bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cerebellar gray and white matter volume and their relation with age and manual motor performance in healthy older adults
Authors: Koppelmans Vincent , Hirsiger Sarah , Mérillat Susan , Jäncke Lutz , Seidler Rachael D.
Published: February 2015

Objectives

Functional neuroimaging and voxel‐based morphometry studies have confirmed the important role of the cerebellum in motor behavior. However, little is known about the relationship between cerebellar gray (GMv) and white matter (WMv) volume and manual motor performance in aging individuals. This study aims to quantify the relationship between cerebellar tissue volume and manual motor performance.

Experimental design

To gain more insight into cerebellar function and how it relates to the role of the primary motor cortex (M1), we related cerebellar GMv, WMv, and M1v to manual motor performance in 217 healthy older individuals. Left and right cerebellar GMv and WMv, and M1v were obtained using FreeSurfer. The following motor measures were obtained: grip force, tapping speed, bimanual visuomotor coordination, and manual dexterity.

Principal observations

Significant positive relationships were observed between cerebellar GMv and WMv and grip strength, right cerebellar WMv and right‐hand tapping speed, right cerebellar WMv and dexterity, M1v and grip strength, and right M1v and left‐hand dexterity, though effect sizes were small.

Conclusions

Our results show that cerebellar GMv and WMv are differently associated with manual motor performance. These associations partly overlap with the brain‐behavior associations between M1 and manual motor performance. Not all observed associations were lateralized (i.e., ipsilateral cerebellar and contralateral M1v associations with motor performance), which could point to age‐related neural dedifferentiation. The current study provides new insights in the role of the cerebellum in manual motor performance. In consideration of the small effect sizes replication studies are needed to validate these results. Hum Brain Mapp 36:2352–2363, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Relationship Between Self‐Rated Health and Hospital Records
Authors: Nielsen Torben Heien
Published: February 2015

This paper investigates whether self‐rated health (SRH) covaries with individual hospital records. By linking the Danish Longitudinal Survey on Ageing with individual hospital records covering all hospital admissions from 1995 to 2006, I show that SRH is correlated to historical, current, and future hospital records. I use both measures separately to control for health in a regression of mortality on wealth. Using only historical and current hospitalization controls for health yields the common result that SRH is a stronger predictor of mortality than objective health measures. The addition of future hospitalizations as controls shows that the estimated gradient on wealth is similar to one in which SRH is the control. The results suggest that with a sufficiently long time series of individual records, objective health measures can predict mortality to the same extent as global self‐rated measures. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Association of angiotensin‐converting enzyme gene polymorphism with schizophrenia and depressive symptom severity in a Chinese population
Authors: Hui Li , Wu Jing Qin , Ye Min Jie , Zheng Ke , He Jin Cai , Zhang Xuan , Liu Jia Hong , Tian Hai Jia , Gong Ben Hong , Chen Da Chun , Lv Meng Han , Soares Jair C. , Zhang Xiang Yang
Published: February 2015

Background

Depressive symptoms are frequently observed in schizophrenia patients. Angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE), a key enzyme of renin‐angiotensin system, can catalyze the degradation of neuropeptides and modulate dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission. Previous studies have revealed the association of the ACE gene insertion/deletion polymorphism with depressive disorder and its treatment response but not with the depressive symptoms in schizophrenia.

Objective

The aim of this study is to examine whether this polymorphism was associated with susceptibility to schizophrenia and with its psychopathological symptoms, especially depressive symptoms in a Han Chinese population.

Methods

This polymorphism was genotyped in 382 chronic patients and 538 healthy controls. Psychopathology was characterised using the positive and negative syndrome scale.

Results

The allelic and genotypic frequencies of this polymorphism significantly differed between patients and controls (both p < 0.001). A significant difference in the positive and negative syndrome scale depressive symptom score was observed among the three genotypes (p < 0.03), with higher score in patients with insertion/insertion (I/I) than with deletion/deletion (D/D) genotypes (p < 0.05). Furthermore, there was a significant linear correlation between the number of I alleles and the depressive symptom score (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The ACE gene insertion/deletion polymorphism may play a role in susceptibility to schizophrenia and also in its depressive symptom severity in a Han Chinese population. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stemflow and throughfall contributions to soil water recharge under trees with differing branch architectures
Authors: Bialkowski R. , Buttle J. M.
Published: February 2015

