bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microstructural characterization and kinetics of diffusion bonded AZ31/Al by hot press cladding
Authors: Harhash M. , Ataya S. , Abd El Hady M. , El Mahallawy N.
Published: February 2014

In the present investigation, magnesium alloy AZ31 sheet was covered by a commercial pure aluminium sheet by cladding using hot pressing. The influence of the applied pressure, temperature and holding time on the bond characteristics was studied. Microstructure examination of bonded specimens was experimentally investigated by optical microscope, SEM and EDX. The experimental investigation has revealed a good bond quality due to the effective mutual diffusion of Mg and Al. The phase analysis resulted in the formation of two equilibrium phases namely; Mg17Al12 and Mg2Al3. The initiation and growth mechanisms of the diffusion layers were determined by empirical equations and compared with the experimental results. It was observed that the growth kinetics obeyed a parabolic equation of the second order. Moreover, Arrhenius equation for the bonded couple AZ31/Al is derived to show the rate of diffusion layer growth.
Heterogeneity in primary dystonia: Lessons from THAP1, GNAL, and TOR1A in Amish‐Mennonites
Authors: Saunders‐Pullman Rachel , Fuchs Tania , San Luciano Marta , Raymond Deborah , Brashear Alison , Ortega Robert , Deik Andres , Ozelius Laurie J. , Bressman Susan B.
Published: February 2014

A founder mutation in the Thanatos‐associated (THAP) domain containing, apoptosis associated protein 1 (THAP1) gene causing primary dystonia was originally described in the Amish‐Mennonites. However, there may be both genotypic and phenotypic heterogeneity of dystonia in this population that may also inform studies in other ethnic groups. Genotyping for THAP1 and for guanine nucleotide binding protein (G protein), α‐activating activity polypeptide, olfactory type (GNAL) mutations and genotype‐phenotype comparisons were performed for 76 individuals of Amish‐Mennonites heritage with primary dystonia. Twenty‐seven individuals had mutations in THAP1—most with the founder indel mutation—but two had different THAP1 mutations, 8 had mutations in GNAL, and 1 had a de novo GAG deletion in torsin 1A (TOR1A) (dystonia 1 [DYT1]). In the primary analysis comparing THAP1 carriers versus all non‐THAP1, non‐GNAL, non‐TOR1A individuals, age at onset was lower in THAP1 carriers (mean age ± standard deviation, 15.5 ± 9.2 years [range, 5‐38 years] vs. 39.2 ± 17.7 years [range, 1‐70 years]; P < 0.001), and THAP1 carriers were more likely to have onset of dystonia in an arm (44.4% vs. 15.0%; P = 0.02) and to have arm involvement (88.9% vs. 22.5%; P < 0.01), leg involvement (51.9% vs. 10.0%; P = 0.01), and jaw/tongue involvement (33.3% vs. 7.5%; P = 0.02) involvement at their final examination. Carriers were less likely to have dystonia restricted to a single site (11.11% in carriers vs. 65.9% in noncarriers; P < 0.01) and were less likely to have dystonia onset in cervical regions (25.9% of THAP1 carriers vs. 52.5% of noncarriers; P = 0.04). Primary dystonia in the Amish‐Mennonites is genetically diverse and includes not only the THAP1 indel founder mutation but also different mutations in THAP1 and GNAL as well as the TOR1A GAG deletion. Phenotype, particularly age at onset combined with final distribution, may be highly specific for the genetic etiology. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Limbic substrates of the effects of neuropeptide Y on intake of and motivation for palatable food
Authors: Pandit Rahul , Luijendijk Mieneke C.M. , Vanderschuren Louk J.M.J. , la Fleur Susanne E. , Adan Roger A.H.
Published: February 2014

Objective

Neuropeptide Y (NPY), given centrally augments food intake and the motivation to work for palatable food. Here, the brain regions were identified through which NPY increases food intake and motivation.

Methods

NPY was infused into three brain regions implicated in food intake and motivation: the lateral hypothalamus (LH), nucleus accumbens shell (NAc), and ventral tegmental area (VTA). Motivation for sucrose was assessed using a progressive‐ratio schedule of reinforcement in which the effort to obtain successive rewards increased incrementally. To disentangle the effects of NPY on motivation for palatable food from food consumption, free‐feeding experiments were performed in which animals had ad libitum access to sucrose pellets.

Results

Infusion of NPY into either VTA or NAc increased the motivation to respond for sucrose, whereas infusion of NPY in either NAc or LH increased sucrose consumption. In addition, the effect of intra‐VTA NPY on motivation for food was attenuated after pretreatment with the dopamine receptor antagonist alpha‐flupenthixol.

Conclusions

Specific limbic substrates through which NPY influences consumption of and motivation for palatable food were identified by these data. The motivational effects of NPY are exerted through the VTA, its consummatory effects through the LH, and the NAc is involved in both.
Effect of electron beam radiation on tensile and viscoelastic properties of styrenic block copolymers
Authors: Wu Jinping , Soucek Mark D. , Cakmak Mukerrem
Published: February 2014

