bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Corporate Culture on Environmental Management Performance: An Empirical Study of Japanese Firms
Authors: Sugita Masaki , Takahashi Takuya
Published: October 2013

This paper investigates the relationships between the scores of 109 Japanese corporations found in the NIKKEI environmental management ranking survey and the corporate culture of each firm. Corporate culture is measured with the instrument developed by Cameron and Quinn (2006). The instrument measures corporate culture in terms of four categories: clan culture, adhocracy culture, hierarchy culture, and market culture. The results indicate that adhocracy culture has statistically significant positive relationships with the management system, product development, and climate change mitigation aspects of environmental management or sustainability management. Excessive hierarchy culture has a negative relationship with the overall score of environmental management. An appropriate combination of hierarchy culture and adhocracy culture enhances the overall score. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Learning to differentiate individuals by their voices: Infants' individuation of native‐ and foreign‐species voices
Authors: Friendly Rayna H. , Rendall Drew , Trainor Laurel J.
Published: October 2013

The ability to discriminate and identify people by their voice is important for social interaction in humans. In early development, learning to discriminate important differences in a number of socially relevant stimuli, such as phonemes and faces, has been shown to follow a common pattern of experience‐driven perceptual narrowing, where the discrimination of native stimuli improves, while the discrimination of foreign stimuli worsens. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether similar perceptual narrowing occurs for discriminating individuals by voice. We tested the ability of English‐speaking adults and English‐learning 6‐ and 12‐month‐olds to discriminate either native‐species (human) or foreign‐species (rhesus monkey [Macaca mulatta]) individuals by their vocalizations. Between 6 and 12 months of age, the ability to discriminate monkey voices decreased significantly and there was a non‐significant trend for improved ability to discriminate human voices. The results support the hypothesis of experience‐driven perceptual narrowing for voice individuation during the first year after birth. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 56: 228–237, 2014.
The emerging role of SHANK genes in neuropsychiatric disorders
Authors: Guilmatre Audrey , Huguet Guillaume , Delorme Richard , Bourgeron Thomas
Published: October 2013

The genetic heterogeneity of neuropsychiatric disorders is high, but some pathways emerged, notably synaptic functioning. A large number of mutations have been described in genes such as neuroligins, neurexins, and SHANK that play a role in the formation and the maintenance of synapses. This review focuses on the disorders associated with mutations in SHANK3 and the other members of its family, SHANK1 and SHANK2. SHANKs are scaffolding proteins of the postsynaptic density of glutamatergic synapses. SHANK3 has been described in the Phelan‐McDermid syndrome (PMS), but also in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and schizophrenia associated to moderate to severe intellectual disability (ID) and poor language. The evolution of patients with PMS includes symptoms of bipolar disorder and regression. SHANK2 has been identified in patients with ASD with mild to severe ID. SHANK1 has been associated with high‐functioning autism in male patients, while carrier females only display anxiety and shyness. Finally, based on neuropathological findings in animal models and patients, a possible role of SHANK in Alzheimer's disease is discussed. Altogether, this review describes the clinical trajectories associated with different mutations of the SHANK genes and provides information to further investigate the role of the SHANK genes in neuropsychiatric disorders. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 74: 113–122, 2014
Non‐transcriptional interactions of Hox proteins: Inventory, facts, and future directions
Authors: Rezsohazy René
Published: October 2013

Hox proteins are conserved homeodomain transcription factors involved in the control of embryo patterning, organ development, and cell differentiation during animal development and adult life. Although recognizably active in gene regulation, accumulating reports support that Hox proteins are also active in controlling other molecular processes like mRNA translation, DNA repair, initiation of DNA replication, and possibly modulation of signal transduction. Here we review experimental evidence as well as databases entries indicative of non‐transcriptional activities of Hox proteins. Developmental Dynamics 243:117–131, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Single‐cell based high‐throughput sequencing of full‐length immunoglobulin heavy and light chain genes
Authors: Busse Christian E. , Czogiel Irina , Braun Peter , Arndt Peter F. , Wardemann Hedda
Published: October 2013

Single‐cell PCR and sequencing of full‐length Ig heavy (Igh) and Igk and Igl light chain genes is a powerful tool to measure the diversity of antibody repertoires and allows the functional assessment of B‐cell responses through direct Ig gene cloning and the generation of recombinant mAbs. However, the current methodology is not high‐throughput compatible. Here we developed a two‐dimensional bar‐coded primer matrix to combine Igh and Igk/Igl chain gene single‐cell PCR with next‐generation sequencing for the parallel analysis of the antibody repertoire of over 46 000 individual B cells. Our approach provides full‐length Igh and corresponding Igk/Igl chain gene‐sequence information and permits the accurate correction of sequencing errors by consensus building. The use of indexed cell sorting for the isolation of single B cells enables the integration of flow cytometry and Ig gene sequence information. The strategy is fully compatible with established protocols for direct antibody gene cloning and expression and therefore advances over previously described high‐throughput approaches to assess antibody repertoires at the single‐cell level.
Development of a fatty acid fingerprint of white apricot almond oil by gas chromatography and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry
Authors: Tian Honglei , Zhan Ping , Zhang Hao
Published: October 2013