Trees whose branches slope towards or away from the bole differ in the spatial pattern of water delivery to the soil surface beneath their canopies. This study examines the implications of these differences for soil water recharge below 1 m depth in a managed forest on the Oak Ridges Moraine in southern Ontario. Throughfall and vertical profiles of soil water content at varying distances from the boles of a sugar maple and two red pines of differing ages (36 and 57 years old) were measured during rainfall inputs in the summer of 2009 and in the spring/early summer of 2010. Stemflow fluxes were estimated using measurements on nearby trees with similar morphologies. A water balance approach was used to estimate recharge at each distance from the bole, as well as for the entire sampled area beneath each tree's canopy. Throughfall was more than 1.3 times above‐canopy rainfall within 0.5 m of the bole of the sugar maple, and stemflow volumes were at least an order‐of‐magnitude greater than those for the pines in both 2009 and 2010. These focused inputs resulted in greater near‐bole soil water contents and soil water recharge in excess of above‐canopy rainfall within 0.3 m of the sugar maple bole. In contrast, both young and old pines showed no significant trends in throughfall with distance from the bole, and minor stemflow volumes made insignificant contributions to recharge near the pine boles. Recharge was significantly greater than 0 beneath the canopy of all three trees in both years and was generally similar between trees. The exception was recharge beneath the sugar maple in 2010, which exceeded that of the young red pine as a result of the former's large stemflow fluxes. Results suggest the transition from red pine plantations to mixed hardwood‐conifer stands will not alter total soil water recharge during spring and summer rainfall inputs; nevertheless, it will generate marked changes in the spatial pattern of sub‐canopy recharge in this forest landscape on the Oak Ridges Moraine. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Effects of Androgens on Murine Cortical Bone Do Not Require AR or ERα Signaling in Osteoblasts and Osteoclasts
Authors: Ucer Serra , Iyer Srividhya , Bartell Shoshana M , Martin-Millan Marta , Han Li , Kim Ha-Neui , Weinstein Robert S , Jilka Robert L , O'Brien Charles A , Almeida Maria , Manolagas Stavros C
Published: February 2015

In men, androgens are critical for the acquisition and maintenance of bone mass in both the cortical and cancellous bone compartment. Male mice with targeted deletion of the androgen receptor (AR) in mature osteoblasts or osteocytes have lower cancellous bone mass, but no cortical bone phenotype. We have investigated the possibility that the effects of androgens on the cortical compartment result from AR signaling in osteoprogenitors or cells of the osteoclast lineage; or via estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) signaling in either or both of these two cell types upon conversion of testosterone to estradiol. To this end, we generated mice with targeted deletion of an AR or an ERα allele in the mesenchymal (ARf/y;Prx1-Cre or ERαf/f;Osx1-Cre) or myeloid cell lineage (ARf/y;LysM-Cre or ERαf/f;LysM-Cre) and their descendants. Male ARf/y;Prx1-Cre mice exhibited decreased bone volume and trabecular number, and increased osteoclast number in the cancellous compartment. Moreover, they did not undergo the loss of cancellous bone volume and trabecular number caused by orchidectomy (ORX) in their littermate controls. In contrast, ARf/y;LysM-Cre, ERαf/f;Osx1-Cre, or ERαf/f;LysM-Cre mice had no cancellous bone phenotype at baseline and lost the same amount of cancellous bone as their controls following ORX. Most unexpectedly, adult males of all four models had no discernible cortical bone phenotype at baseline, and lost the same amount of cortical bone as their littermate controls after ORX. Recapitulation of the effects of ORX by AR deletion only in the ARf/y;Prx1-Cre mice indicates that the effects of androgens on cancellous bone result from AR signaling in osteoblasts—not on osteoclasts or via aromatization. The effects of androgens on cortical bone mass, on the other hand, do not require AR or ERα signaling in any cell type across the osteoblast or osteoclast differentiation lineage. Therefore, androgens must exert their effects indirectly by actions on some other cell type(s) or tissue(s). © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Synthesis of Novel Indolo‐Spirocyclic Compounds
Authors: El‐Sayed Mardia T. , Mahmoud Kazem , Hilgeroth Andreas , Fakhr Issa M. I.
Published: February 2015

In the present work, we succeeded to synthesize the novel indolo‐spirocyclic compounds (4, 5, 6, 7 and 11) via electrophilic condensation reactions of indoles with carbonyl compounds including different types of ketones, for example, heteroacetyl ketones (3‐acetylindole and 3‐acetylpyridine), cyclohexanone, isatin, cyclohexane‐1,4‐dione, whereas an attempt to prepare the spirocyclic 9 failed. This new idea will open a high prospective for continuous investigations related to the synthesis of novel indolo‐spirocyclic compounds.
Impact of two different sized Stevenson screens on air temperature measurements
Authors: Buisan Samuel T. , Azorin‐Molina Cesar , Jimenez Yolanda
Published: February 2015

In this study we evaluated the impact of the size of two naturally ventilated wooden Stevenson screens on air temperature measurements in the first‐order meteorological station of Calamocha (northeastern Iberian Peninsula, Spain). The 1‐year field experiment consisted of comparing air temperatures measured at the two most commonly sized Stevenson screens used by the Spanish Meteorological State Agency (AEMET) since last century; the medium‐sized Stevenson screen employed at the second‐order weather stations,versusthe large‐sized Stevenson screen mainly used at the first‐order meteorological stations. The main objective was to report the air temperature difference between these two differently sized Stevenson screens, and to study the impact on the observed differences of some weather elements (i.e. relative humidity, wind speed, total cloud cover, atmospheric pressure and global solar radiation). The results show that the medium‐sized Stevenson screen tended to overheat daily maximum air temperatures (0.54 °C on yearly average) and also air temperatures recorded at 1300 UTC. The differences on daily minimum air temperatures were negligible (−0.11 °C on yearly average). This overheating bias (not statistically significant) occurred under anticyclonic situations that lead to clear skies, high solar radiation, weak winds and low relative humidity. The bias appeared throughout the whole year but in particular during the warm season from May through October. Air temperature observations from the nearby station Daroca confirmed an overheating bias introduced by a change from a large‐sized Stevenson screen to a medium‐sized one in Calamocha.
Regionalization of snowfall frequency and trends over the contiguous United States
Authors: Kluver Daria , Leathers Daniel
Published: February 2015

