bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tomato seed oil for biodiesel production
Authors: Giuffrè Angelo Maria , Capocasale Marco , Zappia Clotilde , Sicari Vincenzo , Pellicanò Teresa Maria , Poiana Marco , Panzera Giuseppe
Published: May 2015

The use of vegetable oil for biodiesel production as a renewable energy source can have five main goals: the reduction of dependence on fossil energy, the reduction of wastes, the increase of the economic value of fruits, the increase of the economic value of vegetable oils, and the reduction of total CO2 emissions. Tomato seeds could be used for biodiesel production. The influence of the hot break and cold break treatments together with the harvest year effect on the physicochemical properties of the tomato seed oil were studied. Relative density was within 928 ± 0.33, acid value ranged from 0.48 ± 0.07 to 2.50 ± 0.03. The oil stability index measured at 110°C was always above 6 h. Kinematic viscosity decreased with the increase of the temperature from 30 to 50°C, being similar to the value indicated by the DIN 51605 for rapeseed oil at 40°C (35.17 ± 020–41.35 ± 0.56 mm2/s). Eleven fatty acid were detected: myristic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, margaric acid, margaroleic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, arachidic acid, and eicosenoic acid. Linoleic acid prevailed on all fatty acid methyl esters (mono‐alkyl esters) (49.61–57.89%) followed by oleic acid (18.79–21.82%). In the large part of cases, the iodine value was within the maximum of DIN 51605. Cetane number, calcium, and magnesium were out of the limit. International standards for biodiesel and vegetable oil quality standard were discussed.

Practical applications: This study is related to the possibility of using an unusual vegetable oil as a source for biodiesel production. In this way, one can monetize a waste product (tomato seeds) and at the same time obtain a vegetable oil useful for biodiesel production. It is noteworthy that, at present, tomato seed oil is not used in the food industry so its use for biodiesel will not increase its price.

In the tomato seed oil, the sum C18:1 + C18:2 is similar to an olive oil. All biodiesels produced by the studied TSOs have a CN well above 51.0 and 47.0 stated by the European and USA regulations for a biodiesel.
New Convenient Five‐Component One‐Pot Synthesis of 3‐Alkyl‐6‐amino‐1,4‐dihydro‐4‐{[(1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)methoxy]phenyl}pyrano[2,3‐c]pyrazole‐5‐carbonitrile Derivatives
Authors: Dabiri Minoo , Salehi Peyman , Fakharian Mahsa , Kazemi Movahed Siyavash , MaGee David I.
Published: May 2015

3‐Alkyl‐6‐amino‐1,4‐dihydro‐4‐{[(1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)methoxy]phenyl}pyrano[2,3‐c]pyrazole‐5‐carbonitrile derivatives were synthesized through a one‐pot five‐component condensation reaction.
A Hydroxylated Lupeol‐Based Triterpenoid Ester Isolated from the Scurrula parasitica Parasitic on Nerium indicum
Authors: Liu Quan‐Yu , Wang Fei , Zhang Lei , Xie Jie‐Ming , Li Peng , Zhang Yong‐Hong
Published: May 2015

(3β,7β)‐7‐Hydroxylup‐20(29)‐en‐3‐yl hexadecanoate (1), a new lupeol‐based triterpenoid ester, along with sixteen known compounds, 7β,15α‐dihydroxylup‐20(29)‐ene‐3β‐O‐palmitate (2), lupeol palmitate (3), lupeol (4), 3‐oxolup‐20(29)‐ene (5), ursolic acid (6), cycloeucalenol (7), stigmasterol (8), β‐sitosterol (9), β‐daucosterol (10), quercetin (11), quercetin 3‐O‐α‐L‐arabinoside (12), quercetin 3‐O‐α‐L‐rhamnoside (13), catechin (14), gitoxigenin 3‐O‐α‐L‐rhamnoside (15), gitoxigenin 3‐O‐α‐D‐glucoside (16), and digitoxigenin 3‐O‐α‐L‐rhamnoside (17), was isolated from the leaves of the Southern China mistletoe, Scurrula parasitica Linn parasitic on Nerium indicum Mill. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses, including 2D‐NMR techniques. Cytotoxic activities of compounds 1–7 and 11–17 were evaluated against three cancer cell lines, PANC‐1, HL‐60, and SGC‐7901, revealing that compounds 4, 6, 11, and 15–17 exhibited effective cytotoxicities, while others were inactive. A structureactivity relationship study of compounds 1–5 indicated that the 3‐OH group in lupeol‐based triterpenoids is essential for antitumor activity.
Stereoselective Total Synthesis of Stagonolide E
Authors: Rajaram Singanaboina , Ramulu Udugu , Aravind Seema , Suresh Babu Katragadda
Published: May 2015

An efficient and highly stereoselective synthesis of stagonolide E (1) starting from the readily available hexane‐1,6‐diol (8) was accomplished, employing MacMillan α‐hydroxylation, Horner WadsworthEmmons olefination, (Z)‐selective StillGennari olefination, and Yamaguchi lactonization as key steps.
Two Rare α‐Pyrone (=2H‐Pyran‐2‐one) Derivatives from Gentiana rhodanthaFranchet
Authors: Yao Hai‐Qiong , Wu Li‐Hong , Chou Gui‐Xin , Liu Qing , Wang Zheng‐Tao
Published: May 2015

