bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diversity and evolution of the Wolbachia endosymbionts of Bemisia (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) whiteflies
Authors: Bing Xiao‐Li , Xia Wen‐Qiang , Gui Jia‐Dong , Yan Gen‐Hong , Wang Xiao‐Wei , Liu Shu‐Sheng
Published: June 2014

Wolbachia is the most prevalent symbiont described in arthropods to date. Wolbachia can manipulate host reproduction, provide nutrition to insect hosts and protect insect hosts from pathogenic viruses. So far, 13 supergroups of Wolbachia have been identified. The whitefly Bemisia tabaci is a complex containing more than 28 morphologically indistinguishable cryptic species. Some cryptic species of this complex are invasive. In this study, we report a comprehensive survey of Wolbachia in B. tabaci and its relative B. afer from 1658 insects representing 54 populations across 13 provinces of China and one state of Australia. Based on the results of PCR or sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, the overall rates of Wolbachia infection were 79.6% and 0.96% in the indigenous and invasive Bemisia whiteflies, respectively. We detected a new Wolbachia supergroup by sequencing five molecular marker genes including 16S rRNA, groEL, gltA, hcpA, and fbpA genes. Data showed that many protein‐coding genes have limitations in detecting and classifying newly identified Wolbachia supergroups and thus raise a challenge to the known Wolbachia MLST standard analysis system. Besides, the other Wolbachia strains detected from whiteflies were clustered into supergroup B. Phylogenetic trees of whitefly mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I and Wolbachia multiple sequencing typing genes were not congruent. In addition, Wolbachia was also detected outside the special bacteriocytes in two cryptic species by fluorescence in situ hybridization, indicating the horizontal transmission of Wolbachia. Our results indicate that members of Wolbachia are far from well explored.
DRIFT and Theoretical Studies of Ethylene/Ethane Separation on Flexible and Microporous [Cu2(2,3‐pyrazinedicarboxylate)2(pyrazine)]n
Authors: Kishida Keisuke , Watanabe Yumiko , Horike Satoshi , Watanabe Yoshihiro , Okumura Yoshikuni , Hijikata Yuh , Sakaki Shigeyoshi , Kitagawa Susumu
Published: June 2014

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Susumu Kitagawa at Kyoto University. The cover image shows the adsorption‐based separation of ethylene from ethane by [Cu2(2,3‐pyrazinedicarboxylate)2(pyrazine)]n. The background is a view of the Oita chemical complex where cryogenic distillation of ethylene is conducted daily. Our research laboratory, belonging to Showa Denko, is located at this complex.
Simultaneous Detection of Homocysteine and Cysteine in the Presence of Ascorbic Acid and Glutathione Using a Nanocarbon Modified Electrode
Authors: Lee P. T. , Lowinsohn D. , Compton R. G.
Published: June 2014

The simultaneous electrochemical detection of homocysteine and cysteine using an absorbed ortho‐quinone species, catechol, at the nanocarbon modified glassy carbon electrode was achieved via 1,4‐Michael addition reaction. The detection was done in the presence and the absence of each other as well as with both glutathione and ascorbic acid present in order to investigate the selectivity of homocysteine and cysteine. A determination of homocysteine sensitivity is (0.882±0.296) nA nM−1 with a LOD of ca. 11 nM and cysteine sensitivity is (7.501±0.202) mA µM−1 with a LOD of ca. 5.0 µM within a range of 0–0.1 mM.
An Electrochemical Sensor for Reducing Sugars Based on a Glassy Carbon Electrode Modified with Electropolymerized Molecularly Imprinted Poly‐o‐phenylenediamine Film
Authors: Wang Qian , Paim Leonardo Lataro , Zhang Xiuhua , Wang Shengfu , Stradiotto Nelson Ramos
Published: June 2014

An electrochemical sensor based on electropolymerizing o‐phenylenediamine (o‐PD) on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was developed for determination of reducing sugars. The molecular imprinted sensor was tested by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) to verify the changes in peak currents of hexacyanoferrate. Under the optimum analytical conditions, the current change was linear to the logarithm of glucose and fructose concentration from 0.25 to 25 µM. The detection limit of glucose and fructose were 0.185 µM and 0.173 µM, respectively. Besides, the applicability of the sensitive sensor has been successfully evaluated by determining reducing sugars in the samples from sugarcane industries.
Development of the resolution theory for electrophoretic exclusion
Authors: Kenyon Stacy M. , Keebaugh Michael W. , Hayes Mark A.
Published: June 2014

Electrophoretic exclusion, a technique that differentiates species in bulk solution near a channel entrance, has been demonstrated on benchtop and microdevice designs. In these systems, separation occurs when the electrophoretic velocity of one species is greater than the opposing hydrodynamic flow, while the velocity of the other species is less than that flow. Although exclusion has been demonstrated in multiple systems for a range of analytes, a theoretical assessment of resolution has not been addressed. To compare the results of these calculations to traditional techniques, the performance is expressed in terms of smallest difference in electrophoretic mobilities that can be completely separated (R = 1.5). The calculations indicate that closest resolvable species (Δμmin) differ by approximately 10−13 m2/Vs and peak capacity (nc) is 1000. Published experimental data were compared to these calculated results.
Cytomorphological study of Scutellaria platystegia (Lamiaceae) in Iran
Authors: Ranjbar Massoud , Mahmoudi Chonour
Published: June 2014

