bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Injectable thermosensitive chitosan/β‐glycerophosphate/collagen hydrogel maintains the plasticity of skeletal muscle satellite cells and supports their in vivo viability
Authors: Ding Ke , Yang Zhong , Zhang Yu‐Long , Xu Jian‐Zhong
Published: August 2013

A cell carrier plays an important role in the maintenance, growth and engraftment of specific cells aimed for defined therapeutic uses in many tissue engineering strategies. A suitable microenvironment for the cells allows for the maximum efficacy of the hybrid device. We have prepared an injectable thermosensitive chitosan/β‐glycerophosphate/collagen (C/GP/Co) gel and investigated its potential application as a support for the culture of skeletal muscle satellite cells (SMSCs). A cell viability assay was used to evaluate the in vitro cytocompatibility of the gel. Cell growth was assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and histological analysis. The influence of the C/GP/Co gel on the plasticity of SMSCs seeded at the surface of the gel was assessed by induction of the myogenic, osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation. C/GP/Co gel provided the appropriate environment for the culture of SMSCs in vitro. In addition, the C/GP/Co gel supported SMSC plasticity. In vivo testing of the SMSC‐seeded gel was investigated by subcutaneous injection into the dorsum of nude mice. Cell viability was assessed both by in vivo imaging and histological examination of the explants. In conclusion, C/GP/Co hydrogel is a cytocompatible carrier for the in vivo delivery of SMSCs and supportive for SMSC plasticity. Thus, this gel has potential applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Corilagin inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation by inducing G2/M phase arrest
Authors: Ming Yanlin , Zheng Zhizhong , Chen Lianghua , Zheng Guohua , Liu Shaosong , Yu Yinhua , Tong Qingxuan
Published: August 2013

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of most common types of malignant tumours. Therefore, it is very important to identify powerful drugs and their antitumour mechanisms. Corilagin has a significant antitumour potential and lower toxicity in normal cells in vitro. The IC50 values of corilagin for normal Chang‐liver cells and the HCC cell lines Bel7402 and SMMC7721 were 131.4, 24.5 and 23.4 µM, respectively, in the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. MHCC97‐H xenografts in Balb/c mice intraperitoneally injected with 30 mg/kg corilagin for 5 weeks showed a 47.3% inhibition of tumour growth in vivo. Furthermore, data from flow cytometry and Western blot analyses of cell cycle and cell cycle‐related proteins suggest that corilagin arrests SMMC7721 cells at the G2/M phase by downregulating p‐Akt and cyclin B1/cdc2 and upregulating p‐p53 and p21Cip1. In conclusion, corilagin is a potential antitumour drug that is effective in retarding the growth of HCC, which is correlated with the activation of p‐p53‐p21Cip1‐cdc2/cyclin B1.
Immortality of cell lines: challenges and advantages of establishment
Authors: Irfan Maqsood Muhammad , Matin Maryam M. , Bahrami Ahmad Reza , Ghasroldasht Mohammad M.
Published: August 2013

Cellular immortality happens upon impairment of cell‐cycle checkpoint pathways (p53/p16/pRb), reactivation or up‐regulation of telomerase enzyme, or upregulation of some oncogenes or oncoproteins leading to a higher rate of cell division.There are also some other factors and mechanisms involved in immortalisation, which need to be discovered. Immortalisation of cells derived from different sources and establishment of immortal cell lines has proven useful in understanding the molecular pathways governing cell developmental cascades in eukaryotic, especially human, cells. After the breakthrough of achieving the immortal cells and understanding their critical importance in the field of molecular biology, intense efforts have been dedicated to establish cell lines useful for elucidating the functions of telomerase, developmental lineage of progenitors, self‐renewal potency, cellular transformation, differentiation patterns and some bioprocesses, like odontogenesis. Meanwhile, discovering the exact mechanisms of immortality, a major challenge for science yet, is believed to open new gateways toward understanding and treatment of cancer in the long term. This review summarises the methods involved in establishing immortality, its advantages and the challenges still being faced in this field.
TNF‐α triggers osteogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells via the NF‐κB signalling pathway
Authors: Feng Xingmei , Feng Guijuan , Xing Jing , Shen Biyu , Li Liren , Tan Wei , Xu Yue , Liu Suzhe , Liu Hong , Jiang Jinxia , Wu Hao , Tao Tao , Gu Zhifeng
Published: August 2013

Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are a type of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) characterised by self‐renewal and multi‐lineage differentiation, including chondrocytes, adipocytes, neural cells and osteoblasts, which make it an attractive choice for tissue engineering purposes. Tumour necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) had the positive effect on the mineralisation of bone marrow MSCs and stromal cells derived from human adipose tissue. However, the effect of TNF‐α on DPSCs is unclear. We found that TNF‐α activated the NF‐κB pathway during the osteogenic differentiation of DPSCs. TNF‐α also increased mineralisation and the expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and collagen type I (COL I) during this process. PDTC, an NF‐κB inhibitor, blocked the osteogenic differentiation induced by TNF‐α. No effect of TNF‐α on proliferation of DPSCs or cell cycle was detected. In summary, TNF‐α promotes mineralisation and mineralisation‐related gene expression through the NF‐κB signalling pathway in DPSCs, which may provide a foundation for autologous transplantation of DPSCs.
Hydrodynamics of High‐Pressure Bubble Columns
Authors: Rollbusch P. , Tuinier M. , Becker M. , Ludwig M. , Grünewald M. , Franke R.
Published: August 2013

