bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms of early cortical development: An examination of how Pax6 coordinates cortical development
Authors: Ypsilanti Athéna R. , Rubenstein John L.R.
Published: August 2015

The development of the cortex is an elaborate process that integrates a plethora of finely tuned molecular processes ranging from carefully regulated gradients of transcription factors, dynamic changes in the chromatin landscape, or formation of protein complexes to elicit and regulate transcription. Combined with cellular processes such as cell type specification, proliferation, differentiation, and migration, all of these developmental processes result in the establishment of an adult mammalian cortex with its typical lamination and regional patterning. By examining in‐depth the role of one transcription factor, Pax6, on the regulation of cortical development, its integration in the regulation of chromatin state, and its regulation by cis‐regulatory elements, we aim to demonstrate the importance of integrating each level of regulation in our understanding of cortical development. J. Comp. Neurol. 524:609–629, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Heterogeneous Nanostructures for Sodium Ion Batteries and Supercapacitors
Authors: Zhu Changrong , Yang Peihua , Chao Dongliang , Mai Wenjie , Fan Hong Jin
Published: August 2015

Hybridization of different electrode materials to yield favorable synergistic effects and enhanced function is a focus of current research in developing advanced electrochemical energy‐storage devices. This Focus Review summarizes recent progress in rational design and fabrication of advanced electrode materials with heterogeneous nanostructures and interfaces engineered on the nanometer scale. The hybridization typically involves two or more materials such as metal oxides (or sulfides, carbides, and nitrides) and various forms of nanostructured carbon materials. We focus on two devices: sodium ion batteries and supercapacitors, as well as their integration with other devices to realize multifunctional systems.
Specular gloss versus surface topography for oil‐filled nanoparticle coatings on paper
Authors: Samyn Pieter , Van Erps Jürgen , Thienpont Hugo
Published: August 2015

The appearance or printing quality of paper surfaces is mostly characterized by their glossiness, measured with a glossmeter as specular reflectance. The gloss properties of a base paper substrate can be improved after application of a poly(styrene‐co‐maleimide) nanoparticle coating under pure conditions or in the presence of different vegetable oils. The specular gloss properties of 11 different nanoparticle paper coatings have been determined under 75° and 85° incident light angles, with good relation between values along parallel (machine) and perpendicular (transverse) direction. The gloss properties for the different coatings have been further related to the surface topography. Therefore, the statistical and spatial surface roughness parameters have been studied in detail at two length scales including non‐contact profilometry (1 × 1 mm2) and atomic force microscopy (2 × 2 μm2). Based on values of the Rayleigh parameter for non‐contact profilometry, the surfaces can be considered as optically rough. The gloss values cannot be directly related to statistical surface roughness parameters. Otherwise, an experimental power‐law model for gloss has been proposed as a function of (β/Sq) with correlation length β and root‐mean‐square roughness Sq. A best‐fit model illustrates that gloss properties of various nanoparticle paper coatings mainly relate to the spatial surface roughness parameters determined from non‐contact profilometry. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 41, 596–610, 2016
Highly Oxidized Platinum Nanoparticles Prepared through Radio‐Frequency Sputtering: Thermal Stability and Reaction Probability towards CO
Authors: Svintsitskiy Dmitry A. , Kibis Lidiya S. , Stadnichenko Andrey I. , Koscheev Sergei V. , Zaikovskii Vladimir I. , Boronin Andrei I.
Published: August 2015

Platinum‐oxide nanoparticles were prepared through the radio‐frequency (RF) discharge sputtering of a Pt electrode in an oxygen atmosphere. The structure, particles size, electronic properties, and surface composition of the RF‐sputtered particles were studied by using transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The application of the RF discharge method resulted in the formation of highly oxidized Pt4+ species that were stable under ultrahigh vacuum conditions up to 100 °C, indicating the capability of Pt4+–O species to play an important role in the oxidation catalysis under real conditions. The thermal stability and reaction probability of Pt4+ oxide species were analyzed and compared with those of Pt2+ species. The reaction probability of PtO2 nanoparticles at 90 °C was found to be about ten times higher than that of PtO‐like structures.
Simple Surfactant Concentration‐Dependent Shape Control of Polyhedral Fe3O4 Nanoparticles and Their Magnetic Properties
Authors: Ge Wanyin , Sato Ryota , Wu Hsin‐Lun , Teranishi Toshiharu
Published: August 2015

The shape and size of monodisperse Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) are controlled using a chemical solution synthesis in the presence of the surfactant cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC). Cubic Fe3O4 NPs surrounded by six {100} planes are obtained in the absence of CPC. Increasing the CPC content during synthesis causes the shape of the resulting Fe3O4 NPs to change from cubic to truncated cubic, cuboctahedral, truncated octahedral, and finally octahedral. During this evolution, the predominantly exposed planes of the Fe3O4 NPs vary from {100} to {111}. The shape control results from the synergistic effect of the pyridinium cations, chloride anions, and long‐chain alkyl groups of CPC, which is confirmed by comparison with NPs synthesized in the presence of various related cationic surfactants. The size of the cubic Fe3O4 NPs can be tuned from 50 to 200 nm, by changing the concentration of oleic acid in the reaction solution. The Fe3O4 NPs exhibit shape‐dependent saturation magnetization, remanent magnetization, and coercivity.
Insights into the Complexity of Weak Intermolecular Interactions Interfering in Host–Guest Systems
Authors: Zhang Dawei , Chatelet Bastien , Serrano Eloisa , Perraud Olivier , Dutasta Jean‐Pierre , Robert Vincent , Martinez Alexandre
Published: August 2015

