bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scaling of Haversian canal surface area to secondary osteon bone volume in ribs and limb bones
Authors: Skedros John G. , Knight Alex N. , Clark Gunnar C. , Crowder Christian M. , Dominguez Victoria M. , Qiu Shijing , Mulhern Dawn M. , Donahue Seth W. , Busse Björn , Hulsey Brannon I. , Zedda Marco , Sorenson Scott M.
Published: April 2013

Studies of secondary osteons in ribs have provided a great deal of what is known about remodeling dynamics. Compared with limb bones, ribs are metabolically more active and sensitive to hormonal changes, and receive frequent low‐strain loading. Optimization for calcium exchange in rib osteons might be achieved without incurring a significant reduction in safety factor by disproportionally increasing central canal size with increased osteon size (positive allometry). By contrast, greater mechanical loads on limb bones might favor reducing deleterious consequences of intracortical porosity by decreasing osteon canal size with increased osteon size (negative allometry). Evidence of this metabolic/mechanical dichotomy between ribs and limb bones was sought by examining relationships between Haversian canal surface area (BS, osteon Haversian canal perimeter, HC.Pm) and bone volume (BV, osteonal wall area, B.Ar) in a broad size range of mature (quiescent) osteons from adult human limb bones and ribs (modern and medieval) and various adult and subadult non‐human limb bones and ribs. Reduced major axis (RMA) and least‐squares (LS) regressions of HC.Pm/B.Ar data show that rib and limb osteons cannot be distinguished by dimensional allometry of these parameters. Although four of the five rib groups showed positive allometry in terms of the RMA slopes, nearly 50% of the adult limb bone groups also showed positive allometry when negative allometry was expected. Consequently, our results fail to provide clear evidence that BS/BV scaling reflects a rib versus limb bone dichotomy whereby calcium exchange might be preferentially enhanced in rib osteons. Am J Phys Anthropol 151:230–244, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Brief Communication: Beyond the South African cave paradigm—Australopithecus africanus from Plio–Pleistocene paleosol deposits at Taung
Authors: Hopley Philip J. , Herries Andy I.R. , Baker Stephanie Edwards , Kuhn Brian F. , Menter Colin G.
Published: April 2013

Following the discovery of the “Taung Child” (Australopithecus africanus) in 1924 in the Buxton‐Norlim Limeworks near Taung, the fossil‐bearing deposits associated with the Dart and Hrdlička pinnacles have been interpreted as the mined remnants of cave sediments that formed within the Plio–Pleistocene Thabaseek Tufa: either as a younger cave‐fill or as contemporaneous carapace caves. When combined with the Plio–Pleistocene dolomitic cave deposits from the “Cradle of Humankind,” a rather restricted view emerges that South African early hominins derived from cave deposits, whereas those of east and central Africa are derived from fluvio‐lacustrine and paleosol deposits. We undertook a sedimentological and paleomagnetic analysis of the pink‐colored deposit (PCS) from which the “Taung Child” is purported to have derived and demonstrate that it is a calcrete, a carbonate‐rich pedogenic sediment, which formed on the paleo‐land surface. The deposit extends 100 s of meters laterally beyond the Dart and Hrdlička Pinnacles where it is interbedded with the Thabaseek Tufa, indicating multiple episodes of calcrete development and tufa growth. The presence of in situ rhizoconcretions and insect trace fossils (Celliforma sp. and Coprinisphaera sp.) and the distinctive carbonate microfabric confirm that the pink deposit is a pedogenic calcrete, not a calcified cave sediment. Paleomagnetic and stratigraphic evidence indicates that a second, reversed polarity, fossil‐bearing deposit (YRSS) is a younger fissure‐fill formed within a solutional cavity of the normal polarity tufa and pink calcrete (PCS). These observations have implications for the dating, environment, and taphonomy of the site, and increase the likelihood of future fossil discoveries within the Buxton‐Norlim Limeworks. Am J Phys Anthropol 151:316–324, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A resampling approach and implications for estimating the phalangeal index from unassociated hand bones in fossil primates
Authors: Venkataraman Vivek V. , Rolian Campbell , Gordon Adam D. , Patel Biren A.
Published: April 2013

Primate fossil assemblages often have metacarpals and phalanges from which functional/behavioral interpretations may be inferred. For example, intrinsic hand proportions can indicate hand function and substrate use. But, estimates of intrinsic hand proportions from unassociated hand elements can be imperfect due to digit misattribution. Although isolated metacarpals can be identified to a specific digit, phalanges are difficult to assign to a specific ray. We used a resampling approach to evaluate how estimates of intrinsic hand proportions are affected by such uncertainty. First, the phalangeal index—intermediate phalanx length plus proximal phalanx length divided by metacarpal length—for the third digit was calculated for associated specimens of terrestrial, semiterrestrial, and arboreal taxa. We then used resampling procedures to generate distributions of “composite digits” based on resampled ratios in which phalanges from the second, fourth, and fifth rays, and from different individuals, were chosen randomly. Results confirm that the phalangeal index for associated third digits significantly discriminates groups. We also found that resampled ratios had significantly lower means, indicating that using composite digits is prone to systematic underestimation. Resampled ratios also generated distributions with greater variance around the means that obscured distinctions between groups, although significant differences between the most arboreal and terrestrial taxa are maintained. We conclude that using unassociated phalanges to calculate a phalangeal index is prone to sampling bias. Nevertheless, a resampling approach has the potential to inform estimates of hand proportions for fossil taxa, provided that the comparative sample is constrained to mimic the fossil composition. Am J Phys Anthropol 151:280–289, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of 3D reconstructive technologies used for morphometric research and the translation of knowledge using a decision matrix
Authors: Martin Charys M. , Roach Victoria A. , Nguyen Ngan , Rice Charles L. , Wilson Timothy D.
Published: April 2013