Chromosome number, meiotic behaviour and morphological characters related to habit were studied in 10 populations of Scutellaria platystegia Juz. from S. sect. Lupulinaria native to Iran. All populations are diploid and has the chromosome number 2n = 2x = 22, which is consistent with the proposed base number of x = 11. This taxon displayed regular bivalent pairing and chromosome segregation at meiosis. However, some meiotic abnormalities observed included various degrees of fragmented chromosomes, laggards and bridges in anaphase I to telophase II, precocious division of centromeres in metaphase I or II, asynchronous nucleus and cytomixis. We evaluated and determined the population limits within S. platystegia, employing multivariant statistics. We found a striking association between meiotic behaviour and gross morphology. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Astragalus hakkianus a new species of Astragalus (Fabaceae) from N.W. Iran
Authors: Bagheri Ali , Rahiminejad Mohammad R. , Maassoumi Ali A.
Published: June 2014

A new species of the genus Astragalus, namely A. hakkianus Bagheri, Maassoumi & Rahimin. is described and illustrated from NW Iran. It is most closely related to A. peresh­khoranicus Maassoumi & F. Ghahrem. and A. chehreganii Zarre & Podlech. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A kinetic energy preserving nodal discontinuous Galerkin spectral element method
Authors: Gassner Gregor J.
Published: June 2014

In this work, we discuss the construction of a skew‐symmetric discontinuous Galerkin (DG) collocation spectral element approximation for the compressible Euler equations. Starting from the skew‐symmetric formulation of Morinishi, we mimic the continuous derivations on a discrete level to find a formulation for the conserved variables. In contrast to finite difference methods, DG formulations naturally have inter‐domain surface flux contributions due to the discontinuous nature of the approximation space. Thus, throughout the derivations we accurately track the influence of the surface fluxes to arrive at a consistent formulation also for the surface terms. The resulting novel skew‐symmetric method differs from the standard DG scheme by additional volume terms. Those volume terms have a special structure and basically represent the discretization error of the different product rules. We use the summation‐by‐parts (SBP) property of the Gauss–Lobatto‐based DG operator and show that the novel formulation is exactly conservative for the mass, momentum, and energy. Finally, an analysis of the kinetic energy balance of the standard DG discretization shows that because of aliasing errors, a nonzero transport source term in the evolution of the discrete kinetic energy mean value may lead to an inconsistent increase or decrease in contrast to the skew‐symmetric formulation. Furthermore, we derive a suitable interface flux that guarantees kinetic energy preservation in combination with the skew‐symmetric DG formulation. As all derivations require only the SBP property of the Gauss–Lobatto‐based DG collocation spectral element method operator and that the mass matrix is diagonal, all results for the surface terms can be directly applied in the context of multi‐domain diagonal norm SBP finite difference methods. Numerical experiments are conducted to demonstrate the theoretical findings. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tones and numbers: A combined EEG–MEG study on the effects of musical expertise in magnitude comparisons of audiovisual stimuli
Authors: Paraskevopoulos Evangelos , Kuchenbuch Anja , Herholz Sibylle C. , Foroglou Nikolaos , Bamidis Panagiotis , Pantev Christo
Published: June 2014

This study investigated the cortical responses underlying magnitude comparisons of multisensory stimuli and examined the effect that musical expertise has in this process. The comparative judgments were based on a newly learned rule binding the auditory and visual stimuli within the context of magnitude comparisons: “the higher the pitch of the tone, the larger the number presented.” The cortical responses were measured by simultaneous MEG\EEG recordings and a combined source analysis with individualized realistic head models was performed. Musical expertise effects were investigated by comparing musicians to non‐musicians. Congruent audiovisual stimuli, corresponding to the newly learned rule, elicited activity in frontotemporal and occipital areas. In contrast, incongruent stimuli activated temporal and parietal regions. Musicians when compared with nonmusicians showed increased differences between congruent and incongruent stimuli in a prefrontal region, thereby indicating that music expertise may affect multisensory comparative judgments within a generalized representation of analog magnitude. Hum Brain Mapp 35:5389–5400, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Increased risk of cirrhosis and its decompensation in chronic hepatitis C patients with new-onset diabetes: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Huang Yi-Wen , Yang Sien-Sing , Fu Szu-Chieh , Wang Ting-Chuan , Hsu Cheng-Kai , Chen Ding-Shinn , Hu Jui-Ting , Kao Jia-Horng
Published: June 2014

The effect of diabetes on cirrhosis, its decompensation, and their time relationship in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients remains unclear. We conducted a nation-wide cohort study by using the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database, which is comprised of data from >99% of the entire population. Among having randomly sampled 1 million enrollees, 6,251 adult CHC patients were identified from 1997 to 2009. Diabetes was defined as new onset in CHC patients who were given the diagnosis in the years 1999-2003, but not in 1997-1998. The cohorts of CHC with new-onset diabetes (n = 424) and nondiabetes (n = 1,708) were followed up from inception point in diabetes and from year 1999 in the nondiabetes cohort until development of cirrhosis or its decompensation, withdrawal from insurance, or December 2009. Kaplan-Meier's survival analysis showed a significantly higher cumulative incidence of cirrhosis (relative risk [RR] = 1.53; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.11-2.11; log-rank test; P < 0.001) and decompensated cirrhosis (RR = 2.01; 95% CI = 1.07-3.79; log-rank test; P < 0.001) among patients with new-onset diabetes, as compared to those without. After adjustment for age, gender, CHC treatment, diabetes treatment, hepatocellular carcinoma, comorbidity index, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and obesity by Cox's proportional hazard model, diabetes was still an independent predictor for cirrhosis (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.505; 95% CI = 1.609-3.897; P < 0.001) and its decompensation (HR = 3.560; 95% CI = 1.526-8.307; P = 0.003). Conclusion: CHC patients who develop diabetes are at an increased risk of liver cirrhosis and its decompensation over time. (Hepatology 2014;60:807–814)
Vitamin E intake and the lung cancer risk among female nonsmokers: A report from the Shanghai Women's Health Study
Authors: Wu Qi‐Jun , Xiang Yong‐Bing , Yang Gong , Li Hong‐Lan , Lan Qing , Gao Yu‐Tang , Zheng Wei , Shu Xiao‐Ou , Fowke Jay H.
Published: June 2014