The recognition properties of heteroditopic hemicryptophane hosts towards anions, cations, and neutral pairs, combining both cation–π and anion–π interaction sites, were investigated to probe the complexity of interfering weak intermolecular interactions. It is suggested from NMR experiments, and supported by CASSCF/CASPT2 calculations, that the binding constants of anions can be modulated by a factor of up to 100 by varying the fluorination sites on the electron‐poor aromatic rings. Interestingly, this subtle chemical modification can also reverse the sign of cooperativity in ion‐pair recognition. Wavefunction calculations highlight how short‐ and long‐range interactions interfere in this recognition process, suggesting that a disruption of anion–π interactions can occur in the presence of a co‐bound cation. Such molecules can be viewed as prototypes for examining complex processes controlled by the competition of weak interactions.
Effect of Treatment Methods on Chitin Structure and Its Transformation into Nitrogen‐Containing Chemicals
Authors: Chen Xi , Gao Yongjun , Wang Lan , Chen Hongzhang , Yan Ning
Published: August 2015

Chitin treatment using different methods, including ball mill grinding, steam explosion, alkaline treatment, phosphoric acid, and ionic liquid (IL) dissolution/reprecipitation have been systematically investigated. The chitin structures were thoroughly investigated by using a series of analytical techniques, and the reactivity after each treatment was evaluated in dehydration and liquefaction reactions. The parallel studies enable direct comparisons of these methods and help to establish the structure–activity correlations. Ball mill grinding in dry mode was the most effective method, with the crystal size and the hydrogen‐bond network being the two crucial factors in enhancing the reactivity. Remarkably, the yield of 3‐acetamido‐5‐acetylfuran (3A5AF) from chitin dehydration increased to the highest amount (28.5 %) after ball mill grinding (the previous record yield was 7.5 % for untreated chitin).
Mean frequency and relative fluorescence intensity measurement of γ‐H2AX foci dose response in PBL exposed to γ‐irradiation: An inter‐ and intra‐laboratory comparison and its relevance for radiation triage
Authors: Venkateswarlu Raavi , Tamizh Selvan G. , Bhavani Manivannan , Kumar Arun , Alok Amit , Karthik Kanagaraj , Kalra Namita , Vijayalakshmi J. , Paul Solomon F. D. , Chaudhury N. K. , Venkatachalam Perumal
Published: August 2015

Measurement of γ‐H2AX protein changes in the peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) of individuals exposed to ionizing radiation is a simple, sensitive, and rapid assay for radiation triage and early marker of dose estimation. The qualitative and quantitative measurements of the protein changes were examined using flow cytometry and microscopy. Whole blood and isolated lymphocytes were exposed in vitro between 0.1 and 5 Gy doses of 60Co γ‐radiation at a dose rate of 1 Gy/min. Radiation induced γ‐H2AX foci frequency (n = 3) and relative fluorescence intensity (n = 7) in PBL was measured at 0.5 and 2 hrs postexposure. The observed dose response for γ‐H2AX foci frequency at both time points, for whole blood and isolated lymphocytes did not show any significant (P > 0.05) differences. However, when compared with γ‐H2AX foci frequency scored manually (microscopy), the semiautomated analysis (captured images) showed a better correlation (r2 = 0.918) than that obtained with automated (Metafer) scoring (r2 = 0.690). It is noteworthy to mention that, the γ‐H2AX foci frequency quantified using microscopy showed a dose dependent increase up to 2 Gy and the relative fluorescence intensity (RFI) measured with flow cytometry revealed an increase up to 5 Gy in the PBL exposed in vitro. Moreover, a better correlation was observed between the γ‐H2AX foci frequency obtained by manual scoring and RFI (r2 = 0.910). Kinetic studies showed that the γ‐H2AX foci remain more or less unchanged up to 4 hrs and reduces gradually over 48 hrs of postexposure at 37°C. Further, inter and intra‐laboratory comparisons showed consistency in the scoring of γ‐H2AX foci frequency by manual and semiautomated scoring. The overall results suggest that measurement of γ‐H2AX (microscopy and flow cytometry) should be employed within 4 to 6 hrs for a reliable dosimetry either by sharing the work load between the laboratories or investing more manpower; however, triage can be possible even up to 48 hrs of postirradiation. © 2015 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Secondary tumors involving the thyroid gland: A multi‐institutional analysis of 28 cases diagnosed on fine‐needle aspiration
Authors: HooKim Kim , Gaitor Jennifer , Lin Oscar , Reid Michelle D.
Published: August 2015

Background

Fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) is routinely used to evaluate primary thyroid lesions (PTLs), however, its role in diagnosing secondary thyroid neoplasms (STNs) has not been extensively studied. The goal was to examine the clinical and cytopathologic features of STNs diagnosed on FNA.

Methods

The clinico‐pathologic features of 28 STNs were analyzed. All PTLs, lymphomas, and locally invasive tumors were excluded.

