bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alcohol and Illicit Drug Use
Authors: Brossoie Nancy
Published: December 2015

Alcohol and illicit drug use is a growing public health problem among adults. In 2007, drug use cost the US economy $193 billion in lost productivity, criminal justice costs, and healthcare expenditures. The allure of using drugs comes from the pleasurable rewards received when the drug reaches the brain's reward center. A drug's interference with neural communications can lead to addiction and the need to consume larger doses. Advances in neurobiology have enabled scientists to uncover brain mechanisms and systems that help explain brain functioning and contribute to evidence‐based models that explain drug dependence. Neuroimaging has enabled researchers to identify structural changes to the brain caused by drug use, which has led to the current conceptualization of addiction as a disease rather than a physical health problem caused by personal moral failings. Recovery from addiction is a challenging process that is most effective when followed by a comprehensive treatment plan.
Healthcare and Health Insurance
Authors: Mortensen Karoline , Bloodworth Robin , Gaeta Raphael
Published: December 2015

Employer‐sponsored health insurance coverage is the principal source of health insurance coverage in the United States, covering almost 150 million individuals. This entry details the evolution of employer‐sponsored health insurance and key pieces of legislation that regulate insurance, describes the types of private plans available, and examines trends in enrollment and employer offering of private health insurance plans. Insurance options for early retirees are explored. An overview of the major impacts of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act on health insurance markets for workers is provided.
Lifelong Learning
Authors: Fernández‐Ballesteros Rocío , Molina María Ángeles
Published: December 2015

Aging entails not only a greater probability of disability and illness but also broader human capital. Lifelong learning (LLL) is advocated as a general policy aimed at extending, enlarging, and empowering human resources. Since plasticity is a human characteristic, and optimization and compensation are adaptation mechanisms, LLL also reflects an individual's need for better adaptation to the environment by learning throughout life. The term
lifelong learning
encompasses all forms of formal, nonformal, and informal learning; it covers all learning opportunities across the whole lifespan and embraces all citizens. While there is theoretical and empirical research in support of LLL, it cannot be regarded as a scientific concept, since it is poorly operationalized and embraces a diverse range of heterogeneous structures, contents, and activities. The establishment of a classification system enabling comparison of different types of program, together with evaluation research that accounts for such programs' effectiveness and efficiency, is a priority in this field.
Language Comprehension
Authors: Liu Xiaomei , Giffin Laura B. , Stine‐Morrow Elizabeth A. L.
Published: December 2015

The effects of aging on language comprehension are complex due to both the nature of the different processing levels in language and the nature of multidirectional changes in cognition with age. Older adults may show disadvantages in certain areas of language processing because of biological declines associated with normal aging that affect sensory processing and fluid abilities such as working memory capacity. However, preserved vocabulary, reading experience, and domain‐specific knowledge confer advantages in maintaining language comprehension.
Aglaosthenes (

FGrH

499)
Authors: Alley Dennis R.
Published: December 2015

Aglaosthenes (
FGrH
499) was a Greek historian of the late fourth to the early third century
bce
who wrote extensively on themes of mythographic and local historical interest.
Aieluros (

FGrH

528)
Authors: Alley Dennis R.
Published: December 2015

Aieluros was a Greek historian mentioned in the Lindian Chronicle, but otherwise unknown.
Alexander of Aphrodisias
Authors: Falcon Andrea
Published: December 2015

Titus Aurelius Alexander was a Peripatetic philosopher from the city of Aphrodisias in Caria. We do not have precise dates for him, but his activity can be safely dated to the late second and early third century
ce
. Concerned with expounding Aristotle's philosophy, Alexander offered a comprehensive and compelling reading of Aristotle, which was transmitted first to late antiquity, and then from late antiquity to the Arabic world and beyond.
Asia, Central
Authors: Lerner Jeffrey D.
Published: December 2015

Central Asia extends from Mongolia in the east to the Caspian Sea in the west, and from the southern Siberian taiga in the north to the northwestern Indian subcontinent in the south.
Blegen, Carl (1887–1971)
Authors: Karadimas Nektarios
Published: December 2015

Carl Blegen (1887–1971) was an American archaeologist and Professor of Classical Archaeology at the University of Cincinnati (1927–57). He was undoubtedly one of the foremost figures in Aegean prehistory. Together with the archaeologist Alan Wace, he established a new tripartite chronological system that divided the Bronze Age of the Greek mainland into Early, Middle, and Late Helladic periods. Blegen is renowned for his excavations at Troy in Turkey (1932–8) and at the so‐called Palace of Nestor at Pylos in southwest Messenia, Greece (1939, 1952–69).
Demosion Sema
Authors: Monaco Maria Chiara
Published: December 2015

The Demosion Sema was a public cemetery in the north–west
proasteion
of Athens. Here those fallen in war were buried, at public expense, in collective graves. The establishment of the ceremony after the reforms of Kleisthenes has often been connected to Kimon's policies and the translation of the bones of Theseus from Skyros but may have been earlier. Owing to the paucity of archaeological data breadth and limits of the cemetery remain controversial.
Fabius Maximus, Q.
Authors: Fronda Michael P.
Published: December 2015

