bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Shiseidô’s ‘Empire of Beauty’: Marketing Japanese Modernity in Northeast Asia, 1932-1945”
Authors: Culver Annika A.
Published: January 2014

According to a 2011 news release by the company, "Shiseido is focusing on expanding sales in emerging markets with the aim of becoming 'a global player representing Asia with its origins in Japan'."[1] The cosmopolitan image of the company overlaying its Japanese identity lends itself to intriguing prewar parallels and debates over cultures representing both East and West.  As noted by Frank Dikötter in his study of early Republican Era (1912-1949) Chinese material culture: "The endless circulation, domestication and recycling of objects with the advent of the global economy has frequently offended the guardians of cultural barriers:  the notion of 'hybridity' has been used to perpetuate the illusion of 'authenticity'."[2] This hybrid "Empire of Beauty" rather than purely Japanese idea of beauty unveiled in Russia, along with Shiseidô's new Asian focus, are in fact much older business concepts dating back to the early 20th century.  Not surprisingly, like other Japanese companies in the 1930s, Shiseidô also began its advent into emerging markets in the prewar period, where the progress of cosmetic penetration into northeast Asia paralleled imperial Japan's military intrusions.In addition, Shiseidô’s unique modernist visual culture sold images of an empire of beauty, where women consumers on the continent helped support an emerging politics of national identity in their product choices. The company's intersection of modernist advertising and national propaganda reveals the multifaceted interests of organizations like Shiseidô involved in marketing the Japanese empire and its appealing modernity. [1] Shiseido News Release, "Shiseido to Introduce Corporate Culture and Promote Sales at Event in Russia,", 1. [2] Dikötter, Exotic Commodities:  Modern Objects and Everyday Life in China, 5.
FERB Needs Your Support: Awards Three Times the Scholarships
Authors: Lehrer Paul
Published: January 2014

Last year, an unprecedented number of students were given travel scholarships to attend the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback (AAPB) meeting in Portland and present their work. Forty students attended, three times the number in previous years. For the upcoming meeting in Savannah, students are again encouraged to apply for travel scholarships and research awards. However, to continue supporting students at this level, additional financial support is requested from the AAPB membership. Contributors will be acknowledged in the program brochure.
Funding biotech start-ups in a post-VC world
Authors: Bains William , Wooder Stella , Guzman David Ricardo Munoz
Published: January 2014

Investment in start-up biotech. companies outside the USA has essentially disappeared. VC investment in biotechnology and healthcare as a whole has nearly returned to pre-2008 levels, but almost all is in later stage opportunities. But companies continue to be founded, and continue to flourish. We examine the VC investment patterns for the past 7 years, and show that a start-up today can expect little VC support. We show from companiesâ€™ financial records that companies are adopting financial models based on angel investment, grants and revenue, and moving away from business models that need substantial investment. There is a time lag, but government and research council policy is beginning to recognize and align with the new investment realities. We believe this trend will accelerate as internet-mediated angel investing, such as crowd-funding schemes seen in other sectors, become a developing force in the next decade.
Análise de redes sociais em projetos: um mapeamento sistemático com foco na estrutura de times em projetos de software
Authors: Pacheco Júnior José Claudemir , Prochazka Felipe , Marques Aline Chagas Rodrigues , Araújo Joelson Isidro da Silva , Costa Vitor de Barros , Santana Alixandre Thiago Ferreira
Published: January 2014

A análise de redes sociais (SNA – Social Network Analysis) vem adquirindo adeptos em diversos ramos da ciência, estimulando a investigação acerca de como o indivíduo está imerso dentro de uma estrutura social a partir das micro-relações da rede, em especial, no desenvolvimento de projetos de software. Busca-se, através deste trabalho, responder as seguintes questões de pesquisa: O que se sabe atualmente sobre os benefícios e limitações da Análise de Rede Social no contexto de times de projetos de software? Quais os principais desafios nesta área para a indústria de software e a comunidade acadêmica? Estes questionamentos são importantes para a melhor compreensão do contexto estudado. Esta pesquisa é baseada numa revisão sistemática da literatura . Desta forma, encontramos um total de 572 títulos publicados entre 2008 e 2013. Após a execução de todo o protocolo da pesquisa, selecionamos 7 artigos que dão ênfase à questão de formação e organização de times de projetos. Neste contexto, alguns benefícios são apontados a partir da intervenção baseada em análise de redes sociais: a promoção da colaboração, melhoria da comunicação intra e entre times, além da habilitação do fluxo de conhecimento adequado para o projeto. A quantidade de publicações que estudam a aplicação de Análise de Redes Sociais em projetos cresceu nos últimos anos, trazendo uma contribuição relevante e diversificada tanto para a academia quanto para o mercado. Apesar disso, apontamos a necessidade de mais estudos de replicação das técnicas de SNA em projetos de software.
Analysis of managerial innovation flow on the small and medium it sized enterprises
Authors: Jerônimo Taciana de Barros
Published: January 2014