Bubble column hydrodynamics influence important performance parameters like conversion, selectivity, and yield of a chemical reaction. Backmixing of the liquid phase and gas holdup are thereby of particular importance. In order to determine these parameters, a number of correlations exist in the literature. These correlations are mainly derived from small‐scale equipment operated under atmospheric conditions using the physical system air/water. Published experimental results regarding gas holdups and dispersion in bubble columns operated under high pressure are discussed and a recommendation for further research is given.
Clustering of variables in regression analysis: a comparative study between different algorithms
Authors: Hemmateenejad Bahram , Karimi Sadegh , Mobaraki Nabiollah
Published: August 2013

We have recently suggested using clustering of variables (CLoVA) based on unsupervised pattern recognition for partitioning variables into informative and redundant ones. Because data clustering plays a central role in CLoVA, in the present study, we compared the efficiency of different clustering methods including the Kohonen self‐organizing map (SOM), principal component analysis, fuzzy c‐means clustering, K‐means clustering, and hierarchical cluster analysis for clustering spectroscopic data and molecular descriptors to build multivariate calibration and quantitative structure–activity (QSAR) models. To investigate which clustering methods are more efficient for CLoVA, four data sets (three spectroscopic and one QSAR) were analyzed. Most of the CLoVA‐based models obtained by SOM resulted in the least root mean square errors of cross‐validation and prediction, suggesting a higher efficiency of SOM for clustering variables. In all cases, the results obtained by the CLoVA‐based method were compared with those obtained by conventional principal component regression as well as genetic algorithm and successive projection algorithm partial least square regression. Interestingly, models produced by the CLoVA‐based method were more predictive with respect to that of the other methods, as indicated by the lowest root mean square error of prediction. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parameter optimisation and validation for droplet population balances
Authors: Jildeh Hanin B. , Attarakih Menwer , Mickler Matthias , Bart Hans‐Jörg
Published: August 2013

Single droplet experiments in Kühni compartment for five different liquid systems were used to evaluate Schmidt breakage model parameters. Based on these optimised parameters, Coulaloglou and Tavlarides coalescence model parameters were obtained by an inverse solution of population balance model (PBM) using the extended fixed‐pivot technique. The estimated interaction parameters were used to study the hydrodynamics of a pilot Kühni column. For online prediction purposes the One Primary and One Secondary Particle Model (OPOSPM), which is essentially a reduced population balance model (PBM), was used as an alternative to the computational expensive detailed PBM. Different test systems and column geometries were used for steady and transient state validation where OPOSPM was found to produce remarkable good results.
Online monitoring, simulation and prediction of multiphase flows
Authors: Mickler Matthias , Jildeh Hanin B. , Attarakih Menwer , Bart Hans‐Jörg
Published: August 2013

An online monitoring and simulation tool (OMST) is used to determine, analyse, simulate and predict the multiphase flow behaviour in an extraction column within the context of model predictive control (MPC). The simulation was done with the droplet population model OPOSPM using an adapted moments method for online simulation. For validation, steady‐state and transient experiments are performed, where rotor speed and dispersed volume flow rate are changed using the EFCE system toluene–water. OMST deviations are between 3% (droplet sizes in steady state) and 20% (hold‐up in dynamic step‐changes) which are highly dependent on the quality of the parameter estimation.
Evaluating comparative effectiveness with observational data
Authors: Parmar Abhishek D. , Sheffield Kristin M. , Han Yimei , Vargas Gabriela M. , Guturu Praveen , Kuo Yong‐Fang , Goodwin James S. , Riall Taylor S.
Published: August 2013

BACKGROUND

A previous observational study reported that endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is associated with improved survival in older patients with pancreatic cancer. The objective of this study was to reevaluate this association using different statistical methods to control for confounding and selection bias.

METHODS

Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)‐Medicare linked data (1992‐2007) was used to identify patients with locoregional pancreatic cancer. Two‐year survival in patients who did and did not receive EUS was compared by using standard Cox proportional hazards models, propensity score methodology, and instrumental variable analysis.

RESULTS

EUS was associated with improved survival in both unadjusted (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.63‐0.72) and standard regression analyses (HR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.73‐0.84) which controlled for age, sex, race, marital status, tumor stage, SEER region, Charlson comorbidity, year of diagnosis, education, preoperative biliary stenting, chemotherapy, radiation, and pancreatic resection. Propensity score adjustment, matching, and stratification did not attenuate this survival benefit. In an instrumental variable analysis, the survival benefit was no longer observed (HR = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.73‐1.36).