This study examines the regional variations in the frequency of snowfall across the conterminous United States from 1930 to 2007. Principal components analysis and cluster analysis are used to group stations together based on the main modes of variation in snowfall frequency. Results indicate the existence of seven unique snowfall regions, which correspond to predominant storm tracks across the United States. These are the southeast, the south central Plains and southwest, the Ohio River Valley and mid‐Atlantic, the Pacific Northwest, and three sub‐regions in the Upper‐Midwest. Quantile regression reveals that the distribution functions of each region's snowfall frequency are different and in some regions, changing over time. The northern part of the Upper‐Midwest is experiencing increasing trends in all percentiles of snowfall frequencies, the Pacific northwest is experiencing declines in greater than median snowfall frequencies, and the southeast is seeing a decline in extreme frequency years. Correlation analysis between large‐scale teleconnection patterns and regionally averaged snowfall frequencies corroborate previous findings and indicate specific forcing mechanisms for snowfall frequency in each region.
Impact of casein and egg white proteins on the structure of wheat gluten‐based protein‐rich food
Authors: Wouters Arno GB , Rombouts Ine , Lagrain Bert , Delcour Jan A
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUND

There is a growing interest in texturally and nutritionally satisfying vegetable alternatives to meat. Wheat gluten proteins have unique functional properties but a poor nutritional value in comparison to animal proteins. This study investigated the potential of egg white and bovine milk casein with well‐balanced amino acid composition to increase the quality of wheat gluten‐based protein‐rich foods.

RESULTS

Heating a wheat gluten (51.4 g)–water (100.0 mL) blend for 120 min at 100 °C increased its firmness less than heating a wheat gluten (33.0 g)–freeze‐dried egg white (16.8 g)–water (100.0 mL) blend. In contrast, the addition of casein to the gluten–water blend negatively impacted firmness after heating. Firmness was correlated with loss of protein extractability in sodium dodecyl sulfate containing medium during heating, which was higher with egg white than with casein. Even more, heat‐induced polymerization of the gluten–water blend with egg white but not with casein was greater than expected from the losses in extractability of gluten and egg white on their own.

CONCLUSION

Structure formation was favored by mixing gluten with egg white but not with casein. These observations were linked to the intrinsic polymerization behavior of egg white and casein, but also to their interaction with gluten. Thus not all nutritionally suitable proteins can be used for enrichment of gluten‐based protein‐rich foods. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Anti‐hyperglycemic and anti‐hyperlipidemic effects of Vaccinium myrtillus fruit in experimentally induced diabetes (antidiabetic effect of Vaccinium myrtillus fruit)
Authors: Asgary Sedigheh , RafieianKopaei Mahmood , Sahebkar Amirhossein , Shamsi Fatemeh , Goli‐malekabadi Najmeh
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder that is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Vaccinium myrtillus (bilberry) is a useful plant with antidiabetic properties in traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of bilberry against DM. Diabetes was induced using intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (120 mg kg−1 body weight (BW)). Bilberry powder (2 g d−1) and glibenclamide (positive control; 0.6 mg kg−1 BW) were administered for 4 weeks following alloxan injection. Serum glucose, insulin, total cholesterol (TC), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), very‐low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL‐C), triglycerides (TG) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) were determined at baseline and at 2nd and 4th week of the study.

RESULTS

Bilberry supplementation resulted in a significant reduction of glucose compared with the diabetic control as well as glibenclamide treatment. Bilberry elevated insulin, reduced TC, LDL‐C, VLDL‐C and TG levels, and prevented HDL‐C decline. Serum insulin, TC and LDL‐C levels were not affected by glibenclamide, and CRP did not significantly change with either bilberry or glibenclamide. Histological examinations revealed a significant elevation of islet size in the bilberry and glibenclamide‐treated groups.

CONCLUSION

Dietary supplementation with bilberry fruits may protect against impaired glucose and lipid metabolism in DM. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
An electrostatic discharge model for thin‐film transistor fabrication
Authors: Denson Bill
Published: February 2015

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is a significant cause of yield loss in thin‐film transistor (TFT) array manufacturing. TFT arrays are at increased risk relative to other electronic components because the TFTs are unprotected; the array has a large inherent capacitance, and TFT processing includes many chucking and conveyance steps that result in triboelectric charge generation. To reduce or eliminate ESD‐caused fallout, an understanding must be gained of an ESD event's fundamental physics, including the mechanism of charge generation, ESD event physics, and TFT failure modes.

