bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Projection target‐specific action of nicotine in the caudal nucleus of the solitary tract
Authors: Feng Lin , Uteshev Victor V.
Published: June 2014

The brainstem nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) is the key integrating relay in the central processing of sensory information from the thoracic and from most subdiaphragmatic viscera. Modulation of neuronal excitability and synaptic activity in the NTS by nicotinic agents can have potent effects on vital physiological functions, such as feeding, digestion, respiration, and blood circulation. Caudal NTS neurons demonstrate considerable heterogeneity in projection targets, synaptic properties, and expression of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). However, despite its heterogeneity, the caudal NTS may contain discrete subsets of neurons with unique projection target‐specific properties. To test this hypothesis, we used in vivo fluorescent tracing and ex vivo patch‐clamp electrophysiology to evaluate responsiveness to nicotine of anatomically identified caudal NTS neurons that project to the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) and the brainstem caudal ventrolateral medulla (CVLM). The results of this study demonstrate that responsiveness to nicotine correlates with where the neurons project. Specifically, PVN‐projecting caudal NTS neurons respond to nicotine only presynaptically (i.e., via activation of presynaptic nAChRs and potentiation of synaptic release of glutamate), suggesting indirect, glutamate‐dependent effects of nicotine on the PVN‐projecting NTS circuitry. By contrast, CVLM‐projecting caudal NTS neurons exhibit only limited presynaptic, but dominant somatodendritic, responsiveness to nicotine, suggesting that the effects of nicotine on the CVLM‐projecting NTS circuitry are direct and largely glutamate independent. Understanding the relationships among function‐specific brainstem/hypothalamic neuronal networks, nuclei, and individual neurons could help develop therapies targeting identifiable neuronal circuits to offset impaired autonomic homeostasis. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The change of first‐flowering date over South Korea projected from downscaled IPCC AR5 simulation: peach and pear
Authors: Hur Jina , Ahn Joong‐Bae
Published: June 2014

The variations in the first‐flowering date (FFD) of peach (Prunus persica) and pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) under future climate change in South Korea are investigated using simulations obtained from five models of the fifth Coupled Model Intercomparison Project. For the study, daily temperature simulations with Historical (1986–2005), and Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) (2071–2090) 4.5 and 8.5 scenarios are statistically downscaled to 50 peach and pear FFD (FFDpeach and FFDpear, respectively) observation sites over South Korea. The number of days transformed to standard temperature (DTS) method is selected as the phenological model and applied to simulations for estimating FFDpeach and FFDpear over South Korea, due to its superior performance on the target plants and region compared to the growing degree days (GDD) and chill days (CD) methods. In the analysis, mean temperatures for early spring (February to April) over South Korea in 2090 under RCP 4.5 and 8.5 scenarios are expected to have increased by 1.9 and 3.3 K, respectively. Among the early spring months of February to April, February shows the largest temperature increase of 2.1 and 3.7 K for RCP 4.5 and 8.5 scenarios, respectively. The increased temperature during February and March accelerates the plant growth rate and thereby advances FFDpeach by 7.0 and 12.7 days and FFDpear by 6.1 and 10.7 days, respectively. These results imply that the present flowering of peach and pear in the middle of April will have advanced to late March or early April by the end of this century.
Asymmetry in space–time characteristics of Indian summer monsoon intraseasonal oscillations during extreme years: Role of seasonal mean state
Authors: Sharmila S. , Joseph S. , Chattopadhyay R. , Sahai A. K. , Goswami B. N.
Published: June 2014

A diagnostic study of the space–time characteristics of the summer monsoon intraseasonal oscillations (MISO) during strong monsoon (SM) and weak monsoon (WM) years is carried out to gain insight on the role of the seasonal mean states on the MISOs using long observational and reanalysis datasets. Prominent asymmetry is noted in the duration and magnitude of active‐break spells associated with MISO during SM and WM years. Such difference is also reflected in the northward propagation of MISOs over the Indian subcontinent that show fast (slow) propagation during active phase of WM (SM), while the situation is just opposite during breaks. We hypothesize that considerable differences in the seasonal mean states during these extreme monsoon years may be responsible for these asymmetries. In support of this hypothesis, it is found that during WM (SM) years, the seasonal mean zonal winds associated with the convective region have anomalous barotropic (baroclinic) vertical structure, while a baroclinic (barotropic) structure dominates over region of suppressed convection. Evolution of meridional–vertical structure of the MISO anomalies during SM and WM also highlights the role of barotropic zonal wind anomalies in the northward propagation. From the barotropic zonal momentum budget analysis, it is demonstrated that meridional and vertical advection of the seasonal mean zonal wind anomaly may be largely responsible for such asymmetry in intensity, life span and propagation characteristics of the MISOs during SM and WM years.
How China Enhances Its Innovation Capability: The Perception of Executives in International Joint Ventures
Authors: Jasimuddin Sajjad M. , Faulkner David O. , Liu Li
Published: June 2014