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate the need to exercise caution in using administrative data to infer causal mortality benefits with diagnostic and/or treatment interventions in cancer research. Cancer 2013;119:3861–3869. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
A phase 2 trial of extended induction epratuzumab and rituximab for previously untreated follicular lymphoma: CALGB 50701
Authors: Grant Barbara W. , Jung Sin‐Ho , Johnson Jeffrey L. , Kostakoglu Lale , Hsi Eric , Byrd John C. , Jones Jeffrey , Leonard John P. , Martin S. Eric , Cheson Bruce D.
Published: August 2013

BACKGROUND

Rituximab combined with chemotherapy has improved the survival of previously untreated patients with follicular lymphoma (FL). Nevertheless, many patients neither want nor can tolerate chemotherapy, leading to interest in biological approaches. Epratuzumab is a humanized anti‐CD22 monoclonal antibody with efficacy in relapsed FL. Because both rituximab and epratuzumab have single‐agent activity in FL, the antibody combination was evaluated as initial treatment of patients with FL.

METHODS

Fifty‐nine untreated patients with FL received epratuzumab 360 mg/m2 with rituximab 375 mg/m2 weekly for 4 induction doses. This combination was continued as extended induction in weeks 12, 20, 28, and 36. Response assessed by computed tomography was correlated with clinical risk factors, [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography findings at week 3, Fcγ polymorphisms, immunohistochemical markers, and statin use.

RESULTS

Therapy was well‐tolerated, with toxicities similar to expected with rituximab monotherapy. Fifty‐two (88.2%) evaluable patients responded, including 25 complete responses (42.4%) and 27 partial responses (45.8%). At 3 years follow‐up, 60% of patients remain in remission. Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index (FLIPI) risk strongly predicted progression‐free survival (P = .022).

CONCLUSIONS

The high response rate and prolonged time to progression observed with this antibody combination are comparable to those observed after standard chemoimmunotherapies and further support the development of biologic, nonchemotherapeutic approaches for these patients. Cancer 2013;119:3797–3804. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
The strategic role of adsorption phenomena in biomineralization
Authors: Falini Giuseppe , Fermani Simona
Published: August 2013

The processes by which organisms deposit a mineral phase imply always the existence of an organic interface, does not matter the degree of control exerted. Thus adsorption phenomena, chemical and/or physical, are pivotal in the understanding of biomineralization processes. In this paper a general overview of the biomineralization is presented, paying attention to what occurs at the interface and at the forces involved in the adsorption phenomena. Several case of studies are presented with the aim to illustrate the variety of strategies that nature can adopt to form mineral structure with unique chemical and physical properties and so far not obtainable by abiotic processes under ambient conditions.
Associations of breastfeeding with bulimic behaviors and eating disorders among adolescents
Authors: Iron‐Segev Sharon , Peterson Karen E. , Gillman Matthew W. , Williams Corrine M. , Austin S. Bryn , Field Alison E.
Published: August 2013

Purpose

To use the lifecourse framework to examine the association between duration of breastfeeding and risk of developing bulimic behaviors or a diagnosed eating disorder.

Method

Questionnaires were sent every 12–24 months between 1996 and 2005 to 6,436 females and 5,756 males in the Growing Up Today Study, who were 9–14 years at baseline. Duration of breastfeeding was reported by the participants' mothers in 1997. We used generalized estimating equations to estimate the association of breastfeeding with purging, binge eating, engaging in bulimic behaviors, and having a diagnosed eating disorder.

Results

Compared to girls who were breastfed for more than 9 months, those who were breastfed for less than 4 months did not have a significantly different prevalence of purging, binge eating, bulimic behaviors, and self‐reported history of diagnosed eating disorders. Adjusting for gestational age/birthweight, age, age at menarche, maternal history of an eating disorder, and maternal body mass index, short duration of breastfeeding was not associated with any outcome among the girls [adjusted odds ratios (AOR) ranged from 0.8 to 1.1]. Among the boys, the results showed no significant associations between duration of breastfeeding and purging, binge eating, and self‐reported history of diagnosed eating disorder. However, there was a suggestion that boys who had been breastfed for less than 4 months were at a higher risk of engaging in bulimic behaviors [AOR: 1.5, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.0–2.3].

Discussion

No association was found between duration of breastfeeding and risk of developing bulimic behaviors or a diagnosed eating disorder among girls or boys with the one exception of longer duration of breastfeeding associated with fewer bulimic behaviors in boys. Although there are many benefits to breastfeeding, our data suggest that breastfeeding does not offer any protection against binge eating or purging, nor does it present harmful effects. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2013; 46:834–840)
Small‐Molecule Activation by Reactive Metal Complexes
Authors: Lu Connie C. , Meyer Karsten
Published: August 2013

An overview of the papers in this cluster issue is presented.

One of the grand challenges is to develop clean energy for a global green economy. Chemists – as creators and manipulators of molecules – will play a tremendous role towards this future. We will be relied upon to invent and improve catalysts for many useful and needed reactions, of which one of the most important class is the conversion of small molecules of biological and industrial relevance, including H2, H2O, CH4, CO2, N2, and O2...