An equivalent circuit model has been developed to address the physics of how ESD events occur. The ESD event scenarios modeled with this circuit are as follows: (1) the substrate glass is lifted from the chuck, resulting in a non‐uniform static charge; (2) this charge induces a voltage on the A‐side components; (3) the substrate is lifted, causing a voltage increases; (4) the uneven charge generated results in voltage gradients between TFTs, resulting in an ESD event. This model combines the effects of TFT substrate lifting and charge generation, with a simplified equivalent circuit representing the TFT array. The behavior of this circuit was simulated with a spice model (Electronics Research Laboratory of the University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.) to characterize the ESD pulse.
Development and validation of a generic liquid chromatographic method for the simultaneous determination of five commonly used antimalarial drugs: Application to pharmaceutical formulations and human plasma
Authors: Mannemala Sai Sandeep , Nagarajan Janaki Sankarachari Krishnan
Published: February 2015

A simple, sensitive, and rapid liquid chromatographic method was developed and validated using diode array detection for the determination of five commonly used antimalarial drugs in pharmaceutical formulations and in human plasma. Chromatographic separation of antimalarial drugs and internal standard (ibuprofen) was achieved on a C18 column with a mobile phase composed of 10 mM dipotassium orthophosphate at pH 3.0, methanol, and acetonitrile in a ratio of 20:38:42 v/v, at a flow rate of 1 mL/min. The analytes were monitored at 220 nm and separated in ˂10 min. The method was validated for linearity, accuracy, precision, limit of quantification, and robustness. Both intra‐ and interday precisions (in terms of %RSD) were lower than 3% and accuracy ranged from 98.1 to 104.5%. Extraction recoveries were ≥96% in plasma. The limits of quantitation for artemether, lumefantrine, pyrimethamine, sulfadoxine, and mefloquine were 0.3, 0.03, 0.06, 0.15, and 0.15 μg/mL in human plasma. Stability under various conditions was also investigated. The method was successfully applied for quantification of antimalarial drugs in marketed formulations and in spiked human plasma. The method can be employed for routine QC purposes and in pharmacokinetic investigations.
Degradation of discarded appendicularian houses by oncaeid copepods
Authors: Nishibe Yuichiro , Takahashi Kazutaka , Ichikawa Tadafumi , Hidaka Kiyotaka , Kurogi Hiroaki , Segawa Kyohei , Saito Hiroaki
Published: February 2015

We examined the degradation of discarded appendicularian houses due to feeding by oncaeid copepods in surface waters of the Kuroshio region. Vertical distributions of oncaeid copepods and discarded houses were investigated by optical sampling using a video plankton recorder (VPR). In situ VPR observations revealed that oncaeid copepods were commonly associated with discarded houses: the proportion of individuals attached to discarded houses reached saturated values of 25‐39% at house concentrations above 2000 houses m−3, suggesting that feeding by oncaeids was not limited by encounters at house concentrations typically observed in the upper 50 m. Laboratory observations confirmed that oncaeid copepods attached to the surface of discarded houses and ingested both house membranes and adhering particles. Individual feeding rates of the dominant Oncaea species, O. venusta and O. media, determined by measuring fecal pellet production and assimilation efficiency, varied from 0.13 μg C ind.−1 d−1 to 1.3 μg C ind.−1 d−1 (10‐37% body C d−1). Our results indicate that the oncaeid copepod community consumed up to 10% of house biomass each day in the upper 100 m of the water column, and show that through their close trophic coupling with discarded appendicularian houses, the oncaeids contribute significantly to house degradation in surface waters.
An inland sea high nitrate‐low chlorophyll (HNLC) region with naturally high pCO2
Authors: Murray James W. , Roberts Emily , Howard Evan , O'Donnell Michael , Bantam Cory , Carrington Emily , Foy Mike , Paul Barbara , Fay Amanda
Published: February 2015

We present a time series of data for temperature, salinity, nitrate, and carbonate chemistry from September 2011 to July 2013 at the University of Washington's Friday Harbor Laboratories. Samples were collected at the Friday Harbor dock and pump house. Seawater conditions at Friday Harbor were high nitrate‐low chlorophyll, with average nitrate and pCO2 concentrations of ∼ 25 ± 5 μmol L−1 and ∼ 700 ± 103 μatm (pH 7.80 ± 0.06). Transient decreases in surface water nitrate and pCO2 corresponded with the timing of a spring bloom (April through June). The high nitrate and pCO2 originate from the high values for these parameters in the source waters to the Salish Sea from the California Undercurrent (CU). These properties are due to natural aerobic respiration in the region where the CU originates, which is the oxygen minimum zone in the eastern tropical North Pacific. Alkalinity varies little so the increase in pCO2 is due to inputs of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC). This increase in DIC can come from both natural aerobic respiration within the ocean and input of anthropogenic CO2 from the atmosphere when the water was last at the sea surface. We calculated that the anthropogenic “ocean acidification” contribution to DIC in the source waters of the CU was 36 μmol L−1. This contribution ranged from 13% to 22% of the total increase in DIC, depending on which stoichiometry was used for C/O2 ratio (Redfield vs. Hedges). The remaining increase in DIC was due to natural aerobic respiration.
Turbulence effects on phytoplankton morphofunctional traits selection
Authors: Fraisse Stéphane , Bormans Myriam , Lagadeuc Yvan
Published: February 2015