A new chromatographic fingerprinting method was established for quality control of white apricot almond (WAA) oil. Fifteen WAA oil samples from different batches were analyzed by GC–MS, among which 13 were selected to establish a fatty acid fingerprint of WAA oil according to the results of clustering analysis (CA). Spectral correlative chromatogram was adopted to identify common fatty acid and 18 “common fatty acids” were obtained in 13 WAA oil samples, accounting for 97.3% of the total content. The method of fingerprint analysis was then validated based on the relative retention time and relative peak area of the common peaks, sample stability, and similarity analysis. The similarities of the 13 WAA oil samples were more than 0.98, indicating that the samples from different batches were consistent to some extent. The developed chromatographic fingerprint was successfully used to differentiate WAA oil from frauds and other kinds of oil by similarity comparison, principal‐component analysis (PCA), and partial least square regression (PLSR). The fatty acid fingerprint of WAA oil established by supercritical carbon dioxide extraction (SCDE) coupled with GC–MS proved to be suitable for identifying and differentiating samples and can be used for quality control.
Analysis of paspalic acid, lysergic acid, and iso‐lysergic acid by capillary zone electrophoresis with UV‐ and quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometric detection
Authors: Himmelsbach Markus , Ferdig Matthias , Rohrer Thomas
Published: October 2013

CZE was investigated for separation of lysergic, iso‐lysergic, and paspalic acid. BGEs were optimized regarding separation selectivity and analysis time as well as MS compatibility. BGEs using asparagine, Na‐tetraborate, or ammonium acetate yielded satisfactory resolution when 40% of methanol was added and the pH adjusted to 8.3. Applying acidic BGEs also allowed fast separations but the poor stability under acidic conditions of the selected analytes prevented further use. With ultraviolet (UV) detection, LODs were 0.45 and 0.40 mg/L for paspalic acid and lysergic acid, respectively. Run‐to‐run precision of peak areas was 1.8% for lysergic acid and 1.9% for paspalic acid and day‐to‐day precision was 2.4 and 4.0%, respectively. When MS detection was used LODs improved to 0.09 mg/L for paspalic acid and 0.07 mg/L for lysergic acid. Repeatability results were excellent for a CZE‐MS method without internal standard ranging from 3.4% for the highest standard concentration to 5.8% for the lowest concentration. Recovery and matrix effects were studied with samples taken from different stages of the manufacturing process and yielded an average recovery of 100.8% and a RSD of 5.7%.
Persistence and sorption of imazapyr in three Argentinean soils
Authors: Gianelli Valeria Rosana , Bedmar Francisco , Costa José Luis
Published: October 2013

Imazapyr is a herbicide widely used for weed control in imidazolinone-tolerant sunflower. Imazapyr has a high potential for leaching into groundwater because it is highly water-soluble, persistent in soil, and only weakly sorbed by soils. There is a lack of information available in Argentina concerning groundwater leaching of imazapyr. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to determine the persistence and sorption of imazapyr in 3 Argentinean soils (Tandil, Anguil, and Cerro Azul sites). The presence and concentration of imazapyr were determined and quantified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. The persistence in soils followed the order: Cerro Azul > Tandil > Anguil, with half-life values of 121 d, 75 d, and 37 d, respectively. The half-life of imazapyr was negatively associated with soil pH and iron and aluminum content, and was positively related to clay content. Imazapyr sorption was found to be well described by the Freundlich isotherm. Soil pH and clay, iron, and aluminum contents were the main factors affecting the sorption of imazapyr. The sorption had a limiting effect on the degradation rate. Under certain conditions, the weak sorption and high persistence may increase the movement of imazapyr in the soil profile and the risk of groundwater pollution. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:29–34. © 2013 SETAC
Assessment of different reconstruction techniques for implementing the NVSF schemes on unstructured meshes
Authors: Zhang Di , Jiang Chunbo , Yang Chen , Yang Yan
Published: October 2013

Three new far‐upwind reconstruction techniques, New‐Technique 1, 2, and 3, are proposed in this paper, which localize the normalized variable and space formulation (NVSF) schemes and facilitate the implementation of standard bounded high‐resolution differencing schemes on arbitrary unstructured meshes. By theoretical analysis, it is concluded that the three new techniques overcome two inherent drawbacks of the original technique found in the literature. Eleven classic high‐resolution NVSF schemes developed in the past decades are selected to evaluate performances of the three new techniques relative to the original technique. Under the circumstances of arbitrary unstructured meshes, stretched meshes, and uniform triangular meshes, for each NVSF scheme, the accuracies and convergence properties, when implementing the four aforementioned far‐upwind reconstruction techniques respectively, are assessed by the pure convection of several scalar profiles. The numerical results clearly show that New‐Technique‐2 leads to a better performance in terms of overall accuracy and convergence behavior for the 11 NVSF schemes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamic biogeochemical provinces in the global ocean
Authors: Reygondeau Gabriel , Longhurst Alan , Martinez Elodie , Beaugrand Gregory , Antoine David , Maury Olivier
Published: October 2013