China offers fertile ground for studying how business executives can understand the process of enhancing innovation capability in an environment where the government has a paramount role in creating innovation networks. Before Deng Xiaoping's economic reforms in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Chinese government controlled every aspect of industrial production through a strict system of central planning. One of the main motivations for China's “Open Door” policy was to attract foreign direct investment through international joint ventures and to get access to Western technology. Twenty‐four interviews with executives from eight businesses involved in such ventures led to six propositions that present the main elements in the creation of Chinese innovation capability, and a flow diagram is used to highlight the key factors that influence these developments. With active government support, both local and foreign multinational firms can join research‐led universities to mutually enhance innovation capabilities in a Chinese setting. ©2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sustainable Drive Tourism: A Catalyst for Change
Authors: Fjelstul Jill , Fyall Alan
Published: June 2014

Drive tourism remains an under‐researched component of the wider tourism industry. As such, this study reviews the drive tourism phenomenon with attention focused on the anticipated impact of the implementation and adoption of new clean energy technologies. The study concludes with a discussion of the implications for the drive tourist, the drive tourism experience and the drive tourism sector. If new and more sustainable forms of drive tourism can retain their sense of fun, flexibility, and freedom there is every chance that the current initiatives being implemented in the US may become the norm rather than the exception. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A diagnostic paradigm including cytomegalovirus testing for idiopathic pediatric sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Park Albert H. , Duval Melanie , McVicar Stephanie , Bale James F. , Hohler Nancy , Carey John C.
Published: June 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

To determine the feasibility and cost effectiveness of incorporating cytomegalovirus (CMV) testing to determine the etiology of pediatric hearing loss.

Study Design

Retrospective study of children presenting with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) at one institution from 2008 to 2013.

Methods

Children aged 3 years or younger who presented to the senior author (A.P.) between May 2008 and September 2013 with confirmed SNHL were evaluated. These children underwent a sequential diagnostic paradigm that incorporated CMV testing if no obvious etiology could be determined from the history or physical examination.

Results

One hundred eleven children with SNHL were evaluated between 2008 and 2013. Eighty‐three children underwent CMV testing, imaging, and a genetic evaluation. Those with confirmed or probable CMV‐induced SNHL made up 30% of all children tested (n = 25), the largest group identified. CMV screening had the lowest cost compared to genetic testing or imaging for all types of hearing loss, except for those with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder.

Conclusion

We present the first sequential diagnostic paradigm utilizing CMV testing for children presenting with SNHL. The relatively high incidence of CMV‐induced SNHL, the low cost for this assay, and the indirect benefits from early diagnosis support the role of early CMV testing for these patients.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 124:2624–2629, 2014
Long‐term inflammatory response to liquid injectable silicone, cartilage, and silicone sheet
Authors: Hizal Evren , Buyuklu Fuat , Ozdemir B. Handan , Erbek Selim S.
Published: June 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

To show and compare the long‐term inflammatory responses to subdermal microdroplet injections of 1,000 centistoke (cS) and 5,000 cS liquid injectable silicone (LIS), and to assess the applicability of insulin pen as an alternative LIS delivery device in an animal model.

Study Design

Animal study.

Methods

Eighteen healthy adult Sprague‐Dawley rats were used. Two graft recipient sites and four injection sites were prepared on each rat's back for: 1) autogenous auricular cartilage graft; 2) silicone sheet; 3) 1,000 cS LIS injection with insulin syringe; 4) 1,000 cS LIS injection with insulin pen; 5) 5,000 cS LIS injection with insulin syringe; and 6) 5,000 cS LIS injection with insulin pen. The animals were followed up for 6 months, and skin biopsies were examined for the evaluation of LIS microdroplets in situ and the degree of inflammatory tissue response. Immunohistochemistry was used for the examination of macrophages and the density of microvessels.

Results

Biopsies from 17 animals were assessed. There was no statistically significant difference among the groups in terms of the number of lymphocytes (P = 0.081), macrophages (P = 0.857), and neutrophils (P = 0.995), the degree of vascular proliferation (P = 0.698), and the mean LIS microdroplet diameter (P = 0.540). Grossly, there was no sign of granuloma formation in any of the specimens.

Conclusion

There is a low‐grade, well‐tolerated long‐term inflammatory response to microdroplet injections of 1,000 cS and 5,000 cS LIS that is comparable to autogenous cartilage graft in rats. Standard dose delivery devices such as insulin pens can be used for controlled LIS injections.

Level of Evidence

N/A. Laryngoscope, 124:E425–E430, 2014
Preoperative clinical predictors of difficult laryngeal exposure for microlaryngoscopy: The laryngoscore
Authors: Piazza Cesare , Mangili Stefano , Bon Francesca Del , Paderno Alberto , Grazioli Paola , Barbieri Diego , Perotti Pietro , Garofolo Sabrina , Nicolai Piero , Peretti Giorgio
Published: June 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

To identify a clinical predictor score for difficult laryngeal exposure (DLE) during operative microlaryngoscopy.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study in two academic institutions.

Methods

We evaluated 319 patients before microlaryngoscopy for benign and malignant glottic diseases by a standardized preoperative assessment protocol (Laryngoscore) that included 11 parameters: interincisors gap (IIG), thyro‐mental distance, upper jaw dental status, trismus, mandibular prognathism, macroglossia, micrognathia, degree of neck flexion‐extension, history of previous open‐neck and/or radiotherapy, Mallampati's modified score, and body mass index (BMI). Each parameter was assessed to obtain a total score. Patients were divided into five classes according to the anterior commissure (AC) visualization: class 0, complete AC visualization with large‐bore laryngoscopes in the Boyce‐Jackson position; class I, as class 0 with external laryngeal counterpressure; class II, as class I in the flexion‐flexion position; class III, as class II using small‐bore laryngoscopes; and class IV, impossible AC visualization.