Quintus Fabius Maximus Verrucosus Cunctator was one of the most celebrated and accomplished Roman politicians of the Middle Republic. He achieved his greatest fame during the Second Punic War as a successful general and statesman. He is credited for masterminding the strategy of waging a war of attrition to wear down Hannibal's forces, rather than fighting pitched battles, which favored Hannibal's superior generalship. Adherence to the Fabian Strategy is seen as a key factor in Rome's victory in the war. He earned a lasting legacy in the Roman tradition as the embodiment of traditional republican aristocratic excellence.
Galatas in Crete
Authors: Christakis Kostis S.
Published: December 2015

Galatas in central Crete was inhabited from 3500 to 1190
bce
. An important settlement during the Protopalatial period, it was transformed into a palatial urban center early in the Neopalatial period. The palace was a monumental structure with a considerable visual impact on the surrounding communities. The local ruling group controlled the agricultural and pastoral recourses of the Pediada plain and the routes leading to the major polities of central Crete. There is evidence that close relations were established with the neighboring polity of Knossos. The abandonment of the palace during the Neopalatial period was seen as the result of the confrontation of the local elite and Knossos.
Labeo
Authors: Kehoe Dennis
Published: December 2015

Labeo was a leading jurist of the Augustan age and his writings, on a variety of topics, influenced the subsequent juristic tradition. Under Augustus, Labeo maintained the strong republican sympathies of his father, who took his life after the battle of Philippi, and in the Roman historiographical tradition he represented a voice of fierce independence from the emperor. He was a prolific writer; his most important works included a commentary on the Praetor's Edict and theLibri posteriores, a work designed to be a commentary on the civil law, which remained incomplete at his death.
Qatna
Authors: Beckman Gary
Published: December 2015

Qatna was an important Syrian regional kingdom during the Middle and Late Bronze Ages.
Thales of Miletos
Authors: Nebelin Katarina
Published: December 2015

Thales of Miletos was a Presocratic philosopher and one of the so‐called Seven Sages. He was commonly regarded as the first mathematician, geometrician, and astronomer. The notion that Thales was the “founding father” of philosophy and most of the reports about his philosophical thinking go back to Aristotle. No writings of Thales existed, but, due to his intellectual prestige, he was often portrayed as the typical wise man and philosophical thinker.
Ulpian
Authors: Frier Bruce W.
Published: December 2015

Ulpian (Domitius Ulpianus) was one of the foremost Roman jurists during the Severan period (193–235
ce
). This article traces what little is known his career, and then discusses his numerous writings, particularly his huge commentaries on the basic texts of Roman private law. Ulpian is known primarily as a compiler of varying opinions from earlier jurists, which he sets out systematically; but his other writings are dominated by his interest in imperial administration. His broad perspective made him an attractive source for the compilers of Justinian's
Digest
.
Compound heterozygous mutations in NEK8 in siblings with end‐stage renal disease with hepatic and cardiac anomalies
Authors: Rajagopalan Ramakrishnan , Grochowski Christopher M. , Gilbert Melissa A. , Falsey Alexandra M. , Coleman Karlene , Romero Rene , Loomes Kathleen M. , Piccoli David A. , Devoto Marcella , Spinner Nancy B.
Published: December 2015

We studied two brothers who presented in the newborn period with cardiac, renal, and hepatic anomalies that were initially suggestive of ALGS, although no mutations in JAG1 or NOTCH2 were identified. Exome sequencing demonstrated compound heterozygous mutations in the NEK8 gene (Never in mitosis A‐related Kinase 8), a ciliary kinase indispensable for cardiac and renal development based on murine studies. The mutations included a c.2069_2070insC variant (p.Ter693LeufsTer86), and a c.1043C>T variant (p.Thr348Met) in the highly conserved RCC1 (Regulation of Chromosome Condensation 1) domain. The RCC1 domain is crucial for localization of the NEK8 protein to the centrosomes and cilia. Mutations in NEK8 have been previously reported in three fetuses (from a single family) with renal‐hepatic‐pancreatic dysplasia 2 (RHPD2), similar to Ivemark syndrome, and in three individuals with nephronophthisis (NPHP9). This is the third report of disease‐causing mutations in the NEK8 gene in humans and only the second describing multi‐organ involvement. The clinical features we describe differ from those in the previously published report in that (1) a pancreatic phenotype was not observed in the individuals reported here, (2) there were more prominent cardiac findings, (consistent with observations in murine models), and (3) we observed bile duct hypoplasia rather than ductal plate malformation. The patients reported here expand our understanding of the NEK8‐associated phenotype. Our findings highlight the variable phenotypic expressivity and the spectrum of clinical manifestations due to mutations in the NEK8 gene. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Thermal consequences of increased pelt loft infer an additional utilitarian function for grooming
Authors: McFarland Richard , Henzi S. Peter , Barrett Louise , Wanigaratne Anuradha , Coetzee Elsie , Fuller Andrea , Hetem Robyn S. , Mitchell Duncan , Maloney Shane K.
Published: December 2015