In recent decades, it has been found useful to partition the pelagic environment using the concept of biogeochemical provinces, or BGCPs, within each of which it is assumed that environmental conditions are distinguishable and unique at global scale. The boundaries between provinces respond to features of physical oceanography and, ideally, should follow seasonal and interannual changes in ocean dynamics. But this ideal has not been fulfilled except for small regions of the oceans. Moreover, BGCPs have been used only as static entities having boundaries that were originally established to compute global primary production. In the present study, a new statistical methodology based on non‐parametric procedures is implemented to capture the environmental characteristics within 56 BGCPs. Four main environmental parameters (bathymetry, chlorophyll a concentration, surface temperature, and salinity) are used to infer the spatial distribution of each BGCP over 1997–2007. The resulting dynamic partition allows us to integrate changes in the distribution of BGCPs at seasonal and interannual timescales, and so introduces the possibility of detecting spatial shifts in environmental conditions.
Characterization of nucleation during laboratory earthquakes
Authors: Latour S. , Schubnel A. , Nielsen S. , Madariaga R. , Vinciguerra S.
Published: October 2013

We observe the nucleation phase of in‐plane ruptures in the laboratory. We show that the nucleation is composed of two distinct phases, a quasi‐static and an acceleration stage, followed by dynamic propagation. We propose an empirical model which describes the rupture length evolution: The quasi‐static phase is described by an exponential growth while the acceleration phase is described by an inverse power law of time. The transition from quasi‐static to accelerating rupture is related to the critical nucleation length, which scales inversely with normal stress in accordance with theoretical predictions, and to a critical surfacic power, which may be an intrinsic property of the interface. Finally, we discuss these results in the frame of previous studies and propose a scaling up to natural earthquake dimensions.
Long noncoding RNA HOTTIP/HOXA13 expression is associated with disease progression and predicts outcome in hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Quagliata Luca , Matter Matthias S. , Piscuoglio Salvatore , Arabi Leila , Ruiz Christian , Procino Alfredo , Kovac Michal , Moretti Francesca , Makowska Zuzanna , Boldanova Tujana , Andersen Jesper B. , Hämmerle Monika , Tornillo Luigi , Heim Markus H. , Diederichs Sven , Cillo Clemente , Terracciano Luigi M.
Published: October 2013

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the leading causes of cancer-related death. Despite the advances in diagnosis and management of HCC, the biology of this tumor remains poorly understood. Recent evidence highlighted long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) as crucial determinants of HCC development. In this study we report the lncRNA HOXA transcript at the distal tip (HOTTIP) as significantly up-regulated in HCC specimens. The HOTTIP gene is located in physical contiguity with HOXA13 and directly controls the HOXA locus gene expression by way of interaction with the WDR5/MLL complex. HOX genes encode transcription factors regulating embryonic development and cell fate. We previously described HOX genes deregulation to be involved in hepatocarcinogenesis. Indeed, we observed the marked up-regulation of HOXA13 in HCC. Here, by correlating clinicopathological and expression data, we demonstrate that the levels of HOTTIP and HOXA13 are associated with HCC patients' clinical progression and predict disease outcome. In contrast to the majority of similar studies, our data were obtained from snap-frozen needle HCC biopsies (n = 52) matched with their nonneoplastic counterparts collected from patients who had not yet received any HCC-tailored therapeutic treatments at the time of biopsy. In addition, taking advantage of gain and loss of function experiments in liver cancer-derived cell lines (HuH-6 and HuH-7), we uncover a novel bidirectional regulatory loop between HOTTIP/HOXA13. Conclusion: Our study highlights the key role of HOTTIP and HOXA13 in HCC development by associating their expression with metastasis and survival in HCC patients, provides novel insights on the function of lncRNA-driven hepatocarcinogenesis, and paves the way for further investigation about the possible role of HOTTIP as a predictive biomarker of HCC. (HEPATOLOGY 2014;59:911–923)
Health workforce in the United Arab Emirates: analytic point of view
Authors: Hannawi Suad , Salmi Issa Al
Published: October 2013

A strong health system is impossible without health workers who are the ultimate resource. Money and medical supplies are needed, but these inputs require an efficient workforce. Challenges with respect to human resources vary greatly between and within countries, and are associated with the political, economical, cultural and societal context of a country. Moreover, the gaps in the workforce do not generally relate to doctors but to nurses and other classes of health worker who make up the bulk of health workforce. The difficulties caused by low staff numbers are compounded by morale problems, skill imbalances and geographical maldistribution. This paper will discuss how it is difficult for the United Arab Emirates (UAE, a Middle East federation country) to wrestle effectively with the demands of a good health system, exploring how they lack the basis of health systems—motivated, trained and supported people. Additionally, we looked at how the UAE health system further challenged by negative work environment, and weak knowledge‐base, out‐migration and inadequate investment. At the end of our discussion, we are providing some suggestions to manage human resource problems in the UAE. Highlighting how a national workforce strategic plan is important to guide investments in human resources as the core component of strengthening the UAE national health system. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Topical analgesics for neuropathic pain: Preclinical exploration, clinical validation, future development
Authors: Sawynok J.
Published: October 2013