Two new rare α‐pyrone (=2H‐pyran‐2‐one) derivatives, rhodanthpyrones A and B (1 and 2, resp.), together with fourteen known compounds, 3–16, were isolated from the whole plants of Gentiana rhodantha. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses. This is the first report on the occurrence of α‐pyrone derivatives in the genus Gentiana.
How to attract health students to remote areas in Indonesia: a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Efendi Ferry , Chen Ching‐Min , Nursalam Nursalam , Andriyani Nurul Wachyu Fitriyah , Kurniati Anna , Nancarrow Susan Alison
Published: May 2015

Background

Remote areas of Indonesia lack sufficient health workers to meet the health‐care needs of the population. There is an urgent need for evidence regarding interventions to attract health workers and specifically health students to serve in remote areas. The aim of this research was to analyze the job preferences of health students to develop effective policies to improve the recruitment and retention of health students in remote areas.

Methods

A discrete choice experiment was conducted to investigate health students' preferences regarding job characteristics. This study was conducted in three different regions of Indonesia, with a total included 400 health students. Mixed logit models were used to explore the stated preferences for each attribute.

Results

Data were collected from 150 medical, 150 nursing and 100 midwifery students. Medical students gave the highest preference for receiving study assistance, while nursing students viewed salary as the most important. Midwifery students valued advanced quality facilities as an important attribute.

Conclusions

This study confirmed the importance of combination interventions in attracting and retaining health workers in remote areas of Indonesia. Money is not the only factor affecting student preferences to take up a rural post; good management and better facilities were viewed as important by all health students. Addressing health student preferences, which are the candidate of future health workforce, would help the nation solve the recruitment and retention issues. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rwanda Legal Framework on Insolvency: Problems and Proposals for Reform
Authors: Leno Ngaundje Doris
Published: May 2015

The purpose of this article is to explore some key insolvency issues, which will be highly selective for this article, and to identify the weaknesses and inconsistencies in the existing framework on insolvency. Rwanda does not have an efficient and effective framework on insolvency, and the article argues that there is a need for an improved insolvency law regime. In view of the weaknesses and inconsistencies, it is vital to consider international best practices such as the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) Legislative Guide on Insolvency and the UNCITRAL Model Law on Cross‐border Insolvency as the basis needed to deal with different aspects or elements of the Rwanda insolvency law. The value of this article lies in the insights it offers into the current framework on insolvency and the opportunity given to address the inconsistencies, weaknesses and uncertainties that invariably arise from the law. Copyright © 2015 INSOL International and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
IGF-I Signaling in Osterix-Expressing Cells Regulates Secondary Ossification Center Formation, Growth Plate Maturation, and Metaphyseal Formation During Postnatal Bone Development
Authors: Wang Yongmei , Menendez Alicia , Fong Chak , ElAlieh Hashem Z , Kubota Takuo , Long Roger , Bikle Daniel D
Published: May 2015

To investigate the role of IGF-I signaling in osterix (OSX)-expressing cells in the skeleton, we generated IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) knockout mice (OSXIGF-IRKO) (floxed-IGF-IR mice × OSX promoter-driven GFP-labeled cre-recombinase [OSXGFPcre]), and monitored postnatal bone development. At day 2 after birth (P2), OSXGFP-cre was highly expressed in the osteoblasts in the bone surface of the metaphysis and in the prehypertrophic chondrocytes (PHCs) and inner layer of perichondral cells (IPCs). From P7, OSXGFP-cre was highly expressed in PHCs, IPCs, cartilage canals (CCs), and osteoblasts (OBs) in the epiphyseal secondary ossification center (SOC), but was only slightly expressed in the OBs in the metaphysis. Compared with the control mice, the IPC proliferation was decreased in the OSXIGF-IRKOs. In these mice, fewer IPCs invaded into the cartilage, resulting in delayed formation of the CC and SOC. Immunohistochemistry indicated a reduction of vessel number and lower expression of VEGF and ephrin B2 in the IPCs and SOC of OSXIGF-IRKOs. Quantitative real-time PCR revealed that the mRNA levels of the matrix degradation markers, MMP-9, 13 and 14, were decreased in the OSXIGF-IRKOs compared with the controls. The OSXIGF-IRKO also showed irregular morphology of the growth plate and less trabecular bone in the tibia and femur from P7 to 7 weeks, accompanied by decreased chondrocyte proliferation, altered chondrocyte differentiation, and decreased osteoblast differentiation. Our data indicate that during postnatal bone development, IGF-I signaling in OSX-expressing IPCs promotes IPC proliferation and cartilage matrix degradation and increases ephrin B2 production to stimulate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and vascularization. These processes are required for normal CC formation in the establishment of the SOC. Moreover, IGF-I signaling in the OSX-expressing PHC is required for growth plate maturation and osteoblast differentiation in the development of the metaphysis. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
­­­­­Insulin‐Like Growth Factor II (IGF‐II) Inhibits IL‐1β‐Induced Cartilage Matrix Loss and Promotes Cartilage Integrity in Experimental Osteoarthritis
Authors: Uchimura Tomoya , Foote Andrea T. , Smith Eric L. , Matzkin Elizabeth G. , Zeng Li
Published: May 2015