A strong case has been made that the primary function of grooming is hygienic. Nevertheless, its persistence in the absence of hygienic demand, and its obvious tactical importance to members of primate groups, underpins the view that grooming has become uncoupled from its utilitarian objectives and is now principally of social benefit. We identify improved thermoregulatory function as a previously unexplored benefit of grooming and so broaden our understanding of the utilitarian function of this behavior. Deriving the maximum thermal benefits from the pelt requires that it be kept clean and that the loft of the pelt is maintained (i.e., greater pelt depth), both of which can be achieved by grooming. In a series of wind‐tunnel experiments, we measured the heat transfer characteristics of vervet monkey (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) pelts in the presence and absence of backcombing, which we used as a proxy for grooming. Our data indicate that backcombed pelts have improved thermal performance, offering significantly better insulation than flattened pelts and, hence, better protection from the cold. Backcombed pelts also had significantly lower radiant heat loads compared to flattened pelts, providing improved protection from radiant heat. Such thermal benefits, therefore, furnish grooming with an additional practical value to which its social use is anchored. Given the link between thermoregulatory ability and energy expenditure, our findings suggest that grooming for thermal benefits may be an important explanatory variable in the relationship between levels of sociability and individual fitness. Am. J. Primatol. 78:456–461, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Shape variation in the human pelvis and limb skeleton: Implications for obstetric adaptation
Authors: Kurki Helen K. , Decrausaz Sarah‐Louise
Published: December 2015

Objectives

Under the obstetrical dilemma (OD) hypothesis, selection acts on the human female pelvis to ensure a sufficiently sized obstetric canal for birthing a large‐brained, broad shouldered neonate, while bipedal locomotion selects for a narrower and smaller pelvis. Despite this female‐specific stabilizing selection, variability of linear dimensions of the pelvic canal and overall size are not reduced in females, suggesting shape may instead be variable among females of a population. Female canal shape has been shown to vary among populations, while male canal shape does not. Within this context, we examine within‐population canal shape variation in comparison with that of noncanal aspects of the pelvis and the limbs.

Materials and Methods

Nine skeletal samples (total female n = 101, male n = 117) representing diverse body sizes and shapes were included. Principal components analysis was applied to size‐adjusted variables of each skeletal region. A multivariate variance was calculated using the weighted PC scores for all components in each model and F‐ratios used to assess differences in within‐population variances between sexes and skeletal regions.

Results

Within both sexes, multivariate canal shape variance is significantly greater than noncanal pelvis and limb variances, while limb variance is greater than noncanal pelvis variance in some populations. Multivariate shape variation is not consistently different between the sexes in any of the skeletal regions.

Discussion

Diverse selective pressures, including obstetrics, locomotion, load carrying, and others may act on canal shape, as well as genetic drift and plasticity, thus increasing variation in morphospace while protecting obstetric sufficiency. Am J Phys Anthropol 159:630–638, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Exome‐based analysis of cardiac arrhythmia, respiratory control, and epilepsy genes in sudden unexpected death in epilepsy
Authors: Bagnall Richard D. , Crompton Douglas E. , Petrovski Slavé , Lam Lien , Cutmore Carina , Garry Sarah I. , Sadleir Lynette G. , Dibbens Leanne M. , Cairns Anita , Kivity Sara , Afawi Zaid , Regan Brigid M. , Duflou Johan , Berkovic Samuel F. , Scheffer Ingrid E. , Semsarian Christopher
Published: December 2015

Objective

The leading cause of epilepsy‐related premature mortality is sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). The cause of SUDEP remains unknown. To search for genetic risk factors in SUDEP cases, we performed an exome‐based analysis of rare variants.

Methods

Demographic and clinical information of 61 SUDEP cases were collected. Exome sequencing and rare variant collapsing analysis with 2,936 control exomes were performed to test for genes enriched with damaging variants. Additionally, cardiac arrhythmia, respiratory control, and epilepsy genes were screened for variants with frequency of <0.1% and predicted to be pathogenic with multiple in silico tools.

Results

The 61 SUDEP cases were categorized as definite SUDEP (n = 54), probable SUDEP (n = 5), and definite SUDEP plus (n = 2). We identified de novo mutations, previously reported pathogenic mutations, or candidate pathogenic variants in 28 of 61 (46%) cases. Four SUDEP cases (7%) had mutations in common genes responsible for the cardiac arrhythmia disease, long QT syndrome (LQTS). Nine cases (15%) had candidate pathogenic variants in dominant cardiac arrhythmia genes. Fifteen cases (25%) had mutations or candidate pathogenic variants in dominant epilepsy genes. No gene reached genome‐wide significance with rare variant collapsing analysis; however, DEPDC5 (p = 0.00015) and KCNH2 (p = 0.0037) were among the top 30 genes, genome‐wide.

Interpretation

A sizeable proportion of SUDEP cases have clinically relevant mutations in cardiac arrhythmia and epilepsy genes. In cases with an LQTS gene mutation, SUDEP may occur as a result of a predictable and preventable cause. Understanding the genetic basis of SUDEP may inform cascade testing of at‐risk family members. Ann Neurol 2016;79:522–534
Efficient production of uniform nanometer‐sized polymer vesicles in stirred‐tank reactors
Authors: Poschenrieder Sarah Theresa , Wagner Sabine Gabriele , Castiglione Kathrin
Published: December 2015