Results

Class 0‐I‐II (good/acceptable laryngeal exposure) presented a median score < 6. This value was chosen as cutoff for distinguishing favorable versus difficult/impossible laryngeal exposures. When the Laryngoscore was < 6, good laryngeal exposure was observed in 94% of patients, whereas when ≥ 6, DLE was encountered in 40%. When considering a Laryngoscore of ≥ 9, 67% of patients had a DLE. At univariate analysis, IIG, upper jaw dental status, macroglossia, micrognathia, degree of neck flexion‐extension, and BMI statistically impacted on DLE (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The Laryngoscore is a good predictor of DLE and assists in selecting the ideal candidates for operative microlaryngoscopy.

Level of Evidence

2b. Laryngoscope, 124:2561–2567, 2014
Famotidine, a Histamine H2 Receptor Antagonist, Does Not Reduce Levodopa‐Induced Dyskinesia in Parkinson's Disease: A Proof‐of‐Concept Study
Authors: Mestre Tiago A. , Shah Binit B. , Connolly Barbara S. , de Aquino Camila , Al Dhakeel Amaal , Walsh Richard , Ghate Taneera , Lui Jane P. , Fox Susan H.
Published: June 2014

The neural mechanisms underlying levodopa‐induced dyskinesia (LID) in Parkinson's disease (PD) may involve histamine (H2) receptors on striatopallidal pathways. We recently demonstrated that the clinically available oral histamine H2 receptor antagonist (H2RA), famotidine, can reduce l‐dopa‐induced chorea in MPTP‐lesioned macaques. We hypothesized that famotidine may be useful in the treatment of LID in PD patients. We performed a proof‐of‐concept, double‐blind, randomized, multiple cross‐over (4×) trial. Seven PD subjects with bothersome dyskinesia were randomized to oral famotidine 80, 120, and 160 mg/day and placebo. Each subject was randomized to receive each of the four treatment phases for 14 days followed by a 7‐day wash‐out period between each treatment phase. The primary outcome measure was change in the Unified Dyskinesia Rating Scale (UDysRS; part III) between placebo and famotidine. Secondary outcomes were UDysRS (parts I and II), Global Impression of Change, Lang‐Fahn Activities of Daily Living Dyskinesia Scale, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating part III, and adverse events (AEs). Outcomes were evaluated pre‐ and post‐treatment per dose and analyzed using a mixed‐effects linear model. There was no significant effect of famotidine treatment on any of the primary or secondary outcome measures compared to placebo (each dose and all doses combined). There were no significant AEs. Even though the sample size of the current study is limited, famotidine seems to be safe in patients with PD and LID, but showed no potential as an antidyskinetic agent.
Permanence of a delayed SIR epidemic model with general nonlinear incidence rate
Authors: Jiang Zhichao , Ma Wanbiao
Published: June 2014

In this paper, a SIR model with two delays and general nonlinear incidence rate is considered. The local and global asymptotical stabilities of the disease‐free equilibrium are given. The local asymptotical stability and the existence of Hopf bifurcations at the endemic equilibrium are also established by analyzing the distribution of the characteristic values. Furthermore, the sufficient conditions for the permanence of the system are given. Some numerical simulations to support the analytical conclusions are carried out. At last, some conclusions are given. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the ‐boundedness of solution operator families of the generalized Stokes resolvent problem in an infinite layer
Authors: Saito Hirokazu
Published: June 2014

In this paper, we prove the ‐boundedness of solution operator families of the generalized Stokes resolvent problem in an infinite layer with resolvent parameter , where , and our boundary conditions are nonhomogeneous Neumann on upper boundary and Dirichlet on lower boundary. We want to emphasize that we can choose 0 < ϵ < π ∕ 2 and γ0 > 0 arbitrarily, although usual parabolic theorem tells us that we must choose a large γ0 > 0 for given 0 < ϵ < π ∕ 2. We also prove the maximal Lp − Lq regularity theorem of the nonstationary Stokes problem as an application of the ‐boundedness. The key of our approach is to apply several technical lemmas to the exact solution formulas of a resolvent problem. The formulas are obtained through the solutions of the ODEs, in the Fourier space, driven by the partial Fourier transform with respect to tangential space variable . Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental investigation and numerical simulation of liquid supported stretch blow molding
Authors: Zimmer J. , Chauvin G. , Stommel M.
Published: June 2014