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a widespread chronic joint disease characterized by articular cartilage destruction and accompanied by pain and disability. In this study, we found that the expression of Insulin‐like Growth Factor II (IGF‐II) was reduced in articular cartilage in human OA patients as well as in the murine experimental OA model of destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM). In primary human articular chondrocytes, ectopic expression of lentiviral IGF‐II inhibited pro‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐1β‐induced NF‐κB activation as well as catabolic gene expression. Interestingly, IGF‐II did not significantly alter the phosphorylation states of ERK1/2 or Akt, which are kinases typically activated by IGF‐I. Instead, it induced the activity of phospholipase C (PLC) and a PLC inhibitor blocked the inhibitory activity of IGF‐II against IL‐1β, suggesting that this activity is mediated through PLC. Furthermore, IGF‐II increased cartilage matrix levels and decreased MMP13 protein expression in explanted human OA cartilage cultures in vitro. In the in vivo DMM model, intraarticular injection of lentiviral IGF‐II led to enhanced cartilage matrix levels and decreased MMP13 protein expression, as well as reduced osteophyte formation and subchondral bone sclerosis. Therefore, our results suggest that IGF‐II can promote cartilage integrity and halt knee joint destruction in OA. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 2858–2869, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cooperative Effect of Erythropoietin and TGF‐β Inhibition on Erythroid Development in Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Xie Yinliang , Bai Hao , Liu Yanfeng , Hoyle Dixie L. , Cheng Tao , Wang Zack Z.
Published: May 2015

Patient‐specific human induced‐pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) represent important cell sources to treat patients with acquired blood disorders. To realize the therapeutic potential of hiPSCs, it is crucial to understand signals that direct hiPSC differentiation to a hematopoietic lineage fate. Our previous study demonstrated that CD34+CD31+ cells derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) contain hemato‐endothelial progenitors (HEPs) that give rise to hematopoietic cells and endothelial cells. Here, we established a serum‐free and feeder‐free system to induce the differentiation of hPSC‐derived CD34+CD31+ progenitor cells to erythroid cells. We show that extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins promote the differentiation of CD34+CD31+ progenitor cells into CD235a+ erythroid cells through CD41+CD235a+ megakaryocyte‐erythroid progenitors (MEP). Erythropoietin (EPO) is a predominant factor for CD34+CD31+ progenitor differentiation to erythroid cells, whereas transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) inhibits the development of CD34+CD31+ progenitor cells. Apoptosis of progenitor cells is induced by TGF‐β in early erythroid differentiation. Suppression of TGF‐β signaling by SB431542 at early stage of CD34+CD31+ progenitor differentiation induces the erythroid cell generation. Together, these findings suggest that TGF‐β suppression and EPO stimulation promote erythropoiesis of CD34+CD31+ progenitor cells derived from hPSCs. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 2735–2743, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MicroRNA‐155 Regulates ROS Production, NO Generation, Apoptosis and Multiple Functions of Human Brain Microvessel Endothelial Cells Under Physiological and Pathological Conditions
Authors: Liu Yajing , Pan Qunwen , Zhao Yuhui , He Caixia , Bi Kexia , Chen Yusen , Zhao Bin , Chen Yanfang , Ma Xiaotang
Published: May 2015

The microRNA‐155 (miR155) regulates various functions of cells. Dysfunction or injury of endothelial cells (ECs) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of various vascular diseases. In this study, we investigated the role and potential mechanisms of miR155 in human brain microvessel endothelial cells (HBMECs) under physiological and pathological conditions. We detected the effects of miR155 silencing on ROS production, NO generation, apoptosis and functions of HBMECs at basal and in response to oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL). Western blot and q‐PCR were used for analyzing the gene expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK)/p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase (PI3K) and serine/threonine kinase(Akt), activated caspase‐3, and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1). Results showed that under both basal and challenge situations: (1) Silencing of miR155 decreased apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production of HBMECs, whereas, promoted nitric oxide (NO) generation. (2) Silencing of miR155 increased the proliferation, migration, and tube formation ability of HBMECs, while decreased cell adhesion ability. (3) Gene expression analyses showed that EGFR/ERK/p38 MAPK and PI3K/Akt were increased and that activated caspase‐3 and ICAM‐1 mRNA were decreased after knockdown of miR155. In conclusion, knockdown of miR155 could modulate ROS production, NO generation, apoptosis and function of HBMECs via regulating diverse gene expression, such as caspase‐3, ICAM‐1 and EGFR/ERK/p38 MAPK and PI3K/Akt pathways. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 2870–2881, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Safety of peripheral intravenous administration of vasoactive medication
Authors: Cardenas‐Garcia Jose , Schaub Karen F. , Belchikov Yuly G. , Narasimhan Mangala , Koenig Seth J. , Mayo Paul H.
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUND

Central venous access is commonly performed to administer vasoactive medication. The administration of vasoactive medication via peripheral intravenous access is a potential method of reducing the need for central venous access. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of vasoactive medication administered through peripheral intravenous access.

METHODS

Over a 20‐month period starting in September 2012, we monitored the use of vasoactive medication via peripheral intravenous access in an 18‐bed medical intensive care unit. Norepinephrine, dopamine, and phenylephrine were all approved for use through peripheral intravenous access.