Polymer vesicles, so‐called polymersomes, gain more and more attention as potential carriers for medical and biotechnological applications. To put the production of these nanocompartments into action at an industrial scale, an efficient and scalable process has to be established. Moreover, being able to control the resulting particle size distribution (PSD) is vital. In this work, the amphiphilic triblock copolymer poly(2‐methyloxazoline)15–poly(dimethylsiloxane)68–poly(2‐methyloxazoline)15 is formed into polymersomes in miniaturized stirred‐tank reactors. Varying flow conditions have a huge impact on the resulting PSD. Dynamic light scattering measurements show that driving a S‐shaped stirrer at 4000 rpm in unbaffled reactors leads to a monomodal PSD with a low polydispersity index (PDI<0.2). Vesicles with a mean diameter of 200 nm are achieved within less than 1 h in a single production step. The robustness of the established process is shown by producing uniform polymersomes at different temperatures and varying pH and buffer molarities. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43274.
Preparation and characterization of lovastatin polymeric microparticles by coacervation‐phase separation method for dissolution enhancement
Authors: Al‐Nimry Suhair S. , Khanfar Mai S.
Published: December 2015

Dissolution rate of lovastatin is slow, only 30% of the oral dose is absorbed, and it undergoes extensive first‐pass extraction resulting in low and variable bioavailability. The objective of this research was to enhance the dissolution rate through preparing polymeric microparticles. Coacervation‐phase separation method through the addition of a non‐solvent was used to prepare polymeric microparticles. The method was optimized through studying effects of the type of solvent, the type of polymer, drug : polymer ratio and concentration of surfactant on particle size, particle size distribution, and in‐vitro drug release. Optimized polymeric microparticles and unprocessed drug were characterized using different techniques (SEM, FTIR, DSC, and PXRD) and their flow properties were evaluated. The optimum microparticles were prepared using ethanol as a solvent, Eudragit® L 100 as a polymer in a drug:polymer ratio of 1:2 and SDS in a concentration of 0.25%. Characterization techniques indicated a change from the crystalline form to an amorphous form that was molecularly dispersed into the polymer. Flow properties of these microparticles were improved as compared to unprocessed drug. Drug release was enhanced 4‐ to 5‐folds probably due to precipitation of the drug in an amorphous form; wetting enhancement; size reduction and stabilization by polymers and surfactants. In conclusion the selection of proper process parameters enhanced drug release 5 folds. The use of DMSO as a solvent and the preparation of physical mixtures in this research provided a means for controlled or prolonged release. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43277.
Highly methanol resistant and selective ternary blend membrane composed of sulfonated PVdF‐co‐HFP, sulfonated polyaniline and nafion
Authors: Dutta Kingshuk , Das Suparna , Kundu Patit Paban
Published: December 2015

Partially sulfonated poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoro propylene)/partially sulfonated polyaniline (SPVdF‐co‐HFP/SPAni) binary blend membranes have shown promising results in terms of low methanol permeability and high membrane selectivity compared to Nafion‐117 membrane. However, the proton conductivity and IEC of this binary blend membrane was much lower than Nafion‐117. It was found that incorporation of minimal quantity of Nafion within SPVdF‐co‐HFP/SPAni blend membrane at a constituent weight % ratio of SPVdF‐co‐HFP:SPAni:Nafion = 50:40:10 induced significant improvements in ion‐exchange capacity (IEC), proton conductivity and tensile strength over that of the binary blend membrane. In addition, the SPVdF‐co‐HFP/SPAni/Nafion ternary blend membrane exhibited much lower methanol permeability, higher membrane and relative selectivities and comparable IEC to Nafion‐117. In effect, presence of minimal quantity of Nafion induced significant positive attributes to the ternary blend membrane; and assisted in reaching a balance between material cost and properties. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43294.
Effective permittivity of nanocomposites from 3D charge transport simulations
Authors: Lean Meng H. , Chu Wei‐Ping L.
Published: December 2015

The effective permittivity and stored energy in nanocomposites incorporating dielectric and conducting nanofillers are computed by simulating bipolar charge injection, transport, attachment, and recombination through amorphous polymer using a self‐consistent 3D particle‐in‐cell model with nanofillers treated as extensions to the classical electrical double layer. Effective permittivities computed using an energy conserving scheme is shown to have excellent agreement with the Lichtenecker, Bruggeman, and Maxwell‐Garnett mixing rules especially at low volume fraction, low permittivity contrast, and small Clausius‐Mossotti factor, and lie well within the Wiener bounds. The energy conserving scheme with Maxwell‐Garnett E field interpolation combines the best of the Maxwell‐Garnett and fundamental Lichtenecker rules and results in broad validity over the entire volume fraction range. Computed stored energies show monotonic increase with dielectric fillers and a peak at 25 vol % for conducting fillers, attributed to the competing effects of higher energy with increasing E field modification and lower energy with decreasing binder volume. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43300.
Walnut shell supported nanoscale Fe0 for the removal of Cu(II) and Ni(II) ions from water
Authors: Yang Facui , He Yuanyuan , Sun Shiqi , Chang Yue , Zha Fei , Lei Ziqiang
Published: December 2015

The walnut shell supported nanoscale zero‐valent iron (walnut‐nZVI) was prepared from sodium borohydride, iron(II) chloride tetrahydrate, and walnut shell by liquid phase chemical reduction and characterized by FTIR, TEM, and XRD. The composites were tested as adsorbent for the removal of Cu(II) or Ni(II) ions. The equilibrium data were analyzed by the Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin–Radushkevich, which revealed that Langmuir isotherm was more suitable for describing Cu(II) and Ni(II) ions adsorption than the other two isotherm models. The results indicated that the maximum adsorption capacity was higher than some other modified biomass waste adsorbents under the proposed conditions, were 458.7, 327.9 mg g−1 for Cu(II) or Ni(II). The adsorption kinetics data indicated that the adsorption fitted well with the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43304.
Thermooxidative aging mechanism of crumb‐rubber‐modified asphalt
Authors: Wang Shifeng , Wang Qiang , Li Shuo
Published: December 2015