Vitamin E includes several tocopherol isoforms, which may reduce lung cancer risk, but past studies evaluating the association between vitamin E intake and lung cancer risk were inconsistent. We prospectively investigated the associations between tocopherol intake from diet and from supplements with lung cancer risk among 72,829 Chinese female nonsmokers aged 40–70 years and participating in the Shanghai Women's Health Study (SWHS). Dietary and supplement tocopherol exposure was assessed by a validated food‐frequency questionnaire at baseline and reassessed for change in intake during follow‐up. Cox proportional hazards models with time‐dependent covariates were used to calculate multivariate‐adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence interval (CIs) for lung cancer. After 12.02 years of follow‐up, 481 women were diagnosed with lung cancer. Total dietary tocopherol was inversely associated with lung cancer risk among women meeting dietary guidelines for adequate intake (AI) of tocopherol (14 mg/day or more: HR: 0.78; 95% CI 0.60–0.99; compared with the category less than AI). The protective association between dietary tocopherol intake and lung cancer was restricted to women exposed to side‐stream smoke in the home and workplace [HR = 0.53 (0.29–0.97), p‐trend = 0.04]. In contrast, vitamin E supplement use was associated with increased lung cancer risk (HR: 1.33; 95% CI: 1.01–1.73), more so for lung adenocarcinoma risk (HR: 1.79; 95% CI: 1.23–2.60). In summary, dietary tocopherol intake may reduce the risk of lung cancer among female nonsmokers; however, supplements may increase lung adenocarcinoma risk and requires further investigation.
A modified POCS‐based reconstruction method for compressively sampled MR imaging
Authors: Shah Jawad , Qureshi Ijaz , Omer Hammad , Khaliq Amir
Published: June 2014

One of the challenging tasks in the application of compressed sensing to magnetic resonance imaging is the reconstruction algorithm that can faithfully recover the MR image from randomly undersampled k‐space data. The nonlinear recovery algorithms based on iterative shrinkage start with a single initial guess and use soft‐thresholding to recover the original MR image from the partial Fourier data. This article presents a novel method based on projection onto convex set (POCS) algorithm but it takes two images and then randomly combines them at each iteration to estimate the original MR image. The performance of the proposed method is validated using the original data taken from the MRI scanner at St. Mary's Hospital, London. The experimental results show that the proposed method can reconstruct the original MR image from variable density undersampling scheme in less number of iterations and exhibits better performance in terms of improved signal‐to‐noise ratio, artifact power, and correlation as compared to the reconstruction through low‐resolution and POCS algorithms. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 24, 203–207, 2014
Enhancement of Runx2 Expression Is Potentially Linked to β‐Catenin Accumulation in Canine Intervertebral Disc Degeneration
Authors: Iwata Munetaka , Aikawa Takeshi , Hakozaki Takaharu , Arai Kiyotaka , Ochi Hiroki , Haro Hirotaka , Tagawa Masahiro , Asou Yoshinori , Hara Yasushi
Published: June 2014

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) greatly affects the quality of life. The nucleus pulposus (NP) of chondrodystrophic dog breeds (CDBs) is similar to the human NP because the cells disappear with age and are replaced by fibrochondrocyte‐like cells. Because IVDD develops as early as within the first year of life, we used canines as a model to investigate the in vitro mechanisms underlying IVDD. The mechanism underlying age‐related IVDD, however, is poorly understood. Several research groups have suggested that Wnt/β‐catenin signaling plays an important role in IVDD. However, the role of Wnt/β‐catenin signals in IVD cells is not yet well understood. Here, we demonstrate that Wnt/β‐catenin signaling could enhance Runx2 expression in IVDD and lead to IVD calcification. Nucleus pulposus (NP) tissue was obtained from Beagle dogs after evaluation of the degeneration based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Histological analysis showed that lack of Safranin‐O staining, calcified area, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 13‐positive cells increased with progression of the degeneration. Furthermore, the levels of β‐catenin‐ and Runx2‐positive cells also increased. Real‐time reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that the MRI signal intensity and mRNA expression levels of β‐catenin and Runx2 are correlated in NP tissues. Moreover, supplementation of LiCl induced β‐catenin accumulation and Runx2 expression. In contrast, FH535 inhibited LiCl‐induced upregulation. These results suggest that Runx2 transcript and protein expression, potentially in combination with β‐catenin accumulation, are enhanced in degenerated and calcified intervertebral discs of CDBs. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 180–190, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Novel Route for the Diastereoselective Synthesis of Dispiro[tetrahydroquinoline‐bis(2,2‐dimethyl[1,3]dioxane‐4,6‐dione)] Derivatives via a One‐Pot Domino Multicomponent Reaction of Arylamines, Aromatic Aldehydes, and Meldrum's Acid
Authors: Lashkari Mojtaba , Maghsoodlou Malek Taher , Hazeri Nourallah , Habibi‐Khorassani Sayyed Mostafa , Akbarzadeh Torbati Niloufar , García‐Granda Santiago , Torre‐Fernández Laura
Published: June 2014

