bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An automated method to build groundwater model hydrostratigraphy from airborne electromagnetic data and lithological borehole logs
Authors: Marker P. A. , Foged N. , He X. , Christiansen A. V. , Refsgaard J. C. , Auken E. , Bauer-Gottwein P.
Published: February 2015

Abstract. Large-scale integrated hydrological models are important decision support tools in water resources management. The largest source of uncertainty in such models is the hydrostratigraphic model. Geometry and configuration of hydrogeological units are often poorly determined from hydrogeological data alone. Due to sparse sampling in space, lithological borehole logs may overlook structures that are important for groundwater flow at larger scales. Good spatial coverage along with high spatial resolution makes airborne time-domain electromagnetic (AEM) data valuable for the structural input to large-scale groundwater models. We present a novel method to automatically integrate large AEM data-sets and lithological information into large-scale hydrological models. Clay-fraction maps are produced by translating geophysical resistivity into clay-fraction values using lithological borehole information. Voxel models of electrical resistivity and clay fraction are classified into hydrostratigraphic zones using k-means clustering. Hydraulic conductivity values of the zones are estimated by hydrological calibration using hydraulic head and stream discharge observations. The method is applied to a Danish case study. Benchmarking hydrological performance by comparison of simulated hydrological state variables, the cluster model performed competitively. Calibrations of 11 hydrostratigraphic cluster models with 1–11 hydraulic conductivity zones showed improved hydrological performance with increasing number of clusters. Beyond the 5-cluster model hydrological performance did not improve. Due to reproducibility and possibility of method standardization and automation, we believe that hydrostratigraphic model generation with the proposed method has important prospects for groundwater models used in water resources management.
Graduate medical education across national boundaries
Authors: Nasca Thomas J.
Published: February 2015

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) is a professional organization that accredits over 9,300 graduate medical education (residency and fellowship) programs in the United States. It receives no funds from any other corporate entity; it is funded solely through its accreditation services. After receipt of numerous requests to accredit programs outside the United States, ACGME created the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education – International (ACGME-I) to work with educational programs and institutions in other countries. ACGME-I accreditation incorporates many of the structural elements of ACGME accreditation, while being mindful of local customs, societal issues, and history in which the international program resides. It does not intend to place a United States model in other countries, but rather to adapt what we have learned to the local educational environment. The ACGME believes that its work, along with that of others, can help improve world health through physician education.
The Human Person: Challenges for Religion, Science and Governance and Prospects for Common Responses
Authors: Bakar Osman
Published: February 2015

The issue of who is or what is a human person occupies a central place in the history of relationships or encounters between religion and science. The Copernican Revolution, Darwinian Evolutionism, and Genetic Determinism have all contributed in significant but different ways to the progressive undermining of the traditional religious understanding of ‘human.’ From the religious perspective, science aided by technology has progressively shrunk the domain of human distinctiveness. The contemporary debate on the issue of the human person is only the latest in this long series of scientifically and technologically generated feuds between religion and science in modern times. As in earlier cases, central to this debate is the issue of the meaning of human. However, the new factor in this latest debate is the availability of new forms of technology that have the unprecedented capacity to at least transform the physical dimension of the human constitution if not also its psychological and mental dimension into shapes and forms beyond our current imagination.

Genetic engineering with its attendant technologies has indeed posed great challenges not only for religion but also for science itself, public ethics, law and governance. In this presentation I will discuss some of these challenges within the framework of the currently deeply contested notion of the human person. I will also discuss the crucial role that interfaith and intercultural dialogues can play in formulating common cross-cultural responses to these challenges. My discussion, however, will be mainly guided by Islamic perspectives on these various issues.
Three Visions of Persons: Sacred, Secular, and Scientific
Authors: Flanagan Owen
Published: February 2015

There are three perspectives on the nature of persons: Sacred, Secular, and Scientific. One idea is that these perspectives are fundamentally incompatible, inconsistent, incommensurable. Another is that these three perspectives can be reconciled. I explore the tension and explain how the ideas of a good human life, a morally excellent human life can be preserved even if the theories of evolution by natural selection and the view that the conscious mind is fully embodied are true.
Boundaries of Legitimacy and Illegitimacy in Islamic Lineage Regulations
Authors: Shabana Ayman
Published: February 2015

Islamic lineage regulations are rooted in religiously binding foundations. Paternity is tied to the notion of licit sexual relationship through the concept of firash (matrimonial bed). A legal husband is presumed to be the father of the children born by his wife during a valid and verified marital relationship. The paternity relationship in Islam relies on the concept of licit sex in the form of marriage, or in the past ownership of a female slave. While the definition of maternity is also related to the concept of licit sex, it is not entirely dependent on it, at least in the Sunni tradition. In cases of birth outside of marriage, for example, the maternal connection, unlike the paternal one, cannot be severed.

Modern genetic technologies have revolutionized inherited concepts of genealogy and kinship and enabled, for the first time, clear and (near) certain distinction between legal and biological paternity. Similarly, new reproductive technologies have introduced new models of motherhood through surrogacy and assisted reproduction especially by donor gametes. These developments have sparked renewed interest in lineage regulations, particularly in as far as impact of these developments on established norms and institutions are concerned.