The use of three‐dimensional (3D) models for education, pre‐operative assessment, presurgical planning, and measurement have become more prevalent. With the increase in prevalence of 3D models there has also been an increase in 3D reconstructive software programs that are used to create these models. These software programs differ in reconstruction concepts, operating system requirements, user features, cost, and no one program has emerged as the standard. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic comparison of three widely available 3D reconstructive software programs, Amira®, OsiriX, and Mimics®, with respect to the software's ability to be used in two broad themes: morphometric research and education to translate morphological knowledge. Cost, system requirements, and inherent features of each program were compared. A novel concept selection tool, a decision matrix, was used to objectify comparisons of usability of the interface, quality of the output, and efficiency of the tools. Findings indicate that Mimics was the best‐suited program for construction of 3D anatomical models and morphometric analysis, but for creating a learning tool the results were less clear. OsiriX was very user‐friendly; however, it had limited capabilities. Conversely, although Amira had endless potential and could create complex dynamic videos, it had a challenging interface. These results provide a resource for morphometric researchers and educators to assist the selection of appropriate reconstruction programs when starting a new 3D modeling project. Anat Sci Educ 6: 393–403. © 2013 American Association of Anatomists.
Information organization and the philosophy of history
Authors: Shaw Ryan
Published: April 2013

The philosophy of history can help articulate problems relevant to information organization. One such problem is “aboutness”: How do texts relate to the world? In response to this problem, philosophers of history have developed theories of colligation describing how authors bind together phenomena under organizing concepts. Drawing on these ideas, I present a theory of subject analysis that avoids the problematic illusion of an independent “landscape” of subjects. This theory points to a broad vision of the future of information organization and some specific challenges to be met.
Determination of isoniazid concentration in rabbit vertebrae by isotope tracing technique in conjunction with HPLC
Authors: Liu Peng , Fu Zhaozong , Jiang Jianming , Yuan Liang , Lin Zhen
Published: April 2013

Medications compounded with isoniazid (INH) are usually applied to surgical sites at the completion of surgery to locally kill postoperative residual tubercle bacilli. However, the distribution and elimination of INH in the vertebrae in vivo are not known. In this study, isotope tracing was used in conjunction with high‐pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) to address this. INH and technetium‐99 m‐labeled INH were applied to the vertebrae of rabbits. After 2 and 6 h, osseous tissues containing INH, as determined by radionuclide imaging, were collected for detection with HPLC. The results showed that INH mainly stayed around the vertebrae 6 h after its application and did not permeate widely into the blood or other organs, except for the kidneys. The standard deviations of INH concentrations in the technetium‐99 m‐INH group were approximately four‐fold smaller than those in the INH group. This method of coupling isotope tracing and HPLC can effectively limit experimental error during sample collection, allowing accurate and reliable identification of the concentration levels of INH in osseous tissues in vivo. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Carotid artery stenting
Authors: White Christopher J. , Ramee Stephen R. , Collins Tyrone J. , Jenkins J. Stephen , Reilly John P. , Patel Rajan A. G.
Published: April 2013

From the earliest experiences with carotid artery stenting (CAS) presumptive high risk features have included thrombus‐containing lesions, heavily calcified lesions, very tortuous vessels, and near occlusions. In addition patients have been routinely excluded from CAS trials if they have contra‐indications to dual antiplatelet therapy (aspirin and thienopyridines), a history of bleeding complications and severe peripheral arterial disease (PAD) making femoral artery vascular access difficult. Variables that increase the risk of CAS complications can be attributed to patient characteristics, anatomic or lesion features, and procedural factors. Clinical features such as older age (≥80 years), decreased cerebral reserve (dementia, multiple prior strokes, or intracranial microangiopathy) and angiographic characteristics such as excessive tortuosity (more than two 90° bends within 5 cm of the target lesion) and heavy calcification (concentric calcification ≥ 3 mm in width) have been associated with increased CAS complications. Other high risk CAS features include those that prolong catheter or guide wire manipulation in the aortic arch, make crossing a carotid stenosis more difficult, decrease the likelihood of successful deployment or retrieval of an embolic protection device (EPD), or make stent delivery or placement more difficult. Procedure volume for the operator and the catheterization laboratory team are critical elements in reducing the risk of the procedure. In this article, we help CAS operators better understand procedure risk to allow more intelligent case selection, further improving the outcomes of this emerging procedure.© 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Phase 1/1b study of lonafarnib and temozolomide in patients with recurrent or temozolomide refractory glioblastoma
Authors: Yust‐Katz Shlomit , Liu Diane , Yuan Ying , Liu Vivien , Kang Sanghee , Groves Morris , Puduvalli Vinay , Levin Victor , Conrad Charles , Colman Howard , Hsu Sigmonid , Yung W. K. Alfred , Gilbert Mark R.
Published: April 2013

BACKGROUND

Lonafarnib is an oral selective farnesyltransferase inhibitor, a class of drugs which have shown activity in preclinical glioma models. Temozolomide (TMZ) is an alkylating agent that is the first‐line chemotherapy for glioblastoma.