Topical analgesics applied locally to skin or to specialized compartments modify pain by actions on sensory nerve endings and/or adjacent cellular elements. With this approach, there are low systemic drug levels, good tolerability and few drug interactions, and combination with oral formulations is feasible. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of the potential for topical analgesics to contribute to improved management of neuropathic pain. Mechanistic and preclinical studies indicate much potential for development of novel topical analgesics for neuropathic pain. In humans, two topical analgesics are approved for use in post‐herpetic neuralgia (lidocaine 5% medicated plaster, capsaicin 8% patch), and there is evidence for efficacy in other neuropathic pain conditions. Comparative trials indicate similar efficacy between topical and oral analgesics. Not all individuals respond to topical analgesics, and there is interest in determining factors (patient factors, sensory characteristics) which might predict responsiveness to topical analgesics. There is a growing number of controlled trials and case reports of investigational agents (vasodilators, glutamate receptor antagonists, α2‐adrenoreceptor agonists, antidepressants, centrally acting drugs), including combinations of several agents, indicating these produce pain relief in neuropathic pain. There is interest in compounding topical analgesics for neuropathic pain, but several challenges remain for this approach. Topical analgesics have the potential to be a valuable additional approach for the management of neuropathic pain.
Effects of white noise on off‐task behavior and academic responding for children with ADHD
Authors: Cook Andrew , Bradley‐Johnson Sharon , Johnson C. Merle
Published: October 2013

We evaluated the effects of white noise played through headphones on off‐task behavior, percentage of items completed, and percentage of items completed correctly for 3 students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Headphones plus white noise were associated with decreases in off‐task behavior relative to baseline and headphones‐only (no white noise) control conditions. Little change in academic responding occurred across conditions for all participants.
Evaluation of a novel tetra‐functional branched poly(ethylene glycol) crosslinker for manufacture of crosslinked, decellularized, porcine aortic valve leaflets
Authors: Hu Xing‐Jian , Dong Nian‐Guo , Shi Jia‐Wei , Deng Cheng , Li Hua‐Dong , Lu Cui‐Fen
Published: October 2013

To address concerns over limitations in the clinical use of glutaraldehyde (GA) fixation in bioprosthetic heart valves, we manufactured novel, branched poly(ethylene glycol) tetraacrylate (PEG‐TA) crosslinked valve leaflets and evaluated cytotoxic, thrombogenic, hemolytic, and anticalcification effects, thermal stability, and mechanical properties, in comparison to decellularized valves (control) and GA crosslinked valves. Thermal denaturation temperatures were higher for PEG‐TA valve leaflets compared to control and GA crosslinked valves (p < 0.001). Leaflet hydrolyzation rate was lower for the PEG‐TA group than for GA and control groups (p < 0.05). Superior cytocompatibility was found for PEG‐TA group leaflets (MTT,p < 0.01. apoptosis assay,p > 0.05). No thrombogenesis was found in platelet activation tests (p < 0.0001). Hemolysis assays showed that PEG‐TA leaflets would not cause damage to blood cells (p > 0.05). Excellent anticalcification properties were confirmed by von Kossa staining, western blot, and atomic absorption spectroscopy (p < 0.0001) in a rat subcutaneous embedding model. Finally, the novel PEG‐TA crosslinked material exhibits improved mechanical properties as compared to GA crosslinked materials (tensile strength,p < 0.001, Young's modulus,p < 0.001). On the basis of all results presented, it is clear that the performance characteristics of PEG‐TA crosslinked valve leaflets make PEG‐TA crosslinked leaflets a promising alternative for the next generation of bioprosthetic heart valve. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 322–336, 2014.
Osterix and NO66 Histone Demethylase Control the Chromatin of Osterix Target Genes During Osteoblast Differentiation
Authors: Sinha Krishna M , Yasuda Hideyo , Zhou Xin , deCrombrugghe Benoit
Published: October 2013

Commitment of Runx2-expressing precursor osteoblasts to functional osteoblasts and then to osteocytes is triggered by Osterix (Osx), which activates its target genes in those cells during bone formation. It is not yet known whether Osx has a role in remodeling the chromatin architecture of its target genes during the transition from preosteoblast to osteoblast. In testing the hypothesis that Osx is indispensable for active chromatin architecture, we first showed that in Osx-null calvarial cells occupancy of the transcriptional activators, including lysine 4 methyl transferase (Wdr5), c-Myc, and H2A.Z, at the Osx target gene Bsp was very markedly decreased. The levels of methylation of lysines 4 and 36 and acetylation of histone H3, markers for active chromatin, were also reduced at the Bsp gene in these cells. In contrast, occupancy of the transcriptional repressors HP1 and the nucleolar protein 66 (NO66), a histone demethylase previously identified as an Osx-interacting protein, was increased at the Bsp gene in Osx-null calvarial cells. Furthermore, the Bsp promoter was hypermethylated in embryonic stem (ES) cells and in embryonic day 9.5 (E9.5) embryos but was markedly hypomethylated in the calvaria of E18.5 embryos, coinciding with robust Bsp expression. In contrast, CpG methylation in the Bsp promoter remained high in Osx-null calvaria compared to Osx–wild-type calvaria. Our data also revealed that NO66 interacted with DNA Methyltransferase 1A (DNMT1A), histone deacetylase 1A (HDAC1A), and HP1, which are known to control histone and DNA methylation. In addition, HP1 stimulated the demethylase activity of NO66 for its substrates “trimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 4” (H3K4me3) and “trimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 36” (H3K36me3). Our findings strongly suggest that in the absence of Osx, the chromatin of Osx target genes is transcriptionally inactive. We propose that Osx is a molecular switch for the formation of an active chromatin state during osteoblast differentiation, whereas NO66 helps gene repression through histone demethylation and/or formation of a repressor complex, resulting in multilayered control of the chromatin architecture of specific osteoblast genes. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Perlecan-Containing Pericellular Matrix Regulates Solute Transport and Mechanosensing Within the Osteocyte Lacunar-Canalicular System
Authors: Wang Bin , Lai Xiaohan , Price Christopher , Thompson William R , Li Wen , Quabili Tonima R , Tseng Wei-Ju , Liu Xiaowei Sherry , Zhang Hong , Pan Jun , Kirn-Safran Catherine B , Farach-Carson Mary C , Wang Liyun
Published: October 2013