RESULTS

A total of 734 patients (age 72 ± 15 years, male/female 398/336, SAPS II score 75 ± 15) received vasoactive medication via peripheral intravenous access 783 times. Vasoactive medication used was norepinephrine (n = 506), dopamine (n = 101), and phenylephrine (n = 176). The duration of vasoactive medication via peripheral intravenous access was 49 ± 22 hours. Extravasation of the peripheral intravenous access during administration of vasoactive medication occurred in 19 patients (2%) without any tissue injury following treatment, with local phentolamine injection and application of local nitroglycerin paste. There were 95 patients (13%) receiving vasoactive medication through peripheral intravenous access who eventually required central intravenous access.

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of norepinephrine, dopamine, or phenylephrine by peripheral intravenous access was feasible and safe in this single‐center medical intensive care unit. Extravasation from the peripheral intravenous line was uncommon, and phentolamine with nitroglycerin paste were effective in preventing local ischemic injury. Clinicians should not regard the use of vasoactive medication is an automatic indication for central venous access. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2015;10:581–585. © 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine
Long‐term changes in organic matter and mercury transport to lakes in the sporadic discontinuous permafrost zone related to peat subsidence
Authors: Korosi Jennifer B. , McDonald Jamylynn , Coleman Kristen A. , Palmer Michael J. , Smol John P. , Simpson Myrna J. , Blais Jules M.
Published: May 2015

Permafrost‐supported peatlands near the southern limit of permafrost are experiencing dramatic landscape changes as a result of recent climate warming, which have the potential to impact aquatic ecosystems through changes in terrestrial run‐off. Our objectives were to determine how terrestrial organic matter inputs to aquatic ecosystems in the southern Northwest Territories (Canada) changed as a result of peat subsidence, and whether terrestrial organic matter can be linked to sedimentary mercury. To accomplish this, we analyzed lipid biomarkers, lignin‐derived phenols, and other geochemical proxies in sediment cores from two lakes (KAK‐1 and TAH‐7) affected by recent peat subsidence. Both lakes experienced substantial shifts in organic matter proxies through time, but the trajectory of change differed, reflecting local heterogeneity in hydrological setting and other environmental factors. In KAK‐1, recent peat subsidence corresponded to a decrease in lignin‐derived phenol yield, increased inferred lignin oxidation, and δ15N depletion. In TAH‐7, peat subsidence was likely initiated by a local forest fire, and resulted in an increase in the n‐alkanol ratio C30/(C30 + C28) (consistent with a warmer, wetter climate), lignin‐derived phenol yield (mainly syringyls), and δ13C depletion. In TAH‐7, total mercury inputs were positively correlated to terrestrial carbon inputs, suggesting allochthonous carbon is an important vector for mercury transport to the lake. In both lakes, an increase in the C23/(C23 + C29) n‐alkane ratio was observed and suggests increased organic matter input from Sphagnum mosses. Our results demonstrate how terrestrial landscape changes occurring as a result of peat subsidence can influence carbon accumulation in aquatic ecosystems in discontinuous permafrost zones.
Responses of the coastal phytoplankton community to tropical cyclones revealed by high‐frequency imaging flow cytometry
Authors: Anglès Sílvia , Jordi Antoni , Campbell Lisa
Published: May 2015

To investigate the response of a subtropical coastal phytoplankton community to tropical cyclones, we utilized high temporal resolution (hours) data from the Imaging FlowCytobot (IFCB) deployed in the Gulf of Mexico. In 2010, four tropical cyclones (two during June–July and two during September) struck the area. Passage of the cyclones produced two major impacts: (1) storm surges and strong onshore winds, and (2) heavy rains producing substantial freshwater discharge and decreased salinity. The phytoplankton community showed a rapid response to the passage of the cyclones with increased abundance. Using principal component analysis, responses during storm surges and after freshwater discharges were distinguished and considerable changes in community composition were revealed. Responses to storm surges were characterized by an increase of diatoms. Freshwater discharges triggered increases in dinoflagellates and other flagellates (prasinophytes, euglenophytes, and cryptophytes) relative to the other groups. In June–July, substantial increases in diatoms were also observed. The response to freshwater discharge during this period was dominated by a diatom (Thalassiosira), whereas in September the response was dominated by two dinoflagellates (Akashiwo sanguinea and Polykrikos hartmannii). Observed abundances of these three taxa were the highest recorded from the IFCB time series. The short‐term responses of the phytoplankton community revealed here emphasize the need for high temporal resolution sampling to fully capture the effects of tropical cyclones. Given that extreme storms are predicted to increase with future climate change, the taxonomic resolution of the IFCB is also valuable for detecting taxa‐specific responses, which can have implications for ecosystem functioning.
Influence of Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) Percent and Lignin Type on the Properties of Lignin/PEO Blend Filament
Authors: Yu Qiaozhen , Bahi Addie , Ko Frank
Published: May 2015

Three types of lignin/poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) blend filaments with different PEO percent were prepared by melt spinning. The effects of PEO percent and lignin type on the morphology, mechanical property, and thermostability of the blend filaments were systematically studied. The morphologies of the filaments were observed by optical microscope. The mechanical properties of the filaments were measured with an Instron model Isx. The results showed that the effect of lignin/PEO blending ratio was not a simple function of PEO content. The flexibility of the lignin/PEO filament increases as thermal stability decreases. A 15% PEO content produces the best combination of filament performance, such as uniform diameter, smooth surface, adequate mechanical property, and thermal stability.
Medical Exercise Therapy for Treating Musculoskeletal Pain: A Narrative Review of Results from Randomized Controlled Trials with a Theoretical Perspective
Authors: Lorås H. , Østerås B. , Torstensen T. A. , Østerås H.
Published: May 2015

Background and Purpose

The purpose of this narrative review is to present an overview and theoretical rationale of medical exercise therapy (MET) as a physiotherapeutic rehabilitation treatment for musculoskeletal pain conditions. Results from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted on MET are also presented.

