bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The dynamic impact of repeated stress on the hippocampal spatial map
Authors: Tomar Anupratap , Polygalov Denis , Chattarji Sumantra , McHugh Thomas J.
Published: August 2014

Stress alters the function of many physiological processes throughout the body, including in the brain. A neural circuit particularly vulnerable to the effects of stress is the hippocampus, a key component of the episodic and spatial memory system in both humans and rodents. Earlier studies have provided snapshots of morphological, molecular, physiological and behavioral changes in the hippocampus following either acute or repeated stress. However, the cumulative impact of repeated stress on in vivo hippocampal physiology remains unexplored. Here we report the stress‐induced modulation of the spatially receptive fields of the hippocampal CA1 ‘place cells’ as mice explore familiar and novel tracks after 5 and 10 days of immobilization stress. We find that similar to what has been observed following acute stress, five days of repeated stress results in decreased excitability of CA1 pyramidal cells. Following ten days of chronic stress, however, this decreased hippocampal excitability is no longer evident, suggesting adaptation may have occurred. In addition to these changes in neuronal excitability, we find deficient context discrimination, wherein both short‐term and chronic stress impair the ability of the hippocampus to unambiguously distinguish novel and familiar environments. These results suggest that a loss of network flexibility may underlie some of the behavioral deficits accompanying chronic stress. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ubiquitin‐activating enzyme is necessary for 17β‐estradiol‐induced breast cancer cell proliferation and migration
Authors: Pesiri Valeria , Totta Pierangela , Marino Maria , Acconcia Filippo
Published: August 2014

The sex steroid hormone 17β‐estradiol (E2) regulates breast cancer (BC) cell proliferation and migration through the activation of a plethora of signal transduction cascades (e.g., PI3K/AKT activation) starting after E2 binding to the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα). The activity of the ubiquitin (Ub)‐system modulates many physiological processes (e.g., cell proliferation and migration), and recently, a specific inhibitor (Pyr‐41) of the Ub‐activating enzyme (E1), which works as the activator of the Ub‐based signaling, has been identified to prevent the functions of the Ub‐system. Here, by using Pyr‐41, we studied the involvement of the Ub‐system in E2‐induced signaling to proliferation and migration of BC cells. Our data indicate that E1 activity is involved in the E2:ERα signaling important for cell proliferation and migration through the modulation of the E2‐evoked activation of the PI3K/AKT and the p38/MAPK pathways. These discoveries indicate a new molecular circuitry that can be further explored to define new opportunities for BC treatment. © 2014 IUBMB Life, 66(8):578–585, 2014
Microwave assisted water extraction of plant compounds
Authors: Flórez Noelia , Conde Enma , Domínguez Herminia
Published: August 2014

The development of environmentally friendly processes with limited generation of polluting streams to attain sustainable utilization of raw materials is encouraged. The implementation of novel extraction technologies more efficient, selective and with lower energy consumption than conventional ones, can help in achieving this objective. Particularly promising are aqueous based methods, since water is a cheap, safe and abundant solvent and the limited use of toxic organic solvents is a consumer's, ecological and processing demand. The benefits and the limiting aspects of microwave assisted water extraction, either adding water as the only solvent or in solvent free processes, using the naturally present water in vegetal materials for the extraction of valuable components from renewable vegetal sources are highlighted and the potential of this technique for industrial applications is discussed. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Beneficial effect of cilostazol‐mediated neuronal repair following trimethyltin‐induced neuronal loss in the dentate gyrus
Authors: Yoneyama Masanori , Tanaka Masayuki , Hasebe Shigeru , Yamaguchi Taro , Shiba Tatsuo , Ogita Kiyokazu
Published: August 2014

Cilostazol acts as an antiplatelet agent and has other pleiotropic effects based on phosphodiesterase‐3‐dependent mechanisms. We evaluated whether cilostazol would have a beneficial effect on neuronal repair following hippocampal neuronal damage by using a mouse model of trimethyltin (TMT)‐induced neuronal loss/self‐repair in the hippocampal dentate gyrus [Ogita et al. (2005) J Neurosci Res 82:609−621]; these mice will hereafter be referred to as impaired animals. A single treatment with cilostazol (10 mg/kg, i.p.) produced no significant change in the number of 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU)‐incorporating cells in the dentate granule cell layer (GCL) or subgranular zone on day 3 after TMT treatment. However, chronic treatment with cilostazol on days 3–15 posttreatment resulted in an increase in the number of BrdU‐incorporating cells in the dentate GCL of the impaired animals, and these cells were positive for neuronal nuclear antigen or doublecortin. Cilostazol was effective in elevating the level of phosphorylated cyclic adrenosine monophosphate response element‐binding protein (pCREB) in the dentate gyrus of impaired animals. The results of a forced swimming test revealed that the chronic treatment with cilostazol improved the depression‐like behavior seen in the impaired animals. In the cultures of hippocampal neural stem/progenitor cells, exposure to cilostazol produced not only enhancement of proliferation activity but also elevation of pCREB levels. Taken together, our data suggest that cilostazol has a beneficial effect on neuronal repair following neuronal loss in the dentate gyrus through promotion of proliferation and/or neuronal differentiation of neural progenitor cells in the subgranular zone. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Organic matter returns to soils must be higher under organic compared to conventional farming
Authors: Leithold Günter , Hülsbergen Kurt‐Jürgen , Brock Christopher
Published: August 2014