The pericellular matrix (PCM), a thin coating surrounding nearly all mammalian cells, plays a critical role in many cell-surface phenomena. In osteocytes, the PCM is believed to control both “outside-in” (mechanosensing) and “inside-out” (signaling molecule transport) processes. However, the osteocytic PCM is challenging to study in situ because it is thin (∼100 nm) and enclosed in mineralized matrix. To this end, we recently developed a novel tracer velocimetry approach that combined fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) imaging with hydrodynamic modeling to quantify the osteocytic PCM in young murine bone. In this study, we applied the technique to older mice expressing or deficient for perlecan/HSPG2, a large heparan-sulfate proteoglycan normally secreted in osteocytic PCM. The objectives were (1) to characterize transport within an altered PCM; (2) to test the sensitivity of our approach in detecting the PCM alterations; and (3) to dissect the roles of the PCM in osteocyte mechanosensing. We found that: (1) solute transport increases in the perlecan-deficient (hypomorphic [Hypo]) mice compared with control mice; (2) PCM fiber density decreases with aging and perlecan deficiency; (3) osteocytes in the Hypo bones are predicted to experience higher shear stress (+34%), but decreased fluid drag force (−35%) under 3-N peak tibial loading; and (4) when subjected to tibial loading in a preliminary in vivo experiment, the Hypo mice did not respond to the anabolic stimuli as the CTL mice did. These findings support the hypothesis that the PCM fibers act as osteocyte's sensing antennae, regulating load-induced cellular stimulations and thus bone's sensitivity and in vivo bone adaptation. If this hypothesis is further confirmed, osteocytic PCM could be new targets to develop osteoporosis treatments by modulating bone's intrinsic sensitivity to mechanical loading and be used to design patient-specific exercise regimens to promote bone formation. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Characterization, Isolation, and Culture of Mouse and Human Spermatogonial Stem Cells
Authors: Guo Ying , Hai Yanan , Gong Yuehua , Li Zheng , He Zuping
Published: October 2013

Spermatogenesis is a special process by which spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) divide and differentiate to male gametes called mature spermatozoa. SSCs are the unique cells because they are adult stem cells that transmit genetic information to subsequent generations. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that SSCs can be reprogrammed to acquire pluripotency to become embryonic stem‐like cells that differentiate into all cell lineages of the three germ layers, highlighting potential important applications of SSCs for regenerative medicine. Recent studies from peers and us have made great achievements on the characterization, isolation, and culture of mouse and human SSCs, which could lead to better understanding the biology of SSCs and the applications of SSCs in both reproductive and regenerative medicine. In this review, we first compared the cell identity and biochemical phenotypes between mouse SSCs and human SSCs. Notably, the cell types of mouse and human SSCs are distinct, and human SSCs share some but not all phenotypes with mouse SSCs. The approaches for isolating SSCs as well as short‐ and long‐term culture of mouse SSCs and short‐period culture of human SSCs were also discussed. We further addressed the new advances on the self‐renewal of SSCs with an aim to establish the long‐term culture of human SSCs which has not yet been achieved. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 407–413, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ionospheric F2 region: Variability and sudden stratospheric warmings
Authors: Upadhayaya A. K. , Mahajan K. K.
Published: October 2013

The ionospheric F2 region is known to show a large day‐to‐day and hour‐to‐hour variability. Some of this variability has recently being linked to sudden stratospheric warmings (SSWs). We therefore investigate the extent of ionospheric changes following SSWs of 2007, 2008, and 2009 using ionosonde data from six different stations in the Asian zone, thus covering a broad latitudinal range from 23.2°N to 45.1°N. We find that ionospheric F2 region shows some significant perturbations soon after the start of the warming. However, characteristics of these perturbations vary from event to event and from station to station. We also examine the data on equatorial electrojet strength (EEJ) during these warmings and find that there are significant changes in the EEJ strength during the SSW events. A counter electrojet coincident with the start of warming was observed for the SSW event of 2008. We then compare this SSW‐linked variability observed by us to the normal day‐to‐day and hour‐to‐hour variability seen in the ionospheric data. We find that even during times when there are no SSWs and solar and magnetic indices are quite stable and close to their minimum values, the ionospheric variability is comparable to the variability attributed to these warmings. Further, it seems to us that it is difficult to quantify with precision the changes in foF2, as well as in the ionospheric response times involved, following these events.
Temporal and spatial precursors in ionospheric total electron content of the 16 October 1999 Mw7.1 Hector Mine earthquake
Authors: Su Y. C. , Liu J. Y. , Chen S. P. , Tsai H. F. , Chen M. Q.
Published: October 2013

