bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Habitat-related benthic macrofaunal assemblages of bays and estuaries of the western United States
Authors: Ranasinghe J Ananda , Welch Kathy I , Slattery Peter N , Montagne David E , Huff David D , Lee II Henry , Hyland Jeffrey L , Thompson Bruce , Weisberg Stephen B , Oakden James M , Cadien Donald B , Velarde Ronald G
Published: September 2012

Data from 7 coastwide and regional benthic surveys were combined and used to assess the number and distribution of estuarine benthic macrofaunal assemblages of the western United States. Q-mode cluster analysis was applied to 714 samples and site groupings were tested for differences in 4 habitat factors (latitude, salinity, sediment grain size, and depth). Eight macrofaunal assemblages, structured primarily by latitude, salinity, and sediment grain size, were identified: (A) Puget Sound fine sediment, (B) Puget Sound coarse sediment, (C) southern California marine bays, (D) polyhaline central San Francisco Bay, (E) shallow estuaries and wetlands, (F) saline very coarse sediment, (G) mesohaline San Francisco Bay, and (H) limnetic and oligohaline. The Puget Sound, southern California, and San Francisco Bay assemblages were geographically distinct, while Assemblages E, F and H were distributed widely along the entire coast. A second Q-mode cluster analysis was conducted after adding replicate samples that were available from some of the sites and temporal replicates that were available for sites that were sampled in successive years. Variabilities due to small spatial scale habitat heterogeneity and temporal change were both low in Puget Sound, but temporal variability was high in the San Francisco estuary where large fluctuations in freshwater inputs and salinity among years leads to spatial relocation of the assemblages. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2012; 8: 638–648. © 2010 SETAC
Diagnostic and prognostic significance of miRNA signatures in tissues and plasma of endometrioid endometrial carcinoma patients
Authors: Torres Anna , Torres Kamil , Pesci Anna , Ceccaroni Marcello , Paszkowski Tomasz , Cassandrini Paola , Zamboni Giuseppe , Maciejewski Ryszard
Published: September 2012

The aim of our study was to define tissue and plasma miRNA signatures, which could potentially serve as diagnostic and prognostic markers in endometrioid endometrial cancer (EEC) and to investigate miRNA profiles in regard to clinicopathological characteristics. Tissue and plasma samples were collected from 122 women (77 EEC and 45 controls). Expression profiling of 866 human miRNAs and 89 human viral miRNAs was performed in 24 samples and was followed by qPCR validation in 104 patients. Expression of 16 miRNAs was analyzed in 48 plasma samples. Microarray study revealed regulation of 21 miRNAs in EEC tissues comparing to normal endometrium. Altered expression of 17 miRNAs was confirmed by qPCR performed in 104 tissue samples. Seven miRNAs were upregulated and two were downregulated in EEC plasma samples. Expression of a number of miRNAs was associated with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage, grade, relapse and nodal metastases. Two miRNA signatures: miR‐92a/miR‐410 and miR‐92a/miR‐205/miR‐410 classified tumor tissues with higher accuracy in comparison to single miRNAs (AUC: 0.977, 95% CI: 0.927–0.996 and 0.984, 95% CI: 0.938–0.999, respectively). miRNA signature composed of miR‐205 and miR‐200a predicted relapse with AUC of 0.854 (95% CI: 0.691–0.951). Tissue miRNA signatures were independent prognostic markers of overall (miR‐1228/miR‐200c/miR‐429, HR: 2.98) and progression‐free survival (miR‐1228/miR‐429, HR: 2.453). Plasma miRNA signatures: miR‐9/miR‐1228 and miR‐9/miR‐92a, classified EEC plasma samples with high accuracy yielding AUCs of 0.909 (95% CI: 0.789–973) and 0.913 (95% CI: 0.794–0.976), respectively. We conclude that miRNA signatures hold a great promise to become noninvasive biomarkers for early EEC detection and prognosis.
An international comparison of male and female breast cancer incidence rates
Authors: Ly Diana , Forman David , Ferlay Jacques , Brinton Louise A. , Cook Michael B.
Published: September 2012

Global international trends in female breast cancer incidence have been described previously but no comparable analysis of male breast cancer incidence rates has been conducted. We obtained male and female case and population data using Cancer Incidence in Five Continents (CI5). We calculated age‐adjusted, sex‐specific incidence rates and female‐to‐male incidence rate ratios (FMIRRs) and compared trends of such for the period 1988–2002. This analysis included 8,681 male breast cancer cases and 1.14 million female breast cancer cases. The highest male incidence rate was observed in Israel at 1.24 per 100,000 man‐years, and the highest female incidence rate was observed in the United States at 90.7 per 100,000 woman‐years. The lowest incidence rates for males (0.16) and females (18.0) were observed in Thailand. In general, male breast cancer incidence trends were variable; a minority of countries displayed evidence for an increase. In contrast, female incidence rates have been increasing in a majority of countries. The Pearson correlation coefficient (r) for male and female breast cancer incidence rates by country during 1988–2002 was 0.69. Male breast cancer rates were generally less than 1 per 100,000 man‐years, in contrast to the much higher rates of female breast cancer, providing for an overall FMIRR of 122. The differences in both incidence rates and time trends between males and females may reflect sex differences in underlying risk factors, pathogenesis, and/or overdiagnosis. Conversely, the high correlation between male and female breast cancer incidences may indicate that both sexes share some common risk factors for breast cancer.
ZnS nanocrystal cytotoxicity is influenced by capping agent chemical structure and duration of time in suspension
Authors: Weilnau Justin N. , Black Sarah E. , Chehata Veronica J. , Schmidt Michael P. , Holt Kimberly L. , Carl Lindsay M. , Straka Collin J. , Marsh Anderson L. , Patton Walter A. , Lappas Courtney M.
Published: September 2012