The effect of electron beam (E‐beam) radiation on a series of styrenic block copolymers (SBCs) was investigated. These SBCs included newly developed poly(styrene‐block‐isoprene/butadiene‐block‐styrene) (SIBS), poly(styrene‐block‐butadiene‐block‐styrene) (SBS), and poly(styrene‐block‐isoprene‐block‐styrene) (SIS). The tensile properties, stress relaxation, molecular weight, and dynamical mechanical properties were studied. Generally, the crosslink density and tensile moduli of SBCs increased with increasing of E‐beam radiation dose. The tensile strength of SIBS and SIS was shown to first decrease at lower E‐beam radiation dose (<120 kGy) and then increase at higher radiation dose (>190 kGy). The tensile strength of SBS was significantly decreased at high E‐beam radiation dose (>190 kGy). This was attributed to the differences between entanglement before E‐beam radiation and the homogeneity of the crosslink network after exposure. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:2979–2988, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Field assisted self‐assembly for preferential through thickness (“z‐direction”) alignment of particles and phases by electric, magnetic, and thermal fields using a novel roll‐to‐roll processing line
Authors: Cakmak Miko , Batra Saurabh , Yalcin Baris
Published: February 2014

Many functional films including heat spreaders, ultrahigh density information storage systems, capacitors, batteries, and fuel cell membranes require enhanced through thickness properties. In this paper, we describe a design and demonstration of a multipurpose novel film formation process to orient and align functional nanoparticles and polymer phases using external electric, magnetic, and thermal gradient fields. This roll‐to‐roll processing line uses a casting system that deposits liquid film of a monomer and/or polymer solution on to a flexible substrate. Substrate is carried by belt through an electric field zone that can apply DC, AC, or a biased AC to orient the phases and particles in the vertical direction while subjecting it to UV through its built in transparent conductive carrier. To orient magnetic particles, an electromagnet located along the machine may be used. The final tool that is built on this machine is the thermal alignment zone which is designed to apply a “line of heat” oriented transverse to the machine direction at nine different zones. Using this processing line, we are able to reduce the cost of manufacturing by limiting the amount of functional fillers through directional alignment while enhancing the thickness properties. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:34–46, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Comparative proteomic analysis of methyl jasmonate‐induced defense responses in different rice cultivars
Authors: Li Yunfeng , Nie Yanfang , Zhang Zhihui , Ye Zhijian , Zou Xiaotao , Zhang Lianhui , Wang Zhenzhong
Published: February 2014

Jasmonate is an important endogenous chemical signal that plays a role in modulation of plant defense responses. To understand its mechanisms in regulation of rice resistance against the fungal pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae, comparative phenotype and proteomic analyses were undertaken using two near‐isogenic cultivars with different levels of disease resistance. Methyl‐jasmonate (MeJA) treatment significantly enhanced the resistance against M. oryzae in both cultivars but the treated resistant cultivar maintained a higher level of resistance than the same treated susceptible cultivars. Proteomic analysis revealed 26 and 16 MeJA‐modulated proteins in resistant and susceptible cultivars, respectively, and both cultivars shared a common set of 13 proteins. Cumulatively, a total of 29 unique MeJA‐influenced proteins were identified with many of them known to be associated with plant defense response and ROS accumulation. Consistent with the findings of proteomic analysis, MeJA treatment increased ROS accumulation in both cultivars with the resistant cultivar showing higher levels of ROS production and cell membrane damage than the susceptible cultivar. Taken together, our data add a new insight into the mechanisms of overall MeJA‐induced rice defense response and provide a molecular basis of using MeJA to enhance fungal disease resistance in resistant and susceptible rice cultivars.
MSDA, a proteomics software suite for in‐depth Mass Spectrometry Data Analysis using grid computing
Authors: Carapito Christine , Burel Alexandre , Guterl Patrick , Walter Alexandre , Varrier Fabrice , Bertile Fabrice , Van Dorsselaer Alain
Published: February 2014

One of the major bottlenecks in the proteomics field today resides in the computational interpretation of the massive data generated by the latest generation of high‐throughput MS instruments. MS/MS datasets are constantly increasing in size and complexity and it becomes challenging to comprehensively process such huge datasets and afterwards deduce most relevant biological information. The Mass Spectrometry Data Analysis (MSDA, https://msda.unistra.fr) online software suite provides a series of modules for in‐depth MS/MS data analysis. It includes a custom databases generation toolbox, modules for filtering and extracting high‐quality spectra, for running high‐performance database and de novo searches, and for extracting modified peptides spectra and functional annotations. Additionally, MSDA enables running the most computationally intensive steps, namely database and de novo searches, on a computer grid thus providing a net time gain of up to 99% for data processing.
Crystallographic structure of ChitA, a glycoside hydrolase family 19, plant class IV chitinase from Zea mays
Authors: Chaudet Marcia M. , Naumann Todd A. , Price Neil P.J. , Rose David R.
Published: February 2014

Maize ChitA chitinase is composed of a small, hevein‐like domain attached to a carboxy‐terminal chitinase domain. During fungal ear rot, the hevein‐like domain is cleaved by secreted fungal proteases to produce truncated forms of ChitA. Here, we report a structural and biochemical characterization of truncated ChitA (ChitA ΔN), which lacks the hevein‐like domain. ChitA ΔN and a mutant form (ChitA ΔN‐EQ) were expressed and purified; enzyme assays showed that ChitA ΔN activity was comparable to the full‐length enzyme. Mutation of Glu62 to Gln (ChitA ΔN‐EQ) abolished chitinase activity without disrupting substrate binding, demonstrating that Glu62 is directly involved in catalysis. A crystal structure of ChitA ΔN‐EQ provided strong support for key roles for Glu62, Arg177, and Glu165 in hydrolysis, and for Ser103 and Tyr106 in substrate binding. These findings demonstrate that the hevein‐like domain is not needed for enzyme activity. Moreover, comparison of the crystal structure of this plant class IV chitinase with structures from larger class I and II enzymes suggest that class IV chitinases have evolved to accommodate shorter substrates.
Structural characterization of MepB from Staphylococcus aureus reveals homology to endonucleases
Authors: Agah Sayeh , Poulos Sandra , Banchs Christian , Faham Salem
Published: February 2014

