bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of temperature and oxygen on growth and differentiation of embryos of the ground skink, Scincella lateralis
Authors: Flewelling Sarena , Parker Scott L.
Published: June 2015

Development of reptile embryos is dependent upon adequate oxygen availability to meet embryonic metabolic demand. Metabolic rate of embryos is temperature dependent, with oxygen consumption increasing exponentially as a function of temperature. Because metabolic rate is more temperature sensitive than diffusion, developmental processes are predicted to be oxygen‐limited at high temperatures. We tested the hypothesis that the amount of development lizard embryos achieve in the oviduct is dependent upon both temperature and oxygen availability. We evaluated the effect of temperature (23, 33°C) and oxygen concentration (9%, 15%, 21% O2) on survival and development of embryos of the oviparous skink Scincella lateralis. We predicted that incubation at 33°C under hypoxic conditions would result in higher embryo mortality due to mismatch between embryo oxygen demand and oxygen supply compared to eggs incubated at 23°C under hypoxic conditions. Embryo mortality was highest at 33°C/9% O2 (86%) compared to 23°C/9% O2 (14%), however, mortality did not differ among any other oxygen‐temperature treatment combination. Both temperature and oxygen affected differentiation, but the interaction between temperature and oxygen was not significant. Embryo growth in mass and hatchling mass were affected by oxygen concentration independent of temperature treatment. Differing responses of growth and differentiation to temperature and oxygen treatments suggests that somatic growth may be more sensitive to oxygen availability than differentiation. Results indicate that embryo mortality can occur both via the direct effect of high temperature on cellular function as well as indirectly through thermally induced oxygen diffusion limitation. J. Exp. Zool. 323A: 445–455, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The histology of Nanomia bijuga (Hydrozoa: Siphonophora)
Authors: Church Samuel H. , Siebert Stefan , Bhattacharyya Pathikrit , Dunn Casey W.
Published: June 2015

The siphonophore Nanomia bijuga is a pelagic hydrozoan (Cnidaria) with complex morphological organization. Each siphonophore is made up of many asexually produced, genetically identical zooids that are functionally specialized and morphologically distinct. These zooids predominantly arise by budding in two growth zones, and are arranged in precise patterns. This study describes the cellular anatomy of several zooid types, the stem, and the gas‐filled float, called the pneumatophore. The distribution of cellular morphologies across zooid types enhances our understanding of zooid function. The unique absorptive cells in the palpon, for example, indicate specialized intracellular digestive processing in this zooid type. Though cnidarians are usually thought of as mono‐epithelial, we characterize at least two cellular populations in this species which are not connected to a basement membrane. This work provides a greater understanding of epithelial diversity within the cnidarians, and will be a foundation for future studies on N. bijuga, including functional assays and gene expression analyses. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 324B:435–449, 2015. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Experimental Zoology Part B: Molecular and Developmental Evolution Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Skill and economic benefits of dynamical downscaling of ECMWF ENSEMBLE seasonal forecast over southern Africa with RegCM4
Authors: Diro Gulilat Tefera
Published: June 2015

This study presents an assessment of the skill and economic benefits of a seasonal forecast carried out by nine‐member ensembles of regional and global models over southern Africa for the period of 1991–2002. The regional ensemble seasonal hindcasts were conducted at a resolution of 25 km by driving RegCM4 with the corresponding ensembles of the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) seasonal hindcasts. Skill and cost/loss ratio analysis were carried out on the probabilistic hindcasts to assess how much added value a regional model would bring over the driving ECMWF forecasts. RegCM4 shows an added value over most areas of southeastern Africa where the skill of the global circulation model (GCM) is already positive. In terms of economic benefits, RegCM4 brings additional benefits for southeastern Africa either by benefiting more users with interest in larger cost/loss ratio or by providing a higher economic value for users with small cost/loss ratio. Additional RegCM4 simulations with the same resolution were performed using a near ‘perfect’ boundary conditions with ‘continuous (climate)’ and ‘reinitialized’ modes to test the impact of land surface initialization/ spin up time on the seasonal mean precipitation simulation. Evaluation of the ‘perfect’ boundary forced simulations reveals that the regional model not only generates finer spatial‐scale features that are missing in the ECMWF GCM, in terms of the December to April (DJFMA) climatology, but also reduced the wet bias of the driving GCM. Land surface initialization is found to have less impact on the DJFMA seasonal mean rainfall for forecasts initialized on 1 November, suggesting that 1 month is enough to recover from the shock of poor soil moisture initialization.
Students' Expectations About Interviewees' and Interviewers' Achievement Emotions in Job Selection Interviews
Authors: Raccanello Daniela
Published: June 2015

The author investigated expectations about achievement emotions characterizing job selection interviews while considering literature on the influence of positive and negative affect. Study participants were 282 Italian 12th graders and university students who were given a questionnaire asking them to imagine being interviewees in a future interview and to evaluate the intensity of interviewees' and interviewers' emotions. Expectations varied according to the kind of emotion, and interviewees and interviewers differentiated in terms of activating and deactivating emotions. Positive emotions prevailed for interviewees, with younger students giving higher scores. Some emotions were linked to career self‐efficacy and job market experience. Results are discussed in light of applied relevance for employment counseling.
The Effects of Social Support on Self‐Esteem, Self‐Efficacy, and Job Search Efficacy in the Unemployed
Authors: Maddy Luther M. , Cannon John G. , Lichtenberger Eric J.
Published: June 2015