In this paper, temporal and spatial analyses are employed to detect seismo‐ionospheric precursors (SIPs) in the ionospheric total electron content (TEC) during the 16 October 1999 Mw7.1 Hector Mine earthquake. To discriminate anomalies caused by global effects, such as solar radiations, magnetic storms, etc., and local effects, such as earthquake, we cross‐examine the GPS TECs and their gradients in the eastward and northward directions at epicenter/centers of the Hector Mine area and the other two reference areas at similar magnetic latitudes in Europe and Japan. Temporal variations of the northward TEC gradient suggest SIPs most likely appearing on days 6–5 before the earthquake. A global search by using the TEC of the global ionosphere map shows that the TEC increase and decrease anomalies continuously and specifically appear around the epicenter on day 5 before the earthquake.
GCMs‐based spatiotemporal evolution of climate extremes during the 21st century in China
Authors: Li Jianfeng , Zhang Qiang , Chen Yongqin David , Singh Vijay P.
Published: October 2013

Changes in the hydrological cycle being caused by human‐induced global warming are triggering variations in observed spatiotemporal distributions of precipitation and temperature extremes, and hence in droughts and floods across China. Evaluation of future climate extremes based on General Circulation Models (GCMs) outputs will be of great importance in scientific management of water resources and agricultural activities. In this study, five precipitation extreme and five temperature extreme indices are defined. This study analyzes daily precipitation and temperature data for 1960–2005 from 529 stations in China and outputs of GCMs from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 3 (CMIP3) and Phase 5 (CMIP5). Downscaling methods, based on QQ‐plot and transfer functions, are used to downscale GCMs outputs to the site scale. Performances of GCMs in simulating climate extremes were evaluated using the Taylor diagram. Results showed that: (1) the multimodel CMIP5 ensemble performs the best in simulating observed extreme conditions; (2) precipitation processes are intensifying with increased frequency and intensity across entire China. The southwest China, however, is dominated by lengthening maximum consecutive dry days and also more heavy precipitation extremes; (3) warming processes continue with increasing warm nights, decreasing frost days, and lengthening heat waves during the 21st century; (4) changes in precipitation and temperature extremes exhibit larger changing magnitudes under RCP85 scenario; (5) for the evolution of changes in extremes, in most cases, the spatial pattern keeps the same, even though changing rates vary. In some cases, area with specific changing properties extends or shrinks gradually. The directions of trends may alter during the evolution; and (6) changes under RCP85 become more and more pronounced as time elapses. Under the peak‐and‐decline RCP26, changes in some cases do not decrease correspondingly during 2070–2099 even though the radiative forcing during 2070–2099 is less than during 2040–2069. The increase of radiative forcing triggers considerable regional variations in consecutive dry days, but causes only slight changes in the areal average in China. The results of this study imply higher flood risk across entire China but intensifying droughts in south China in the 21st century, and also more heat‐related losses in east coasts of China.
Interannual variability in tropical tropospheric ozone and OH: The role of lightning
Authors: Murray Lee T. , Logan Jennifer A. , Jacob Daniel J.
Published: October 2013

Nitrogen oxide radicals (NOx) produced by lightning are natural precursors for the production of the dominant tropospheric oxidants, OH and ozone. Observations of the interannual variability (IAV) of tropical ozone and of global mean OH (from the methyl chloroform proxy) offer a window for understanding the sensitivity of ozone and OH to environmental factors. We present the results of simulations for 1998–2006 using the GEOS‐Chem chemical transport model (CTM) with IAV in tropical lightning constrained by satellite observations from the Lightning Imaging Sensor. We find that this imposed IAV in lightning NOx improves the ability of the model to reproduce observed IAV in tropical ozone and OH. Lightning is far more important than biomass burning in driving the IAV of tropical ozone, even though the IAV of NOx emissions from fires is greater than that from lightning. Our results indicate that the IAV in tropospheric OH is highly sensitive to lightning relative to other emissions and suggest that lightning contributes an important fraction of the observed IAV in OH inferred from the methyl chloroform proxy. Lightning affects OH through the HO2+ NO reaction, an effect compounded by positive feedback from the resulting increase in ozone production and in CO loss. We can account in the model for the observed increase in OH in 1998–2004 and for its IAV, but the model fails to explain the OH decrease in 2004–2006. We find that stratospheric ozone plays little role in driving IAV in OH during 1998–2006, in contrast to previous studies that examined earlier periods.
A new method for the semiquantitative determination of major rock‐forming minerals with thermal infrared multispectral data: Application to THEMIS infrared data
Authors: Huang Jun , Edwards Christopher S. , Ruff Steven W. , Christensen Philip R. , Xiao Long
Published: October 2013