Results

There were 28 STNs (0.18% incidence) out of 15,800 thyroid FNAs (12 males, 16 females, 32 − 85 years), all occurring metachronously (3 weeks−20 years, average 78.3 months) comprising 24 (85.7%) metastatic carcinomas (14 [50%] renal; 4 [14.3%] head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, 3 [10.7%] breast, and 1 [3.6%] colorectal, uterine serous carcinoma, and lung adenosquamous carcinoma, respectively), 3 sarcomas (10.7%) and 1 melanoma (3.6%).

Conclusions

STNs are rare and diverse tumors which may occur decades after primary malignancy. Renal carcinomas are the most common. Prior history of malignancy, high index of suspicion, and attention to key distinguishing cytologic clues are critical for accurate diagnosis. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2015;43:904–911. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of landscape matrix on population connectivity of an arboreal mammal, Petaurus breviceps
Authors: Malekian Mansoureh , Cooper Steven J. B. , Saint Kathleen M. , Lancaster Melanie L. , Taylor Andrea C. , Carthew Susan M.
Published: August 2015

Ongoing habitat loss and fragmentation is considered a threat to biodiversity as it can create small, isolated populations that are at increased risk of extinction. Tree‐dependent species are predicted to be highly sensitive to forest and woodland loss and fragmentation, but few studies have tested the influence of different types of landscape matrix on gene flow and population structure of arboreal species. Here, we examine the effects of landscape matrix on population structure of the sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps) in a fragmented landscape in southeastern South Australia. We collected 250 individuals across 12 native Eucalyptus forest remnants surrounded by cleared agricultural land or exotic Pinus radiata plantations and a large continuous eucalypt forest. Fifteen microsatellite loci were genotyped and analyzed to infer levels of population differentiation and dispersal. Genetic differentiation among most forest patches was evident. We found evidence for female philopatry and restricted dispersal distances for females relative to males, suggesting there is male‐biased dispersal. Among the environmental variables, spatial variables including geographic location, minimum distance to neighboring patch, and degree of isolation were the most important in explaining genetic variation. The permeability of a cleared agricultural matrix to dispersing gliders was significantly higher than that of a pine matrix, with the gliders dispersing shorter distances across the latter. Our results added to previous findings for other species of restricted dispersal and connectivity due to habitat fragmentation in the same region, providing valuable information for the development of strategies to improve the connectivity of populations in the future.
Cuticular waxes in alpine meadow plants: climate effect inferred from latitude gradient in Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Guo Yanjun , Guo Na , He Yuji , Gao Jianhua
Published: August 2015

Alpine meadow ecosystems are susceptible to climate changes. Still, climate impact on cuticular wax in alpine meadow plants is poorly understood. Assessing the variations of cuticular wax in alpine meadow plants across different latitudes might be useful for predicting how they may respond to climate change. We studied nine alpine meadows in a climate gradient in the east side of Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau, with mean annual temperature ranging from −7.7 to 3.2°C. In total, 42 plant species were analyzed for cuticular wax, averaged 16 plant species in each meadow. Only four plant species could be observed in all sampling meadows, including Kobresia humilis, Potentilla nivea, Anaphalis lacteal, and Leontopodium nanum. The amounts of wax compositions and total cuticular wax in the four plant species varied among sampling meadows, but no significant correlation could be observed between them and temperature, precipitation, and aridity index based on plant species level. To analyze the variations of cuticular wax on community level, we averaged the amounts of n‐alkanes, aliphatic acids, primary alcohols, and total cuticular wax across all investigated plant species in each sampling site. The mean annual temperature, mean temperature in July, and aridity index were significantly correlated with the averaged amounts of wax compositions and total cuticular wax. The average chain length of n‐alkanes in both plant and soil linearly increased with increased temperature, whereas reduced with increased aridity index. No significant correlation could be observed between mean annual precipitation and mean precipitation from June to August and the cuticular wax amounts and average chain length. Our results suggest that the survival of some alpine plants in specific environments might be depended on their abilities in adjusting wax deposition on plant leaves, and the alpine meadow plants as a whole respond to climate change, benefiting the stability of alpine meadow ecosystem.
Towards Sustainable Agriculture? The EU framework and local adaptation in Sweden and Poland
Authors: Öhlund Erika , Zurek Karolina , Hammer Monica
Published: August 2015

Agricultural systems can be seen as nested social–ecological systems. European Union (EU) Member States vary considerably in terms of their agricultural, socio‐economic and environmental circumstances. Yet, as participants in the common agricultural market, they are subject to a uniform Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). An important question is whether there is enough room for flexibility to sustain diverse agricultural systems and facilitate national targeting of sustainability‐promoting measures. This article analyses the institutional arrangements concerning cross‐scale interactions and interdependencies at national and regional (EU) levels, focusing on how Poland and Sweden implement CAP funds in relation to sustainable agriculture, in particular the agri‐environmental schemes, for the period 2007–2013. What room is there in practice for accommodating national differences and sustainability priorities offered by the EU agricultural policy, and how are the existing opportunities used by the two countries? It is shown that agri‐environmental funds are too small to prevent transition towards large‐scale farming in new Member States and CAP does not effectively promote transformation towards sustainable practices in the EU. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Knowledge in Climate Policy Integration: How non‐governmental organizations re‐frame the sciences of indirect land‐use changes for policy‐makers
Authors: Humalisto Niko Heikki
Published: August 2015

