bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In utero localized diffusion MRI of the embryonic mouse brain microstructure and injury
Authors: Wu Dan , Lei Jun , Rosenzweig Jason M. , Burd Irina , Zhang Jiangyang
Published: December 2014

Purpose

To develop an in vivo diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) technique to study embryonic mouse brain structure and injury.

Materials and Methods

Pregnant CD‐1 mice were examined on embryonic day 17 on an 11.7T scanner. Spatially selective excitation pulses were used to achieve localized imaging of individual mouse brains, in combination with a 3D fast imaging sequence to acquire dMRI at 0.16–0.2 mm isotropic resolution. Subject motions were corrected by navigator echoes and image registration. Further acceleration was achieved by simultaneous imaging of two embryos in an interleaved fashion. We applied this technique to detect embryonic brain injury in a mouse model of intrauterine inflammation.

Results

With the localized imaging technique, we achieved in utero high‐resolution T2‐weighted and dMRI of the embryonic mouse brain for the first time. Early embryonic brain structures were delineated from diffusion tensor images, and major white matter tracts were reconstructed in 3D. Comparison with ex vivo data showed significant changes in the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), but mostly unchanged fractional anisotropy. In the inflammation‐affected embryonic brains, ADC in the cortical regions was reduced at 6 hours after the injury, potentially caused by cellular edema.

Conclusion

The feasibility of in utero dMRI of embryonic mouse brains was demonstrated. The technique is important for noninvasive monitoring of embryonic mouse brain microstructure and injury. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:717–728.
Effect of Elongational Deformation on the Β‐Phase Formation of Poly(vinylidene Fluoride)/Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Composites and Their Piezoelectric Properties
Authors: Im Joon Young , Kim Sehyun , Choi Hyoung Jin , Seo Yongsok
Published: December 2014

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), a polymorphic material, has useful electro active properties such as piezo‐, pyro‐, and ferroelectric properties. The piezoelectric crystallization polymorph is the β‐phase which has an all‐trans (TTTT) conformation, i.e., all of its dipoles aligned in the same direction normal to the chain axis. Elongational deformation was applied to poly(vinylidene fluoride)/multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposites. Its effect on the conversion of the α‐phase crystals into the β‐phase crystals and on the piezoelectric properties was investigated. Elongational deformation of PVDF molecules made it easier for the CF2 groups to arrange themselves in the same conformation by reducing the steric hindrance. However, macro‐deformation was dominant in the drawn films, though the interfacial interaction between the functional groups on the MWCNTs and the CF2 dipole of PVDF chains helped the conversion of α‐phase. Uniform distribution of MWCNT in the electrospun films helps efficient charge accumulation at the interface between the MWCNTs and the matrix PVDF molecules. Depolarization effect occurred in the pressed film due to the excessive charge accumulation was not observed, resulting in the high conversion of α‐phase into β‐phase as well as the enhancement of remanent polarization and the mechanical displacement. Added MWCNT helps the film to be extended without rupturing.
Stretching of Anchored to the Surface a Real Polymer Chain in a Good Solvent: The Massive Field Theory Approach
Authors: Usatenko Zoryana
Published: December 2014

Application of the massive field theory approach in a fixed space dimensions d = 3 up to one loop order for investigation of the elastic properties of a real polymer chain immersed in a good solvent and anchored by one end to the surface and with other end being under tension of the external applied force as it is usually takes place in the single ‐ molecule force spectroscopy experiments. The obtained results include calculations of the dependence of the applied force upon stretching of a real polymer chain in a good solvent on the distance from the repulsive and inert surfaces. Besides, the obtained results are in good qualitative and quantitative agreement with previous theoretical investigations, results of Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations and have important practical applications for understanding of the elastic properties of the individual macromolecules, networks, gels and brush layers.
Mean Field Theory of Diblock Copolymer on Curved Manifolds
Authors: Li Daming , Liang Kewei , Gruhn Thomas
Published: December 2014

We study the phase separation of diblock copolymer on curved manifolds. Based on the path integral on curved manifolds which was extensively studied in quantum mechanics, the mean field model of diblock copolymers on curved manifolds can be derived from the saddle point approximation of the partition function in the canonical ensemble. We adopted the pseudo‐spectral method to solve the mean field equation on four types of two dimensional manifold: 2d flat square, 2‐sphere, 2‐torus and 2 d cylinder. The phase transition of diblock copolymer between the ordered and disordered phase are compared for the first three geometries and found that the effect of the curved geometry on the phase diagram becomes slightly large if the volume fraction of one kind of monomer decreases. We also found that the equilibrium structures on 2‐torus are quite different with those on 2 d flat square, 2‐sphere and 2 d cylinder. Moreover, the calculated equilibrium structures on 2 d cylinder are consistent with the experimental results.
Theoretical Investigation of Adhesion Properties of Polymer Coatings of Metals
Authors: Maksimova Olga , Maksimov Andrei
Published: December 2014