Read more by the Guest Editors on p. 3731.
Validation of the Peer Social Maturity Scale for Assessing Children's Social Skills
Authors: Fink Elian , de Rosnay Marc , Peterson Candida , Slaughter Virginia
Published: August 2013

We evaluated the utility of a brief, seven‐item, teacher‐rated Peer Social Maturity Scale (PSMAT). In Study 1, teachers of 138 Australian children (ranging from 5 to 8 years and 5 months old) in kindergarten and Grades 1 and 2 rated their pupils' social maturity using the PSMAT and their classroom social skills via the Social Skills Rating System (SSRS). The PSMAT showed excellent internal consistency and a significant overall correlation with the SSRS social skills scale. Study 2 involved a new longitudinal sample of children who were rated by different classroom teachers in kindergarten and Grades 1 and 2 of full‐time primary school. Consistent with Study 1, at all three time points, PSMAT scores were highly correlated with SSRS social skills scores. PSMAT scores also correlated significantly with peer‐rated social preference. These studies confirm that the PSMAT is a reliable and valid assessment of children's social maturity within their classroom peer groups. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genetic variants in fas signaling pathway genes and risk of gastric cancer
Authors: Hyland Paula L. , Lin Shih‐Wen , Hu Nan , Zhang Han , Wang Lemin , Su Hua , Wang Chaoyu , Ding Ti , Tang Ze‐Zhong , Fan Jin‐Hu , Qiao You‐Lin , Xiong Xiaoqin , Wheeler William , Giffen Carol , Yu Kai , Yuenger Jeff , Burdett Laurie , Wang Zhaoming , Chanock Stephen J. , Tucker Margaret A. , Dawsey Sanford M. , Freedman Neal D. , Goldstein Alisa M. , Abnet Christian C. , Taylor Philip R.
Published: August 2013

Populations in north central China are at high risk for gastric cancers (GC), and altered FAS‐mediated cell signaling and/or apoptosis may contribute to this risk. We examined the association of 554 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 53 Fas signaling‐related genes using a pathway‐based approach in 1758 GC cases (1126 gastric cardia adenocarcinomas (GCA) and 632 gastric noncardia adenocarcinomas (GNCA)), and 2111 controls from a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) of GC in ethnic Chinese. SNP associations with risk of overall GC, GCA and GNCA were evaluated using unconditional logistic regressions controlling for age, sex and study. Gene‐ and pathway‐based associations were tested using the adaptive rank‐truncated product (ARTP) method. Statistical significance was evaluated empirically by permutation. Significant pathway‐based associations were observed for Fas signaling with risk of overall GC (p = 5.5E‐04) and GCA (p = 6.3E‐03), but not GNCA (p= 8.1E‐02). Among examined genes in the Fas signaling pathway, MAP2K4, FAF1, MAPK8, CASP10, CASP8, CFLAR, MAP2K1, CAP8AP2, PAK2 and IKBKB were associated with risk of GC (nominal p < 0.05), and FAF1 and MAPK8 were significantly associated with risk of both GCA and GNCA (nominal p< 0.05). Our examination of genetic variation in the Fas signaling pathway is consistent with an association of altered Fas signaling and/or apoptosis with risk of GC. As one of the first attempts to investigate a pathway‐level association, our results suggest that these genes and the Fas signaling pathway warrant further evaluation in relation to GC risk in other populations.
Prospective study of Merkel cell polyomavirus and risk of Merkel cell carcinoma
Authors: Faust Helena , Andersson Kristin , Ekström Johanna , Hortlund Maria , Robsahm Trude Eid , Dillner Joakim
Published: August 2013

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare type of skin cancer that has a characteristically increased incidence among immunosuppressed subjects. The DNA of Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) is regularly found in most MCC tumors. We investigated whether Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) infection increases the risk for future MCC. Two large biobank cohorts (Southern Sweden Microbiology Biobank and the Janus Biobank), containing samples from 856,000 healthy donors, were linked to the Cancer Registries in Sweden and Norway to identify cases of MCC occurring up to 30 years after donation of a serum sample. For each of the 22 cases (nine males and 13 females), four matched controls were included. The serum samples were analyzed with an MCV neutralization assay and for IgG antibodies to MCV pseudovirions, using JC polyomavirus and cutaneous human papillomaviruses as control antigens. An increased risk for future MCC was associated both with high levels of MCV antibodies [OR 4.4, 95% CI 1.3–17.4] and with MCV neutralizing activity (OR 5.3, 95% CI 1.3–32.3). In males, MCV seropositivity was not associated to MCC risk, whereas the risk was strongly increased in females, both for high levels of MCV antibodies (OR 7.0, 95% CI 1.6–42.8) and for MCV neutralizing activity (OR 14.3, 95% CI 1.7–677). In conclusion, we found prospective evidence that MCV infection is associated with an increased risk for future MCC, in particular among females.
A novel role of the tumor suppressor GNMT in cellular defense against DNA damage
Authors: Wang Yi‐Cheng , Lin Wei‐Li , Lin Yan‐Jun , Tang Feng‐Yao , Chen Yi‐Ming , Chiang En‐Pei Isabel
Published: August 2013

