bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polystyrene/attapulgite nanocomposites prepared via in situ suspension polymerization with redox initiation system
Authors: Yang Haicun , Zhang Liu , Ma Wenzhong , Pu Hongting , Gong Fanghong
Published: October 2014

A series of polymer–clay nanocomposites consisting of polystyrene (PS) and attapuglite (ATP) were prepared successfully. First, silane coupling agent containing aromatic tertiary amine groups was synthesized to functionalize ATP (M‐ATP). Then, PS nanocomposites with varied clay loadings were prepared via in situ suspension polymerization process with a redox initiation system consisting of aromatic tertiary amine and benzoyl peroxide. The synthesis of silane coupling agent and functionalization of ATP were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectra, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Mechanical properties, morphology, thermal stability, and rheological behavior of nanocomposites were investigated to illuminate the effects of M‐ATP on the structure and properties of nanocomposites. Field‐emission scanning electron microscope images revealed an ideal dispersion of M‐ATP and an enhanced toughness of nanocomposites. The improved interface interaction between M‐ATP and PS matrix endowed the nanocomposites with outstanding mechanical properties and thermal stability. The formation of hybrid network in the nanocomposites containing 3 wt % M‐ATP resulted in higher complex viscosity (η*), storage modulus (G′), and lower loss factor (tanδ) compared with the pristine PS and PS/ATP nanocomposites. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41567.
Solubilization of graphene flakes through covalent modification with well‐defined azido‐terminated poly(ε‐caprolactone)
Authors: Abdullah Nabihah , Hatano Kazuya , Ando Daiki , Kubo Masataka , Koshio Akira , Kokai Fumio
Published: October 2014

A well‐defined poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) with terminal azido group was prepared. Grafting‐on reaction between the azido‐terminated PCL (N3PCL) and ultrasonication‐assisted exfoliated graphene flakes (GF) was carried out to obtain PCL‐grafted‐GF (PCL‐g‐GF) which showed good dispersibility in a wide variety of organic solvents. Gel permeation chromatography, 1H NMR, IR, Raman, UV‐vis, and TEM measurements indicated that PCL macromolecules were covalently introduced on the surface of GF without disrupting the structure of GF. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41569.
Synthesis and effects of MDT silicone resin on PMPS‐based ablative composites
Authors: Mu Qiuhong , Peng Dan , Ju Wei , Zhang Fangzhi , Wang Chengguo
Published: October 2014

A novel methylphenyl silicone resin, with M, D, and T units, was synthesized by cohydrolysis and cocondensation method from dimethyldimethoxysilane (Me2Si(OMe)2), phenyltrimethoxysilane (PhSi(OMe)3), hexamethyldisiloxane, and 1,3‐divinyl‐1,1,3,3‐tetramethyldisiloxane in toluene/water mixture catalyzed by hydrochloric acid and trifluoromethanesulfonic acid. The vinyl end‐capped MDT silicone resins were chosen for reinforcement filler to enhance the mechanical properties of silicone‐based ablative composites. The effects of resins with various R/Si ratios, vinyl content, and loadings on mechanical properties of PMPS rubbers were investigated. It was revealed that on the premise of good fluidity and processing performance, MDT resin showed excellent reinforcing effect and thermal stability compared with silica. MDT reinforced ablative composite showed satisfactory mechanical and antiablative properties. The linear ablation rate was 0.01 mm/s, which maybe associated with high yield of charred residue in thermogravimetric analysis results. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41571.
pH‐sensitive keratin‐based polymer hydrogel and its controllable drug‐release behavior
Authors: Guo Juhua , Pan Sujuan , Yin Xiaochun , He Yu‐Feng , Li Tao , Wang Rong‐Min
Published: October 2014

Using feather keratin as biocompatible and inexpensive natural biopolymer and methacrylic acid as a functional monomer, we prepared a pH‐sensitive feather‐keratin‐based polymer hydrogel (FKPGel) with grafted copolymerization. The obtained FKPGel was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. The swelling behavior and pH sensitivity of the FKPGel were investigated. When the small molecule (rhodamine B) and macromolecule (bovine serum albumin) were used as model drug molecules, the FKPGel exhibited controllable release behavior in vitro, and the hydrogels had pH sensitivity. For a small molecular drug, the cumulative release rate was 97% in 24 h at pH 8.4. For macromolecular drug, the cumulative release rate reached 89% at pH 7.4. Its release behavior could be controlled by the pH value. In summary, a simple method was found to reuse disused feathers. It is a kind of pH‐sensitive hydrogels to be applied in drug‐delivery systems. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41572.
Proposal for defining the relevance of drug accumulation derived from single dose study data for modified release dosage forms
Authors: Scheerans Christian , Heinig Roland , Mueck Wolfgang
Published: October 2014