In political debates about indirect land‐use changes (iLUCs) caused by biofuel development, environmental non‐governmental organizations (ENGOs) have demanded that the formulation of policies should be based on scientific evidence. However, scientific knowledge cannot become the basis of climate policy integration without agency input. Against this backdrop, this article analyses how the characterization of iLUCs alters as ENGOs mediate the knowledge of iLUC‐associated research into European Union (EU) policy‐making. After outlining the methodology of the frame analysis, I demonstrate how the different fields of scientific inquiry characterize iLUCs as contingent, uncertain and diverse. However, ENGOs re‐frame this phenomenon as determined, certain and unified. ENGOs transform the complexity of iLUCs into a form that is compatible with the EU's modality of approaching biofuels as a question of the decarbonization of transport. Finally, there was an opportunity through appraising iLUCs to revisit the criticized governance of biofuels, but which was not grasped by the EU. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
The influence of aggregate type on the physical and mechanical properties of high‐performance concrete subjected to high temperature
Authors: Hager Izabela , Tracz Tomasz , Śliwiński Jacek , Krzemień Katarzyna
Published: August 2015

This paper presents the results of an experimental study on the behaviour of high‐performance concretes after high temperature exposure. The high temperature exposure is related to the potential risk of fire, and mechanical properties analysis is needed afterwards to assess the residual strength of the material. The results presented in the paper show the properties evolution of four concretes made with four different aggregate types: basalt, granite, dolomite and riverbed gravel. The mix compositions allow comparisons, because the cement paste and mortar compositions and their volumes remain the same for all the four concretes. Moreover, the aggregate particle size distribution was chosen to be quasi identical so that this factor does not affect the concrete behaviour. The decrease of tensile strength value with the increase of temperature is more pronounced than compressive strength reduction thus, the exponential and power function equations were proposed to describe ftT–fcT relationship. The change of modulus of elasticity in relative values is similar, although the initial values of modulus are different and correspond to the aggregate type. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
From perceptual to lexico‐semantic analysis—cortical plasticity enabling new levels of processing
Authors: Schlaffke Lara , Rüther Naima N. , Heba Stefanie , Haag Lauren M. , Schultz Thomas , Rosengarth Katharina , Tegenthoff Martin , Bellebaum Christian , Schmidt‐Wilcke Tobias
Published: August 2015

Certain kinds of stimuli can be processed on multiple levels. While the neural correlates of different levels of processing (LOPs) have been investigated to some extent, most of the studies involve skills and/or knowledge already present when performing the task. In this study we specifically sought to identify neural correlates of an evolving skill that allows the transition from perceptual to a lexico‐semantic stimulus analysis. Eighteen participants were trained to decode 12 letters of Morse code that were presented acoustically inside and outside of the scanner environment. Morse code was presented in trains of three letters while brain activity was assessed with fMRI. Participants either attended to the stimulus length (perceptual analysis), or evaluated its meaning distinguishing words from nonwords (lexico‐semantic analysis). Perceptual and lexico‐semantic analyses shared a mutual network comprising the left premotor cortex, the supplementary motor area (SMA) and the inferior parietal lobule (IPL). Perceptual analysis was associated with a strong brain activation in the SMA and the superior temporal gyrus bilaterally (STG), which remained unaltered from pre and post training. In the lexico‐semantic analysis post learning, study participants showed additional activation in the left inferior frontal cortex (IFC) and in the left occipitotemporal cortex (OTC), regions known to be critically involved in lexical processing. Our data provide evidence for cortical plasticity evolving with a learning process enabling the transition from perceptual to lexico‐semantic stimulus analysis. Importantly, the activation pattern remains task‐related LOP and is thus the result of a decision process as to which LOP to engage in. Hum Brain Mapp 36:4512–4528, 2015. © 2015 The Authors. Human Brain Mapping Published byWiley Periodicals, Inc.
Developing and Applying a New Instrument for Microanalysis of the Coaching Process: The Coaching Process Q‐Set
Authors: Bachkirova Tatiana , Sibley Jonathan , Myers Adrian Christopher
Published: August 2015

This paper presents the results of a project aimed at the development and the use of an instrument designed to identify differences and similarities across coaching approaches at the level of a specific coaching session. 41 professional coaches described one of their typical coaching sessions using this instrument and found it comprehensive. Q‐mode Factor analysis suggests that there was one overarching shared viewpoint about the way a mid‐engagement coaching session is typically facilitated. This suggests that there may be considerable similarities in how coaching is actually practiced in spite of the existence of a variety of coaching traditions, genres and contexts in which coaching takes place, leading to one extended conceptual definition of coaching. We suggest that the tool makes possible a number of research projects, allows a clearer understanding of services typically provided by contracted coaches and assists in self‐evaluation of professional and ‘on‐the‐job’ types of coaching.
Effect of the Mo Structure on CIGS Solar Cells Fabricated on Stainless Steel Substrates
Authors: Kim Deok‐In , Kim Kyoung‐Bo , Kim Moojin , Jeon Chan‐Wook
Published: August 2015