We investigated the thermooxidative aging mechanism of crumb‐rubber‐modified asphalts (CRMAs) by tracing the evolution of the chemical structure and physical properties of CRMA during aging. The chemical structural evolution of crumb rubber (CR) in various aged CRMAs was characterized by measurement of the crosslink structure and composition of extracted CR. The residual asphalt of the aged CRMA was investigated by IR spectroscopy. The physical properties of CRMA were characterized by conventional testing before and after aging. We found that the change in the physical properties of CRMA correlated well with both the evolution of the rubber network and the oxidation of asphalt. The thermooxidative aging resistance of CRMA was improved with increasing CR dosage; this further illustrated that aging promoted the dissolution of CR into asphalt. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43323.
Determination of the Hansen solubility parameters with a novel optimization method
Authors: Weng Ming
Published: December 2015

The Hansen solubility parameters (HSPs) are useful for predicting solvent–solute affinity. In this study, the HSPs and the sphere radii (Ro's) of poly(ether sulfone), bitumen, and lignin were determined by a novel optimization method. A hybrid algorithm, which could locate multiple optima, was developed and used to solve optimization problems for maximizing the fitness (F) and minimizing both Ro and the numbers of good solvent and total outliers. For most selected samples, improved results with higher F and reduced Ro and number of outliers were obtained. The results clarify the correlations among three criteria for an optimal solubility sphere, namely, the smallest Ro, highest F, and lowest number of outliers. They can be satisfied simultaneously only when outliers are avoided; otherwise, a reduction in Ro decreases F but can retain the same outliers. Thereby, defining the solubility sphere as the one having the smallest Ro and the lowest number of outliers is more reasonable according to the physical significance in both cases. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43328.
Effect of All‐Trans Retinoic Acid on the Pancreas of Streptozotocin‐Induced Diabetic Rat
Authors: Eltony Sohair A. , Elmottaleb Nashwa A. , Gomaa Asmaa M. , Anwar Mamdouh M. , El‐Metwally Tarek H.
Published: December 2015

All‐trans Retinoic acid (atRA) is instructive for the development of endocrine pancreas and is an integral component of β‐cell induction protocols. We showed that atRA induces glucose‐responsive endocrine transdifferentiation of pleomorphic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells in vitro. This study aimed to detect the role of atRA in improving the histological changes of the pancreas in diabetic rats. Forty young male Wistar rats were used and divided into three groups. Group I: normal vehicle control (N = 5). Group II: streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats (N = 20) were followed up at 0.0, 1, 2, and 4 weeks. Group III: streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats (N = 15) treated with atRA (2.5 mg/kg/day), were followed up at 1, 2, and 4 weeks. Specimens from the pancreas were processed for light, electron microscopy and pancreatic insulin mRNA expression. Blood samples were assayed for the levels of glucose, insulin, and total peroxides. In the atRA‐treated group, the number of the islets and the islet area significantly increased. Strong insulin‐immunoreactive endocrine‐like cells were observed nearby the pancreatic acini and the interlobular ducts. Interestingly, insulin‐positive cells seemed to arise from pancreatic acinar and ductal epithelium. Ultrastructurally, ß‐cells, acinar, and ductal cells restored their normal appearance. Pancreatic insulin mRNA and blood indices were almost normalized. AtRA improved the histological changes of the pancreas and the blood indices in diabetic rats. Anat Rec, 299:334–351, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Adsorption of Pb(II) and Cd(II) Ions Onto Dye‐Attached Sawdust
Authors: Tekin Kubilay , Akalin Mehmet K. , Uzun Lokman , Karagöz Selhan , Bektaş Sema , Denizli Adil
Published: December 2015

Sawdust from Pinus sylvestris was modified with Cibacron Blue F3GA. The dye was attached to the sawdust through a chemical reaction under alkaline conditions. The modified sawdust was then used to evaluate the adsorption of Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions by investigating the effects adsorption time, pH and metal ion concentration. Adsorption rates were rapid and reached equilibrium after 15 min. The Langmuir isotherm was better fitted than the Freundlich isotherm for both metal ions. The maximum capacities of the monolayer adsorption were 56 μmol/g for Pb(II) and 72 μmol/g for Cd(II). Adsorption–desorption studies showed that Cibacron Blue F3GA‐attached sawdust from P. sylvestris can be used repeatedly to adsorb heavy metal ions without significant loss of adsorptive capacity.
Extracellular matrix bioscaffolds in tissue remodeling and morphogenesis
Authors: Swinehart Ilea T. , Badylak Stephen F.
Published: December 2015

