bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Projecting the effects of climate change and water management on Devils Hole pupfish (Cyprinodon diabolis) survival
Authors: Hausner Mark B. , Wilson Kevin P. , Gaines D. Bailey , Suárez Francisco , Scoppettone G. Gary , Tyler Scott W. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAquatic ecosystems of North American deserts are frequently very restricted in area and tend to harbour very specialized species endemic to their restricted habitats. Small changes in environmental conditions of these specialized forms may jeopardize their persistence. A notable example of endemic and specialized species that may have been influenced by slight changes in its habitat is the Devils Hole pupfish (Cyprinodon diabolis), which occurs only in a small pool ecosystem in the Mojave Desert of the Southwestern United States. In this study, we use a computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model to examine the physical effects of climate change and local groundwater management on Devils Hole and combine those results with a conceptual ecological model to consider the impacts of those changes on annual recruitment of C. diabolis. The CFD model predicts water temperatures as a response to climate and water level, and the ecological model is used to determine the timing of tipping points that may encourage or suppress the annual recruitment of C. diabolis. The combination of interdisciplinary modelling approaches offers a method to quantify and compare the suitability of habitat under a range of management and climate scenarios. Our results show that the influence of water level on peak temperatures in Devils Hole (and on the ecosystem's suitability for C. diabolis) is an order of magnitude greater than the influence of climate change. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical modifications of ricinolein in castor oil and methyl ricinoleate for viscosity reduction to facilitate their use as biodiesels
Authors: Ba Sai , Zhang Hao , Lee Yiqin Jasmine , Ng Chee Wee , Li Tianhu 
Published: June 2015

Castor beans contain large quantities of oil and can grow in harsh environments. Unlike soybean oil, castor oil cannot be directly used for biodiesel production due to its extremely high viscosity. Here, we report an alternative source of biodiesel which possesses an ideal viscosity like soybean oil, and this new biodiesel could be obtained through simple synthetic routes from castor oil. Moreover, the properties of our newly designed ketone‐containing triglycerides and its transesterified counterpart as biodiesel were systematically examined in our study, and their structures were characterized by using 1H NMR and 13C NMR.Practical application: The product obtained has the potential to be utilized as an alternative biofuel.Illustration of oxidation of castor oil and transesterification of oxidized castor oil to reduce viscosity.
International validation of the determination of saturated hydrocarbon mineral oil in vegetable oils
Authors: Lacoste Florence 
Published: June 2015