This study examined the effects of the bilayer structure of a Mo back contact and its total thickness on the diffusion behavior of substrate impurities, as well as the performance of CdS/Cu(In,Ga)Se2/Mo/stainless steel solar cells. The thick Mo, with a total thickness of 1.0 μm and a low density region of 0.2 μm, resulted in poorer photoconversion efficiency than the thin Mo with a total thickness of 0.5 μm and a low density region of 0.1 μm. The efficiency loss was attributed to deterioration of the quantum efficiency and diffusion length due to increased Fe contamination. This suggests that the saturation of Cr near the interface between the high density region and the low density region in the Mo bilayers, which was favored in the 0.5 μm thick Mo layer with thinner low density region, provided a self‐diffusion barrier against the further diffusion of Fe.
Energetic, Hydraulic and Economic Efficiency of Axial Flow and Centrifugal Pumps for Surface Water Irrigation in Bangladesh
Authors: Krupnik Timothy J. , Valle Santiago Santos , Islam Shirazul , Hossain Ayub , Gathala Mahesh K. , Qureshi Asad Sarwar
Published: August 2015

With conventional centrifugal (CEN) pumps, less than 50% of southern Bangladesh's farmers invest in irrigation, partly due to high diesel energy costs. New policies are prioritizing sustainable crop intensification in Bangladesh's delta. This objective is unlikely to be achieved without fundamental changes in the energetics and economics of irrigation. Where surface water is available, axial flow pumps (AFPs) may comprise part of the solution to this problem. Comparing the hydraulic, energetic and economic performance of prototype AFPs and CEN pumps, the latter produced less yet consistent rates of discharge than AFPs at all heads. AFP discharge was conversely larger than CEN pumps, but inversely related to increasing head. Discharge per unit of fuel was highest for AFPs (+51 and +21% at 1‐ and 2‐m lifts), but declined with rising head until convergence with CEN pumps at 2.8 m. High AFP discharge reduced irrigation time requirements. On average, AFPs can save between US$70 and 38 ha–1 season–1 for boro rice at 1‐ and 3‐m heads, respectively, and between US$15 and 8, and 26 and 14 ha–1 season–1 for wheat and maize. Fuel efficiency reductions above 2.8 m highlight the importance of improved prototyping and technology targeting to ensure AFP deployment in environments where the greatest efficiency gains are achievable. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Myostatin: Expanding horizons
Authors: Sharma Mridula , McFarlane Craig , Kambadur Ravi , Kukreti Himani , Bonala Sabeera , Srinivasan Shruti
Published: August 2015

Myostatin is a secreted growth and differentiation factor that belongs to the TGF‐β superfamily. Myostatin is predominantly synthesized and expressed in skeletal muscle and thus exerts a huge impact on muscle growth and function. In keeping with its negative role in myogenesis, myostatin expression is tightly regulated at several levels including epigenetic, transcriptional, post‐transcriptional, and post‐translational. New revelations regarding myostatin regulation also offer mechanisms that could be exploited for developing myostatin antagonists. Increasingly, it is becoming clearer that besides its conventional role in muscle, myostatin plays a critical role in metabolism. Hence, molecular mechanisms by which myostatin regulates several key metabolic processes need to be further explored. © 2015 IUBMB Life, 67(8):589–600, 2015
Curcumin attenuates ethanol‐induced hepatic steatosis through modulating Nrf2/FXR signaling in hepatocytes
Authors: Lu Chunfeng , Zhang Feng , Xu Wenxuan , Wu Xiafei , Lian Naqi , Jin Huanhuan , Chen Qin , Chen Lianyun , Shao Jiangjuan , Wu Li , Lu Yin , Zheng Shizhong
Published: August 2015

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a common health problem worldwide, characterized by aberrant accumulation of lipid in hepatocytes. Inhibition of lipid accumulation has been well recognized as a promising strategy for ALD. Previous studies showed that curcumin has potential effect on ALD by regulating oxidative stress and ethanol metabolism. However, the effects of curcumin on lipid accumulation and its mechanism remain unclear. Recent researches have indicated that farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 (Nrf2) have excellent effects on reducing lipid deposition. This study demonstrated that curcumin alleviated ethanol‐induced liver injury by ameliorating activities of serum marker enzymes and inflammation. Moreover, curcumin alleviated the symptom of hyperlipidemia and hepatic steatosis via modulating the expression of sterol regulatory element‐binding protein‐1c, fatty acid synthase, and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐alpha as well as the activity of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1. Additionally, curcumin induced the expression of Nrf2 and FXR in liver, strongly implying close relationship between inhibitory effect of curcumin on hepatic steatosis and the above two genes. The following in vitro experiments further verified the protective effects of curcumin against hepatotoxicity and lipid accumulation in hepatocytes induced by ethanol. Gain‐ or loss‐of‐function analyses revealed Nrf2 and FXR mediated the effect of curcumin on lipid deposition in hepatocytes, and curcumin modulated the expression of FXR mediated by Nrf2. Collectively, we drew a conclusion that curcumin attenuated ALD by modulating lipid deposition in hepatocytes via a Nrf2/FXR activation‐dependent mechanism. The findings make curcumin a potential agent for ALD and broaden the horizon of the molecular mechanism involved. © 2015 IUBMB Life, 67(8):645–658, 2015
Effects of script training on the peer‐to‐peer communication of children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Ledbetter‐Cho Katherine , Lang Russell , Davenport Katy , Moore Melissa , Lee Allyson , Howell Alexandria , Drew Christine , Dawson Dana , Charlop Marjorie H. , Falcomata Terry , O'Reilly Mark
Published: August 2015