Recently, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) published the new draft guideline on the pharmacokinetic and clinical evaluation of modified release (MR) formulations. The draft guideline contains the new requirement of performing multiple dose (MD) bioequivalence studies, in the case when the MR formulation is expected to show ‘relevant’ drug accumulation at steady state (SS). This new requirement reveals three fundamental issues, which are discussed in the current work: first, measurement for the extent of drug accumulation (MEDA) predicted from single dose (SD) study data; second, its relationship with the percentage residual area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) outside the dosing interval (τ) after SD administration, %AUC(τ‐∞)SD; and third, the rationale for a threshold of %AUC(τ‐∞)SD that predicts ‘relevant’ drug accumulation at SS. This work revealed that the accumulation ratio RA,AUC, derived from the ratio of the time‐averaged plasma concentrations during τ at SS and after SD administration, respectively, is the ‘preferred’ MEDA for MR formulations. A causal relationship was derived between %AUC(τ‐∞)SD and RA,AUC, which is valid for any drug (product) that shows (dose‐ and time‐) linear pharmacokinetics regardless of the shape of the plasma concentration–time curve. Considering AUC thresholds from other guidelines together with the causal relationship between %AUC(τ‐∞)SD and RA,AUC indicates that values of %AUC(τ‐∞)SD ≤ 20%, resulting in RA,AUC ≤ 1.25, can be considered as leading to non‐relevant drug accumulation. Hence, the authors suggest that 20% for %AUC(τ‐∞)SD is a reasonable threshold and selection criterion between SD or MD study designs for bioequivalence studies of new MR formulations. © 2014 The Authors Biopharmaceutics & Drug Disposition Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Generation of infant anatomical models for evaluating electromagnetic field exposures
Authors: Li Congsheng , Chen Zhiye , Yang Lei , Lv Bin , Liu Jianzhe , Varsier Nadège , Hadjem Abdelhamid , Wiart Joe , Xie Yi , Ma Lin , Wu Tongning
Published: October 2014

Realistic anatomical modeling is essential in analyzing human exposure to electromagnetic fields. Infants have significant physical and anatomical differences compared with other age groups. However, few realistic infant models are available. In this work, we developed one 12‐month‐old male whole body model and one 17‐month‐old male head model from magnetic resonance images. The whole body and head models contained 28 and 30 tissues, respectively, at spatial resolution of 1 mm × 1 mm × 1 mm. Fewer identified tissues in the whole body model were a result of the low original image quality induced by the fast imaging sequence. The anatomical and physical parameters of the models were validated against findings in published literature (e.g., a maximum deviation as 18% in tissue mass was observed compared with the data from International Commission on Radiological Protection). Several typical exposure scenarios were realized for numerical simulation. Dosimetric comparison with various adult and child anatomical models was conducted. Significant differences in the physical and anatomical features between adult and child models demonstrated the importance of creating realistic infant models. Current safety guidelines for infant exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields may not be conservative. Bioelectromagnetics. 35:10–26, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Maternal histone variants and their chaperones promote paternal genome activation and boost somatic cell reprogramming
Authors: Yang Peng , Wu Warren , Macfarlan Todd S.
Published: October 2014

The mammalian egg employs a wide spectrum of epigenome modification machinery to reprogram the sperm nucleus shortly after fertilization. This event is required for transcriptional activation of the paternal/zygotic genome and progression through cleavage divisions. Reprogramming of paternal nuclei requires replacement of sperm protamines with canonical and non‐canonical histones, covalent modification of histone tails, and chemical modification of DNA (notably oxidative demethylation of methylated cytosines). In this essay we highlight the role maternal histone variants play during developmental reprogramming following fertilization. We discuss how reduced maternal histone variant incorporation in somatic nuclear transfer experiments may explain the reduced viability of resulting embryos and how knowledge of repressive and activating maternal factors may be used to improve somatic cell reprogramming.
Monoclonal antibody conjugated magnetic nanoparticles could target MUC‐1‐positive cells in vitro but not in vivo
Authors: Shanehsazzadeh Saeed , Gruettner Cordula , Lahooti Afsaneh , Mahmoudi Morteza , Allen Barry J. , Ghavami Mahdi , Daha Fariba Johari , Oghabian Mohammad Ali
Published: October 2014

MUC1 antigen is recognized as a high‐molecular‐weight glycoprotein that is unexpectedly over‐expressed in human breast and other carcinomas. In contrast, C595 a monoclonal antibody (mAb) against the protein core of the human urinary epithelial machine, is commonly expressed in breast carcinomas. The aim of this study was to conjugate ultra‐small super paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (USPIO) with C595 mAb, in order to detect in vivo MUC1 expression. A dual contrast agent (the C595 antibody‐conjugated USPIO labeled with 99mTc) was prepared for targeted imaging and therapy of anti‐MUC1‐expressing cancers. The C595 antibody‐conjugated USPIO had good stability and reactivity in the presence of blood plasma at 37 °C. No significant differences were observed in immunoreactivity results between conjugated and nonconjugated nanoparticles. The T1 and T2 measurements show >79 and 29% increments (for 0.02 mg/ml iron concentrations) in T1 and T2 values for USPIO‐C595 in comparison with USPIO, respectively. The nanoprobes showed the interesting targeting capability of finding the MUC1‐positive cell line in vitro. However, we found disappointing in vivo results (i.e. very low accumulation of nanoprobes in the targeted site while >80% of the injected dose per gram was taken up by the liver and spleen), not only due to the coverage of targeting site by protein corona but also because of absorption of opsonin‐based proteins at the surface of nanoprobes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Automatic detection of layout of color yarns of yarn‐dyed fabric. Part 1: Single‐system‐mélange color fabrics
Authors: Zhang Jie , Pan Ruru , Gao Weidong , Zhu Dandan
Published: October 2014