An interlaboratory study was conducted in 2014 to evaluate a method for determining mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons in vegetable oils and fats. Samples were dissolved in an apolar solvent and subjected to a purification on silica gel impregnated with silver nitrate. The final extract was analyzed using gas chromatography with a flame ionization detection. Quantification was performed using internal standardization. Six samples were assayed for mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons by 21 collaborating laboratories from nine countries. Sample matrices included olive, olive pomace, sunflower, soybean, and rapeseed oils. Comparing two types of integration of the unresolved complex mixture area, it was decided to recommend in the test method the integration of the natural hydrocarbons only considering the highest peaks of n‐alkanes. Repeatability (RSDr) ranged from 3.7 to 10.5% and reproducibility (RSDR) ranged from 10.3 to 25.7% for samples containing greater than 35 mg/kg of mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons. The method provides acceptable results for quantification of mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons in edible oils, from 50 to 1000 mg/kg.Practical applications: Standardized methods for mineral oil saturated hydrocarbon determination in vegetable oils and fats, are not yet available. This paper describes the validation of a method for the quantification of the saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons and it provides the results from an international collaborative trial.A method for the determination of mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons in vegetable oils by GC/FID, after purification on AgNO3‐silica gel, was validated during an international collaborative study.
Development of a novel frontal bone defect mouse model for evaluation of osteogenesis efficiency
Authors: Kim Ju‐Young , Kwak Sung Chul , Ahn Sung‐Jun , Baek Jong Min , Jung Sung Tae , Yun Ki Jung , Yoon Kwon‐Ha , Oh Jaemin , Lee Myeung Su 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe skull defect model is the existing representative osteogenesis model. The skull defect model involves monitoring osteogenesis patterns at the site of a skull defect, which has the advantages that identical defects can be induced across individual experimental animals and the results can be quantitatively evaluated. However, it can damage the cerebrum because it requires a complex surgery performed on the parietal bone. This study aims to develop a new osteogenesis model that compensates for the weak points of the existing model. Male 8‐week‐old imprinting control region mice were put under inhalational anesthesia, and the surgery area was disinfected with 70% ethanol prior to the creation of a 5‐mm incision along the sagittal line between the glabella with a pair of scissors. The incised area was opened and, after we checked the positions of the inferior cerebral vein and the sagittal suture, a 21‐gauge needle was used to make two symmetrical holes with respect to the sagittal suture 3 mm below the inferior cerebral vein and 2 mm on either side of the sagittal suture. After images were obtained using micro‐computed tomography, the degree of osteogenesis was quantitatively analyzed. In addition, mRNA extracted from the site of the defect confirmed a significant increase in mRNA levels of collagen 1a, alkaline phosphatase, bone sialoprotein, osteocalcin, and Runx2, known markers for osteoblasts. The promotion of osteogenesis could be observed at the site of the defect, by histological analysis. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 3764–3771, 2015.
The endonasal endoscopic harvest and anatomy of the buccal fat pad flap for closure of skull base defects
Authors: Markey Jeff , Benet Arnau , El‐Sayed Ivan H. 
Published: June 2015

Objectives/HypothesisExtirpation via expanded endonasal approaches (EEA) to the skull base can result in defects requiring vascularized rotational flap reconstruction. The buccal fat pad (BFP) is a vascularized graft described in open skull base resections, but its harvest and adequacy of vascular supply have not been examined for use with EEA.Study DesignA transfacial cadaveric dissection was carried forth in a latex‐injected specimen to characterize the BFP blood supply. Then a cadaveric dissection series was performed involving the endoscopic harvest and rotation of 10 buccal fat pads in five cadaveric specimens to assess defect coverage.MethodsAn endoscopic medial maxillectomy combined with an anterior maxillotomy was performed prior to endoscopic harvest in cadaveric specimens. The BFP was rotated to assess its capability to reconstruct seven possible ventral skull base defects. Finally, the BFP vascular anatomy was further characterized following harvest and transposition.ResultsThe BFP reconstructed defects at the greater sphenoid wing, inferior and superior clivus, sella, planum, and bilateral ethmoids in all cadaveric specimens. In some cases it covered two sites concurrently.ConclusionsThe BFP pedicled rotational flap is a potential alternate flap following EEA in select cases.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 125:2247–2252, 2015
Effects of top confinement and diluents on morphology in crystallization of poly(l‐lactic acid) interacting with poly(ethylene oxide)
Authors: Woo Eamor M. , Lugito Graecia , Tsai Jia‐Hsuan 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACTEffects of top confinement and diluent poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) on poly(l‐lactic acid) (PLLA) crystal morphology have been investigated. When crystallized at 120 °C, uncovered neat PLLA sample exhibits higher growth rate ringless spherulites; while the covered sample exhibits lower growth rate ring‐banded spherulites. As PEO is introduced into PLLA, the morphology also undergoes significant changes. For the same Tc,PLLA = 120 °C, the PEO/PLLA blend with PEO composition greater than 25% exhibits ring‐banded patterns even in uncovered sample. However, in much greater PEO composition (>80 wt %), uncovered samples exhibit ring bands diverging into dendritic patterns, while top covered samples tend to maintain the spiral ring‐band patterns. Both PEO inclusion in PLLA and top cover on films impose growth kinetic alterations. Additionally, the top glass cover tends to prevent the lower surface tension PLLA to be accumulated on the surface, resulting in the formation of ring‐band pattern. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2015, 53, 1160–1170
Inequality of rights: Rural industrial workers' access to the law in Guatemala
Authors: Goldín Liliana , Dowdall Courtney 
Published: June 2015