This study attempted to determine the effects of family and social support on the self‐esteem, self‐efficacy, and job search self‐efficacy of the unemployed. A total of 117 surveys were collected in Nevada, Idaho, and Oregon measuring self‐esteem, general self‐efficacy, and job search self‐efficacy and social support. Pearson correlation coefficients demonstrated moderately strong positive relationships between social support and self‐esteem, general self‐efficacy, and job search self‐efficacy. Social and family support had a stronger influence on the self‐perceptions of men than women.
Deficit irrigation strategies enhance health‐promoting compounds through the intensification of specific enzymes in early peaches
Authors: Falagán Natalia , Artés Francisco , Gómez Perla Azucena , Artés‐Hernández Francisco , Conejero Wenceslao , Aguayo Encarna
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND

Biochemical and enzymatic responses to long‐term regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) at harvest, during cold storage and after the retail sale period of ‘Flordastar’ early peaches were evaluated. Irrigation strategies were Control, and two RDI applied during post‐harvest period (RDI1, severe; RDI2, moderate), based on different thresholds of maximum daily shrinkage signal intensity (RDI1, 1.4 to dry; RDI2, 1.3 to 1.6).

RESULTS

Both RDI provoked stress in the plant. This meant higher antioxidant concentration [averaging 1.30 ± 0.27 g ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE) kg−1 fresh weight (FW) for control and 1.77 ± 0.35 and 1.50 ± 0.30 g AAE kg−1 FW for RDI1 and RDI2, respectively]. Antioxidant levels decreased with storage by polyphenoloxydase action, which increased (from 0.04 ± 0.01 U mg−1 protein to 0.32 ± 0.08 U mg−1 protein). Vitamin C was initially higher in RDI samples (44.22 ± 0.05 g total vitamin C kg−1 FW for control vs. 46.77 ± 0.02 and 46.27 ± 0.03 g total vitamin C kg−1 FW for RDI1 and RDI2, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The way RDI was applied affected bioactive fruit composition, being catalase and dehydroascorbic acid good water stress indicators. RDI strategies can be used as field practice, allowing water savings while enhanced healthy compound content in early peaches. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Sequential culture with Torulaspora delbrueckii and Saccharomyces cerevisiae and management of fermentation temperature to improve cherry wine quality
Authors: Sun Shu Yang , Gong Han Sheng , Zhao Yu Ping , Liu Wen Li , Jin Cheng Wu
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND

There has been limited research on the use of non‐Saccharomyces yeasts for the production of cherry wines. This work used an autochthonous Torulaspora delbrueckii strain 49 (TD49) in association with a commercial S. cerevisiae RC212 yeast, to investigate the effect of multi‐starter culture (sequential inoculation and simultaneous inoculation) and fermentation temperature on the quality of cherry wines.

RESULTS

Both TD49 and RC212 proliferated during alcoholic fermentation (AF) under sequential inoculation conditions, whereas in the case of simultaneous inoculation, TD49 increased slowly at first and then declined sharply near the fermentation end. The analytical profile showed that both mixed fermentations produced lower levels of volatile acidy and higher levels of aromatic compounds than those from RC212 mono‐culture. During sensory analysis, wines from sequential fermentation obtained the highest score, mainly due to the higher intensity in ‘fruity’ and ‘floral’ characters. As for the influence of temperature, a low temperature (20°C) enhanced TD49 persistence during AF, but the sensory quality decreased anyway; 30°C resulted in decreases in most measured descriptors. Therefore, 25°C was selected as the best culture temperature.

CONCLUSION

TD49/RC212 sequential inoculation and fermentation at 25°C significantly enhanced the cherry wine quality. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Self‐Assembly‐Driven Electrospinning: The Transition from Fibers to Intact Beaded Morphologies
Authors: Wang Linge , Topham Paul D. , Mykhaylyk Oleksandr O. , Yu Hao , Ryan Anthony J. , Fairclough J. Patrick A. , Bras Wim
Published: June 2015

Polymer beads have attracted considerable interest for use in catalysis, drug delivery, and photo­nics due to their particular shape and surface morphology. Electrospinning, typically used for producing nanofibers, can also be used to fabricate polymer beads if the solution has a sufficiently low concentration. In this work, a novel approach for producing more uniform, intact beads is presented by electrospinning self‐assembled block copolymer (BCP) solutions. This approach allows a relatively high polymer concentration to be used, yet with a low degree of entanglement between polymer chains due to microphase separation of the BCP in a selective solvent system. Herein, to demonstrate the technology, a well‐studied polystyrene‐poly(ethylene butylene)–polystyrene triblock copolymer is dissolved in a co‐solvent system. The effect of solvent composition on the characteristics of the fibers and beads is intensively studied, and the mechanism of this fiber‐to‐bead is found to be dependent on microphase separation of the BCP.