Glycine N‐methyltransferase (GNMT) is a folate binding protein commonly diminished in human hepatoma yet its role in tumor development remains to be established. GNMT binds to methylfolate but is also inhibited by it; how such interactions affect human carcinogenesis is unclear. We postulated that GNMT plays a role in folate‐dependent methyl group homeostasis and helps maintain genome integrity by promoting nucleotide biosynthesis and DNA repair. To test the hypothesis, GNMT was over‐expressed in GNMT‐null cell lines cultured in conditions of folate abundance or restriction. The partitioning of folate dependent 1‐carbon groups was investigated using stable isotopic tracers and GC/MS. DNA damage was assessed as uracil content in cell models, as well as in Gnmt wildtype (Gnmt +/+), heterozygote (Gnmt +/−) and knockout (Gnmt −/−) mice under folate deplete, replete, or supplementation conditions. Our study demonstrated that GMMT 1) supports methylene‐folate dependent pyrimidine synthesis; 2) supports formylfolate dependent purine syntheses; 3) minimizes uracil incorporation into DNA when cells and animals were exposed to folate depletion; 4) translocates into nuclei during prolonged folate depletion. In conclusion, loss of GNMT impairs nucleotide biosynthesis. Over‐expression of GNMT enhances nucleotide biosynthesis and improves DNA integrity by reducing uracil misincorporation in DNA both in vitro and in vivo. To our best knowledge, the role of GNMT in folate dependent 1‐carbon transfer in nucleotide biosynthesis has never been investigated. The present study gives new insights into the underlying mechanism by which GNMT can participate in tumor prevention/suppression in humans.
Population pharmacokinetic analysis from phase I and phase II studies of the humanized monovalent antibody, onartuzumab (MetMAb), in patients with advanced solid tumors
Authors: Xin Yan , Jin Denise , Eppler Stephen , Damico‐Beyer Lisa A. , Joshi Amita , Davis John D. , Kaur Surinder , Nijem Ihsan , Bothos John , Peterson Amy , Patel Premal , Bai Shuang
Published: August 2013

Onartuzumab is a unique, humanized, monovalent (one‐armed) monoclonal antibody (mAb) against the MET receptor. The intravenous (IV) pharmacokinetics (PK) of onartuzumab were investigated in a phase I study and a phase II study in recurrent non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. The potential for drug–drug interaction (DDI) was assessed during co‐administration of IV onartuzumab with oral erlotinib, by measuring the PK of both drugs. The concentration–time profiles of onartuzumab were adequately described using a two‐compartment model with linear clearance (CL) at doses between 4 and 30 mg/kg. The estimates for CL, central compartment volume (V1), and median terminal half‐life were 0.439 L/day, 2.77 L, and 13.4 days, respectively. Statistically significant covariates included creatinine clearance (CrCL) on clearance, weight and gender on V1, and weight on peripheral compartment volume (V2), but the clinical relevance of these covariates needs to be further evaluated. The current analysis did not indicate obvious DDI between onartuzumab and erlotinib. MET diagnostic status did not impact the exposure of either agent. Despite the slightly faster clearance compared with typical bivalent mAbs, the PK of onartuzumab support dosing regimens of 15 mg/kg every 3 weeks or doses equivalent to achieve the target minimum tumoristatic concentration in patients.
Stratigraphic architecture and fault offsets of alluvial terraces at Te Marua, Wellington fault, New Zealand, revealed by pseudo‐3D GPR investigation
Authors: Beauprêtre S. , Manighetti I. , Garambois S. , Malavieille J. , Dominguez S.
Published: August 2013

Past earthquake slips on faults are commonly determined by measuring morphological offsets at current ground surface. Because those offsets might not always be well preserved, we examine whether the first 10 m below ground surface contains relevant information to complement them. We focus on the Te Marua site, New Zealand, where 11 alluvial terraces have been dextrally offset by the Wellington fault. We investigated the site using pseudo‐3D Ground Penetrating Radar and also produced a high‐resolution digital elevation model (DEM) of the zone to constrain the surface slip record. The GPR data reveal additional information: (1) they image the 3D stratigraphic architecture of the seven youngest terraces and show that they are strath terraces carved into graywacke bedrock. Each strath surface is overlain by 3–5 m of horizontally bedded gravel sheets, including two pronounced and traceable reflectors; (2) thanks to the multilayer architecture, terrace risers and channels are imaged at three depths and their lateral offsets can be measured three to four times, constraining respective offsets and their uncertainties more reliably; and (3) the offsets are better preserved in the subsurface than at the ground surface, likely due to subsequent erosion‐deposition on the latter. From surface and subsurface data, we infer that Te Marua has recorded six cumulative offsets of 2.9, 7.6, 18, 23.2, 26, and 31 m (± 1–2 m). Large earthquakes on southern Wellington fault might produce 3–5 m of slip, slightly less than previously proposed. Pseudo‐3D GPR thus provides a novel paleoseismological tool to complement and refine surface investigations.
Morphinan alkaloids labeled with tritium: synthesis and applications
Authors: Filer Crist N.
Published: August 2013

This review discusses the synthetic methods employed to tritiate morphinan alkaloids as well as their applications.
A review of abusive supervision research
Authors: Martinko Mark J. , Harvey Paul , Brees Jeremy R. , Mackey Jeremy
Published: August 2013