A protocol has been developed for the diastereoselective synthesis of dispiro[tetrahydroquinoline‐bis(2,2‐dimethyl[1,3] dioxane‐4,6‐dione)] derivatives via a one‐pot domino multicomponent reaction of arylamines, aromatic aldehydes, and Meldrum's acid for the first time. The products, with remarkable diastereoselectivity, were successfully synthesized in acetic acid media in ambient temperature along with the suggested mechanism through combination of domino Knoevenagel, Michael, and Diels–Alder reactions. The products have been characterized by IR, mass, 1H NMR, 13C NMR spectroscopy, and elemental analyses. The stereoselectivity of compounds was established with crystallography and NMR spectroscopy.
Polycyclic N‐Heterocyclic Compounds. Part 84: Reaction of N‐(pyrido[3′,2′:4,5]thieno[3,2‐d]pyrimidin‐4‐yl)amidines or N‐(pyrido[2′,3′:4,5]furo[3,2‐d]pyrimidin‐4‐yl)amidines with Hydroxylamine Hydrochloride
Authors: Okuda Kensuke , Ide Ryota , Uramaru Naoto , Hirota Takashi
Published: June 2014

The reactions of nine N‐(pyrido[3′,2′:4,5]thieno[3,2‐d]pyrimidin‐4‐yl)amidines (3) with hydroxylamine hydrochloride produced new cyclization products. These were formed via ring cleavage of the pyrimidine component followed by a 1,2,4‐oxadiazole‐forming ring closure to give N‐[2‐([1,2,4]oxadiazol‐5‐yl)thieno[2,3‐b]pyridin‐3‐yl]formamide oximes (11). Reaction of six N‐(pyrido[2′,3′:4,5]furo[3,2‐d]pyrimidin‐4‐yl)amidines (12) with hydroxylamine hydrochloride gave similar results. Effects of the newly synthesized compounds on pentosidine formation were also evaluated.
Polycyclic N‐Heterocyclic Compounds. Part 85: Synthesis and Evaluation of Antiplatelet Aggregation Activity of 2,4‐Disubstituted 5,6‐Dihydro[1]benzazepino[5,4‐d]pyrimidine and Related Compounds
Authors: Okuda Kensuke , Zhang Ying‐Xue , Hirota, Takashi , Sasaki Kenji
Published: June 2014

We have synthesized a large number of tricyclic 2‐substituted 4‐alkylamino‐5,6‐dihydro[1]benzazepino[5,4‐d]pyrimidines as part of our research to develop new effective antiplatelet drugs. A variety of alkyl and aryl groups were used as substituents at the 2‐position. Evaluation of the effects of the newly synthesized compounds on collagen‐induced platelet aggregation revealed several promising antiplatelet candidates with potencies superior to aspirin.
Synthesis and Antimicrobial Evaluation of Some New 4,5′‐Bisthiazoles
Authors: Rozsa Tibor , Duma Mihaela , Vlase Laurian , Ionuţ Ioana , Pîrnău Adrian , Tiperciuc Brînduşa , Oniga Ovidiu
Published: June 2014

Thiazole and bisthiazole derivatives represent a prevalent scaffold in the antimicrobial drug discovery. Therefore, we have decided to synthesize some new series of 4,5′‐bisthiazoles. A total of 17 compounds were synthesized, their structural elucidation being based on elemental analysis (C,H,N,S) and spectroscopic data (MS and 1H NMR). Their in vitro antimicrobial activities were assessed against several Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria strains and also against one fungal strain (Candida albicans) using the difusimetric method. Some of the compounds showed modest to good antibacterial activity against Gram‐negative Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium and Gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus bacterial strains. All of the synthesized compounds showed moderate to very good antifungal activity against C. albicans.
A Novel Synthesis of Some 1,4‐Phenylene‐bis‐heterocyclic Derivatives and of Some Pyran, Pyrano[2,3‐c]pyrazole, and Pyrano[2,3‐d]pyrimidine Derivatives [1]
Authors: Abdelrazek F. M. , Helal M. H. , Hebishy A. S. , Hassan S. M.
Published: June 2014

p‐Diacetyl benzene 1 undergoes bromination to afford p‐bromoacetyl phenacyl bromide 2. Compound 2 reacts with twofold excess of malononitrile to afford 2‐{2‐[4‐(3,3‐Dicyanopropionyl)‐phenyl]‐2‐oxo‐ethyl}‐malononitrile 3. Compound 3 could be cyclized to afford the 1,4‐phenylene‐bis‐furan derivative 4. Compound 3 reacts also with a twofold excess of hydrazine hydrate and phenyl hydrazine under dry conditions at RT to afford the bis‐pyrazole derivatives 5a, 5b, respectively. The reaction of 5a, 5b with the same reagents in refluxing dioxane afforded the bis‐pyrazolopyridazine derivatives 7a, 7b, respectively. The azo coupling of compound 3 with arene diazonium salts afforded the bis‐pyrazole derivatives 9a, 9b, 9c. The β‐keto esters 10a, 10b react with benzaldehyde and malononitrile in a one pot synthesis to afford the pyran derivatives 11a, 11b. These latter compounds react with hydrazine hydrate and urea derivatives to afford the pyrano[2,3‐c]pyrazoles 15a, 15b and the pyrano[2,3‐d]pyrimidine derivatives 17a, 17b, respectively.
Caudal vertebral body articular surface morphology correlates with functional tail use in anthropoid primates
Authors: Deane Andrew S. , Russo Gabrielle A. , Muchlinski Magdalena N. , Organ Jason M.
Published: June 2014

Prehensile tails, capable of suspending the entire body weight of an animal, have evolved in parallel in New World monkeys (Platyrrhini): once in the Atelinae (Alouatta, Ateles, Brachyteles, Lagothrix), and once in the Cebinae (Cebus, Sapajus). Structurally, the prehensile tails of atelines and cebines share morphological features that distinguish them from nonprehensile tails, including longer proximal tail regions, well‐developed hemal processes, robust caudal vertebrae resistant to higher torsional and bending stresses, and caudal musculature capable of producing higher contractile forces. The functional significance of shape variation in the articular surfaces of caudal vertebral bodies, however, is relatively less well understood. Given that tail use differs considerably among prehensile and nonprehensile anthropoids, it is reasonable to predict that caudal vertebral body articular surface area and shape will respond to use‐specific patterns of mechanical loading. We examine the potential for intervertebral articular surface contour curvature and relative surface area to discriminate between prehensile‐tailed and nonprehensile‐tailed platyrrhines and cercopithecoids. The proximal and distal intervertebral articular surfaces of the first (Ca1), transitional and longest caudal vertebrae were examined for individuals representing 10 anthropoid taxa with differential patterns of tail‐use. Study results reveal significant morphological differences consistent with the functional demands of unique patterns of tail use for all vertebral elements sampled. Prehensile‐tailed platyrrhines that more frequently use their tails in suspension (atelines) had significantly larger and more convex intervertebral articular surfaces than all nonprehensile‐tailed anthropoids examined here, although the intervertebral articular surface contour curvatures of large, terrestrial cercopithecoids (i.e., Papio sp.) converge on the ateline condition. Prehensile‐tailed platyrrhines that more often use their tails in tripodal bracing postures (cebines) are morphologically intermediate between atelines and nonprehensile tailed anthropoids. J. Morphol. 275:1300–1311, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of GDF5 and GDNF as neuroprotective factors for postnatal dopamine neurons in ventral mesencephalic cultures
Authors: Jaumotte Juliann D. , Zigmond Michael J.
Published: June 2014

Loss of dopamine neurons is associated with the motor deficits that occur in Parkinson's disease. Although many drugs have proven to be useful in the treatment of the symptoms of this disease, none has been shown to have a significant impact on the development of the disease. However, we believe that several neurotrophic factors have the potential to reduce its progression. Glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), a member of the transforming growth factor‐β superfamily of neurotrophic factors, has been extensively studied in this regard. Less attention has been paid to growth/differentiation factor 5 (GDF5), another member of the same superfamily. This study compares GDNF and GDF5 in dissociated cultures prepared from ventral mesencephalon and in organotypic co‐cultures containing substantia nigra, striatum, and neocortex. We report that both GDNF (10–500 ng/ml) and GDF5 (100–500 ng/ml) promoted the survival of dopamine neurons from the substantia nigra of postnatal rats, although GDNF was considerably more potent than GDF5. In contrast, neither factor had any significant effect on the survival of dopamine neurons from the rat ventral tegmental area. Using organotypic co‐cultures, we also compared GDF5 with GDNF as chemoattractants for the innervation of the striatum and the neocortex by dopamine neurons from the substantia nigra. The addition of either GDF5 or GDNF (100–500 ng/ml) caused innervation by dopamine neurons into the cortex as well as the striatum, which did not occur in untreated cultures. Our results are consistent with similar findings suggesting that GDF5, like GDNF, deserves attention as a possible therapeutic intervention for Parkinson's disease. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Retracted: Collective fit perceptions: A multilevel investigation of person–group fit with individual‐level and team‐level outcomes
Authors: Kristof‐Brown Amy L. , Seong Jee Young , Degeest David S. , Park Won‐Woo , Hong Doo‐Seung
Published: June 2014

This study describes a multilevel examination of person–group (PG) fit perceptions in a sample of 1023 individuals working in 92 teams at a private sector R&D firm. Using confirmatory factor analysis and multilevel random coefficient modeling, we provide evidence that perceptions of team‐level collective fit are unique from aggregated individual‐level PG fit perceptions at the individual and team levels. We demonstrate that collective values‐based and abilities‐based fit perceptions showed unique and positive relationships with team cohesion, team efficacy, and team performance, after accounting for aggregated individual perceptions of PG fit. Results also demonstrate that cohesion partially mediates the relationship between collective fit and team performance. Cross‐level effects were also supported, indicating that collective fit explains additional variance in individual‐level outcomes, beyond individual‐level PG fit perceptions. The usefulness of employing a multilevel approach to studying PG fit is discussed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application and recovery of ionic liquids in the preparative separation of four flavonoids from Rhodiola rosea by on‐line three‐dimensional liquid chromatography
Authors: Ma Shufeng , Hu Liming , Ma Chaoyang , Lv Wenping , Wang Hongxin
Published: June 2014

A novel on‐line three‐dimensional liquid chromatography method was developed to separate four main flavonoids from Rhodiola rosea. Ethyl acetate/0.5 mol/L ionic liquid 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride aqueous solution was selected as the solvent system. In the first‐dimension separation, the target flavonoids were entrapped and subsequently desorbed into the second‐dimension high‐speed countercurrent chromatographic column for separation. In the third‐dimension chromatography, the residual ionic liquid in the four separated flavonoids was removed and the used ionic liquid was recovered. As a result, 35.1 mg of compound 1, 20.4 mg of compound 2, 8.5 mg of compound 3, and 10.6 mg of compound 4 were obtained from 1.53 g R. rosea extract. They were identified as rhodiosin, rhodionin, herbacetin, and kaempferol, respectively. The recovery of ionic liquid reached 99.1% of the initial amount. The results showed that this method is a powerful technology for the separation of R. rosea flavonoids and that the ionic‐liquid‐based solvent system has advantages over traditional solvent systems in renewable and environmentally friendly properties.
Surface‐assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry techniques for application in forensics
Authors: Guinan Taryn , Kirkbride Paul , Pigou Paul E. , Ronci Maurizio , Kobus Hilton , Voelcker Nicolas H.
Published: June 2014

Matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS) is an excellent analytical technique for the rapid and sensitive analysis of macromolecules (>700 Da), such as peptides, proteins, nucleic acids, and synthetic polymers. However, the detection of smaller organic molecules with masses below 700 Da using MALDI‐MS is challenging due to the appearance of matrix adducts and matrix fragment peaks in the same spectral range. Recently, nanostructured substrates have been developed that facilitate matrix‐free laser desorption ionization (LDI), contributing to an emerging analytical paradigm referred to as surface‐assisted laser desorption ionization (SALDI) MS. Since SALDI enables the detection of small organic molecules, it is rapidly growing in popularity, including in the field of forensics. At the same time, SALDI also holds significant potential as a high throughput analytical tool in roadside, work place and athlete drug testing. In this review, we discuss recent advances in SALDI techniques such as desorption ionization on porous silicon (DIOS), nano‐initiator mass spectrometry (NIMS) and nano assisted laser desorption ionization (NALDI™) and compare their strengths and weaknesses with particular focus on forensic applications. These include the detection of illicit drug molecules and their metabolites in biological matrices and small molecule detection from forensic samples including banknotes and fingerprints. Finally, the review highlights recent advances in mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) using SALDI techniques. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev 34: 627–640, 2015.
Can the Timing of Negotiations Impact the Consequences of Mergers?
Authors: Wilson Nathan E.
Published: June 2014

This paper uses a theoretical model to examine whether variation in the timing of negotiations between buyers and sellers can alter the effects of mergers between sellers. The model shows that mergers between horizontally overlapping firms lead to price increases regardless of how negotiations take place. In contrast, mergers between firms in different markets can only lead to higher compensation for the combined firm when negotiations occur sequentially. However, any price effects from out‐of‐market mergers stem from a mechanical redistribution of existing market power and not from a loss in competition. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Peripheral nerve tractography in soft tissue tumors: A preliminary 3‐tesla diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Kasprian Gregor , Amann Gabriele , Panotopoulos Joannis , Schmidt Manfred , Dominkus Martin , Trattnig Siegfried , Windhager Reinhard , Prayer Daniela , Nöbauer‐Huhmann Iris
Published: June 2014

Introduction: This diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DTI) study aimed to clarify the relationship of peripheral nerves and soft tissue tumors (STTs) in 3D to optimize subsequent treatment. Methods: Twenty‐six consecutive STT patients (histologically malignant, n = 10; intermediate, n = 3; and benign, n = 13) underwent 3‐Tesla MRI using an echoplanar DTI sequence. Deterministic tractography was performed. Fractional anisotropy (FA) values were measured within peritumoral and distant regions of interest. Results: Tractography depicted the 3D course of the sciatic (n = 12), femoral (n = 2), tibial (n = 7), fibular (n = 2), median (n = 1), musculocutaneous (n = 1), and ulnar (n = 1) nerves in a regular (n = 8 of 18, 44.4%) or thinned (n = 7 of 18, 38.9%) fashion. The lowest peritumoral FA values, abrupt thinning, and/or complete discontinuity of trajectories were found in 2 cases with histologically proven tumoral nerve infiltration. Conclusions: DTI clarifies the 3D topography between major peripheral nerves and STTs and may be helpful in the assessment of peripheral nerve infiltration by malignant tumors. Muscle Nerve 51: 338–345, 2015
Low‐intensity running exercise enhances the capillary volume and pro‐angiogenic factors in the soleus muscle of type 2 diabetic rats
Authors: Kondo Hiroyo , Fujino Hidemi , Murakami Shinichiro , Tanaka Masayuki , Kanazashi Miho , Nagatomo Fumiko , Ishihara Akihiko , Roy Roland R.
Published: June 2014