The purpose of this paper is to develop a diagram flow of strategic decisions on small and medium-sized high-tech enterprises and explains how it can be used to transform a innovate idea into a competitive output in the market. These enterprises are characterized, by their ability to create value, employ highly skilled workers, and use high technology in their internal processes. These firms face some problems like weak strategies of IT management and limited human and financial resources. The approach suggested in this paper offers small and medium-sized firms an opportunity to innovate or create newer outputs and increase the competitive effectively with others companies. Additionally, this paper can be used as a guide to building innovation as strategic competitiveness on the small and medium IT sized enterprises, denoted SMET at this paper.
Associação dos grupos de pesquisa científica ao conceito de comunidades virtuais de prática: um estudo em uma instituição federal de ensino superior
Authors: Ferraz Isabela Neves , Dornelas Jairo Simião
Published: January 2014

Comunidades de prática são definidas como grupos em que se destacam a informalidade das relações, a participação, a atuação em rede e a autogestão. Uma classe especial de comunidades de prática distingue-se das demais pelo uso intensivo e extensivo dos recursos da tecnologia da informação: são as comunidades virtuais de prática. Cogitando a possibilidade de grupos de pesquisa científica serem equiparados a comunidades virtuais de prática, o objetivo desta pesquisa consistiu em inventariar e enquadrar os grupos de pesquisa de uma Universidade Federal na condição de comunidades virtuais de prática. O estudo utilizou o método quantitativo, através do emprego da estratégia survey. Espera-se que os resultados obtidos sirvam como contribuição para um melhor entendimento das estruturas organizacionais representadas pelos grupos de pesquisa, inclusive, no que tange ao seu papel de criação e disseminação de conhecimentos.
Um framework para interoperabilidade entre componentes distribuídos heterogêneos
Authors: Nascimento Sidney Cassemiro do , Carvalho Felipe Oliveira , Rocha Tarcisio da
Published: January 2014

A popularização do middleware ocorrida nos últimos anos promoveu o surgimento de diferentes modelos tecnológicos. Devido a essa diversidade, a interoperabilidade entre diferentes modelos de componentes de software torna-se imprescindível para promover a integração entre partes heterogêneas. Os problemas envolvidos com a interoperabilidade são tratados, em geral, pela adoção de sistemas de middleware capazes de intermediar e estabelecer a comunicação entre plataformas distintas. Nesse contexto, este trabalho propõe, implementa e avalia um framework para interoperabilidade entre diferentes modelos de componentes de software (i.e. OpenCOM e Fractal). A avaliação do framework proposto, a parte aplicada da pesquisa, ocorreu por meio de experimentos usando um cenário de heterogeneidade implementado baseado na composição de um Servidor Web Comanche. Os resultados alcançados ilustram a facilidade de uso e a simplificação para interoperabilidade entre componentes distribuídos heterogêneos providos pela solução proposta, bem como a avaliação do desempenho e a extensibilidade do framework proposto.
Universidade Aberta do Brasil: uma avaliação de acessibilidade com usuários com deficiência visual total e com baixa visão
Authors: Monteiro Maria Laura da Costa , Silveira Denis Silva da , Ferreira Simone Bacellar Leal Ferreira
Published: January 2014

A Educação a Distância (EaD) integra as agendas políticas federal e estaduais para a expansão e interiorização do ensino superior no Brasil. Seu alcance se deve, sobretudo, às tecnologias da informação, como a Internet, que são fundamentais à veiculação da educação à uma diversidade de grupos sociais. Nesse contexto, a Universidade Aberta do Brasil (UAB) desempenha um importante papel em articular as instituições de ensino superior e os governos estaduais e municipais para atender o público local interessado por uma formação superior a distância. Com isto, o acesso à informação em seu portal deve contemplar diferentes usuários, inclusive os deficientes visuais. A fim de verificar se o portal da UAB é acessível a este grupo, realizou-se uma pesquisa de caráter avaliativo, misto e exploratório, numa concepção pragmática, com a participação de pessoas com deficiência visual total e com baixa visão, bem como com validadores automáticos para identificar possíveis problemas de acessibilidade. Dentre os resultados alcançados, verificou-se que o portal não considerou a possibilidade de acesso desse grupo de usuários ao seu conteúdo. Ou seja, o portal não é acessível às pessoas com deficiência visual total e com baixa visão.
Incantatio. Issue 3 - Full Book Review
Authors: Tsonkova Svetlana
Published: January 2014

James Kapaló, Éva Pócs and William Ryan (ed.), The Power of Words: Studies on Charms and Charming in Europe, Budapest & New York: Central European University Press, 2013, 325 pp. ISBN 978-615-5225-10-9.(Svetlana Tsonkova), pp. 139-140.
St. Peter’s Routes In Latvia: The Case Of Super Petram Charm-Type
Authors: Ķencis Toms
Published: January 2014

St. Peter is the most frequently encountered Christian saint in Latvian verbal charms. Among the latter are charms against various illnesses and aches, household and protective charms, charms against thieves and other. The popularity of St. Peter in vernacular healing practices might be related to his special role in biblical narrative and medieval Christian legends. Latvian variations of the widespread Super petramtoothache charm represent a particular version of this charm-type that can be tracked back to fifteenth century Germany. As such it features several semantic elements common with other Latvian toothache charms. Although there are only three recorded Latvian "Super petram"charms, this research contributes to long term investigation of presence of classical charm-types in Latvian-speaking region.
Deep‐sea coral record of human impact on watershed quality in the Mississippi River Basin
Authors: Prouty Nancy G. , Roark E. Brendan , Koenig Alan E. , Demopoulos Amanda W.J. , Batista Fabian C. , Kocar Benjamin D. , Selby David , McCarthy Matthew D. , Mienis Furu , Ross Steve W.
Published: January 2014