The aim of this paper is to discuss the demand of fresh organic matter (FOM) supply to maintain soil organic matter (SOM) levels and productivity of arable soils under organic management. The basic question is whether the different frame conditions in organic vs. conventional farming result in a different and system‐specific FOM demand. If this is the case, it would follow that the farming system has to be considered in the calculation of SOM balances. SOM balances are the most common decision support tools in organic matter management. A conversion to organic farming in practice usually leads to an increase of SOM levels as well as soil microbial activity over time. The system‐specific driver of this effect is the indispensable extension of the share of (perennial) legumes in crop rotations at the expense of non‐legumes such as cereals, row crops, and maize. Extended legume cropping is essential for N supply in crop rotations as the import of N fertilizer in total is limited by organic farming regulations and mineral N fertilizer may not be used at all. Based on this characteristic of organic management, we argue that the demand of FOM supply to soils must be higher than in conventional crop production. The most relevant factors are (1) the non‐existence of mineral N fertilizer as an external N source that supports the maintenance of SOM by decreasing the demand for SOM‐N, (2) benefits of increasing SOM stocks and turnover for soil productivity under organic management, and, (3) increased mass‐losses of FOM and easily degradable SOM compartments due to higher microbial activity in soils. These effects have to be quantified and must be considered in SOM balances in order to avoid misleading assessments and erroneous decisions.
Probing interlayer coupling in twisted single‐crystal bilayer graphene by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Yeh Chao‐Hui , Lin Yung‐Chang , Nayak Pramoda K. , Lu Chun‐Chieh , Liu Zheng , Suenaga Kazu , Chiu Po‐Wen
Published: August 2014

Twisted bilayer graphene, in which interlayer interaction plays a critical role in this coupled system, is characterized for its angle‐dependent electronic and optical properties. Here, we present a systematic Raman study of single‐crystal twisted bilayer graphene grains, with the spectra of each bilayer graphene precisely correlated to its twist angle using combined transmission electron microscopic technique. Van Hove singularities develop as a result of band rehybridization at the crossing Dirac cones of the two layers, giving rise to a critical twist angle that determines the energy separation between the saddle points in the band structure and the resonance Raman spectra accordingly. The 2D mode becomes sensitive to the twist angle, showing the angle‐dependent position, peak width, and intensity. Our results interpreted in the framework of angle‐dependent double resonance scattering provide an important experimental perspective in understanding the coupled bilayer graphene system. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Servitization as a Driver for Organizational Change
Authors: Vendrell‐Herrero Ferran , Parry Glenn , Bustinza Oscar F. , O'Regan Nicholas
Published: August 2014

Servitization is the move away from selling traditional product to selling a wide range of product/service bundle combinations, contributing to firm sustainability and profitability and hence the competitiveness of nations.
Use of lyophilised and powdered Gentiana lutea root in fresh beef patties stored under different atmospheres
Authors: Azman Nurul A M , Gordon Michael H , Skowyra Monika , Segovia Francisco , Almajano María Pilar
Published: August 2014

BACKGROUND

Gentiana lutea root is a medicinal herb that contains many active compounds which contribute to physiological effects, and it has recently attracted much attention as a natural source of antioxidants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects on the colour, pH, microbial activities, sensory quality and resistance to lipid oxidation (through the thiobarbituric acid method) during storage of beef patties containing different concentrations of G. lutea. Fresh beef patties were formulated with 0–5 g kg−1 of G. lutea and 0 or 0.5 g kg−1 of ascorbic acid and packed in two different atmospheres, Modified Atmosphere 1 (MAP1) and Modified Atmosphere 2 (MAP2), and stored at 4 ± 1 °C for 10 days. MAP1 contained 20:80 (v/v) O2:CO2 and MAP2 contained 80:20 (v/v) O2:CO2.

RESULTS

G. lutea extracts possessed antioxidant activity measured by the ferric reducing antioxidant power and the oxygen radical absorbance capacity assays. Beef patties containing 2 g kg−1 of lyophilised G. lutea were stable towards lipid oxidation in both atmospheres (P < 0.05). Beef patties containing a combination of 2 g kg−1 G. lutea and 0.5 g kg−1 ascorbic acid showed significantly reduced changes in colour and in lipid oxidation (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results from this study demonstrate the potential of G. lutea as a food ingredient in the design of healthier meat commodities. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Microextraction by packed sorbent liquid chromatography with time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry of triazines employing a molecularly imprinted polymer†
Authors: Andrade Felipe Nascimento , Santos‐Neto Álvaro José , Lanças Fernando Mauro
Published: August 2014