During normal morphogenesis the extracellular matrix (ECM) influences cell motility, proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation. Tissue engineers have attempted to harness the cell signaling potential of ECM to promote the functional reconstruction, if not regeneration, of injured or missing adult tissues that otherwise heal by the formation of scar tissue. ECM bioscaffolds, derived from decellularized tissues, have been used to promote the formation of site appropriate, functional tissues in many clinical applications including skeletal muscle, fibrocartilage, lower urinary tract, and esophageal reconstruction, among others. These scaffolds function by the release or exposure of growth factors and cryptic peptides, modulation of the immune response, and recruitment of progenitor cells. Herein, we describe this process of ECM induced constructive remodeling and examine similarities to normal tissue morphogenesis. Developmental Dynamics 245:351–360, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A novel computational framework for thermal‐hydrological‐mechanical‐chemical processes of CO2 geological sequestration into a layered saline aquifer and a naturally fractured enhanced geothermal system
Authors: Zhang Ronglei , Xiong Yi , Winterfeld Philip H. , Yin Xiaolong , Wu Yu‐Shu
Published: December 2015

CO2 geo‐sequestration into saline aquifers and an enhanced geothermal system (EGS) are two of the most effective solutions to reduce CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. The significance of thermal‐hydrological‐mechanical‐chemical (THMC) interactions is well identified in these two processes: fluid and heat flow, solute transport within a three‐phase mixture; stresses and displacements related to geomechanical effects; non‐isothermal effects on fluid properties and reaction processes; and equilibrium and kinetics of fluid‐rock and gas‐rock chemical interactions. In this paper, a novel numerical model is developed to describe the THMC processes mathematically. One mean stress formulation, which is simplified from the geomechanical equations with full stress tensor, is employed to solve mean stresses and displacements. Chemical equilibrium and kinetics are considered to quantitatively simulate geochemical reaction associated with solute transport. A sequentially coupled computational framework is proposed and used to solve reactive transport of water, gas components, and chemical species in subsurface formation with geomechanics. It is designed to keep a generalized computational structure for different THMC processes. A practical case with complex chemical compositions is presented to analyze the THMC processes quantitatively on the coupled effects of geochemistry and geomechanics during CO2 geo‐sequestration. In addition, a practical EGS case is presented to address the mutual effects of each THMC process quantitatively, especially the mutual effects of stress and chemical reaction. Heat transfer affects mean stress and geochemical reactions; mean stress impacts the solute transport and successive chemical reactions; and geochemical reactions are shown to have significant impact on the mean stress, pressure, or temperature.
Metabolic spatial connectivity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis as revealed by independent component analysis
Authors: Pagani Marco , Öberg Johanna , De Carli Fabrizio , Calvo Andrea , Moglia Cristina , Canosa Antonio , Nobili Flavio , Morbelli Silvia , Fania Piercarlo , Cistaro Angelina , Chiò Adriano
Published: December 2015

Objectives

Positron emission tomography (PET) and volume of interest (VOI) analysis have recently shown in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) an accuracy of 93% in differentiating patients from controls. The aim of this study was to disclose by spatial independent component analysis (ICA) the brain networks involved in ALS pathological processes and evaluate their discriminative value in separating patients from controls. Experimental design: Two hundred fifty‐nine ALS patients and 40 age‐ and sex‐matched control subjects underwent brain 18F‐2‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose PET (FDG‐PET). Spatial ICA of the preprocessed FDG‐PET images was performed. Intensity values were converted to z‐scores and binary masks were used as data‐driven VOIs. The accuracy of this classifier was tested versus a validated system processing intensity signals in 27 brain meta‐VOIs. A support vector machine was independently applied to both datasets and the ‘leave‐one‐out’ technique verified the general validity of results. Principal observations: The 8 components selected as pathophysiologically meaningful discriminated patients from controls with 99.0% accuracy, the discriminating value of bilateral cerebellum/midbrain alone representing 96.3%. Among the meta‐VOIs, right temporal lobe alone reached an accuracy of 93.7%. Conclusions: Spatial ICA identified in a very large cohort of ALS patients distinct spatial networks showing a high discriminatory value, improving substantially on the previously obtained accuracy. The cerebellar/midbrain component accounted for the highest accuracy in separating ALS patients from controls. Spatial ICA and multivariate analysis perform better than univariate semi‐quantification methods in identifying the neurodegenerative features of ALS and pave the way for inclusion of PET in clinical trials and early diagnosis. Hum Brain Mapp 37:942–953, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional Connectivity Differences of the Subthalamic Nucleus Related to Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Mathys Christian , Caspers Julian , Langner Robert , Südmeyer Martin , Grefkes Christian , Reetz Kathrin , Moldovan Alexia‐Sabine , Michely Jochen , Heller Julia , Eickhoff Claudia R. , Turowski Bernd , Schnitzler Alfons , Hoffstaedter Felix , Eickhoff Simon B.
Published: December 2015