To recognize the layout of color yarns of single‐system‐mélange color fabric automatically, a novel FCM‐based stepwise classification method is proposed in this article. This method consists of three main steps: (1) warp yarn segmentation, (2) weft color recognition, and (3) the layout of color warps recognition. In the first step, the yarn segmentation method based on mathematical statistics of subimages is adopted to localize warp yarns preliminarily; and then the segmentation results of warp yarn are corrected by misrecognized‐boundary remove and missing‐boundary interpolation. In the second step, the weft color is extracted based on RGB color histograms of whole fabric image. In the third step, the pixels in each warp yarn are classified into two clusters by fuzzy C‐means clustering (FCM) algorithm in CIELAB color model separately, and the preliminary recognized layout of color warps is obtained. All warp colors are clustered by FCM algorithm in CIELAB color model again and the precise layout of color warps is output. The experimental and theoretical analysis proved that the proposed method can recognize the layout of color yarns of single‐system‐ mélange color fabrics with satisfactory accuracy and good robustness. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 40, 626–636, 2015
Distributed SR‐LDPC codes over multiple‐access relay channel and its applications in cloud storage
Authors: Sun Rong , Cai Xin , Liu Jingwei , Kwak Kyung Sup
Published: October 2014

Digital fountain techniques have received significant academics and industry attention in the past years because of their rateless, robust, and real‐time characteristics used in networks and storage systems such as cloud data storage. Semi‐Random low‐density parity‐check (SR‐LDPC) codes are a kind of digital fountain codes with linear encoding and decoding complexity. In this paper, We propose a novel encoding procedure to realize codes that resemble SR‐LDPC codes (rateless codes for erasure correction) in both structure and performance. For the case of two sources communicating with a single destination via a common relay, the two sources separately encode their own symbols of information using SR‐LDPC codes. The relay then makes Exclusive OR (XOR) for the two sequences received from the two sources. The destination can recover the information bits of the two sources using the sequences received directively from the two sources and the sequence received from the relay. It is shown that the sequences received by the destination are still SR‐LDPC codes. Iterative decoding can be used by the destination using the sequences received from both the relay and the sources and obtain good performance. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
General switch‐and‐examine relaying for demodulate‐and‐forward cooperative diversity
Authors: Chau Yawgeng A. , Al‐Harbawi Mostafa
Published: October 2014

Two new demodulate‐and‐forward schemes of multi‐relay cooperative diversity with switch‐and‐examine relaying (SER) are analyzed. To reduce relay usage and enhance bandwidth efficiency, the two new cooperative diversity schemes employ a switch‐based relay selection. The proposed schemes consume less communication resource than regular relaying schemes, such as the selection combining (SC) or maximal ratio combining (MRC) schemes that always use all relays, and also achieve better performance than distributed switch‐and‐stay schemes. In the first scheme, the decision statistic for relay usage and selection is based on the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR). In the second scheme, the log‐likelihood ratio (LLR) of received signals is used for the decision of relay usage and selection. With the two SER schemes, the bit error probability (BEP) of binary phase shift keying (BPSK) and the average number of used paths are derived and expressed in closed‐form for the independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) Rayleigh fading channels. Numerical and simulation results are presented for performance illustrations. According to the numerical results, the LLR‐based SER not only achieves a lower BEP but also consumes less relay resource than the SNR‐based SER. Furthermore, the LLR‐based SER scheme even outperforms the corresponding SNR‐based SC scheme for a range of average SNR. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coadministration of Tramadol and Tizanidine in an Experimental Acute Pain Model in Rat
Authors: Beltrán‐Villalobos Karla Lizet , Ramírez‐Marín Pamela Monserrat , Cruz Carlos Alberto Zúñiga , Déciga‐Campos Myrna
Published: October 2014

Preclinical Research

The use of drug combinations to achieve a desired effect is a common practice in pharmacological reaserch and in clinical practice. The present study was designed to evaluate the potential synergistic antinociceptive interactions between tizanidine, an α‐2‐adrenoceptor agonist and tramadol on formalin‐induced nociception in rat using isobolographic analyses. Tramadol (0.1–100 μg/paw) and tizanidine (0.01–10 μg/paw) were injected into the paw prior to formalin injection (1%). Both drugs produced a dose‐dependent antinociceptive effect. The EC50 values were estimated for individual drugs, and isobolograms were constructed. Tizanidine (EC50 = 0.125 ± 0.026 μg) was more potent than tramadol (EC50 = 16.45 ± 6.4 μg). The combination of tramadol‐tizanidine at fixed ratios of 1:1 (EC50exp = 67.43 ± 11 μg; EC50teo = 8.28 ± 3.2 μg) and 3:1 (EC50exp = 31.25 ± 9.49 μg; CE50teo = 12.36 ± 4.8 μg) generated subadditivity (antagonism). On the basis of the current preclinical data, the pharmacological profile of the combination of tramadol‐tizanidine produced antagonism. Thus, the utmost caution is required during the use of this combination in clinical practice, due to their antagonistic interaction.
Seasonal BMI differences between restrictive and purging anorexia nervosa subtypes
Authors: Fraga Angela , Caggianesse Veronica , Carrera Olaia , Graell Montserrat , Morandé Gonzalo , Gutiérrez Emilio
Published: October 2014

Objective

Seasonal differences in anorexia nervosa is an area of research which has received scarce attention in the literature. The aim of this study was to explore patterns of seasonal variation in body weight in anorexia nervosa patients admitted to an eating disorders unit from January 2007 to December 2011.