The MepRAB operon in Staphylococcus aureus has been identified to play a role in drug resistance. Although the functions of MepA and MepR are known, little information is available on the function of MepB. Here we report the X‐ray structure of MepB to 2.1 Å revealing its structural similarity to the PD‐(D/E)XK family of endonucleases. We further show that MepB binds DNA and RNA, with a higher affinity towards RNA and single stranded DNA than towards double stranded DNA. Notably, the PD‐(D/E)XK catalytic active site residues are not conserved in MepB. MepB's association with a drug resistance operon suggests that it plays a role in responding to antimicrobials. This role is likely carried out through MepB's interactions with nucleic acids.
Expanding the eco‐evolutionary context of herbicide resistance research
Authors: Neve Paul , Busi Roberto , Renton Michael , Vila‐Aiub Martin M
Published: February 2014

The potential for human-driven evolution in economically and environmentally important organisms in medicine, agriculture and conservation management is now widely recognised. The evolution of herbicide resistance in weeds is a classic example of rapid adaptation in the face of human-mediated selection. Management strategies that aim to slow or prevent the evolution of herbicide resistance must be informed by an understanding of the ecological and evolutionary factors that drive selection in weed populations. Here, we argue for a greater focus on the ultimate causes of selection for resistance in herbicide resistance studies. The emerging fields of eco-evolutionary dynamics and applied evolutionary biology offer a means to achieve this goal and to consider herbicide resistance in a broader and sometimes novel context. Four relevant research questions are presented, which examine (i) the impact of herbicide dose on selection for resistance, (ii) plant fitness in herbicide resistance studies, (iii) the efficacy of herbicide rotations and mixtures and (iv) the impacts of gene flow on resistance evolution and spread. In all cases, fundamental ecology and evolution have the potential to offer new insights into herbicide resistance evolution and management. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Anticancer potency of small linear and cyclic tetrapeptides and pharmacokinetic investigations of peptide binding to human serum albumin
Authors: Sivertsen Annfrid , Tørfoss Veronika , Isaksson Johan , Ausbacher Dominik , Anderssen Trude , Brandsdal Bjørn‐Olav , Havelkova Martina , Skjørholm Anne Elisabeth , Strøm Morten B.
Published: February 2014

We have in the present study explored the anticancer activity against human Burkitt's lymphoma cells (Ramos) of a series of small linear and cyclic tetrapeptides containing a β2,2‐amino acid with either two 2‐naphthyl‐methylene or two para‐CF3‐benzyl side chains, along with their interaction with the main plasma protein human serum albumin (HSA). The cyclic and more amphipathic tetrapeptides revealed a notably higher anticancer potency against Ramos cells [50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) 11–70 μM] compared to the linear tetrapeptide counterparts (IC50 18.7 to >413 μM). The most potent cyclic tetrapeptide c3 had a 16.5‐fold preference for Ramos cells compared to human red blood cells, whereas the cyclic tetrapeptide c1 both showed low hemolytic activity and displayed the overall highest (2.9‐fold) preference for Ramos cells (IC50 23 μM) compared to healthy human lung fibroblast cells (MRC‐5). Investigating the interaction of selected tetrapeptides and recently reported hexapeptides with HSA revealed that the peptides bind to drug site II of HSA in the 22–28 μM range, disregarding size and overall structure. NMR and in silico molecular docking experiments identified the lipophilic residues as responsible for the interaction, but in vitro studies showed that the anticancer potency of the peptides varied in the presence of HSA and that c3 remained the most potent peptide. Based on our findings, we call for implementing serum albumin binding in development of anticancer peptides, as it may have implications for future administration and systemic distribution of peptide‐based cancer drugs. Copyright © 2014 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrochemical behavior in simulated body fluid of TiO2 nanotubes on TiAlNb alloy elaborated in various anodizing electrolyte
Authors: Mazare Anca , Dilea Mirela , Ionita Daniela , Demetrescu Ioana
Published: February 2014

The present study is focused on tailoring the morphology of TiO2 nanotubes obtained on Ti6Al7Nb alloy and evaluating their electrochemical behavior in simulated body fluid. The presence of the α and β phases on the Ti6Al7Nb alloy leads to a two‐scale organization of the nanotubes on the samples – which in turn affects the electrochemical stability. Furthermore, five different types of TiO2 nanotubes were obtained in various electrolytes (e.g. Generation I, a mixture of Generation II and Generation III, Generation III). Electrochemical behavior analysis of all obtained nanotubes morphologies was composed of Tafel plots, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and was correlated with morphology data obtained from SEM (nanotubes diameters from top‐view and nanotube length from cross‐section view). The electrochemical results showed that morphological modifications of the Ti6Al7Nb alloy's surface by electrochemical anodizing have induced changes to the electrochemical behavior of the material, evident in the corrosion rates. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A joint test for progression and survival with interval‐censored data from a cancer clinical trial
Authors: Finkelstein Dianne M. , Schoenfeld David A.
Published: February 2014