Molecularly imprinted polymers for the determination of triazines were synthesized by precipitation using atrazine as template, methacrylic acid as functional monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as crosslinker, and 2,2′‐azobisisobutrynitrile as initiator. The polymers were characterized by infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy and packed in a device for microextraction by packed sorbent aiming for the preconcentration/cleanup of herbicides, such as atrazine, simazine, simetryn, ametryn, and terbutryn in corn samples. Liquid chromatography coupled with time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry was used for the separation and determination of the herbicides. The selectivity coefficient of molecularly imprinted polymers was compared with that of nonimprinted polymer for the binary mixtures of atrazine/propanil and atrazine/picloram, and the values obtained were 15.6 and 2.96, respectively. The analytical curve ranged from 10 to 80 μg/kg (r = 0.989) and the limits of detection and quantification in the corn matrices were 3.3 and 10 μg/kg, respectively. Intra‐ and interday precisions were < 14.8% and accuracy was better than 90.9% for all herbicides. Polymer synthesis was successfully applied to the cleanup and preconcentration of triazines from fortified corn samples with 91.1–109.1% of recovery.
Upregulated plasma and urinary levels of nucleosides as biological markers in the diagnosis of primary gallbladder cancer
Authors: Jiao Xingyuan , Mo Yuxuan , Wu Ying , He Jinyun , Zhang Peng , Hu Ronglin , Luo Canqiao , Du Jun , Fu Jian , Shi Jinsen , Zhou Liansuo , Li Dongming
Published: August 2014

We first detected aberrant nucleoside levels in the plasma, urine, bile, and tissues from cases and controls to explore them as biomarkers in the diagnosis of gallbladder cancer. Reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography was used to assess the levels of ten nucleosides in these samples from gallbladder cancer patients, gallstone patients, and healthy controls. Plasma and urine samples were collected from patients with gallbladder cancer (n = 202), patients with gallstones (n = 203), and healthy controls (n = 205); bile and tissue samples were collected from 91 gallbladder cancer patients, 93 gallstone patients; and 90 were donated after cardiac death. Of the ten nucleosides analyzed, eight urinary nucleosides, five plasma nucleosides, three bile nucleosides, and one tissue nucleoside were significantly upregulated in the gallbladder cancer patients compared to control groups (p < 0.05). Among these upregulated nucleosides, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of urinary nucleosides in the diagnosis of gallbladder cancer patients were 89.4, 97.1, and 95.7%, respectively, those of plasma nucleosides were 91.2, 95.6, and 94.2%, respectively, those of bile nucleosides were 95.3, 96.4, and 95.1%, respectively, and those of tissue nucleosides were 86.2, 93.8, and 92.6%, respectively. These results suggest that nucleosides may be as useful as biological markers for gallbladder cancer.
Effervescence‐assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction using a solid effervescent agent as a novel dispersion technique for the analysis of fungicides in apple juice
Authors: Jiang Wenqing , Chen Xiaochu , Liu Fengmao , You Xiangwei , Xue Jiaying
Published: August 2014

A novel effervescence‐assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction method has been developed for the determination of four fungicides in apple juice samples. In this method, a solid effervescent agent is added into samples to assist the dispersion of extraction solvent. The effervescent agent is environmentally friendly and only produces an increase in the ionic strength and a negligible variation in the pH value of the aqueous sample, which does not interfere with the extraction of the analytes. The parameters affecting the extraction efficiency were investigated including the composition of effervescent agent, effervescent agent amount, formulation of effervescent agent, adding mode of effervescent agent, type and volume of extraction solvent, and pH. Under optimized conditions, the method showed a good linearity within the range of 0.05–2 mg/L for pyrimethanil, fludioxonil, and cyprodinil, and 0.1–4 mg/L for kresoxim‐methyl, with the correlation coefficients >0.998. The limits of detection for the method ranged between 0.005 and 0.01 mg/L. The recoveries of the target fungicides in apple juice samples were in the range of 72.4–110.8% with the relative standard deviations ranging from 1.2 to 6.8%.
One‐Step Preparation of Reduction‐Responsive Biodegradable Polymers as Efficient Intracellular Drug Delivery Platforms
Authors: Cai Tongjiang , Chen Yangjun , Wang Yin , Wang Haibo , Liu Xiangsheng , Jin Qiao , Agarwal Seema , Ji Jian
Published: August 2014

Reduction‐responsive biodegradable polymeric micelles based on functional 2‐methylene‐1,3‐dioxepane (MDO) copolymers are developed and investigated for triggered doxorubicin (DOX) release. The MDO‐based copolymers P(MDO‐co‐PEGMA‐co‐PDSMA) are synthesized via the simple one‐step radical ring‐opening copolymerization of MDO, poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMA), and pyridyldisulfide ethylmethacrylate (PDSMA). The copolymers can self‐assemble to form micelles in aqueous solution. DOX, a model anticancer drug, is loaded into the micelles with the drug loading content (DLC) of 11.3%. The micelles can be disassembled under a reductive environment (10 × 10−3m glutathione), which results in a triggered drug release behavior. The glutathione‐mediated intracellular drug release of DOX‐loaded micelles is investigated against A549 cells. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) results demonstrated that DOX‐loaded micelles exhibits faster drug release in glutathione monoester (GSH‐OEt)‐pretreated A549 cells, compared with untreated and buthionine sulfoximine (BSO)‐pretreated A549 cells. Based on the facile synthetic strategy, the reduction‐sensitive biodegradable micelles with triggered intracellular drug release are promising for anticancer drug delivery.