METHODS

The current study combined the cytotoxic agent TMZ with the cytostatic agent lonafarnib for patients with recurrent glioblastoma to establish a maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of the combination and its preliminary efficacy. Three dose cohorts of lonafarnib were studied in the phase 1 component of the trial (100 mg twice daily [bid], 150 mg bid, and 200 bid) with dose‐dense schedule of TMZ (150 mg/m2 daily) administered in an alternating weekly schedule. After establishing the MTD of lonafarnib, a subsequent expansion phase 1b was undertaken to evaluate efficacy, primarily measured by 6‐month progression‐free survival (PFS‐6).

RESULTS

Fifteen patients were enrolled into the phase 1 component and 20 patients into the phase 1b component. The MTD of lonafarnib in combination with TMZ was 200 mg bid. Among the patients enrolled into the study, 34 were eligible for 6‐month progression evaluation and 35 patients were evaluable for time‐to‐progression analysis. The PFS‐6 rate was 38% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 22%, 56%) and the median PFS was 3.9 months (95% CI = 2.5, 8.4). The median disease‐specific survival was 13.7 months (95% CI = 8.9, 22.1). Hematologic toxicities, particularly lymphopenia, were the most common grade 3 and 4 adverse events. There were no treatment‐related deaths.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate that TMZ can be safely combined with a farnesyltransferase inhibitor and that this regimen is active, although the current study cannot determine the relative contributions of the 2 agents or the contribution of the novel administration schedule. Cancer 2013;119:2747–2753. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Tobacco use and external beam radiation therapy for prostate cancer: Influence on biochemical control and late toxicity
Authors: Solanki Abhishek A. , Liauw Stanley L.
Published: April 2013

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of tobacco use on disease control and late gastrointestinal and genitourinary toxicity in men undergoing external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for prostate cancer.

METHODS

In total, 633 men with known tobacco history at consultation underwent definitive EBRT between 1988 and 2008. Tobacco use was defined as positive (current or prior) or negative (never). The median EBRT dose was 74 gray (Gy). In univariate analysis, tobacco use and other prognostic factors were compared with disease control and toxicity. Multivariable analysis included tobacco use and the covariates that were associated with outcome on univariate analysis (P < .1).

RESULTS

The rate of 5‐year freedom from biochemical failure (FFBF) was 76% for current smokers, 81% for prior smokers, and 87% for never smokers (P < .02). Risk group, the percentage of involved cores, and EBRT dose ≥74 Gy were associated with FFBF (all P < .01). On multivariable analysis, smoking was not associated with FFBF (P = .19). Factors that were associated with late grade ≥2 genitourinary toxicity on univariate analysis included positive tobacco history, intensity‐modulated radiotherapy, and EBRT dose ≥74 Gy (all P < .05). Prior transurethral resection of the prostate (P < .01) and current smoking status (P = .06) were associated with grade ≥3 toxicity. On multivariable analysis, a positive tobacco history was associated with grade ≥2 toxicity (hazard ratio, 1.45; P < .02), and current smoking status was associated with grade ≥3 toxicity (hazard ratio, 3.02; P < .05). Tobacco use was not associated with late gastrointestinal toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

In men who are receiving EBRT for prostate cancer, tobacco use may be associated with higher rates of late grade ≥2 toxicity, and current smokers may have higher rates of late grade ≥3 genitourinary toxicity. Cancer 2013;119:2807–2814. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Pooled analysis of the performance of liquid‐based cytology in population‐based cervical cancer screening studies in China
Authors: Pan Qin‐Jing , Hu Shang‐ying , Zhang Xun , Ci Pu‐wa , Zhang Wen‐hua , Guo Hui‐qin , Cao Jian , Zhao Fang‐hui , Lytwyn, Alice , Qiao You‐lin
Published: April 2013

BACKGROUND

Liquid‐based cytology (LBC) has been widely used for cervical cancer screening. Despite numerous studies and systematic reviews, to the authors' knowledge few large studies to date have focused on biopsy‐confirmed cervical lesions and controversy remains concerning its diagnostic accuracy. The objective of the current study was to assess LBC for detecting biopsy‐confirmed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cancer.

METHODS

A pooled analysis of LBC using data from 13 population‐based, cross‐sectional, cervical cancer screening studies performed in China from 1999 to 2008 was performed. Participants (n = 26,782) received LBC and human papillomavirus testing. Women found to be positive on screening were referred for colposcopy and biopsy. The accuracy of LBC for detecting biopsy‐confirmed CIN of type 2 or worse (CIN2+) as well as CIN type 3 or worse (CIN3+) lesions was analyzed.

RESULTS

Of 25,830 women included in the analysis, CIN2+ was found in 107 of 2612 with atypical squamous cells (4.1%), 142 of 923 with low‐grade squamous intraepithelial neoplasia (15.4%), 512 of 784 with high‐grade squamous intraepithelial neoplasia (65.3%), 29 of 30 with squamous cell carcinoma (96.7%), 4 of 27 with atypical glandular cells (14.8%), and 85 of 21,454 with normal cytology results (0.4%). No invasive cancers were found to have atypical squamous cells, atypical glandular cells, or cytologically normal slides. The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of LBC for detecting CIN2+ were 81.0%, 95.4%, 38.3%, 99.3 %, and 94.9%, respectively. Although Hybrid Capture 2 was more sensitive than LBC, the specificity, positive predictive value, and overall accuracy of LBC were higher than those of Hybrid Capture2 at 85.2%, 18.6%, and 85.5%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the current study indicate that the performance of LBC can effectively predict the risk of existing CIN2+ and may be a good screening tool for cervical cancer prevention in a developing country. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2013;121:473‐82. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Vesicular glutamate transporter‐3 in the rodent brain: Vesicular colocalization with vesicular γ‐aminobutyric acid transporter
Authors: Stensrud M.J. , Chaudhry F.A. , Leergaard T.B. , Bjaalie J.G. , Gundersen V.
Published: April 2013

Vesicular glutamate transporters (VGLUT1–3) carry glutamate into synaptic vesicles. VGLUT3 has been reported to be localized in nonglutamatergic neuronal populations in the brain. However, detailed subcellular localization of VGLUT3 has not been shown. In particular, the identity of synaptic vesicles expressing VGLUT3 remains to be revealed. Here we present novel electron microscopic postembedding immunogold data from mouse and rat brains showing that small, clear, and round synaptic vesicles in γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)‐ergic nerve terminals contain labeling for both VGLUT3 and the vesicular GABA transporter (VGAT). Immunoisolation of synaptic vesicles confirmed the immunogold data and showed vesicular colocalization of VGLUT3 and VGAT. Moreover, we show that gold particles signaling VGLUT3 are present in synaptic vesicles in acetylcholinergic nerve terminals in the striatum. Quantitative immunogold analyses reveal that the density of VGLUT3 gold particles is similar in GABAergic terminals in the hippocampus and the neocortex to that in cholinergic terminals in the striatum. In contrast to in the hippocampus and the neocortex, VGLUT3 was absent from VGAT‐positive terminals in the striatum. The labeling pattern produced by the VGLUT3 antibodies was found to be specific; there was no labeling in VGLUT3 knockout tissue, and the observed labeling throughout the rat brain corresponds to the known light‐microscopic distribution of VGLUT3. From the present results, we infer that glutamate is released with GABA from inhibitory terminals and acetylcholine from cholinergic terminals. J. Comp. Neurol. 521: 3042–3056, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characteristics of NO‐reduction by tar‐included syngas from an updraft gasifier
Authors: Zhang Rui‐zhi , Yin Ren‐hao , Luo Yong‐hao
Published: April 2013

Experiments of nitric oxide reduction by the tar‐included syngas from a small biomass updraft gasifier have been carried out on a tubular reactor under a temperature range of 900 to 1200°C. The initial mole fraction of NO was 1000 ppm and that of the oxygen and gasification syngas were varied. Comparison of the reburning results of the present syngas with other fuels clarified the influence of tar. Under the conditions of this work, the participation of tar compounds in NO reduction mainly begins with cracking into light hydrocarbons which is sensitive to both the oxygen concentration and the temperature. Tar leads to a satisfactory NO‐reduction improvement under relative oxygen‐rich conditions, supplying extra hydrocarbon radicals and creating a more appropriate atmosphere for reburning reactions. As for a reductive environment, little benefit was gained from the presence of tar. The rise of temperature brings a clear promotion only to NO reduction with a high oxygen flow rate, while polymerization should be concerned for a low oxygen flow rate. It is believed that a substantial portion of tar converts to acetylene through cracking under suitable reburning conditions, resulting in an active NO‐reduction reaction pathway. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 33: 602–608, 2014
Telomere length, telomere‐related genes, and breast cancer risk: The breast cancer health disparities study
Authors: Pellatt Andrew J. , Wolff Roger K. , Torres‐Mejia Gabriela , John Esther M. , Herrick Jennifer S. , Lundgreen Abbie , Baumgartner Kathy B. , Giuliano Anna R. , Hines Lisa M. , Fejerman Laura , Cawthon Richard , Slattery Martha L.
Published: April 2013

Telomeres are involved in maintaining genomic stability. Previous studies have linked both telomere length (TL) and telomere‐related genes with cancer. We evaluated associations between telomere‐related genes, TL, and breast cancer risk in an admixed population of US non‐Hispanic white (1,481 cases, 1,586 controls) and U.S. Hispanic and Mexican women (2,111 cases, 2,597 controls) from the Breast Cancer Health Disparities Study. TL was assessed in 1,500 women based on their genetic ancestry. TL‐related genes assessed were MEN1, MRE11A, RECQL5, TEP1, TERC, TERF2, TERT, TNKS, and TNKS2. Longer TL was associated with increased breast cancer risk [odds ratio (OR) 1.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.38, 2.55], with the highest risk (OR 3.11, 95% CI 1.74, 5.67 p interaction 0.02) among women with high Indigenous American ancestry. Several TL‐related single nucleotide polymorphisms had modest association with breast cancer risk overall, including TEP1 rs93886 (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.70,0.95); TERF2 rs3785074 (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.03,1.24); TERT rs4246742 (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.77,0.93); TERT rs10069690 (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.03,1.24); TERT rs2242652 (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.11,2.04); and TNKS rs6990300 (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.81,0.97). Several differences in association were detected by hormone receptor status of tumors. Most notable were associations with TERT rs2736118 (ORadj 6.18, 95% CI 2.90, 13.19) with estrogen receptor negative/progesterone receptor positive (ER−/PR+) tumors and TERT rs2735940 (ORadj 0.73, 95% CI 0.59, 0.91) with ER−/PR− tumors. These data provide support for an association between TL and TL‐related genes and risk of breast cancer. The association may be modified by hormone receptor status and genetic ancestry. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular subtypes of glioma identified by genome‐wide methylation profiling
Authors: Kloosterhof Nanne K. , de Rooi Johan J. , Kros Max , Eilers Paul H. C. , Smitt Peter A. E. Sillevis , van den Bent Martin J. , French Pim J.
Published: April 2013

Recent studies have indicated a prognostic role for genome‐wide methylation in gliomas: Tumors that show an overall increase in DNA methylation at CpG sites (CIMP+; CpG island methylator phenotype) have a more favorable prognosis than CIMP− gliomas. Here, we have determined whether methylation profiling can identify more and clinically relevant molecular subtypes of glioma by performing genome‐wide methylation profiling on 138 glial brain tumors of all histological diagnosis. Hopach (Hierarchical ordered partitioning and collapsing hybrid) clustering using the 1,000 most variable CpGs identified three distinct glioma subtypes (C+1p19q, C+wt, and C−) and one adult brain subtype. All “C+1p19q” and “C+wt” tumors were CIMP+ whereas most (50/54) “C−” tumors were CIMP−. The C− subtype gliomas contained many glioblastomas and all pilocytic astrocytomas. 1p19q LOH was frequent in the C+1p19q subtype. Other genetic changes (IDH1 mutation and EGFR amplification) and gene‐expression based molecular subtypes also segregated in distinct methylation subtypes, demonstrating that these subtypes are also genetically distinct. Each subtype was associated with its own prognosis: median survival for C−, C+1p19q, and C+wt tumors was 1.18, 5.00, and 2.62 years, respectively. The prognostic value of these methylation subtypes was validated on an external dataset from the TCGA. Analysis of recurrences of 14 primary tumors samples indicates that shifts between some C+wt and C+1p/19q tumors can occur between the primary and recurrent tumor, but CIMP status remained stable. Our data demonstrate that methylation profiling identifies at least three prognostically relevant subtypes of glioma that can aid diagnosis and potentially guide treatment for patients. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intrahemispheric and interhemispheric structural network abnormalities in PLS and ALS
Authors: Agosta Federica , Galantucci Sebastiano , Riva Nilo , Chiò Adriano , Messina Stefano , Iannaccone Sandro , Calvo Andrea , Silani Vincenzo , Copetti Massimiliano , Falini Andrea , Comi Giancarlo , Filippi Massimo
Published: April 2013

Using diffusion tensor (DT) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), damage to brain intrahemispheric and interhemispheric connections was assessed in 26 sporadic primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) patients compared with 28 sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients with similar disability and 35 healthy controls. DT MRI diagnostic accuracy in distinguishing the two motor neuron disease (MND) variants was tested. PLS and ALS patients showed a distributed pattern of abnormalities of the motor system, including the corticospinal tracts and corpus callosum (CC). PLS versus ALS patients showed a more severe damage to the motor CC fibers and subcortical white matter (WM) underlying the primary motor cortices. Both patient groups showed an extra‐motor damage, which was more severe in PLS. This did not appear to be driven by longer disease duration in PLS. In PLS patients, damage to the CC mid‐body correlated with the severity of upper motor neuron clinical burden. CC fractional anisotropy values had the highest accuracy in distinguishing PLS from controls and ALS. PLS and ALS share an overlapped pattern of WM abnormalities. This underscores that PLS, despite its distinct clinical phenotype and long survival, still lies within the wider MND spectrum. Whether CC diffusivity may be a novel marker to increase confidence in an early diagnostic separation of PLS from ALS still needs to be investigated. Hum Brain Mapp 35:1710–1722, 2014. © 2013 Wiley‐Periodicals, Inc.
On the planum temporale lateralization in suprasegmental speech perception: Evidence from a study investigating behavior, structure, and function
Authors: Liem Franziskus , Hurschler Martina A. , Jäncke Lutz , Meyer Martin
Published: April 2013

This study combines functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging to test the “asymmetric sampling in time” (AST) hypothesis, which makes assertions about the symmetrical and asymmetrical representation of speech in the primary and nonprimary auditory cortex. Twenty‐three volunteers participated in this parametric clustered‐sparse fMRI study. The availability of slowly changing acoustic cues in spoken sentences was systematically reduced over continuous segments with varying lengths (100, 150, 200, 250 ms) by utilizing local time‐reversion. As predicted by the hypothesis, functional lateralization in Heschl's gyrus could not be observed. Lateralization in the planum temporale and posterior superior temporal gyrus shifted towards the right hemisphere with decreasing suprasegmental temporal integrity. Cortical thickness of the planum temporale was automatically measured. Participants with an L > R cortical thickness performed better on the in‐scanner auditory pattern‐matching task. Taken together, these findings support the AST hypothesis and provide substantial novel insight into the division of labor between left and right nonprimary auditory cortex functions during comprehension of spoken utterances. In addition, the present data yield support for a structural‐behavioral relationship in the nonprimary auditory cortex. Hum Brain Mapp 35:1779–1789, 2014. © 2013 Wiley‐Periodicals, Inc.
Biotin‐conjugated anti‐CD44 antibody–avidin binding system for the improvement of chondrocyte adhesion to scaffolds
Authors: Lin Hong , Zhou Jian , Shen Longxiang , Ruan Yuhui , Dong Jian , Guo Changan , Chen Zhengrong
Published: April 2013

The clinical need for improved treatment options for patients with cartilage injuries has motivated tissue‐engineering studies aimed at the in vitro generation of cell‐based implants with functional properties. The success of tissue‐engineered repair of cartilage may depend on the rapid and efficient adhesion of transplanted cells to the scaffold. In the present study, chondrocyte‐scaffold constructs were engineered by planting porcine chondrocytes into nonporous chitosan membranes and 3D porous chitosan scaffolds that were treated with or without biotin‐conjugated anti‐CD44 antibody–avidin binding system and avidin–biotin binding system. The spreading area, cell exfoliation rates, cell proliferation rates, histological analysis, DNA and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content, and mRNA expression were investigated to evaluate the efficiency of biotin‐conjugated anti‐CD44 antibody–avidin binding system for the improvement of cell adhesion to scaffolds in the cartilage tissue. The results showed that the biotin‐conjugated anti‐CD44 antibody–avidin binding system improved cell adhesion to scaffolds effectively. These studies suggest that this binding system has the potential to provide improved tissue‐engineered cartilage for clinical applications. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 1140–1148, 2014.
Rat‐derived processed nerve allografts support more axon regeneration in rat than human‐derived processed nerve xenografts
Authors: Wood Matthew D. , Kemp Stephen W. P. , Liu Edward H. , Szynkaruk Mark , Gordon Tessa , Borschel Gregory H.
Published: April 2013

Processed nerve allografts are increasingly used as “off the shelf” nerve replacements for surgically bridging nerve gaps. Benchmarking the regenerative capacity of a commercially available human‐derived nerve or xenograft in a rat nerve injury model would provide a convenient platform for future studies seeking to modify the processed nerve graft. Human and rat processed nerve grafts were used to bridge a 14 mm defect in a Sprague‐Dawley rat sciatic nerve. Reversed autografts served as a positive control group. Twelve weeks following surgery, the distal nerve stumps were retrograde labeled and harvested for histology and histomorphometry. The cross‐sectional areas of the human‐ and rat‐derived processed nerve grafts were similar. Neuron counts and myelinated axon counts following use of the human‐derived processed xenografts were decreased compared with those obtained from both the rat‐derived processed nerve allografts and the autografts; the rat‐derived processed nerve allografts were statistically equivalent to autografts. Measures of nerve fiber diameter and myelination revealed inferior axon regeneration maturity in both processed nerve grafts compared with autografts. Processed xenografts showed significantly reduced regeneration compared with autografts or processed allografts indicating that cross‐species immunological reactions are important considerations in this rat model. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 1085–1091, 2014.
Effect of substrate stiffness on the functions of rat bone marrow and adipose tissue derived mesenchymal stem cells in vitro
Authors: Li Xiaoming , Huang Yan , Zheng Lisha , Liu Haifeng , Niu Xufeng , Huang Jin , Zhao Feng , Fan Yubo
Published: April 2013

Regenerative medicine treatments that combine the use of cells and materials may open new options for tissue/organ repair and regeneration. The microenvironment of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) strictly regulates their self‐renewal and functions. In this study, when rat bone marrow derived MSCs (rBMSCs) and rat adipose tissue derived MSCs (rAMSCs) in passages 2–4 were cultured on different substrates, they presented the cellular functions to be dependent of substrate stiffness. The cells attached better on the softer substrate than on the stiffer one. The substrate stiffness had no significant influence on the proliferation of those cells. However, the substrate stiffness significantly promoted the osteogenic differentiation of the two kinds of stem cells. Furthermore, rBMSCs cultured on the same stiffness expressed more osteoblast‐related markers than rAMSCs. In addition, combined biomaterials and biochemical reagents treatment yielded a stronger effect on osteogenic differentiation of MSCs than either treatment alone. These results have significant implications for further extending our capabilities in engineering functional tissue substitutes. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 1092–1101, 2014.
Mechanism and kinetics of the α–β transition in San Carlos olivine Mg1.8Fe0.2SiO4
Authors: Perrillat J. P. , Daniel I. , Bolfan‐Casanova N. , Chollet M. , Morard G. , Mezouar M.
Published: April 2013

The mechanism and kinetics of the α–β transformation in San Carlos olivine α‐Mg1.8Fe0.2SiO4 containing ca. 526 wt.ppm H2O were studied in situ by time‐resolved synchrotron X‐ray diffraction (XRD) in the range 12.5 – 14.5 GPa and 870 – 1150 K. Time series of XRD spectra reveal the early formation of an intermediate phase that further transforms to wadsleyite (β‐phase). This intermediate phase may be either a metastable ringwoodite (γ‐phase) or the disordered spinelloid phase proposed in the pseudomartensitic reaction model. Both microstructural and kinetic data suggest that the transformation rates are controlled by growth processes after the early saturation of nucleation sites along olivine grain boundaries. Growth rates in the range 1.7×10−12 – 2.1×10−9 m.s−1 are estimated by fitting the transformation–time data to the Cahn rate equation and define an activation enthalpy for growth ΔHa = 204(55) kJ/mol. Compared to the previous studies performed on pure forsterite Mg2SiO4, these new kinetic results point out an increase of transformation rates with the iron content. Hence, the persistence of a metastable olivine wedge to depths > 660 km might be restricted to even colder and/or dryer subduction zones than previously estimated.
Mantle flow in subduction systems: The mantle wedge flow field and implications for wedge processes
Authors: Long Maureen D. , Wirth Erin A.
Published: April 2013

The mantle wedge above subducting slabs is associated with many important processes, including the transport of melt and volatiles. Our understanding of mantle wedge dynamics is incomplete, as the mantle flow field above subducting slabs remains poorly understood. Because seismic anisotropy is a consequence of deformation, measurements of shear wave splitting can constrain the geometry of mantle flow. In order to identify processes that make first‐order contributions to the pattern of wedge flow, we have compiled a data set of local S splitting measurements from mantle wedges worldwide. There is a large amount of variability in splitting parameters, with average delay times ranging from ~0.1 to 0.3 s up to ~1.0–1.5 s and large variations in fast directions. We tested for relationships between splitting parameters and a variety of parameters related to subduction processes. We also explicitly tested the predictions made by 10 different models that have been proposed to explain splitting patterns in the mantle wedge. We find that no simple model can explain all of the trends observed in the global data set. Mantle wedge flow is likely controlled by a combination of downdip motion of the slab, trench migration, ambient mantle flow, small‐scale convection, proximity to slab edges, and slab morphology, with the relative contributions of these in any given subduction system controlled by the subduction kinematics and mantle rheology. There is also a likely contribution from B‐type olivine and/or serpentinite fabric in many subduction zones, governed by the local thermal structure and volatile distribution.
Multiscale experimental investigation of crystal plasticity and grain boundary sliding in synthetic halite using digital image correlation
Authors: Bourcier M. , Bornert M. , Dimanov A. , Héripré E. , Raphanel J. L.
Published: April 2013

There is a renewed interest in the study of the rheology of halite since salt cavities are considered for waste repositories or energy storage. This research benefits from the development of observation techniques at the microscale, which allow precise characterizations of microstructures, deformation mechanisms, and strain fields. These techniques are applied to uniaxial compression tests on synthetic halite done with a classical press and with a specific rig implemented in a scanning electron microscope. Digital images of the surface of the sample have been recorded at several loading stages. Surface markers allow the measurement of displacements by means of digital image correlation techniques. Global and local strain fields may then be computed using ad hoc data processing. Analysis of these results provides a measure of strain heterogeneity at various scales, an estimate of the size of the representative volume element, and most importantly an identification of the deformation mechanisms, namely crystal slip plasticity and grain boundary sliding, which are shown to be in a complex local interaction. Indeed, the applied macroscopic loading gives rise locally to complex stress states owing to relative crystallographic orientations, density and orientation of interfaces, and local deformation history. We have quantitatively estimated the relative importance of crystal slip plasticity and grain boundary sliding for different microstructures and evidenced their dependence on grain size. The two mechanisms of deformation and their link to the microstructure should thus be considered when modeling polycrystalline viscoplasticity.
Response of Castlegate sandstone to true triaxial states of stress
Authors: Ingraham M. D. , Issen K. A. , Holcomb D. J.
Published: April 2013

A suite of true triaxial tests were performed on Castlegate sandstone to assess the influence of the intermediate principal stress on mechanical response and failure. Five independent deviatoric stress states were employed, for which the intermediate principal stress ranged from equal to minimum compression (axisymmetric compression) to maximum compression (axisymmetric extension). For each deviatoric stress state, five constant mean stress tests were conducted, covering mean stresses ranging from brittle to ductile failure. At low mean stresses, shear bands formed, and the peak stress required to induce failure decreased with increasing intermediate principal stress. Thus, failure at low mean stresses depends on the third invariant of deviatoric stress. Shear bands formed under all deviatoric stress states and over a wide range of mean stresses. The band angle (defined as the angle between the band normal and the direction of maximum compression) decreased with increasing mean stress. There was no clear trend in band angle with respect to intermediate principal stress; however, a small trend would be obscured by data scatter due to specimen variability. At higher mean stresses, no localization was observed. The upper bound mean stress at which shear localization occurred increased with increasing intermediate principal stress. Therefore, the mean stress that demarcates the brittle‐ductile transition depends on the third invariant of deviatoric stress.
Bacterial and extracellular polysaccharide content of brine‐wetted snow over Arctic winter first‐year sea ice
Authors: Ewert M. , Carpenter S. D. , Colangelo‐Lillis J. , Deming J. W.
Published: April 2013