One of the greatest drivers of historical nutrient and sediment transport into the Gulf of Mexico is the unprecedented scale and intensity of land use change in the Mississippi River Basin. These landscape changes are linked to enhanced fluxes of carbon and nitrogen pollution from the Mississippi River, and persistent eutrophication and hypoxia in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Increased terrestrial runoff is one hypothesis for recent enrichment in bulk nitrogen isotope (δ15N) values, a tracer for nutrient source, observed in a Gulf of Mexico deep‐sea coral record. However, unambiguously linking anthropogenic land use change to whole scale shifts in downstream Gulf of Mexico biogeochemical cycles is difficult. Here we present a novel approach, coupling a new tracer of agro‐industrialization to a multiproxy record of nutrient loading in long‐lived deep‐sea corals collected in the Gulf of Mexico. We found that coral bulk δ15N values are enriched over the last 150–200 years relative to the last millennia, and compound‐specific amino acid δ15N data indicate a strong increase in baseline δ15N of nitrate as the primary cause. Coral rhenium (Re) values are also strongly elevated during this period, suggesting that 34% of Re is of anthropogenic origin, consistent with Re enrichment in major world rivers. However, there are no pre‐anthropogenic measurements of Re to confirm this observation. For the first time, an unprecedented record of natural and anthropogenic Re variability is documented through coral Re records. Taken together, these novel proxies link upstream changes in water quality to impacts on the deep‐sea coral ecosystem.
Rebuilding of the Earth's outer electron belt during 8–10 October 2012
Authors: Kress B. T. , Hudson M. K. , Paral J.
Published: January 2014

Geomagnetic storms often include strong magnetospheric convection caused by sustained periods of southward interplanetary magnetic field. During periods of strong convection, the Alfvén layer, which separates the region of sunward convection from closed drift shells, is displaced earthward allowing plasma sheet particles with energies in the hundreds of keV direct access inside of geosynchronous. Subsequent outward motion of the Alfvén boundary and adiabatic energization during storm recovery traps plasma sheet electrons on closed drift shells providing a seed population for the outer radiation belts. In situ observations of the 8–10 October 2012 geomagnetic storm and MHD test particle simulations illustrate the morphology of this process. Data and modeling results support the conclusion that recovery of ~ 1 MeV electrons at geosynchronous is mainly due to global convection and dipolarization associated injections from the plasma sheet.
Breaking all the invariants: Anomalous electron radiation belt diffusion by pitch angle scattering in the presence of split magnetic drift shells
Authors: O'Brien T. P.
Published: January 2014

Relativistic electron observations near geostationary orbit routinely show pitch angle distributions peaked away from 90 degrees. These “butterfly” distributions are consistent with magnetic drift shell splitting combined with a radial flux gradient. During magnetic storms, nature adds pitch angle scattering to split drift shells, breaking all three adiabatic invariants of the particle's motion. Therefore, some degree of anomalous radial diffusion is likely, and cross terms between the gyration and drift invariants and between the bounce and drift invariants arise. Using typical assumptions about the pitch angle scattering and the magnetic field topology, we calculate these anomalous diffusion coefficients near geostationary orbit. We show that the anomalous radial diffusion can exceed that due to more traditional drift‐resonant wave‐particle interactions. We also show that the neglected cross terms, particularly the bounce‐drift cross term, can be significant. These results suggest necessary additions to some global electron radiation belt simulations.
Kinetic model of Janaki et al.'s bifurcated current sheet
Authors: Yoon P. H. , Janaki M. S. , Dasgupta B.
Published: January 2014

Space satellite observations show that current sheets in the space plasma environment are often characterized by bifurcated structures. In a recent paper a two‐fluid model of the bifurcated current sheet was constructed on the basis of the pseudo potential method. A straightforward generalization of Janaki et al.'s two‐fluid model to kinetic formalism, however, leads to an unphysical situation of negative particle velocity distribution function occurring over a certain range of velocity space. If one assumes an isotropic background plasma population, however, one can show that a rigorous, physically valid kinetic solution of the bifurcated current sheet can be obtained.
Prenatal cerebral ischemia triggers dysmaturation of caudate projection neurons
Authors: McClendon Evelyn , Chen Kevin , Gong Xi , Sharifnia Elica , Hagen Matthew , Cai Victor , Shaver Daniel C. , Riddle Art , Dean Justin M. , Gunn Alistair J. , Mohr Claudia , Kaplan Joshua S. , Rossi David J. , Kroenke Christopher D. , Hohimer A. Roger , Back Stephen A.
Published: January 2014

Objective

Recently, we reported that the neocortex displays impaired growth after transient cerebral hypoxia–ischemia (HI) at preterm gestation that is unrelated to neuronal death but is associated with decreased dendritic arbor complexity of cortical projection neurons. We hypothesized that these morphological changes constituted part of a more widespread neuronal dysmaturation response to HI in the caudate nucleus (CN), which contributes to motor and cognitive disability in preterm survivors.