An innovative production process for PET bottles ad containers is analyzed in this article. Liquid Bi‐Orientation (LBO) is a liquid supported stretch blow molding (SBM), which combines the separate blowing and filling phases of conventional SBM. The process modification is mainly characterized by forming the bottle using the desired liquid product instead of pressurized air. Consequently, possible improvements evolve regarding production cycle time, energy consumption and machine footprint. To make use of these capabilities, comprehensive process understanding is required, which can be increased using numerical simulation methods. Therefore, in this article, an LBO process model is set‐up and experimentally evaluated. The model explicitly considers the fluid‐structure interaction between liquid and PET, which significantly influences the PET forming behavior. The key simulation parameters namely the strong rate and temperature dependency of PET and a realistic process parameter determination are also included. The model is evaluated using two different methods to show the reliability of the process prediction. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:933–944, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Transparent conductive oxide‐less back contact dye‐sensitized solar cells using cobalt electrolyte
Authors: Molla Md. Zaman , Mizukoshi Norihiro , Furukawa Hiroaki , Ogomi Yuhei , Pandey Shyam S. , Ma Tingli , Hayase Shuzi
Published: June 2014

Transparent conductive oxide‐less (TCO‐less) dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have been fabricated and characterized using nanoporous TiO2‐coated stainless steel metal mesh as flexible photoanode and cobalt bipyridyl complex (Co(bpy))‐based one electron redox shuttle electrolyte. Attempts have been made towards enhancing the efficiency of TCO‐less DSSCs to match with their TCO‐based DSSC counterparts. It has been found that surface protection of metal mesh is highly required for enhancing the efficiency of TCO‐less DSSCs specially using cobalt electrolytes as confirmed by dark current–voltage characteristics. Photocurrent action spectra clearly reveal that TCO‐based DSSCs using (Co(bpy)) electrolyte exhibits photon harvesting (incident photon to current conversion efficiency (IPCE) 52%) in the 370–450 nm wavelength region as compared to photon harvesting at peak absorption of the dye (IPCE 56% at 550 nm), which is almost the same (IPCE 47%) in the 400–610 nm wavelength region for TCO‐less DSSCs. Under similar experimental conditions, replacing indoline dye D‐205 to porphyrin‐based dye YD2‐o‐C8 led to the enhancement in the photoconversion efficiency from 3.33% to 4.84% under simulated solar irradiation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
state estimation with fading measurements, randomly varying nonlinearities and probabilistic distributed delays
Authors: Ding Derui , Wang Zidong , Shen Bo , Dong Hongli
Published: June 2014

In this paper, the state estimation problem is investigated for a class of discrete‐time stochastic systems in simultaneous presence of three network‐induced phenomena, namely, fading measurements, randomly varying nonlinearities and probabilistic distributed delays. The channel fading is characterized by the ℓth‐order Rice fading model whose coefficients are mutually independent random variables with given probability density functions. Two sequences of random variables obeying the Bernoulli distribution are utilized to govern the randomly varying nonlinearities and probabilistic distributed delays. The purpose of the problem addressed is to design an state estimator such that the dynamics of the estimation errors is stochastically stable and the prespecified disturbance rejection attenuation level is guaranteed. Through intensive stochastic analysis, sufficient conditions are established under which the addressed state estimation problem is recast as a convex optimization one that can be solved via the semi‐definite program method. Finally, a simulation example is provided to show the usefulness of the proposed state estimation scheme. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A System Dynamics Modelling of Contagion Effects in Accounts Risk Management
Authors: Wu Desheng Dash , Olson David L.
Published: June 2014

Financial contagion has been with us as long as there has been an economy. The system of collective human behavior usually creates stable markets, but occasionally, this collective behavior results in various bubbles. Financial contagion specifically deals with the domino effect of one banking institution failing, which, as a result of interrelationships with other banks, leads to further failures. The year 1929 was a very bad year, but 2008 had its moments as well. These financial contagions result in undermining confidence in similar institutions. Our research question is to examine whether the role of accounts receivable payments is affected by social interaction of those holding loans from a lending institution. System dynamics modelling is used to demonstrate the impact of word‐of‐mouth social contacts on accounts receivable, and the ensuing increase in financial risk. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biological Markers of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells as Predictors of Response to Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: An Investigator-Initiated Trial and In Vivo Study
Authors: Kim Hyun Young , Kim Heejaung , Oh Ki-Wook , Oh Seong-Il , Koh Seong-Ho , Baik Wonki , Noh Min Young , Kim Kyung Suk , Kim Seung Hyun
Published: June 2014

Bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) can modify disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) model. However, there are currently no accurate biological markers for predicting the efficacy of autologous MSC transplants in ALS patients. This open-label, single-arm, investigator-initiated clinical study was designed to identify markers of MSCs that could be used as potential predictors of response to autologous MSC therapy in patients with ALS. We enrolled 37 patients with ALS who received autologous MSCs via intrathecal injection in two monthly doses. After a 6-month follow-up period, the patients were categorized as responders and non-responders based on their scores on the revised ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-R). Biological markers including β-fibroblast growth factor-2, stromal cell-derived factor-1α, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), insulin-like growth factor-1, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, angiogenin (ANG), interleukin (IL)−4, IL-10, and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) were measured in the MSC cultures and their levels were compared between the responders and nonresponders. To confirm the markers’ predictive ability, MSCs isolated from one patient in each group were transplanted into the cisterna magna of mutant SOD1G93A transgenic mice to measure their lifespans, locomotor activity, and motor neuron numbers. The levels of VEGF, ANG, and TGF-β were significantly higher in responders than in nonresponders. In the mouse model, the recipients of responder MSCs had a significantly slower onset of symptoms and a significantly longer lifespan than the recipients of nonresponders or controls. Our data suggest that VEGF, ANG, and TGF-β levels in MSCs could be used as potential biological markers to predict the effectiveness of autologous MSC therapy and to identify those patients who could optimally benefit from MSC treatment. Stem Cells  2014;32:2724–2731
Optimization of accelerators on curing characteristics, tensile, and dynamic mechanical properties of (natural rubber)/(recycled ethylene‐propylene‐diene‐monomer) blends
Authors: Nabil H. , Ismail H. , Azura A.R.
Published: June 2014