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A common cognitive, psychiatric, and dysmorphic phenotype in carriers of NRXN1 deletion
Authors: Viñas‐Jornet Marina , Esteba‐Castillo Susanna , Gabau Elisabeth , Ribas‐Vidal Núria , Baena Neus , San Joan , Ruiz Anna , Coll Maria Dolors , Novell Ramon , Guitart Miriam
Published: August 2014

Deletions in the 2p16.3 region that includes the neurexin (NRXN1) gene are associated with intellectual disability and various psychiatric disorders, in particular, autism and schizophrenia. We present three unrelated patients, two adults and one child, in whom we identified an intragenic 2p16.3 deletion within the NRXN1 gene using an oligonucleotide comparative genomic hybridization array. The three patients presented dual diagnosis that consisted of mild intellectual disability and autism and bipolar disorder. Also, they all shared a dysmorphic phenotype characterized by a long face, deep set eyes, and prominent premaxilla. Genetic analysis of family members showed two inherited deletions. A comprehensive neuropsychological examination of the 2p16.3 deletion carriers revealed the same phenotype, characterized by anxiety disorder, borderline intelligence, and dysexecutive syndrome. The cognitive pattern of dysexecutive syndrome with poor working memory and reduced attention switching, mental flexibility, and verbal fluency was the same than those of the adult probands. We suggest that in addition to intellectual disability and psychiatric disease, NRXN1 deletion is a risk factor for a characteristic cognitive and dysmorphic profile. The new cognitive phenotype found in the 2p16.3 deletion carriers suggests that 2p16.3 deletions might have a wide variable expressivity instead of incomplete penetrance.
Investigation into the structural composition of hydroalcoholic solutions as basis for the development of multiple suppression pulse sequences for NMR measurement of alcoholic beverages
Authors: Monakhova Yulia B. , Mushtakova Svetlana P. , Kuballa Thomas , Lachenmeier Dirk W.
Published: August 2014

An eight‐fold suppression pulse sequence was recently developed to improve sensitivity in 1H NMR measurements of alcoholic beverages [Magn. Res. Chem. 2011 (49): 734–739]. To ensure that only one combined hydroxyl peak from water and ethanol appears in the spectrum, adjustment to a certain range of ethanol concentrations was required.

To explain this observation, the structure of water–ethanol solutions was studied. Hydroalcoholic solutions showed extreme behavior at 25% vol, 46% vol, and 83% vol ethanol according to 1H NMR experiments. Near‐infrared spectroscopy confirmed the occurrence of four significant compounds (‘individual’ ethanol and water structures as well as two water–ethanol complexes of defined composition – 1 : 1 and 1 : 3).

The successful multiple suppression can be achieved for every kind of alcoholic beverage with different alcoholic strengths, when the final ethanol concentration is adjusted to a range between 25% vol and 46% vol (e.g. using dilution or pure ethanol addition). In this optimum region, an individual ethanol peak was not detected, because the ‘individual’ water structure and the 1 : 1 ethanol–water complex predominate.

The nature of molecular association in ethanol–water solutions is essential to elucidate NMR method development for measurement of alcoholic beverages. The presented approach can be used to optimize other NMR suppression protocols for binary water–organic solvent mixtures, where hydrogen bonding plays a dominant role. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Amide proton transfer‐weighted imaging of the head and neck at 3 T: a feasibility study on healthy human subjects and patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Yuan Jing , Chen Shuzhong , King Ann D. , Zhou Jinyuan , Bhatia Kunwar S. , Zhang Qinwei , Yeung David Ka Wei , Wei Juan , Mok Greta Seng Peng , Wang Yi‐Xiang
Published: August 2014

The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility and repeatability of amide proton transfer‐weighted (APTw) MRI for the head and neck on clinical MRI scanners. Six healthy volunteers and four patients with head and neck tumors underwent APTw MRI scanning at 3 T. The APTw signal was quantified by the asymmetric magnetization transfer ratio (MTRasym) at 3.5 ppm. Z spectra of normal tissues in the head and neck (masseter muscle, parotid glands, submandibular glands and thyroid glands) were analyzed in healthy volunteers. Inter‐scan repeatability of APTw MRI was evaluated in six healthy volunteers. Z spectra of patients with head and neck tumors were produced and APTw signals in these tumors were analyzed. APTw MRI scanning was successful for all 10 subjects. The parotid glands showed the highest APTw signal (~7.6% average), whereas the APTw signals in other tissues were relatively moderate. The repeatability of APTw signals from the masseter muscle, parotid gland, submandibular gland and thyroid gland of healthy volunteers was established. Four head and neck tumors showed positive mean APTw ranging from 1.2% to 3.2%, distinguishable from surrounding normal tissues. APTw MRI was feasible for use in the head and neck regions at 3 T. The preliminary results on patients with head and neck tumors indicated the potential of APTw MRI for clinical applications. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Towards a better control of the radical functionalization of poly(lactic acid)
Authors: Domenichelli Ilaria , Coiai Serena , Cicogna Francesca , Pinzino Calogero , Passaglia Elisa
Published: August 2014