Introduction: We determined the effects of low‐intensity exercise on the three‐dimensional capillary structure and associated angiogenic factors in the soleus muscle of Goto‐Kakizaki (GK) diabetic rats. Methods: Four groups of male rats were studied: sedentary nondiabetic (Con), exercised nondiabetic control (Ex), sedentary GK, and exercised GK (GK+Ex). Rats in the Ex and GK+Ex groups were subjected to chronic low‐intensity running on a treadmill (15 m/min, 60 min/session, 5 sessions/week for 3 weeks). Results: Although mean capillary volume and diameter were lower in the GK compared with all other groups, low‐intensity exercise increased both of these measures in GK rats. Mitochondrial markers, i.e., SDH activity and PGC‐1α expression, and the levels of angiogenic factors were higher in the GK+Ex than all other groups. Exercise increased vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein levels and the VEGF‐to‐TSP‐1 ratio, an indicator of angiogenesis, in GK rats. Conclusions: Combined, the results indicate that low‐intensity exercise reduces some of the microcirculatory complications in type 2 diabetic muscles. Muscle Nerve 51: 391–399, 2015
Do we need readjustment of the biochemical parameters in first trimester combined aneuploidy screening test in women with polycystic ovary syndrome?
Authors: Karsli Mehmet Fatih , Gultekin Ismail Burak , Cakmak Bulent , Yeral Mahmut Ilkin , Seckin Kerem Doga , Alt𝚤nboga Orhan , Kucukozkan Tuncay
Published: June 2014

What's already known about this topic?

There are several clinical and experimental data suggesting an impaired decidual trophoblast invasion in pregnant women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

What does this study add?

The present study demonstrates significantly decreased serum levels of pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A and free β‐human chorionic gonadotropin in pregnant women with polycystic ovary syndrome who underwent first trimester screening test for aneuploidy.
Prenatal diagnosis and epidemiology of multicystic kidney dysplasia in Europe
Authors: Winding Louise , Loane Maria , Wellesley Diana , Addor Marie‐Claude , Arriola Larraitz , Bakker Marian K. , Bianchi Fabrizio , Calzolari Elisa , Gatt Miriam , Haeusler Martin , Lelong Nathalie , Mullaney Carmel , Scarano Gioacchino , Tucker David , Wiesel Awi , Garne Ester
Published: June 2014

Objectives

The aim of this study is to describe the prenatal diagnosis and epidemiology of multicystic kidney dysplasia (MCKD).

Methods

The study is based on routinely collected data from a European database of major congenital anomalies including 13 registries with cases born in 1997–2006 and covering 1 458 552 births.

Results

There were 601 MCKD cases giving an overall prevalence of 4.12 per 10 000 births with regional variation. In live births, 87% of cases had an isolated renal anomaly and 13% had associated major nonrenal anomalies (chromosomal, syndrome or other major anomalies). For the cases with isolated renal anomalies, 51/386 (11%) and 7/386 (2%) choose to terminate the pregnancy or resulted in an intrauterine fetal death, respectively. The prenatal detection rate was 88% in both unilateral and bilateral cases. Birth outcome differed with 92% of unilateral MCKD cases being liveborn compared with 33% of bilateral MCKD cases. For unilateral MCKD cases, 84% had an isolated renal anomaly compared with 51% of bilateral MCKD cases (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Cases with unilateral MCKD are mainly liveborn, and only 16% have associated major malformations or a syndrome. Cases with bilateral MCKD are often associated with nonrenal major congenital anomalies or part of a syndrome, and only one third of bilateral MCKD cases in this study were liveborn. Prenatal detection rate of MCKD was high for both unilateral and bilateral cases. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular compression chambers: exceeding the Euler modulus
Authors: Baldridge Kim K. , Siegel Jay S.
Published: June 2014

A simple series of bis‐tryptycene cyclophanes, 1‐(CH><HSi) are investigated with regard to the molecular compression exerted upon endo hydrogen substituents along their internal symmetry axis. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cdk5 phosphorylation of EFhd2 at S74 affects its calcium binding activity
Authors: Vázquez‐Rosa Edwin , Rodríguez‐Cruz Eva N. , Serrano Sybelle , Rodríguez‐Laureano Lucelenie , Vega Irving E.
Published: June 2014

EFhd2 is a calcium binding protein, which is highly expressed in the central nervous system and associated with pathological forms of tau proteins in tauopathies. Previous phosphoproteomics studies and bioinformatics analysis suggest that EFhd2 may be phosphorylated. Here, we determine whether Cdk5, a hyperactivated kinase in tauopathies, phosphorylates EFhd2 and influence its known molecular activities. The results indicated that EFhd2 is phosphorylated by brain extract of the transgenic mouse CK‐p25, which overexpresses the Cdk5 constitutive activator p25. Consistently, in vitro kinase assays demonstrated that Cdk5, but not GSK3β, directly phosphorylates EFhd2. Biomass, tandem mass spectrometry, and mutagenesis analyses indicated that Cdk5 monophosphorylates EFhd2 at S74, but not the adjacent S76. Furthermore, Cdk5‐mediated phosphorylation of EFhd2 affected its calcium binding activity. Finally, a phospho‐specific antibody was generated against EFhd2 phosphorylated at S74 and was used to detect this phosphorylation event in postmortem brain tissue from Alzheimer's disease and normal‐aging control cases. Results demonstrated that EFhd2 is phosphorylated in vivo at S74. These results imply that EFhd2's physiological and/or pathological function could be regulated by its phosphorylation state.
NanoSIMS imaging alteration layers of a leached SON68 glass via a FIB‐made wedged crater
Authors: Wang Yi‐Chung , Schreiber Daniel K. , Neeway James J. , Thevuthasan Suntharampillai , Evans James E. , Ryan Joseph V. , Zhu Zihua , Wei Wei David
Published: June 2014