Methods

Ex vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), immunohistochemistry, and Golgi staining defined CN growth, cell death, proliferation, and dendritic maturation in preterm fetal sheep 4 weeks after HI. Patch‐clamp recording was used to analyze glutamatergic synaptic currents in CN neurons.

Results

MRI‐defined growth of the CN was reduced after ischemia compared to controls. However, no significant acute or delayed neuronal death was seen in the CN or white matter. Nor was there significant loss of calbindin‐positive medium spiny projection neurons (MSNs) or CN interneurons expressing somatostatin, calretinin, parvalbumin, or tyrosine hydroxylase. Morphologically, ischemic MSNs showed a markedly immature dendritic arbor, with fewer dendritic branches, nodes, endings, and spines. The magnitude and kinetics of synaptic currents, and the relative contribution of glutamate receptor subtypes in the CN were significantly altered.

Interpretation

The marked MSN dendritic and functional abnormalities after preterm cerebral HI, despite the marked resistance of immature CN neurons to cell death, are consistent with widespread susceptibility of projection neurons to HI‐induced dysmaturation. These global disturbances in dendritic maturation and glutamatergic synaptic transmission suggest a new mechanism for long‐term motor and behavioral disabilities in preterm survivors via widespread disruption of neuronal connectivity. Ann Neurol 2014;75:508–524
Measurement of the nonlinear mechanical properties of a poly(vinyl alcohol) sponge under longitudinal and circumferential loading
Authors: Karimi Alireza , Navidbakhsh Mahdi
Published: December 2013

Poly(vinyl alcohol) sponges (P‐sponges) have been used as a potential implant material for the replacement and repair of soft tissues, including cartilage, liver, and kidney. However, the application of P‐sponges as tissue replacement materials is almost entirely bounded because of a lack of sufficient mechanical properties. In this study, we characterized the mechanical properties of a fabricated poly(vinyl alcohol) sponge (P‐sponge) under a series of longitudinal and circumferential uniaxial loadings. The nonlinear mechanical behavior of the P‐sponge was also computationally investigated with hyperelastic strain energy density functions, that is, the Ogden, Yeoh, Mooney–Rivlin, and Neo‐Hookean models. A hyperelastic constitutive model was selected to best fit the axial behavior of the sponge. The results reveal that the Young's modulus and maximum stress of the P‐sponge in the longitudinal direction were 16 and 17% greater than that in the circumferential direction, respectively. The Yeoh model, in addition, was selected to represent the nonlinear behavior of the poly(vinyl alcohol) material and could be used in future biomechanical simulations of the soft tissues. These results can be used to understand the mechanical properties of spongy materials in different loading directions. In addition, they have implications for ophthalmic and plastic surgeries and wound healing and tissue engineering purposes. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40257.
Effects of solvents on the morphology and conductivity of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):Poly(styrenesulfonate) nanofibers
Authors: Kara Meryem O. Pehlivaner , Frey Margaret W.
Published: December 2013

In this study, the effect of solvents on the morphology and conductivity of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate)(PEDOT:PSS) nanofibers is investigated. Conductive PEDOT:PSS nanofibers are electrospun by dissolving a fiber‐forming polymer, polyvinyl alcohol, in an aqueous dispersion of PEDOT:PSS. The conductivity of PEDOT:PSS nanofibers is enhanced 15‐fold by addition of DMSO and almost 30‐fold by addition of ethylene glycol to the spinning dopes. This improvement is attributed to the change in the conformation of the PEDOT chains from the coiled benzoid to the extended coil quinoid structure as confirmed by Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry. Scanning electron microscopy images show that less beady and more uniform fiber morphology could be obtained by incorporation of ethylene glycol in the spinning dopes. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40305.
Exploring poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels containing drug–cyclodextrin complexes as controlled drug delivery systems
Authors: Das Subhraseema , Subuddhi Usharani
Published: December 2013

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogels containing drug–β‐cyclodextrin inclusion complexes (ICs) were synthesized with glutaraldehyde (GA) as a crosslinker. The role of cyclodextrin (CD), the effect of the nature of drug, and the degree of crosslinking on the drug‐release process were investigated. The probable mechanism of drug release was also explored. Controlled release of the drug was achieved from the hydrogels containing the ICs. The nature of the drug, in terms of its binding efficacy with CD, played an important role. The effect of the degree of crosslinking on the release pattern was strikingly different from that in the hydrogels containing free drug and those with ICs. The role of CD in the drug‐release process was not only due to its inclusion ability but also its effect on the polymer relaxation. GA, apart from crosslinking PVA, probably interacted with the cyclodextrins and, thereby, influenced the matrix structure and the drug‐release kinetics. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40318.
Green building blocks for bio‐based plastics
Authors: Harmsen Paulien F. H. , Hackmann Martijn M. , Bos Harriëtte L.
Published: January 2014

In this paper we investigate the possible routes to produce the most commonly used polymers from biomass. This includes vinyl polymers, polyesters, polyamides, polyurethanes, and synthetic rubbers. Also the most promising newly developed polymers that can be produced from biomass are investigated. Approximately 80% by weight of all chemicals produced by the petrochemical industry are applied in polymer materials. Producing these materials from biomass instead of fossil resources thus significantly contributes to the development of the bio‐based economy.