The migration of sulfur from natural rubber (NR) compound to the ground waste ethylene‐propylene‐diene monomer (EPDM) rubber phase may have caused the cure incompatibility between these two rubbers. Optimization of accelerators had been adopted to overcome the cure incompatibility in NR/(R‐EPDM) blends as well as to get increased curative distribution. In this study, blends of NR and R‐EPDM were prepared. The effect of accelerator type on curing characteristics, tensile properties, and dynamic mechanical properties of 70/30/NR/(R‐EPDM) blend was investigated. Four types of commercial accelerators were selected [ie,N‐tert‐butyl‐2‐benzothiazyl‐sulphonamide,N‐cyclohexyl‐benzothiazyl‐sulfenamide (CBS), tetramethylthiuram disulfide, and 2‐mercaptobenzothiazol]. It was found that the tensile strength of the blends cured in the presence of CBS was relatively higher than the other three accelerators. Scanning electron micrographs of CBS‐cured NR/(R‐EPDM) blends exhibited more roughness and cracking path, indicating that higher energy was required toward the fractured surface. The high crosslinking density observed from the swelling method could be verified from the storage modulus (E′) and damping factor (tan δ) where (tetramethylthiuram disulfide)‐cured NR/(R‐EPDM) blends provided a predominant degree of crosslinking followed byN‐tert‐butyl‐2‐benzothiazyl‐sulphonamide, CBS, and 2‐mercaptobenzothiazol, respectively. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 21:79–88, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Thermal stability and Kinetic Study of rigid and plasticized Poly(vinyl chloride)/Poly(methylmethacrylate) blends
Authors: Aouachria K. , Massardier‐Nageote V. , Belhaneche‐Bensemra N.
Published: June 2014

The thermal stability and kinetic parameters for degradation of rigid and plasticized poly(vinyl chloride)/poly (methylmethacrylate) blends have been investigated by using nonisothermal thermogravimetry in a flowing atmosphere of air. For that purpose, blends of variable composition from 0 to 100 wt% were prepared in the presence (15, 30, and 50 wt%) and in the absence of di‐(‐2‐ethyl hexyl) phthalate as plasticizer. Measurements were carried out in the temperature range of 30–550°C and at various heating rates (5, 10, 20, and 40°C/min). The kinetic parameters (Ea and A) were determined by applying the integral Kissinger method. Results indicate that these parameters and the thermal stability of the blends are dependent on the blend composition and the amount of plasticizer present. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 21:102–110, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Supertough (Polyamide 6)/(acrylonitrile butadiene rubber) nano alloy through in situ polymerization of caprolactam in the presence of acrylonitrile butadiene rubber nanophase
Authors: Ahmadi Shervin , Jahani Yousef , Naderi Ghasem , Asadollahzadeh Amir Hossein
Published: June 2014

In this work, polymerization of caprolactam (CL) was carried out in the presence of acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) during the reactive melt‐mixing process. During shear mixing, NBR particles swelled and dissolved in the molten CL, which led to separation and distribution of rubber particles to nanoscale in the dissolution stage. Then, in an internal mixer, supertough Polyamide 6 was prepared via melt polymerization of CL/NBR mixture, sodium caprolactam as a catalyst, and hexamethylene diisocyanate as an activator. The effects of various concentrations of catalyst and activator on the initiation time of the reaction were determined. Physical and mechanical properties of different formulations prepared via reactive melt blending were determined by tensile and impact measurements, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray scattering techniques, transmission electron microscopy, and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. Experimental results showed that a recipe with 3% nitrile rubber in a CL/NBR mixture enhances the physical and mechanical properties the best, compared with other formulations. This condition led to the formation of NBR nanospheres during melt polymerization of Polyamide 6 as well. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 21:116–121, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of N‐isopropyl‐N′‐phenyl‐p‐phenylenediamine antioxidant on the adhesion properties of (zinc oxide)‐filled (epoxidized natural rubber 25)‐based pressure‐sensitive adhesives
Authors: Zokronain Muhammad Kamal , Poh B. T.
Published: June 2014

The effect of antioxidant, namely, N‐isopropyl‐N′‐phenyl‐p‐phenylenediamine (IPPD), on the adhesion properties of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR 25)‐based pressure‐sensitive adhesive was investigated. The concentration of the IPPD was varied from 0 to 5 parts by weight per hundred parts of rubber (phr). Coumarone‐indene resin, zinc oxide, toluene, and polyethylene terephthalate were used as the tackifier, filler, solvent, and substrate, respectively. A Lloyd Adhesion Tester operating at different testing rates (10–60 cm/min) was used to determine the loop tack, peel strength, and shear strength at 60‐µm and 120‐µm coating thicknesses. Results indicate that adhesion properties increase with IPPD up to 2 phr of content, after which it decreases with further addition of the antioxidant. This observation is attributed to the culmination of wettability and compatibility at the optimum IPPD concentration. The 60‐µm coated sample consistently shows higher adhesion strength than that of 120‐µm coated sample. Loop tack and peel strength increase with testing rate up to 30 cm/min. However, shear strength increases with increasing testing rate in the testing rate investigated in this study. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 21:111–115, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Simulations of continuously variable transmission dynamics
Authors: Shabrov N. , Ispolov Yu. , Orlov S.
Published: June 2014

