the surface of the GMWNTs and the target compounds. Under the optimum conditions, the method showed good linearity, with correlation coefficients higher than 0.9950. LODs were in the range of 0.71–3.10 μg/mL. Furthermore, satisfactory separations were achieved with good recovery values in the range of 89.97 and 103.30% when 10 mM borate, 30 mM SDS, 10% isopropanol, and 6 μg/mL SC‐GMWNTs were introduced into the buffer solution.
Development and experimental evaluation of a passive gap damper device to prevent pounding in base‐isolated structures
Authors: Rawlinson Taylor A. , Marshall Justin D. , Ryan Keri L. , Zargar Hamed
Published: January 2015

Studies have shown the effectiveness of providing supplemental energy dissipation in base‐isolated structures to reduce displacements at the isolation level. A previous analytical study demonstrated the benefits of providing this energy dissipation at a specified gap larger than the design displacement. The gap before engagement allows the base isolation system to meet performance criteria in varying levels of ground excitation. Use of this ‘gap damper’ device eliminates undesirable effects often exhibited with large amounts of supplemental damping at lower intensity motions. Using results from an analytical study, the primary purpose of this research was to develop devices for practical implementation. Development of the devices demanded simplicity, feasibility, economy, and reliability to be an effective option in building design and construction. Multiple designs were proposed, and a final design was chosen based on selection criteria and finite element analyses. The device was designed and tested in Auburn University's Structural Research Lab. Experimental results were compared with theoretical models to verify behavior and make necessary adjustments for a shake table experiment. The design parameters were selected to accommodate re‐use of the device for the shake table test. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Copper-induced root growth inhibition of Allium cepa var. agrogarum L. involves disturbances in cell division and DNA damage
Authors: Qin Rong , Wang Congyue , Chen Da , Björn Lars O. , Li Shaoshan
Published: January 2015

Copper (Cu) is considered to be an indispensable microelement for plants. Excessive Cu, however, is toxic and disturbs several processes in the plant. The present study addressed the effects of ionic Cu (2.0 µM and 8.0 µM) on mitosis, the microtubule cytoskeleton, and DNA in root tip cells of Allium cepa var. agrogarum L. to better understand Cu toxicity on plant root systems. The results indicated that Cu accumulated in roots and that root growth was inhibited dramatically in Cu treatment groups. Chromosomal aberrations (for example, C-mitosis, chromosome bridges, chromosome stickiness, and micronucleus) were observed, and the mitotic index decreased during Cu treatments at different concentrations. Microtubules were one of the target sites of Cu toxicity in root tip meristematic cells, and Cu exposure substantially impaired microtubule arrangements. The content of α-tubulin decreased following 36 h of exposure to 2.0 µM or 8.0 µM of Cu in comparison with the control group. Copper increased DNA damage and suppressed cell cycle progression. The above toxic effects became more serious with increasing Cu concentration and prolonged exposure time. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:1045–1055. © 2015 SETAC
Microchemical analysis of selenium in otoliths of two West Virginia fishes captured near mountaintop removal coal mining operations
Authors: Arnold Mariah C. , Friedrich Lisa A. , Lindberg T. Ty , Ross Matthew , Halden Norman M. , Bernhardt Emily , Palace Vince P. , Di Giulio Richard T.
Published: January 2015

Otoliths, calcified inner ear structures, were collected from creek chubs (Semotilus atromaculatus) and green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) living in mountaintop mining-impacted and reference streams and analyzed for selenium (Se) content using laser ablation–inductively coupled mass spectrometry. Significant differences in otolith Se were found between the 2 fish species. Results from the present study suggest that a retrospective reconstruction of Se concentrations in muscle can be derived from Se concentrations in otoliths in creek chub but not green sunfish, exemplifying the importance of species differences when determining partitioning of Se among specific tissues. Green sunfish otoliths from all sites contained background (<1 μg/g) or low (1–4 μg/g) average concentrations of whole-otolith Se. In contrast, creek chub otoliths from the historically mined site contained much higher (≥5 μg/g) concentrations of Se than for the same species in the unmined site or for the green sunfish. These data suggest that body burdens of Se in fish can vary considerably over time and that both the timing of sampling and species choice could heavily influence Se assessments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:1039–1044. © 2015 SETAC
Linking feeding inhibition with reproductive impairment in Gammarus confirms the ecological relevance of feeding assays in environmental monitoring
Authors: Coulaud Romain , Geffard Olivier , Vigneron Amandine , Quéau Hervé , François Adeline , Chaumot Arnaud
Published: January 2015