While Muslim scholars and researchers emphasize the importance of legitimate sexual relationship in the determination of lineage, lesser attention is paid to subtle distinctions made by some classical jurists in the definition and conceptualization of genealogical connections. In these discussions formulations of genealogical connections rest on both formalist and objectivist statements about the human body, the marital bond, and filial relationships. The formalist-objectivist dichotomy/duality cuts across school boundaries and depends on the issue at hand. This presentation will focus on some illustrative debates pertaining to the concepts of firash, nikah, as well as the methods for the verification of lineage and the hierarchy of these methods. The presentation argues that this formalist-objectivist distinction alludes to a more complex conceptualization of lineage regulations than what is usually understood to be the standard Islamic one. Moreover, paying attention to this distinction leads to a deeper understanding of the modern discourse on this issue as well.
Nature as Living Icon: Ecological Ethos of Eastern Orthodoxy
Authors: Zelensky Elizabeth K.
Published: February 2015

The Eastern Orthodox tradition perceives nature as sacred in two distinct ways: as the manifestation of God’s immanence and presence in creation, and as a transcendent unknowable being that can be sensed in the mystical encounter with creation. This paper illustrates how Orthodoxy expresses this paradoxical belief and outlines its potential resonance with our contemporary understanding of humankind’s responsibilities towards the environment. It discusses the theological principles that inform the Orthodox’ spiritual perception of the natural world including: the Holy Spirit as the source of the innate goodness and vitality of matter; Divine Wisdom, or ‘Sophia’, as the embodiment of this vitality on the Earth; the unique role assigned to humankind, as the link between the rest of creation and God’s Divine Word, or Logos. These concepts are illustrated through expressions of the holy found in imagery taken from nature and used in prayers, hymns and icons; and in the physical presence of water, incense, fruit, and flowers in various rites and customs of Orthodox ritual. Faith in the sanctity— though never divinity— of nature is exemplified in the case of Balkan folk belief, which includes areas of overlap between Muslim and Christian worship, such as natural sites of grace, or ‘barakah’, like caves and springs. The paper concludes with a brief summary of the position on the environment taken by Patriarch Bartholomew, the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople and honorary head of the Eastern Orthodox Church— also known to the press as “the green patriarch.” The paper reflects His All Holiness’ argument that Orthodoxy can make a valuable contribution to finding a solution to the environmental crisis facing us today, by modelling behaviour through the unique “liturgical and ascetical” ethos of this ancient faith.
World Religions, Earth Charter, and Ethics for a Sustainable Future
Authors: Tucker Mary Evelyn
Published: February 2015

In seeking to create a sustainable low carbon future we may need a broader basis for analysis than simply economic indicators of growth. This paper argues that, whilst sustainable development by its very definition focuses on the ethics of using resources equitably across generations (intergenerational equity), there needs to be a ‘revisioning’ that encompasses a fuller range of issues that affect the relationship between humans and the Earth. Such a vision, it is argued, must allow for both to thrive -- a value termed ‘human-Earth flourishing’-- and for this to occur the ultimate criterion of progress must be extended beyond finance to include the criteria of ‘environmental health’ and ‘social wellbeing’. The first part of the paper surveys the emergence of a new field of knowledge and force of action that has brought the world religions and ecology together, to find new ethical solutions for our environmental crisis. The second part of the paper outlines the importance and principles of the existing ethical framework of the Earth Charter, and how values drawn from the diversified practices of religions could enhance this existing ethical framework, for a low carbon future with a flourishing Earth community.
Open Design: A journey through Doha, Havana and New York
Authors: Cardini Paolo
Published: February 2015

Open Design is part of the new design wave that sets project sharing as key to speed up innovation and widen access to design products; Open Design is a direct descendent of the Open Source movement and focuses on product design. The research investigates which social, economical and cultural contexts represent the ideal ground for the growth and development of Open Design seeds. Three cities have been recognized as the perfect locations to set the research ground: Doha, a place where money and resources are not a problem, research receives great attention and capital, and the desire for notoriety is at the top of the agenda; Cuba, still suffering from embargo restrictions, lacks resources and money, but possesses great creativity and social awareness; and New York City, with its state-of-the-art that serves as a litmus test for new trends and ideas. The analysis of each reality contributed to figure out the correct responses to the topic.

This paper has been presented as part of the Tasmeem Exploration Platform during Tasmeem Conference, Doha 2013.
Orientalism today: Revisions and remakings
Authors: Hanson Debra
Published: February 2015

This paper examines the transformative role of Orientalism – a form of visual, literary, and ideological hybrid making that has impacted East/West perceptions and relations from the nineteenth century to the present day—in historical and contemporary terms. It focuses on post-colonial revisions of Orientalism and its varied meanings, as evidenced by 1) the recently expanded body of scholarship on this topic; 2) the acquisition of important Orientalist works by museums and collectors in North Africa and the Gulf region, and 3) the appropriation and re-making of Orientalist imagery by contemporary Arab artists such as Lalla Essaydi. While interrogating Orientalism's colonialist and hegemonic affiliations, this paper also underscores the richness and complexity of the East/West cultural dialogue it has engendered.

This paper was presented as part of the Tasmeem Exploration Platform on March 17, 2013.
As consequências da busca norte-americana pela primazia nuclear
Authors: Weiland Cristhofer
Published: February 2015

Este artigo tem, como objetivo, através de uma breve análise quanto à primazia nuclear dos Estados Unidos no imediato pós-Segunda Guerra Mundial, da balança de poder estabelecida durante a Guerra Fria e da Doutrina da destruição mútua assegurada (MAD), apresentar a nova busca norte-americana pela primazia nuclear e suas consequências perante a MAD. A principal conclusão percebida é a de que o sistema internacional, nos próximos anos, tornar-se-á multipolar.Palavras-chave: Primazia Nuclear; Estados Unidos; Destruição Mútua Assegurada
Desigualdade nas nações avançadas e periféricas: uma visão do liberalismo nos Estados Unidos e na Índia
Authors: Lins Rodrigo Galvão Pinho
Published: February 2015

O presente trabalho tem, como objetivo, estudar a relação da globalização com a desigualdade nos países centrais e periféricos. Para tanto, os Estados Unidos e a Índia são apresentados como estudo de caso. São observados diferenças entre nações ricas e pobres, assim como o fosso entre a própria população dentro das fronteiras. Chega-se à conclusão de que um governo mais atuante pode dirimir tais desigualdades.Palavras-chave: Globalização; Estados Unidos; Índia.
O subimperialismo brasileiro, uma estratégia continuada: entre o regime militar e os anos 2000
Authors: Souza Eliton Felipe de
Published: February 2015

O presente artigo pretende refletir sobre o papel subimperialista do governo brasileiro iniciado durante o regime militar e que vem se mantendo até os dias de hoje, seja por ataques diretos do regime civil-militar brasileiro a governos democraticamente eleitos, seja pelo apoio dado às empresas nacionais para expandirem o domínio econômico para outras regiões do planeta.Palavras-chave: Subimperialismo; Regime Militar
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Journal of Food Research, Vol. 4, No. 1
Authors: Dong Bella
Published: February 2015

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Journal of Food Research, Vol. 4 No. 1
Braided Streams: Spaces and Flows in a Career
Authors: Monk Janice
Published: February 2015

In accordance with the proposal by the Department of Geography, Dr. Janice Monk, professor emerita at the University of Arizona, was awarded Doctor Honoris Causa by the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona on the October 16th 2013. A slightly edited version of the lecture she presented at the ceremony is published here. Dr. Monk has been a key figure in fostering gender geography in the United States as well as internationally. Here she reflects on her academic and professional career, focusing on the principal topics that have characterised her research and her social involvement. A bibliography of her main contributions is attached to the text of her lecture.
Silva, Joseli Maria; Ornat, Marcio José i Chimin, Alides Baptista (Jr.) (2013). Geografias malditas: corpos, sexualidades e espaços
Authors: Rossi Rodrigo
Published: February 2015

Silva, Joseli Maria; Ornat, Marcio José i Chimin, Alides Baptista (Jr.) (2013)Geografias malditas: corpos, sexualidades e espaçosPonta Grossa: Toda Palavra, 400 p.ISBN 978-85-62450-29-7
The GTPase Rab26 links synaptic vesicles to the autophagy pathway
Authors: Binotti Beyenech , Pavlos Nathan J , Riedel Dietmar , Wenzel Dirk , Vorbrüggen Gerd , Schalk Amanda M , Kühnel Karin , Boyken Janina , Erck Christian , Martens Henrik , Chua John JE , Jahn Reinhard
Published: February 2015

Small GTPases of the Rab family not only regulate target recognition in membrane traffic but also control other cellular functions such as cytoskeletal transport and autophagy. Here we show that Rab26 is specifically associated with clusters of synaptic vesicles in neurites. Overexpression of active but not of GDP-preferring Rab26 enhances vesicle clustering, which is particularly conspicuous for the EGFP-tagged variant, resulting in a massive accumulation of synaptic vesicles in neuronal somata without altering the distribution of other organelles. Both endogenous and induced clusters co-localize with autophagy-related proteins such as Atg16L1, LC3B and Rab33B but not with other organelles. Furthermore, Atg16L1 appears to be a direct effector of Rab26 and binds Rab26 in its GTP-bound form, albeit only with low affinity. We propose that Rab26 selectively directs synaptic and secretory vesicles into preautophagosomal structures, suggesting the presence of a novel pathway for degradation of synaptic vesicles.
Measuring Protein‐Protein and Protein‐Nucleic Acid Interactions by Biolayer Interferometry
Authors: Sultana Azmiri , Lee Jeffrey E.
Published: February 2015

Biolayer interferometry (BLI) is a simple, optical dip‐and‐read system useful for measuring interactions between proteins, peptides, nucleic acids, small molecules, and/or lipids in real time. In BLI, a biomolecular bait is immobilized on a matrix at the tip of a fiber‐optic sensor. The binding between the immobilized ligand and another molecule in an analyte solution produces a change in optical thickness at the tip and results in a wavelength shift proportional to binding. BLI provides direct binding affinities and rates of association and dissociation. This unit describes an efficient approach using streptavidin‐based BLI to analyze DNA‐protein and protein‐protein interactions. A quantitative set of equilibrium binding affinities (K
d) and rates of association and dissociation (k
a
/k
d) can be measured in minutes using nanomole quantities of sample. © 2015 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
ELISPOT Assay for Measurement of Antigen‐Specific and Polyclonal Antibody Responses
Authors: Lycke Nils , Coico Richard
Published: February 2015

The enzyme‐linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay for detection of antigen‐specific and polyclonal antibody responses by single antibody‐secreting cells has become the method of choice due to its cell‐based quantitative value. Antigen stability and specificity and the diversity of antigens that can be used in the assay have contributed to the translational application of ELISPOT as demonstrated by many FDA‐approved clinical tests that employ this technique. In addition, the ELISPOT assay can be used to detect two antigenically different secreted antibodies simultaneously by two‐color analysis and offers the unique possibility of quantifying the number of antibody molecules secreted per cell. © 2015 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Mouse Model for Pre‐Clinical Study of Human Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Ya Zhiya , Hailemichael Yared , Overwijk Willem , Restifo Nicholas P.
Published: February 2015

This unit describes protocols for developing tumors in mice, including subcutaneous growth, pulmonary metastases of B16 melanoma, and spontaneous melanoma in B‐Raf V600E/PTEN deletion transgenic mouse models. Two immunization methods to prevent B16 tumor growth are described using B16.GM‐CSF and recombinant vaccinia virus. A therapeutic approach is also included that uses adoptive transfer of tumor antigen–specific T cells. Methods including CTL induction, isolation, testing, and genetic modification of mouse T cells for adoptive transfer by using retrovirus‐expressing genes of interest are provided. Additional sections, including growing B16 melanoma, enumerating pulmonary metastases, tumor imaging technique, and use of recombinant viruses for vaccination, are discussed together with safety concerns. © 2015 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Dual‐Layer Superamphiphobic/Superhydrophobic‐Oleophilic Nanofibrous Membranes with Unidirectional Oil‐Transport Ability and Strengthened Oil–Water Separation Performance
Authors: Wang Hongxia , Zhou Hua , Niu Haitao , Zhang Jin , Du Yong , Lin Tong
Published: February 2015

Thin porous membranes with unidirectional oil‐transport capacity offer great opportunities for intelligent manipulation of oil fluids and development of advanced membrane technologies. However, directional oil‐transport membranes and their unique membrane properties have seldom been reported in research literature. Here, it is proven that a dual‐layer nanofibrous membrane comprising a layer of superamphiphobic nanofibers and a layer of superhydrophobic oleophilic nanofibers has an unexpected directional oil‐transport ability, but is highly superhydrophobic to liquid water. This novel fibrous membrane is prepared by a layered electrospinning technique using poly(vinylidene fluoride‐hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF‐HFP), PVDP‐HFP containing well‐dispersed FD‐POSS (fluorinated decyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes), and FAS (fluorinated alkyl silane) as materials. The directional oil‐transport is selective only to oil fluids with a surface tension in the range of 23.8–34.0 mN m–1. By using a mixture of diesel and water, it is further proven that this dual‐layer nanofibrous membrane has a higher diesel–water separation ability than the single‐layer nanofiber membranes. This novel nanofibrous membrane and the incredible oil‐transport ability may lead to the development of intelligent membrane materials and advanced oil–water separation technologies for diverse applications in daily life and industry.
Experimental determination of maximum effective hydrodynamic stress in multiphase flow using shear sensitive aggregates
Authors: Villiger Thomas K. , Morbidelli Massimo , Soos Miroslav
Published: February 2015

Maximum effective hydrodynamic stress,
, responsible for the breakup of aggregates with size comparable to Kolmogorov eddies, was experimentally determined in an aerated stirred tank. The proposed method is based on the measurement of the maximum stable aggregates size consisting of poly(methyl methacrylate) nanoparticles. The fractal aggregates were broken under various operating conditions in an aerated stirred tank and calibrated with known flow conditions using contracting nozzles to convert the measured aggregate sizes into hydrodynamic stress. It was found that
can vary substantially among studied conditions and its magnitude depends on the controlling mechanism including gas jet during bubble formation, bubble rise, bubble burst at the gas–liquid interface or the turbulence generated by the impeller. The measured values are in good agreement with literature data which supports the applicability of this method to characterize the maximum effective hydrodynamic stress in complicated multiphase flow. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 1735–1744, 2015
Ofatumumab added to dexamethasone in patients with relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia: Results from a phase II study
Authors: Doubek Michael , Brychtova Yvona , Panovska Anna , Sebejova Ludmila , Stehlikova Olga , Chovancova Jana , Malcikova Jitka , Smardova Jana , Plevova Karla , Volfova Pavlina , Trbusek Martin , Mraz Marek , Bakesova Denisa , Trizuljak Jakub , Hadrabova Marketa , Obrtlikova Petra , Karban Josef , Smolej Lukas , Oltova Alexandra , Jelinkova Eva , Pospisilova Sarka , Mayer Jiri
Published: February 2015

The treatment of relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) remains a challenging clinical issue. An important treatment option is the use of high‐dose corticosteroids. The purpose of this clinical trial was to determine the efficacy and toxicity of an ofatumumab–dexamethasone (O‐Dex) combination in relapsed or refractory CLL. The trial was an open‐label, multicenter, nonrandomized, Phase II study. The O‐Dex regimen consisted of intravenous ofatumumab (Cycle 1: 300 mg on day 1, 2,000 mg on days 8, 15, and 22; Cycles 2–6: 1,000 mg on days 1, 8, 15, and 22) and oral dexamethasone (40 mg on days 1–4 and 15–18; Cycles 1–6). The O‐Dex regimen was given until best response, or a maximum of six cycles. Thirty‐three patients (pts) were recruited. Twenty‐four (73%) pts completed at least three cycles of therapy. The remaining nine pts were prematurely discontinued owing to Grade 3/4 infections (seven pts), disease progression (one pt), or uncontrollable diabetes mellitus (one pt). Overall response rates/complete remissions (ORR/CR) were achieved in 22/5 pts (67/15%). The median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 10 months. In pts with p53 defects (n = 8), ORR/CR were achieved in 5/2 pts (63/25%) with a median PFS of 10.5 months. The median overall survival (OS) was 34 months. The Grades 3–5 infectious toxicity in 33% of pts represented the most frequent side effect during the treatment period. In conclusion, the O‐Dex regimen shows a relatively high ORR and CR with promising findings for PFS and OS. The study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01310101). Am. J. Hematol. 90:417–421, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Conductive polyaniline–polythiophene/poly(ethylene terephthalate) composite fiber: Effects of pH and washing processes on surface resistivity
Authors: Erdoğan Meryem Kalkan , Karakışla Meral , Saçak Mehmet
Published: February 2015

A conductive polyaniline (PAn)–polythiophene (PTh)/poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) composite fiber was prepared by polymerization of aniline and thiophene in the presence of PET fibers in an organic medium with FeCl3. The effects of polymerization conditions, such as polymerization medium, mol ratios of aniline/thiophene and FeCl3/aniline‐thiophene as well as polymerization temperature and time, were investigated on PAn–PTh content (%) and surface resistivity of the composite. The composite with the lowest surface resistivity (1.30 MΩ/cm2) was obtained by polymerization of aniline and thiophene (1/3 mol ratio) in acetonitrile/chloroform (1/5 volume ratio) at 20°C. The surface resistivity of the PAn–PTh/PET composite containing 4.8% PAn–PTh was increased from 1.9 MΩ/cm2 to 270 MΩ/cm2 at pH 11. The washing durability of the composites was determined with domestic and commercial laundering processes by monitoring the surface resistivity and morphology. The composite was also characterized with FTIR, TGA, elemental analysis, optic microscope and SEM techniques. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41979.
CONSTRUCTION AND ANALYSIS OF ANTENNAL cDNA LIBRARY FROM RICE STRIPED STEM BORER, Chilo suppressalis (WALKER) (LEPIDOPTERA: PYRALIDAE), AND EXPRESSION PROFILES OF PUTATIVE ODORANT‐BINDING PROTEIN AND CHEMOSENSORY PROTEIN GENES
Authors: Gong Zhong‐Jun , Liu Su , Jiang Yan‐Dong , Zhou Wen‐Wu , Liang Qing‐Mei , Cheng Jiaan , Zhang Chuan‐Xi , Zhu Zeng‐Rong , Gurr Geoff M
Published: February 2015

In this study, we constructed a high‐quality cDNA library from the antennae of the Chilo suppressalis (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). A total of 1,235 colonies with inserts greater than 0.7 kb were sequenced and analyzed. Homology searching coupled with bioinformatics analysis identified 15 and 7 cDNA sequences, respectively, encoding putative odorant‐binding proteins (OBPs) and chemosensory proteins (CSPs). A phylogenetic tree of CsupCSPs showed that each CsupCSP has orthologs in Manduca sexta and Bombyx mori with strong bootstrapping support. One CSP was either very specific or more related to the CSPs of another species than to conspecific CSP. The expression profiles of the OBPs and CSPs in different tissues were measured by real‐time quantitative PCR. The results revealed that of the 11 OBP genes, the transcript levels of CsupOBP1, CsupOBP5, and CsupOBP7 were higher in both male and female antennae than those in other tissues. And CsupCSP7 was highly expressed in both male and female antennae. Based on these results, the possible physiological functions of CsupOBPs and CsupCSPs were discussed.
Synthesis and Determination of Some Biological Activities of Novel 2,4‐Dinitrophenyl Derivatives
Authors: Öztürk Sarikaya Sevim B. , Kaya Afşin A. , Kaya Elif Çelenk , Şentürk Murat
Published: February 2015

The antioxidant and radical scavenging activities of the synthesized compounds 3, 5, and 6 were determined by various in vitro assays such as 2,2‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid radical (ABTS·+) scavenging, ferric ion (Fe3+) reducing power and ferrous ion (Fe2+) chelating activities. Moreover, these activities were compared to those of standard antioxidants such as butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, and trolox. The results showed that the new compounds (3, 5, and 6) had potential antioxidant activity. Besides, inhibition of the two human cytosolic carbonic anhydrase (hCA, EC 4.2.1.1) isozymes I and II with some nitrobenzene compounds was investigated. Compounds 1–6 showed Ki values in the range of 4.88–193.4 µM and 5.295–54.75 µM for hCA I and hCA II, respectively.
NIS/PhI(OAc)2‐Mediated Diamination/Oxidation of N‐Alkenyl Formamidines: Facile Synthesis of Fused Tricyclic Ureas
Authors: Zhang Jun , Wu Weijie , Zhang Xuejun , Zhang Gengtao , Xu Sheng , Shi Min
Published: February 2015

Facile synthesis of bicyclic ureas by NIS/PhI(OAc)2‐mediated diamination/oxidation of N‐alkenyl formamidines is reported. Bulky aromatic groups such as 2,6‐diisopropylphenyl and mesityl and alkyl groups were tolerated towards the process. Several control experiments have been performed, and the reaction outcomes indicate that the oxidation process is probably concerted with the diamination cyclization, and succinimide generated from NIS‐mediated aminoamidiniumation step promoted the PhI(OAc)2‐mediated oxidation step. The new methodology provides an efficient method for the synthesis of fused tricyclic ureas.
Model‐Free H∞ Control Design for Unknown Continuous‐Time Linear System Using Adaptive Dynamic Programming
Authors: Qin Chunbin , Zhang Huaguang , Luo Yanhong
Published: February 2015

In this paper, a new online model‐free adaptive dynamic programming algorithm is developed to solve the H∞ control problem of the continuous‐time linear system with completely unknown system dynamics. Solving the game algebraic Riccati equation, commonly used in H∞ state feedback control design, is often referred to as a two‐player differential game where one player tries to minimize the predefined performance index while the other tries to maximize it. Using data generated in real time along the system trajectories, this new method can solve online the game algebraic Riccati equation without requiring the full knowledge of system dynamics. A rigorous proof of convergence of the proposed algorithm is given. Finally, simulation studies on two examples demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Combined spectroscopic and molecular docking approach to probing binding interactions between lovastatin and calf thymus DNA
Authors: Chen C.‐B. , Chen J. , Wang J. , Zhu Y.‐Y. , Shi J.‐H.
Published: February 2015

The binding interaction of lovastatin with calf thymus DNA (ct‐DNA) was studied using UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence emission spectroscopy, circular dichroism (CD), viscosity measurement and molecular docking methods. The experimental results showed that there was an obvious binding interaction of lovastatin with ct‐DNA and the binding constant (Kb) was 5.60 × 103 M–1 at 298 K. In the binding process of lovastatin with ct‐DNA, the enthalpy change (ΔH0) and entropy change (ΔS0) were –24.9 kJ/mol and –12.0 J/mol/K, respectively, indicating that the main binding interaction forces were van der Waal's force and hydrogen bonding. The molecular docking results suggested that lovastatin preferred to bind on the minor groove of different B‐DNA fragments and the conformation change of lovastatin in the lovastatin–DNA complex was obviously observed, implying that the flexibility of lovastatin molecule plays an important role in the formation of the stable lovastatin–ct‐DNA complex. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel approach for enantioseparation as applied to (RS)‐etodolac from pharmaceutical formulations: LC MS and density functional theory support for confirmation of diastereomers so separated
Authors: Singh Manisha , Bhushan Ravi
Published: February 2015

In the present studies formation of diastereomers of (RS)‐etodolac was confirmed using LC‐MS when [M + H]+ or [M]+ were recorded for the diastereomers. The lowest energy optimized structures of two diastereomers were drawn, which confirmed the three‐dimensional geometry of the diastereomers. This supports the optimized analytical separation conditions. In addition, separation of diastereomers was successful using a C18 column and a binary mixture of methanol and triethyl ammonium phosphate buffer of pH 4.5 (80:20, v/v) as mobile phase at a flow rate of 1 mL min−1 and UV detection at 223 nm. The separation method was validated as per International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. (RS)‐Etodolac was isolated from commercial tablets and purified and characterized to be used as racemic standard. Three pairs of diastereomers were synthesized using enantiomerically pure amines, namely, (R)‐(+)‐α‐methyl benzyl amine, (S)‐(−)‐α,4‐dimethylbenzylamine and (R)‐(−)‐1‐cyclohexylethylamine. Derivatization reactions were carried out under conditions of stirring at room temperature (30 °C for 2 h) as well as under microwave irradiation (MWI), and the two types of diastereomers were compared. Reaction conditions for derivatization were optimized with respect to mole ratio of chiral derivatizing agent and (RS)‐etodolac and MWI time. No racemization was observed throughout the study. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
H2O2: a Ca2+ or Mg2+‐sensing function in statin passive diffusion
Authors: Guillaume Yves Claude , Lethier Lydie , André Claire
Published: February 2015