We have developed a new method (least residual iterative spectral mixture analysis (LRISMA)) to semiquantitatively determine major rock‐forming minerals (feldspar, pyroxene, olivine, high‐silica phases, and quartz) with multispectral thermal infrared data. Sublibraries of minerals are generated from a master library of minerals based on prior knowledge to produce a suite of realistic mineral end‐member combinations to fit the target spectra. Mineral abundances that correspond to the least root‐mean‐square errors (best fit) generally agree best with previous petrographic studies of laboratory‐measured rock samples and thermal infrared hyperspectral analysis of materials on the surface of Mars, given the greatly reduced spectral range and resolution of Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) spectra. The accuracy and reproducibility of LRISMA is ~4–16% and ~5–20%, respectively, while the accuracy of petrographic and previous hyperspectral studies is ~5–15%. LRISMA can be applied to semiquantitatively refine the bulk surface mineralogy of small‐scale (~1 km2) geologic features with high‐quality THEMIS spectral data (high surface temperature: >260 K, low atmospheric opacity: total ice < 0.04 and total dust < 0.15) with the ultimate goal of better understanding regional geologic processes.
Comparative study of voiding and male sexual function following open and laparoscopic total mesorectal excision in patients with rectal cancer
Authors: Hur Hyuk , Bae Sung Uk , Kim Nam Kyu , Min Byung Soh , Baik Seung Hyuk , Lee Kang Young , Kim Young Tae , Choi Young Deuk
Published: October 2013

Background

This study aimed to compare voiding and male sexual dysfunction between open and laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery.

Methods

Ninety‐seven patients (62 male and 35 female) who underwent open (n = 41) or laparoscopic (n = 56) surgery for rectal cancer were prospectively enrolled. Urine flowmetry, the international prostate symptom score, and the international index of erectile function were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively.

Results

Voiding function score increased 1 month after surgery (open: 9.3 ± 4.6 to 14.0 ± 8.2, laparoscopic: 8.3 ± 5.3 to 12.3 ± 5.2; P = 0.002 and P < 0.001). The score was even higher in both groups after 6 months, but the increases were not statistically significant (open: 9.9 ± 4.5, laparoscopic: 9.2 ± 5.6; P = 0.546 and P = 0.280). Male patients who underwent open surgery (n = 22) experienced declining sexual function until 12 months post surgery (before: 55.2 ± 9.8, 12 months: 48.7 ± 15.9, P = 0.031). In laparoscopic group (n = 28), sexual function decreased until 6 months after surgery, but rose again by 12 months (before: 55.4 ± 9.0, 12 months: 52.2 ± 11.7, P = 0.134).

Conclusions

Voiding dysfunction recovered after 6 months following both open and laparoscopic surgery. Male sexual function recovered more quickly in laparoscopic group and returned to preoperative levels after 12 months. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013; 108:572–578. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Focusing surface plasmon polariton wave packets in space and time
Authors: Wang Lei‐Ming , Petek Hrvoje
Published: October 2013

The spatiotemporal focusing of surface plasmon polariton (SPP) wave packets (WPs) by planar plasmonic‐lens coupling structures is described using combined femtosecond interferometric time‐resolved photoemission electron microscopy (ITR‐PEEM) imaging and model simulations. The focusing properties of lens structures inscribed lithographically into Ag films depend on the angle of incidence of the excitation field. Severe aberrations are introduced by the phase delay in the interaction of obliquely incident plane waves with the commonly employed circular arc‐shaped lens structures. It is shown that the aberration can be corrected by accounting for propagation delays caused by the incidence angle‐dependent retardation of the optical field‐lens structure interaction. The focusing of SPP‐WPs in both space and time is demonstrated with aberration corrected lens structures.
Non‐enzymatic glycation and glycoxidation protein products in foods and diseases: An interconnected, complex scenario fully open to innovative proteomic studies
Authors: Arena Simona , Salzano Anna Maria , Renzone Giovanni , D'Ambrosio Chiara , Scaloni Andrea
Published: October 2013

The Maillard reaction includes a complex network of processes affecting food and biopharmaceutical products; it also occurs in living organisms and has been strictly related to cell aging, to the pathogenesis of several (chronic) diseases, such as diabetes, uremia, cataract, liver cirrhosis and various neurodegenerative pathologies, as well as to peritoneal dialysis treatment. Dozens of compounds are involved in this process, among which a number of protein‐adducted derivatives that have been simplistically defined as early, intermediate and advanced glycation end‐products. In the last decade, various bottom‐up proteomic approaches have been successfully used for the identification of glycation/glycoxidation protein targets as well as for the characterization of the corresponding adducts, including assignment of the modified amino acids. This article provides an updated overview of the mass spectrometry‐based procedures developed to this purpose, emphasizing their partial limits with respect to current proteomic approaches for the analysis of other post‐translational modifications. These limitations are mainly related to the concomitant sheer diversity, chemical complexity, and variable abundance of the various derivatives to be characterized. Some challenges to scientists are finally proposed for future proteomic investigations to solve main drawbacks in this research field. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev 33: 49–77, 2014.
Effects of calcium and vitamin D supplementation on crypt morphology in normal colon mucosa: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Shen Huafeng , Ahearn Thomas U. , Bostick Roberd M.
Published: October 2013