The models for a description of main stages of formation and adhesion processes of polymer coating on the surface of the metal were proposed. The interactions with the surface of the primer layer and the steel sheet were taken into account. On the basis of the Langmuir's lattice model of adsorption, it was shown that there is an optimum temperature mode for drying oven. At this temperature, there is the greatest adhesion of monomers on a surface of a metal sheet. The modified model of “stick tape” was developed that describes the behavior of an adsorbed flexible macromolecule in an effective mean field created by intermolecular interactions with other polymer chains. It was shown that there exists a first order phase transition of the sufficiently large chains from the absorbed state to elongated one. This transition is accompanied by sharp jumps of degree of elongation, energy and heat‐capacity of the chains. It was found that there is an optimal temperature regime for the formation of the covering of metal sheet at which its production becomes the most quality.
Precise Control of Polydopamine Film Formation by Electropolymerization
Authors: Stöckle Bettina , Ng David Yuen Wah , Meier Christoph , Paust Tobias , Bischoff Fabian , Diemant Thomas , Behm Rolf Jürgen. , Gottschalk Kay‐E. , Ziener Ulrich , Weil Tanja
Published: December 2014

Dopamine offers the possibility to build polymer films on any substrates via an oxidative process. This redox process cannot only be used for self‐oxidation in air, but also in an electrochemical deposition process using cyclic voltammetry. Electropolymerization provides the opportunity to customize film thicknesses on surfaces detectable by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The topography and nanomechanical properties of the films have been characterized in liquid via AFM. Electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) allows the determination of the deposited polymer quantities during the polymerization process and the ultra‐thin films have been detected by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR).
Impact of Molecular Architectures on the Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Multi‐Phase Polymer Networks
Authors: Wang Li , Nöchel Ulrich , Fang Liang , Kratz Karl , Lendlein Andreas
Published: December 2014

Multiphase copolymer networks (CLEG) composed of crystallizable poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) and crystallizable poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) segments can exhibit a pronounced triple‐shape effect in the dry state or a dual‐shape effect in the water swollen, hydrogel state. We hypothesize that by adjusting the network architecture of CLEG copolymers networks the swelling behavior, the thermal and mechanical properties, as well as the crystal structure of PEG and PCL domains can be tailored. Here, we studied CLEG materials with a fixed PCL/PEG weight ratio but different polymer network architectures, whereby the PEG segments were incorporated as grafted side chains or as network chains connecting two netpoints. The prepared CLEGs were analyzed regarding their gel contents, swelling behavior, thermal and mechanical properties and finally the crystallinity of the polymer networks were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and wide angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS) measurements. High gel content values of G  ≥ 98% were achieved for all copolymer network samples, indicating an almost complete conversion of the reaction precursors. The degree of swelling (Q) determined with water increased from Q ≈ 150% to 223% with increasing poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl monomethacrylate (PEGMMA) content to create more PEG grafted side chains. Only when PEGMMA moieties were present in the CLEG networks two separated melting transitions related to the PCL and PEG segments were obtained, whereby Tm,PEG was found to increase with increasing the PEGMMA weight fraction. Based on this observation it can be assumed that the incorporated poly(ε‐caprolactone) diisocyanoethyl methacrylate PEGDIMA segments forming the main network were not able to form crystallites in CLEG networks. An almost two‐fold decrease in the Younǵs modulus was observed with increasing amounts of grafted PEG side chains, while the elongation at break increased significantly. Based on Mooney‐Rivlin Equations, the crosslinking density increased from 0.10% to 0.21% when PEG segments switched from grafted chains to the network. WAXS and DSC investigations revealed an increase in the degree of crystallinity (DOC) of PEG segments with increasing PEGMMA moieties, while the DOC related to the crystalline PCL domains remained almost constant. The obtained results clearly demonstrated the importance of the molecular architecture in designing polymer networks.
A High Content Screening Assay for Evaluation of Biomaterial‐Mediated Cell Fusion Processes
Authors: Rijckaert Bart , Neffe Axel T. , Roch Toralf , Gebauer Tim , Pierce Benjamin F. , Görs Julia , Smink Jeske J. , Gossen Manfred , Lendlein Andreas , Leutz Achim
Published: December 2014

Biomaterials are of increasing importance in regenerative medicine and entail delivery systems in somatic cell therapies, matrices for tissue engineering or tissue regeneration. The evaluation of biomaterial induced biological effects remains a key issue in clinical application. Cell‐based assays for potential cytotoxic and immunological responses have been developed but are often inadequate to address cell‐type specific responses to biomaterials. To quantitatively monitor attachment, survival, proliferation and fusion‐controlled differentiation of osteoclasts (bone resorbing cells), a High Content Screening (HCS) assay has been developed based on osteoclast differentiation of the murine monocytic cell line RAW 264.7. This assay was applied to investigate the influence of degradation products of polymers from gelatin and lysine diisocyanate, which display tailorable mechanical properties and have potential as biomaterials. The data show that the degradation products inhibit formation of multinuclear osteoclasts and suggest a potential support of bone regeneration by suppression of bone resorption.
Levodopa‐carbidopa intestinal gel in advanced Parkinson's disease: Final 12‐month, open‐label results
Authors: Fernandez Hubert H. , Standaert David G. , Hauser Robert A. , Lang Anthony E. , Fung Victor S.C. , Klostermann Fabian , Lew Mark F. , Odin Per , Steiger Malcolm , Yakupov Eduard Z. , Chouinard Sylvain , Suchowersky Oksana , Dubow Jordan , Hall Coleen M. , Chatamra Krai , Robieson Weining Z. , Benesh Janet A. , Espay Alberto J.
Published: December 2014

Motor complications in Parkinson's disease (PD) are associated with long‐term oral levodopa treatment and linked to pulsatile dopaminergic stimulation. l‐dopa‐carbidopa intestinal gel (LCIG) is delivered continuously by percutaneous endoscopic gastrojejunostomy tube (PEG‐J), which reduces l‐dopa‐plasma–level fluctuations and can translate to reduced motor complications. We present final results of the largest international, prospective, 54‐week, open‐label LCIG study. PD patients with severe motor fluctuations (>3 h/day “off” time) despite optimized therapy received LCIG monotherapy. Additional PD medications were allowed >28 days post‐LCIG initiation. Safety was the primary endpoint measured through adverse events (AEs), device complications, and number of completers. Secondary endpoints included diary‐assessed off time, “on” time with/without troublesome dyskinesia, UPDRS, and health‐related quality‐of‐life (HRQoL) outcomes. Of 354 enrolled patients, 324 (91.5%) received PEG‐J and 272 (76.8%) completed the study. Most AEs were mild/moderate and transient; complication of device insertion (34.9%) was the most common. Twenty‐seven (7.6%) patients withdrew because of AEs. Serious AEs occurred in 105 (32.4%), most commonly complication of device insertion (6.5%). Mean daily off time decreased by 4.4 h/65.6% (P < 0.001). On time without troublesome dyskinesia increased by 4.8 h/62.9% (P < 0.001); on time with troublesome dyskinesia decreased by 0.4 h/22.5% (P = 0.023). Improvements persisted from week 4 through study completion. UPDRS and HRQoL outcomes were also improved throughout. In the advanced PD population, LCIG's safety profile consisted primarily of AEs associated with the device/procedure, l‐dopa/carbidopa, and advanced PD. LCIG was generally well tolerated and demonstrated clinically significant improvements in motor function, daily activities, and HRQoL sustained over 54 weeks. © 2014 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Recommended implementation of arterial spin‐labeled perfusion MRI for clinical applications: A consensus of the ISMRM perfusion study group and the European consortium for ASL in dementia
Authors: Alsop David C. , Detre John A. , Golay Xavier , Günther Matthias , Hendrikse Jeroen , Hernandez‐Garcia Luis , Lu Hanzhang , MacIntosh Bradley J. , Parkes Laura M. , Smits Marion , van Osch Matthias J. P. , Wang Danny J. J. , Wong Eric C. , Zaharchuk Greg
Published: December 2014

This review provides a summary statement of recommended implementations of arterial spin labeling (ASL) for clinical applications. It is a consensus of the ISMRM Perfusion Study Group and the European ASL in Dementia consortium, both of whom met to reach this consensus in October 2012 in Amsterdam. Although ASL continues to undergo rapid technical development, we believe that current ASL methods are robust and ready to provide useful clinical information, and that a consensus statement on recommended implementations will help the clinical community to adopt a standardized approach. In this review, we describe the major considerations and trade‐offs in implementing an ASL protocol and provide specific recommendations for a standard approach. Our conclusion is that as an optimal default implementation, we recommend pseudo‐continuous labeling, background suppression, a segmented three‐dimensional readout without vascular crushing gradients, and calculation and presentation of both label/control difference images and cerebral blood flow in absolute units using a simplified model. Magn Reson Med 73:102–116, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The loss‐averse newsvendor problem with supply options
Authors: Lee Chung‐Yee , Li Xi , Yu Mingzhu
Published: December 2014

In this article, we consider a loss‐averse newsvendor with stochastic demand. The newsvendor might procure options when demand is unknown, and decide how many options to execute only after demand is revealed. If the newsvendor reserves too many options, he would incur high reservation costs. Yet reserving too few could result in lost sales. So the newsvendor faces a trade‐off between reservation costs and losing sales. When there are multiple options available, the newsvendor has to consider how many units of each to reserve by studying the trade‐off between flexibility and costs. We show how the newsvendor's loss aversion behavior affects his ordering decision, and propose an efficient algorithm to compute his optimal solution in the general case with n options. We also present examples showing how the newsvendor's ordering strategy changes as loss aversion rises. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. 62:46–59, 2015
Nonstandard finite difference schemes for a class of generalized convection–diffusion–reaction equations
Authors: Wang Lisha , Roeger L.‐I. W.
Published: December 2014