As a result of their characteristic physical and optical properties, including their size, intense fluorescence, broad excitation, narrow emission and resistance to photobleaching, semiconductor nanocrystals are potentially useful for a variety of biological applications including molecular imaging, live‐cell labeling, photodynamic therapy and targeted drug delivery. In this study, zinc sulfide (ZnS) semiconductor nanocrystals were synthesized in the 3 to 4 nm size range with selected capping agents intended to protect the nanocrystal core and increase its biological compatibility. We show that the biocompatibility of ZnS nanocrystals with primary murine splenocytes is influenced by the chemical structure of the outer capping agent on the nanocrystal. Additionally, the cytotoxicity of ZnS nanocrystals increases markedly as a function of time spent in suspension in phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS). These data suggest that the potential therapeutic and/or biological use of ZnS nanocrystals is inherently dependent upon the proper choice of capping agent, as well as the conditions of nanocrystal preparation and storage. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Respiratory‐induced vasoconstriction measured by light transmission and by laser Doppler signal
Authors: Shalom Eran , Noach Salman , Slovik Youval , Nitzan Meir
Published: September 2012

Changes in finger tissue blood volume (TBV) measured by light transmission and in laser Doppler flow (LDF) were obtained during long breathing (of 12 s period) and associated with the respiratory phases, inspiration and expiration. For fifteen out of sixteen subjects TBV and LDF started to decrease 0–2 s after the start of expiration and increased during inspiration but the start of increase occurred before the start of inspiration, showing that the respiratory‐induced changes in TBV and LDF are mainly associated with the expiration. Decrease of TBV and LDF after expiration was also found during the inspiratory gasps (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy with RLP068 kills methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus and improves wound healing in a mouse model of infected skin abrasion PDT with RLP068/Cl in infected mouse skin abrasion
Authors: Vecchio Daniela , Dai Tianhong , Huang Liyi , Fantetti Lia , Roncucci Gabrio , Hamblin Michael R.
Published: September 2012

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an alternative treatment for infections that can kill drug resistant bacteria without damaging host‐tissue. In this study we used bioluminescent methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus, in a mouse skin abrasion model, to investigate the effect of PDT on bacterial inactivation and wound healing. RLP068/Cl, a tetracationic Zn(II)phthalocyanine derivative and toluidine blue (TBO) were used. The light‐dose response of PDT to kill bacteria in vivo and the possible recurrence in the days post‐treatment were monitored by real‐time bioluminescence imaging, and wound healing by digital photography. The results showed PDT with RLP068/Cl (but not TBO) was able to kill bacteria, to inhibit bacterial re‐growth after the treatment and to significantly accelerate the wound healing process (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Selective capture of anti‐A antibodies from human blood using a novel integrated bead and hollow fiber module
Authors: Alikhani Azadeh , Federspiel William J.
Published: September 2012

Anti‐A/B antibody removal from blood in the peritransplantation period facilitates ABO‐incompatible transplantation and significantly increases the donor pool. We have been developing an anti‐A/B immunoadsorption device (BSAF), compatible with whole blood perfusion. The BSAF is based on integrated microfiltration hollow fibers with antibody capturing beads uniformly distributed within the fiber interstitial space. In this study we fabricated BSAF prototypes, appropriately scaled down from a conceptual clinical scale device. We then, for the first time, measured the time course of anti‐A capture from blood samples recirculating through the scaled down BSAF devices. We observed a significant reduction in IgM (96% ± 5%, n = 5, p < 0.001), and IgG (81% ± 18%, n = 5, p < 0.05) anti‐A antibody titers within 2 h. We did not observe a significant change between the initial and final values of hematocrit, total plasma protein concentration, plasma free hemoglobin concentration, and anti‐B antibody titer over five experiments. In conclusion we showed that the BSAF modules selectively removed anti‐A antibodies from blood in a simple one step process, without requiring a separate plasmapheresis unit. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Regulation of UHMWPE biomaterials in total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Kasser Michael J.
Published: September 2012

This manuscript provides a brief history of the development of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHWMPE) biomaterials and how the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates medical devices. The flowchart used to decide whether a device is medium or high risk, known as the 510(k) flowchart, is illustrated by taking several examples through the flowchart. In order to demonstrate how changes to UHWMPE material used in the acetabular liners of total hips have been regulated, two major modifications to UHMWPE, highly crosslinked polyethylene and Vitamin E polyethylene, are taken through the flowchart. This manuscript describes the testing that has been provided to demonstrate safety and effectiveness of these modifications, as well as an explanation why the testing was supplied to the FDA. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 101B: 400–406, 2013.
Biolubricant synthesis from waste cooking oil via enzymatic hydrolysis followed by chemical esterification
Authors: Chowdhury Avisha , Mitra Debarati , Biswas Dipa
Published: September 2012