We show that it is technically possible to produce all major bioplastics from biomass. In many cases even more than one process can be envisioned. Essential chemical building blocks involved in the bio‐based production routes are presented, including state of the art production routes and production volumes. If we assume that processing costs for bio‐based processes will lower with further development of the bio‐based technologies, feedstock costs will start to weigh more heavily on the total production costs in the future. In that respect efficient use of biomass will become more important. Building blocks with acid‐ and alcohol functionalities, such as lactic acid and succinic acid, can be well produced from biomass like sugars, since the oxygen atoms needed for these building blocks are already present in the biomass. Building blocks that can be applied in many polymer groups due to their chemical structure are promising and are expected to undergo substantial growth. We show that there are various developments on these versatile building blocks. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Albumin‐binding of diclofenac and the effect of a site II inhibitor in the aqueous humor of cataract patients with the instillation of diclofenac
Authors: Osaki Takashi , Ozaki Mineo , Takamura Norito , Ogata Kenji , Tokunaga Jin , Setoguchi Nao , Arimori Kazuhiko
Published: January 2014

Diclofenac instillation has been used widely in cataract surgery to prevent postoperative inflammation. Since diclofenac binds strongly to albumin in the circulation, it does not have a sufficient effect on patients in whom diclofenac binds strongly to albumin in the aqueous humor. A decrease in diclofenac binding and an increase in free diclofenac levels are necessary in these patients. The binding of diclofenac to albumin was investigated in the aqueous humor. In a diclofenac binding assay with albumin in the aqueous humor of individual patients, diclofenac was extracted from aliquots of the aqueous humor, and its total levels were measured using ultra high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC). Free diclofenac levels were measured using ultrafiltration and UHPLC. The albumin‐binding fraction of diclofenac was 0.8 or higher in the aqueous humor of some patients. Ibuprofen significantly inhibited diclofenac binding to site II of albumin in mimic aqueous humor, but not in pooled aqueous humor. This difference may have been due to the weak binding of diclofenac to site II in the pooled aqueous humor. Flurbiprofen was used instead of diclofenac. Flurbiprofen has been shown to bind more strongly than diclofenac to the same site of albumin. Thus, the inhibitory effect of ibuprofen on the binding of flurbiprofen to albumin was investigated in pooled aqueous humor. The results indicated that ibuprofen significantly inhibited the flurbiprofen binding. An effective diclofenac administration method may be established for clinical application by the instillation of an appropriate inhibitor of binding to the albumin site II. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interpreting Estrogen Screening Assays in the Context of Potency and Human Exposure Relative to Natural Exposures to Phytoestrogens
Authors: Becker Richard A. , Hays Sean M. , Kirman Christopher R. , Aylward Lesa L. , Wise Kimberly
Published: January 2014

While the Environmental Protection Agency and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development have developed validated in vitro and in vivo screening assays to measure interaction of substances with estrogen, androgen and thyroid pathway components, to date, methods to contextualize such results in terms of potencies and actual human exposures are lacking. To place endocrine screening results in the context of potency and human exposure, we propose a method that entails (1) calculating a benchmark dose for a response measured in an endocrine screen; (2) estimating the human urinary concentration (biomonitoring equivalent, BE) expected to correspond to this dose (BEBMD); (3) deriving the exposure:activity ratio (EAR) by comparing actual urinary values from human biomonitoring studies (e.g., National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)) to the BEBMD. Using OECD uterotrophic assay validation studies and NHANES results, we calculated EARs for genistein (EARGEN = 6.6 × 10−4) and bisphenol A (EARBPA = 8.8 × 10−7). The EARGEN is more than 700‐fold greater than the EARBPA. Not only can these methods be applied to additional endocrine assays and compounds, they can contribute to weight of evidence decisions regarding the need for additional endocrine screening and testing—substances with low EARs may not warrant additional testing.
Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) promote early wound healing and myofibroblast proliferation in diabetic rats
Authors: Cheing Gladys Lai‐Ying , Li Xiaohui , Huang Lin , Kwan Rachel Lai‐Chu , Cheung Kwok‐Kuen
Published: January 2014

Reduced collagen deposition possibly leads to slow recovery of tensile strength in the healing process of diabetic cutaneous wounds. Myofibroblasts are transiently present during wound healing and play a key role in wound closure and collagen synthesis. Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) have been shown to enhance the tensile strength of diabetic wounds. In this study, we examined the effect of PEMF on wound closure and the presence of myofibroblasts in Sprague–Dawley rats after diabetic induction using streptozotocin. A full‐thickness square‐shaped dermal wound (2 cm × 2 cm) was excised aseptically on the shaved dorsum. The rats were randomly divided into PEMF‐treated (5 mT, 25 Hz, 1 h daily) and control groups. The results indicated that there were no significant differences between the groups in blood glucose level and body weight. However, PEMF treatment significantly enhanced wound closure (days 10 and 14 post‐wounding) and re‐epithelialization (day 10 post‐wounding), although these improvements were no longer observed at later stages of the wound healing process. Using immunohistochemistry against α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), we demonstrated that significantly more myofibroblasts were detected on days 7 and 10 post‐wounding in the PEMF group when compared to the control group. We hypothesized that PEMF would increase the myofibroblast population, contributing to wound closure during diabetic wound healing. Bioelectromagnetics. 35:161–169, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electro‐Fenton Oxidation of Salicylic Acid from Aqueous Solution: Batch Studies and Degradation Pathway
Authors: George Stephy Jacqueline , Gandhimathi Rajan , Nidheesh Puthiya Veetil , Ramesh Sreekrishnaperumal Thanga
Published: January 2014