Method

Anorexia nervosa restrictive (ANR) and binge eating/purging (ANBP) subtypes were compared with respect to BMI on admission during the Warm and Cold Semester, and in terms of lenght of hospital stay.

Results

The main result was that BMI differences between ANBP and ANR patients were due to bodyweight differences during the colder months of the year (p < 0.01) whereas no difference in bodyweight on admission was observed between both subtypes during the Warm Semester months. Furthermore, ANR patients' bodyweight was lower when admitted during the Cold compared to the Warm Semester (p < 0.05). Length of stay was significantly associated with reduced BMI in ANR patients (p < 0.01), but not so for ANBP patients.

Discussion

To our knowledge, this is the first study in the literature providing data on seasonal variations in the BMI on admission of anorexia nervosa patients, and in the length of hospitalization. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2015; 48:35–41)
Critical role of p38 MAPK in IL‐4‐induced alternative activation of peritoneal macrophages
Authors: Jiménez‐Garcia Lidia , Herránz Sandra , Luque Alfonso , Hortelano Sonsoles
Published: October 2014

Alternative activation of macrophages plays an important role in a range of physiological and pathological processes. This alternative phenotype, also known as M2 macrophages, is induced by type 2 cytokines such as IL‐4. The binding of IL‐4 to its receptor leads to activation of two major signaling pathways: STAT‐6 and PI3K. However, recent studies have described that p38 MAPK might play a role in IL‐4‐dependent signaling in some cells, although its role in macrophages is still controversial. In this study, we investigated whether p38 MAPK plays a role in the polarization of macrophages in mice. Our results reveal that IL‐4 induces phosphorylation of p38 MAPK in thioglycollate‐elicited murine peritoneal macrophages, in addition to STAT‐6 and PI3K activation. Furthermore, p38 MAPK inactivation, by gene silencing or pharmacological inhibition, suppressed IL‐4‐induced typical M2 markers, indicating the involvement of p38 MAPK in the signaling of IL‐4 leading to M2‐macrophage polarization. Moreover, p38 MAPK inhibition blocked phosphorylation of STAT‐6 and Akt, suggesting that p38 MAPK is upstream of these signaling pathways. Finally, we show that in an in vivo model of chitin‐induced M2 polarization, p38 MAPK inhibition also diminished activation of M2 markers. Taken together, our data establish a new role for p38 MAPK during IL‐4‐induced alternative activation of macrophages.
The role of the microbiota in inflammation, carcinogenesis, and cancer therapy
Authors: Dzutsev Amiran , Goldszmid Romina S. , Viaud Sophie , Zitvogel Laurence , Trinchieri Giorgio
Published: October 2014

Commensal microorganisms colonize barrier surfaces of all multicellular organisms, including those of humans. For more than 500 million years, commensal microorganisms and their hosts have coevolved and adapted to each other. As a result, the commensal microbiota affects many immune and nonimmune functions of their hosts, and de facto the two together comprise one metaorganism. The commensal microbiota communicates with the host via biologically active molecules. Recently, it has been reported that microbial imbalance may play a critical role in the development of multiple diseases, such as cancer, autoimmune conditions, and increased susceptibility to infection. In this review, we focus on the role of the commensal microbiota in the development, progression, and immune evasion of cancer, as well as some modulatory effects on the treatment of cancer. In particular, we discuss the mechanisms of microbiota‐mediated regulation of innate and adaptive immune responses to tumors, and the consequences on cancer progression and whether tumors subsequently become resistant or susceptible to different anticancer therapeutic regiments.
Chemical composition, thermal stability and antioxidant properties of tea seed oils obtained by different extraction methods: Supercritical fluid extraction yields the best oil quality
Authors: Shao Ping , Liu Qing , Fang Zhongxiang , Sun Peilong
Published: October 2014

A comparison study has been performed for tea seed oils (TSO) extracted from different methods and sources, which were oil from cold‐pressing of tea seeds [TSO(CP)], oil from supercritical fluid extraction of seeds [TSO(SCF)], and oil from supercritical fluid extraction of tea seed cake [TSCO(SCF)]. The chemical composition, thermal stability, antioxidant properties, and physicochemical properties of the oils were determined. The main ingredient in seed and cake was fat, fiber, total sugar, and considerable amounts of amino, 74.59 and 93.25 g/100 g protein, respectively were found. The results also indicated that oleic acid and linoleic acid were the dominant unsaturated fatty acids in tea seed oils, irrespective of extraction methods and sources. The TSO(SCF) contained the highest levels of squalene, lupeol, and total sterols whereas TSCO(SCF) and TSO(CP) had higher contents of total phenolics and α‐tocopherol. The TG/DTG curves showed TSO(CP) and TSO(SCF) were more thermally stable than TSCO(SCF), and the antioxidant activity assays demonstrated that TSO(CP) and TSCO(SCF) exhibited stronger radical scavenging ability. The overall physicochemical properties of the tested oils indicated that TSO(SCF) had the best oil quality. This work may be useful to food oil industry to produce high quality tea seed oils through utilization of suitable oil extraction methods and raw materials.