BACKGROUND

Lubricants manufactured conventionally from non‐renewable mineral oil resources are not biodegradable and are liable to cause adverse environmental impacts. Biodegradable vegetable oils present a promising lubricant feedstock alternative. Waste cooking oil (WCO), which otherwise finds no immediate potential utilization can be successfully used to synthesize bio‐lubricant. A novel synthetic method was developed by using the two‐step process of C. rugosa lipase‐mediated hydrolysis of WCO to free fatty acids (FFA) followed by Amberlyst 15H esterification of FFA with octanol. The octyl esters produced was the desired biolubricant.

RESULTS

The effect of different physico‐chemical parameters like temperature, catalyst loading, agitation speed, molar ratio of octanol:FFA and the presence of different desiccants on the esterification reaction was examined. The optimum conditions to get maximum yield of biolubricant in minimum time were, octanol:FFA molar ratio = 3:1, temperature = 80 °C, catalyst = 2 g and desiccant (preferably silica gel powder) = 50% weight of FFA. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed that the product formed was ester.

CONCLUSION

Biolubricant (octyl esters) was prepared efficiently from WCO by the two‐step process developed. This novel approach represents a viable means of producing lubricants from wastes which are renewable in nature and can be an alternative to non‐renewable mineral oil feedstocks. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Electro‐membrane reactor for the conversion of lysine monohydrochloride to lysine by in situ ion substitution and separation
Authors: Kumar Mahendra , Ali Khan Moonis , Al Othman Zeid
Published: September 2012

BACKGROUND: Commercially lysine (Lys) is produced as lysine monohydrochloride (LysCl). The presence of chloride ion (Cl−) in Lys makes it unfit for use in pharmaceutical and livestock feed industries. Various separation methods are required to achieve Lys from fermentation broths. This paper describes an electro‐membrane reactor with three compartments (EMR‐3) for the conversion of LysCl into Lys by in situ ion substitution and separation.

RESULTS: The conversion of LysCl into Lys in EMR‐3 is achieved by in situ ion substitution and separation using organic‐inorganic hybrid anion‐exchange membrane (AEM). It is found that the rate of Lys formation is dependent on applied current densities and LysCl concentration. The 96.2% Lys is recovered and low energy (2.07 kWh kg−1) is consumed during the conversion of 0.10 mol L−1 LysCl in EMR‐3 at 10 mA cm−2. Moreover, high current efficiency (93.02%) is achieved under the similar experimental conditions.

CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of process parameters (high Lys recovery and CE and low W), it is concluded that the developed electro‐membrane reactor can be efficiently applied for the conversion of LysCl into Lys in an economically viable manner. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
The brain in the belly: What and how of fetal neuroimaging?
Authors: Girard Nadine J. , Chaumoitre Kathia
Published: September 2012

This work reviews magnetic resonance imaging in the developing human brain. It focuses on fetal brain imaged in vivo and in utero with complementary sections on abnormalities seen in clinical settings, and on potential of diffusion tensor imaging and of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The main purposes are to illustrate the normal fetal developing brain and its abnormalities commonly encountered in utero, and to emphasize the potential role of adjunct techniques such as diffusion imaging and spectroscopy that may help elucidate fetal brain maturation and its abnormalities. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;36:788–804. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Practical medical applications of quantitative MR relaxometry
Authors: Margaret Cheng Hai‐Ling , Stikov Nikola , Ghugre Nilesh R. , Wright Graham A.
Published: September 2012

Conventional MR images are qualitative, and their signal intensity is dependent on several complementary contrast mechanisms that are manipulated by the MR hardware and software. In the absence of a quantitative metric for absolute interpretation of pixel signal intensities, one that is independent of scanner hardware and sequences, it is difficult to perform comparisons of MR images across subjects or longitudinally in the same subject. Quantitative relaxometry isolates the contributions of individual MR contrast mechanisms (T1, T2, T2*) and provides maps, which are independent of the MR protocol and have a physical interpretation often expressed in absolute units. In addition to providing an unbiased metric for comparing MR scans, quantitative relaxometry uses the relationship between MR maps and physiology to provide a noninvasive surrogate for biopsy and histology. This study provides an overview of some promising clinical applications of quantitative relaxometry, followed by a description of the methods and challenges of acquiring accurate and precise quantitative MR maps. It concludes with three case studies of quantitative relaxometry applied to studying multiple sclerosis, liver iron, and acute myocardial infarction. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;36:805–824. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The mechanical environment in dupuytren's contracture determines cell contractility and associated MMP‐mediated matrix remodeling
Authors: Verhoekx Jennifer S.N. , Beckett Kate S. , Bisson Marcus A. , McGrouther Duncan A. , Grobbelaar Adriaan O. , Mudera Vivek
Published: September 2012