The radical functionalization of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) with maleic anhydride (MA) was thoroughly investigated using different chemical approaches with the purpose of controlling both the grafting degree and the structure/architecture of the final products. First, a new methodology was developed able to provide clear evidence of the grafting and to identify the structure of the inserted groups. The method consists in the derivatization reaction of the grafted succinic anhydride with a fluorescent derivative (1‐naphthylmethylamine), which allows the functionalization to be assessed qualitatively and quantitatively and therefore improves understanding of the radical functionalization mechanism. Then, in order to control the incidence of secondary reactions, which affect the radical process in the presence of MA, new chemicals were investigated as functionalizing agents or as functionalizing co‐agents together with MA. Butyl 3‐(2‐furyl)propenoate was used as a functional molecule capable of stabilizing the macroradical intermediate and then controlling the β‐scission reaction. 4‐Benzoyloxy‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine‐1‐oxyl was tested as a radical mediator capable of modulating the insertion of MA through a simple reversible coupling reaction. The results obtained by both approaches suggest the possibility of stabilizing the PLA macroradical intermediates and accordingly keeping the radical process under control. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Surface Modification of Biodegradable Poly(L‐Lactic Acid) by Argon Plasma: Fibroblasts and Keratinocytes in the Spotlight
Authors: Rimpelová Silvie , Peterková Lucie , Kasálková Nikola Slepičková , Slepička Petr , Švorčík Václav , Ruml Tomáš
Published: August 2014

Poly(L‐lactic acid) [PLLA] is a biodegradable polymer of growing importance for applications in tissue engineering. This work deals with PLLA tuned by Ar plasma treatment (3 W) with the aim to enhance its wettability and cytocompatibility. Changes in surface properties of PLLA caused by plasma treatment were studied in relation to adhesion, proliferation, and metabolic activity of mouse embryonic fibroblasts (NIH 3T3) and human keratinocytes (HaCaT) in vitro. Plasma treatment of PLLA significantly improved adhesion and proliferation of both cell lines when compared to pristine PLLA. Changes in expression of adhesion molecules, talin 1 and vinculin, were also examined. The amount of both proteins in cells cultivated on modified PLLA matrices was lower than in cells grown on pristine PLLA after 24 h of incubation.
Integrated static code analysis and runtime verification
Authors: Sözer H.
Published: August 2014

Static code analysis tools automatically generate alerts for potential software faults that can lead to failures. However, these tools usually generate a very large number of alerts, some of which are subject to false positives. Because of limited resources, it is usually hard to inspect all the alerts. As a complementary approach, runtime verification techniques verify dynamic system behavior with respect to a set of specifications. However, these specifications are usually created manually based on system requirements and constraints. In this paper, we introduce a noval approach and a toolchain for integrated static code analysis and runtime verification. Alerts that are generated by static code analysis tools are utilized for automatically generating runtime verification specifications. On the other hand, runtime verification results are used for automatically generating filters for static code analysis tools to eliminate false positives. The approach is illustrated for the static analysis and runtime verification of an open‐source bibliography reference manager software. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Retrospective sampling in MCMC with an application to COM‐Poisson regression
Authors: Chanialidis Charalampos , Evers Ludger , Neocleous Tereza , Nobile Agostino
Published: August 2014

The normalization constant in the distribution of a discrete random variable may not be available in closed form; in such cases, the calculation of the likelihood can be computationally expensive. Approximations of the likelihood or approximate Bayesian computation methods can be used; but the resulting Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm may not sample from the target of interest. In certain situations, one can efficiently compute lower and upper bounds on the likelihood. As a result, the target density and the acceptance probability of the Metropolis–Hastings algorithm can be bounded. We propose an efficient and exact MCMC algorithm based on the idea of retrospective sampling. This procedure can be applied to a number of discrete distributions, one of which is the Conway–Maxwell–Poisson distribution. In practice, the bounds on the acceptance probability do not need to be particularly tight in order to accept or reject a move. We demonstrate this method using data on the emergency hospital admissions in Scotland in 2010, where the main interest lies in the estimation of the variability of admissions, as it is considered as a proxy for health inequalities. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Joint sink deployment and association for multi‐sink wireless camera networks
Authors: Hung Michael Chien‐Chun , Lin Kate Ching‐Ju
Published: August 2014

In this paper, we investigate the problem of joint sink deployment and association (JSDA) in multi‐sink wireless camera networks (WCNs). Each camera in a WCN requires a different streaming rate of delivering its stream back to an access point (sink) because of various surveillance requirements, for example, event detection or target tracking. In a WCN where multiple channels are supported, the sinks must be placed in suitable locations (sink deployment) to collect streams from cameras over nonoverlapping channels, and in addition, each camera must associate with the appropriate sink (sink association) so that its demand rate can be optimally satisfied. To achieve this goal, we first formulate the JSDA problem as an optimization model using mixed‐integer linear programming and prove its NP‐completeness. Two approaches, branch‐and‐bound and our heuristics, iterative sink deployment and association (ISDA), are then developed to solve JSDA. We evaluate the performance via simulations with the traces collected by real measurements and show that ISDA can effectively satisfy cameras' demands with a reasonable computational cost. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self‐similarity and turbulence characteristics of wind turbine wakes via large‐eddy simulation
Authors: Xie Shengbai , Archer Cristina
Published: August 2014