This study investigated the removal of salicylic acid (SA) from aqueous solution by electro‐Fenton (EF) and EF‐like processes using graphite–graphite electrolytic system. Fe0, Fe2+, Fe3+ ions were used as the Fenton reagent in the EF process and in the EF‐like reactions, Cu2+, Mn2+, Ni2+ were used as the same. The effect of various operating conditions on the effectiveness of EF process was investigated. The contribution of adsorption and electro‐sorption in the removal of SA was also investigated. According to the results, EF method can be used efficiently for the removal of SA by maintaining proper operating conditions. Fe2+ was confirmed to be the most efficient catalyst among the metal ions that were tested. Maximum removal efficiency of 75.13% was obtained under optimal operating conditions after 8 h of electrolysis. Even though EF‐like processes are also effective for the removal of SA from aqueous solutions, EF removal of SA was observed to be more efficient for the same. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) of SA solutions electrolyzed at optimal conditions was carried out. Degradation pathway was proposed from GC–MS.
Thymosin beta4 inhibits ADF/cofilin stimulated F‐actin cycling and hela cell migration: Reversal by active Arp2/3 complex
Authors: Al Haj Abdulatif , Mazur Antonina Joanna , Buchmeier Sabine , App Christine , Theiss Carsten , Silvan Unai , Schoenenberger Cora‐Ann , Jockusch Brigitte M. , Hannappel Ewald , Weeds Alan G. , Mannherz Hans Georg
Published: December 2013

F‐actin treadmilling plays a key part in cell locomotion. Because immunofluorescence showed colocalisation of thymosin beta4 (Tβ4) with cofilin‐1 and Arp2/3 complex in lamellipodia, we analyzed combinations of these proteins on F‐actin‐adenosine triphosphate (ATP)‐hydrolysis, which provides a measure of actin treadmilling. Actin depolymerising factor (ADF)/cofilin stimulated treadmilling, while Tβ4 decreased treadmilling, presumably by sequestering monomers. Tβ4 added together with ADF/cofilin also inhibited the treadmilling, relative to cofilin alone, but both the rate and extent of depolymerization were markedly enhanced in the presence of both these proteins. Arp2/3 complex reversed the sequestering activity of Tβ4 when equimolar to actin, but not in the additional presence of cofilin‐1 or ADF. Transfection experiments to explore the effects of changing the intracellular concentration of Tβ4 in HeLa cells showed that an increase in Tβ4 resulted in reduced actin filaments bundles and narrower lamellipodia, and a conspicuous decrease of cell migration as seen by two different assays. In contrast, cells transfected with a vector leading to Tβ4 knockdown by small interfering RNA (siRNA) displayed prominent actin filament networks within the lamellipodia and the leading lamella and enhanced migration. The experiments reported here demonstrate the importance of the interplay of these different classes of actin‐binding proteins on cell behaviour. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Posttreatment interleukin‐2 in patients with acute myeloid leukemia: The end of a long road for patients and clinical trials?
Authors: Grosso Dolores , Weiss Mark A.
Published: December 2013

For over 2 decades, a series of clinical trials has tested the efficacy of interleukin‐2 as postremission therapy for patients with acute myeloid leukemia. In this issue, Kolitz et al describe a large clinical trial testing this hypothesis that ultimately failed to answer the question because of patients failing to complete the prescribed therapy.
Uncertainty assessment of ephemeral gully identification, characteristics and topographic threshold when using aerial photographs in agricultural settings
Authors: Maugnard Alexandre , Cordonnier Hélène , Degre Aurore , Demarcin Pierre , Pineux Nathalie , Bielders Charles L.
Published: January 2014

Manual digitizing on aerial photographs is still commonly used for characterizing gully erosion over large areas. Even when automated detection procedures are implemented, manual digitizing is frequently being resorted to in order to constitute reference datasets used for training and validation. In both cases, manual digitizing entails some subjective decisions on behalf of the operator, which introduces uncertainty into the resulting datasets. To assess the magnitude of this uncertainty, 11 experienced operators were asked to digitize and classify ephemeral gullies (EGs) on cropland following a standardized methodology. The resulting 11 datasets were compared in terms of number, type and location of EGs. Furthermore, for EGs located on a well‐defined runoff flow concentration axis, the slope versus contributing area topographic thresholds required for initiating gully channels were assessed using four thresholding methods, and compared across the 11 datasets. The operators identified 259 different EGs. However, the number (52–139) and sum total length (8.9–23.7 km) of EGs varied widely across operators. Only 34% of the EGs were digitized by more than half of the operators, and 7% were identified by all. Identification of EGs located on a well‐defined flow concentration axis proved least subjective. The longer the EG and the more fields the EG crossed, the larger the number of operators that were able to identify it. EGs were also most easily identified when located in sugar beet fields as compared to other crops. EG classification and topographic threshold lines were also found to be strongly operator‐dependent. Quantile regression appeared to be one of the most robust thresholding methods. Operator subjectivity when digitizing EGs on orthophotographs introduces uncertainty that should be taken into account in future remote sensing‐based studies of EG erosion whenever they rely, in part or in full, on manual photograph interpretation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alpha‐synuclein transfers from neurons to oligodendrocytes
Authors: Reyes Juan F. , Rey Nolwen L. , Bousset Luc , Melki Ronald , Brundin Patrik , Angot Elodie
Published: December 2013