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are expressed in Dupuytren's contracture and play a role in matrix remodeling. We tested the role of tension on contractility and MMP expression in Dupuytren's nodule and cord cells. Cells were subjected to pre‐determined loading patterns of known repeatable magnitudes (static load, unloading, and overloading) and tested for MMP gene expression (MMP‐1, ‐2, ‐9, ‐13, and TIMP‐1, ‐2) and force generation using a tension‐culture force monitor. Matrix remodeling was assessed by addition of cytochalasin D and residual matrix tension was quantified. Nodule compared to cord and control cells demonstrate greater force generation and remodeling (p < 0.05). Nodule cells subjected to a reduced load and overloading led to threefold increase of MMP‐1, ‐2, and ‐9 compared to static load, whilst cord and control cells only showed a twofold increase of MMP‐9. Nodule cells subjected to overloading showed a twofold increase in TIMP‐2 expression, whilst cord and control cells showed a twofold increase in TIMP‐1 expression. Nodule cells differ from cord cells by increased force generation in response to changes in the mechanical environment and related MMP/TIMP‐mediated matrix remodeling. In turn this may lead to permanent matrix shortening and digital contracture. Interventional therapies should be aimed at nodule cells to prevent contraction and subsequent permanent matrix remodeling. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 328–334, 2013
Growth factor regulation of intracellular pH homeostasis under hypoxic conditions in isolated equine articular chondrocytes
Authors: Milner Peter I. , Smith Hannah C. , Robinson Rebecca , Wilkins Robert J. , Gibson John S.
Published: September 2012

Hypoxia and acidosis are recognized features of inflammatory arthroses. This study describes the effects of IGF‐1 and TGF‐β1 on pH regulatory mechanisms in articular cartilage under hypoxic conditions. Acid efflux, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and mitochondrial membrane potential were measured in equine articular chondrocytes isolated in the presence of serum (10% fetal calf serum), IGF‐1 (1, 10, 50, 100 ng/ml) or TGF‐β1 (0.1, 1, 10 ng/ml) and then exposed to a short‐term (3 h) hypoxic insult (1% O2). Serum and 100 ng/ml IGF‐1 but not TGF‐β1 attenuated hypoxic regulation of pH homeostasis. IGF‐1 appeared to act through mitochondrial membrane potential stabilization and maintenance of intracellular ROS levels in very low levels of oxygen. Using protein phosphorylation inhibitors PD98059 (25 µM) and wortmannin (200 nM) and Western blotting, ERK1/2 and PI‐3 kinase pathways are important for the effect of IGF‐1 downstream to ROS generation in normoxia but only PI‐3 kinase is implicated in hypoxia. These results show that oxygen and growth factors interact to regulate pH recovery in articular chondrocytes by modulating intracellular oxygen metabolites. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 197–203, 2013
Plantar pressures and relative lesser metatarsal lengths in older people with and without forefoot pain
Authors: Menz Hylton B. , Fotoohabadi Mohammad R. , Munteanu Shannon E. , Zammit Gerard V. , Gilheany Mark F.
Published: September 2012

Forefoot pain is a common problem in older people. We determined whether plantar pressures during gait and the relative lengths of the lesser metatarsals differ between older people with and without plantar forefoot pain. Dynamic plantar pressure assessment during walking was undertaken using the Tekscan MatScan® system in 118 community‐dwelling older people (44 males and 74 females), mean age 74 (standard deviation = 5.9) years, 43 (36%) of whom reported current or previous plantar forefoot pain. The relative lengths of metatarsals 1–5 were determined from weightbearing X‐rays. Participants with current or previous plantar forefoot pain exhibited significantly (p = 0.032) greater peak plantar pressure under metatarsal heads 3–5 (1.93 ± 0.41 kg/cm2 vs. 1.74 ± 0.48 kg/cm2). However, no differences were found in relative metatarsal lengths between the groups. These findings indicate that older people with forefoot pain generate higher peak plantar pressures under the lateral metatarsal heads when walking, but do not exhibit relatively longer lesser metatarsals. Other factors may be responsible for the observed pressure increase, such as reduced range of motion of the metatarsophalangeal joints and increased stiffness of plantar soft tissues. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 427–433, 2013
Petrographical and micro‐Raman analysis of Terra Sigillata shatters from a Vandalic settlement in North‐Eastern Hungary
Authors: Fintor Krisztian , Gyalai Zsófia
Published: September 2012

Micro‐Raman spectroscopy is one of the most advanced analytical techniques used in the field of archaeometry investigations. Terra Sigillata is a frequently occurring find from the Roman period; thus, its detailed scientific analysis has a significant impact on archaeological research. Finds recovered from the ‘Barbaricum’ (beyond the area of the Roman Empire) have particular importance because their analysis can contribute to our knowledge about the circumstances and conventions of the trade and transit of such ornaments. The studied samples were found in North‐Eastern Hungary (Garadna, Vandalic settlement, 2nd–3rd century), and based on archaeological investigations of the terra sigillata ornaments, they are assumed to be made from manufactories in Rheinzabern, Pfaffenhofen and Westerndorf. Raman analysis indicates that the temper grains of samples from Pfaffenhofen and Westerndorf contain more calcic minerals, including plagioclases and heavy minerals (e.g. augite, diopside, actinolite, apatite and titanite). Conversely, the temper grains of samples from Rheinzabern do not contain plagioclases; their feldspars are almost completely potassium, and only anatase and rutile represent their heavy mineral content. The largest difference between the slip and body can be observed in samples from Westerndorf, while the largest heterogeneity of the slip and body material is observable in samples from Pfaffenhofen. The results indicate the remarkable ability of micro‐Raman spectroscopy to contribute to the discrimination of ancient light‐clay products. The data obtained from the analysed samples are usable for comparative studies of the pottery. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microbiological aspects and shelf life of processed seafood products
Authors: Boziaris Ioannis S , Stamatiou Anastasios P , Nychas George‐John E
Published: September 2012