An overview of one specific design of continuously variable transmission (CVT) is presented. An approach to the modeling of contact interactions is described. Several CVT models of different complexity are developed and used in numerical simulations. The results of simulations can be used to estimate local behavior of CVT parts, as well as its global characteristics.
Stimulation of Phenol Removal Efficiency of Aspergillus versicolor by Surfactants, a Promising Way to Treat Phenol‐Containing Waste Waters
Authors: Ertuğrul Karatay Sevgi , Gül Ülküye Dudu , Dönmez Gönül
Published: June 2014

The effect of the cationic surfactant, dodecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (DTAB), on phenol bioremoval efficiency of an Aspergillus versicolor strain was examined. The strain was grown in mineral salt (MS) medium and the effect of DTAB was investigated as a function of different pH values, phenol and surfactant concentrations. The effect of pH was tested within the range of 4–7 and the maximum bioremoval was found at pH 4. Initial phenol concentrations investigated ranged from 100 to 600 mg/L, and the effects of surfactant concentrations on the removal were tested with 0, 0.25, 0.5 and 1 mM DTAB, which showed that 0.5 mM surfactant was the most effective concentration. The maximum bioremoval rates found after 72 h incubation were 99.48 and 99.15 % in 100 and 200 mg/L initial phenol‐containing samples, respectively, where the phenol removal capacity of the fungus was only 142.373 mg/g in the DTAB blank samples. The maximum phenol uptake capacity of 267.162 mg/g was measured in the presence of 0.5 mM DTAB at 200 mg/L initial phenol concentration. These results showed that DTAB considerably increased the bioremoval efficiency of the strain tested at relatively lower phenol concentrations. The feasibility of this bioremoval method for industrial wastewater treatment is discussed.
Increased sensitivity to ionizing radiation by targeting the homologous recombination pathway in glioma initiating cells
Authors: Lim Yi Chieh , Roberts Tara L. , Day Bryan W. , Stringer Brett W. , Kozlov Sergei , Fazry Shazrul , Bruce Zara C. , Ensbey Kathleen S. , Walker David G. , Boyd Andrew W. , Lavin Martin F.
Published: June 2014

Glioblastoma is deemed the most malignant form of brain tumour, particularly due to its resistance to conventional treatments. A small surviving group of aberrant stem cells termed glioma initiation cells (GICs) that escape surgical debulking are suggested to be the cause of this resistance. Relatively quiescent in nature, GICs are capable of driving tumour recurrence and undergo lineage differentiation. Most importantly, these GICs are resistant to radiotherapy, suggesting that radioresistance contribute to their survival. In a previous study, we demonstrated that GICs had a restricted double strand break (DSB) repair pathway involving predominantly homologous recombination (HR) associated with a lack of functional G1/S checkpoint arrest. This unusual behaviour led to less efficient non‐homologous end joining (NHEJ) repair and overall slower DNA DSB repair kinetics. To determine whether specific targeting of the HR pathway with small molecule inhibitors could increase GIC radiosensitivity, we used the Ataxia‐telangiectasia mutated inhibitor (ATMi) to ablate HR and the DNA‐dependent protein kinase inhibitor (DNA‐PKi) to inhibit NHEJ. Pre‐treatment with ATMi prior to ionizing radiation (IR) exposure prevented HR‐mediated DNA DSB repair as measured by Rad51 foci accumulation. Increased cell death in vitro and improved in vivo animal survival could be observed with combined ATMi and IR treatment. Conversely, DNA‐PKi treatment had minimal impact on GICs ability to resolve DNA DSB after IR with only partial reduction in cell survival, confirming the major role of HR. These results provide a mechanistic insight into the predominant form of DNA DSB repair in GICs, which when targeted may be a potential translational approach to increase patient survival.
Timing of the Northern Prince Gustav Ice Stream retreat and the deglaciation of northern James Ross Island, Antarctic Peninsula during the last glacial–interglacial transition
Authors: Nývlt Daniel , Braucher Régis , Engel Zbyněk , Mlčoch Bedřich , Team ASTER
Published: June 2014