Clinical trials often assess efficacy by comparing treatments on the basis of two or more event‐time outcomes. In the case of cancer clinical trials, progression‐free survival (PFS), which is the minimum of the time from randomization to progression or to death, summarizes the comparison of treatments on the hazards for disease progression and mortality. However, the analysis of PFS does not utilize all the information we have on patients in the trial. First, if both progression and death times are recorded, then information on death time is ignored in the PFS analysis. Second, disease progression is monitored at regular clinic visits, and progression time is recorded as the first visit at which evidence of progression is detected. However, many patients miss or have irregular visits (resulting in interval‐censored data) and sometimes die of the cancer before progression was recorded. In this case, the previous progression‐free time could provide additional information on the treatment efficacy. The aim of this paper is to propose a method for comparing treatments that could more fully utilize the data on progression and death. We develop a test for treatment effect based on of the joint distribution of progression and survival. The issue of interval censoring is handled using the very simple and intuitive approach of the Conditional Expected Score Test (CEST). We focus on the application of these methods in cancer research. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Likelihood approaches for proportional likelihood ratio model with right‐censored data
Authors: Zhu Hong
Published: February 2014

Regression methods for survival data with right censoring have been extensively studied under semiparametric transformation models such as the Cox regression model and the proportional odds model. However, their practical application could be limited because of possible violation of model assumption or lack of ready interpretation for the regression coefficients in some cases. As an alternative, in this paper, the proportional likelihood ratio model introduced by Luo and Tsai is extended to flexibly model the relationship between survival outcome and covariates. This model has a natural connection with many important semiparametric models such as generalized linear model and density ratio model and is closely related to biased sampling problems. Compared with the semiparametric transformation model, the proportional likelihood ratio model is appealing and practical in many ways because of its model flexibility and quite direct clinical interpretation. We present two likelihood approaches for the estimation and inference on the target regression parameters under independent and dependent censoring assumptions. Based on a conditional likelihood approach using uncensored failure times, a numerically simple estimation procedure is developed by maximizing a pairwise pseudo‐likelihood. We also develop a full likelihood approach, and the most efficient maximum likelihood estimator is obtained by a profile likelihood. Simulation studies are conducted to assess the finite‐sample properties of the proposed estimators and compare the efficiency of the two likelihood approaches. An application to survival data for bone marrow transplantation patients of acute leukemia is provided to illustrate the proposed method and other approaches for handling non‐proportionality. The relative merits of these methods are discussed in concluding remarks. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Yorckbrücken Berlin
Authors: Lorenz Werner
Published: February 2014

Nach Jahrzehnte langem Verfall ist für die Berliner Yorckbrücken, ein denkmalgeschütztes Ensemble von 26 zwischen 1875 und 1934 errichteten Bahnbrücken, ein konstruktiv und statisch unterlegtes Revitalisierungskonzept erarbeitet worden. Es sieht vor, einen Teil der Brücken neuen Nutzungen als Geh‐, Radweg‐ oder Grünbrücken zuzuführen, andere werden weiterhin von der Bahn genutzt und ersetzt. Als besondere Herausforderung für die Entwicklung der zu erhaltenden Brücken erwiesen sich die gusseisernen Stützen. Unmittelbar neben einer stark befahrenen Straße angeordnet, sind sie für Anpralllasten nicht nachweisbar. Nach einer Einführung zu Geschichte und Bedeutung der Brücken und den denkmalpflegerischen Leitlinien diskutiert der Beitrag verschiedene Varianten zur Lösung der Gussstützenproblematik. Die Umsetzung der Vorzugsvariante wird am Beispiel der Brücke Nr. 5 vorgestellt, die heute die älteste noch erhaltene Stahlbrücke Berlins ist. Als erste der Yorckbrücken wurde sie 2011/2012 im Sinne eines Prototyps instand gesetzt.

Yorckbrücken Berlin – Revitalisation of a listed ensemble of railway bridges including cast iron columns at risk of vehicle impacts. Berlin’s Yorckbrücken are a listed ensemble of 26 railway bridges built between 1875 and 1934. After decades of neglect, a revitalisation concept has been developed, which takes into account their particular structural conditions. It proposes a new usage for several of the original bridges as pedestrian, bicycle or wildlife overpasses, while others that continue as railway bridges will be replaced. Existing cast iron columns, located closely besides a busy road, proved to be a serious challenge for the planned new uses, as they are not verifiable for impact loads. After an introduction into the history and significance of the bridges as well as the preservation guidelines, the article discusses alternative solutions for the problem of the cast iron columns. The implementation of the preferred alternative is presented through the example of bridge no. 5, which is the oldest surviving steel bridge in Berlin. It has been reconditioned in 2011/2012 to act as a sort of prototype for future works on other Yorckbrücken.
Lithium Copper(I) Orthophosphates Li3–xCuxPO4: Synthesis, Crystal Structures, and Electrochemical Properties
Authors: Snyder Katharina , Raguž Branimir , Hoffbauer Wilfried , Glaum Robert , Ehrenberg Hartmut , Herklotz Markus
Published: February 2014