Practical applications: The growing consumption of green tea promoted the increased production of tea seed, which has totaled as much as 1.6 million tons annually since 2011. As an important source of edible oil, the exploitation rate of tea seed is insufficient (≤1%) in China. This study indicates that oil extracted from tea seed as well as cold‐pressing cake can be exploited for high quality edible oil because of similar fatty acid composition and better bioactive compound composition (e.g., α‐tocopherol, total phytoterols, and lupeol) compared to olive oil. Further, the evaluation of thermal stability provides basis for oil's refining to prepare salad oil, mayonnaise, etc. TSO(SCF) and TSCO(SCF) both had good antioxidant activity, which is applicable in the industry of skincare.

A comparison study has been performed for tea seed oils (TSO) extracted from different methods and sources, which were oil from cold‐pressing of tea seeds [TSO(CP)], oil from supercritical fluid extraction of seeds [TSO(SCF)], and oil from supercritical fluid extraction of tea seed cake [TSCO(SCF)]. The chemical composition, thermal stability, antioxidant properties, and physicochemical properties of the oils were determined.
Prenatal phthalate exposure, infant growth, and global DNA methylation of human placenta
Authors: Zhao Yan , Shi Hui‐jing , Xie Chang‐ming , Chen Jiao , Laue Hannah , Zhang Yun‐hui
Published: October 2014

Prenatal phthalate exposure has been shown to be associated with reduced fetal growth. Epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation might be a molecular mechanism through which phthalate exposure affects fetal growth. In this study, we examined associations between prenatal phthalate exposure, infant growth, and global DNA methylation in human placenta samples. We measured global DNA methylation of 119 subjects [55 fetal growth restriction (FGR) cases and 64 normal controls], as assessed by long interspersed nuclear element‐1 (LINE‐1) methylation, via quantitative polymerase chain reaction‐pyrosequencing. Prenatal phthalate exposure was assessed by measuring maternal urinary phthalate metabolites concentrations using high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. Concentrations of mono (2‐ethyl‐5‐hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP), mono (2‐ethyl‐5‐oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP), and SumDEHP (molar sum of MEHP, MEHHP, and MEOHP) were significantly higher in FGR cases than those in normal controls (P = 0.002, 0.003, and 0.002, respectively). Placental LINE‐1 methylation were found to be positively associated with fetal birth weight standard deviation scores, and negatively associated with urinary phthalate metabolites concentrations (MEHHP and SumDEHP). Every natural‐log unit increase in urinary concentrations of MEHHP and SumDEHP was associated with 0.015 (β = −0.015, P = 0.150) and 0.012 kg (β = −0.012, P = 0.167) decrease in birth weight mediated through LINE‐1 methylation. These findings suggest that changes in placental LINE‐1 methylation might be part of the underlying biological pathway between prenatal phthalate exposure and adverse fetal growth. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 56:286–292, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Building sandstone surface modification by biofilm and iron precipitation: emerging block‐scale heterogeneity and system response
Authors: McCabe Stephen , McAllister Daniel , Warke Patricia A. , Gomez‐Heras Miguel
Published: October 2014

Stone surfaces are sensitive to their environment. This means that they will often respond to exposure conditions by manifesting a change in surface characteristics. Such changes can be more than simply aesthetic, creating surface/subsurface heterogeneity in stone at the block scale, promoting stress gradients to be set up as surface response to, for example, temperature fluctuations, can diverge from subsurface response.

This paper reports preliminary experiments investigating the potential of biofilms and iron precipitation as surface‐modifiers on stone, exploring the idea of block‐scale surface‐to‐depth heterogeneity, and investigating how physical alteration in the surface and near‐surface zone can have implications for subsurface response and potentially for long‐term decay patterns. Salt weathering simulations on fresh and surface‐modified stone suggest that even subtle surface modification can have significant implications for moisture uptake and retention, salt concentration and distribution from surface to depth, over the period of the experimental run. The accumulation of salt may increase the retention of moisture, by modifying vapour pressure differentials and the rate of evaporation. Temperature fluctuation experiments suggest that the presence of a biofilm can have an impact on energy transfer processes that occur at the stone surface (for example, buffering against temperature fluctuation), affecting surface‐to‐depth stress gradients.

Ultimately, fresh and surface‐modified blocks mask different kinds of system, which respond to inputs differently because of different storage mechanisms, encouraging divergent behaviour between fresh and surface‐modified stone over time. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Abnormal microglial activation in the Cstb−/− mouse, a model for progressive myoclonus epilepsy, EPM1
Authors: Okuneva Olesya , Körber Inken , Li Zhilin , Tian Li , Joensuu Tarja , Kopra Outi , Lehesjoki Anna‐Elina
Published: October 2014