The Northern Prince Gustav Ice Stream located in Prince Gustav Channel, drained the northeastern portion of the Antarctic Peninsula Ice Sheet during the last glacial maximum. Here we present a chronology of its retreat based on in situ produced cosmogenic 10Be from erratic boulders at Cape Lachman, northern James Ross Island. Schmidt hammer testing was adopted to assess the weathering state of erratic boulders in order to better interpret excess cosmogenic 10Be from cumulative periods of pre-exposure or earlier release from the glacier. The weighted mean exposure age of five boulders based on Schmidt hammer data is 12.9 ± 1.2 ka representing the beginning of the deglaciation of lower-lying areas (< 60 m a.s.l.) of the northern James Ross Island, when Northern Prince Gustav Ice Stream split from the remaining James Ross Island ice cover. This age represents the minimum age of the transition from grounded ice stream to floating ice shelf in the middle continental shelf areas of the northern Prince Gustav Channel. The remaining ice cover located at higher elevations of northern James Ross Island retreated during the early Holocene due to gradual decay of terrestrial ice and increase of equilibrium line altitude. Schmidt hammer R-values are inversely correlated with 10Be exposure ages and could be used as a proxy for exposure history of individual granite boulders in this region and favour the hypothesis of earlier release of boulders with excessive 10Be concentrations from glacier directly at this site. These data provide evidences for an earlier deglaciation of northern James Ross Island when compared with other recently presented cosmogenic nuclide based deglaciation chronologies, but this timing coincides with rapid increase of atmospheric temperature in this marginal part of Antarctica.
PALEOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE OF QIN RELIGIOUS PRACTICE FROM LIYE AND ZHOUJIATAI
Authors: Sanft Charles
Published: June 2014

In this paper I discuss paleographic texts recording local-level religious practices during the Qin dynasty that archaeologists recovered from Liye and Zhoujiatai. The Liye materials are bureaucratic records of state-sponsored sacrifices that took place in 215 and 212 b.c.e., indicating the types of sacrifices and reflecting the processes by which the bureaucracy managed the items offered. The Zhoujiatai text appears to give instructions for individual sacrifices and provides information about the locations and types of offerings, as well as the verbal formulae employed. The article begins with consideration of Qin practices in transmitted texts and of the agricultural spirit Xiannong, which appears in both the Liye and Zhoujiatai texts. Since in the past there was virtually no information extant about local-level religious activity under the Qin, the details in these paleographic texts represent an advance in understanding the history of the period.
Temporal and spatial variability of zoobenthos recruitment in a north-east Atlantic marine reserve
Authors: Ronowicz Marta , Kukliński Piotr , Lock Kate , Newman Philip B. , Burton Mark , Jones Jennifer
Published: June 2014

Submerged artificial surface imitates newly available habitat for settlement of marine fauna. It also enables study of the timing of benthic larval settlement. Such knowledge is important if the model of possible recovery after disturbance in protected areas is to be assessed. During this study recruitment of sessile benthic invertebrate fauna at spatial and temporal scales was investigated using artificial panels submerged in the Skomer Marine Nature Reserve (Wales, UK). Panels were exchanged monthly between May 2009 and September 2011 (with the exclusion of winter time). Recruitment was highly variable with regard to time and distribution; abundance and number of recruiting species varied significantly between sites (about 2 km apart from each other), depths (6 and 12 m), position on panels (top or underside) and years without any obvious trends. The highest number of individuals and highest values of species richness were at Bernies Rocks, at the greater depth and on the underside surface of panels. Bryozoans were the dominant taxon on panels in each studied year and month. Most macrofaunal species noted on panels exhibit a colonial life strategy with short-lived, non-feeding larval stage. Although many species settle all year round, levels of settlement usually peak in summer months, showing a seasonal recruitment pattern (Bugula fulva, Spirobranchus triqueter, Chorizopora brongniartiandEscharoides coccinea). Some species had a pronounced settlement peak in spring (e.g.Electra pilosaandBalanus crenatus).
A co-evolutionary arms race: trypanosomes shaping the human genome, humans shaping the trypanosome genome
Authors: CAPEWELL PAUL , COOPER ANNELI , CLUCAS CAROLINE , WEIR WILLIAM , MACLEOD ANNETTE
Published: June 2014

Trypanosoma bruceiis the causative agent of African sleeping sickness in humans and one of several pathogens that cause the related veterinary disease Nagana. A complex co-evolution has occurred between these parasites and primates that led to the emergence of trypanosome-specific defences and counter-measures. The first line of defence in humans and several othercatarrhineprimates is the trypanolytic protein apolipoprotein-L1 (APOL1) found within two serum protein complexes, trypanosome lytic factor 1 and 2 (TLF-1 and TLF-2). Two sub-species ofT. bruceihave evolved specific mechanisms to overcome this innate resistance,Trypanosoma brucei gambienseandTrypanosoma brucei rhodesiense. InT. b. rhodesiense, the presence of the serum resistance associated (SRA) gene, a truncated variable surface glycoprotein (VSG), is sufficient to confer resistance to lysis. The resistance mechanism ofT. b. gambienseis more complex, involving multiple components: reduction in binding affinity of a receptor for TLF, increased cysteine protease activity and the presence of the truncated VSG,T. b. gambiense-specific glycoprotein (TgsGP). In a striking example of co-evolution, evidence is emerging that primates are responding to challenge byT. b. gambienseandT. b. rhodesiense, with several populations of humans and primates displaying resistance to infection by these two sub-species.
The Catholic theology of religions: a survey of pre-Vatican II and Conciliar attitudes towards other religions
Authors: Tan Loe-Joo
Published: June 2014