AbstractWe examine unequal access to the law among industrial workers in the export processing plants of the central highlands of Guatemala. Through qualitative interviews with 40 workers and a three‐wave panel survey in four communities, we elicited perspectives on labor conditions and legal protections as perceived by workers. The workers, mostly young, indigenous women, are caught in the apparent fragmentation of transnational circuits of production through outsourcing, flexibilization strategies, and layers of removed accountability. Workers are subjected to discrimination and inequality before the law. This is facilitated by global regimes that allow corporations to create separate realms of responsibility by relying on contractors and subcontractors that renegotiate national and international laws with states. The nature of global regimes is such that new forms of activism and participation, including transnational networks of workers and consumers, are needed to provide protections and equal access to rights to a vulnerable, young, and mostly indigenous workforce.
Adjuvants in micro‐ to nanoscale: current state and future direction
Authors: Gupta Ankur , Das Soumen , Schanen Brian , Seal Sudipta 
Published: June 2015

Adjuvants have been used in vaccines for over 70 years to promote long‐lived and sterilizing immunity. Since then, various adjuvant systems were developed by combining nanotechnology with natural and/or synthetic immunomodulatory molecules. These systems are biocompatible, immunogenic, and possess higher antigen carrying capacity. This article showcases advancements made in the adjuvant systems formulations, their synthesis routes, and the improvement of these adjuvants have brought in response to combat against ongoing global health threats such as malaria, hepatitis C, universal influenza, and human immunodeficiency virus. This review also highlights the interaction of adjuvants with the delivery of antigens to cells and unfolds mechanism of actions. In addition, this review discusses the physicochemical factors responsible for the efficient interaction of nanoadjuvants with antigen receptors to develop more effective, less reactogenic, and multifunctional systems for the next generation vaccines. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2015, 8:61–84. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1354This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Infectious Disease
Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Protein and Virus-Based Structures
Maverick total disc replacement in a real-world patient population: a prospective, multicentre, observational study
Authors: Assaker Richard , Ritter-Lang Karsten , Vardon Dominique , Litrico Stéphane , Fuentes Stéphane , Putzier Michael , Franke Jörg , Jarzem Peter , Guigui Pierre , Nakach Gérard , Le Huec Jean-Charles 
Published: June 2015

Abstract

Purpose
Controlled trials have shown that total disc replacement (TDR) can provide pain and disability relief to patients with degenerative disc disease; however, whether these outcomes can also be achieved for patients treated in normal surgical practice has not been well documented.

Methods
This prospective, international study observed changes in disability and back pain in 134 patients who were implanted with Maverick TDR within the framework of routine clinical practice and followed for 2 years post-surgery. Primary and secondary outcomes were the differences from baseline to 6 months post-surgery in the means of the Oswestry Disability Index and the change in back pain intensity assessed on a 10-cm visual analogue scale, respectively. Mean patient age at surgery was 43 years, but ranged up to 65 years.

Results
One hundred twenty-three patients had an implant at one level, 10 patients at two levels, and one patient at three levels. Statistically significant improvements in mean disability (−25.4) and low back pain intensity (−4.0) scores were observed at 6 months postoperatively (P < 0.0001 for both) in the hands of experienced surgeons (>10 TDRs per centre). During the study, 56 patients (42 %) experienced a complication or adverse event.