Methods

Computerized searches for any RCTs were conducted on the MET concept in the databases PubMed, Medline, Embase and ISI Web of science up to 2013.

Results

Overall findings from five included MET RCTs are long‐term (≥1 year) reductions in pain and improved physical and functional capabilities. These results are interpreted in the context of the biopsychosocial model, advancing the view of a dynamic interaction among physiologic, psychological and social factors that influence pain modulation.

Discussion

MET is a biopsychosocial treatment that reduces pain and improves activities of daily living in patients with a musculoskeletal pain condition. Pain modulation is a key feature of MET, and an important area for further research is to elucidate the specific mechanisms behind the treatment effects. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
HX‐MS2 for high performance conformational analysis of complex protein states
Authors: Burns Kyle M. , Sarpe Vladimir , Wagenbach Mike , Wordeman Linda , Schriemer David C.
Published: May 2015

Water‐mediated hydrogen exchange (HX) processes involving the protein main chain are sensitive to structural dynamics and molecular interactions. Measuring deuterium uptake in amide bonds provides information on conformational states, structural transitions and binding events. Increasingly, deuterium levels are measured by mass spectrometry (MS) from proteolytically generated peptide fragments of large molecular systems. However, this bottom‐up method has limited spectral capacity and requires a burdensome manual validation exercise, both of which restrict analysis of protein systems to generally less than 150 kDa. In this study, we present a bottom‐up HX‐MS2 method that improves peptide identification rates, localizes high‐quality HX data and simplifies validation. The method combines a new peptide scoring algorithm (WUF, weighted unique fragment) with data‐independent acquisition of peptide fragmentation data. Scoring incorporates the validation process and emphasizes identification accuracy. The HX‐MS2 method is illustrated using data from a conformational analysis of microtubules treated with dimeric kinesin MCAK. When compared to a conventional Mascot‐driven HX‐MS method, HX‐MS2 produces two‐fold higher α/β‐tubulin sequence depth at a peptide utilization rate of 74%. A Mascot approach delivers a utilization rate of 44%. The WUF score can be constrained by false utilization rate (FUR) calculations to return utilization values exceeding 90% without serious data loss, indicating that automated validation should be possible. The HX‐MS2 data confirm that N‐terminal MCAK domains anchor kinesin force generation in kinesin‐mediated depolymerization, while the C‐terminal tails regulate MCAK‐tubulin interactions.
Process‐structure‐properties relationship in direct liquid injection chemical vapor deposition of amorphous alumina from aluminum tri‐isopropoxide
Authors: Etchepare Pierre‐Luc , Baggetto Loïc , Vergnes Hugues , Samélor Diane , Sadowski Daniel , Caussat Brigitte , Vahlas Constantin
Published: May 2015

We propose a method to apply amorphous alumina films on the inner surface of glass containers aiming to improve their hydrothermal barrier property. We have carried out alumina deposition on Si substrates as a function of deposition temperature to determine the physico‐chemical properties of the thin film materials, and on glass containers to evaluate the influence of post‐deposition hydrothermal ageing on the films properties. Film preparation has been achieved by metal‐organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD), using tri‐isopropoxide aluminum (ATI) dissolved in anhydrous cyclohexane as precursor, in a temperature range between 360 °C and 600 °C. A direct liquid injection technology is used to feed the reactor in a controlled and reproducible way. The amorphous alumina films have been characterized by several techniques such as XRD, EPMA, XPS, SEM, AFM and scratch‐test method. Films are amorphous and hydroxylated at 360 and 420 °C and close to stoichiometric at 490 and 560 °C. Hydrothermal ageing simulated by a standard sterilization cycle modifies the adhesion and surface morphology of the alumina film on glass containers to a rough, porous and non‐adhesive layer. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Evaluation and application of hydrometeor classification algorithm outputs inferred from multi‐frequency dual‐polarimetric radar observations collected during HyMeX
Authors: Ribaud J.‐F. , Bousquet O. , Coquillat S. , Al‐Sakka H. , Lambert D. , Ducrocq V. , Fontaine E.
Published: May 2015

A fuzzy logic hydrometeor classification algorithm (HCA), allowing discrimination between six microphysical species regardless of the radar wavelength is presented and evaluated. The proposed method is based upon combination sets of dual‐polarimetric observables (reflectivity at horizontal polarization ZH, differential reflectivity ZDR, specific differential phase KDP, correlation coefficient ρHV) along with temperature data inferred from a numerical weather prediction model output.

The performance of the HCA is evaluated using 20 h of multi‐frequency dual‐polarimetric radar data collected during the first Special Observation Period (SOP1) of the Hydrological Cycle in the Mediterranean Experiment (HyMeX). A new method based upon intercomparisons of retrieved hydrometeor data deduced from pairs of neighbouring radars (S‐band vs. S‐band and S‐band vs. C‐band) over a common sampling area is proposed to evaluate the consistency of hydrometor classification outputs. S‐/C‐band radar comparisons generally show better consistency than S‐/S‐band radar comparisons due to issues with the identification of the 0°C isotherm on one of the two S‐band radars. Imperfect attenuation correction at C‐band may also lead into differences in hydrometeor fields retrieved from the C‐ and S‐band radars in convective situations, but retrieved hydrometeor data are globally very consistent from one radar to another. Comparisons against in situ airborne data also confirm the overall good performance of the HCA.