A typical feature of Parkinson's disease (PD) is pathological activity in the subthalamic nucleus (STN). Here, we tested whether in patients with PD under dopaminergic treatment functional connectivity of the STN differs from healthy controls (HC) and whether some brain regions show (anti‐) correlations between functional connectivity with STN and motor symptoms. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate whole‐brain resting‐state functional connectivity with STN in 54 patients with PD and 55 HC matched for age, gender, and within‐scanner motion. Compared to HC, we found attenuated negative STN‐coupling with Crus I of the right cerebellum and with right ventromedial prefrontal regions in patients with PD. Furthermore, we observed enhanced negative STN‐coupling with bilateral intraparietal sulcus/superior parietal cortex, right sensorimotor, right premotor, and left visual cortex compared to HC. Finally, we found a decline in positive STN‐coupling with the left insula related to severity of motor symptoms and a decline of inter‐hemispheric functional connectivity between left and right STN with progression of PD‐related motor symptoms. Motor symptom related uncoupling of the insula, a key region in the saliency network and for executive function, from the STN might be associated with well‐known executive dysfunction in PD. Moreover, uncoupling between insula and STN might also induce an insufficient setting of thresholds for the discrimination between relevant and irrelevant salient environmental stimuli, explaining observations of disturbed response control in PD. In sum, motor symptoms in PD are associated with a reduced coupling between STN and a key region for executive function. Hum Brain Mapp 37:1235–1253, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinicopathologic factors associated with recurrence in low‐ and high‐grade parotid cancers
Authors: Lee Doh Young , Park Min Woo , Oh Kyoung Ho , Cho Jae‐Gu , Kwon Soon‐Young , Woo Jeong‐Soo , Jung Kwang Yoon , Baek Seung‐Kuk
Published: December 2015

Background

The purpose of this study was to determine clinicopathological correlates of outcome among patients with parotid gland cancer.

Methods

The medical records of 126 patients treated by surgery for localized parotid cancer were retrospectively reviewed to identify the clinicopathologic correlates of recurrence‐free survival (RFS) according to histologic grade.

Results

Multivariate analysis revealed that age and lymphovascular invasion were significant factors for recurrence in patients with low‐grade cancer (p = .049 and p = .019, respectively), whereas perineural invasion was the only significant factor in patients with high‐grade cancer (p = .001). The most frequent recurrence site tends to be different according to histologic grade: local recurrence at low‐grade cancer (8.3%) and distant at high‐grade cancer (13.6%). The duration of RFS was significantly longer in low‐grade cancer than high‐grade cancer in regional and distant recurrence (p = .044 and p = .016, respectively).

Conclusion

Consideration of different factors may be required for individual low‐grade and high‐grade parotid cancers when predicting the risk of recurrence. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1788–E1793, 2016
Salivary duct carcinoma: Clinicopathologic features, morphologic spectrum, and somatic mutations
Authors: Luk Peter P. , Weston Jared D. , Yu Bing , Selinger Christina I. , Ekmejian Rafael , Eviston Timothy J. , Lum Trina , Gao Kan , Boyer Michael , O'Toole Sandra A. , Clark Jonathan R. , Gupta Ruta
Published: December 2015

Background

Accurate diagnosis of salivary duct carcinoma requires a high index of suspicion and clinicopathologic correlation. Hallmark genetic changes that may provide novel therapeutic options are being explored.

Methods

One hundred ninety salivary gland malignancies at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (from 1989–2014) were reviewed. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and androgen receptor status were determined along with multigene profiling.

Results

Twenty‐three salivary duct carcinomas were identified, predominantly in men in their fifth to ninth decades of life. Facial nerve palsy (12%) and cervical lymph node metastases (82%) were present, and 96% received postoperative adjuvant therapy. Histologically, the tumors resembled high‐grade invasive and in situ ductal carcinoma of the breast. Micropapillary, papillary, sarcomatoid, oncocytic, and mucinous variants were seen. The tumors showed androgen receptor (70%), HER2 amplification (30%), and HRAS, AKT1, PIK3CA, and NRAS mutations (22%; cumulative). The 5‐year disease‐free survival was 36%.

Conclusion

Salivary duct carcinoma demonstrates a wide histopathologic spectrum. Treatment strategies need to take androgen receptor, HER2 amplification, and PIK3CA mutation into account. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1838–E1847, 2016
Clonidine, an alpha‐2 adrenoceptor agonist relieves mechanical allodynia in oxaliplatin‐induced neuropathic mice; potentiation by spinal p38 MAPK inhibition without motor dysfunction and hypotension
Authors: Yeo Ji‐Hee , Yoon Seo‐Yeon , Kim Sol‐Ji , Oh Seog‐Bae , Lee Jang‐Hern , Beitz Alvin J. , Roh Dae‐Hyun
Published: December 2015

Cancer chemotherapy with platinum‐based antineoplastic agents including oxaliplatin frequently results in a debilitating and painful peripheral neuropathy. We evaluated the antinociceptive effects of the alpha‐2 adrenoceptor agonist, clonidine on oxaliplatin‐induced neuropathic pain. Specifically, we determined if (i) the intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of clonidine reduces mechanical allodynia in mice with an oxaliplatin‐induced neuropathy and (ii) concurrent inhibition of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity by the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 enhances clonidine's antiallodynic effect. Clonidine (0.01–0.1 mg kg−1, i.p.), with or without SB203580(1‐10 nmol, intrathecal) was administered two weeks after oxaliplatin injection(10 mg kg−1, i.p.) to mice. Mechanical withdrawal threshold, motor coordination and blood pressure were measured. Postmortem expression of p38 MAPK and ERK as well as their phosphorylated forms(p‐p38 and p‐ERK) were quantified 30 min or 4 hr after drug injection in the spinal cord dorsal horn of treated and control mice. Clonidine dose‐dependently reduced oxaliplatin‐induced mechanical allodynia and spinal p‐p38 MAPK expression, but not p‐ERK. At 0.1 mg  kg−1, clonidine also impaired motor coordination and decreased blood pressure. A 10 nmol dose of SB203580 alone significantly reduced mechanical allodynia and p‐p38 MAPK expression, while a subeffective dose(3 nmol) potentiated the antiallodynic effect of 0.03 mg kg−1 clonidine and reduced the increased p‐p38 MAPK. Coadministration of SB203580 and 0.03 mg kg−1 clonidine decreased allodynia similar to that of 0.10 mg kg−1 clonidine, but without significant motor or vascular effects. These findings demonstrate that clonidine treatment reduces oxaliplatin‐induced mechanical allodynia. The concurrent administration of SB203580 reduces the dosage requirements for clonidine, thereby alleviating allodynia without producing undesirable motor or cardiovascular effects.
Trajectory of body shape across the lifespan and cancer risk
Authors: Song Mingyang , Willett Walter C. , Hu Frank B. , Spiegelman Donna , Must Aviva , Wu Kana , Chan Andrew T. , Giovannucci Edward L.
Published: December 2015