The in situ feeding bioassay in Gammarus fossarum is recognized as a reliable tool for monitoring the toxicity of freshwater contamination. However, whether recorded feeding inhibitions can potentially provoke population-level adverse outcomes remains an open question. In the present study, the authors present an experimental study in G. fossarum, which contributes to the quantitative description of the links between feeding inhibitions and impacts on female reproductive performance. The authors studied the impacts of food deprivation on reproductive endpoints (i.e., fecundity, fertility, molt cycle) during 2 successive molting cycles. Among the main results, the authors found that food deprivation triggered a slowdown of the molting process and a reduction in fertility but no alteration to embryonic development. These reproductive impairments appeared for feeding inhibition values usually recorded in monitoring programs of environmental pollution. Using a population model translating Gammarus life-history, the authors predicted that the observed reproductive alterations predict a strong degradation of population dynamics. The present study underlines the importance of feeding inhibition in population-level risk assessment and discusses how establishing upscaling schemes based on quantitative mechanistic links between impacts at different levels of biological organization can be applied in environmental monitoring to propose an ecotoxicological assessment of water quality, which would be sensitive, specific, and ecologically relevant. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:1031–1038. © 2015 SETAC
Global cytosine methylation in Daphnia magna depends on genotype, environment, and their interaction
Authors: Asselman Jana , De Coninck Dieter I.M. , Vandegehuchte Michiel B. , Jansen Mieke , Decaestecker Ellen , De Meester Luc , Vanden Bussche Julie , Vanhaecke Lynn , Janssen Colin R. , De Schamphelaere Karel A.C.
Published: January 2015

The authors characterized global cytosine methylation levels in 2 different genotypes of the ecotoxicological model organism Daphnia magna after exposure to a wide array of biotic and abiotic environmental stressors. The present study aimed to improve the authors' understanding of the role of cytosine methylation in the organism's response to environmental conditions. The authors observed a significant genotype effect, an environment effect, and a genotype × environment effect. In particular, global cytosine methylation levels were significantly altered after exposure to Triops predation cues, Microcystis, and sodium chloride compared with control conditions. Significant differences between the 2 genotypes were observed when animals were exposed to Triops predation cues, Microcystis, Cryptomonas, and sodium chloride. Despite the low global methylation rate under control conditions (0.49–0.52%), global cytosine methylation levels upon exposure to Triops demonstrated a 5-fold difference between the genotypes (0.21% vs 1.02%). No effects were found in response to arsenic, cadmium, fish, lead, pH of 5.5, pH of 8, temperature, hypoxia, and white fat cell disease. The authors' results point to the potential role of epigenetic effects under changing environmental conditions such as predation (i.e., Triops), diet (i.e., Cryptomonas and Microcystis), and salinity. The results of the present study indicate that, despite global cytosine methylation levels being low, epigenetic effects may be important in environmental studies on Daphnia. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:1056–1061. © 2015 SETAC
Stereotype Threat, Inquiring About Test Takers' Race and Gender, and Performance on Low‐Stakes Tests in a Large‐Scale Assessment
Authors: Stricker Lawrence J. , Rock Donald A. , Bridgeman Brent
Published: January 2015

This study explores stereotype threat on low‐stakes tests used in a large‐scale assessment, math and reading tests in the Education Longitudinal Study of 2002 (ELS). Issues identified in laboratory research (though not observed in studies of high‐stakes tests) were assessed: whether inquiring about their race and gender is related to the performance of Black and female test takers and, secondarily, whether this association is greater for test takers most identified with math and reading. After high school sophomores completed a questionnaire that included inquiries about their race and gender, only one change in test performance was consistent with expectations from stereotype‐threat theory: Black test takers' math scores decreased. Their reading scores and young women's math scores did not decrease, and identification with math and reading did not moderate score decreases for Black test takers or women.
Von immenser Dynamik
Authors: Richerzhagen Bjoern , Koldehofe Boris , Steinmetz Ralf
Published: January 2015

„Augmented Reality”︁: Wenn virtuelle Spielwelt und echte Welt direkt ineinander übergehen, sind die Kommunikationsnetze schnell überlastet. Doch was die größte Herausforderung für das Internet der Zukunft ist, bietet Forschern auch Ansätze zu ihrer Lösung.
The Causal Effect of Education on Health: What is the Role of Health Behaviors?
Authors: Brunello Giorgio , Fort Margherita , Schneeweis Nicole , Winter‐Ebmer Rudolf
Published: January 2015

We investigate the causal effect of education on health and the part of it that is attributable to health behaviors by distinguishing between short‐run and long‐run mediating effects: whereas, in the former, only behaviors in the immediate past are taken into account, in the latter, we consider the entire history of behaviors. We use two identification strategies: instrumental variables based on compulsory schooling reforms and a combined aggregation, differencing, and selection on an observables technique to address the endogeneity of both education and behaviors in the health production function. Using panel data for European countries, we find that education has a protective effect for European men and women aged 50+. We find that the mediating effects of health behaviors—measured by smoking, drinking, exercising, and the body mass index—account in the short run for around a quarter and in the long run for around a third of the entire effect of education on health. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.