BACKGROUND: Fresh fish and seafoods are very perishable products mainly owing to microbial activity of specific spoilage micro‐organisms. Application of hurdle technology leads to a variety of processed products with extended shelf life. In this study, sensory evaluation and microbiological analysis were carried out on 17 processed seafood products stored at 4 °C to determine their shelf life and the predominant spoilage micro‐organisms.

RESULTS: Shelf life determined by sensory analysis varied from 66 to 180 days depending on the product. The cause of spoilage for most of the products was the development of off‐flavours/off‐odours, while two products were rejected owing to oil discolouration. Pseudomonads were in most cases below detection limit. H2S‐producing bacteria, Brochothrix thermosphacta and Enterobacteriaceae were below detection limit throughout the experiment. The predominant spoilage micro‐organisms were lactic acid bacteria and yeasts. Hygiene indicators such as Staphylococcus spp. and total coliforms were also below detection limit in all samples.

CONCLUSION: Primarily the initial pH and secondarily the NaCl content determined shelf life duration. Under the applied conditions, lactic acid bacteria and yeasts predominated. The contribution of chemical oxidation and/or autolysis to spoilage and shelf life might be important for most of the products. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Nitrogen use efficiency in grain production and the estimated nitrogen input/output balance in China agriculture
Authors: Li Shutian , He Ping , Jin Jiyun
Published: September 2012

BACKGROUND Understanding the nitrogen (N) use efficiency and N input/output balance in the agricultural system is crucial for best management of N fertilisers in China.

RESULTS In the last 60 years, N fertiliser consumption correlated positively with grain production. During that period the partial factor productivity of N (PFPN) declined greatly from more than 1000 kg grain kg−1 N in the 1950s to nearly 30 kg grain kg−1 N in 2008. This change in PFPN could be largely explained by the increase in N rate. The average agronomic efficiency of fertiliser N (AEN) for rice, wheat and maize during 2000‐2010 was 12.6, 8.3 and 11.5 kg kg−1 respectively, which was similar to that in the early 1980s but lower than that in the early 1960s. Estimation based on statistical data showed that a total of 49.16 × 106 t of N was input into Chinese agriculture, of which chemical N, organic fertiliser N, biological fixed N and other sources accounted for 58.2, 24.3, 10.5 and 7.0% respectively. Nitrogen was surplus in all regions, the total N surplus being 10.6 × 106 t (60.6 kg ha−1).

CONCLUSION The great challenge is to balance the use of current N fertilisers between regions and crops to improve N use efficiency while maintaining or increasing crop production under the high‐intensity agricultural system of China. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Aerodynamic properties of wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis L.) seed for separation from canola
Authors: Shahbazi Feizollah
Published: September 2012

Background

Wild mustard seed is similar in size and shape to canola seed and can be separated by pneumatic means if the aerodynamic properties of these two materials are well known. The objective of this study was evaluation of the aerodynamic properties of canola and wild mustard seeds as a function of moisture content from 5% to 20% (w.b).

Results

The results showed that the terminal velocity of canola seeds increased, following a polynomial relationship from 5.401 to 6.566 m s−1, as the moisture content increased from 5% to 20%. Over this same moisture content range the terminal velocity of wild mustard seeds varied from 4.276 to 5.433 m s−1. The drag coefficient of canola and wild mustard seeds decreased linearly from 1.062 to 0.646 and from 1.432 to 0.928, respectively, as moisture content increased from 5% to 20%. Analysis of variance showed that there was a significant difference between the terminal velocity and drag coefficient of canola and wild mustard seed at a 1% probability level.

Conclusion

The results suggest that aerodynamic separation of wild mustard seed from canola is possible. Moisture content had a significant effect on the terminal velocity and drag coefficient of seeds.© 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Saponins extracted from by‐product of Asparagus officinalis L. suppress tumour cell migration and invasion through targeting Rho GTPase signalling pathway
Authors: Wang Jieqiong , Liu Yali , Zhao Jingjing , Zhang Wen , Pang Xiufeng
Published: September 2012

Background

The inedible bottom part (∼30–40%) of asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) spears is usually discarded as waste. However, since this by‐product has been reported to be rich in many bioactive phytochemicals, it might be utilisable as a supplement in foods or natural drugs for its therapeutic effects. In this study it was identifed that saponins from old stems of asparagus (SSA) exerted potential inhibitory activity on tumour growth and metastasis.