Turbulence can regulate phytoplankton community structure in aquatic ecosystems by affecting sedimentation and nutrient acquisition. In rivers, nutrient concentrations are often high enough to sustain phytoplankton growth without limitation. Hence, turbulence mainly acts on phytoplankton by controlling its vertical position in such ecosystems. We conducted a laboratory experiment to see if the response of phytoplankton to turbulence could be predicted from morphofunctional traits related to sinking velocity and maximum growth rate. Turbulence was generated by horizontally oscillating grid systems in three 5 L chambers, which also constituted three chemostats. Two turbulence levels typical of lowland rivers (ɛ = 7.9 × 10−5 m2 s−3 and ɛ = 7.8 × 10−3 m2 s−3) were tested on an experimental community composed of six species from different taxonomic lineages. The species selected displayed different values for five morphofunctional traits related to sinking velocity and maximum growth rate (S : V ratio, algal unit size, density, shape, and motility). We showed that community structure could be partly predicted from morphofunctional traits. Under low turbulence (LT) (ɛ = 7.9 × 10−5 m2 s−3), species displaying traits leading to high sinking velocity (i.e., large size and high density) were unable to sustain stable populations, whereas species which displayed the opposite traits (i.e., small size, flattened shape, or low density) dominated the community. Furthermore, one of the six species exhibited phenotypic plasticity in size and could adapt to both high and LT conditions.© 2014 Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography
Tuning of Sol–Gel Transition in the Mixed Polymer Micelle Solutions of Copolymer Mixtures Consisting of Enantiomeric Diblock and Triblock Copolymers of Polylactide and Poly(ethylene glycol)
Authors: Hsu Yu‐I. , Masutani Kazunari , Yamaoka Tetsuji , Kimura Yoshiharu
Published: February 2015

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is partially furanylated with different feed ratios of furfuryl isocyanate and used as the macro initiator of ring‐opening polymerization of l‐ and d‐lactides to synthesize copolymer mixtures of furan‐terminated AB diblock and ABA triblock copolymers (poly(oxyethylene)–poly(l‐lactide)/poly(l‐lactide)–poly(oxyethylene)–poly(l‐lactide) and poly(oxyethylene–poly(d‐lactide)/poly(d‐lactide)–poly(oxyethylene)–poly‐(d‐lactide)) having different diblock/triblock ratios. The mixed micelle solutions of these enantiomeric copolymer mixtures undergo sol‐to‐gel or gel‐to‐sol transition depending on the diblock/triblock ratio of the copolymer mixtures. The rheological properties of the mixed micelle solutions could also be controlled by changing the diblock/triblock ratios or the initial furanylation ratio of PEG.

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Influence of Processing Conditions on Properties of Poly (Vinyl acetate)/Cellulose Nanocrystal Nanocomposites
Authors: Sapkota Janak , Kumar Sandeep , Weder Christoph , Foster E. Johan
Published: February 2015

We investigated how different processing methods affect the morphology and mechanical properties of nanocomposites made from poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs). Homogeneously mixed reference PVAc/CNC nanocomposites of various compositions were first prepared by solution casting. These materials were post‐processed by mixing in a roller blade mixer (RBM) or a twin‐screw extruder (TSE) and subsequent compression molding. Transmission electron microscopy was used to elucidate the dispersion and size distribution of the CNCs and these data were correlated with the materials' mechanical properties. While RBM processed composites are virtually indistinguishable from the solution‐cast reference materials, TSE processing led to mechanical degradation of the CNCs and resulted materials with inferior mechanical properties. Direct RBM mixing of PVAc and CNCs was also explored. This process afforded materials that are much stiffer than the neat matrix, but did not reach the levels of the reference series.
Effects of the phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor Tadalafil on bladder function in a rat model of partial bladder outlet obstruction
Authors: Kawai Yuko , Oka Michiko , Yoshinaga Ryohei , Fuchikami Chiaki , Oyama Tatsuya
Published: February 2015

Aims

To investigate the effect of the phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor Tadalafil on bladder blood flow and bladder function in a rat model of partial bladder outlet obstruction (BOO).

Methods

Female 14–15‐week‐old Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into three groups. BOO was surgically induced in rats by placing a rubber ring around the urethra. BOO rats were administered daily oral Tadalafil (BOO‐Tadalafil) or vehicle (BOO‐Vehicle), while sham‐operated animals were treated with vehicle (Sham). On the 14th day after surgery, micturition behavior was recorded for 24 hr by using a metabolic cage. On the 15th day after surgery, bladder blood flow and bladder weight were measured. The expression of PDE5 mRNA in the vesical and iliac arteries of intact rats was measured by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction.

Results

BOO led to a significant decrease in bladder blood flow and a significant increase in bladder weight. These changes were partially suppressed by Tadalafil treatment. The number of micturitions in the BOO group was significantly increased and the average micturition volume was significantly decreased, without affecting the total micturition volume. Repeated Tadalafil treatment markedly inhibited the increase in micturition frequency and the decrease in average micturition volume. PDE5 mRNA was expressed in the vesical and iliac arteries.

Conclusion

Tadalafil suppressed the reduction in bladder blood flow caused by BOO in rats and improved urinary function. This action of Tadalafil may contribute to its amelioration of bladder function. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:444–449, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantitative Determination of Secoiridoids and Phenylpropanoids in Different Extracts of Ligustrum Vulgare L. Leaves by a Validated HPTLC–Photodensitometry Method
Authors: Czerwińska Monika E. , Ziarek Marlena , Bazylko Agnieszka , Osińska Ewa , Kiss Anna K.
Published: February 2015

Introduction

The genus Ligustrum (Oleaceae) is distributed in Europe and Asia (south China and Korea), where it is used to prevent hypertension, sore throats, inflammation and diabetes. The main groups of compounds in extracts of Ligustrum vulgare are biologically active secoiridoids and phenylpropanoids.