The influence of adiposity over life course on cancer risk remains poorly understood. We assessed trajectories of body shape from age 5 up to 60 using a group‐based modeling approach among 73,581 women from the Nurses' Health Study and 32,632 men from the Health Professionals Follow‐up Study. After a median of approximately 10 years of follow‐up, we compared incidence of total and obesity‐related cancers (cancers of the esophagus [adenocarcinoma only], colorectum, pancreas, breast [after menopause], endometrium, ovaries, prostate [advanced only], kidney, liver and gallbladder) between these trajectories. We identified five distinct trajectories of body shape: lean‐stable, lean‐moderate increase, lean‐marked increase, medium‐stable, and heavy‐stable/increase. Compared with women in the lean‐stable trajectory, those in the lean‐marked increase and heavy‐stable/increase trajectories had a higher cancer risk in the colorectum, esophagus, pancreas, kidney, and endometrium (relative risk [RR] ranged from 1.22 to 2.56). Early life adiposity was inversely while late life adiposity was positively associated with postmenopausal breast cancer risk. In men, increased body fatness at any life period was associated with a higher risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma and colorectal cancer (RR ranged from 1.23 to 3.01), and the heavy‐stable/increase trajectory was associated with a higher risk of pancreatic cancer, but lower risk of advanced prostate cancer. The trajectory‐cancer associations were generally stronger for non‐smokers and women who did not use menopausal hormone therapy. In conclusion, trajectories of body shape throughout life were related to cancer risk with varied patterns by sex and organ, indicating a role for lifetime adiposity in carcinogenesis.
Solubilized liver extracellular matrix maintains primary rat hepatocyte phenotype in‐vitro
Authors: Loneker Abigail E. , Faulk Denver M. , Hussey George S. , D'Amore Antonio , Badylak Stephen F.
Published: December 2015

Whole organ engineering and cell‐based regenerative medicine approaches are being investigated as potential therapeutic options for end‐stage liver failure. However, a major challenge of these strategies is the loss of hepatic specific function after hepatocytes are removed from their native microenvironment. The objective of the present study was to determine if solubilized liver extracellular matrix (ECM), when used as a media supplement, can better maintain hepatocyte phenotype compared to type I collagen alone or solubilized ECM harvested from a non‐liver tissue source. Liver extracellular matrix (LECM) from four different species was isolated via liver tissue decellularization, solubilized, and then used as a media supplement for primary rat hepatocytes (PRH). The four species of LECM investigated were human, porcine, canine and rat. Cell morphology, albumin secretion, and ammonia metabolism were used to assess maintenance of hepatocyte phenotype. Biochemical and mechanical characterization of each LECM were also conducted. Results showed that PRH's supplemented with canine and porcine LECM maintained their phenotype to a greater extent compared to all other groups. PRH's supplemented with canine and porcine LECM showed increased bile production, increased albumin production, and the formation of multinucleate cells. The findings of the present study suggest that solubilized liver ECM can support in‐vitro hepatocyte culture and should be considered for therapeutic and diagnostic techniques that utilize hepatocytes. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 957–965, 2016.
Spatial variance of physicochemical properties within mangos and the effect of initial ripeness stage on the quality of fresh‐cut mangos
Authors: Ngamchuachit Panita , Mitcham Elizabeth J , Barrett Diane M
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to assess the spatial variation in physicochemical properties within individual mangos, as well as to investigate the influence of initial ripeness level on physicochemical characteristics of fresh‐cut mangos. Individual mangos were evaluated at 12 specific flesh positions in the inner and outer sides. Mango cubes of 1.5 cm prepared from three firmness stages were monitored for changes during 9 days of storage at 5 °C.

RESULTS

Mango fruit varied significantly in firmness and color based on spatial position, with the ripening direction from the inner flesh outward and from the stem end to blossom end. Limitations to fresh‐cut mango quality were ‘desiccation’ (dried cut surface) and ‘edge or tissue damage’ (cut edge damage or brown and bruise‐like appearance). Firmer texture and paler yellow of inner flesh were found in less mature mango fruit (P < 0.001). The optimal ripeness stage for fresh‐cut mango products was 45 N, based on ease of handling, fresh appearance at the time of purchase and intermediate physicochemical properties (firmness, color and SSC/TA ratio).

CONCLUSION

Spatial variance and initial ripeness stage affect fresh‐cut mango quality. Therefore, they must be considered by fresh‐cut mango processors in order to attain optimal product quality. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry