bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Image analysis for microstructures based on stochastic models
Authors: Redenbach Claudia , Schladitz Katja , Vecchio Irene , Wirjadi Oliver
Published: November 2014

The development of modern high‐performance materials requires a deeper understanding of the complex relations between a material's microstructure geometry and its macroscopic properties. Analysis of three‐dimensional image data combined with stochastic microstructure modelling is a promising approach to study these relations. Motivated by two typical application examples, a fibre reinforced polymer and a closed polymer foam, we introduce versatile model classes from stochastic geometry. We explain how their basic geometric characteristics can be estimated from tomographic image data. Finally, linking the estimated values to the model parameters, stochastic models are fitted to the observed microstructures. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
c‐Src function is necessary and sufficient for triggering microglial cell activation
Authors: Socodato Renato , Portugal Camila C. , Domith Ivan , Oliveira Nádia A. , Coreixas Vivian S. M. , Loiola Erick C. , Martins Tânia , Santiago Ana Raquel , Paes‐de‐Carvalho Roberto , Ambrósio António F. , Relvas João B.
Published: November 2014

Microglial cells are the resident macrophages of the central nervous system. Their function is essential for neuronal tissue homeostasis. After inflammatory stimuli, microglial cells become activated changing from a resting and highly ramified cell shape to an amoeboid‐like morphology. These morphological changes are associated with the release of proinflammatory cytokines and glutamate, as well as with high phagocytic activity. The acquisition of such phenotype has been associated with activation of cytoplasmic tyrosine kinases, including those of the Src family (SFKs). In this study, using both in vivo and in vitro inflammation models coupled to FRET‐based time‐lapse microscopy, lentiviruses‐mediated shRNA delivery and genetic gain‐of‐function experiments, we demonstrate that among SFKs c‐Src function is necessary and sufficient for triggering microglia proinflammatory signature, glutamate release, microglia‐induced neuronal loss, and phagocytosis. c‐Src inhibition in retinal neuroinflammation experimental paradigms consisting of intravitreal injection of LPS or ischemia–reperfusion injury significantly reduced microglia activation changing their morphology to a more resting phenotype and prevented neuronal apoptosis. Our data demonstrate an essential role for c‐Src in microglial cell activation. GLIA 2015;63:497–511
Economic evaluation of arsenic trioxide for treatment of newly diagnosed acute promyelocytic leukaemia in Canada
Authors: Lachaine Jean , Mathurin Karine , Barakat Stéphane , Schuh Andre C.
Published: November 2014

To assess, from a Canadian perspective, the economic impact of arsenic trioxide (ATO) + all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA) for treating newly diagnosed acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL), the cost‐effectiveness of ATO + ATRA compared to ATRA + idarubicin (IDA) was assessed over a lifetime horizon using a time‐dependent Markov model. The model considers four health states: complete remission, treatment failure or relapse, post‐failure, and death. Markov cycle length was 1 month for the first 48 months and 1 year thereafter. Efficacy outcomes in terms of event‐free survival and overall survival were taken from a head‐to‐head clinical trial. Costs were associated with drug and administration, adverse events (AEs), treatment of relapses, follow‐up visits, and productivity losses. Utilities and disutilities associated with health states and AEs were derived from the literature. Compared to ATRA + IDA, ATRA + ATO is associated with incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs) of $CAD50,193/quality‐adjusted life years (QALY) and $CAD50,338/QALY from a Canadian Ministry of Health (MoH) and societal perspectives, respectively. Results of the one‐way sensitivity analysis show that ICER varied from $CAD23,045 to $CAD60,759/QALY (MoH perspective) and from $CAD23,120 to $CAD60,905/QALY (societal perspective). ATO in the first‐line therapy for patients with APL can be considered a more cost‐effective strategy than standard treatment from a Canadian perspective. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of anthropogenic activities in karst spring discharge volatility
Authors: Wu Jing , Yin Jian , Hao Yonghong , Liu Yan , Fan Yonghui , Huo Xueli , Liu Youcun , Yeh Tian‐Chyi J.
Published: November 2014

The traditional hydrological time series methods tend to focus on the mean of whichever variable is analysed but neglect its time‐varying variance (i.e. assuming the variance remains constant). The variances of hydrological time series vary with time under anthropogenic influence. There is evidence that extensive well drilling and groundwater pumping can intercept groundwater run‐off and consequently induce spring discharge volatility or variance varying with time (i.e. heteroskedasticity). To investigate the time‐varying variance or heteroskedasticity of spring discharge, this paper presents a seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average with general autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (SARIMA‐GARCH) model, whose the SARIMA model is used to estimate the mean of hydrological time series, and the GARCH model estimates its time‐varying variance. The SARIMA‐GARCH model was then applied to the Xin'an Springs Basin, China, where extensive groundwater development has occurred since 1978 (e.g. the average annual groundwater pumping rates were less than 0.20 m3/s in the 1970s, reached 1.20 m3/s at the end of the 1980s, surpassed 2.0 m3/s in the 1990s and exceeded 3.0 m3/s by 2007). To identify whether human activities or natural stressors caused the heteroskedasticity of Xin'an Springs discharge, we segmented the spring discharge sequence into two periods: a predevelopment stage (i.e. 1956–1977) and a developed stage (i.e. 1978–2012), and set up the SARIMA‐GARCH model for the two stages, respectively. By comparing the models, we detected the role of human activities in spring discharge volatility. The results showed that human activities caused the heteroskedasticity of the Xin'an Spring discharge. The predicted Xin'an Springs discharge by the SARIMA‐GARCH model showed that the mean monthly spring discharge is predicted to continue to decline to 0.93 m3/s in 2013, 0.67 m3/s in 2014 and 0.73 m3/s in 2015. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maternal exposure to 3,3’‐iminodipropionitrile targets late‐stage differentiation of hippocampal granule cell lineages to affect brain‐derived neurotrophic factor signaling and interneuron subpopulations in rat offspring
Authors: Itahashi Megu , Abe Hajime , Tanaka Takeshi , Mizukami Sayaka , Kikuchihara Yoh , Yoshida Toshinori , Shibutani Makoto
Published: November 2014

3,3’‐Iminodipropionitrile (IDPN) causes neurofilament (NF)‐filled swellings in the proximal segments of many large‐caliber myelinated axons. This study investigated the effect of maternal exposure to IDPN on hippocampal neurogenesis in rat offspring using pregnant rats supplemented with 0 (controls), 67 or 200 ppm IDPN in drinking water from gestational day 6 to day 21 after delivery. On postnatal day (PND) 21, female offspring subjected to analysis had decreased parvalbumin+, reelin+ and phospho‐TrkB+ interneurons in the dentate hilus at 200 ppm and increased granule cell populations expressing immediate‐early gene products, Arc or c‐Fos, at ≥  67 ppm. mRNA expression in the dentate gyrus examined at 200 ppm decreased with brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) and very low density lipoprotein receptor. Immunoreactivity for phosphorylated NF heavy polypeptide decreased in the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus and the stratum radiatum of the cornu ammonis (CA) 3, portions showing axonal projections from mossy cells and pyramidal neurons, at 200 ppm on PND 21, whereas immunoreactivity for synaptophysin was unchanged in the dentate gyrus. Observed changes all disappeared on PND 77. There were no fluctuations in the numbers of apoptotic cells, proliferating cells and subpopulations of granule cell lineage in the subgranular zone on PND 21 and PND 77. Thus, maternal IDPN exposure may reversibly affect late‐stage differentiation of granule cell lineages involving neuronal plasticity as evident by immediate‐early gene responses to cause BDNF downregulation resulting in a reduction in parvalbumin+ or reelin+ interneurons and suppression of axonal plasticity in the mossy cells and CA3 pyramidal neurons. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Symmetry calculation for molecules and transition states
Authors: Vandewiele Nick M. , Van de Vijver Ruben , Van Geem Kevin M. , Reyniers Marie‐Françoise , Marin Guy B.
Published: November 2014

The symmetry of molecules and transition states of elementary reactions is an essential property with important implications for computational chemistry. The automated identification of symmetry by computers is a very useful tool for many applications, but often relies on the availability of three‐dimensional coordinates of the atoms in the molecule and hence becomes less useful when these coordinates area prioriunavailable. This article presents a new algorithm that identifies symmetry of molecules and transition states based on an augmented graph representation of the corresponding structures, in which both topology and the presence of stereocenters are accounted for. The automorphism group order of the graph associated with the molecule or transition state is used as a starting point. A novel concept of label‐stereoisomers, that is, stereoisomers that arise after labeling homomorph substituents in the original molecule so that they become distinguishable, is introduced and used to obtain the symmetry number. The algorithm is characterized by its generic nature and avoids the use of heuristic rules that would limit the applicability. The calculated symmetry numbers are in agreement with expected values for a large and diverse set of structures, ranging from asymmetric, small molecules such as fluorochlorobromomethane to highly symmetric structures found in drug discovery assays. The new algorithm opens up new possibilities for the fast screening of the degree of symmetry of large sets of molecules. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Useful and Fast Method for Blood Lead and Cadmium Determination Using ICP‐MS and GF‐AAS; Validation Parameters
Authors: Trzcinka‐Ochocka Malgorzata , Brodzka Renata , Janasik Beata
Published: November 2014

Background

In case of clinical analysis, especially in blood lead (Pb‐B) and cadmium (Cd‐B) determination, the accuracy and precision of the method are crucial. The objective of this article is to present a simple and useful method for Pb‐B and Cd‐B determination using ICP‐MS (inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry) as well as GF‐AAS (graphite furnace‐atomic absorption spectrometry).

Methods

The principle of the method is based on the deproteinization of blood samples by addition of 5% nitric acid that eliminates the presence of the protein in the samples, thereby excluding the influence of the organic matrix on the result determinations. A comparison of the two techniques ICP‐MS and GF‐AAS was established for Pb and Cd determinations in the same 40 blood samples collected from lead workers.

Results

The results showed that validation parameters for ICP‐MS and GF‐AAS were similar, however better for ICP‐MS for Pb‐B determinations. The detection limit (3×SD) for Pb‐B determinations for ICP‐MS and GF‐AAS was, respectively, 0.16 and 1.0 μg/l, and for Cd‐B it was, respectively, 0.08 and 0.02 μg/l. Correlation coefficients (rs) for comparable Pb‐B and Cd‐B determinations, using these two techniques, showed very good statistically significant correlations and were r = 0.9988, P < 0.0001 for Pb‐B and r = 0.9949, P < 0.0001 for Cd‐B.

Conclusions

The obtained results indicate that the method of deproteinization of blood samples is still the best way to eliminate spectral interferences and influence of the organic matter. The elaborated method is especially dedicated to clinical laboratories and determined low concentrations of lead and cadmium in biological samples.
Epidemic Trends of Enterovirus Infections From Pediatric Patients in Cheonan, Korea
Authors: Jeon Jae‐Sik , Kim Jae Kyung , Yu Jeesuk , Kim Jong Wan
Published: November 2014

Background

This study was performed to investigate the epidemiology of enterovirus (EV) infections in children at a single hospital during recent 5 years. This study was preformed from December 2008 to November 2013.

Methods

We subjected 1,067 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens from 1,053 patients and 678 stool specimens from 665 patients using real‐time reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction tests that could detect EV. The data were analyzed according to seasonality and patient age and sex.

Results

During this period, 176 of the total 1,053 patients (16.81%) were positive for EV in CSF. The highest rate of EV‐positive samples occurred in children less than 1 year of age (114/176, 64.77%), and the most prevalent month was June. The results for CSF and stool specimens were concordant in 545 (80.38%) of 678 cases.

Conclusion

We described the epidemiological analytic data of the EV in the population of Cheonan, South Korea. The combination of the CSF and stool specimen enhances the diagnostic yield. There is a need for continuous study of EV infections and its clinical manifestations.
Reaping Value‐Added Benefits from Crowdfunders: What Can We Learn from Relationship Marketing?
Authors: Macht Stephanie A.
Published: November 2014

Fund‐seeking entrepreneurs who are interested in reaping value‐added benefits from their crowdfunders can positively influence their funders through the use of relationship marketing and trust‐building techniques.
Innovative Transposition of Trust Mechanisms in Social Lending Groups from Offline to Online
Authors: Assadi Djamchid , Ashta Arvind
Published: November 2014

Online lending groups are trying to replicate the group pressures exerted by offline microcredit groups.
Brand Identity Process of Financial Cooperatives: An Austrian Case
Authors: Attuel‐Mendès Laurence , Caseau Cornelia , Bonescu Mihaela
Published: November 2014

Financial institutions, be they cooperatives and operating through crowdfunding, have to pay attention to the identity they create and disseminate through their communication.
The time course and microbiology of surgical site infections after head and neck free flap surgery
Authors: Durand Marlene L. , Yarlagadda Bharat B. , Rich Debbie L. , Lin Derrick T. , Emerick Kevin S. , Rocco James W. , Deschler Daniel G.
Published: November 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

Determine the time of onset and microbiology of surgical site infections (SSIs) following head and neck free flap reconstructive surgeries.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

All 504 free flap surgical cases (484 patients) performed April 1, 2009 to September 30, 2013 were reviewed; SSIs occurring ≤30 days postoperatively were evaluated. Admission screening for methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization was performed on all patients.

Results

Flap‐recipient site infections (flap SSIs) occurred in 67 cases (13.3%), one‐third week 1 postoperatively, one‐third week 2, one‐third days 15 to 30; 45% occurred after hospital discharge. Wound cultures were polymicrobial, but 25% grew only normal oral flora, whereas 75% grew pathogens not part of normal oral flora, such as gram‐negative bacilli (44% of cases), MRSA (20%), and methicillin‐sensitive S aureus (MSSA) (16%). The frequency of these pathogens did not vary significantly by the time of SSI onset. In 67%, cultures included at least one pathogen resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Clindamycin prophylaxis was a significant risk factor for flap SSI and for early partial or complete flap loss from infection. Donor SSIs occurred in 22 cases (4.4%), 95% >1 week postoperatively, and MRSA or MSSA were the primary pathogens in 89%. Of the 25 patients colonized with MRSA on admission, 40% developed a flap or donor SSI, a rate significantly higher than in non‐colonized patients.

Conclusions

Gram‐negative bacilli, MRSA, and MSSA were significant SSI pathogens, and late onset of infection was common. Better screening, decolonization, and prophylaxis may reduce SSI rates.

Level of Evidence

2b Laryngoscope, 125:1084–1089, 2015
Endoscopic endonasal anatomical study of the cavernous sinus segment of the ophthalmic nerve
Authors: Dolci Ricardo L. L. , Carrau Ricardo L. , Buohliqah Lamia , Zoli Matteo , Mesquita Filho Paulo M. , Lazarini Paulo R. , Ditzel Filho Leo F. S. , Prevedello Daniel M.
Published: November 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

This cadaveric study analyzes the endoscopic endonasal anatomy of the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve (V1), from the middle fossa to its orbital entry via the superior orbital fissure. Anatomical relationships with the surrounding cranial nerves and blood vessels are described, with emphasis on their clinical correlation during surgery in this region. Our objective was to describe the anatomical relationships of the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve.

Study Design

Cadaveric study.

Methods

Thirty middle cranial fossae, in adult human cadaveric specimens, were dissected endonasally under direct endoscopic visualization. During the dissection, we noted the relationships of the V1 nerve with the other trigeminal branches, as well as with the oculomotor and trochlear nerves, the paraclival and cavernous portions of the internal carotid artery, and the superior orbital fissure (SOF).

Results

The V1 nerve is the most superior trigeminal branch and runs upward and obliquely, along the middle portion of the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus. The V1 nerve joins the oculomotor and trochlear nerves to exit the cavernous sinus and enter the orbit through the SOF. Ten percent of the specimens displayed the trochlear nerve running along as a mate of the V1 nerve. The V1 nerve borders two key triangles in the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus, and the Parkinson's and anteromedial triangles.

Conclusions

In this study, the V1 nerve was a constant and reliable landmark, thus allowing the identification of the anteromedial triangle. This potential space can serve as an adequate window to access the temporal lobe. Knowledge of this anatomy is essential when planning and executing endonasal surgery in this region.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 125:1284–1290, 2015
Outcomes of patients with cirrhosis and hepatorenal syndrome type 1 treated with liver transplantation
Authors: Wong Florence , Leung Wesley , Al Beshir Mohammed , Marquez Max , Renner Eberhard L.
Published: November 2014

Hepatorenal syndrome type 1 (HRS1) is acute renal failure in the setting of advanced cirrhosis, and it results from hemodynamic derangements, which should be fully reversible after liver transplantation. However, the rate of hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) reversal and factors predicting renal outcomes after transplantation have not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to assess outcomes of HRS1 patients after liver transplantation and factors predicting HRS reversal. A chart review of all liver transplant patients with HRS1 (according to International Ascites Club criteria) at Toronto General Hospital from 2001 to 2010 was conducted. Patient demographic data, pretransplant and posttransplant laboratory data, and the presence of and time to posttransplant HRS reversal (serum creatinine < 1.5 mg/dL) were extracted from the center's transplant electronic database. Patients were followed until death or the end of the 2011 calendar year. Sixty‐two patients (mean age, 54.7 ± 1.2 years; mean Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease score, 35 ± 1) with HRS1 (serum creatinine, 3.37 ± 0.13 mg/dL) at liver transplant were enrolled. Thirty‐eight patients received midodrine, octreotide, and albumin without success and subsequently received renal dialysis. One further patient received dialysis without pharmacotherapy. After liver transplantation, HRS1 resolved in 47 of 62 patients (75.8%) at a mean time of 13 ± 2 days. Patients without HRS reversal had significantly higher pretransplant serum creatinine levels (3.81 ± 0.34 versus 3.23 ± 0.14 mg/dL, P = 0.06), a longer duration of HRS1 {25 days [95% confidence interval (CI), 16‐42 days] versus 10 days (95% CI, 10‐18 days), P = 0.02}, a longer duration of pretransplant dialysis [27 days (95% CI, 13‐41 days) versus 10 days (95% CI, 6‐14 days), P = 0.01], and increased posttransplant mortality (P = 0.0045) in comparison with those whose renal function recovered. The only predictor of HRS1 nonreversal was the duration of pretransplant dialysis with a 6% increased risk of nonreversal with each additional day of dialysis. In conclusion, our study suggests that patients with HRS1 should receive a timely liver transplant to improve their outcome. Liver Transpl 21:300–307, 2015. © 2015 AASLD.
Safety and effectiveness of renoportal bypass in patients with complete portal vein thrombosis: An analysis of 10 patients
Authors: Quintini Cristiano , Spaggiari Mario , Hashimoto Koji , Aucejo Federico , Diago Teresa , Fujiki Masato , Winans Charles , D'Amico Giuseppe , Trenti Loris , Kelly Dympna , Eghtesad Bijan , Miller Charles
Published: November 2014

The presence of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is still considered by many transplantation centers to be an absolute contraindication to liver transplantation because of the technical difficulties that it can present and its association with a higher rate of patient morbidity and mortality. Renoportal bypass (RPB) can help to remove these barriers. This study describes our institution's experience with RPB through the description of a new and successful simplified surgical strategy, a patient and graft outcome analysis, intraoperative vascular flow measurements, and the use of splenic artery embolization (SAE) as an effective adjunct for treating sporadic cases of unrelieved portal hypertension. Between January 2004 and January 2013, 10 patients with grade 4 PVT underwent RPB. At the last follow‐up (42.2 ± 21.1 months), the patient and graft survival rates were 100%. Five patients (50%) experienced posttransplant ascites, and 2 of those underwent proximal SAE to modulate the liver inflow and overcome the ascites. Three patients (30%) experienced transient kidney injury in the early posttransplant period and were treated efficiently with medical therapy. The renoportal flows were close to the desirable 100 mL/100 g of liver tissue in all cases. The experience and data support RPB as a feasible and easily reproducible technique without the risks and technical challenges associated with the tedious dissection of a cavernous hilum. Liver Transpl 21:344–352, 2015. © 2015 AASLD.
Stable linear traction‐based equilibrium elements for elastostatics: Direct access to linear statically admissible stresses and quadratic kinematically admissible displacements for dual analysis
Authors: Wang Li , Zhong Hongzhi
Published: November 2014

This paper establishes the basic framework for the traction‐based equilibrium finite element method (traction‐based EFEM). Stable linear traction‐based equilibrium elements are formulated using the macro‐element technique. An arbitrary internal macro‐point renders a linear triangular element stable, while a stable linear quadrilateral element requires the macro‐point to locate at the intersection of diagonals. Then, a Lagrangian formulation is utilized to minimize the complementary energy under equilibrium constraints, and consequently, tractions as well as additional Lagrange multipliers are obtained. Linear statically admissible (SA) stresses are thereafter acquired from tractions. As for Lagrange multipliers, they turn out to coincide well with rigid‐body displacements in each element after simple modifications. With rigid‐body displacements and linear tractions known, quadratic displacements and the kinematically admissible (KA) counterpart thereof by recovery are obtainable. The knowledge of both SA stresses and KA displacements renders dual analysis directly applicable. That is to say, the traction‐based EFEM is featured with direct access to strict upper and lower bounds of strain energy and other quantities of interest. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spontaneous bone metastases in a preclinical orthotopic model of invasive lobular carcinoma; the effect of pharmacological targeting TGFβ receptor I kinase
Authors: Buijs Jeroen T , Matula Kasia M , Cheung Henry , Kruithof‐de Julio Marianna , van der Mark Maaike H , Snoeks Thomas J , Cohen Ron , Corver Willem E , Mohammad Khalid S , Jonkers Jos , Guise Theresa A , van der Pluijm Gabri
Published: November 2014

Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) and invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) are the most frequently occurring histological subtypes of breast cancer, accounting for 80–90% and 10–15% of the total cases, respectively. At the time of diagnosis and surgical resection of the primary tumour, most patients do not have clinical signs of metastases, but bone micrometastases may already be present. Our aim was to develop a novel preclinical ILC model of spontaneous bone micrometastasis. We used murine invasive lobular breast carcinoma cells (KEP) that were generated by targeted deletion of E‐cadherin and p53 in a conditional K14cre;Cdh1(F/F);Trp53(F/F) mouse model of de novo mammary tumour formation. After surgical resection of the growing orthotopically implanted KEP cells, distant metastases were formed. In contrast to other orthotopic breast cancer models, KEP cells readily formed skeletal metastases with minimal lung involvement. Continuous treatment with SD‐208 (60 mg/kg per day), an orally available TGFβ receptor I kinase inhibitor, increased the tumour growth at the primary site and increased the number of distant metastases. Furthermore, when SD‐208 treatment was started after surgical resection of the orthotopic tumour, increased bone colonisation was also observed (versus vehicle). Both our in vitro and in vivo data show that SD‐208 treatment reduced TGFβ signalling, inhibited apoptosis, and increased proliferation. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that orthotopic implantation of murine ILC cells represent a new breast cancer model of minimal residual disease in vivo, which comprises key steps of the metastatic cascade. The cancer cells are sensitive to the anti‐tumour effects of TGFβ. Our in vivo model is ideally suited for functional studies and evaluation of new pharmacological intervention strategies that may target one or more steps along the metastatic cascade of events. © 2014 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
JSparklines: Making tabular proteomics data come alive
Authors: Barsnes Harald , Vaudel Marc , Martens Lennart
Published: November 2014

Perhaps the most common way of presenting proteomics data, and indeed life sciences data in general, is by using some form of tabular data. And while tables can be very informative and contain lots of information, the format can be challenging to interpret visually. An elegant and efficient solution is to extend the textual and numerical information with an additional visual layer, referred to as sparklines, making it intuitive to draw inferences about the properties of the underlying data. We here present a free and open source Java library called JSparklines (http://jsparklines.googlecode.com) that allows straightforward addition of a substantial list of customizable sparklines to tabular data representations, and we show examples of how these sparklines greatly simplify the interpretation of the tabular data.
XPS and resistive studies on thin films of a copper(II)‐based coordination polymer deposited on functionalized interdigital electrodes
Authors: Günthel Michael , Hübscher Jörg , Dittrich Rosemarie , Weber Edwin , Joseph Yvonne , Mertens Florian
Published: November 2014

A symmetrical 2‐thiopyrimidine based molecule with an expanded π‐electron system is synthesized and used to form a self‐assembled monolayer (SAM) on gold surfaces. Utilizing chemical vapor deposition a monolayer of (3‐mercaptopropyl)triethoxysilane is formed on silicon dioxide substrates. Both of these SAM coated substrates are characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and the growth of a coordination polymer built up from 5,5′‐(ethyne‐1,2‐diyl)bis(2‐hydroxyacetophenone) and copper(II) on dual SAM coated transducers is studied. After the deposition procedure on interdigital electrodes the electrical properties of the polymer are investigated performing resistive measurements. A significant change of the resistance, which depends on the surrounding atmosphere, proves the sensing behavior of the synthesized coordination polymer. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2015, 53, 335–344
Dynamics of cyclodimerization and viscoelasticity of photo‐crosslinkable PVA
Authors: Bai Huiyu , Xu Jing , Zhang Yanxia , Liu Xiaoya , Rojas Orlando J.
Published: November 2014

We investigated the interfacial properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) carrying UV‐crosslinkable pendant quaternized stilbazole (styrylpyridinium), PVA‐SbQ. The extent and dynamics of PVA‐SbQ cyclodimerization reactions and crosslinking induced by UV irradiation were monitored in situ and in real time by quartz crystal microgravimetry (QCM). Sensograms reflecting time‐dependent changes in density and viscoelasticity of crosslinking films followed a Boltzmann sigmoidal model, depending on precursor film composition and irradiation power. The shifts in QCM frequency and energy dissipation upon PVA‐SbQ cyclodimerization correlated with three photo‐crosslinking phases involving soft‐to‐rigid transitions, namely, induction (initiation), main crosslinking (interaction), and termination. PVA‐SbQ films crosslinked to different degree were used as protein carriers and a slower release profile was determined for the films that underwent more extensive crosslinking. Overall, this study demonstrates for the first time the dynamics of PVA‐SbQ crosslinking and its impact in system viscoelasticity and protein release. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2015, 53, 345–355
Divergent evolution of a bifunctional de novo protein
Authors: Smith Betsy A. , Mularz Ann E. , Hecht Michael H.
Published: November 2014

Primordial proteins, the evolutionary ancestors of modern sequences, are presumed to have been minimally active and nonspecific. Following eons of selective pressure, these early progenitors evolved into highly active and specific proteins. While evolutionary trajectories from poorly active and multifunctional generalists toward highly active specialists likely occurred many times in evolutionary history, such pathways are difficult to reconstruct in natural systems, where primordial sequences are lost to time. To test the hypothesis that selection for enhanced activity leads to a loss of promiscuity, we evolved a de novo designed bifunctional protein. The parental protein, denoted Syn‐IF, was chosen from a library of binary patterned 4‐helix bundles. Syn‐IF was shown previously to rescue two different auxotrophic strains of E. coli: ΔilvA and Δfes. These two strains contain deletions for proteins with very different biochemical functions; IlvA is involved in isoleucine biosynthesis, while Fes is involved in iron assimilation. In two separate experiments, Syn‐IF, was evolved for faster rescue of either ΔilvA or Δfes. Following multiple rounds of mutagenesis, two new proteins were selected, each capable of rescuing the selected function significantly faster than the parental protein. In each case, the evolved protein also lost the ability to rescue the unselected function. In both evolutionary trajectories, the original bifunctional generalist was evolved into a monofunctional specialist with enhanced activity.
Density dependence of the terahertz absorption spectra in optically excited semiconductors
Authors: Thi Hai Le Yen , Inagaki Takeshi J.
Published: November 2014

We theoretically investigate the terahertz (THz) absorption spectra in optically excited direct bandgap bulk semiconductors for various electron–hole (e–h) pair densities with analyzing Coulomb interacting two‐band e–h systems. The exciton Mott transition (the density ionization) can clearly be studied because, above the critical density, the exciton structures originating from the intraexciton transitions disappear and only the Drude component is obtained. The present theory also predicts that the transition energy from 1s to 2p states is almost independent of density below the exciton Mott density. We also study the interplay between the density ionization of excitons and the abrupt increase in the ionization ratio and in the e–h quasi‐chemical potential owing to the quantum dissociation.
Self‐accelerating oxidation on Si(111)7 × 7 surfaces studied by real‐time photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Tang Jiayi , Nishimoto Kiwamu , Ogawa Shuichi , Akitaka Yoshigoe , Ishidzuka Shinnji , Watanabe Daiki , Teraoka Yuden , Takakuwa Yuji
Published: November 2014

Oxidation at the oxide/Si(111) interface at room temperature (RT) and 550 °C has been investigated by real‐time X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Self‐accelerating interface oxidation is observed in oxidation at RT, but not in oxidation at 550 °C. During self‐acceleration at RT, the component corresponding to strained Si atoms in the second layer below the oxide/Si(111) interface, Siβ, increases significantly. It is suggested that the interface oxidation rate is strongly correlated with the generation of strain at the oxide/Si(111) interface. Furthermore, a self‐accelerating interface oxidation model of Si(111)7 × 7 surfaces that includes the point defect (emitted Si atoms + vacancies) generation is proposed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The development of uranium isotopic ratio analysis for uranium‐bearing particles by using oxygen flooding technique with SIMS
Authors: Shen Yan , Zhang Yan , Zhao Yonggang , Wang Tongxin , Wang Fan
Published: November 2014

The isotopic ratio of uranium‐bearing particles could be used to detect undeclared nuclear activities. How to strengthen the analyzing ability of secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) was important to get certain information. For this purpose, the oxygen flooding technique was studied to enhance the ability of measuring isotopic ratio in uranium particles. The influence of oxygen flooding on the sensitivity of U+, UO+ and UO2+ was checked by using uranium metal and uranium particle (CRM U200) samples. The major and minor isotopic ratios of uranium bearing particles were measured by U+, UO+ and UO2+. The result shows that the use of oxygen flooding technique has no effect on the sensitivity of U+ and the isotopic ratio 234U/238U and 235U/238U. However, the intensity of UO+ and UO2+ increased several times with the oxygen flooding. Besides, the accuracy and precision of major isotopic ratio measured by uranium–oxygen ions were better than that measured by U+. For the minor isotopic ratio (234U/238U), it cannot be measured by uranium–oxygen ions because of the interference of polyatomic ions on carbon mat. After changing sample mat, for example, silicon mat, it can be measured by UO+ and get better results with oxygen flooding technique. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Generalized partially linear single‐index model for zero‐inflated count data
Authors: Wang Xiaoguang , Zhang Jun , Yu Liang , Yin Guosheng
Published: November 2014

Count data often arise in biomedical studies, while there could be a special feature with excessive zeros in the observed counts. The zero‐inflated Poisson model provides a natural approach to accounting for the excessive zero counts. In the semiparametric framework, we propose a generalized partially linear single‐index model for the mean of the Poisson component, the probability of zero, or both. We develop the estimation and inference procedure via a profile maximum likelihood method. Under some mild conditions, we establish the asymptotic properties of the profile likelihood estimators. The finite sample performance of the proposed method is demonstrated by simulation studies, and the new model is illustrated with a medical care dataset. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A model‐free machine learning method for risk classification and survival probability prediction
Authors: Geng Yuan , Lu Wenbin , Zhang Hao Helen
Published: November 2014

Risk classification and survival probability prediction are two major goals in survival data analysis because they play an important role in patients' risk stratification, long‐term diagnosis, and treatment selection. In this article, we propose a new model‐free machine learning framework for risk classification and survival probability prediction based on weighted support vector machines. The new procedure does not require any specific parametric or semiparametric model assumption on data and is therefore capable of capturing non‐linear covariate effects. We use numerous simulation examples to demonstrate finite sample performance of the proposed method under various settings. Applications to a glioma tumour data and a breast cancer gene‐expression survival data are shown to illustrate the new methodology in real data analysis. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Time Point-Based Integrative Analyses of Deep-Transcriptome Identify Four Signal Pathways in Blastemal Regeneration of Zebrafish Lower Jaw
Authors: Zhang Hui , Wang Xuelong , Lyu Kailun , Gao Siqi , Wang Guan , Fan Chunxin , Zhang Xin A. , Yan Jizhou
Published: November 2014

There has been growing interest in applying tissue engineering to stem cell-based regeneration therapies. We have previously reported that zebrafish can faithfully regenerate complicated tissue structures through blastemal cell type conversions and tissue reorganization. To unveil the regenerative factors and engineering arts of blastemal regeneration, we conducted transcriptomal analyses at four time points corresponding to preamputation, re-epitheliation, blastemal formation, and respecification. By combining the hierarchical gene ontology term network, the DAVID annotation system, and Euclidean distance clustering, we identified four signaling pathways: foxi1-foxo1b-pou3f1, pax3a-mant3a-col11/col2, pou5f1-cdx4-kdrl, and isl1-wnt11 PCP-sox9a. Results from immunohistochemical staining and promoter-driven transgenic fish suggest that these pathways, respectively, define wound epidermis reconstitution, cell type conversions, blastemal angiogenesis/vasculogenesis, and cartilage matrix-orientation. Foxi1 morpholino-knockdown caused expansions of Foxo1b- and Pax3a-expression in the basal layer-blastemal junction region. Moreover, foxi1 morphants displayed increased sox9a and hoxa2b transcripts in the embryonic pharyngeal arches. Thus, a Foxi1 signal switch is required to establish correct tissue patterns, including re-epitheliation and blastema formation. This study provides novel insight into a blastema regeneration strategy devised by epithelial cell transdifferentiation, blood vessel engineering, and cartilage matrix deposition. Stem Cells  2015;33:806–818
Improved PMSM model considering flux characteristics for model predictive‐based current control
Authors: Imura Akihiro , Takahashi Tomoya , Fujitsuna Masami , Zanma Tadanao , Doki Shinji
Published: November 2014

Model predictive‐based current control, which was proposed in our previous study, offers better current response performance by employing mathematical models of an inverter and a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM). The performance of this kind of approach depends on the predictive model. From a more practical point of view, current behavior in the steady state should be improved. In our previous model predictive‐based current control, the inverter model was refined by taking the dead‐time into consideration. The use of the refined inverter model reduces the current offset in the control. However, the PMSM model was not investigated.

This paper proposes a more appropriate PMSM model for model predictive‐based current control in order to improve the current prediction in the steady state. For the purpose, we incorporate more detailed magnetic flux characteristics instead of average characteristics into the improved PMSM model. Specifically, in the improved PMSM model, the inductance of the PMSM is divided into transient and steady‐state parts on the basis of magnetic saturation. The effectiveness of the improved model in the model predictive‐based current control is demonstrated through simulations and experiments. © 2014 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Willingness to Communicate in English: A Microsystem Model in the IranianEFLClassroom Context
Authors: Khajavy Gholam Hassan , Ghonsooly Behzad , Hosseini Fatemi Azar , Choi Charles W.
Published: November 2014

This study examined willingness to communicate (WTC) in English among IranianEFLlearners in the classroom context. For this purpose, a second language willingness to communicate (L2WTC) model based onWTCtheory (MacIntyre, Clément, Dörnyei, & Noels, 1998) and empirical studies was proposed and tested using structural equation modeling (SEM). This model examined the interrelationships amongWTCin English, communication confidence, motivation, classroom environment, attitudes toward learning English, and English language achievement. A total of 243 English‐major university students in Iran completed a questionnaire. The proposedSEMmodel adequately fitted the data. Results of theSEMindicated that classroom environment was the strongest direct predictor of L2WTC; communication confidence directly affectedWTC; motivation indirectly affectedWTCthrough communication confidence; English language proficiency indirectly affectedWTCthrough communication confidence; and the classroom environment directly affected attitudes, motivation, and communication confidence.
Bragging
Authors: Alfano Mark , Robinson Brian ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: November 2014