Mean and turbulent properties of the wake generated by a single wind turbine are studied in this paper with a new large eddy simulation (LES) code, the wind turbine and turbulence simulator (WiTTS hereafter). WiTTS uses a scale‐dependent Lagrangian dynamical model of the sub‐grid shear stress and actuator lines to simulate the effects of the rotating blades. WiTTS is first tested by simulating neutral boundary layers without and with a wind turbine and then used to study the common assumptions of self‐similarity and axisymmetry of the wake under neutral conditions for a variety of wind speeds and turbine properties. We find that the wind velocity deficit generally remains self similarity to a Gaussian distribution in the horizontal. In the vertical, the Gaussian self‐similarity is still valid in the upper part of the wake, but it breaks down in the region of the wake close to the ground. The horizontal expansion of the wake is always faster and greater than the vertical expansion under neutral stability due to wind shear and impact with the ground. Two modifications to existing equations for the mean velocity deficit and the maximum added turbulence intensity are proposed and successfully tested. The anisotropic wake expansion is taken into account in the modified model of the mean velocity deficit. Turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) budgets show that production and advection exceed dissipation and turbulent transport. The nacelle causes significant increase of every term in the TKE budget in the near wake. In conclusion, WiTTS performs satisfactorily in the rotor region of wind turbine wakes under neutral stability. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pathologic changes associated with suspected hypovitaminosis A in amphibians under managed care
Authors: Rodríguez Carlos E. , Pessier Allan P.
Published: August 2014

Vitamin A deficiency is a recently recognized nutritional disease in amphibians fed insect‐based diets. The classic pathologic lesion that has been associated with hypovitaminosis A in amphibians is squamous metaplasia of the lingual and oral mucosa. In an attempt to further characterize the range of lesions that may be associated with vitamin A deficiency, we reviewed archived amphibian necropsy reports from three facilities. As previously reported, the tongue was the most commonly affected site in animals presenting with squamous metaplasia. However, metaplastic changes were also observed in a variety of locations that included the oral cavity, nasal cavity, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, cloaca, skin, urinary bladder, ureter, and reproductive tract. In addition, species and age‐specific differences were noted in the development of squamous metaplasia. This review highlights the need to establish standardized guidelines for optimal postmortem tissue sampling of amphibians in order to maximize the accurate diagnosis of pathologic lesions that may be associated with hypovitaminosis A. Zoo Biol. 33:508–515, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals Inc.
Effect of Cooked White Rice with High β-glucan Barley on Appetite and Energy Intake in Healthy Japanese Subjects: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Aoe Seiichiro , Ikenaga Takeshi , Noguchi Hiroki , Kohashi Chieko , Kakumoto Keiji , Kohda Noriyuki
Published: August 2014

White rice is a dominant grain-based food in Japan, but excess intake of polished rice may cause obesity. Barley is a grain-based food, similar to white rice, but it has the potential to control appetite and reduce energy intake. We investigated the effect of cooked white rice with high β-glucan barley on appetite and energy intake. The study was conducted as a randomized crossover design with twenty-one healthy Japanese women [mean ± standard deviation body mass index (BMI) 23.3 ± 0.7 kg/m2]. Subjects consumed a breakfast of cooked white rice with high β-glucan barley (BAR) or white rice (WR), followed by an ad libitum lunch and dinner. Energy intake was measured at the lunch and the dinner using plate waste. Subjects’ perception scores on hunger, fullness, satiety, and prospective food consumption were assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) before and after the breakfast, lunch and dinner. BAR significantly reduced the VAS scores of hunger and prospective food consumption, and increased fullness before lunch compared to WR (P = 0.032, 0.019 and 0.038, respectively). Energy intake at lunch and the cumulative energy intake (lunch + dinner) subsequent to BAR consumption were significantly lower than WR (P = 0.035 and 0.021, respectively). BAR was able to modulate appetite and reduce energy intake. The combination of white rice with high β-glucan barley could play a beneficial role in preventing and treating obesity and other obesity-related metabolic diseases.
Photosulfochlorination Synthesis and Physicochemical Properties of Methyl Ester Sulfonates Derived from Lauric and Myristic Acids
Authors: Asselah Amel , Tazerouti Amel
Published: August 2014

The photosulfochlorination process has been used in earlier works to produce n‐alkane sulfonates. In this work, this process was applied for the first time on lauric and myristic fatty acids, leading to methyl ester sulfonates (MESs). The operating conditions were optimized and the isolation method described. Apart from the known advantages of this reaction, namely the use of sulfuryl chloride, the visible light and short reaction time, this process led to a clear mono‐sulfonate products and thus allowed avoiding the bleaching step. The chemical composition of these surfactants was determined and their structures characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, liquid chromatography‐electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry and proton nuclear magnetic resonance. The physicochemical properties of these surfactants such as surface tension, critical micelle concentration, maximum surface excess and minimum area per molecule of surfactant at the air/water interface were determined. The Krafft point was determined experimentally and compared to the MES literature data. The experimental and calculated hydrophilic–lipophilic balance values obtained compared well. The foaming power using Bartsch's method was presented and the results obtained compared to those of similar structures and those of sodium dodecyl sulfate.
Analysis of C18:1cis and trans fatty acid isomers by the combination of gas‐liquid chromatography of 4,4‐dimethyloxazoline derivatives and methyl esters
Authors: Aro Antti , Kosmeijer‐Schuil Truus , van de Bovenkamp Peter , Hulshof Paul , Zock Peter , Katan Martijn B.
Published: August 2014