Results

SSA suppressed cell viability of breast, colon and pancreatic cancers in a concentration‐dependent manner, with half‐maximum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 809.42 to 1829.96 µg mL−1. However, SSA was more functional in blocking cell migration and invasion as compared with its cytotoxic effect, with an effective inhibitory concentration of 400 µg mL−1. A mechanistic study showed that SSA markedly increased the activities of Cdc42 and Rac1 and decreased the activity of RhoA in cancer cells.

Conclusion

SSA inhibits tumour cell motility through modulating the Rho GTPase signalling pathway, suggesting a promising use of SSA as a supplement in healthcare foods and natural drugs for cancer prevention and treatment. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Donor polymorphisms of toll-like receptor 4 associated with graft failure in liver transplant recipients
Authors: Oetting William S. , Guan Weihua , Schladt David P. , Leduc Robert E. , Jacobson Pamala A. , Matas Arthur J. , Chinnakotla Srinath , Schröppel Bernd , Murphy Barbara T. , Israni Ajay K.
Published: September 2012

There have been many reports showing significant associations between recipient genetic variants and allograft outcomes, including acute rejection and graft failure, but less is known about the contribution of the donor genotype. We analyzed 37 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) gene from deceased donor liver allografts transplanted into 738 recipients to determine their effects on liver graft failure (LGF). Two SNPs exhibited a significant association with LGF after adjustments for donor race and recipient race and corrections for multiple test comparisons: rs11536865 [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.5, P = 0.0003] and rs5030717 (HR = 1.67, P = 0.0008). An additional SNP, rs913930, exhibited a significant association in Caucasian donors (HR = 1.62, P = 0.0006), and 2 SNPs exhibited a suggestive association in African American donors: rs11536865 (HR = 2.45, P = 0.002) and rs5030717 (HR = 2.32, P = 0.002). Additionally, the liver donor risk index (HR = 2.56, 95% confidence interval = 1.54-4.26, P = 0.0003) and the recipient hepatitis C virus (HCV) status (HR = 1.53, 95% confidence interval = 1.04-2.24, P = 0.032) increased the risk of all-cause LGF in a Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for recipient race. Donor polymorphisms in TLR4 could be important factors in modulating TLR4 activity and, therefore, affect the risk of graft loss. Additionally, there is a suggestion of an interaction between polymorphisms within TLR4 and the HCV status. Liver Transpl, 2012. © 2012 AASLD.
Flow‐through fibula flap using soleus branch as distal runoff: A case report
Authors: Miyamoto Shimpei , Kayano Shuji , Umezawa Hiroki , Fujiki Masahide , Sakuraba Minoru
Published: September 2012

The flow‐through fibula flap utilizing the soleus branch as a distal runoff has not yet been reported. We herein present a patient with left tibial adamantimoma in whom wide resection of the tumor resulted in a segmental tibial defect 22 cm in length. The defect was successfully reconstructed with a flow‐through free fibula osteocutaneous flap using the soleus branch of the peroneal artery as a distal runoff. The short T‐segment of the peroneal artery was interposed to the transected posterior tibial artery. The soleus branch has a constant anatomy and a larger diameter than the distal stump of the peroneal artery. Short interposed flow‐through anastomosis to the major vessels is much easier and more reliable than the conventional methods. We believe that our method represents a versatile option for vascularized fibula bone grafting for extremity reconstruction. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2013
Infinitely many solutions to elliptic systems involving critical exponents and Hardy potential
Authors: Wang Li
Published: September 2012

In this paper, we consider the following elliptic systems involving critical Sobolev growth and Hardy potential:
urn:x-wiley:1704214:media:mma2669:mma2669-math-0001
where N ≥ 3,λ1,λ2 ∈ [0,ΛN), is the best Hardy constant. is the critical Sobolev exponent. a1,a2, b are positive parameters, α,β > 0 and 1 < α + β : = q < 2 < 2*. with . By means of the concentration‐compactness principle and Kajikiya's new version of symmetric mountain pass lemma, we obtain infinitely many solutions that tend to zero for suitable positive parameters a1,a2,b and λ1,λ2. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Blow‐up criterion for 3D viscous‐resistive compressible magnetohydrodynamic equations
Authors: Chen Mingtao , Liu Shengquan
Published: September 2012

In this paper, we establish a blow‐up criterion of strong solutions for 3D viscous‐resistive compressible magnetohydrodynamic equations, which depends only on and . Our result improves the previous criterion in Lu's paper (Journal of Mathematical Analysis and Applications 2011; 379: 425–438.) for compressible magnetohydrodynamic equations by removing a stringent condition on the viscous coefficients μ > 4λ. In addition, initial vacuum states are also allowed in our cases. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the well‐posedness of a mathematical model describing water‐mud interaction
Authors: Escher Joachim , Matioc Anca‐Voichita
Published: September 2012

In this paper, we consider a mathematical model describing the two‐phase interaction between water and mud in a water canal when the width of the canal is small compared with its depth. The mud is treated as a non‐Newtonian fluid, and the interface between the mud and fluid is allowed to move under the influence of gravity and surface tension. We reduce the mathematical formulation, for small boundary and initial data, to a fully nonlocal and nonlinear problem and prove its local well‐posedness by using abstract parabolic theory. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A robust model of pseudoelasticity in shape memory alloys
Authors: Stupkiewicz S. , Petryk H.
Published: September 2012