The speech act of bragging has never been subjected to conceptual analysis until now. We argue that a speaker brags just in case she makes an utterance that (1) is an assertion and (2) is intended to impress the addressee with something about the speaker via the belief produced by the speaker’s assertion. We conclude by discussing why it is especially difficult to cancel a brag by prefacing it with, ‘I’m not trying to impress you, but…’ and connect this discussion withMoore’s paradox and the recent neologism ‘humblebrag’.
Nanomaterials, Inflammation, and Tissue Engineering
Authors: Padmanabhan Jagannath , Kyriakides Themis R.
Published: November 2014

Nanomaterials exhibit unique properties that are absent in the bulk material because decreasing material size leads to an exponential increase in surface area, surface area to volume ratio, and effective stiffness, resulting in altered physiochemical properties. Diverse categories of nanomaterials such as nanoparticles, nanoporous scaffolds, nanopatterned surfaces, nanofibers, and carbon nanotubes can be generated using advanced fabrication and processing techniques. These materials are being increasingly incorporated in tissue engineering scaffolds to facilitate the development of biomimetic substitutes to replace damaged tissues and organs. Long‐term success of nanomaterials in tissue engineering is contingent upon the inflammatory responses they elicit in vivo. This review seeks to summarize the recent developments in our understanding of biochemical and biophysical attributes of nanomaterials and the inflammatory responses they elicit, with a focus on strategies for nanomaterial design in tissue engineering applications. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2015, 7:355–370. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1320

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanomaterials and Implants

Implantable Materials and Surgical Technologies > Nanotechnology in Tissue Repair and Replacement
The Conflation of Purity and Prohibition: An Interpretation of Leviticus 18:19
Authors: Rosenberg Michael
Published: November 2014

In recent years, there has been a surge in the study of ritual impurity and its relationship to immorality (or, perhaps more accurately, prohibited activity) in biblical literature and early Judaism. Yet relatively scant attention has been paid to one of the most important topics pertaining to impurity—the menstrual laws of Leviticus (the laws of[niddah]) and their development in early Jewish texts. Theniddahlaws are uniquely important because they appear both in the context of ritual-impurity legislation (Leviticus 12 and Leviticus 15) and in the context of legislation concerning prohibited acts (Lev 18:19 and Lev 20:18). Or, to put it another way: biblical menstrual laws comprise both impurity and prohibition elements.
Was Priscillian a Modalist Monarchian?
Authors: Toom Tarmo
Published: November 2014

As the first Christian bishop executed by his Christian episcopal opponents through a secular court, Priscillian of Avila has stirred the interest and imagination of many scholars. A well-known problem with reconstructing both Priscillian's life and theology is that, apart from some authentic treatises, most of the information about him comes from the polemical statements of his sworn enemies, such as Ithacius of Ossonuba. Sulpicius Severus contended that Ithacius was a “worthless . . . bold, loquacious, impudent, and extravagant man,” and yet he “poured forth entreaties full of ill-will and accusations against Priscillian.” Although Ithacius's book is lost, writers such as Filaster, Sulpicius Severus, Orosius, Jerome, Consentius, Augustine, Leo the Great, Vincent of Lérins, Prosper of Aquitaine, Hydatius, and Isidore of Seville received their information about Priscillian mostly from Ithacius's book or from the readers of his book. Later perceptions of Priscillian (and Priscillianists) have, no doubt, been influenced by what these prominent figures reiterated following Ithacius.
Cicipu
Authors: McGill Stuart
Published: November 2014

Cicipu ([tʃìtʃípù], ISO 639–3 code awc) is spoken by approximately 20,000 people in northwest Nigeria, with the main language area straddling the boundary between Kebbi and Niger states. The language belongs to the Kambari subgroup (not Kamuku as stated by Lewis, Simons & Fennig 2013) of Kainji (Benue-Congo), although it is heavily influenced by the lingua franca Hausa, in which almost all speakers are fluent. There are several identifiable dialects, with native speakers of Cicipu generally listing seven. Of these, Tirisino is the most prestigious and least endangered dialect, and this is the one presented here. Tikumbasi is the most divergent of the dialects, with the /o/ vowel in the other dialects consistently corresponding to /e/ in Tikumbasi (for example /póːpò/ ‘hello’ ~ /péːpè/, /tʃìkóːtò/ ‘drum’ ~ /tʃìkʷéːtè/). The distinction between /o/ and /ɔ/ has been lost in Tikumbasi.
In Memoriam: Nan Anthony (1933–2014)
Authors: Ashby Michael
Published: November 2014

Annie (‘Nan’) Anthony died on 1 May 2014 after a short illness. Born Annie Rodger in Dysart in 1933, she gained her MA in Modern Languages in 1955 from the University of Edinburgh, and worked on the Linguistic Survey of Scotland 1956–1958. In 1957 she married James (`Tony') Anthony, who had charge of the Edinburgh phonetics lab. While their children Jo and Chris were young, she worked as a part-time lecturer in the Edinburgh Phonetics Department, and the family spent the academic year 1963–64 in the USA, Tony researching in Peter Ladefoged's new laboratory at UCLA. From 1966 Nan was Research Phonetician in the Department of Child Life and Health at Edinburgh, a period of work which led to The Edinburgh Articulation Test (Anthony et al. 1971), a significant clinical assessment tool. In 1971 she moved to Moray House College of Education, where she remained for the rest of her career, becoming Head of the Department of Speech there in 1982.