A multiple baseline design across participants was used to demonstrate the effects of a script‐training procedure on the peer‐to‐peer communication of 3 children with autism spectrum disorder during group play with peers. Both scripted and unscripted initiations as well as responses to peers increased for all 3 participants. Stimulus generalization across novel toys, settings, and peers was observed. Novel unscripted initiations, responses, and appropriate changes in topics during peer‐to‐peer exchanges were analyzed by considering the cumulative frequency of these behaviors across phases of the study. Treatment gains were maintained during 4‐week follow‐up sessions. Results are discussed in terms of recommendations for practitioners, response variability, and potential future avenues of research.
Constructing Minimal Blocking Sets Using Field Reduction
Authors: Van de Voorde Geertrui
Published: August 2015

We present a construction for minimal blocking sets with respect to ‐spaces in , the ‐dimensional projective space over the finite field of order . The construction relies on the use of blocking cones in the field reduced representation of , extending the well‐known construction of linear blocking sets. This construction is inspired by the construction for minimal blocking sets with respect to the hyperplanes by Mazzocca, Polverino, and Storme (the MPS‐construction); we show that for a suitable choice of the blocking cone over a planar blocking set, we obtain larger blocking sets than the ones obtained from planar blocking sets in F. Mazzocca and O. Polverino, J Algebraic Combin 24(1) (2006), 61–81. Furthermore, we show that every minimal blocking set with respect to the hyperplanes in can be obtained by applying field reduction to a minimal blocking set with respect to ‐spaces in . We end by relating these constructions to the linearity conjecture for small minimal blocking sets. We show that if a small minimal blocking set is constructed from the MPS‐constructionthen it is of Rédei‐type, whereas a small minimal blocking set arises from our cone construction if and only if it is linear.
Selective hydrogenolysis of glycerol to 1,2‐propanediol over highly active copper–magnesia catalysts: reaction parameter, catalyst stability and mechanism study
Authors: Pudi Satyanarayana Murty , Biswas Prakash , Kumar Shashi
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND

The surplus amount of glycerol (>1 million tons per year) from the biodiesel industry has received much attention in recent years for the production of alternative chemicals. The performance of x%Cu/MgO (x=5–50%) catalysts was investigated for selective hydrogenolysis of glycerol to 1,2‐propanediol (1,2‐PDO). The primary emphasis was given to the optimization of reaction parameters, reaction mechanism and catalyst stability.

RESULTS

The 35%Cu/MgO catalyst exhibited the maximum glycerol conversion of 96.6% with 92.6% selectivity to 1,2‐PDO at 210°C and 4.5 MPa H2 pressure. The high catalytic activity was attributed to the presence of bifunctional acidic–basic sites, and the synergetic interaction between copper nanoparticles and MgO support. To understand the reaction mechanism, the role of intermediates (1,2‐PDO, acetol, ethylene glycol) was investigated. Catalytic stability and reusability experiments were performed by repeating the reaction three times. The results of characterization of fresh and used catalysts demonstrated negligible deactivation of 35%Cu/MgO catalyst after successive reuse.

CONCLUSION

Cu/MgO catalyst played a significant role in enhancing the hydrogenolysis activity. The results demonstrated that glycerol conversion was rapidly increased with increasing reaction temperature, pressure and copper metal loading. The conversion of glycerol to 1,2‐PDO followed the dehydration–hydrogenation pathway and hydrogenolysis of C–C bonds was almost negligible. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Quantitative characterization of carbon/carbon composites matrix texture based on image analysis using polarized light microscope
Authors: Li Yixian , Qi Lehua , Song Yongshan , Hou Xianghui , Li Hejun
Published: August 2015

A quantitative characteristic method was proposed for characterizing the matrix texture of carbon/carbon(C/C) composites, which determined the mechanical and physical properties of C/C composites. Based on the cloud theory that was commonly used for uncertain reasoning and the transformation between quantitative and qualitative characterization, so the relationship between the extinction angle and texture types was built by the cloud models for describing the texture of microstructure, moreover, linguistic controllers were established to analyze the matrix texture in accordance with the features of the polarized light microscope (PLM) image. On this basis, the extinction angle could be calculated from the PLM image of the C/C composites. In contrast to the results of measurement, the errors between calculative values and measured values were maintained 1–2° in basically. Meanwhile, the PLM image of C/C composites was segmented by the component, in particular, the matrix with mixed textures was further segmented by the difference of texture. It means that the quantitative characterization of C/C composites matrix based on single PLM image has been realized. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:908–917, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Analysis of dynamic cantilever behavior in tapping mode atomic force microscopy
Authors: Deng Wenqi , Zhang Guang‐Ming , Murphy Mark F. , Lilley Francis , Harvey David M. , Burton David R.
Published: August 2015