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Movement Disorders: A Review
Authors: Berardelli Isabella , Pasquini Massimo , Roselli Valentina , Biondi Massimo , Berardelli Alfredo , Fabbrini Giovanni
Published: June 2015

In addition to motor symptoms, patients with movement disorders often complain of psychiatric disturbances, including mood, anxiety, and impulse‐control disorders and psychosis. These abnormalities are often misdiagnosed and left untreated, thus resulting in a worse prognosis and lower quality of life. Besides the use of standard pharmacological treatments, psychiatric abnormalities can be treated by means of nonpharmacological approaches. These approaches include various types of psychological therapies, the most widely used being cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). We reviewed all articles, conducted until 2014, that contained primary data derived from clinical trials and case reports on the effect of CBT in the most common movement disorders. One randomized, controlled study and several uncontrolled studies on the efficacy of CBT in Parkinson's disease (PD) have shown a short‐term benefit of depression and anxiety. In Tourette's syndrome (TS), CBT has been assessed in a number of large controlled clinical trials that have demonstrated an improvement in psychiatric disturbances and tics. There are no controlled studies on the efficacy of CBT in other types of movement disorders, such as dystonia, Huntington's disease, and essential tremor. Only a limited number of studies have evaluated the efficacy of CBT in the management of psychiatric disorders in movement disorders. The evidence available suggests that CBT is useful in TS and probably useful in PD. We recommend the planning of randomized, controlled clinical trials to investigate the effects of CBT and group CBT in the treatment of psychiatric disturbances in movement disorders.
The Determinants of Price Adjustments in Retail Supermarkets
Authors: Volpe Richard , Risch Corey , Boland Michael
Published: June 2015

This paper examines the determinants of price adjustment decisions by supermarkets to increase or decrease prices for 11 different food categories and evaluates the characteristics of these firms that influence these decisions. We use a unique dataset to analyze firm variables and industry variables and their impact on price adjustment in supermarket stores. The study contributes to the price adjustment literature by identifying determinants of price behavior by stores and product category. We find that the rationale for increasing prices differs from that for decreasing prices, retailers make different adjustment decisions based on product category, and market‐level controls have little impact. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of an Alu‐repeat‐mediated deletion of OPTN upstream region in a patient with a complex ocular phenotype
Authors: Schilter Kala F. , Reis Linda M. , Sorokina Elena A. , Semina Elena V.
Published: June 2015

Genetic causes of ocular conditions remain largely unknown. To reveal the molecular basis for a congenital ocular phenotype associated with glaucoma we performed whole‐exome sequencing (WES) and whole‐genome copy number analyses of patient DNA. WES did not identify a causative variant. Copy number variation analysis identified a deletion of 10p13 in the patient and his unaffected father; the deletion breakpoint contained a single 37‐bp sequence that is normally present in two distinct Alu repeats separated by ~181 kb. The deletion removed part of the upstream region of optineurin (OPTN) as well as the upstream sequence and two coding exons of coiled‐coil domain containing 3 (CCDC3); analysis of the patient's second allele showed normal OPTN and CCDC3 sequences. Studies of zebrafish orthologs identified expression in the developing eye for both genes. OPTN is a known factor in dominant adult‐onset glaucoma and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The deletion eliminates 98 kb of the OPTN upstream sequence leaving only ~1 kb of the proximal promoter region. Comparison of transcriptional activation capability of the 3 kb normal and the rearranged del(10)(p13) OPTN promoter sequences demonstrated a statistically significant decrease for the deleted allele; sequence analysis of the entire deleted region identified multiple conserved elements with possible cis‐regulatory activity. Additional screening of CCDC3 indicated that heterozygous loss‐of‐function alleles are unlikely to cause congenital ocular disease. In summary, we report the first regulatory region deletion involving OPTN, caused by Alu‐mediated nonallelic homologous recombination and possibly contributing to the patient's ocular phenotype. In addition, our data indicate that Alu‐mediated rearrangements of the OPTN upstream region may represent a new source of affected alleles in human conditions. Evaluation of the upstream OPTN sequences in additional ocular and ALS patients may help to determine the role of this region, if any, in human disease.
Suprascarpal fat pad thickness may predict venous drainage patterns in abdominal wall flaps
Authors: Bast John , Pitcher Austin A. , Small Kevin , Otterburn David M.
Published: June 2015

Background

Abdominal wall flaps are routinely used in reconstructive procedures. In some patients inadequate venous drainage from the deep vein may cause fat necrosis or flap failure. Occasionally the superficial inferior epigastric vessels (SIEV) are of sufficient size to allow for microvascular revascularization. This study looked at the ratio of the sub‐ and suprascarpal fat layers, the number of deep system perforators, and SIEV diameter to determine any correlation of the fat topography and SIEV.

Methods

50 abdominal/pelvic CT angiograms (100 hemiabdomens) were examined in women aged 34–70 years for number of perforators, SIEV diameter, and fat pad thickness above and below Scarpa's fascia. Data was analyzed using multivariate model.

Results

The average suprascarpal and subscarpal layers were 18.6 ± 11.5 mm and 6.2 ± 7.2 mm thick, respectively. The average SIEV diameter was 2.06 ± 0.81 mm and the average number of perforators was 2.09 ± 1.03 per hemiabdomen. Hemiabdomens with suprascarpal thickness>23 mm had greater SIEV diameter [2.69 mm vs. 1.8 mm (P < 0.0001)] The fat layer thickness did not correlate with the number of perforators. Neither subscarpal fat thickness nor suprascarpal‐to‐subscarpal fat layer thickness correlated significantly with SIEV caliber or number of perforators in multivariate model.