In this work, a class of nonstandard finite difference (NSFD) schemes are proposed to approximate the solutions of a class of generalized convection–diffusion–reaction equations. First, in the case of no diffusion, two exact finite difference schemes are presented using the method of characteristics. Based on these two exact schemes, a class of exact schemes are presented by introducing a parameter α. Second, since the forms of these exact schemes are so complicated that they are not convenient to use, a class of NSFD schemes are derived from the exact schemes using numerical approximations. It follows that, under certain conditions about denominator function of time‐step sizes, these NSFD schemes are elementary stable and the solutions are positive and bounded. Third, by means of the Mickens' technique of subequations, a new class of implicit NSFD schemes are constructed for the full convection–diffusion–reaction equations. It is shown that, under certain parameters set, these NSFD schemes are capable of preserving the non‐negativity and boundedness of the analytical solutions. Finally, some numerical simulations are provided to verify the validity of our analytical results. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 31: 1288–1309, 2015
Convergence of a level‐set algorithm in scalar conservation laws
Authors: Coronel Aníbal , Cumsille Patricio , Sepúlveda Mauricio
Published: December 2014

This article is concerned with the convergence of the level‐set algorithm introduced by Aslam (J Comput Phys 167 (2001), 413–438) for tracking the discontinuities in scalar conservation laws in the case of linear or strictly convex flux function. The numerical method is deduced by the level‐set representation of the entropy solution: the zero of a level‐set function is used as an indicator of the discontinuity curves and two auxiliary states, which are assumed continuous through the discontinuities, are introduced. We rewrite the numerical level‐set algorithm as a procedure consisting of three big steps: (a) initialization, (b) evolution, and (c) reconstruction. In (a), we choose an entropy admissible level‐set representation of the initial condition. In (b), for each iteration step, we solve an uncoupled system of three equations and select the entropy admissible level‐set representation of the solution profile at the end of the time iteration. In (c), we reconstruct the entropy solution using the level‐set representation. We prove the convergence of the numerical solution to the entropy solution in for every , using ‐weak bounded variation (BV) estimates and a cell entropy inequality. In addition, some numerical examples focused on the elementary wave interaction are presented. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 31: 1310–1343, 2015
Detection of central nervous system involvement in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia by cytomorphology and flow cytometry of the cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Ranta Susanna , Nilsson Frans , Harila‐Saari Arja , Saft Leonie , Tani Edneia , Söderhäll Stefan , Porwit Anna , Hultdin Magnus , Noren‐Nyström Ulrika , Heyman Mats
Published: December 2014

Background

Therapy directed at the central nervous system (CNS) is an essential part of the treatment for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The current evaluation of CNS involvement based on cytomorphological examination of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) alone is not as sensitive with low cell counts as flow cytometric immunophenotyping (FCI) of the CSF. However, the importance of low CSF blasts counts at diagnosis is uncertain. We sought to determine the significance of FCI in relation to conventional morphological examination.

Procedure

We retrospectively compared FCI of the CSF with cytomorphology at diagnosis or relapse of childhood ALL. All patients were diagnosed 2000–2012 in Stockholm or Umeå, Sweden. Clinical data were collected from medical records and the Nordic leukemia registry. Treatment assignment was based on morphological examination only.

Results

The cohort was comprised of 214 patients with ALL. CSF involvement was detected by both methods in 20 patients, in 17 by FCI alone, and in one patient by cytomorphology alone. The relapse rate was higher for patients with negative cytology but positive FCI compared to those without CNS involvement using both methods. The difference was especially marked in the current protocol. However, none of the patients with negative CSF cytology but positive FCI had a CNS relapse.

Conclusions

FCI of the CSF increased the detection rate of CNS involvement of ALL approximately two times compared to cytomorphology. Patients with low‐level CNS involvement may benefit from additional intensified systemic or CNS‐directed therapy, but larger studies are needed. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:951–956. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Management and follow‐up of urothelial neoplasms of the bladder in children: A report from the TREP project
Authors: Di Carlo Daniela , Ferrari Andrea , Perruccio Katia , D'Angelo Paolo , Fagnani Anna Maria , Cecchetto Giovanni , Bisogno Gianni
Published: December 2014

Background

Urothelial neoplasms of the bladder (UNB) are rare in patients under 20 years of age, and even rarer in the first decade of life. The present series was investigated to provide recommendations on patient management in terms of therapeutic strategy and follow‐up.

Procedure

This is a retrospective analysis on 12 patients with UNB under 18 years of age. Data were extracted from the national database of the TREP (Tumori Rari in Età Pediatrica) Project.

Results

Ten of the 12 patients presented with a single episode of hematuria, while the discovery of the lesion was incidental in two. Eleven of the 12 lesions were G1 and one was G2/G3; none of the lesions invaded the lamina propria. All lesions were removed completely by transurethral resection. No further treatment was administered in nine children but three received a single dose of intravesical chemotherapy (epirubicin in 2, mitomycin in 1). Only one patient experienced a recurrence and all patients are alive in complete remission with a median follow‐up of 30 months (range 4–112). Follow‐up investigations varied at the different centers and included abdominal ultrasound in nine patients, cystoscopy in seven, and additional radiological investigations in a few cases.