In a second experiment, an original method allowing the production of multi‐radar three‐dimensional (3D) hydrometeor fields from single‐radar 2D hydrometeor data is tested on a bow‐echo convective system observed with C‐ and S‐band radars. The resulting 3D hydrometeor fields provide a detailed view of the bow‐echo microphysical structure and confirm the good performance of both the HCA and interpolation technique.
Suitability of selected free‐gas and dissolved‐gas sampling containers for carbon isotopic analysis
Authors: Eby P. , Gibson J. J. , Yi Y.
Published: May 2015

Rationale

Storage trials were conducted for 2 to 3 months using a hydrocarbon and carbon dioxide gas mixture with known carbon isotopic composition to simulate typical hold times for gas samples prior to isotopic analysis. A range of containers (both pierced and unpierced) was periodically sampled to test for δ13C isotopic fractionation.

Methods

Seventeen containers were tested for free‐gas storage (20°C, 1 atm pressure) and 7 containers were tested for dissolved‐gas storage, the latter prepared by bubbling free gas through tap water until saturated (20°C, 1 atm) and then preserved to avoid biological activity by acidifying to pH 2 with phosphoric acid and stored in the dark at 5°C. Samples were extracted using valves or by piercing septa, and then introduced into an isotope ratio mass spectrometer for compound‐specific δ13C measurements.

Results

For free gas, stainless steel canisters and crimp‐top glass serum bottles with butyl septa were most effective at preventing isotopic fractionation (pierced and unpierced), whereas silicone and PTFE‐butyl septa allowed significant isotopic fractionation. FlexFoil and Tedlar bags were found to be effective only for storage of up to 1 month. For dissolved gas, crimp‐top glass serum bottles with butyl septa were again effective, whereas silicone and PTFE‐butyl were not. FlexFoil bags were reliable for up to 2 months.

Conclusions

Our results suggest a range of preferred containers as well as several that did not perform very well for isotopic analysis. Overall, the results help establish better QA/QC procedures to avoid isotopic fractionation when storing environmental gas samples. Recommended containers for air transportation include steel canisters and glass serum bottles with butyl septa (pierced and unpierced). Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multi‐instrument characterization of poly(divinylbenzene) microspheres for use in liquid chromatography: as received, air oxidized, carbonized, and acid treated
Authors: Hung Chuan‐Hsi , Singh Bhupinder , Landowski Michael G. , Ibrahim Mohammed , Miles Andrew J. , Jensen David S. , Vail Michael A. , Dadson Andrew E. , Smith Stacey J. , Linford Matthew R.
Published: May 2015

We report a multi‐instrument characterization of the carbon particles in carbon/polymer/nanodiamond core‐shell materials used for high‐performance liquid chromatography. These particles are prepared by the carbonization/pyrolysis of poly(divinylbenzene) (PDVB) microspheres. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the particles (4.9 µm initially) decreased in size after air oxidation (to 4.4 µm) and again after carbonization (down to 3.5 µm) but remained highly spherical. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller measurements showed low surface areas initially (as received: 1.6 m2/g, after air oxidation: 2.6 m2/g) but high values after carbonization (445 m2/g). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed the changes in the functional groups after air oxidation (C = O and C–O stretches appear), carbonization (carbon‐oxygen containing moieties disappear), and acid treatment (reintroduction of carbon‐oxygen containing moieties). X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and elemental analysis revealed the surface and bulk oxygen contents before and after treatments. By XPS, the atom percent oxygen for the as received, air oxidized, carbonized, and acid treated particles are 8.7, 16.6, 3.7, and 13.8, respectively, and by elemental analysis, the percent oxygen in the materials is 0.6, 8.1, 0.9, 16.9, respectively. A principal components analysis of time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry data identified ions that were enhanced in the different materials, where almost 90% of the variation in the analyzed peak areas was captured by two principle components. X‐ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy suggested that the carbonized PDVB was disordered. Thermogravimetric analysis showed significant differences between the differently treated PDVB microspheres. This work applies directly to a commercial product and the process for preparing it. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphine Promotes Astrocyte-Preferential Differentiation of Mouse Hippocampal Progenitor Cells via PKCε-Dependent ERK Activation and TRBP Phosphorylation
Authors: Xu Chi , Zheng Hui , Loh Horace H. , Law Ping-Yee
Published: May 2015