Along the quasi‐binary section Li3PO4 ‐ CuI3PO4 three different phases Li3–xCuIxPO4 each with extended homogeneity range occur under equilibrium conditions (650 ≤ ; ≤ 700 °C). According to single‐crystal X‐ray structure analyses Phase 1 (0 < x ≤ 0.7) adopts the HT‐ or β‐Li3PO4 structure type [Li2.6CuI0.4PO4, Pnma (no. 62), Z = 4, a = 10.4612(2) Å, b = 6.1690(3) Å, c = 4.9854(2) Å, R1 = 0.023, wR2 = 0.062, Goof = 1.12] and Phase 2 (0.9 ≤ x ≤ 1.8) is isotypic to LT‐ or α‐Li3PO4 [Li2.05CuI0.95PO4, Pnm21 (no. 31), Z = 2, a = 6.2113(8) Å, b = 5.2597(7) Å, c = 4.9904(5) Å, R1 = 0.040, wR2 = 0.108, Goof = 0.98]. A preliminary structure model for the copper‐rich Phase 3 (2.1 ≤ x ≤ 2.8) [“Li0.6CuI2.4PO4”, P$\bar{3}$ (no. 147), a = 6.223(1) Å, c = 5.3629(5) Å] could be refined to R1 = 0.07. Sharp 31P‐MAS‐NMR resonances observed in the spectra of Li2.6CuI0.4PO4 (δiso = 10.4 ppm), Li2.05CuI0.95PO4 (δiso = 12.4 ppm), and Li0.84CuI2.16PO4 (δiso = 10.9 ppm) provide evidence for the absence of paramagnetic Cu2+ ions. Pure copper(I) orthophosphate CuI3(PO4) exists as a homogeneous melt ( ≥ 800 °C) and can be obtained as thermodynamically metastable solid by quenching. It is isotypic to Phase 3 [a = 6.284(3) Å, c = 5.408(5) Å]. Electrochemical delithiation of Li2.05CuI0.95PO4 (C/10, C/30) indicates two partially reversible oxidation processes between 3.75 V and 4.80 V (vs. Li0/Li+).
Microwave‐assisted Synthesis, Structure, and Properties of a Heptanuclear Cobalt Cluster with 2‐Ethyliminomethyl‐6‐methoxy‐phenol
Authors: Huang Qiu‐Ping , Li Gui , Zhang Hai‐Yang , Zhang Shu‐Hua , Li He‐Ping
Published: February 2014

The heptanuclear cobalt cluster [Co7(emmp)6(CH3O)6]·(ClO4)2 (1) (Hemmp = 2‐ethyliminomethyl‐6‐methoxy‐phenol) was synthesized by the microwave‐assisted reaction of Co(ClO4)2·6H2O with 3‐ethoxy‐2‐hydroxy‐benzaldehyde (Hehb) and ethylamine in mixed solvent (acetonitrile:methanol = 1:1). Complex 1 was characterized by IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and X‐ray single‐crystal diffraction. The magnetic properties of 1 are discussed. Complex 1 displays dominant ferromagnetic interactions from the nature of the binding modes through μ3‐OCH3 and μ2‐phenoxo.
Extraction of Parabens from Water Samples Using Cloud Point Extraction with a Non‐Ionic Surfactant with β‐Cyclodextrin as Modifier
Authors: Noorashikin Md Saleh , Raoov Muggundha , Mohamad Sharifah , Abas Mhd Radzi
Published: February 2014

A cloud point extraction process using a silicone non‐ionic surfactant to extract selected parabens compounds from water samples was investigated using reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography. The cloud point extraction process, in the presence of β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) as a modifier, is a new extraction process which was optimized with five parameters, i.e. salt concentration, pH of the solution, temperature, surfactant concentration and β‐CD concentration. The developed method with the β‐CD modifier results in an excellent performance on detection of parabens from water samples with limits of detection in the range of 0.017–0.043 μg/L and percentage recoveries from 90.5 to 98.9 %.
Pyropheophytin a and 1,2‐Diacyl‐glycerols Over Time Under Different Storage Conditions in Natural Olive Oils
Authors: Guillaume C. , Gertz Ch. , Ravetti L.
Published: February 2014

The effect of storage conditions (light, temperature, container types) and time on the quality of natural olive oils from different cultivars and Australian regions were studied. The oils’ changing quality was monitored through several physico‐chemical methods (free fatty acids, peroxide value, UV‐spectrometry (K232, K270 and ΔK), induction time, total polyphenol content, bitterness, pyropheophytin a and 1,2‐diacyl‐glycerol content) and sensory analysis over 24 months. Pyropheophytins a and 1,2‐diacyl‐glycerols criteria showed very good performance as indicators of overall olive oil quality and freshness as well as highlighting any problems during the storage of the product. Pyropheophytin a increment averaged 7 % per year and the 1,2‐diacyl‐glycerols decreased at an average of 23 % per year at normal storage conditions over time.
The high-supply, current-dominated continental margin of southeastern South America during the late Quaternary
Authors: Lantzsch Hendrik , Hanebuth Till J.J. , Chiessi Cristiano M. , Schwenk Tilmann , Violante Roberto A.
Published: February 2014

The continental margin off the La Plata Estuary (SE South America) is characterized by high fluvial sediment supply and strong ocean currents. High-resolution sediment-acoustic data combined with sedimentary facies analysis, AMS-14C ages, and neodymium isotopic data allowed us to reconstruct late Quaternary sedimentary dynamics in relation to the two major sediment sources, the La Plata Estuary and the Argentine margin. Sediments from these two provinces show completely different dispersal patterns. We show that the northward-trending La Plata paleo-valley was the sole transit path for the huge volumes of fluvial material during lower sea levels. In contrast, material from the Argentine margin sector was transported northwards by the strong current system. Despite the large sediment volumes supplied by both sources, wide parts of the shelf were characterized by either persistent non-deposition or local short-term depocenter formation. The location and formation history of these depocenters were primarily controlled by the interplay of sea level with current strength and local morphology. The high sediment supply was of secondary importance to the stratigraphic construction, though locally resulting in high sedimentation rates. Thus, the shelf system off the La Plata Estuary can be considered as a hydrodynamic-controlled end-member.
Diagnosing mixing in stratified turbulent flows with a locally defined available potential energy
Authors: Scotti Alberto , White Brian
Published: February 2014