Objectives

The aim of the study was primarily the development and validation of a HPTLC–photodensitometry method for separation and determination of secoiridoids (oleacein, oleuropein) and phenylpropanoids (echinacoside) in different extracts prepared from leaves of L. vulgare. A secondary issue was the quantitative screening of oleacein, oleuropein and echinacoside in extracts from leaves collected at different stages of plant growth (from May to September).

Methods

A HPTLC–photodensitometry method was developed and validated for quantification of oleuropein, oleacein and echinacoside in plant extracts (aqueous and ethanolic extract, decoction, infusion). Silica gel was used as the stationary phase and dichloromethane:methanol:formic acid:water (80:25:1.5:4, v/v/v/v) as the mobile phase.

Results

The HPTLC–photodensitometry method developed for quantification of oleacein, oleuropein and echinacoside was specific, accurate and precise. The presence of oleacein was detected in aqueous extracts, whereas oleuropein was present, in particular, in ethanolic extracts, decoctions and infusions. Echinacoside was detected in all the extracts prepared. The content of secoiridoids was variable from May to September, whereas the amount of echinacoside increased in this term.

Conclusion

The developed and validated HPTLC–photodensitometry method allowed performing fast screening of quantitative profiles of oleacein, oleuropein and echinacoside in preparations of privet leaves. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Incidental prostate cancer in Asian men: High prevalence of incidental prostatic adenocarcinoma in Chinese patients undergoing radical cystoprostatectomy for treatment of bladder cancer and selection of candidates for prostate‐sparing cystectomy
Authors: Yang Xinyu , Monn M. Francesca , Liu Libo , Liu Yuli , Su Jinwei , Lyu Tianjing , Gong Yanqing , Wang Lisha , Davidson Darrell D. , Cheng Liang
Published: February 2015

Background

Previous studies report a low prevalence of incidental prostate cancer in Chinese patients (3–7%). We evaluated incidental prostatic adenocarcinoma (PCa) and urothelial carcinoma (UCa) involvement of the prostate in cystoprostatectomy specimens.

Methods

We analyzed 340 cystoprostatectomy specimens from patients who underwent radical cystoprostatectomy for the treatment of bladder cancer in China from 2004 to 2014. None of the patients had known prostate cancer prior to cystoprostatectomy.

Results

Overall, 180 (53%) patients had either PCa or UCa in the prostate. We found that 95 (28%) had PCa and 115 (34%) had UCa involvement of prostate. The rate of incidental prostate cancer was 21% and 31%, respectively, from two study periods (2004–2008 and 2009–2014). Among the 95 patients with PCa, 19 (20%) had Gleason score of ≥7, nine (10%) had PCa tumor volume >0.5 cc, and eight (8.4%) had extracapsular extension. Of the 115 with prostatic UCa, 61 had prostatic urethra and/or periurethral prostatic duct involvement only, while 54 had prostatic stromal invasion. Age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.04, P = 0.001), increasing stage of bladder tumor (OR = 1.28, P = 0.005), multifocal tumors of bladder (OR = 3.22, P < 0.001), carcinoma in situ (CIS) in the bladder (OR = 5.52, P < 0.001), and bladder neck involvement (OR = 6.12, P < 0.001) were strongly associated with prostatic UCa.

Conclusions

The rate of incidental PCa in cystoprostatectomy specimens in China has increased over the last decade. Patients with advanced age, elevated serum PSA level, advanced bladder tumor stage, multifocal bladder tumors, CIS in the bladder, and tumor location at the bladder neck should be excluded as candidates for prostate‐sparing cystectomy. Prostate 75:845–854, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The anisotropic character of Snoek relaxation in FeC system: A kinetic Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Xiao Shifang , Yin Fuxing , Hu Wangyu
Published: February 2015

Kinetic Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics simulations, with interatomic interaction described by an embedded atom method, have been performed to study the Snoek relaxation behavior in FeC alloy. The reorientation of elastic dipole under uniaxial cycle stress is modeled with kinetic Monte Carlo and the corresponding anelastic stain resulted by the reorientation is calculated from molecular dynamics. Internal friction is obtained directly in terms of energy definition. The results indicate the calculated Snoek relaxation profiles are in good agreement with those of experiments and linear point defect theory with characteristic temperature corresponding to Snoek peak being 320 ± 5 K at the stress frequency of 1 Hz. The fitted shape factors of elastic dipole from the concentration‐dependent and orientation‐dependent Snoek profiles are consistent, with the value of about 0.72. This method can realize microstructural evolution and kinetic process, which is promising for investigating the Snoek relaxation in concentrated interstitial alloys and complex alloy system with substitutional elements.
Quantum chemical studies of asymmetric reactions: Historical aspects and recent examples
Authors: Hopmann Kathrin H.
Published: February 2015