In a previous paper Guillaume's group demonstrated that magnesium (Mg2+ concentration range 0.00–2.60 mm) increased the passive diffusion of statins and thus played a role in their potential toxicity. In order to confirm an increase in this passive diffusion by divalent salt cations, the role of calcium chloride (CaCl2) on the statin–immobilized artificial membrane (IAM) association was studied. It was demonstrated that calcium supplementation (Ca2+ concentration range 0.00–3.25 mm) increases the statin passive diffusion. In addition, it was shown that the Ca2+ effect on the statin–IAM association is higher than that of Mg2+. These results show that Ca2+ enhances the passive diffusion of drugs into biological membranes and thus their potential toxicity. Also, addition of H2O2 to the medium showed a hyperbolic response for the statin passive diffusion and this effect was enhanced for the highest Ca2+ or Mg2+ concentrations in the medium. H2O2 is likely to interact with the polar head groups of the IAM through dipole–dipole interactions. The conformational changes in H2O2–IAM result in a higher degree of exposure of hydrophobic areas, thus explaining why the binding of pravastatin, which showed the lowest logP value, was less affected by H2O2. This result shows the significant contribution of H2O2 and thus the oxidative stress on the statin passive diffusion. Much of the sensitivity derives from the action of Ca2+ or Mg2+, in turn supported the idea that H2O2 may serve a Ca2+ or Mg2+ sensing function in statin passive diffusion Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Terminal innervation of the male genitalia, cutaneous sensory receptors of the male foreskin
Authors: Martín‐Alguacil Nieves , Cooper R. Scott , Aardsma Nathan , Mayoglou Lazarus , Pfaff Donald , Schober Justine
Published: February 2015

Purpose

Understanding the types of sensory nerve termini within the glabrous skin of the human male foreskin could throw light on surgical outcomes and therapeutic possibilities for the future. Various receptor types sense changes in temperature, position, pressure, pain, light touch, itch, burning and pleasurable sexual sensations. Similarities and differences in innervation characteristics and density might become apparent when the glans penis is compared with homologous structures in the female genitalia. The aim of this study is to document the presence and characteristics of cutaneous sensory receptors in the human penile foreskin using a histopathological study of the nerve termini to achieve a more complete understanding of sensory experiences.

Methods

Foreskin samples were obtained from ten boys (aged 1–9 years) who had undergone circumcision. Informed consent was obtained from the parent/legal guardian. The samples were examined after modified Bielschowsky silver impregnation of neural tissue, and immunocytochemistry against gene protein product (PGP) 9.5 and neuron‐specific enolase (NSE).

Results

PGP 9.5 appeared to be the most sensitive neural marker. Free nerve endings were identified in the papillary dermis visualized as thin fibers, mostly varicose, with either branched or single processes, either straight or bent. Two types of sensory corpuscle were identified: capsulated and non‐capsulated. Meissner‐like corpuscles were located in the papillary dermis. Capsulated corpuscles resembled typical Pacinian corpuscles, comprising a single central axon surrounded by non‐neural periaxonic cells and lamellae. The capsulated corpuscles were strongly positive for PGP 9.5 and NSE.

Conclusions

Free nerve endings, Meissner's corpuscles and Pacinian corpuscles are present in the human male foreskin and exhibit characteristic staining patterns. Clin. Anat. 28:385–391, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Efficient tetrahedral mesh generation based on sampling optimization
Authors: Zhou Yuanfeng , Zhang Caiming , Bo Pengbo
Published: February 2015

We present a heuristic approach to tetrahedral mesh generation for implicit closed surfaces. It consists of a surface sampling step and a volume sampling step that both work in a unified optimization framework. First, high‐quality isotropic samplings as well as a triangular mesh on the surface are generated. Then uniform volume samplings are determined by optimizing the point distribution inside the closed surface domain. Finally, the tetrahedral mesh is easily obtained by constrained Delaunay triangulation. Experimental results show that the new method can generate ideal tetrahedral meshes for closed implicit surfaces efficiently that are Delaunay based. Our method has the advantage of high efficiency and nice performance at surface boundaries. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Self‐Standing and Flexible Electrode of Yolk–Shell CoS2 Spheres Encapsulated with Nitrogen‐Doped Graphene for High‐Performance Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Qiu Wenda , Jiao Jiqing , Xia Jian , Zhong Haimin , Chen Liuping
Published: February 2015

Flexible lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) have recently attracted increasing attention with the fast development of bendable electronic systems. Herein, a facile and template‐free solvothermal method is presented for the fabrication of hybrid yolk–shell CoS2 and nitrogen‐doped graphene (NG) sheets. The yolk–shell architecture of CoS2 encapsulated with NG coating is designed for the dual protection of CoS2 to address the structural and interfacial stability concerns facing the CoS2 anode. The as‐prepared composite can be assembled into a film, which can be used as a binder‐free and flexible electrode for LIBs that does not require any carbon black conducting additives or current collectors. When evaluating lithium‐storage properties, such a flexible electrode exhibits a high specific capacity of 992 mAh g−1 in the first reversible discharge capacity at a current rate of 100 mA g−1 and high reversible capacity of 882 mAh g−1 after 150 cycles with excellent capacity retention of 89.91 %. Furthermore, a reversible capacity as high as 655 mAh g−1 is still achieved after 50 cycles even at a high rate of 5 C due to the yolk–shell structure and NG coating, which not only provide short Li‐ion and electron pathways, but also accommodate large volume variation.
Generating Selective Saccharide Binding Affinity of Phenyl Boronic Acids by using Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotube Corona Phases
Authors: Mu Bin , Ahn Jiyoung , McNicholas Thomas P. , Strano Michael S.
Published: February 2015