A local available potential energy (APE) density useful as suitable diagnostic tool in turbulent stratified flows is considered under the Boussinesq approximation. The local APE is positive, and in the limit of infinitesimal perturbation from an equilibrium state recovers the Lorenz energy cycle definition of APE. In a turbulent stratified flow, the APE can be Reynolds-decomposed into non-trivial mean and turbulent components, which are connected to the mean and turbulent kinetic energy by suitably defined fluxes. We show that the turbulent buoyancy flux $\overline{w'b'}$ and the rate of production of turbulent APE coincide only under very special circumstances. The framework is applied to derive some global bounds on the mixing efficiency of some representative flows.
Approach to transverse uniformity of concentration distribution of a solute in a solvent flowing along a straight pipe
Authors: Wu Zi , Chen G. Q.
Published: February 2014

Associated with Taylor’s classical analysis of scalar solute dispersion in the laminar flow of a solvent in a straight pipe, this work explores the approach towards transverse uniformity of concentration distribution. Mei’s homogenization technique is extended to find solutions for the concentration transport. Chatwin’s result for the approach to longitudinal normality is recovered in terms of the mean concentration over the cross-section. The asymmetrical structure of the concentration cloud and the transverse variation of the concentration distribution are concretely illustrated for the initial stage. The rate of approach to uniformity is shown to be much slower than that to normality. When the longitudinal normality of mean concentration is well established, the maximum transverse concentration difference remains near one-half of the centroid concentration of the cloud. A time scale up to$10 R^2/D$($R$is the radius of the pipe and$D$is the molecular diffusivity) is suggested to characterize the transition to transverse uniformity, in contrast to the time scale of$0.1 R^2/D$estimated by Taylor for the initial stage of dispersion, and that of$1.0 R^2/D$by Chatwin for longitudinal normality.
Flow-induced vibrations of a rotating cylinder
Authors: Bourguet Rémi , Lo Jacono David
Published: February 2014

The flow-induced vibrations of a circular cylinder, free to oscillate in the cross-flow direction and subjected to a forced rotation about its axis, are analysed by means of two- and three-dimensional numerical simulations. The impact of the symmetry breaking caused by the forced rotation on the vortex-induced vibration (VIV) mechanisms is investigated for a Reynolds number equal to $100$, based on the cylinder diameter and inflow velocity. The cylinder is found to oscillate freely up to a rotation rate (ratio between the cylinder surface and inflow velocities) close to $4$. Under forced rotation, the vibration amplitude exhibits a bell-shaped evolution as a function of the reduced velocity (inverse of the oscillator natural frequency) and reaches $1.9$ diameters, i.e. three times the maximum amplitude in the non-rotating case. The free vibrations of the rotating cylinder occur under a condition of wake–body synchronization similar to the lock-in condition driving non-rotating cylinder VIV. The largest vibration amplitudes are associated with a novel asymmetric wake pattern composed of a triplet of vortices and a single vortex shed per cycle, the ${\rm T} + {\rm S}$ pattern. In the low-frequency vibration regime, the flow exhibits another new topology, the U pattern, characterized by a transverse undulation of the spanwise vorticity layers without vortex detachment; consequently, free oscillations of the rotating cylinder may also develop in the absence of vortex shedding. The symmetry breaking due to the rotation is shown to directly impact the selection of the higher harmonics appearing in the fluid force spectra. The rotation also influences the mechanism of phasing between the force and the structural response.
Combined effects of dietary arginine, leucine and protein levels on fatty acid composition and gene expression in the muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue of crossbred pigs
Authors: Madeira Marta S. , Pires Virgínia M. R. , Alfaia Cristina M. , Luxton Richard , Doran Olena , Bessa Rui J. B. , Prates José A. M.
Published: February 2014

The cumulative effects of dietary arginine, leucine and protein levels on fat content, fatty acid composition and mRNA levels of genes controlling lipid metabolism in pig longissimus lumborum muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) were investigated. The experiment was performed on fifty-four intact male pigs (Duroc × Pietrain × Large White × Landrace crossbred), with a live weight ranging from 59 to 92 kg. The pigs were randomly assigned to one of six experimental treatments (n9). The treatments followed a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement, with two levels of arginine supplementation (0v.1 %) and three levels of a basal diet (normal protein diet, NPD; reduced protein diet, RPD; reduced protein diet to achieve 2 % of leucine, RPDL). The results showed that dietary arginine supplementation did not affect the intramuscular fat (IMF) content and back fat thickness, but increased the total fat in SAT. This effect was associated with an increase in fatty acid synthase (FASN) and stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) mRNA levels in SAT, which suggests that arginine might be involved in the differential regulation of some key lipogenic genes in pig muscle and SAT. The increase in IMF content under the RPD, with or without leucine supplementation, was accompanied by increasedFASNandSCDmRNA levels. Arginine supplementation did not influence the percentage of main fatty acids, while the RPD had a significant effect on fatty acid composition in both tissues. Leucine supplementation of RPD did not change IMF, total fat of SAT and back fat thickness, but increased 16 : 0 and 18 : 1cis-9 and decreased 18 : 2n-6 in muscle.
Consumption of dairy products and the 15-year incidence of age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Gopinath Bamini , Flood Victoria M. , Louie Jimmy C. Y. , Wang Jie Jin , Burlutsky George , Rochtchina Elena , Mitchell Paul
Published: February 2014