Asymmetric catalysis is essential for the synthesis of chiral compounds such as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, fragrances, and flavors. For rational improvement of asymmetric reactions, detailed mechanistic insights are required. The usefulness of quantum mechanical studies for understanding the stereocontrol of asymmetric reactions was first demonstrated around 40 years ago, with impressive developments since then: from single‐point Hartree–Fock/STO‐3G calculations on small organic molecules (1970s), to the first full reaction pathway involving a metal‐complex (1980s), to the beginning of the density functional theory‐area, albeit typically involving truncated models (1990s), to current state‐of‐the‐art calculations reporting free energies of complete organometallic systems, including solvent and dispersion corrections. The combined studies show that the stereocontrol in asymmetric reactions largely is exerted by nonbonding interactions, including CH/π attraction and repulsive forces. The ability to rationalize experimental results opens up for the possibility to predict enantioselectivities or to design novel catalysts on basis of in silico results. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A virtual reality‐based method of decreasing transmission time of visual feedback for a tele‐operative robotic catheter operating system
Authors: Guo Jin , Guo Shuxiang , Tamiya Takashi , Hirata Hideyuki , Ishihara Hidenori
Published: February 2015

Background

An Internet‐based tele‐operative robotic catheter operating system was designed for vascular interventional surgery, to afford unskilled surgeons the opportunity to learn basic catheter/guidewire skills, while allowing experienced physicians to perform surgeries cooperatively. Remote surgical procedures, limited by variable transmission times for visual feedback, have been associated with deterioration in operability and vascular wall damage during surgery.

Methods

At the patient's location, the catheter shape/position was detected in real time and converted into three‐dimensional coordinates in a world coordinate system. At the operation location, the catheter shape was reconstructed in a virtual‐reality environment, based on the coordinates received. The data volume reduction significantly reduced visual feedback transmission times.

Results

Remote transmission experiments, conducted over inter‐country distances, demonstrated the improved performance of the proposed prototype. The maximum error for the catheter shape reconstruction was 0.93 mm and the transmission time was reduced considerably.

Conclusions

The results were positive and demonstrate the feasibility of remote surgery using conventional network infrastructures. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Label‐Free Tracking of Single Organelle Transportation in Cells with Nanometer Precision Using a Plasmonic Imaging Technique
Authors: Yang Yunze , Yu Hui , Shan Xiaonan , Wang Wei , Liu Xianwei , Wang Shaopeng , Tao Nongjian
Published: February 2015

Imaging and tracking of nano‐ and micrometer‐sized organelles in cells with nanometer precision is crucial for understanding cellular behaviors at the molecular scale. Because of the fast intracellular dynamic processes, the imaging and tracking method must also be fast. In addition, to ensure that the observed dynamics is relevant to the native functions, it is critical to keep the cells under their native states. Here, a plasmonics‐based imaging technique is demonstrated for studying the dynamics of organelles in 3D with high localization precision (5 nm) and temporal (10 ms) resolution. The technique is label‐free and can track subcellular structures in the native state of the cells. Using the technique, nanometer steps of organelle (e.g., mitochondria) transportation are observed along neurite microtubules in primary neurons, and the 3D structure of neurite microtubule bundles is reconstructed at the nanometer scale from the tracks of the moving organelles.
Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycans Negatively Modulate Spinal Cord Neural Precursor Cells by Signaling Through LAR and RPTPσ and Modulation of the Rho/ROCK Pathway
Authors: Dyck Scott M. , Alizadeh Arsalan , Santhosh Kallivalappil T. , Proulx Evan H. , Wu Chia-Lun , Karimi-Abdolrezaee Soheila
Published: February 2015

Multipotent adult neural precursor cells (NPCs) have tremendous intrinsic potential to repair the damaged spinal cord. However, evidence shows that the regenerative capabilities of endogenous and transplanted NPCs are limited in the microenvironment of spinal cord injury (SCI). We previously demonstrated that injury-induced upregulation of matrix chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) restricts the survival, migration, integration, and differentiation of NPCs following SCI. CSPGs are long-lasting components of the astroglial scar that are formed around the lesion. Our recent in vivo studies demonstrated that removing CSPGs from the SCI environment enhances the potential of transplanted and endogenous adult NPCs for spinal cord repair; however, the mechanisms by which CSPGs regulate NPCs remain unclear. In this study, using in vitro models recapitulating the extracellular matrix of SCI, we investigated the direct role of CSPGs in modulating the properties of adult spinal cord NPCs. We show that CSPGs significantly decrease NPCs growth, attachment, survival, proliferation, and oligodendrocytes differentiation. Moreover, using genetic models, we show that CSPGs regulate NPCs by signaling on receptor protein tyrosine phosphate sigma (RPTPσ) and leukocyte common antigen-related phosphatase (LAR). Intracellularly, CSPGs inhibitory effects are mediated through Rho/ROCK pathway and inhibition of Akt and Erk1/2 phosphorylation. Downregulation of RPTPσ and LAR and blockade of ROCK in NPCs attenuates the inhibitory effects of CSPGS. Our work provide novel evidence uncovering how upregulation of CSPGs challenges the response of NPCs in their post-SCI niche and identifies new therapeutic targets for enhancing NPC-based therapies for SCI repair. Stem Cells  2015;33:2550–2563
Prediction of small‐for‐gestational‐age neonates: screening by fetal biometry at 19–24 weeks
Authors: Lesmes C. , Gallo D. M. , Panaiotova J. , Poon L. C. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACT

Objective

To investigate the value of fetal biometry at 19–24 weeks' gestation in the prediction of delivery of small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) neonates, in the absence of pre‐eclampsia (PE), and examine the potential value of such assessment in deciding whether the third‐trimester scan should be at 32 and/or 36 weeks' gestation.