Conclusions

Suprascarpal fat pad thicker than 23 mm had larger SIEVs irrespective of the number of deep system perforators. This may indicate a cohort of patients at risk of venous congestion from poor venous drainage if only the deep system is revascularized. We recommend harvesting the SIEV in patients with suprascarpal fat pad >23 mm to aid in superficial drainage. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:99–103, 2016.
Approximate optimal projection for reduced‐order models
Authors: Oberai Assad A. , Jagalur‐Mohan Jayanth
Published: June 2015

A critical component of a reduced‐order model is the projection that maps the original high‐fidelity system on to the reduced‐order basis. In this manuscript, we develop a projection for linear systems that is optimal in an operator‐independent norm. We derive an expression for this projection as a Galerkin projection plus another component that is interpreted as the effect of the scales that live outside the reduced‐order basis. We note that the exact form of this projection does not lead to a viable computational method because it involves the inverse of the original high‐fidelity operator. We approximate this inverse by an inexpensive preconditioner and create a practical method whose costs are of the same order as the Galerkin method. We test the performance of this method on heat conduction and advection–diffusion problems while using the incomplete LU preconditioner as an approximate to the inverse of the original operator, and conclude that it provides more accurate results than the Galerkin projection. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Agranulocytosis with Ceftaroline High‐Dose Monotherapy or Combination Therapy with Clindamycin
Authors: Varada Neilmegh L. , Sakoulas George , Lei Lani R. , Chua Jimmy
Published: June 2015

Introduction

The only clinically available cephalosporin with in vivo and in vitro activity against methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus is ceftaroline, which is approved for the treatment of soft tissue infection and community‐acquired pneumonia in doses of 600 mg intravenously every 12 hours for 2 weeks or less. However, many clinicians use ceftaroline to treat more serious infections and dose more frequently (every 8 hours) for longer periods of time.

Methods

A retrospective medication safety assessment was performed at two centers where agranulocytosis was observed in four patients (two at each center) who were treated with ceftaroline. The cases were reviewed by the treating physicians for common features, and the frequency of agranulocytosis was calculated based on the total number of treated patients.

Results

We report four cases of agranulocytosis associated with ceftaroline use, highlighted by prolonged use (more than 14 days) and 8‐hour dosing intervals or 12‐hour dosing intervals with concomitant clindamycin therapy. When ceftaroline (600 mg every 12 hours) and clindamycin (900 mg every 8 hours) were coadministered for more than 2 weeks, the frequency of agranulocytosis was 18% (2 of 18 patients treated). When ceftaroline alone was administered for more than 2 weeks at 600 mg every 8 hours, agranulocytosis occurred in 5.4% (2 of 37 treated patients). No cases of ceftaroline‐related agranulocytosis were seen that did not have these features. In these patients, granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor therapy usually resulted in rapid myeloid recovery.

Conclusions

Clinicians should have a heightened awareness of agranulocytosis when using ceftaroline in such settings and monitor complete blood counts at least once/week.
Graphite oxide multilayers for device fabrication: Enzyme‐based electrical sensing of glucose
Authors: Lanche Ruben , Pachauri Vivek , Law Jessica Ka‐Yan , Munief Walid M. , Wagner Patrick , Thoelen Ronald , Ingebrandt Sven
Published: June 2015

In this paper, the use of graphite oxide multilayers as a transducer material for the fabrication of electronic devices is outlined. Graphite oxide flakes were produced in a solution‐based exfoliation method optimized for large area thin layers with narrow size distribution. A dielectrophoretic technique was used for scalable trapping of the graphite oxide onto the microelectrode pairs patterned over glass chips. The graphite oxide trapped in between microelectrode gaps was subjected to a very rapid thermal annealing step in ambient in order to make good electrical contacts with source and drain electrodes. After this, the graphite oxide devices were characterized for their electrical transport using impedance spectroscopy and field‐effect measurements in an electrochemical gate configuration. The conductivities of the graphite oxide devices were tested against the thermal treatment in air in order to determine a nominal burn‐out as well as the optimal parameters for device characteristics. The devices were surface modified with glucose oxidase and deployed for sensor operation. This work suggests for the use of graphite oxide thin‐layers as an easy and suitable alternative for the fabrication of electronic sensor platforms circumventing the dependence over tedious chemical and physical graphene oxide reduction methods.

Schematic illustration of the graphite oxide (GrO) multilayer‐based electronic chips fabricated over glass substrates. The chips were deployed as sensors for the electronic detection of glucose. Schematics not fit to scale.
Application of a Monte Carlo solar radiative transfer modelin the McICA framework
Authors: Barker Howard W. , Cole Jason N. S. , Li Jiangnan
Published: June 2015