Previously we have shown that morphine regulates adult neurogenesis by modulating miR-181a maturation and subsequent hippocampal neural progenitor cell (NPC) lineages. Using NPCs cultured from PKCε or β-arrestin2 knockout mice and the MAPK/ERK kinase inhibitor U0126, we demonstrate that regulation of NPC differentiation via the miR-181a/Prox1/Notch1 pathway exhibits ligand-dependent selectivity. In NPCs, morphine and fentanyl activate ERK via the PKCε- and β-arrestin-dependent pathways, respectively. After fentanyl exposure, the activated phospho-ERK translocates to the nucleus. Conversely, after morphine treatment, phospho-ERK remains in the cytosol and is capable of phosphorylating TAR RNA-binding protein (TRBP), a cofactor of Dicer. This augments Dicer activity and promotes the maturation of miR-181a. Furthermore, using NPCs transfected with wild-type TRBP, SΔA, and SΔD TRBP mutants, we confirmed the crucial role of TRBP phosphorylation in Dicer activity, miR-181a maturation, and finally the morphine-induced astrocyte-preferential differentiation of NPCs. Thus, morphine modulates the lineage-specific differentiation of NPCs by PKCε-dependent ERK activation with subsequent TRBP phosphorylation and miR-181a maturation. Stem Cells  2015;33:2762–2772
A Niche for GFRα1-Positive Spermatogonia in the Terminal Segments of the Seminiferous Tubules in Hamster Testes
Authors: Aiyama Yoshimi , Tsunekawa Naoki , Kishi Kasane , Kawasumi Miyuri , Suzuki Hitomi , Kanai-Azuma Masami , Kurohmaru Masamichi , Kanai Yoshiakira
Published: May 2015

In invertebrate species such as flies and nematodes, germline stem cells are maintained in a niche environment, which is restricted to the terminal end of the tubular structure in the gonads. In mice, spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), a subpopulation of Asingle GFRα1 (glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor [GDNF] family receptor-α1)-positive spermatogonia, are widely distributed along the longitudinal axis in the convoluted seminiferous tubules, preferentially juxtaposed to the interstitial vasculature. However, whether this area is the only SSC niche is not known. In this study, we identified a valve-like terminal segment of the seminiferous tubules, the Sertoli valve (SV), adjacent to the rete testis as another niche for GFRα1-positive spermatogonia in hamsters. Here, we show that the SV epithelium is composed of the modified Sertoli cells that are still capable of proliferation and missing most spermatogenic activities in the adult stage. The SV epithelium constitutively expresses GDNF, a major niche factor for SSCs, and supports the stable proliferation and selective maintenance of an Asingle subpopulation of GFRα1-positive spermatogonia in hamsters. The SV region of hamster seminiferous tubules has features that are similar to the stem cell niche in invertebrate gonads. Therefore, we propose that the SV may be a novel niche for Asingle GFRá1-positive spermatogonia potentially including a SSC population, at the terminal segments of the seminiferous tubules in hamsters. Stem Cells  2015;33:2811–2824
Fighting drought with innovation: Melbourne's response to the Millennium Drought in Southeast Australia
Authors: Low Kathleen G. , Grant Stanley B. , Hamilton Andrew J. , Gan Kein , Saphores Jean‐Daniel , Arora Meenakshi , Feldman David L.
Published: May 2015

The Millennium Drought in Southeast Australia forced greater Melbourne, a city of 4.3 million people, to find innovative ways of increasing water supply and decreasing water demand. This article explores how water managers in Melbourne reacted to the crisis and evaluates the short‐ and long‐term impacts of their decisions. Reduced water demand occurred primarily through residential and industrial water conservation programs, restrictions, together with emergency reductions in the environmental release of water to streams. The city also experimented with using recycled water, in place of surface water, to support agriculture in the Werribee Irrigation District. Water pricing was not strengthened during the drought, and thus not regarded as a drought demand management tool, primarily because Melbourne water companies lacked independent price‐setting powers. Today, five years after the end of the Millennium Drought, gains in water conservation appear to be holding steady, but recycled water for irrigation has declined for various reasons. We contend that the Millennium Drought provided Melbourne with the opportunity to develop and implement a more integrated approach to water management. Many of the innovations it forged (e.g., distributed harvesting and use of stormwater) will continue to enhance the city's resilience to drought and reduce its vulnerability to climate variability for years to come. Nevertheless, a challenge going forward is how to sustain these achievements in light of anticipated population growth and continued climatic change. This challenge—coupled with Melbourne's successes—hold important lessons for water‐stressed cities around the world. WIREs Water 2015, 2:315–328. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1087

This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Planning Water

Science of Water > Water Extremes
Computational Drafting of Plot Structures for Russian Folk Tales
Authors: Gervás Pablo
Published: May 2015

The plots of stories are known to follow general patterns in terms of their overall structure. This was the basic tenet of structuralist approaches to narratology. Vladimir Propp proposed a procedure for the generation of new tales based on his semi-formal description of the structure of Russian folk tales. This is one of the first existing instances of a creative process described procedurally. The present paper revisits Propp’s morphology to build a system that generates instances of Russian folk tales. Propp’s view of the folk tale as a rigid sequence of character functions is employed as a plot driver, and some issues that Propp declared relevant but did not explore in detail—such as long-range dependencies between functions or the importance of endings—are given computational shape in the context of a broader architecture that captures all the aspects discussed by Propp. A set of simple evaluation metrics for the resulting outputs is defined inspired on Propp’s formalism. The potential of the resulting system for providing a creative story generation system is discussed, and possible lines of future work are discussed.
Family Disruption and Intergenerational Reproduction: Comparing the Influences of Married Parents, Divorced Parents, and Stepparents
Authors: Kalmijn Matthijs
Published: May 2015