Conclusions

UNB in children seems to be a low‐grade, scarcely aggressive disease with an excellent prognosis. The role of intravesical chemotherapy is debatable. Follow‐up can be based on ultrasound. The adoption of shared recommendations should enable unnecessary treatment and invasive investigations to be avoided. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:1000–1003. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Low and fixed dose of hydroxyurea is effective and safe in patients with HbSβ+ thalassemia with IVS1‐5(G→C) mutation
Authors: Dehury Snehadhini , Purohit Prasanta , Patel Siris , Meher Satyabrata , Kullu Bipin Kishore , Sahoo Lulup Kumar , Patel Nayan Kumar , Mohapatra Alok Kumar , Das Kishalaya , Patel Dilip Kumar
Published: December 2014

Background

Despite compelling evidence that hydroxyurea is safe and effective in sickle cell disease, it is prescribed sparingly due to several barriers like knowledge gaps in certain genotypes, apprehension about its safety and toxicity, and limited resources. We undertook this study to find out the efficacy and safety of HU in patients with HbSβ+‐thalassemia with IVS1–5(G→C) mutation.

Procedure

We registered 318 patients with HbSβ+‐thalassemia with IVS1–5(G→C) mutation. Of these, 203 were enrolled for hydroxyurea treatment at a low and fixed dose of 10 mg/kg/day. One hundred four patients (Group‐I: 37 children and Group‐II: 67 adults) with ≥2 years of hydroxyurea treatment were studied.

Results

The rate of vaso‐occlusive crises, requirement of blood transfusion and rate of hospitalization reduced from 3 to 0.5, 1 to 0 and 1 to 0 in Group‐I and 3 to 0, 1 to 0 and 0.5 to 0 in Group‐II respectively after HU therapy (P < 0.0001). %HbF level, hemoglobin, MCV and MCH increased significantly, whereas HbS, WBC, platelet count, serum‐bilirubin and LDH levels decreased significantly after HU therapy. It has been observed that along with fairly subtle hematological changes following HU therapy, there was a substantial clinical improvement occurred in these patients. Transient myelotoxicity was observed in 4.8%. There was minimal gonadal toxicity without affecting reproductive function.

Conclusion

In view of easy affordability, better acceptability, minimal toxicity, the need of infrequent monitoring and its potential effectiveness, low and fixed dose of hydroxyurea is suitable for treatment of patients with HbSβ+‐thalassemia in resource poor setting. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:1017–1023. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In‐depth evaluation of software tools for data‐independent acquisition based label‐free quantification
Authors: Kuharev Jörg , Navarro Pedro , Distler Ute , Jahn Olaf , Tenzer Stefan
Published: December 2014

Label‐free quantification (LFQ) based on data‐independent acquisition workflows currently experiences increasing popularity. Several software tools have been recently published or are commercially available. The present study focuses on the evaluation of three different software packages (Progenesis, synapter, and ISOQuant) supporting ion mobility enhanced data‐independent acquisition data. In order to benchmark the LFQ performance of the different tools, we generated two hybrid proteome samples of defined quantitative composition containing tryptically digested proteomes of three different species (mouse, yeast, Escherichia coli). This model dataset simulates complex biological samples containing large numbers of both unregulated (background) proteins as well as up‐ and downregulated proteins with exactly known ratios between samples. We determined the number and dynamic range of quantifiable proteins and analyzed the influence of applied algorithms (retention time alignment, clustering, normalization, etc.) on quantification results. Analysis of technical reproducibility revealed median coefficients of variation of reported protein abundances below 5% for MSE data for Progenesis and ISOQuant. Regarding accuracy of LFQ, evaluation with synapter and ISOQuant yielded superior results compared to Progenesis. In addition, we discuss reporting formats and user friendliness of the software packages. The data generated in this study have been deposited to the ProteomeXchange Consortium with identifier PXD001240 (http://proteomecentral.proteomexchange.org/dataset/PXD001240).
Comparative investigation of seed coats of brown‐ versus yellow‐colored soybean seeds using an integrated proteomics and metabolomics approach
Authors: Gupta Ravi , Min Chul Woo , Kim So Wun , Wang Yiming , Agrawal Ganesh Kumar , Rakwal Randeep , Kim Sang Gon , Lee Byong Won , Ko Jong Min , Baek In Yeol , Bae Dong Won , Kim Sun Tae
Published: December 2014

Seed coat color is an important attribute determining consumption of soybean seeds. Soybean cultivar Mallikong (M) has yellow seed coat while its naturally mutated cultivar Mallikong mutant (MM), has brown colored seed coat. We used integrated proteomics and metabolomics approach to investigate the differences between seed coats of M and MM during different stages of seed development (4, 5, and 6 weeks after flowering). 2DE profiling of total seed coat proteins from three stages showed 178 differentially expressed spots between M and MM of which 172 were identified by MALDI‐TOF/TOF. Of these, 62 were upregulated and 105 were downregulated in MM compared with M, while five spots were detected only in MM. Proteins involved in primary metabolism showed downregulation in MM suggesting energy in MM might be utilized for proanthocyanidin biosynthesis via secondary metabolic pathways that leads to the development of brown seed coat color. Besides, downregulation of two isoforms of isoflavone reductase indicated reduced isoflavones in seed coat of MM that was confirmed by quantitative estimation of total and individual isoflavones using HPLC. We propose that low isoflavones level in MM may offer a high substrate for proanthocyanidin production that results in the development of brown seed coat in MM.
Randomized clinical trial of brewed green and black tea in men with prostate cancer prior to prostatectomy
Authors: Henning Susanne M. , Wang Piwen , Said Jonathan W. , Huang Min , Grogan Tristan , Elashoff David , Carpenter Catherine L. , Heber David , Aronson William J.
Published: December 2014

Background

Preclinical and epidemiologic studies suggest chemopreventive effects of green tea (GT) and black tea (BT) in prostate cancer. In the current study we determined the effect of GT and BT consumption on biomarkers related to prostate cancer development and progression.

Methods

In this exploratory, open label, phase II trial 113 men diagnosed with prostate cancer were randomized to consume six cups daily of brewed GT, BT or water (control) prior to radical prostatectomy (RP). The primary endpoint was prostate tumor markers of cancer development and progression determined by tissue immunostaining of proliferation (Ki67), apoptosis (Bcl‐2, Bax, Tunel), inflammation (nuclear and cytoplasmic nuclear factor kappa B [NFκB]) and oxidation (8‐hydroxydeoxy‐guanosine [8OHdG]). Secondary endpoints of urinary oxidation, tea polyphenol uptake in prostate tissue, and serum prostate specific antigen (PSA) were evaluated by high performance liquid chromatography and ELISA analysis.

Results

Ninety three patients completed the intervention. There was no significant difference in markers of proliferation, apoptosis and oxidation in RP tissue comparing GT and BT to water control. Nuclear staining of NFκB was significantly decreased in RP tissue of men consuming GT (P = 0.013) but not BT (P = 0.931) compared to water control. Tea polyphenols were detected in prostate tissue from 32 of 34 men consuming GT but not in the other groups. Evidence of a systemic antioxidant effect was observed (reduced urinary 8OHdG) only with GT consumption (P = 0.03). GT, but not BT or water, also led to a small but statistically significant decrease in serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels (P = 0.04).

Conclusion

Given the GT‐induced changes in NFκB and systemic oxidation, and uptake of GT polyphenols in prostate tissue, future longer‐term studies are warranted to further examine the role of GT for prostate cancer prevention and treatment, and possibly for other prostate conditions such as prostatitis. Prostate 75: 550–559, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Regulatory Network Involving β-Catenin, e-Cadherin, PI3k/Akt, and Slug Balances Self-Renewal and Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells In Response to Wnt Signaling
Authors: Huang Tyng-Shyan , Li Li , Moalim-Nour Lilian , Jia Deyong , Bai Jian , Yao Zemin , Bennett Steffany A. L. , Figeys Daniel , Wang Lisheng
Published: December 2014

The mechanisms underlying disparate roles of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway in maintaining self-renewal or inducing differentiation and lineage specification in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are not clear. In this study, we provide the first demonstration that self-renewal versus differentiation of human ESCs (hESCs) in response to Wnt signaling is predominantly determined by a two-layer regulatory circuit involving β-catenin, E-cadherin, PI3K/Akt, and Slug in a time-dependent manner. Short-term upregulation of β-catenin does not lead to the activation of T-cell factor (TCF)-eGFP Wnt reporter in hESCs. Instead, it enhances E-cadherin expression on the cell membrane, thereby enhancing hESC self-renewal through E-cadherin-associated PI3K/Akt signaling. Conversely, long-term Wnt activation or loss of E-cadherin intracellular β-catenin binding domain induces TCF-eGFP activity and promotes hESC differentiation through β-catenin-induced upregulation of Slug. Enhanced expression of Slug leads to a further reduction of E-cadherin that serves as a β-catenin “sink” sequestering free cytoplasmic β-catenin. The formation of such a framework reinforces hESCs to switch from a state of temporal self-renewal associated with short-term Wnt/β-catenin activation to definitive differentiation. Stem Cells  2015;33:1419–1433
AMPK‐dependent signaling modulates the suppression of invasion and migration by fenofibrate in CAL 27 oral cancer cells through NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Tsai Shih‐Chang , Tsai Ming‐Hsui , Chiu Chang‐Fang , Lu Chi‐Cheng , Kuo Sheng‐Chu , Chang Nai‐Wen , Yang Jai‐Sing
Published: December 2014

Fenofibrate, a peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha (PPARα) agonist and lipid‐lowering agent, has been used worldwide for treatment of hyperlipidemia. The clinical trials demonstrate that fenofibrate possesses multiple pharmacological activities, including antitumor effects. However, the precise mechanisms in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the anticancer effects of fenofibrate on the migration and invasion of human oral cancer CAL 27 cells. Fenofibrate inhibited the cell migration and invasion of CAL 27 cells by the wound healing and Boyden chamber transwell assays, respectively. In addition, fenofibrate reduced the protein expressions of MMP‐1, MMP‐2, MMP‐7, and MMP‐9 by Western blotting and inhibited enzyme activities of MMP‐2/‐9 using gelatin zymography assay. Results from immunoblotting analysis showed that the proteins of p‐LKB1 (Ser428), LKB1, p‐AMPKα (Thr172), p‐AMPKα1/α2 (Ser425/Ser491), p‐AMPKβ1 (Ser108), and AMPKγ1 were upregulated by fenofibrate; the levels of p‐IKKα/β (Ser176) and p‐IκBα were reduced in fenofibrate‐treated cells. Also, fenofibrate suppressed the expressions of nuclear NF‐κB p65 and p50 by immunoblotting and NF‐κB DNA binding activity by EMSA assay. The anti‐invasive effect of fenofibrate was attenuated by compound C [an adenosine 5′‐monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibitor] or dominant negative form of AMPK (DN‐AMPKα1). Thus, fenofibrate considerably inhibited metastatic behaviors of CAL 27 cells might be mediated through blocking NF‐κB signaling, resulting in the inhibition of MMPs; these effects were AMPK‐dependent rather than PPARα signaling. Our findings provide a molecular rationale, whereby fenofibrate exerts anticancer effects and additional beneficial effects for the treatment of cancer patients. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 866–876, 2016.
Afterschool quality
Authors: Smith Charles , Akiva Tom , McGovern Gina , Peck Stephen C.
Published: December 2014

This chapter discusses efforts to define and improve the quality of afterschool services, highlighting areas of agreement and identifying leading‐edge issues. We conclude that the afterschool field is especially well positioned to deliver high‐quality services and demonstrate effectiveness at scale because a strong foundation has been built for continuous improvement of service quality.
Growth‐promoting relationships with children and youth
Authors: Spencer Renée , Rhodes Jean E.
Published: December 2014

At the heart of afterschool programs are the relationships that form between the children and youth who participate in these programs and the adults who lead them. To be effective, adults working in afterschool settings must be able to engage youth in growth‐promoting relationships. This article identifies and describes four foundational ways of interacting with youth that foster the development of such relationships—engaging in warm and emotionally supportive connections, providing developmentally appropriate structure and support, cultivating and responding to youth initiative, and scaffolding and propelling youth learning and skill development.
Behavior management in afterschool settings
Authors: Mahoney Joseph L.
Published: December 2014

Although behavioral management is one of the most challenging aspects of working in an afterschool setting, staff do not typically receive formal training in evidence‐based approaches to handling children's behavior problems. Common approaches to behavioral management such as punishment or time‐out are temporary solutions because they do not identify and change the factors causing the problematic behaviors. In some cases, these approaches increase or intensify undesirable behaviors. This chapter discusses one approach to behavioral management—functional behavior assessment—that research proves effective in eliminating or reducing the occurrence of behavior problems in educational settings.
Evaluating afterschool programs
Authors: Little Priscilla M.
Published: December 2014

Well‐implemented afterschool programs can promote a range of positive learning and developmental outcomes. However, not all research and evaluation studies have shown the benefits of participation, in part because programs and their evaluation were out of sync. This chapter provides practical guidance on how to foster that alignment between program and evaluation design. It begins with a discussion of why afterschool programs should develop and use a theory of change to guide program development, implementation, and evaluation. It then describes how to develop a logic model to depict program theory. It concludes with an overview of an approach to evaluation that ensures programs use evaluation information to improve and refine programming prior to using information for accountability purposes.
Variations in the population structure and ecology ofMatteuccia struthiopteris
Authors: Grzybowski Mirosław , Kruk Marek
Published: December 2014

The aim of the study was to investigate variation in the structure of a population ofMatteuccia struthiopteris(L.) Tod. in N–E Poland depending on its location in a river valley and light availability under tree canopies. Ordination statistical methods and structural equation modeling were used to identify ecological relationships in the population. The analysis showed that optimum growth conditions ofM. struthiopterisdepend on the canopy cover. As the shading increased, the size of trophophyllous leaves and the production of sporophylls decreased. The relationship between the canopy cover and the optimum growth conditions was best expressed by rootstock diameter and, to a lesser extent, by the number and height of trophophylls. An indirect relationship between the number and height of sporophylls and the canopy cover, by rootstock size and trophophyll quantity, was also identified. This relationship may be caused by the predominance of vegetative forms of reproduction. Based on the correlations between the landscape position vs. rootstock diameter and trophophyll height, a difference in the habitat colonization potential ofM. struthiopteriscould be detected. Three spatial clusters ofM. struthiopterisin the river valley were identified: river bank, river terrace, river valley slopes. These relationships and the distribution of other herbaceous plant species occurring at the plots indicate that the distribution pattern ofM. struthiopterisin the study area is determined by diverse environmental conditions, however mainly by light conditions.
Adaptive defense of pests and switching predation can improve biological control by multiple natural enemies
Authors: Ikegawa Yusuke , Ezoe Hideo , Namba Toshiyuki
Published: December 2014