Large‐scale atmospheric models (LSAMs) that utilize the Monte Carlo Independent Column Approximation (McICA) have, thus far, paired McICA only with two‐stream approximations (TSAs) of the radiative transfer equation. In this study, the short‐wave TSA is exchanged for a Monte Carlo (MC) photon transport model. More than 44 000 domains of cloud properties retrieved from A‐Train satellite data, each measuring 256 km in length, were used to assess the noise characteristics of TSA‐ and MC‐based McICA models. It appears as though application of an MC algorithm in McICA will be both beneficial and tractable for LSAMs. This is because known levels of acceptable radiative noise produced by TSA‐based McICAs can be achieved with small numbers of MC photons. The greatest concern with the TSA McICA has been noise associated with heating rates for cloudy layers. But with as few as 500–1000 photons per simulation, the MC McICA reduces cloudy layer heating rate errors by typically ∼20%. Furthermore, since MC models can utilize detailed descriptions of cloud particle scattering phase functions and TSAs use only corresponding asymmetry parameters, TSA‐based McICAs, on average, overestimate all‐sky top‐of‐atmosphere reflected flux density at small solar zenith angles θ0 by ∼3 W m−2 and underestimate it at large θ0 by ∼1 W m−2; vice versa for surface net flux density. Systematic biases such as these are important when attempting to balance an LSAM's energy budgets and when making detailed estimates of radiative forcings due to anthropogenic activities.
Resolving a dilemma of signaling bankrupt‐firm emergence: A dynamic integrative view
Authors: Xia Jun , Dawley David D. , Jiang Han , Ma Rong , Boal Kimberly B.
Published: June 2015

Research summary: Predicting the emergence of bankrupt firms relying on firm signals involves a stigma‐related dilemma. On the one hand, bankrupt firms tend to send positive signals through restructuring to decouple themselves from the stigma of bankruptcy. On the other hand, the preexistence of the bankruptcy stigma may reduce the signaling effectiveness of firms' restructuring efforts, making the outcome prediction difficult. We address this dilemma by developing a dynamic integrative view to extend signaling theory, arguing that subsequent signals from key external stakeholders can effectively help evaluate bankrupt firms' quality and reduce the ambiguity in interpreting firms' restructuring signals. Using a sample of U.S. public bankrupt firms under Chapter 11 reorganization, we find evidence supporting the argument.

Managerial summary: Applications of signaling theory to predict reorganization outcomes are in their infancy. The dynamic integrative framework developed in this study is useful in identifying different types of signals and predicting outcomes of firms in crisis. The results of this study can be useful for various decision makers to predict the turnaround potential of bankrupt firms. Our results show that an increase in alliance partners, institutional investors, and securities analysts following a bankrupt firm predicts the firm's reorganization outcome. Moreover, firms that are able to gain positive attention from key stakeholders will also gain positive interpretations of their strategic efforts. Signals from alliance partners and institutional investors amplify the signaling effect of a firm's de‐diversification effort in predicting its reorganization outcome.Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adipose Stromal Cell Contact with Endothelial Cells Results in Loss of Complementary Vasculogenic Activity Mediated by Induction of Activin A
Authors: Merfeld-Clauss Stephanie , Lupov Ivan P. , Lu Hongyan , March Keith L. , Traktuev Dmitry O.
Published: June 2015

Adipose stem/stromal cells (ASCs) after isolation produce numerous angiogenic growth factors. This justifies their use to promote angiogenesis per transplantation. In parallel, local coimplantation of ASC with endothelial cells (ECs) leading to formation of functional vessels by the donor cells suggests the existence of a mechanism responsible for fine-tuning ASC paracrine activity essential for vasculogenesis. As expected, conditioned media (CM) from ASC promoted ECs survival, proliferation, migration, and vasculogenesis. In contrast, media from EC-ASC cocultures had neutral effects upon EC responses. Media from cocultures exhibited lower levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hepatic growth factor, angiopoietin-1, and stromal cell-derived factor-1 compared with those in ASC CM. Activin A was induced in ASC in response to EC exposure and was responsible for overall antivasculogenic activity of EC-ASC CM. Except for VEGF, activin A diminished secretion of all tested factors by ASC. Activin A mediated induction of VEGF expression in ASC, but also upregulated expression of VEGF scavenger receptor FLT-1 in EC in EC-ASC cocultures. Blocking the FLT-1 expression in EC led to an increase in VEGF concentration in CM. In vitro pre-exposure of ASC to low number of EC before subcutaneous coimplantation with EC resulted in decrease in vessel density in the implants. In vitro tests suggested that activin A was partially responsible for this diminished ASC activity. This study shows that neovessel formation is associated with induction of activin A expression in ASC; this factor, by affecting the bioactivity of both ASC and EC, directs the crosstalk between these complementary cell types to establish stable vessels. Stem Cells  2015;33:3039–3051
Interleukin-17A-Induced Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Are Superior Modulators of Immunological Function
Authors: Sivanathan Kisha Nandini , Rojas-Canales Darling M. , Hope Christopher M. , Krishnan Ravi , Carroll Robert P. , Gronthos Stan , Grey Shane T. , Coates Patrick T.
Published: June 2015

Interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-preactivated mesenchymal stem cells (MSC-γ) are highly immunosuppressive but immunogenic in vivo due to their inherent expression of major histocompatibility (MHC) molecules. Here, we present an improved approach where we modified human bone marrow-derived MSC with interleukin-17A (MSC-17) to enhance T cell immunosuppression but not their immunogenicity. MSC-17, unlike MSC-γ, showed no induction or upregulation of MHC class I, MHC class II, and T cell costimulatory molecule CD40, but maintained normal MSC morphology and phenotypic marker expression. When cocultured with phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-activated human T cells, MSCs-17 were potent suppressors of T cell proliferation. Furthermore, MSC-17 inhibited surface CD25 expression and suppressed the elaboration of Th1 cytokines, IFN-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and IL-2 when compared with untreated MSCs (UT-MSCs). T cell suppression by MSC-17 correlated with increased IL-6 but not with indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1, cyclooxygenase 1, and transforming growth factor β-1. MSC-17 but not MSC-γ consistently induced CD4+CD25highCD127lowFoxP3+ regulatory T cells (iTregs) from PHA-activated CD4+CD25− T cells. MSC-induced iTregs expressed CD39, CD73, CD69, OX40, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4), and glucocorticoid-induced TNFR-related protein (GITR). These suppressive MSCs-17 can engender Tregs to potently suppress T cell activation with minimal immunogenicity and thus represent a superior T cell immunomodulator for clinical application. Stem Cells  2015;33:2850–2863

Video Highlight: https://youtu.be/gP6GONfRP80
Systematic Review of Surgical Literature from Resource‐Limited Countries: Developing Strategies for Success
Authors: Pauyo Thierry , Debas Haile T. , Kyamanywa Patrick , Kushner Adam L. , Jani Pankaj G. , Lavy Chris , Dakermandji Marc , Ambrose Hilary , Khwaja Kosar , Razek Tarek , Deckelbaum Dan L.
Published: June 2015

Background

Injuries and surgical diseases are leading causes of global mortality. We sought to identify successful strategies to augment surgical capacity and research endeavors in low‐income countries (LIC’s) based on existing peer‐reviewed literature.

Methods

A systematic review of literature from or pertaining to LIC’s from January 2002 to December 2011 was performed. Variables analyzed included type of intervention performed, research methodology, and publication demographics such as surgical specialty, partnerships involved, authorship contribution, place and journal of publication.

Findings

A total of 2049 articles met the inclusion criteria between 2002 and 2011. The two most common study methodologies performed were case series (44 %) and case reports (18 %). A total of 43 % of publications were without outcome measures. Only 21 % of all publications were authored by a collaboration of authors from low‐income countries and developed country nationals. The five most common countries represented were Nepal (429), United States (408), England (170), Bangladesh (158), and Kenya (134). Furthermore, of countries evaluated, Nepal and Bangladesh were the only two with a specific national journal.

Interpretation

Based on the results of this research, the following recommendations were made: (1) Describe, develop, and stimulate surgical research through national peer‐reviewed journals, (2) Foster centers of excellence to promote robust research competencies, (3) Endorse partnerships across regions and institutions in the promotion of global surgery, and (4) Build on outcome‐directed research.
Host specialization by reproductive interference between closely related herbivorous insects
Authors: Nishida Takayoshi , Takakura Kohichi , Iwao Keisuke
Published: June 2015

Host specialization among closely related herbivores is common and is therefore a major theme in ecology. Despite its ecological importance, no general explanatory framework for host specialization is currently available. We introduce a new model of the evolution of host specialization in herbivorous insects. We use a two‐dimensional lattice comprising 32 × 32 cells. Moreover, the model incorporates reproductive interference, defined as any negative outcomes resulting from interspecific mating, between two species of herbivores feeding on two different host plants as well as ordinary resource competition and differences in host suitability. Our simulation showed that reproductive interference, together with other factors such as host‐related performance and resource competition, can actually drive the evolution of host specialization and thereby host partitioning between herbivorous insects during secondary contact. Host specialization arises particularly when levels of both reproductive interference and resource competition are intermediate. In contrast, host specialization seldom occurs if reproductive interference is absent. Thus, reproductive interference is as key to specialization as is spatial partitioning, which was not regarded as a realistic outcome when only resource competition was considered.
A rapid method for constructing precaution maps based on a simple virtual ecology model: a case study on the range expansion of the invasive aquatic speciesLimnoperna fortunei
Authors: Osawa Takeshi , Ito Kenji
Published: June 2015

Before invasion, or in its early stages, information on the invader in target areas is generally extremely limited. In such situations, managers must select focal areas in which to concentrate control and mitigation efforts. Here, we discuss a rapid method for selecting areas in which to control invasive aquatic species based on limited information. We used a simple cellular automata model that does not require species‐specific information, but simulates the process of invasive species expansion and includes observed expansion progress to detect keystone areas. As a case study, we simulated the expansion of an invasive aquatic mussel,Limnoperna fortunei, in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, and detected the areas in which control efforts should be concentrated. To some extent, our model was able to predict the expansion ofL. fortuneifrom the initial detected invasion to the current distribution. We predicted areas with a high potential of spreading and areas that would suffer from high propagule pressure. Results revealed a mismatch between areas with high spread potential and those with high propagule pressure. Managers should concentrate their invasion prevention efforts in the former because these are likely to have a greater long‐term influence. Additionally, we predicted future expansion from the current distribution and showed that current scattered populations could merge naturally. Our approach is useful for establishing a management plan before or in the early stages of invasion.
Intraspecific seed interactions alter seedling emergence of Lespedeza cuneata under field conditions
Authors: Houseman Gregory R. , Mahoney Aaron K.
Published: June 2015