Saccharides recognition is challenging due to their low affinity for substrates, yet this recognition is critical for human immunity and glycobiology. Herein, we demonstrate that a polymer or surfactant corona phase surrounding a single‐walled carbon nanotube can substantially modify the selectivity of pre‐adsorbed phenyl‐boronic acids (PBA) for mono‐, di‐, and poly‐saccharides. A library of 17 PBAs including carboxy, nitro, and amino PBA with ortho‐, meta‐, or para‐ substitutions are used to generate 144 distinct corona phases. Six in particular demonstrate significantly increased selectivity to specific saccharides including ribose (0.42 mol per total mol), arabinose (0.36), and glucose (0.25), but unusually diminished binding to fructose (0.02). Recognition proceeds by saccharide adsorption into the corona, followed by PBA reaction in a consecutive second order reaction. The results extend to larger saccharides, such as glycosaminoglycans, suggesting promise for protein glycosylation.
Push–Pull Triphenylamine Chromophore Syntheses and Optoelectronic Characterizations
Authors: Jeux Victorien , Segut Olivier , Demeter Dora , Alévêque Olivier , Leriche Philippe , Roncali Jean
Published: February 2015

A series of push–pull molecules combining a diarylamine donor block with various electron‐acceptor units through phenylthienyl (PT) and bithienyl (TT) π‐conjugating spacers have been synthesized. Optical and electrochemical results, supported by theoretical calculations, show that the electronic properties of the molecules can be modulated by varying the strength of the acceptor group and/or the structure of the conjugating spacer. As a first evaluation of the potential of these compounds as donors in organic solar cells (OSC), simple planar heterojunction (PHJ) prototypes using fullerene C60 as electron acceptor have been fabricated. Most OSCs exhibit analogous photoconversion efficiencies in the 1.5–2 % range. Their characteristics are discussed in terms of structure–properties relationships.
Stem cells for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis modeling and therapy: Myth or fact?
Authors: Coatti G. C. , Beccari M. S. , Olávio T. R. , Mitne‐Neto M. , Okamoto O. K. , Zatz M.
Published: February 2015

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating neurodegenerative disease whose pathophysiology is poorly understood. Aiming to better understand the cause of motor neuron death, the use of experimental cell‐based models increased significantly over the past years. In this scenario, much knowledge has been generated from the study of motor neurons derived from embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells. These methods, however, have advantages and disadvantages, which must be balanced on experimental design. Preclinical studies provide valuable information, making it possible to combine diverse methods to build an expanded knowledge of ALS pathophysiology. In addition to using stem cells as experimental models for understanding disease mechanism, these cells had been quoted for therapy in ALS. Despite ethical issues involved in its use, cell therapy with neural stem cells stands out. A phase I clinical trial was recently completed and a phase II is on its way, attesting the method's safety. In another approach, mesenchymal stromal cells capable of releasing neuroregulatory and anti‐inflammatory factors have also been listed as candidates for cell therapy for ALS, and have been admitted as safe in a phase I trial. Despite recent advances, application of stem cells as an actual therapy for ALS patients is still in debate. Here, we discuss how stem cells have been useful in modeling ALS and address critical topics concerning their therapeutic use, such as administration protocols, injection site, cell type to be administered, type of transplantation (autologous vs. allogeneic) among other issues with particular implications for ALS therapy. © 2015 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Treadmill stimulation improves newborn stepping
Authors: Siekerman Kim , Barbu‐Roth Marianne , Anderson David I. , Donnelly Alan , Goffinet François , Teulier Caroline
Published: February 2015

To shed further light on infant stepping, we investigated whether newborns could step on a treadmill and adapt their steps to graded velocities. Twenty‐one newborns (mean = 3 days) were supported for 60 s trials on a treadmill that was static or moved at 13.4, 17.2, or 23.4 cm/s. Video analysis revealed that newborns made more real steps than in‐place “pumps” on the moving treadmill than on the static treadmill and made more real steps at 17.2 than 23.4 cm/s. While the treadmill had no effect on arousal, stepping increased and showed higher quality and coordination across conditions when infants were crying. These findings suggest that treadmill interventions currently used to promote the development of independent locomotion in infants at risk of delay could begin at birth. Further investigation is needed to establish the optimal conditions for newborn treadmill stepping and to specify how arousal affects step rate, quality, and coordination. © 2015Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 57: 247–254, 2015.
Pyridoxine treatment alters embryonic motility in chicks: Implications for the role of proprioception
Authors: Sharp Andrew A. , Bekoff Anne
Published: February 2015

Somatosensory feedback is important for the modulation of normal locomotion in adult animals, but we do not have a good understanding of when somatosensory information is first used to modulate motility during embryogenesis or how somatosensation is first used to regulate motor output. We used pyridoxine administration (vitamin B6), which is known to mostly kill proprioceptive neurons in adult mammals and embryonic chicks, to explore the role of proprioceptive feedback during early embryonic motility in the chick. Injection of pyridoxine on embryonic day 7 (E7) and E8 reduced the amplitude of leg movements recorded on E9 and the number of large, healthy neurons in the ventral‐lateral portion of the DRGs. We conclude that proprioception is initially used during embryogenesis to modulate the strength of motor output, but that it is not incorporated into other aspects of pattern generation until later in development as poly‐synaptic pathways develop. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 57: 271–277, 2015.