Conclusions
This is the first international observational study to report outcomes of TDR in real-world clinical settings. We showed statistically significant improvements in disability and pain scores at 6 months following Maverick TDR, which were maintained for 2 years alongside an acceptable rate of perioperative complications. The safety and tolerability shown in this observational study were comparable to those from controlled trials.
Micellar and Interfacial Behavior of Mixed Systems Containing Glycoside‐Based Surfactant and Cationic Didecyldimethylammonium Chloride
Authors: Han Zhiguo , Yang Xiuquan , Liu Yong 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe behavior of binary mixtures of glycoside‐based surfactants in combination with didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC) has been studied using surface tension measurements. The three glycoside‐based surfactants are nonionic decyl glycoside (APG), nonionic dodecyl ethoxy glycoside (AEG) and anionic disodium dodecyl ethoxy glycoside citrate (AEG‐EC). Lower critical micelle concentrations (CMC) and minimum molecular area (Amin) values were obtained for all the mixed systems. The pC20 values of APG/DDAC and AEG‐EC/DDAC mixtures are larger than pure surfactants, while the values of AEG/DDAC are between those of AEG and DDAC. Interactions between the monomers have also been investigated by determining the interaction parameters. Negative βm and βs values indicate synergistic effects in both the mixed micelle and monolayer formation. For different mixed systems, interaction in the mixed micelle formation becomes stronger in the order: AEG/DDAC < AEG‐EC/DDAC < APG/DDAC. The degree of synergism in the mixed monolayer formation follows the order: AEG/DDAC < APG/DDAC < AEG‐EC/DDAC.
Boundary lubrication by adsorption film
Authors: Zhang Jun , Meng Yonggang 
Published: June 2015