The transmission of individual characteristics and behaviors across generations has frequently been studied in the social sciences. For a growing number of children, however, the biological father was present in the household for only part of the time; and for many children, stepfathers were present. What are the implications of these changes for the process of intergenerational transmission? To answer this question, this article compares intergenerational transmission among married, divorced, and stepparents. Two forms of reproduction are studied: educational attainment and church attendance. For education, divorced fathers were as influential as married fathers, whereas stepfathers were less influential. For church attendance, married fathers were most influential, divorced fathers were least influential, and stepfathers were in between. Divorced mothers, in contrast, appeared to be more influential than married mothers. These findings lend negative support for the social capital hypothesis and positive support for notions of value socialization. The strong role of the divorced father for educational transmission is consistent with genetic processes and hypotheses about early advantages.
Batwing appearance – A neuroradiologic clue to glutaric aciduria-type 1
Authors: Doraiswamy Anusha , Kesavamurthy Bhanu , Ranganathan Lakshminarasimhan
Published: May 2015

Glutaric aciduria type 1 (GA-1) is a rare inherited neurometabolic disorder due to enzymatic block in the common degradation pathway for lysine and tryptophan. We report a 16 month girl child who presented with an initial acute encephalopathic crisis followed by static encephalopathy with characteristic neuroimaging findings. Diagnosis was confirmed by demonstrating elevated urinary glutaric acid and 3-hydroxyglutaric acid levels. Early diagnosis and adequate dietetic therapy can prevent most of the neurological symptoms.
The role of institutional investors and individual investors in financial markets: Evidence from closed‐end funds
Authors: Huang Emily J.
Published: May 2015

I use closed‐end funds as a unique research tool to explore whether institutional investors are a stabilizing or a destabilizing force in financial markets. If institutional investors stabilize the market by trading against mispricing, then they should purchase closed‐end funds selling at a wide discount and sell funds selling at a large premium. Consistent with the market‐stabilizer hypothesis, I document that wide‐discount funds experience a higher subsequent institutional demand than premium funds do. Moreover, my findings that an increase in institutional ownership forecasts a decrease in the volatility of discount returns support the proposition that institutional trading reduces noise trader risk. In sum, the results suggest that institutional investors play a price‐stabilizing role in financial markets.
Delivery of Mental Health Care in a Large Disaster Shelter
Authors: North Carol S. , King Richard V. , Fowler Raymond L. , Kucmierz Rita , Wade Jess D. , Hogan Dave , Carlo John T.
Published: May 2015

Large numbers of evacuees arrived in Dallas, Texas, from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita just 3 weeks apart in 2005 and from Hurricanes Gustav and Ike just 3 weeks apart again in 2008. The Dallas community needed to locate, organize, and manage the response to provide shelter and health care with locally available resources. With each successive hurricane, disaster response leaders applied many lessons learned from prior operations to become more efficient and effective in the provision of services. Mental health services proved to be an essential component. From these experiences, a set of operating guidelines for large evacuee shelter mental health services in Dallas was developed, with involvement of key stakeholders. A generic description of the processes and procedures used in Dallas that highlights the important concepts, key considerations, and organizational steps was then created for potential adaptation by other communities. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2015;9:423–429)
Parameters influencing vortex growth and detachment on unsteady aerodynamic profiles
Authors: Widmann A. , Tropea C.
Published: May 2015

Experiments with a pitching and plunging airfoil are conducted in order to investigate the mechanisms responsible for the formation and detachment of leading edge vortices (LEVs). The chord length is varied from 90 to 180 mm, keeping all other non-dimensional parameters constant, specifically the Reynolds number (17 000), the Strouhal number (0.25), the reduced frequency (0.5) and the effective angle of attack history. It is shown that the mechanism of vortex detachment changes with chord length, evident in a corresponding change in flow topology. One mechanism scales with chord length, the other is attributed to viscous effects in the boundary layer. For the latter mechanism a new scaling of the LEV circulation is introduced. A second experiment investigates the influence of the reduced frequency on the LEV circulation and detachment mechanisms, again keeping all other non-dimensional parameters constant.
Explaining the Religion Gap in Support for Radical Right Parties in Europe
Authors: Montgomery Kathleen A. , Winter Ryan
Published: May 2015

Across Europe populist radical right (PRR) parties advertise themselves as defenders of Christian identity and values, but they do not seem to strongly attract religious Christian voters. This article tests a general framework for understanding this religion gap in 13 countries. Findings extend earlier research on religiosity and radical right attitudes, provide insight on East-West differences in the PRR phenomenon, and lend conditional support to the notion of a “vaccine effect” suggested by prior research.
An incompressible state of a photo-excited electron gas
Authors: Chepelianskii Alexei D. , Watanabe Masamitsu , Nasyedkin Kostyantyn , Kono Kimitoshi , Konstantinov Denis
Published: May 2015

Two-dimensional electrons in a magnetic field can form new states of matter characterized by topological properties and strong electronic correlations as displayed in the integer and fractional quantum Hall states. In these states, the electron liquid displays several spectacular characteristics, which manifest themselves in transport experiments with the quantization of the Hall resistance and a vanishing longitudinal conductivity or in thermodynamic equilibrium when the electron fluid becomes incompressible. Several experiments have reported that dissipationless transport can be achieved even at weak, non-quantizing magnetic fields when the electrons absorb photons at specific energies related to their cyclotron frequency. Here we perform compressibility measurements on electrons on liquid helium demonstrating the formation of an incompressible electronic state under these resonant excitation conditions. This new state provides a striking example of irradiation-induced self-organization in a quantum system.