Progressive myoclonus epilepsy of Unverricht–Lundborg type (EPM1) is an autosomal‐recessively inherited neurodegenerative disorder characterized by severely incapacitating myoclonus, seizures, and ataxia, and caused by loss‐of‐function mutations in the cystatin B gene (CSTB). A central neuropathological finding in the Cstb−/− mouse, an animal model for EPM1, is early microglial activation, which precedes astroglial activation, neuronal loss, and onset of myoclonus, thus implying a critical role for microglia in EPM1 pathogenesis. Here, we characterized phenotypic and functional properties of microglia from Cstb−/− mice utilizing brain tissue, microglia directly isolated from the brain, and primary microglial cultures. Our results show significantly higher Cstb mRNA expression in microglia than in neurons and astrocytes. In Cstb−/− mouse brain, expression of the inflammatory marker p‐p38 MAPK and the proportion of both pro‐inflammatory M1 and anti‐inflammatory M2 microglia is higher than in control mice. Moreover, M1/M2 polarization of microglia in presymptomatic Cstb−/− mice is, compared to control mice, skewed towards M2 type at postnatal day 14 (P14), but towards M1 type at P30, a time point associated with onset of myoclonus. At this age, the high expression of both pro‐inflammatory inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and anti‐inflammatory arginase 1 (ARG1) in Cstb−/− mouse cortex is accompanied by the presence of peripheral immune cells. Consistently, activated Cstb−/− microglia show elevated chemokine release and chemotaxis. However, their MHCII surface expression is suppressed. Taken together, our results link CSTB deficiency to neuroinflammation with early activation and dysfunction of microglia and will open new avenues for therapeutic interventions for EPM1. GLIA 2015;63:400–411
Neural signatures of fairness‐related normative decision making in the ultimatum game: A coordinate‐based meta‐analysis
Authors: Feng Chunliang , Luo Yue‐Jia , Krueger Frank
Published: October 2014

The willingness to incur personal costs to enforce prosocial norms represents a hallmark of human civilization. Although recent neuroscience studies have used the ultimatum game to understand the neuropsychological mechanisms that underlie the enforcement of fairness norms; however, a precise characterization of the neural systems underlying fairness‐related norm enforcement remains elusive. In this study, we used a coordinate‐based meta‐analysis on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies using the ultimatum game with the goal to provide an additional level of evidence for the refinement of the underlying neural architecture of this human puzzling behavior. Our results demonstrated a convergence of reported activation foci in brain networks associated with psychological components of fairness‐related normative decision making, presumably reflecting a reflexive and intuitive system (System 1) and a reflective and deliberate system (System 2). System 1 (anterior insula, ventromedial prefrontal cortex [PFC]) may be associated with the reflexive and intuitive responses to norm violations, representing a motivation to punish norm violators. Those intuitive responses conflict with economic self‐interest, encoded in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), which may engage cognitive control from a reflective and deliberate System 2 to resolve the conflict by either suppressing (ventrolateral PFC, dorsomedial PFC, left dorsolateral PFC, and rostral ACC) the intuitive responses or over‐riding self‐interest (right dorsolateral PFC). Taken together, we suggest that fairness‐related norm enforcement recruits an intuitive system for rapid evaluation of norm violations and a deliberate system for integrating both social norms and self‐interest to regulate the intuitive system in favor of more flexible decision making. Hum Brain Mapp 36:591–602, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development of brain systems for nonsymbolic numerosity and the relationship to formal math academic achievement
Authors: Haist Frank , Wazny Jarnet H. , Toomarian Elizabeth , Adamo Maha
Published: October 2014

A central question in cognitive and educational neuroscience is whether brain operations supporting nonlinguistic intuitive number sense (numerosity) predict individual acquisition and academic achievement for symbolic or “formal” math knowledge. Here, we conducted a developmental functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study of nonsymbolic numerosity task performance in 44 participants including 14 school age children (6–12 years old), 14 adolescents (13–17 years old), and 16 adults and compared a brain activity measure of numerosity precision to scores from the Woodcock–Johnson III Broad Math index of math academic achievement. Accuracy and reaction time from the numerosity task did not reliably predict formal math achievement. We found a significant positive developmental trend for improved numerosity precision in the parietal cortex and intraparietal sulcus specifically. Controlling for age and overall cognitive ability, we found a reliable positive relationship between individual math achievement scores and parietal lobe activity only in children. In addition, children showed robust positive relationships between math achievement and numerosity precision within ventral stream processing areas bilaterally. The pattern of results suggests a dynamic developmental trajectory for visual discrimination strategies that predict the acquisition of formal math knowledge. In adults, the efficiency of visual discrimination marked by numerosity acuity in ventral occipital–temporal cortex and hippocampus differentiated individuals with better or worse formal math achievement, respectively. Overall, these results suggest that two different brain systems for nonsymbolic numerosity acuity may contribute to individual differences in math achievement and that the contribution of these systems differs across development. Hum Brain Mapp 36:804–826, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enhancing Ergonomic Safety Effectiveness of Repetitive Job Activities: Prediction of Muscle Fatigue in Dominant and Nondominant Arms of Industrial Workers
Authors: Oyewole Samuel A.
Published: October 2014

Work‒related musculoskeletal disorders are very common in the workplace, especially with tasks involving repetitive lifting and motions. Repetitive lifting of excessively heavy objects in the workplace could increase the severity and rates of work‒related musculoskeletal disorders. In this article, the physiological effect of muscle fatigue on the dominant and nondominant arms of adult industrial workers performing various repetitive tasks was predicted using a muscular endurance model. Twenty‒four (n = 24) industrial workers (18–45 years old) were randomly selected for this research. The effects of electromyography (EMG) were observed during incremental loading of 5–40 kg on the muscle of the dominant and nondominant arms of the subjects during static lifting activities. Results of the analysis showed that the endurance time decreased with the application of additional loads on the dominant and nondominant arms of all the subjects. This inverse relationship was used to predict the behavior of muscle fatigue. Additional findings indicated that workers performing repetitive lifting tasks could maintain maximum load capacities ranging from 20 to 30 kg. The acceptable maximum load capacity of 23 kg recommended by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health is within this range. The results obtained from this research could be used in the beginning steps of the efforts to reevaluate and reestablish guidelines and limits in the design of industrial jobs involving repetitive motion. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A comparison of high‐resolution specific conductance‐based end‐member mixing analysis and a graphical method for baseflow separation of four streams in hydrologically challenging agricultural watersheds
Authors: Kronholm Scott C. , Capel Paul D.
Published: October 2014