There is growing recognition that seeds influence one another prior to, or shortly after, germination. Both interspecific and intraspecific seed–seed interactions have been reported, but for the latter, the evidence is almost exclusively from laboratory and greenhouse studies so that it is unclear whether such intraspecific seed interactions occur under field conditions. We tested how Lespedeza cuneata seed density influenced seedling emergence within a native grassland located in Kansas, USA and whether this response was related to seed leachate. The percentage of L. cuneata seedlings that emerged under field conditions was negatively related to seed density. After confirming this pattern in the greenhouse, we found that at low seed densities, addition of seed leachate had similar effects on seedling emergence as high seed densities in the absence of leachate. Our results provide some of the best evidence to date, that intraspecific seed density can influence seedling emergence in the field and that these effects are likely linked to seed leachate.
Scapholunate Instability after Distal Radius Volar Plating
Authors: Jones Virginia M. , Everding Nathan G. , Desmarais Jason M. , Soong Maximillian C.
Published: June 2015

Background

Prior to volar locked plating and early motion protocols, ligamentous injuries incidentally associated with distal radius fractures may have been indirectly treated with immobilization. Our goal was to determine the prevalence of scapholunate instability in our population, while identifying those who may have had progression of instability.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 221 distal radius fractures treated with a volar locking plate during a 6-year period. Average patient age was 59 years. Standard posteroanterior and lateral radiographs from the first and last postoperative visits were analyzed for scapholunate instability, using the criteria of scapholunate gap ≥3 mm and scapholunate angle ≥60°.

Results

Six patients (3 %) met neither or only one criterion for instability at the first postoperative visit and did not have ligament repair and then went on to meet both criteria at the last postoperative visit after an early motion protocol. Seven patients (3 %) met both criteria at the first and last postoperative visits and did not have ligament repair. Five patients (2 %) underwent primary scapholunate ligament repair at the time of distal radius fixation.

Conclusions

In our representative population, scapholunate instability was uncommon, either from initial injury or possible progression of occult ligament injury, despite early motion without operative treatment of the ligament. Thus, we did not find strong evidence for routinely delaying motion or pursuing further workup. When early radiographs clearly demonstrate acute scapholunate instability, more aggressive treatment may be appropriate for selected patients.
Lysophospholipids from the Guangxi Sponge Spirastrella purpurea
Authors: Lin Kun , Yang Peng , Yang Hui , Liu Ai‐Hong , Yao Li‐Gong , Guo Yue‐Wei , Mao Shui‐Chun
Published: June 2015

Four known (1–4) and two new (5 and 6) lysophospholipids were isolated from the sponge Spirastrella purpurea from Weizhou Island, Guangxi Autonomous Region, China. The structures of the new compounds (5 and 6) were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic techniques, including 1D and 2D NMR (1H and 13C NMR, 1H–1H COSY, HSQC, and HMBC) as well as mass spectrometry and optical rotation experiments. The known compounds (1–4) were identified by comparison of their spectroscopic data and specific optical rotation with those reported in the literature. The isolated compounds displayed various moderate in vitro antifungal activities against four fungi (Cryptococcus neoformans, Candida glabrata, Trichophyton rubrum, and Aspergillus fumigatus), whereas they displayed no neuroprotective activity against Aβ25‐35‐induced SH‐SY5Y cell damage.
Occurrence of Hexacosapolyenoic Acids 26:7(n‐3), 26:6(n‐3), 26:6(n‐6) and 26:5(n‐3) in Deep‐Sea Brittle Stars from Near the Kuril Islands
Authors: Svetashev Vasily , Kharlamenko Vladimir
Published: June 2015

Significant amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) with a chain length of 26 carbon atoms were detected in lipids of five deep water species of Ophiuroidea besides common fatty acids with chain lengths between 14 and 24. By means of hydrogenation, GC–MS of the methyl esters, and 4,4‐dimethyloxazoline (DMOX) derivatives of these C26 acids were characterized as 5,8,11,14,17,20,23‐hexacosaheptaenoic [26:7(n‐3)]; 8,11,14,17,20,23‐hexacosahexaenoic [26:6(n‐3)]; 5,8,11,14,17,20‐ hexacosahexaenoic [26:6(n‐6)]; and 11,14,17,20,23‐hexacosapentaenoic [26:5(n‐3)]. Concentrations of these acids varied from 0.3 to 4.5 mol% of the total FA. In all the samples investigated, the main component of C26PUFA was hexacosaheptaenoic acid 26:7(n‐3). These C26PUFA are localized mainly in polar lipids. The presence of the possible biosynthesis precursors suggests that the C26PUFA are produced by the brittle stars, and are not accumulated from food sources. This finding can also explain the presence of small amounts of the 26:7(n‐3) acid detected earlier in flesh lipids of the roughscale sole Clidoderma asperrimum, which feeds on deep water brittle stars. We suggest a possible scheme of the biosynthesis of C26 PUFA.
Reversed‐Phase Liquid Chromatography–Quadrupole‐Time‐of‐Flight Mass Spectrometry for High‐Throughput Molecular Profiling of Sea Cucumber Cerebrosides
Authors: Jia Zicai , Cong Peixu , Zhang Hongwei , Song Yu , Li Zhaojie , Xu Jie , Xue Changhu
Published: June 2015