Methods

This was a screening study in 88 187 singleton pregnancies, including 5003 (5.7%) that delivered SGA neonates with birth weight < 5th percentile (SGA < 5th). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine if screening by a combination of maternal characteristics and medical history and Z‐scores of fetal head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC) and femur length (FL) had significant contribution in predicting SGA neonates. A model was developed for selecting the gestational age for third‐trimester assessment, at 32 and/or 36 weeks, based on the results of screening at 19–24 weeks.

Results

Combined screening by maternal factors and fetal biometry at 19–24 weeks, predicted 76%, 58% and 44% of SGA < 5th delivering < 32, 32–36 and ≥ 37 weeks' gestation, respectively, at a false‐positive rate (FPR) of 10%. The detection rate (DR) of SGA < 5th delivering at 32–36 weeks improved from 58% to 82% with screening at 32 weeks rather than at 19–24 weeks. Similarly, the DR of SGA < 5th delivering ≥ 37 weeks improved from 44% with screening at 19–24 weeks to 61% and 76% with screening at 32 and 36 weeks, respectively. In a hypothetical model, it was estimated that if the desired objective of prenatal screening is to predict about 80% of the cases of SGA < 5th, it would be necessary to select 28% of the population at the 19–24‐week assessment to be reassessed at 32 weeks and 41% to be reassessed at 36 weeks; in 59% of pregnancies there would be no need for a third‐trimester scan.

Conclusion

Prenatal prediction of a high proportion of SGA neonates necessitates the undertaking of screening in the third trimester of pregnancy, in addition to assessment in the second trimester, and the timing of such screening, either at 32 and/or 36 weeks, should be contingent on the results of the assessment at 19–24 weeks. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Examples of XRF and PIXE imaging with few microns resolution using SLcam® a color X‐ray camera
Authors: Nowak S. H. , Bjeoumikhov A. , von Borany J. , Buchriegler J. , Munnik F. , Petric M. , Renno A. D. , Radtke M. , Reinholz U. , Scharf O. , Strüder L. , Wedell R. , Ziegenrücker R.
Published: February 2015

We present results of recent development of the color X‐ray camera, type SLcam®, allowing detection of X‐ray images with few microns resolution. Such spectral resolution is achieved with the use of high‐quality polycapillary optics combined with sub‐pixel resolution. Imaging of Siemens star resolution test chart reveals that the resolution limit of SLcam® can go down to nearly 5μm. Several real sample examples of measurements carried out at the laboratory, synchrotron, and particle‐induced X‐ray emission beamlines are shown. This is the first time SLcam® is used as particle‐induced X‐ray emission detector. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Public Policy in Early Childhood Education and Care
Authors: Hasan Abrar
Published: February 2015

The paper has two main objectives. First, it presents an analytical framework for examining and developing policies for early childhood education and care (ECEC) in advanced industrialized countries. This framework highlights the link between the fundamental determinants of ECEC policy in terms of society’s view of childhood and their implications for the respective roles of the family and the state, on the one hand, and the relative importance accorded to education versus care, on the other. Second, the paper applies this analytical framework to the policy experience gathered from two rounds of the Thematic Review of ECEC Policy conducted by the OECD in 20 countries. Policy questions of what (types and quality of provision), for whom (access and participation trends), how (level of investment and governance mechanisms), and who pays are examined. The analysis is supplemented by data (mostly referring to 2005) drawn from the second round of the Review and published in Starting Strong II.
Policy Developments in Pre-School Education in Singapore: A Focus on the Key Reforms of Kindergarten Education
Authors: Ting Tan Ching
Published: February 2015

Since 2000, the pre-school landscape in Singapore has been evolving and changing more rapidly than before. The interest of raising the quality of pre-school education is evident in the introduction of new policies and implementation of new initiatives in the last six years. These policy developments have resulted in significant changes in various aspects of the quality standards of pre-school education in Singapore. This paper presents the context of pre-school education policy and practice in Singapore and highlights recent key reforms introduced by the Ministry of Education (MOE) in order to promote quality kindergarten education.
Analysis of the Provision of the Early Childhood Services: A Comparative and Experimental Study of an Under-populated and an Urban Area in Japan
Authors: Kitano Sachiko , Uda Jun
Published: February 2015

Early childhood care and education are not separate issues, but must be considered holistically. The Japanese government started to accredit and promote integrated institutions called Kodomo-en. In order to make political decisions to locate institutions, the provision of the services in local areas needs to be examined. The present study reports the results of experimental and comparative research analyzing how the services are distributed in Akiotacho (an under-populated, intermediate and mountainous area) and Hakataku (an urban area) in Japan. Using a spatial information system, information about the location of the institutions, the distribution maps of the 0–5 year-old population, and characteristics of services provided were computerized. The results made it clear that in Akiotacho, the biggest problem for services was accessibility; the opportunity to get services in convenience. In Hakataku, the main problem was the limited nature of services owing to density of population. In addition, though there are many institutions in Hakataku, it was made clear that the characteristics of services provided in the area are limited even compared to Akiotacho. Our study suggests that more policy studies should be promoted specially dealing with integration and that aspects from local should be promoted.