Habitual consumption of dairy products has been shown to play an important role in the prevention of several chronic diseases. We aimed to prospectively assess the relationship between the change in dairy product consumption (both regular fat and low/reduced fat) and the 15-year incidence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In the Blue Mountains Eye Study, 2037 participants aged 49 years or above at baseline were re-examined at follow-up in 1997–9, 2002–4 and/or 2007–9. AMD was assessed from retinal photographs. Dietary data were collected using a semi-quantitative FFQ, and servings of dairy product consumption calculated. Over the 15-year follow-up, there were 352, 268 and eighty-four incident cases of any, early and late AMD, respectively. After adjusting for age, sex, current smoking, white cell count and fish consumption, a significant linear trend (Pfor trend = 0·003) was observed with decreasing consumption of total dairy foods and the 15-year incidence of late AMD, comparing the lowestv.highest quintile of intake (OR 2·80, 95 % CI 1·21, 3·04). Over the 15 years, decreased consumption of reduced-fat dairy foods was associated with an increased risk of incident late AMD, comparing the lowest to highest quintile of intake (OR 3·10, 95 % CI 1·18, 8·14,Pfor trend = 0·04). Decreasing total dietary Ca intake over the 15 years was also associated with an increased risk of developing incident late AMD (multivariable-adjustedPfor trend = 0·03). A lower consumption of dairy products (regular and low fat) and Ca was independently associated with a higher risk of developing incident late AMD in the long term. Additional cohort studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Supplementation of ketoacids contributes to the up-regulation of the Wnt7a/Akt/p70S6K pathway and the down-regulation of apoptotic and ubiquitin–proteasome systems in the muscle of 5/6 nephrectomised rats
Authors: Wang Dong-Tao , Lu Lu , Shi Ying , Geng Zhen-Bo , Yin Yi , Wang Ming , Wei Lian-Bo
Published: February 2014

Ketoacids (KA) are known to improve muscle mass among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on a low-protein diet (CKD-LPD), but the mechanism of its preventive effects on muscle atrophy still remains unclear. Since muscle atrophy in CKD may be attributable to the down-regulation of the Wnt7a/Akt/p70S6K pathway and the activation of the ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) and the apoptotic signalling pathway, a hypothesis can readily be drawn that KA supplementation improves muscle mass by up-regulating the Wnt7a/Akt/p70S6K pathway and counteracting the activation of the UPS and caspase-3-dependent apoptosis in the muscle of CKD-LPD rats. Rats with 5/6 nephrectomy were randomly divided into three groups, and fed with either 22 % protein (normal-protein diet; NPD), 6 % protein (LPD) or 5 % protein plus 1 % KA for 24 weeks. Sham-operated rats with NPD intake were used as the control. The results demonstrated that KA supplementation improved protein synthesis and increased related mediators such as Wnt7a, phosphorylated Akt and p70S6K in the muscle of CKD-LPD rats. It also inhibited protein degradation, withheld the increase in ubiquitin and its ligases MAFbx (muscle atrophy F-box) and MuRF1 (muscle ring finger-1) as well as attenuated proteasome activity in the muscle of CKD-LPD rats. Moreover, KA supplementation gave rise to a reduction in DNA fragment, cleaved caspase-3 and 14 kDa actin fragment via the down-regulation of the Bax:Bcl-2 ratio in the muscle of CKD-LPD rats. The beneficial effects unveiled herein further consolidate that KA may be a better therapeutic strategy for muscle atrophy in CKD-LPD.
Specific carotenoid intake is inversely associated with the risk of breast cancer among Chinese women
Authors: Wang Lian , Li Bin , Pan Mei-Xia , Mo Xiong-Fei , Chen Yu-Ming , Zhang Cai-Xia
Published: February 2014

The protective effect of dietary carotenoid intake on the risk of breast cancer is inconclusive. Moreover, data on dietary carotenoids in relation to breast cancer in non-Western populations are scarce. The aim of the present study was to examine the association between dietary carotenoid intake and the risk of breast cancer among Chinese women. A total of 561 cases and 561 controls who were frequency matched by age (5-year interval) and residence were recruited in the present case–control study. Dietary intake information was collected by a face-to-face interview using a validated FFQ. The OR and 95 % CI were assessed by multivariate logistic regression after adjusting for various potential confounders. An inverse association was observed between the consumption of α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin and lutein/zeaxanthin and the risk of breast cancer. The multivariate-adjusted OR for the highest quartile of intake compared with the lowest quartile of intake were 0·61 (95 % CI 0·43, 0·88) for α-carotene, 0·54 (95 % CI 0·38, 0·78) for β-carotene, 0·38 (95 % CI 0·26, 0·52) for β-cryptoxanthin and 0·49 (95 % CI 0·34, 0·71) for lutein/zeaxanthin. Lycopene intake was not found to be associated with the risk of breast cancer, with the adjusted OR of 0·89 (95 % CI 0·61, 1·30). These inverse associations were more evident among pre-menopausal women and women who were exposed to second-hand smoke. The protective effect of specific carotenoid intake was observed for all subtypes of hormone receptor status of breast cancer. The present study indicated that a greater intake of specific carotenoids was associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer among Chinese women residing in Guangdong.
Nutritional adequacy of goat milk infant formulas for term infants: a double-blind randomised controlled trial
Authors: Zhou Shao J. , Sullivan Thomas , Gibson Robert A. , Lönnerdal Bo , Prosser Colin G. , Lowry Dianne J. , Makrides Maria
Published: February 2014