Usually, the chemical structures of cerebrosides in sea creatures are more complicated than those from terrestrial plants and animals. Very little is known about the method for high‐throughput molecular profiling of cerebrosides in sea cucumbers. In this study, cerebrosides from four species of edible sea cucumbers, specifically, Apostichopus japonicas, Thelenota ananas, Acaudina molpadioides and Bohadschia marmorata, were rapidly identified using reversed‐phase liquid chromatography–quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (RPLC‐QToF‐MS). [M + H]+ in positive electrospray ionization (ESI) mode were used to obtain the product ion spectra. The cerebroside molecules were selected according to the neutral loss fragments of 180 Da and then identified according to pairs of specific products of long‐chain bases (LCB) and their precursor ions. A typical predominant LCB was 2‐amino‐1,3‐dihydroxy‐4‐heptadecene (d17:1), which was acylated to form saturated and monounsaturated non‐hydroxy and monohydroxy fatty acids with 17–25 carbon atoms. Simultaneously, the occurrence of 2‐hydroxy‐tricosenoic acid (C23:1h) was characteristic of sea cucumber cerebrosides, whereas this molecule was rarely discovered in plants, mammals, or fungi. The profiles of LCB and fatty acids (FA) distribution might be related to the genera of sea cucumber. These data will be useful for identification of cerebrosides using RPLC‐QToF‐MS.
Evaluation of Fetal Pulmonary Veins During Early Gestation by Pulsed Doppler Ultrasound: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Schenone Aldo L. , Giugni Gelsy , Schenone Mauro H. , Diaz Luis , Bermudez Alberto , Majdalany David , Sosa-Olavarria Alberto
Published: June 2015

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of infant mortality. Nevertheless, routine prenatal ultrasound only detects 30 %–50 % of CHD cases. Therefore, emphasis should be placed on early predictors of CHD that allow physicians to timely refer high-risk patient to specialized fetal echocardiography, in order to maximize chances of improved outcomes. The fetal venous system has been the focus of attention as a marker of heart function. Yet, there exist inconsistent data about the acquisition of pulmonary venous flow in early pregnancy. This study aims to determine the feasibility of fetal pulmonary venous flow acquisition in early pregnancy, and the association between pulmonary vein (A-wave) flow reversal and the presence of CHD. Total of 211 consecutive pregnant women, between 12 and 15 weeks of gestation, underwent routine obstetric ultrasound along with basic fetal echocardiography including fetal pulmonary venous flow assessment. The pulmonary venous flow velocity waveforms were acquired by either Doppler or Doppler plus enhance flow technique based on equipment availability. All the cases were re-evaluated by specialized fetal echocardiography during late pregnancy to identify congenital heart anomalies. The acquisition of fetal pulmonary vein, between 12 and 15 weeks of gestation, was successfully accomplished in 87.7 % of cases. Five out of seven fetuses with end-diastolic (A-wave) pulmonary venous flow reversal were associated with confirmed cardiac anomaly. In this pilot study, pulmonary venous (A-wave) flow reversal was associated with cardiac anomalies in 86.8 % of cases (p = 0.001). This pilot study proposes that Doppler interrogation of fetal pulmonary vein flow during early pregnancy is feasible. Furthermore, the presence of pulmonary vein (A-wave) reversal might represent a marker of major cardiac anomalies. Further investigation is needed to confirm these findings.
Editorial
Authors: Simpson Grahame , Fleming Jennifer
Published: June 2015

The first editorial for Brain Impairment was entitled ‘Landmark development’. Published in May 2000, the editorial both told a story and painted a context. In two paragraphs it recounted the pioneering work of Professor John Walsh and the history of the first two decades of the Australian Society for the Study of Brain Impairment (ASSBI), culminating in the foundation of the journal. In telling this story, the context for the journal was also outlined. Reflecting the nature of ASSBI, the journal would aim to be multidisciplinary and to address the full range of conditions that affect brain function across the lifespan.
Decreased nasal nitric oxide in children with isolated midline neuroanatomical defects: a possible indicator of ciliary dysfunction?
Authors: Goez H , Scott O , Al-Jabri B , Prowse M , Beaudoin W , Hall S , Mehta V , Amirav I
Published: June 2015

Background: Ciliary mutations cause multi-system disorders, often involving the CNS. We set to evaluate the prevalence of ciliary dysfunction in children with isolated neuroanatomical defects, by measuring nasal nitric oxide (nNO), a screening test for Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD). Study design: We measured nNO levels of 26 children with congenital midline CNS defects. We evaluated the effect of age, gender, and anomaly (brain, spinal cord, or combined) on measurements. We compared our results to the previously established normal range (153.6-509.9 nL/min), and to the cutoff for PCD (77 nL/min). Results: The range for nNO in our cohort was 56.5-334.7 nL/min, with age, gender, and anomaly not having a significant effect. The overall mean, 217.7 nL/min, was significantly lower than that of normal children, 314.51 nL/min (p<0.01). Four subjects (15.4%) had nNO levels below the lower end of normal, with two (7.7%) having values fitting the cutoff for PCD. Conclusions: We report an association between ciliary dysfunction and isolated midline neuroanatomical defects, not in context of any known syndrome. This suggests that genes causing isolated CNS defects, may be implied in the function of cilia. Longitudinal studies are required to investigate whether children with abnormal measurements suffer from any respiratory sequelae.