A model of pseudoelasticity in shape memory alloys is developed within the incremental energy minimization framework. Three constitutive functions are involved: the Helmholtz free energy and rate‐independent dissipation that enter incrementally the minimized energy function, and the constraint function that defines the limit transformation strains. The proposed implementation is based on a unified augmented Lagrangian treatment of both the constitutive constraints and nonsmooth dissipation function. A methodology for easy reformulation of the model from the small‐strain to finite‐deformation regime is presented. Finite element computations demonstrate robustness of the finite‐strain version of the model and illustrate the effects of tension–compression asymmetry and transversal isotropy of the surface of limit transformation strains. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A variational multiscale method with subscales on the element boundaries for the Helmholtz equation
Authors: Baiges Joan , Codina Ramon
Published: September 2012

In this paper, we apply the variational multiscale method with subgrid scales on the element boundaries to the problem of solving the Helmholtz equation with low‐order finite elements. The expression for the subscales is obtained by imposing the continuity of fluxes across the interelement boundaries. The stabilization parameter is determined by performing a dispersion analysis, yielding the optimal values for the different discretizations and finite element mesh configurations. The performance of the method is compared with that of the standard Galerkin method and the classical Galerkin least‐squares method with very satisfactory results. Some numerical examples illustrate the behavior of the method. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Marketing social missions—adopting social marketing for social entrepreneurship? A conceptual analysis and case study
Authors: Madill Judith , Ziegler Rafael
Published: September 2012

In aiming for voluntary behavioral change, social marketing may be particularly attractive for social entrepreneurs, but conversely, they may not have the resources or knowledge for conducting full‐blown social marketing campaigns. In response to the growing importance and role of social entrepreneurship in tackling social problems and the lack of research concerning how social marketing may play a role in such organizations, the purpose of this paper is to develop a deeper conceptual understanding of how social marketing may be of use to social entrepreneurial organizations. The research reports on a case analysis of One Drop and its Aqua expo and the utilization of social marketing in pursuit of its goal to achieve water conservation in the Northern Hemisphere. The research shows the adoption of elements of social marketing but not a conscious adoption of social marketing as a strategy.

Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ritual Patterns in the Deposits of Fauna Associated with Iberian Burials: The Necropolis of El Poblado During the Fourth to Second Centuries bc (Archaeological Complex of Coimbra del Barranco Ancho, Murcia)
Authors: Albizuri S. , SubirÀ M. E. , Ruiz J.
Published: September 2012

The study of grave goods, including animal deposits, offers a deeper understanding of social issues. This paper presents the results of the analysis of human and animal bone samples from the Iberian necropolis of El Poblado, Murcia. The examination focusses on 18 deposits of ovicaprids radii and ulnae, mostly of the left side, that were derived from 14 cremation tombs of the 74 studied. By considering the human and animal remains together, it is possible to highlight differences in the rituals of certain graves and variations in animal symbolism related to human sex and age. This provides a new understanding of the social and cultural differentiation that existed in the Iberian communities of this period. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transport studies of peanut shell powder reinforced natural rubber composites in aromatic solvents
Authors: Sareena C. , Ramesan M.T. , Purushothaman E.
Published: September 2012

This article investigates the transport behavior of three aromatic organic solvents, viz. benzene, toluene, and xylene in natural rubber (NR) composite membranes containing peanut shell powder (PSP) as filler at different temperatures by conventional weight‐gain experiments. PSP used in compounding the NR was processed in two particle sizes. The solvent swelling characteristics of NR composites containing both untreated and alkali‐treated fillers were investigated. The computed sorption characteristics were discussed in terms of PSP content, particle size, nature of solvent, and temperature. All the NR‐PSP composites were found to decrease with the uptake of aromatic solvents than NR, but the effect was more significant in the case of alkali‐treated PSP composites. Furthermore, the uptake of solvent decreased with decrease in penetrant size. The estimated Arrhenius activation energies (ED) for the processes of sorption, diffusion, and permeation showed that ED was generally highest in xylene at the filler contents investigated. The thermodynamic parameters of the sorption process were also evaluated. The relationship between the transport behavior and the morphology of the system was examined. The mechanism of diffusion is found to be close to Fickian trend in toluene and xylene and Fickian trend in benzene. Comparison between theoretical and experimental diffusion results was made to understand the mechanism of diffusion. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis and characterization of high performance, transparent interpenetrating polymer networks with polyurethane and poly(methyl methacrylate)
Authors: Bird S.A. , Clary D. , Jajam K.C. , Tippur H.V. , Auad M.L.
Published: September 2012