Calcium and vitamin D modify the molecular phenotypic profiles of colon crypts in the normal colorectal mucosa of colorectal adenoma patients, but their effects on crypt morphology (length, perimeter, and area) are unknown. We analyzed data from a previously conducted pilot, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled 2 × 2 factorial chemoprevention clinical trial of supplemental calcium 2000 mg/d and vitamin D3 800 IU/d, alone and in combination, versus placebo over 6 mo. Colorectal crypt length, perimeter, and area in the normal‐appearing rectal mucosa were quantified by image analysis. The mean crypt length increased by 1% (P = 0.92) in the calcium group, and decreased by 2% (P = 0.69) and 4% (P = 0.40) in the vitamin D and calcium plus vitamin D groups, respectively, relative to the placebo group. The mean crypt perimeter decreased by 2% (P = 0.70) and 4% (P = 0.40) in the vitamin D and calcium plus vitamin D groups, respectively, relative to the placebo group, but did not change appreciably in the calcium group. The mean crypt area decreased by 2% (P = 0.74), 5% (P = 0.41) and 7% (P = 0.30) in the calcium, vitamin D and calcium plus vitamin D groups, respectively, relative to the placebo group. Calcium and/or vitamin D3 supplementation do not appear to appreciably change crypt morphology in the normal colorectal mucosa of sporadic adenoma patients. These results, taken together with previous findings, support the use of molecular phenotypic over morphologic pre‐neoplastic biomarkers of risk for colorectal neoplasms. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dynamic response of double beam rested on stochastic foundation under harmonic moving load
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Saeed , Esmaeili Morteza , Mehrali Mohammad
Published: October 2013

This paper deals with the dynamic response of infinite double Euler–Bernoulli beam supported by elastic foundation with stochastic stiffness subjected to an oscillating moving load, which is the first research in relevant literature review. In this matter, equations of motion for double beam are formulated in a moving frame of reference. Moreover, by employing the first order perturbation theory and calculating contour integration, the response of double beam is obtained analytically and validated by a stochastic finite element model. Sensitivity analyses on the various parameters of closed form solution such as velocity, load frequency, coefficient of variation of soil foundation and rail and slab bending stiffness show the significant effect of load frequency on the dynamic response of the doubled beam. From practical point of view, the obtained results of the present study can be utilized efficiently in analysis and design of slab track systems. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diabetes mellitus does not affect the efficacy and safety of intravesical onabotulinumtoxina injection in patients with refractory detrusor overactivity
Authors: Wang Chung‐Cheng , Liao Chun‐Hou , Kuo Hann‐Chorng
Published: October 2013

Aims

To investigate the efficacy and safety of intravesical onabotulinumtoxinA injection in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and refractory detrusor overactivity (DO).

Methods

Forty‐eight type 2 DM patients with refractory DO received intravesical 100 U onabotulinumtoxinA injection. Another 48 age‐matched patients were randomly selected from a non‐diabetic group as controls. Video‐urodynamic studies were performed at baseline and were repeated 3 months after treatment. The treatment outcomes were graded on the basis of changes in the Patient's Perception of Bladder Condition (PPBC) and a PPBC decrease of 2 or more points was considered successful. Treatment‐related adverse events including acute urinary retention, large post‐voiding residual (PVR) volumes, straining to void, urinary tract infection, hematuria, and general weakness were recorded.

Results

The mean ages of the diabetic and non‐diabetic patients were 73.1 ± 8.8 and 72.0 ± 9.3 (P = 0.552), respectively. The changes of urodynamic parameters were comparable between the two groups. Similar successful results were noted at the 6‐month follow‐up (DM, 56% vs. non‐DM, 61%, P = 0.128). Diabetic patients had a significantly greater incidence of large PVR volumes (DM, 60.4% vs. non‐DM, 33.3%; P = 0.007) and general weakness (DM, 10.4% vs. non‐DM, 0%; P = 0.03) after treatment. Baseline urodynamic parameters in diabetic patients did not predict the occurrence of adverse events. No major complication was noted in either group.

Conclusions

Intravesical onabotulinumtoxinA injection is a safe and effective treatment for DM patients with refractory DO. Patients with DM should be informed of the increased risk of large PVR before initiation of treatment. Neurourol. Urodynam. 33:1235–1239, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MR imaging of protein folding in vitro employing Nuclear‐Overhauser‐mediated saturation transfer
Authors: Zaiss Moritz , Kunz Patrick , Goerke Steffen , Radbruch Alexander , Bachert Peter
Published: October 2013

MR Z‐spectroscopy allows enhanced imaging contrast on the basis of saturation transfer between the proton pools of cellular compounds and water, occurring via chemical exchange (chemical exchange saturation transfer, CEST) or dipole–dipole coupling (nuclear Overhauser effect, NOE). In previous studies, signals observed in the aliphatic proton region of Z‐spectra have been assigned to NOEs between protons in water molecules and protons at the surface of proteins. We investigated a possible relationship between the signal strength of NOE peaks in Z‐spectra obtained at B0 = 7 T and protein structure. Here, we report a correlation of NOE‐mediated saturation transfer with the structural state of bovine serum albumin (BSA), which was monitored by fluorescence spectroscopy. Encouraged by CEST signal changes observed in tumor tissue, our observation also points to a possible contrast mechanism for MRI sensitive to the structural integrity of proteins in cells. Therefore, protein folding should be considered as an additional property affecting saturation transfer between water and proteins, in combination with the microenvironment and physiological quantities, such as metabolite concentration, temperature and pH. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.