Trans fatty acids in foods are usually analyzed by gas‐liquid chromatography (GLC) of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). However, this method may produce erroneously low values because of insufficient separation between cis and trans isomers. Separation can be optimized by preceding silver‐ion thin‐layer chromatography (Ag‐TLC), but this is laborious. We have developed an efficient method for the separation of 18‐carbon trans fatty acid isomers by combining GLC of FAME with GLC of fatty acid 4,4‐dimethyloxazoline (DMOX) derivatives. We validated this method against conventional GLC of FAME, with and without preceding Ag‐TLC. Fatty acid isomers were identified by comparison with standards, based on retention times and mass spectrometry. Analysis of DMOX derivatives allowed the 13t, 14t, and 15t isomers to be separated from the cis isomers. The combination of the GLC analyses of FAME and DMOX derivatives gave results comparable with those obtained by GLC of FAME after preceding Ag‐TLC, while saving about 100 h of manpower per 25 samples. It allowed the identification and quantitation of 11 trans and 8 cis isomers and resulted in 25% higher values for total C18:1trans, compared with the analysis of FAME alone. The combination of DMOX and FAME analyses, as applied to the analysis of 14 foods that contained ruminant fat and partially hydrogenated vegetable and fish oils, indicated that the most common isomers were 11t in ruminant fats, 9t in partially hydrogenated fish fats, and either 9t or 10t in partially hydrogenated vegetable fats. The combination of GLC analyses of FAME and DMOX derivatives of fatty acids improves the quantitation of 18‐carbon fatty acid isomers and may replace the laborious and time‐consuming Ag‐TLC.
68Gallium- and 90Yttrium-/177Lutetium: “theranostic twins” for diagnosis and treatment of NETs
Authors: Werner Rudolf A. , Bluemel Christina , Allen-Auerbach Martin S. , Higuchi Takahiro , Herrmann Ken
Published: August 2014

Abundant expression of somatostatin receptors (SSTR) is frequently identified in differentiated neuroendocrine tumors and may serve as potential target for diagnostic imaging and treatment. This article discusses the “theranostic approach” of SSTR-targeting compounds including an overview of its role for diagnosis, staging and restaging, discussing its way to being established in clinical routine, and giving an outlook about further potentially relevant developments.
Complementarianism as Doctrine and Governance: Narratives on Women's Leadership among Second-Generation Asian Americans
Authors: Chan Esther
Published: August 2014

The role of women in evangelical churches remains contested as different groups attempt to shape the gender subculture. Included is a growing population of second-generation immigrants who have the potential to influence future debates. I explore how 23 second-generation Asian American congregants in a multi-lingual Taiwanese evangelical church that experienced a schism over women in pastoral leadership discuss the complementarian belief as it relates to doctrine and governance. Further, I examine narratives used to describe the schism and find that doctrinal narratives predominated over narratives of inter-generational conflict. Last, I find that the complementarian belief also informed understandings and participation in lay leadership. Findings suggest patterns for how doctrine and governance may interact and have implications for the relationship among ethnicity, gender, and religion. I propose further research interrogating the relationship between doctrine and governance and the way religious, gender, ethnic, and immigrant identities may or may not interact.
Ribonomic approaches to study the RNA‐binding proteome
Authors: Faoro Camilla , Ataide Sandro F.
Published: August 2014

Gene expression is controlled through a complex interplay among mRNAs, non‐coding RNAs and RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs), which all assemble along with other RNA‐associated factors in dynamic and functional ribonucleoprotein complexes (RNPs). To date, our understanding of RBPs is largely limited to proteins with known or predicted RNA‐binding domains. However, various methods have been recently developed to capture an RNA of interest and comprehensively identify its associated RBPs. In this review, we discuss the RNA‐affinity purification methods followed by mass spectrometry analysis (AP‐MS); RBP screening within protein libraries and computational methods that can be used to study the RNA‐binding proteome (RBPome).
Expression of type I collagen and tenascin C is regulated by actin polymerization through MRTF in dedifferentiated chondrocytes
Authors: Parreno Justin , Raju Sneha , Niaki Mortah Nabavi , Andrejevic Katarina , Jiang Amy , Delve Elizabeth , Kandel Rita
Published: August 2014