Tapping mode atomic force microscopy (AFM) provides phase images in addition to height and amplitude images. Although the behavior of tapping mode AFM has been investigated using mathematical modeling, comprehensive understanding of the behavior of tapping mode AFM still poses a significant challenge to the AFM community, involving issues such as the correct interpretation of the phase images. In this paper, the cantilever's dynamic behavior in tapping mode AFM is studied through a three dimensional finite element method. The cantilever's dynamic displacement responses are firstly obtained via simulation under different tip‐sample separations, and for different tip‐sample interaction forces, such as elastic force, adhesion force, viscosity force, and the van der Waals force, which correspond to the cantilever's action upon various different representative computer‐generated test samples. Simulated results show that the dynamic cantilever displacement response can be divided into three zones: a free vibration zone, a transition zone, and a contact vibration zone. Phase trajectory, phase shift, transition time, pseudo stable amplitude, and frequency changes are then analyzed from the dynamic displacement responses that are obtained. Finally, experiments are carried out on a real AFM system to support the findings of the simulations. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:935–946, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Detecting changes in arthritic fibroblast‐like synoviocytes using atomic force microscopy
Authors: Lee Jee‐Wook , Ok Myoung‐Ryul , Lee Sangmook , Lim Jin Ik
Published: August 2015

The morphological and quantitative differences between arthritic fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS) and normal FLS were determined as an effective diagnostic tool for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and confirmed using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Collagen‐induced arthritic (CIA) mice and normal mice were prepared and FLS were isolated by enzymatic digestion from the synovial tissue of sacrificed mice at 5‐week and 8‐week pathogenesis periods. Analysis of cell morphology using AFM revealed that the surface roughness around the nucleus and around the branched cytoplasm was significantly higher in CIA FLS (P < 0.05) than that in normal FLS. In addition, the roughness of two different sites on the arthritic FLS increased with an increase in the duration of pathogenesis. These results strongly suggest that AFM can be widely used as a diagnostic tool in cytopathology to detect the early signs of RA and various others diseases at the intercellular level. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:982–988, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Immobilization and stretching of 5′‐pyrene‐terminated DNA on carbon film deposited on electron microscope grid
Authors: Loukanov Alexandre , Filipov Chavdar , Lecheva Marta , Saim Emin
Published: August 2015

The immobilization and stretching of randomly coiled DNA molecules on hydrophobic carbon film is a challenging microscopic technique, which possess various applications, especially for genome sequencing. In this report the pyrenyl nucleus is used as an anchor moiety to acquire higher affinity of double stranded DNA to the graphite surface. DNA and pyrene are joined through a linker composed of four aliphatic methylene groups. For the preparation of pyrene‐terminated DNA a multifunctional phosphoramidite monomer compound was designed. It contains pyrenylbutoxy group as an anchor moiety for π‐stacking attachment to the carbon film, 2‐cyanoethyloxy, and diisopropylamino as coupling groups for conjugation to activated oligonucleotide chain or DNA molecule. This monomer derivative was suitable for incorporation into automated solid‐phase DNA synthesis and was attached to the 5′ terminus of the DNA chain through a phosphodiester linkage. The successful immobilization and stretching of pyrene‐terminated DNA was demonstrated by conventional 100 kV transmission electron microscope. The microscopic analysis confirmed the stretched shape of the negatively charged nucleic acid pieces on the hydrophobic carbon film. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:994–1000, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of arterial input function selection on the accuracy of dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI quantitative analysis for the diagnosis of clinically significant prostate cancer
Authors: Azahaf Mustapha , Haberley Marc , Betrouni Nacim , Ernst Olivier , Behal Hélène , Duhamel Alain , Ouzzane Adil , Puech Philippe
Published: August 2015

Purpose

Using a limited temporal resolution dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) dataset to assess the impact of the arterial input function (AIF) choice on the transfer constant (Ktrans) to distinguish prostate carcinoma (PCa) from benign tissue.

Materials and Methods

Thirty‐eight patients with clinically important peripheral PCa (≥0.5 cc) were retrospectively studied. These patients underwent 1.5T multiparametric prostate MR with PCa and benign regions of interest (ROIs) selected using a visual registration with morphometric reconstruction obtained from radical prostatectomy. Using three pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis software programs, the mean Ktrans of ROIs was computed using three AIFs: an individual AIF (Ind‐AIF) and two literature population average AIFs of Weinmann (W‐AIF) and of Fritz‐Hansen (FH‐AIF). A pairwise comparison of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROCC) obtained with different AIFs was performed.

Results

AUROCCs obtained with W‐AIF (ranging from 0.801 to 0.843) were significantly higher than FH‐AIF (ranging from 0.698 to 0.780, 0.002 ≤ P ≤ 0.045) and similar to or higher than Ind‐AIF (ranging from 0.591 to 0.839, 0.014 ≤ P ≤ 0.9). Ind‐AIF and FH‐AIF provided similar AUROCC (0.34 ≤ P ≤ 0.81). The pairwise correlation of Ktrans values was moderate to very strong when comparing W‐AIF with FH‐AIF (the Spearman's correlation coefficients [SCCs] ranged from 0.55 to 0.93) and very weak to moderate when comparing W‐AIF with Ind‐AIF (the SCCs ranged from 0.018 to 0.59) or FH‐AIF with Ind‐AIF (the SCCs ranged from 0.30 to 0.51).