Currently, nuclear wastes are commonly immobilized into glasses because of their long‐term durability. Exposure to water for long periods, however, will eventually corrode the waste form and is the leading potential avenue for radionuclide release into the environment. Because such slow processes cannot be experimentally tested, the prediction of release requires a thorough understanding of the mechanisms governing glass corrosion. In addition, because of the exceptional durability of glass, much of the testing must be performed on high‐surface area powders. A technique that can provide accurate compositional profiles with nanometer scale depth resolution for non‐flat samples would be a major benefit to the field. In this study, NanoSIMS was used to image the cross section of the corrosion layers of a leached SON68 glass sample. A wedged crater was prepared by a focused ion beam instrument to obtain a five‐fold improvement in depth information for NanoSIMS measurements. This improvement allowed us to confirm that the breakdown of the silica glass network is further from the pristine glass than a second dissolution front for boron, another glass former, despite only ~50 nm distance between them. More importantly, NanoSIMS images show that the roughness majorly exists in Si corrosion layer. This novel sample geometry will be a major benefit to efficient NanoSIMS sampling of irregular interfaces at the nanometer scale that would otherwise be obscured within time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy depth profiles. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Factors Influencing Facebook Usage and Facebook Addictive Tendency in University Students: The Role of Online Psychological Privacy and Facebook Usage Motivation
Authors: Hong Fu‐Yuan , Chiu Su‐Lin
Published: June 2014

There are few studies analysing the influence of personal traits and motivation factors on Facebook usage and Facebook addictive tendency as seen in university students. In this study, 225 Taiwanese university students completed a questionnaire to determine their online psychological privacy scale, Facebook usage motivation scale, Facebook usage scale and Facebook addictive tendency scale, in order to evaluate the items that can be conceptualized as the effect of university students' online psychological privacy personal trait and motive factors, and Facebook usage motivation with respect to Facebook usage and Facebook addictive tendency. The study found that a desire for more online psychological privacy correlates with a stronger motivation to use Facebook and more Facebook usage behaviour among university students who may become high‐risk groups for Facebook addictive tendency. The study found that a desire for or an acceptance of a lower online psychological privacy correlates with a stronger motivation to use Facebook among university students who may have more Facebook usage behaviour. This study can help understand university students' Facebook usage and Facebook addictive tendency and provide feature indicators for those who may become high‐risk groups for Facebook addictive tendency. Finally, this study conducts discussion and proposes relevant suggestions for future study. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Work–Family Interface as a Mediator between Job Demands and Employee Behaviour
Authors: Jenkins Jade S. , Heneghan Camille J. , Bailey Sarah F. , Barber Larissa K.
Published: June 2014

In this investigation, we draw from the job demands–resource model and conservation of resources theory to examine the relationship between job demands, the work–family interface and worker behaviours. Data collected from an online survey of workers revealed that hindrance demands indirectly increase interpersonal and organizational deviance through work interference with family and family interference with work. Challenge demands indirectly predict interpersonal and organizational deviance through work interference with family. Finally, hindrance demands indirectly decreased individual‐directed organizational citizenship behaviours through work‐to‐family enrichment. Taken together, these results stress the relevance of job demand management and resource drain/acquisition to counterproductive and extra‐role behaviours. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Systematic examination of the fetal abdominal precordial veins: a cohort study
Authors: Yagel S. , Cohen S. M. , Valsky D. V. , Shen O. , Lipschuetz M. , Messing B.
Published: June 2014

Objectives

Examination of the fetal venous system is a necessary part of complete fetal organ scanning to confirm landmark anatomy, such as the ductus venosus and course of the umbilical veins, and, whenever cardiovascular anomalies are identified, to exclude associated anomalous development of the fetal veins. We aimed to develop a protocol for systematic examination of the fetal venous system during midtrimester targeted organ scanning.

Methods

We included low‐risk women with a singleton fetus presenting between January 2011 and June 2013 to our center for routine midtrimester (20–24 weeks) targeted organ scanning. Imaging of the venous system was added to the booked scan and comprised two‐dimensional color Doppler scanning of the fetal abdomen in three discrete planes, two transverse and one longitudinal. The more caudal plane was obtained in a ventral or lateral transverse abdominal plane to image the umbilical vein, left portal vein, portal sinus, anterior right portal vein, posterior right portal vein, main portal vein and splenic vein and artery. Moving cephalad, a ventral or lateral transverse plane was obtained to image the right, middle and left hepatic veins and inferior vena cava (IVC). Finally, a longitudinal anteroposterior plane showed the umbilical vein, ductus venosus, IVC and left hepatic vein. In some cases the pulsed Doppler waveform of a given target vessel was also examined. Three‐dimensional/4D ultrasound was applied as necessary, when anomalous cases were encountered.

Results

We examined 1810 women. Their body mass index ranged from 19 to 40 (mean, 24.7). In 38 (2.1%) women, the target anatomy was not visualized satisfactorily owing to maternal body habitus. A T‐shaped configuration of the portal system vessels was observed in 63% of cases, an X‐shaped configuration in 25% and an H‐shaped configuration in 12%. During the study period, 24 congenital anomalies of the precordial venous system were diagnosed: nine cases of persistent right umbilical vein, seven of agenesis of the ductus venosus, five of anomalous portal venous drainage and three of interrupted IVC with azygos continuation.

Conclusions

Examination of the fetal venous system is feasible with the application of three abdominal planes. While a venous system scan is not practicable as part of a screening‐level examination, mastery of the normal anatomy is an essential part of the professional knowledge base, in order to provide ready and complete scanning of the system in cases of suspected anomalies or disordered cardiac function. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.