One of the most important questions in biological control is whether multiple natural enemies can provide greater suppression of agricultural pests than a single best enemy. Intraguild predation (IGP) among natural enemies has often been invoked to explain failure of biological control by multiple enemies, and classical theoretical studies on IGP have supported this view. However, empirical studies are inconclusive and have yielded both positive and negative results. We extend classical models by considering anti‐predator behavior of pests and diet switching of omnivorous natural enemies, and examine their effects on pest control. We assume that the pest can adaptively allocate effort toward the specific defense against each predator, and that the omnivorous natural enemy can consume disproportionately more of the relatively abundant prey (switching predation) by type III functional responses to prey items. The model predicts that adaptive defense augments pests but favors introduction of multiple natural enemies for controlling pests if IGP is weak. In contrast, switching predation does not make pest control by multiple natural enemies advantageous as in classical studies, in the absence of adaptive defense. However, switching predation reduces the necessity of defense by the pest against the omnivore and offsets the effect of adaptive defense. Thus, it makes the introduction of multiple natural enemies advantageous for pest control when the pest employs adaptive defense even if IGP is strong. These results suggest that types and combinations of behavior of prey and predators may greatly affect qualitative outcomes of biological control by multiple natural enemies.
Deletion of genes involved in glutamate metabolism to improve poly-gamma-glutamic acid production in B. amyloliquefaciens LL3
Authors: Zhang Wei , He Yulian , Gao Weixia , Feng Jun , Cao Mingfeng , Yang Chao , Song Cunjiang , Wang Shufang
Published: December 2014

Here, we attempted to elevate poly-gamma-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) production by modifying genes involved in glutamate metabolism in Bacillus amyloliquefaciens LL3. Products of rocR, rocG and gudB facilitate the conversion from glutamate to 2-oxoglutarate in Bacillus subtillis. The gene odhA is responsible for the synthesis of a component of the 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase complex that catalyzes the oxidative decarboxylation of 2-oxoglutarate to succinyl coenzyme A. In-frame deletions of these four genes were performed. In shake flask experiments the gudB/rocG double mutant presented enhanced production of γ-PGA, a 38 % increase compared with wild type. When fermented in a 5-L fermenter with pH control, the γ-PGA yield of the rocR mutant was increased to 5.83 g/L from 4.55 g/L for shake flask experiments. The gudB/rocG double mutant produced 5.68 g/L γ-PGA compared with that of 4.03 g/L for the wild type, a 40 % increase. Those results indicated the possibility of improving γ-PGA production by modifying glutamate metabolism, and identified potential genetic targets to improve γ-PGA production.
Isolation of a Series of Fatty Acid Components of Ongokea gore Seed (Isano) Oil and their Detailed Structural Analysis
Authors: Ntumba Joséphine K. , Collard Laurent , Taba Kalulu M. , Robiette Raphaël
Published: December 2014

The total oil production capacity of isano oil is estimated at about 10,000 tons annually. Previous studies of this oil revealed that it is rich in fatty acids including a conjugated diyne moiety. This makes isano oil an excellent candidate for sustainable applications development. However, only a few of its fatty acids have been isolated and identified so far. In this study, we have reinvestigated this oil by characterizing its physicochemical properties and isolating several of its fatty acids as ethyl esters for their detailed structural analysis and identification. Six ethyl esters of fatty acids constituting isanic oil were isolated by flash column chromatography and semipreparative HPLC. The detailed structural analysis of these fatty acid esters by infrared, high resolution, mass spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance (1‐D and 2‐D) allowed determining unequivocally their chemical structure. The main fatty acid component of the oil (35.7 %) was identified as isanic acid. Four minor acids were found to possess also two conjugated triple bonds, while the sixth fatty acid does not contain carbon–carbon triple bonds nor double bonds but possessed a cis epoxide function. Results obtained in this study are currently being used to explore potential applications of isano oil.
International Note: Awareness and context of cyber‐harassment among secondary school students in Oyo state, Nigeria
Authors: Olumide Adesola O. , Adams Patricia , Amodu Olukemi K.
Published: December 2014

We determined the awareness and context of cyber‐harassment among secondary school students (653 survey respondents and 18 in‐depth interviewees) in Oyo state, Nigeria. Respondents' mean age was 14.2 ± 2.2 years and 53.9% were aware of cyber‐harassment occurring in their school or among their friends. Cyber‐harassment was often perpetrated via phone calls (62.5%), text messaging (36.9%), chat rooms (28.7%), through pictures or video clips sent via mobile phones (11.9%), emails (6.8%) or websites (5.9%). Cyber‐harassment behaviours mentioned were the use of abusive words (25.4%), saying mean things or making fun of the victim (13.9%), solicitations for relationships (7.9%) or sex (6.8%) and spreading rumours about the victim (6.8%). In‐depth interviewees recounted experiences of cyber‐harassment suffered by their friends. Many were relationship‐related, sexual solicitations and threats and corroborated quantitative findings. Respondents are aware of cyber‐harassment occurring among students in the study area. Comprehensive interventions to address the problem need to be instituted.
The Common Threads of National Cultures
Authors: Venaik Sunil , Brewer Paul
Published: December 2014

Culture related research in international marketing focusses largely on cultural relativism, that is, on cultural differences between countries. It examines the implications of national culture differences and how to manage the differences while doing business across national borders. These discussions are either framed within the emic versus etic debate, or under the rubric of national culture dimensions. Our paper addresses the equally important but largely ignored question of cultural universalism, that is, how nations are culturally similar. Using the GLOBE national culture dimensions data, we find significant similarities among the GLOBE nations. Our paper contributes to the cultural relativism versus universalism debate, and extends marketing theory with a “universal culture” approach that we believe can enhance understanding and cooperation among international business managers. Overall, our findings have important implications for scholars and practitioners.