The origin of α‐synuclein (α‐syn)‐positive glial cytoplasmic inclusions found in oligodendrocytes in multiple system atrophy (MSA) is enigmatic, given the fact that oligodendrocytes do not express α‐syn mRNA. Recently, neuron‐to‐neuron transfer of α‐syn was suggested to contribute to the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. In this study, we explored whether a similar transfer of α‐syn might occur from neurons to oligodendrocytes, which conceivably could explain how glial cytoplasmic inclusions are formed. We studied oligodendrocytesin vitroandin vivoand examined their ability to take up different α‐syn assemblies. First, we treated oligodendrocytes with monomeric, oligomeric, and fibrillar forms of α‐syn proteins and investigated whether α‐syn uptake is dynamin‐dependent. Second, we injected the same α‐syn species into the mouse cortex to assess their uptakein vivo. Finally, we monitored the presence of human α‐syn within rat oligodendroglial cells grafted in the striatum of hosts displaying Adeno‐Associated Virus‐mediated overexpression of human α‐syn in the nigro‐striatal pathway. Here,we show that oligodendrocytes take up recombinant α‐syn monomers, oligomers and, to a lesser extent, fibrilsin vitroin a concentration and time‐dependent manner, and that this process is inhibited by dynasore. Further, we demonstrate in our injection model that oligodendrocytes also internalize α‐synin vivo. Finally, we provide the first direct evidence that α‐syn can transfer to grafted oligodendroglial cells from host rat brain neurons overexpressing human α‐syn. Our findings support the hypothesis of a neuron‐to‐oligodendrocyte transfer of α‐syn, a mechanism that may play a crucial role in the progression and pathogenesis of MSA. GLIA 2014;62:387–398
Correcting spherical aberrations in confocal light sheet microscopy: A theoretical study
Authors: Silvestri L. , Sacconi L. , Pavone F.S.
Published: January 2014

In the last years, fluorescence light sheet microscopy has attracted an increasing interest among the microscopy community. One of the most promising applications of this technique is the reconstruction of macroscopic biological specimens with microscopic resolution, without physical sectioning. To this aim, light sheet microscopy is combined with clearing protocols based on refractive index matching, which render the tissue transparent. However, these protocols lead to a huge drop in the fluorescence signal, limiting their practical applicability. The reduction of signal to background ratio is commonly ascribed to chemical degradation of the fluorophores by the organic solvents used for clearing. This view however completely neglects another important factor of contrast loss, i.e., optical aberrations. In fact, commercially available objectives suitable for light sheet microscopy are not designed for the refractive index of the clearing solutions, and this mismatch introduces severe spherical aberration. Here we simulated the aberrated point spread function (PSF) of a light sheet microscope with confocal slit detection. We investigated the variation of the PSF as a function of objective numerical aperture (NA) and of imaging depth inside the clearing solution. We also explored the possibility of correcting such spherical aberration by introducing extra optical devices in the detection path. By correcting up to the second order spherical aberration, a quasi‐diffraction‐limited regime can be recovered, and image quality is restored. Microsc. Res. Tech. 77:483–491, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluating model‐simulated variability in temperature extremes using modified percentile indices
Authors: Sillmann J. , Kharin V. V. , Zwiers F. W. , Zhang X. , Bronaugh D. , Donat M. G.
Published: December 2013

Percentile indices monitoring the frequency of moderate temperature extremes are widely used to assess changes in present and future temperature extremes because of their straightforward interpretation. While observed trends in such indices can be, and have been, compared with model‐simulated trends, their definition relative to each model's own climatology inhibits their use for the evaluation of model‐simulated temperature variability. This is unfortunate, as in many parts of the world, indices from observations remain the only source of publicly available information about extreme temperature variability. We approach this problem by introducing a novel adjustment to the standard method for deriving indices from climate models. This involves the removal of the bias in the mean annual cycle of the models and the use of percentile thresholds from a reference data set. We illustrate the technique by comparing daily minimum (TN) and maximum (TX) temperatures from the fifth phase of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) historical simulations with those from an observation‐based data set and from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction/National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCEP/NCAR) and the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ERA‐40) reanalyses. Biases in the annual cycle also translate into biases in the representation of the percentile indices in the models and reanalyses. Generally, percentile indices based on daily TX are well represented by the models and reanalyses compared to the observations. For percentile indices based on daily minimum temperature, however, large discrepancies occur particularly between the reanalyses.
Development of Kinetic Mechanism for the Esterification of Acrylic Acid with Hexanol Catalyzed by Ion‐Exchange Resin
Authors: Buluklu Asli Deniz , Sert Emine , Karakuş Simge , Atalay Ferhan Sami
Published: January 2014