This study examined actin regulation of fibroblast matrix genes in dedifferentiated chondrocytes. We demonstrated that dedifferentiated chondrocytes exhibit increased actin polymerization, nuclear localization of myocardin related transcription factor (MRTF), increased type I collagen (col1) and tenascin C (Tnc) gene expression, and decreased Sox9 gene expression. Induction of actin depolymerization by latrunculin treatment or cell rounding, reduced MRTF nuclear localization, repressed col1 and Tnc expression, and increased Sox9 gene expression in dedifferentiated chondrocytes. Treatment of passaged chondrocytes with MRTF inhibitor repressed col1 and Tnc expression, but did not affect Sox9 expression. Our results show that actin polymerization regulates fibroblast matrix gene expression through MRTF in passaged chondrocytes.
Sevoflurane postconditioning attenuates cerebral ischemia‐reperfusion injury via protein kinase B/nuclear factor‐erythroid 2‐related factor 2 pathway activation
Authors: Li Bo , Sun Jian , Lv Guoyi , Yu Yonghao , Wang Guolin , Xie Keliang , Jiao Yang , Yu Yang
Published: August 2014

Oxidative damage plays a critical role in many diseases of the central nervous system. This study was conducted to determine the molecular mechanisms involved in the putative anti‐oxidative effects of sevoflurane against experimental stroke. Focal cerebral ischemia was performed via 1 h of middle cerebral artery occlusion followed by reperfusion. At the onset of reperfusion, rats were subjected to postconditioning with sevoflurane or without sevoflurane for 1 h. Neurological deficit score was assessed at different time points after reperfusion. Cerebral infarct volume, oxidative stress level and the binding activity of Nrf2 to antioxidant response element were assessed, meanwhile the expression of nuclear factor‐erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2), quinine oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), protein kinase B (Akt) and phosphor‐Akt was examined by Western blot at 72 h after reperfusion. Sevoflurane postconditioning administration significantly reduced neurological deficit score, infarct volume and oxidative stress levels, while increased the expression of phosphorylation Akt, NQO1, Nrf2 and the binding activity of Nrf2 to ARE in middle cerebral artery occlusion rats. These neuroprotective effects were all suppressed by LY294002, a selective PI3K blocker. Taken together, these findings provided evidence that sevoflurane postconditioning protects brain against ischemic/reperfusion injury, and this neuroprotective effect involves the Akt/Nrf2 pathway.
Internal stresses and breakup of rigid isostatic aggregates in homogeneous and isotropic turbulence
Authors: De Bona Jeremias , Lanotte Alessandra S. , Vanni Marco
Published: August 2014

By characterising the hydrodynamic stresses generated by statistically homogeneous and isotropic turbulence in rigid aggregates, we estimate theoretically the rate of turbulent breakup of colloidal aggregates and the size distribution of the formed fragments. The adopted method combines direct numerical simulation of the turbulent field with a discrete element method based on Stokesian dynamics. In this way, not only is the mechanics of the aggregate modelled in detail, but the internal stresses are evaluated while the aggregate is moving in the turbulent flow. We examine doublets and cluster–cluster isostatic aggregates, where the failure of a single contact leads to the rupture of the aggregate and breakup occurs when the tensile force at a contact exceeds the cohesive strength of the bond. Owing to the different role of the internal stresses, the functional relationship between breakup frequency and turbulence dissipation rate is very different in the two cases. In the limit of very small and very large values, the frequency of breakup scales exponentially with the turbulence dissipation rate for doublets, while it follows a power law for cluster–cluster aggregates. For the case of large isostatic aggregates, it is confirmed that the proper scaling length for maximum stress and breakup is the radius of gyration. The cumulative fragment distribution function is nearly independent of the mean turbulence dissipation rate and can be approximated by the sum of a small erosive component and a term that is quadratic with respect to fragment size.
Nation Women's Engagement and Resistance in theMuhammad SpeaksNewspaper
Authors: GIBSON DAWN-MARIE
Published: August 2014

This paper examines Nation women's engagement and resistance in theMuhammad Speaks(MS) newspaper.MSwas created as the official publication of Elijah Muhammad's Nation of Islam (NOI) in 1960. The paper employed women as journalists and invited contributions from women who had registered with the group. Women's contributions to the paper's production and content reveal their readings of NOI mandates but they equally illuminate a gentle resistance to aspects of the organization. Elijah Muhammad's NOI implemented gender roles for men and women within the organization that were often inflexible. Women embraced the organization's gender roles and found ways to navigate the patriarchal dimensions of the movement. This paper argues that a careful analysis of women's writings for theMSnewspaper reveals facets of their activism that have been overlooked in existing scholarly studies.
The effects of ammunition price on subsistence hunting in an Amazonian village
Authors: Sirén Anders H. , Wilkie David S.
Published: August 2014

Research has shown that consumers of wildlife are price sensitive and that the quantity of meat purchased is influenced by the cost of bushmeat and its substitutes. Although there is evidence that hunter-gatherers are optimal foragers whose behaviour is influenced by costs associated with foraging, there is a paucity of studies on whether the behaviour of bushmeat hunters, like that of consumers, is cost sensitive. This paper reports data on the practices of indigenous bushmeat hunters in the lowland forests of Ecuador before and after a national tax on firearms and ammunition was increased by 300%. Results show that hunters' behaviour is, as predicted by optimal foraging theory, responsive to price signals. After a substantial increase in the national tax on shotgun cartridges, hunters modified the set of species considered worth hunting, dropping smaller-bodied species from the set of species they target during a hunt and switching the technology used for hunting, increasingly using muzzle loader shotguns and thus avoiding the cost of expensive cartridges.