This paper reviews studies concerned with abusive supervision and provides a constructive revision of Tepper's 2007 model. As a result of our review of the recent research, we revised the 2007 Tepper model and added additional variables and casual paths to increase its explanatory potential. The model we propose distinguishes between abusive supervisory behavior and abusive supervisory perceptions, suggesting that each of these variables needs to be studied separately until we know more about how they are related. The revised model also explicitly recognizes possibilities for reverse causation and stresses the importance of subordinates' individual differences such as attribution style, negative affectivity, and implicit work theories, which have the potential to account for significant variability in subordinates' perceptions of abuse. Suggestions for future research based on the original relationships identified by the Tepper review as well as the variables and causal paths suggested in the revised model are provided. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatial factors related to mortality and population decline of endangered mountain caribou
Authors: Apps Clayton D. , Mclellan Bruce N. , Kinley Trevor A. , Serrouya Robert , Seip Dale R. , Wittmer Heiko U.
Published: August 2013

Mountain caribou are an endangered ecotype of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) that historically occurred throughout the high snowfall regions of southeast British Columbia and the northwestern United States. The decline in caribou is thought to be due to apparent competition where increases in early‐seral conditions stimulate a numerical response in primary ungulate prey and their predators and these incidentally kill an unsustainable number of caribou. Based on the known location of death of 207 radio collared animals, we tested hypotheses pertaining to relationships between landscape composition and predator‐specific mortality of mountain caribou at 2 ecologically based spatial scales. Relative to landscape conditions within subpopulation boundaries (level 1) or within home ranges (level 2), caribou were at greater risk of predation at low elevations particularly within otherwise complex terrain (i.e., valleys) with more variation in overstory canopy closure and greater road densities. Caribou vulnerability to bears was also positively related to the variation in overstory age. Cougar predation was not related to roads or terrain complexity but occurred more often in landscapes with warmer aspects and greater proportions of stands of <120 years. Wolf predation occurred primarily at low elevations at the broader scale and in association with roads at the finer scale. Our results indicate that caribou vulnerability to predation was a function of both static (e.g., terrain) and dynamic (e.g., overstory conditions) factors, but we did not find evidence that localized habitat fragmentation due to forest harvest influenced predation on caribou. This result is not inconsistent with the apparent competition hypothesis but suggests that habitat change largely functions at broader spatial scales involving landscapes that can be beyond those occupied by caribou, including the winter ranges of primary ungulate prey. These changes and the season‐dependent dispersion of other ungulates and their predators may largely influence mortality risk to mountain caribou. Although roads and forest fragmentation are interrelated, roads may further contribute to caribou predation by increasing the efficiency of movement of some predators and thereby increasing encounter rates with caribou. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.
Remedying Illegal Actions of Judgment Proof Injurers Via Contracts, Fines and Sanctions
Authors: Watabe Akihiro
Published: August 2013

This paper studies the impact of the judgment proof problem on the design of incentives to prevent illegal behavior when the principal delegates a risky production activity to the agent in the presence of moral hazard and adverse selection. The agent can reduce costs by engaging in an illegal action that generates liability. When insolvency is endogenously determined, the principal neither provides incentives to the agent to induce a fully legal action nor designs a contract that makes either party insolvent. The social optimum can be achieved by a fine or non‐monetary sanction. If the fine cannot correct inefficiency, non‐monetary sanction achieves the social optimum by the fully legal action. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dopamine‐Angiotensin interactions in the basal ganglia and their relevance for Parkinson's disease
Authors: Labandeira‐Garcia Jose L. , Rodriguez‐Pallares Jannette , Dominguez‐Meijide Antonio , Valenzuela Rita , Villar‐Cheda Begoña , Rodríguez‐Perez Ana I.
Published: August 2013

Renin‐angiotensin systems are known to act in many tissues, for example, the blood vessel wall or kidney, where a close interaction between angiotensin and dopamine has been demonstrated. Regulatory interactions between the dopaminergic and renin‐angiotensin systems have recently been described in the substantia nigra and striatum. In animal models, dopamine depletion induces compensatory overactivation of the local renin‐angiotensin system, which primes microglial responses and neuron vulnerability by activating NADPH‐oxidase. Hyperactivation of the local renin‐angiotensin system exacerbates the inflammatory microglial response, oxidative stress, and dopaminergic degeneration, all of which are inhibited by angiotensin receptor blockers and inhibitors of angiotensin‐converting enzymes. In this review we provide evidence suggesting that the renin‐angiotensin system may play an important role in dopamine's mediated neuroinflammation and oxidative stress changes in Parkinson's disease. We suggest that manipulating brain angiotensin may constitute an effective neuroprotective strategy for Parkinson's disease. © 2013 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Inverse backscattering Born approximation for the magnetic Schrödinger equation in three dimensions
Authors: Sandhu Jan , Serov Valery
Published: August 2013

The inverse backscattering Born approximation is studied for the three‐dimensional magnetic Schrödinger operator. Under the assumption that the Born series converges in the weighted space , we calculate precisely the linear term and the first nonlinear (quadratic) term of this Born series. The estimation of smoothness of the first nonlinear term is also presented. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A nonautonomous epidemic model with general incidence and isolation
Authors: Silva César M.
Published: August 2013