The heterogeneous esterification reaction of acrylic acid with hexanol over three different cation‐exchange resins, Amberlyst 131, Amberlyst 15, and Dowex 50Wx‐400, was investigated. Surface area, pore volume, average pore diameter, and acid capacity analyses were carried out for these three catalysts. Amberlyst 131 gave the highest conversion, and therefore, further experiments were performed catalyzed by Amberlyst 131. The absence of external and internal mass transfer resistances was investigated for the esterification of acrylic acid with hexanol. Experiments showed that the reaction is controlled by chemical step rather than external and internal mass transfer steps. The effects of temperature, catalyst loading, and alcohol to acid molar ratio on the conversion of acrylic acid were determined. The activation energy and kinetic and adsorption constants were determined according to the Langmuir–Hinshelwood–Hougen–Watson mechanism.
Transcranial sonography in patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1
Authors: Peric Stojan , Pavlovic Aleksandra , Ralic Vesna , Dobricic Valerija , Basta Ivana , Lavrnic Dragana , Rakocevic Stojanovic Vidosava
Published: January 2014

Introduction: In this study we analyzed transcranial sonography (TCS) in patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). Methods: This cross‐sectional study included 66 DM1 patients and 55 matched healthy controls (HCs). Echogenicity of the brainstem raphe (BR) and substantia nigra (SN) and third ventricle width (DTV) were assessed by TCS. Results: BR hypoechogenicity was more common in DM1 patients than in HCs (37.7% vs. 7.8%, P < 0.01). Patients with depression or fatigue were more likely to have BR hypoechogenicity (80.0% vs. 29.4%, P < 0.01 and 51.9% vs. 24.2%, P < 0.05, respectively). Both hypoechogenicity and hyperechogenicity of SN were more frequent in DM1 patients than in controls (26.2% vs. 10.9% and 13.1% vs. 1.8%, respectively, P < 0.01). DTV was increased in DM1 patients compared with HCs (6.0 ± 1.4 vs. 4.9 ± 0.9 mm, P < 0.01). Conclusion: TCS can offer new insight into structural changes of several cerebral areas in patients with DM1. Muscle Nerve 50:278–282, 2014
Detecting fetal subchromosomal aberrations by MPS: an unexpected discrepancy between amniocyte DNA and ccffDNA
Authors: Buysse Karen , de Ligt Joep , Janssen Irene M. , van Bon Bregje W. M. , Gomes Ingrid , Hehir‐Kwa Jayne , Eggink Alex J. , van Vugt John M. G. , Vissers Lisenka E. L. M. , Geurts van Kessel Ad , Faas Brigitte H. W.
Published: January 2014

What's already known about this topic?

Noninvasive prenatal detection of fetal aneuploidies by massively parallel sequencing of circulating cell‐free fetal DNA has recently become widely available.

Few studies report the detection of submicroscopic chromosomal aberrations.

What does this study add?

A ~400 kb gain and a ~27 Mb loss were detected on chromosome 13q by genomic microarray analysis of amniocyte DNA. Testing circulating cell‐free fetal DNA not only revealed the same loss but also a much larger gain (~12 Mb), indicating discrepancies between DNA of true fetal and placental origin.

The use of a windowed approach is recommended in case of unexpected ‘whole chromosome’ noninvasive prenatal testing results and/or when fetal anomalies are suggestive for subchromosomal aberrations.
Children's Motivation Toward Science Across Contexts, Manner of Interaction, and Topic
Authors: BATHGATE MEGHAN E. , SCHUNN CHRISTIAN D. , CORRENTI RICHARD
Published: December 2013

Understanding the features of science learning experiences that organize and motivate children at early ages can help educators and researchers find ways to ignite interest to support future passion and learning in the sciences at a time when children's motivation is declining. Using a sample of 252 fifth‐ and sixth‐grade students, we systematically explore differences in children's motivations toward science experiences across context (formal, informal, neutral), manner of interaction (consuming new knowledge, analyzing, action), and topic (e.g., biology, earth science, physics). Motivations toward science were most influenced by topic. Responses were generally consistent across context and manner of interaction. Implications for science education, as well as measurement and assessment methodology, are discussed.
Latino and European American early adolescents' exposure to music with substance‐use references: Examining parent–child communication as a moderator
Authors: Kam Jennifer A. , Wang Ningxin , Harvey Jessica
Published: January 2014

This study hypothesized that frequent exposure to and attention to music with substance‐use references would be indirectly related to alcohol, cigarette, or marijuana use through pro‐substance‐use beliefs (e.g., norms, outcome expectancies, and refusal efficacy). Parent–child communication, however, would attenuate such associations, which would differ by ethnicity. Multigroup mediation and moderation analyses were conducted, using cross‐sectional survey data from 253 Latino and 308 European American 6th–8th grades students. For Latino and European American early adolescents, best‐friend‐injunctive norms and weak refusal efficacy were significant mediators, but not positive outcome expectancies. Descriptive norms were a significant mediator, but only for European American early adolescents. Although targeted parent–child communication and parental mediation did not moderate the associations between the music‐exposure variables and the pro‐substance‐use beliefs variables, targeted parent–child communication attenuated the association between listening to favorite songs and alcohol consumption. Parental mediation attenuated the association between attention to music and alcohol consumption.