Transparent, interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) materials were synthesized using polyurethane (PU) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). PMMA contributed to the transparency and rigidity necessary for use in impact‐resistant applications, whereas PU contributed to toughness. Several factors affecting the physical properties, such as the ratio of PU to PMMA, curing profile, inclusion of different isocyanates for the PU phase, and use of an inhibitor in the PMMA phase, were investigated. Full‐IPNs were synthesized so that the two polymer networks would remain entangled with one another, and domain sizes of each system were reduced, mitigating phase separation. Both simultaneous IPNs, polymerization of monomers occurring at the same time, and sequential IPNs, polymerization of monomers occurring at different temperatures, were synthesized for studying the reaction kinetics and final morphologies. The phase morphology and the final thermal and mechanical properties of the IPNs prepared were evaluated. Findings suggest that samples containing ∼80 wt% PMMA, 1,6‐diisocyanatohexane 99+% (DCH), and an inhibitor with the MMA monomer created favorable results in the thermo‐mechanical and optical properties. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Grafting of water‐soluble sulfonated monomers onto functionalized fumed silica nanoparticles via surface‐initiated redox polymerization in aqueous medium
Authors: Abdollahi Mahdi , Rouhani Morteza , Hemmati Mahmoud , Salarizadeh Parisa
Published: September 2012

Sulfonated polymer/fumed silica hybrid nanoparticles were prepared via surface‐initiated free radical polymerization of 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propane sulfonic acid (PAMPS‐g‐FSN), styrene sulfonic acid sodium salt (PSSA‐g‐FSN) and vinyl sulfonic acid sodium salt (PVSA‐g‐FSN) from the surface of aminopropyl‐functionalized fumed silica nanoparticles (AFSNs) dispersed in aqueous medium. Cerium(IV) ammonium nitrate/nitric acid and sodium dodecyl sulfate were used as redox initiator and stabilizer respectively. AFSNs were prepared by covalently attaching 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane onto the surface of fumed silica nanoparticles. Sulfonated monomers (AMPS, SSA or VSA) were then grafted onto the AFSNs ultrasonically dispersed in water via redox initiation at 40 °C. Structure, thermal properties, particle size and morphology of the AFSNs and PAMPS‐g‐FSN, PSSA‐g‐FSN and PVSA‐g‐FSN hybrid nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, TGA, SEM, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The results indicated that the sulfonated monomers were successfully grafted onto the fumed silica nanoparticles. Grafting amounts of the sulfonated polymers onto the fumed silica nanoparticle surface were estimated from TGA thermograms to be 59%, 13% and 29% for the PAMPS, PSSA and PVSA, respectively. From SEM, TEM and DLS analysis, polymer‐grafted fumed silica nanoparticles with an average diameter smaller than 70 nm and a (semi‐) spherical shape were observed. A significant bimodal particle size distribution was observed only for the PAMPS‐g‐FSN with average diameters of 39.6 nm (84.1% per number) and 106 nm (15.9% per number). The hydrophilic sulfonated polymer/grafted fumed silica obtained from the redox graft polymerization gave a stable colloidal dispersion in acidic aqueous medium. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Enhanced solubility of novel poly(benzoxazole)s with a soft linkage and a rigid pendant group
Authors: Fu Qian , Zhuang Qixin , Liu Xiaoyun , Han Zhewen
Published: September 2012

Aromatic poly(benzoxazole)s are a class of rigid‐rod conjugated polymers. However, their poor solubility in organic solvents limits potential applications. Thus, a good method that can address this dilemma is needed, given that existing methods involve models with either poor solubility but good thermal stability or good solubility but poor thermal stability. In this paper we report a novel aromatic poly(benzoxazole) with a soft linkage and a rigid pendant group. Structural characterizations of the polymers via Fourier transform infrared and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy reveal the formation of a benzoxazole ring and an imide ring. The introduction of rigid pendant groups improved the solubility and enhanced the thermal stability of the polymer, which was impaired by the incorporation of the soft linkage. Most of these polymers are soluble at room temperature or when heated in dimethyl sulfoxide, N,N‐dimethylformamide or N,N‐dimethylacetamide. Some polymers can even be dissolved in m‐cresol and tetrahydrofuran. A 10% weight loss in these polymers was observed at temperatures over 410 °C. Moreover, the incorporation of the imide pendant group increased the conjugation length of the polymer structural unit and accelerated electron delocalization. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Modeling of concentrating photovoltaic and thermal systems
Authors: Helmers Henning , Bett Andreas W. , Parisi Jürgen , Agert Carsten
Published: September 2012

An energy balance model for concentrating photovoltaic and thermal (CPVT) systems is presented. In the model, the CPVT system and its environment are represented using a set of input parameters. The main outputs of the model are the system's electrical and thermal efficiencies. The model accounts for optical losses. Thermal losses are derived from a thermal network model of the hybrid receiver. The solar cell performance is modeled as a function of the temperature and the irradiance. The robustness of the model is demonstrated by a sensitivity analysis of all input parameters.

The influence of the operating temperature on the electrical and thermal performances and the overall efficiency of the CPVT system are discussed. The limiting cases of maximum electrical and thermal power outputs are presented. Further, the influence of the concentration ratio on the electrical and thermal performance and on the partitioning of these two power outputs is analyzed in detail. It is shown that high concentration reduces the thermal losses considerably and increases the electrical efficiency. At concentration ratios above 300, the system operates with an overall efficiency of 75% at temperatures up to 160 °C. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.