We obtain conditions for eradication and permanence of infection for a nonautonomous SIQR model with time‐dependent parameters that are not assumed to be periodic. The incidence is given by functions of all compartments, and the threshold conditions are given by some numbers that play the role of the basic reproduction number. We obtain simple threshold conditions in the autonomous, asymptotically autonomous and periodic settings and show that our thresholds coincide with the ones already established. Additionally, we obtain threshold conditions for the general nonautonomous model with mass‐action, standard and quarantine‐adjusted incidence. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Re‐using Mini‐Sentinel data following rapid assessments of potential safety signals via modular analytic programs
Authors: Toh Sengwee , Avorn Jerry , D'Agostino Ralph B. , Gurwitz Jerry H. , Psaty Bruce M. , Rothman Kenneth J. , Saag Kenneth G. , Sturkenboom Miriam C. J. M. , Vandenbroucke Jan P. , Winterstein Almut G. , Strom Brian L.
Published: August 2013

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s Mini‐Sentinel pilot has created a distributed data system with over 125 million lives and nearly 350 million person‐years of observation time. The pilot allows the FDA to use modular analytic programs to assess suspected safety signals quickly. The FDA convened a committee to assess the implications of such rapid assessments on subsequent analyses of the same product–outcome pair using the same data. The committee offers several non‐binding recommendations based on the strength of the knowledge of the suspected association before running the analysis: signal generation (an analysis with no prior), signal refinement (an analysis with a weak or moderate prior), and signal evaluation (an analysis with a strong prior). The committee believes that modular programs (MPs) are most useful for signal refinement. If MPs are used for analyses with no or weak/moderate priors, the committee members generally agree that the data may be re‐used if certain conditions are met. When there is a strong prior, the committee recommends that a protocol‐based assessment be used; Mini‐Sentinel data may be analyzed by MPs and re‐used only under very uncommon circumstances. The committee agrees that any subsequent assessment of the same product–outcome pair that follows an MP analysis should not be interpreted as independent confirmation of the association, such as would be established via replication of the same product–outcome association in two different populations. Instead, the follow‐up assessment should be interpreted as an analysis that has reduced insofar as possible systematic errors that may have been present or residual in the original MP analysis. The committee also discussed how this general framework may apply to two completed rapid assessments of dabigatran and bleeding risk and of olmesartan and celiac disease risk. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Graphene Quantum Dots from Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon for Bioimaging and Sensing of Fe3+ and Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Zhou Li , Geng Junlong , Liu Bin
Published: August 2013

An easy approach for large‐scale and low‐cost synthesis of photoluminescent (PL) graphene quantum dots (GQDs) based on the carbonization of commercially available polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) precursors with strong acid and followed by hydrothermal reduction with hydrazine hydrate is reported. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) characterizations indicate that the size and height of GQDs are in the range of 5–10 nm and 0.5–2.5 nm, respectively. PAH, which has more benzene rings, generally forms GQDs with relatively larger size. The GQDs show high water solubility, tunable photoluminescence, low cytotoxicity, and good optical stability, which makes them promising fluorescent probes for cellular imaging. In addition, the fluorescence of GQDs shows a sensitive and selective quenching effect to Fe3+ with a detection limit of 5 × 10−9m. By combination with the Fe2+/Fe3+ redox couple, the PL GQDs are able to detect oxidant, using H2O2 as an example. This study opens up new opportunities to make full use of GQDs because of their facile availability, cost‐effective productivity, and robust functionality.
Exploring Geographic Variation in US Mortality Rates Using a Spatial Durbin Approach
Authors: Yang Tse‐Chuan , Noah Aggie J. , Shoff Carla
Published: August 2013

Previous studies focused on identifying the determinants of mortality in US counties have examined the relationships between mortality and explanatory covariates within a county only and have ignored the well‐documented spatial dependence of mortality. We challenge earlier literature by arguing that the mortality rate of a certain county may also be associated with the features of its neighbouring counties beyond its own features. Drawing from both the spillover (i.e. same‐direction effect) and social relativity (i.e. opposite‐direction effect) perspectives, our spatial Durbin modelling results indicate that both theoretical perspectives provide valuable frameworks to guide the modelling of mortality variation in US counties. Our empirical findings support that the mortality rate of a certain county is associated with the features of its neighbours. Specifically, we found support for the spillover perspective in which the percentage of the Hispanic population, concentrated disadvantage, and the social capital of a specific county are negatively associated with the mortality rate in the specific county and also in neighbouring counties. On the other hand, the following covariates fit the social relativity process: health insurance coverage, percentage of non‐Hispanic other races, and income inequality. Their direction of the associations with mortality in the specific county is opposite to that of the relationships with mortality in neighbouring counties. Methodologically, spatial Durbin modelling addresses the shortcomings of traditional analytic approaches used in ecological mortality research such as ordinary least squares, spatial error, and spatial lag regression. Our results produce new insights drawn from unbiased estimates. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Treatment of time‐dependent effects in molecular junctions
Authors: Popescu Bogdan , Kleinekathöfer Ulrich
Published: August 2013