Quantifying the relative contributions of different sources of water to a stream hydrograph is important for understanding the hydrology and water quality dynamics of a given watershed. To compare the performance of two methods of hydrograph separation, a graphical program [baseflow index (BFI)] and an end‐member mixing analysis that used high‐resolution specific conductance measurements (SC‐EMMA) were used to estimate daily and average long‐term slowflow additions of water to four small, primarily agricultural streams with different dominant sources of water (natural groundwater, overland flow, subsurface drain outflow, and groundwater from irrigation). Because the result of hydrograph separation by SC‐EMMA is strongly related to the choice of slowflow and fastflow end‐member values, a sensitivity analysis was conducted based on the various approaches reported in the literature to inform the selection of end‐members. There were substantial discrepancies among the BFI and SC‐EMMA, and neither method produced reasonable results for all four streams. Streams that had a small difference in the SC of slowflow compared with fastflow or did not have a monotonic relationship between streamflow and stream SC posed a challenge to the SC‐EMMA method. The utility of the graphical BFI program was limited in the stream that had only gradual changes in streamflow. The results of this comparison suggest that the two methods may be quantifying different sources of water. Even though both methods are easy to apply, they should be applied with consideration of the streamflow and/or SC characteristics of a stream, especially where anthropogenic water sources (irrigation and subsurface drainage) are present. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of circularly polarized light for non‐invasive diagnosis of cancerous tissues and turbid tissue‐like scattering media
Authors: Kunnen Britt , Macdonald Callum , Doronin Alexander , Jacques Steven , Eccles Michael , Meglinski Igor
Published: October 2014

Polarization‐based optical techniques have become increasingly popular in the field of biomedical diagnosis. In the current report we exploit the directional awareness of circularly and/or elliptically polarized light backscattered from turbid tissue‐like scattering media. We apply circularly and elliptically polarized laser light which illuminates the samples of interest, and a standard optical polarimeter is used to observe the polarization state of light backscattered a few millimeters away from the point of incidence. We demonstrate that the Stokes vector of backscattered light depicted on a Poincaré sphere can be used to assess a turbid tissue‐like scattering medium. By tracking the Stokes vector of the detected light on the Poincaré sphere, we investigate the utility of this approach for characterization of cancerous and non‐cancerous tissue samples in vitro. The obtained results are discussed in the framework of a phenomenological model and the results of a polarization tracking Monte Carlo model, developed in house.

Schematic illustration of the experimental approach utilizing circularly and elliptically polarized light for probing turbid tissue‐like scattering media.

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Schematic illustration of the experimental approach utilizing circularly and elliptically polarized light for probing turbid tissue‐like scattering media.
Trabecular and Cortical Microstructure and Fragility of the Distal Radius in Women
Authors: Bala Yohann , Bui Quang Minh , Wang Xiao-Fang , Iuliano Sandra , Wang Qingju , Ghasem-Zadeh Ali , Rozental Tamara D , Bouxsein Mary L , Zebaze Roger M.D. , Seeman Ego
Published: October 2014

Fragility fractures commonly involve metaphyses. The distal radius is assembled with a thin cortex formed by fusion (corticalization) of trabeculae arising from the periphery of the growth plate. Centrally positioned trabeculae reinforce the thin cortex and transfer loads from the joint to the proximal thicker cortical bone. We hypothesized that growth- and age-related deficits in trabecular bone disrupt this frugally assembled microarchitecture, producing bone fragility. The microarchitecture of the distal radius was measured using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography in 135 females with distal radial fractures, including 32 girls (aged 7 to 18 years), 35 premenopausal women (aged 18 to 44 years), and 68 postmenopausal women (aged 50 to 76 years). We also studied 240 fracture-free controls of comparable age and 47 healthy fracture-free premenopausal mother-daughter pairs (aged 30 to 55 and 7 to 20 years, respectively). In fracture-free girls and pre- and postmenopausal women, fewer or thinner trabeculae were associated with a smaller and more porous cortical area (r = 0.25 to 0.71 after age, height, and weight adjustment, all p < 0.05). Fewer and thinner trabeculae in daughters were associated with higher cortical porosity in their mothers (r = 0.30 to 0.47, all p < 0.05). Girls and premenopausal and postmenopausal women with forearm fractures had 0.3 to 0.7 standard deviations (SD) fewer or thinner trabeculae and higher cortical porosity than controls in one or more compartment; one SD trait difference conferred odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for fracture ranging from 1.56 (1.01–2.44) to 4.76 (2.86–7.69). Impaired trabecular corticalization during growth, and cortical and trabecular fragmentation during aging, may contribute to the fragility of the distal radius. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Lightweight object oriented structure analysis: Tools for building tools to analyze molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Romo Tod D. , Leioatts Nicholas , Grossfield Alan
Published: October 2014