Conclusion

W‐AIF yielded a higher performance than FH‐AIF and a similar or higher performance than Ind‐AIF in distinguishing PCa from benign tissue. J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2016;43:737–749.
Pancreatic cancer patients with lymph node involvement by direct tumor extension have similar survival to those with node‐negative disease
Authors: Williams Jennifer L. , Nguyen Andrew H. , Rochefort Matthew , Muthusamy V. Raman , Wainberg Zev A. , Dawson David W. , Tomlinson James S. , Hines O. Joe , Reber Howard A. , Donahue Timothy R.
Published: August 2015

Background

Lymph node (LN) involvement is a well‐known poor prognostic factor in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, there have been conflicting results on the significance of the mechanism of LN involvement, “direct” tumor invasion versus “metastatic,” disease on patient survival.

Methods

Clinicopathologic records from all patients who underwent resection for PDAC from 1990 to 2014 at a single‐institution were reviewed.

Results

Of the 385 total patients, there was tumor invasion outside of the pancreas in 289 (75.1%) patients. Overall, 239 (62.1%) had node‐positive disease: 220 (92.0%) by “metastatic” involvement, 14 (5.9%) by “direct” tumor extension, and five (2.1%) by a mix of “metastatic” and “direct”. There were no significant differences in clinicopathologic factors associated with PDAC survival between “metastatic” and “direct” LN patients. The median overall survival for the whole cohort was 31.1 months. Compared to overall survival in patients with LN‐negative disease (median 40.7 months), those with LNs involved by “metastatic” spread was significantly shorter (median 25.7 months, P < 0.001), yet “direct” LN extension was similar (median 48.1 months, P = 0.719).

Conclusions

The mechanism of LN involvement affects PDAC prognosis. Patients with LNs involved by direct extension have similar survival to those with node‐negative disease. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015; 112:396–402. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Determination of melamine in aquaculture feed samples based on molecularly imprinted solid‐phase extraction
Authors: Lian Ziru , Liang Zhenlin , Wang Jiangtao
Published: August 2015

This research highlights the application of highly efficient molecularly imprinted solid‐phase extraction for the preconcentration and analysis of melamine in aquaculture feed samples. Melamine‐imprinted polymers were synthesized employing methacrylic acid and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as functional monomer and cross‐linker, respectively. The characteristics of obtained polymers were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and binding experiments. The imprinted polymers showed an excellent adsorption ability for melamine and were applied as special solid‐phase extraction sorbents for the selective cleanup of melamine. An off‐line molecularly imprinted solid‐phase extraction procedure was developed for the separation and enrichment of melamine from aquaculture feed samples prior to high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis. Optimum molecularly imprinted solid‐phase extraction conditions led to recoveries of the target in spiked feed samples in the range 84.6–96.6% and the relative standard deviation less than 3.38% (n = 3). The aquaculture feed sample was determined, and there was no melamine found. The results showed that the molecularly imprinted solid‐phase extraction protocols permitted the sensitive, uncomplicated and inexpensive separation and pre‐treatment of melamine in aquaculture feed samples.
Polarization enhanced wide‐field imaging for evaluating dermal changes caused by non‐ablative fractional laser treatment
Authors: Feng Xin , Doherty Sean , Yaroslavsky Ilya , Altshuler Gregory , Yaroslavsky Anna N.
Published: August 2015

Background and Objective

Laser non‐ablative fractional treatment (NAFT) is an important part of armamentarium of modern dermatology. Recently, such treatments have become available in at‐home setting due to advent of self‐application NAFT devices. Safety and clinical efficacy of NAFT are well established in multiple studies. Less information is available on morphological and functional changes in tissue occurring as a result of NAFT. Polarization‐enhanced multispectral wide‐field imaging device allows for in vivo real time visualization of dermal structures. The objective of this study is to use this imaging modality to monitor early effects of the home‐use NAFT on collagen networks.

Materials and Methods

Eight subjects (skin types I–III) used a commercially available NAFT device (wavelength 1410 nm, energy per pulse up to 15 mJ) to treat peri‐orbital wrinkles in standard recommended mode, that is daily, for a period of two weeks. In each session, subjects applied a pre‐treatment gel to the peri‐orbital areas and then used the device, delivering 8–10 applications to each side of the face without overlap. Subjects were asked to use the highest device setting. Cross‐polarized 440 nm wide‐field images were acquired from peri‐orbital areas before and two weeks after the onset of the treatment regimen. Wide‐field images were normalized and thresholded to a level of 40% brightness to emphasize collagen structure. Collagen content was quantitatively determined from thresholded collagen images. Improvement in collagen content at two weeks of daily treatments was assessed.

Results

Eight subjects (age 24–53 years) completed the study. Cross‐polarized 440 nm wide‐field images clearly delineated collagen networks. Quantitative assessment of collagen images revealed statistically significant (P < 0.05) improvement of collagen content at a time point of two weeks. Seven out of eight subjects showed varying degree of improvement. The increase of collagen content in responders ranged from 1–26%, with the mean improvement of 11%. Subjects in their early 40s showed the best improvement in comparison to younger and older age groups.

Conclusions

Polarization‐enhanced multispectral wide‐field reflectance imaging method is a suitable technique for noninvasive in vivo assessment of dermal structures. Post‐treatment images, taken three days after the last treatment session, demonstrate that non‐ablative fractional treatment resulted in increased dermal collagen content as measured by the polarization‐enhanced technique as early as two weeks post onset of the treatments. However, further studies with a larger number of subjects and longer treatment period are required to determine the optimal regimen and how long the results will last. Lasers Surg. Med. 48:150–156, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.