The current through molecular junctions can be influenced by various time‐dependent perturbations. Among these are external (laser) fields and fluctuating environments. Both types of external perturbations can lead to large and fast fluctuations of the site energies and electronic couplings involved in the charge transfer. In these cases, theoretical approaches have to be utilized which can accurately and efficiently determine the resulting strongly time‐dependent charge current. To this end we review different formalisms based on the decomposition of the spectral density and the Fermi function, i.e., a standard perturbative approach to second and fourth‐order, a hierarchical theory as well as a nonequilibrium Green's function formalism. The accuracy of the different approaches for the single resonant level model is numerically studied. In an additional test, the electronic level is driven in order to analyze the accuracy for time‐dependent scenarios. Moreover, the results for a multi‐site setup with strongly fluctuating levels are analyzed and compared to a snapshot‐averaged Landauer approach.
An analysis of the exponential stability of linear stochastic neutral delay systems
Authors: Li Zhao‐Yan , Lin Zongli , Zhou Bin
Published: August 2013

This paper is concerned with the analysis of the mean square exponential stability and the almost sure exponential stability of linear stochastic neutral delay systems. A general stability result on the mean square and almost sure exponential stability of such systems is established. Based on this stability result, the delay partitioning technique is adopted to obtain a delay‐dependent stability condition in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). In obtaining these LMIs, some basic rules of the Ito calculus are also utilized to introduce slack matrices so as to further reduce conservatism. Some numerical examples borrowed from the literature are used to show that, as the number of the partitioning intervals increases, the allowable delay determined by the proposed LMI condition approaches hmax, the maximal allowable delay for the stability of the considered system, indicating the effectiveness of the proposed stability analysis. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wear Behavior of Hardfacing Coatings Applied on Glass Processing Tools
Authors: Naderi Malek , Mohammadi Amir Hossein , Balaji Ghuteh , Bleck Wolfgang
Published: August 2013

Wear is major life limiting factor of the glass processing tools. A complex interaction of hot viscous glass and oxide layers at tool surface, damages tool by cyclic contact. Hardfacing is one of the most useful and economical ways to improve the performance of components submitted to severe wear conditions. The specific wear behavior of a hardfacing coating depends on its chemical composition, the microstructure obtained after hardfacing process, and finally the harfacing technology used to apply them. The main objective of this study was to evaluate wear behavior for coatings applied by various hardfacing techniques consist of gas tungsten arc (TIG) welding, plasma transferred arc (PTA) welding, and chromizing. Two different commercial cobalt based hardfacing electrodes (Stellite 12 and Tribaloy T‐401) were employed to investigate the effect of the hardfacing alloys. In order to simulate real field conditions on a lab scale, tests were performed with a specially designed system and actual process parameters. The qualitative evaluation of wear behavior was supported by microstructural investigations using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM + EDS). The quantitative investigations were performed using profilometry and hardness tests. The results showed the superiority of PTA welding in comparison with other hardfacing techniques. The best wear resistance was obtained in PTA welding hardfacing with Stellite 12 alloy.
Induction of β-cell replication by a synthetic HNF4α antagonist
Authors: Lee Seung-Hee , Piran Ron , Keinan Ehud , Pinkerton Anthony , Levine Fred
Published: August 2013

Increasing the number of β cells is critical to a definitive therapy for diabetes. Previously, we discovered potent synthetic small molecule antagonists of the nuclear receptor transcription factor HNF4α. The natural ligands of HNF4α are thought to be fatty acids. Because obesity, in which there are high circulating levels of free fatty acids, is one of the few conditions leading to β-cell hyperplasia, we tested the hypothesis that a potent HNF4α antagonist might stimulate β-cell replication. A bioavailable HNF4α antagonist was injected into normal mice and rabbits and β-cell ablated mice and the effect on β-cell replication was measured. In normal mice and rabbits, the compound induced β-cell replication and repressed the expression of multiple cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, including p16 that plays a critical role in suppressing β-cell replication. Interestingly, in β-cell ablated mice, the compound induced α- and δ-cell, in addition to β-cell replication, and β-cell number was substantially increased. Overall, the data presented here are consistent with a model in which the well-known effects of obesity and high fat diet on β-cell replication occur by inhibition of HNF4α. The availability of a potent synthetic HNF4α antagonist raises the possibility that this effect might be a viable route to promote significant increases in β-cell replication in diseases with reduced β-cell mass, including type I and type II diabetes.
Revisiting Impartiality: Social Media and Journalism at The BBC
Authors: Bélair‐Gagnon Valérie
Published: August 2013

This article contributes to the literature of news production studies by providing a powerful example of how processes of deliberation bring change to journalism. It explores the reconstruction of impartiality using the single case‐study of social media in the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) international journalism. In this case‐study, symbolic interactionism and mesostructure analysis enable us to explore social organizations and social processes, placing them in larger embedded contexts (structural, historical, and mode of action) and extended temporality. Following D. L. Altheide's (1996) ecology of communication framework, this study on BBC impartiality demonstrates that in the newsroom, techies have responded strategically to the logic of their environment. Techies have joined in the process of the new symbolic architecture of impartiality, which has transformed news agenda‐setting. This new logic, ushered in by techies, has shaped editorial decisions at the public broadcaster. This article discusses how social media have contributed to the nature, organization, and consequences of communication activities of the BBC.