During freeze‐up and consolidation, sea ice rejects to its surface brine of marine origin that is incorporated into overlying snow. To evaluate the transport of biological components in brines from ice to snow, vertical profiles of temperature, salinity, bacterial abundance, and extracellular polysaccharide substances (EPS) were obtained through snow and first‐year sea ice (Barrow, AK) in consecutive winters (2010, 2011). Snow profiles showed strong interannual variation, with 2010 presenting higher values and wider ranges in salinity (0.3–30.9, practical salinity), bacterial abundance (2.8 × 102–1.5 × 104 cells mL− 1), and particulate EPS (pEPS, 0.04–0.23 glucose equivalents (glu‐eq) mg L− 1) than 2011 (0–11.9, 2.7 × 103–4.2 × 103 cells mL− 1 and 0.04–0.09 glu‐eq mg L− 1, respectively). Surface ice also differed interannually, with 2010 presenting again higher salinity (19.4, n = 1), bacterial abundance (5.4 × 104–9.6 × 104 cells mL− 1) and pEPS (0.13–0.51 glu‐eq mg L− 1) than 2011 (7.7–11.9, 1.7 × 104–2.2 × 104 cells mL− 1, and 0.01–0.09 glu‐eq mg L− 1, respectively). Transport of bacteria and pEPS from sea‐ice brines into snow was evident in 2010 but not 2011, a year with more extreme winter conditions of colder temperature, thinner snow, and stronger wind. By size fraction, the smallest EPS (< 0.1 µm) dominated (> 80%) total EPS in both ice and snow; the > 3 µm fraction of EPS in snow appeared to have an atmospheric source. Evaluation of membrane integrity by Live/Dead stain revealed a high percentage (85%) of live bacteria in saline snow, identifying this vast environment as a previously unrecognized microbial habitat.
On the interpretation of the steric and mass components of sea level variability: The case of the Mediterranean basin
Authors: Jordà Gabriel , Gomis Damià
Published: April 2013

A common practice in sea level research is to analyze separately the variability of the steric and mass components of sea level. However, there are conceptual and practical issues that have sometimes been misinterpreted, leading to erroneous and contradictory conclusions on regional sea level variability. The crucial point to be noted is that the steric component does not account for volume changes but does for volume changes per mass unit (i.e., density changes). This indicates that the steric component only represents actual volume changes when the mass of the considered water body remains constant. This is for instance the case of thermal expansions/contractions due to surface heat fluxes. Conversely, salinity changes are often linked to net mass changes and therefore not only affect the steric component but also imply a change in the mass component that must be considered when quantifying the overall sea level budget. In this paper, we clarify the interpretation of the steric and mass components by identifying the main physical processes contributing to each of them, with particular emphasis on the role of salinity. The case of the Mediterranean Sea is examined as a paradigmatic example of a semienclosed basin where sea level components must be carefully interpreted. Because of the significant salinity changes shown by most projections of the Mediterranean climate, a misinterpretation of the steric and mass components can lead to underestimations of ~40 cm in the sea level of the Mediterranean Sea projected for the end of the 21st century.
Generation of an estuarine sediment plume by a tropical storm
Authors: Cheng Peng , Li Ming , Li Yun
Published: April 2013

Tropical Storm Lee (2011) caused a record flood in the Susquehanna River which discharged about 6.7 million tons of suspended sediments into the Bay, an amount equal to the input of 6 average years. The flood‐carried sediment produced a large sediment plume that covered one half of Chesapeake Bay with the maximum suspended sediment concentration exceeding 2500 mg L−1. Three stages were identified in the development of the sediment plume, corresponding to three dominant forcing mechanisms, i.e., river flow, estuarine circulation, and sediment settling. Most of the flood‐carried sediments were deposited in the Bay within 20 days. Sands were dumped in the Susquehanna Flats with a maximum thickness of 10 cm, while fine‐grained sediments were dusted over a wide area in the upper Bay with a maximum thickness of 4 cm. Long‐term simulation of the post‐storm period showed that a majority of the flood sediments were redistributed to accumulate in the estuarine turbidity maximum region due to flood–ebb asymmetry in tidal suspension and advection by estuarine circulation and tidal flows while the rest were transported seaward and deposited in the mid‐Bay. It is estimated that the flood delivered 9 months of particulate nitrogen and over 1 year of particulate phosphorus supplies to the estuary. This catastrophic event may change the geological history and exacerbate water‐quality decline in the American largest estuary.
Intraseasonal variability of sea surface height in the Bay of Bengal
Authors: Cheng Xuhua , Xie Shang‐Ping , McCreary Julian P. , Qi Yiquan , Du Yan
Published: April 2013

Intraseasonal variability (ISV) of sea surface height (SSH) over the Bay of Bengal (BoB) is studied using altimetry data and an eddy‐resolving ocean model. In both the model hindcast and satellite observations, large SSH ISV is found along the eastern and northern coasts of the BoB, in the western BoB, and in a zonal band across the Bay centered near 5°N. The ISV displays a clear seasonality. In the western BoB, it reaches its annual maximum in spring, whereas it does so in summer and autumn southeast of Sri Lanka. Driven by equatorial intraseasonal winds, equatorial Kelvin waves propagate eastward, reach the western coast of Sumatra, and reflect there to propagate around the perimeter of the BoB as coastally trapped waves. Two distinct bands of high eddy activity are detected in the western and central BoB, respectively. In both bands, isolated eddies propagate southwestward. Eddy formation in the eddy train in the central Bay is linked to the coastal wave as it bends around the corner of the Irrawaddy Delta off Myanmar. Eddy activity contributes to the high ISV in the central Bay to some extent. An energetics analysis indicates that high total eddy energy in the western BoB is due to barotropic/baroclinic instability of the mean current.