LOOS (Lightweight Object Oriented Structure‐analysis) is a C++ library designed to facilitate making novel tools for analyzing molecular dynamics simulations by abstracting out the repetitive tasks, allowing developers to focus on the scientifically relevant part of the problem. LOOS supports input using the native file formats of most common biomolecular simulation packages, including CHARMM, NAMD, Amber, Tinker, and Gromacs. A dynamic atom selection language based on the C expression syntax is included and is easily accessible to the tool‐writer. In addition, LOOS is bundled with over 140 prebuilt tools, including suites of tools for analyzing simulation convergence, three‐dimensional histograms, and elastic network models. Through modern C++ design, LOOS is both simple to develop with (requiring knowledge of only four core classes and a few utility functions) and is easily extensible. A python interface to the core classes is also provided, further facilitating tool development. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Micro‐ and nanoscale structures of mesiodens dentin: Combined study of FTIR and SAXS/WAXS techniques
Authors: Akgun Ozlem Marti , Haman Bayari Sevgi , Ide Semra , Guven Polat Günseli , Orujalipoor (Kalkhoran) Ilghar
Published: October 2014

A mesiodens is the most common type of supernumerary tooth present in conjunction to normal dentition. A mesiodens may commonly occur in the central region of the upper or lower jaw. A mesiodens is different from normal teeth in terms of structure and shape. The aim of this study is to evaluate the micro‐ and nanoscale structural properties of mesiodens dentin by combined small‐ and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Five freshly extracted, noncarious mesiodens and five normal dentin disks prepared from human incisor teeth were compared. Using FTIR, the phosphate‐to‐amide I, carbonate‐to‐phosphate, and carbonate‐to‐amide I band area ratios and the crystallinity index were quantified. SAXS/WAXS were used to study the nanostructure of mesiodens. An increase in the mineral content in the mesiodens dentin with respect to the normal group was found. Crystallinity was also significantly increased and the protein content decreased in the mesiodens dentin compared with that of normal dentin. SAXS/WAXS results revealed that mesiodens dentin has a more calcified tissue. Further, SAXS analysis revealed a nonuniform distribution of dentin fibrils in mesiodens. Microsc. Res. Tech., 78:52–58, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT AS A DEVELOPMENT GOAL: TAKING A FEMINIST STANDPOINT
Authors: Mosedale Sarah
Published: October 2014

In this paper, through a case study of a large international non‐governmental organisation, I identify a number of contradictions and tensions that arise when development agencies attempt to foster ‘women's empowerment’. Despite their presentation as apolitical, agencies are inescapably involved in relations of power, and their lack of attention to this is not accidental. In such cases, ‘empowerment’ risks becoming a signifier of righteousness—part of the process of mystification of dominant group interests. The paper discusses how developing a feminist standpoint could help avoid such mystification. However, such a process is one which cannot be prescribed but must be freely chosen. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Versuche zum Vorgang der Wasserstoffübertragung, XI. Isomerisierung Definiert Deuterierter Alkylbenzole an Raney‐Nickel
Authors: Horner Leopold , Mayer Dietmar
Published: October 2014

α‐Deutero‐toluol. o‐, m‐ und p‐Deutero‐toluol sowie β‐Deutero‐äthylbenzol isomerisieren schon bei 20° in Berührung mit wasserfreiem Raney‐Nickel. Der Deuterium‐Gehalt des Substrates bleibt dabei annähernd konstant. Beim α‐Deutero‐toluol wandern mehr als 50% des Deuteriums aus der Seitenkette in den Kern, wobei es sich weitgehend auf die gleichen Positionen verteilt wie beim Austausch von leichtem Toluol mit Deuterium‐Gas an Raney‐Nickel. Der aromatische Kern wird unter diesen Bedingungen nicht abgesättigt. Mit Hilfe der Massenspektrographie kann gezeigt werden, daß Deuterium auch zwischenmolekular ausgetauscht wird. — Im Toluol kernständiges Deuterium verteilt sich an Raney‐Nickel auf sämtliche CH‐Bindungen. Versuche mit β‐Deutero‐äthylbenzol ergeben, daß auch β‐ständiges Deuterium unter Mitwirkung von trockenem Raney‐Nickel rasch in den Kern einwandert. — Die erhaltenen Ergebnisse zeigen Analogien zum HD‐Austausch an Nickelmetall‐Filmen, die im Hinblick auf den Reaktionsmechanismus diskutiert werden.
Zur Chemie des Benzolglykols, XII. Synthese von Desoxy‐Inosaminen
Authors: Nakajima Minoru , Hasegawa Akira , Lichtenthaler Frieder W.
Published: October 2014

Ausgehend von den vier stereoisomeren Tetraacetyl‐konduraminen (I, V, XIII, XXII) bzw. Tetraacetyl‐konduraminepoxyden (II, VIII, X, XX) werden durch Anlagerung von HOBr an die CC‐Bindung bzw. durch Öffnung des Oxiran‐Ringes mit HBr vier isomere Brom‐desoxyinosamine dargestellt. Reduktive Entbromierung führt diese in Desoxyinosamine über, die als Pentaacetate isoliert werden. Die Konfigurationen 3‐Desoxy‐myo‐(1) (IV), 1‐Desoxy‐allo‐(5) (VII), 3‐Desoxy‐allo‐(1) (XII) und 3‐Desoxy‐epi‐(1) (XXV) ergeben sich aus dem Syntheseweg, den Desaminierungsprodukten sowie aus der chemischen Verschiebung der NMR‐Signale für Acetoxy‐ bzw. Acetamino‐Gruppen.