This article analyses the Catholic view of religions by examining its beginnings as a theology of salvation for non-believers summarised by the aphorism extra ecclesiam nulla salus. It notes that Catholic attempts to examine the capacity of religions per se in attaining salvation for their followers took place in the period before and during Vatican II when the church began assessing the non-Christian person not just as an isolated individual but also by taking into account her wider affiliations to a religious community. This analysis has revealed there were hermeneutical tensions within the church about whether the Council signified greater continuity or discontinuity with tradition, and consequently, similarly contrasting views about the extent to which it was willing to see other religions as holding salvific function to any extent. The survey has concluded that ultimately the Council chose to leave this question of the salvific function of other faiths open for further investigation, even though it displayed an unprecedented positive appreciation of them, contra some observers who have argued the church recognised the possibility of salvation for non-Christians through their own faiths. Nevertheless, the Second Vatican Council did affirm the significance of other religions as a preparation for the Gospel, as well as showed a movement beyond the pre-Conciliar notion of extra ecclesiam by granting the possibility of salvation for non-Christians, particularly those who are invincibly ignorant and who had striven to live an upright life by observing natural law. This implies that the next theological question on the agenda could be on the role and functions of these religions; i.e. are those people who are reckoned to be saved, saved through or despite their religions, and how is this salvation related to the church or to the work of Christ or both? Thus, the analysis provided in this theological-historical survey will serve to provide the backdrop for further discussions on post Conciliar developments within the Catholic theology of religions. Finally, an understanding of Catholic views towards other religions will also be illuminative for Protestantism as it seeks to advance its own theological understanding of world religions.
Honey from the Lion: Christianity and the Ethics of Nationalism
Authors: Biggar Nigel
Published: June 2014

This book comprises a Christian apologia for nationalism in general and for Scottish separatist nationalism in particular. It is only fair that the reader should know that its reviewer is an Anglo-Scottish unionist.
Not so simple: The multidimensional nature and diverse origins of political ideology
Authors: Feldman Stanley , Huddy Leonie
Published: June 2014

At odds with Hibbing et al., we argue that political ideology is best explained by at least two dimensions linked to economic and social ideology. In addition, Hibbing et al's claim that conservatism is grounded in a heightened sensitivity to negative outcomes, something closely tied to the personality trait of neuroticism, does not fit with the established personality correlates of political ideology. Conscientiousness and a lack of openness to experience are linked to conservatism but there is no established connection to neuroticism.
Negativity bias and basic values
Authors: Schwartz Shalom H.
Published: June 2014

Basic values explain more variance in political attitudes and preferences than other personality and sociodemographic variables. The values most relevant to the political domain are those likely to reflect the degree of negativity bias. Value conflicts that represent negativity bias clarify differences between what worries conservatives and liberals and suggest that relations between ideology and negativity bias are linear.
THE ROLE OF EXPERIMENTS IN ECONOMICS: REPLY TO JONES
Authors: Guala Francesco
Published: June 2014

Martin Jones has criticized my account of the methodology of experimental economics on three points: the impossibility of testing external validity claims in the laboratory, my reconstruction of external validity inferences as analogical arguments, and the distinction between laboratory and non-laboratory sciences. I defend my account here and try to eliminate some misunderstandings that may have prompted Jones’s criticism.
Fruit–frugivore interactions in Amazonian seasonally flooded and unflooded forests
Authors: Hawes Joseph E. , Peres Carlos A.
Published: June 2014

Constructing community fruit–frugivore networks has proved challenging in tropical forests to date, particularly in lowland Amazonia, which hosts the most diverse spectrum of frugivorous vertebrates and morphological fruit types worldwide. We assessed data on fruit resource production, frugivore assemblages and corresponding fruit–frugivore networks in two contrasting forest types along the Rio Juruá of western Brazilian Amazonia: seasonally flooded várzea (VZ) and unflooded terra firme forest (TF). Over 2 y we conducted monthly surveys of fruit patches and medium- to large-bodied vertebrate frugivores within three 100-ha plots (two TF, one VZ), supplemented by fruit surveys along 67 5-km transects distributed across two contiguous forest reserves (41 TF, 26 VZ). Observations of trophic interactions were supplemented by semi-structured interviews with experienced hunters and fishermen from 16 local communities. The resultant binary networks contained low proportions of all potential interactions (TF: 25.7%, VZ: 19.4%) between 36 functional groups of frugivores and 152 plant genera and, while we report significant heterogeneity in fruit resource use among broad frugivore guilds within each forest type, recursive partitioning analysis failed to clearly match differences in fruit selection to fruit traits. The annual flood pulse in várzea forests had an overriding influence on the species turnover of both fruit resources and frugivores between the two forest types, with higher-order effects on network structure.
1. Walter Reed and yellow fever Reed W. J Hyg 1902; 2: 101–119
Authors: BAXBY DERRICK
Published: June 2014

For over two centuries yellow fever (YF) had terrorized those visiting and living close to endemic areas. Prompted by continued imports and its impact on US troops in the Spanish–American War of 1898, US Surgeon-General George Sternberg sent a small Commission to investigate the problem in US-occupied Cuba. It comprised James Carrol, Jesse Lazear and Aristide Agramonte; its leader was Surgeon-Major Walter Reed. Whilst in Cuba they collaborated with Cuban Juan Guitéras of Havana's Sanitary Department and Surgeon-Major William Gorgas, American chief of the island's Sanitary Department.