The safety and nutritional adequacy of goat milk infant formulas have been questioned. The primary aim of the present study was to compare the growth and nutritional status of infants fed a goat milk infant formula with those of infants fed a typical whey-based cow milk infant formula. The secondary aim was to examine a range of health- and allergy-related outcomes. A double-blind, randomised controlled trial with 200 formula-fed term infants randomly assigned to receive either goat or cow milk formula from 2 weeks to at least 4 months of age was conducted. A cohort of 101 breast-fed infants was included for comparison. Weight, length and head circumference were measured at 2 weeks and 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 12 months of age. Nutritional status was assessed from serum albumin, urea, creatinine, Hb, ferritin, and folate and plasma amino acid concentrations at 4 months.Z-scores for weight, length, head circumference and weight for length were not different between the two formula-fed groups. There were differences in the values of some amino acids and blood biomarkers between the formula-fed groups, but the mean values for biomarkers were within the normal reference range. There were no differences in the occurrence of serious adverse events, general health, and incidence of dermatitis or medically diagnosed food allergy. The incidence of parentally reported blood-stained stools was higher in the goat milk formula-fed group, although this was a secondary outcome and its importance is unclear. Goat milk formula provided growth and nutritional outcomes in infants that did not differ from those provided by a standard whey-based cow milk formula.
Morphological and molecular characterization ofMermisnigrescensDujardin, (Nematoda: Mermithidae) parasitizing the introduced European earwig (Dermaptera: Forficulidae) in New Zealand
Authors: Presswell B. , Evans S. , Poulin R. , Jorge F.
Published: February 2014

Parasitic nematodes of the family Mermithidae were found to be infecting the introduced European earwigForficula auricularia(Dermaptera: Forficulidae) in Dunedin, South Island, New Zealand. Adult females were later collected from various garden plants while depositing eggs. These mermithid specimens were identified morphologically asMermis nigrescensDujardin, 1842. A genetic distance of 0.7% between these specimens and aM. nigrescensisolate from Canada (18S rRNA gene), suggests that they have diverged genetically, but there are currently no available comparable sequences for the EuropeanM. nigrescens. Two additional nuclear fragments were also amplified, the 28S rRNA and the ribosomal DNA first internal transcribed spacer (ITS1), providing a basis for future studies. Bearing in mind the morphological similarity with other reportedM. nigrescensand the lack of sequence data from other parts of the world, we retain the nameM.nigrescens,and suggest that the species may be found to represent a complex of cryptic species when more worldwide data are available. Herein, we present a brief description of the post-parasitic worms and adult females, along with an inferred phylogeny using 18S rRNA gene sequences.
The Endurance of Uncertainty: Antisociality and Ontological Anarchy in British Psychiatry, 1950–2010
Authors: Pickersgill Martyn
Published: February 2014

Argument

Research into the biological markers of pathology has long been a feature of British psychiatry. Such somatic indicators and associated features of mental disorder often intertwine with discourse on psychological and behavioral correlates and causes of mental ill-health. Disorders of sociality – particularly psychopathy and antisocial personality disorder – are important instances where the search for markers of pathology has a long history; research in this area has played an important role in shaping how mental health professionals understand the conditions. Here, I characterize the multiplicity of psychiatric praxis that has sought to define the mark of antisociality as a form of “ontological anarchy.” I regard this as an essential feature of the search for biological and other markers of an unstable referent, positing that uncertainties endure – in part – precisely because of attempts to build consensus regarding the ontology of antisociality through biomedical means. Such an account is suggestive of the co-production of biomarkers, mental disorder, and psychiatric institutions.
Sex in the Witness Stand: Erotic Sensationalism, Voyeurism, Sexual Boasting, and Bawdy Humor in Nineteenth-Century Illinois Courts
Authors: Hayes Melissa A.
Published: February 2014

Twenty-something John Dunn remembered July 17, 1872 well. A witness for the defense in both a bastardy trial brought by 15-year-old Mary Morgan and a later seduction suit brought by her father, John would recount that summer day by drawing on the rough, sexual slang he likely used in conversations with male friends. After he was sworn in, John informed the legal participants and curious local spectators gathered at the Perry County Circuit Court that the July 17 buggy ride with young Mary had presented him with the opportunity to “feel of her titties and monkey.” John's testimony was hardly the most vulgar given during the proceedings. Another character witness, Robert B. Ward, disclosed a particularly salacious conversation he had overheard while in the “privy” behind a DuQuoin general store. Eavesdropping, Ward listened to two young men discuss Mary Morgan's “condition” with one another. The man Ward recognized, Thomas Williams, told his friend he would leave the state rather than marry a girl who “ran around screwing this one and that one,” if Mary did happen to “swear the child on him.” Thomas's buddy agreed that dodging the law would be preferable to matrimony with Mary for she had not “behaved herself.” “I have screwed her as often as I have fingers and toes, or oftener, and you know it,” he confided to Thomas. “Yes I know that,” Thomas replied, “She don't know more than a hog whose child it is.”