AbstractA complete understanding of the mechanism of boundary lubrication is a goal that scientists have been striving to achieve over the past century. Although this complicated process has been far from fully revealed, a general picture and its influencing factors have been elucidated, not only at the macroscopic scale but also at the nanoscale, which is sufficiently clear to provide effective instructions for a lubrication design in engineering and even to efficiently control the boundary lubrication properties. Herein, we provide a review on the main advances, especially the breakthroughs in uncovering the mysterious but useful process of boundary lubrication by adsorption film. Despite the existence of an enormous amount of knowledge, albeit unsystematic, acquired in this area, in the present review, an effort was made to clarify the mainline of leading perspectives and methodologies in revealing the fundamental problems inherent to boundary lubrication. The main content of this review includes the formation of boundary film, the effects of boundary film on the adhesion and friction of rough surfaces, the behavior of adsorption film in boundary lubrication, boundary lubrication at the nanoscale, and the active control of boundary lubrication, generally sequenced based on the real history of our understanding of this process over the past century, incorporated by related modern concepts and prospects.
Changes in family cohesion and links to depression during the college transition
Authors: Guassi Moreira João F. , Telzer Eva H. 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACTParent relationships remain an important component in the lives of adolescents, with particular respect to their well‐being. In the current study, we sought to understand how changes in family cohesion across the high school–college transition may be related to changes in depressive symptoms. Three hundred and thirty‐eight college freshman completed self‐report measures prior to attending college and again two months into their first semester. Although depressive symptoms significantly increased, adolescents who reported increases in family cohesion reported declines in depressive symptoms during the college transition. Furthermore, this effect was mediated by changes in self‐esteem and optimism. Finally, we show unique associations for male and female adolescents, such that changes in family cohesion were only related to changes in depression for girls. Results suggest that parent relationships may buffer against increased depressive symptoms during this important transition period.
Gender Differences in Psychotropic Use Across Europe: Results From a Large Cross-Sectional, Population-Based Study
Authors: Boyd A. , Van de Velde S. , Pivette M. , ten Have M. , Florescu S. , O’Neill S. , Caldas-de-Almeida J.-M. , Vilagut G. , Haro J.M. , Alonso J. , Kovess-Masféty V. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundIn many epidemiological studies, women have been observed to consume psychotropic medication more often than men. However, the consistency of this relationship across Europe, with differences in mental health care (MHC) resources and reimbursement policies, is unknown.MethodsQuestions on 12-month psychotropic use (antidepressants, benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers) were asked to 34,204 respondents from 10 European countries of the EU-World Mental Health surveys. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition) criteria were used to determine 12-month prevalence of mood/anxiety disorders using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (v3.0).ResultsFor all participating countries, women were significantly more likely than men to use psychotropic medication within the previous 12 months (overall-OR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.81–2.31). This relationship remained significant after adjusting for common sociodemographic factors (age, income level, employment status, education, marital status) and country-level indicators (MHC provision, private household out-of-pocket expenditure, and Gender Gap Index). In multivariable gender-stratified risk-factor analysis, both women and men were more likely to have taken psychotropic medication with increasing age, decreasing income level, and mental health care use within the past 12 months, with no significant differences between genders. When only including participants with a mental disorder, gender differences overall were still significant with any 12-month mood disorder but not with any 12-month anxiety disorder, remaining so after adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and country-level indicators.ConclusionsWomen use psychotropic medication consistently more often than men, yet reasons for their use are similar between genders. These differences also appear to be contingent on the specific mental disorder.
Decision‐to‐delivery intervals and perinatal outcomes following emergency cesarean delivery in a Nigerian tertiary hospital
Authors: Bello Folasade A. , Tsele Taiwo A. , Oluwasola Timothy O. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the decision‐to‐delivery interval (DDI) for emergency cesarean deliveries (CDs) at a tertiary center in Nigeria, to evaluate causes of delay, and to assess the effects of delays on perinatal outcomes.MethodsBetween September and November 2010, a prospective, observational study was undertaken at University College Hospital, Ibadan. Events that occurred after a decision to perform an emergency CD were recorded. Associations between outcomes and the DDI were analyzed.ResultsAmong 235 emergency CDs included, 5 (2.1%) occurred within 30 minutes and 86 (36.6%) within 75 minutes. The mean DDI was 119.2 ± 95.0 minutes. Among CDs with a DDI of more than 75 minutes, logistic factors were the reason for delay in 65 (43.6 %) cases. No significant associations were recorded between DDI and the 5‐minute Apgar score, admission to the special‐care baby unit, or perinatal mortality (P > 0.05 for all). In multivariate analysis, neonates delivered after 75 minutes were significantly less likely to die during the perinatal period than were those delivered within this period (odds ratio 0.13, 95% confidence interval 0.03–0.66; P = 0.01).ConclusionInstitutional delays in CDs need to be addressed. However, the DDI could be less important for perinatal outcome than are some other factors, such as the severity of the indication.
Structural determinants of dual contraceptive use among female sex workers in Gulu, northern Uganda
Authors: Erickson Margaret , Goldenberg Shira M. , Ajok Mirriam , Muldoon Katherine A. , Muzaaya Godfrey , Shannon Kate 
Published: June 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the characteristics of female sex workers (FSWs) who do and do not use dual contraceptives (i.e. male condoms plus a non‐barrier method) in Gulu, northern Uganda.MethodsThe present analysis was based on data gathered as part of a questionnaire‐based, cross‐sectional study conducted between May 2011 and January 2012. FSWs aged 14 years or older were recruited through peer‐led or sex worker‐led outreach and community‐based services. Logistic regression was used to identify correlates of dual contraceptive use.ResultsAmong the 400 FSWs who participated, 180 (45.0%) had ever used dual contraceptives. In the multivariate model, dual contraceptive use was positively associated with older age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.04–1.15; P = 0.001), prior unintended pregnancy (AOR 1.53, 95% CI 1.01–2.34; P = 0.046), and HIV testing (AOR 5.22, 95% CI 1.75–15.57; P = 0.003). Having to rush sexual negotiations owing to police presence was negatively associated with dual contraceptive use (AOR 0.65, 95% CI 0.42–1.00; P = 0.050).ConclusionAlthough a history of unintended pregnancy and accessing HIV testing might promote contraceptive use, criminalized work environments continue to pose barriers to uptake of sexual and reproductive health services among FSWs in post‐conflict northern Uganda. Integrated links between HIV and sexual health programs could support contraceptive uptake among FSWs.