bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting work‐related incidence of lateral and medial epicondylitis using the strain index
Authors: Fan Z. Joyce , Bao Stephen , Silverstein Barbara A. , Howard Ninica L. , Smith Caroline K. , Bonauto Dave K.
Published: September 2014

Background

The Strain Index (SI) has been developed to evaluate the risk for developing a distal upper extremity disorder. The objective of this study is to determine if the SI predicts incidence cases of work‐related lateral, medial, or any epicondylities (LEPI, MEPI, and EPI).

Methods

Six hundred seven workers were followed for up to 3.5 years, 70 developed EPI on the dominant side (44 LEPI, 13 MEPI, and 13 both). Survival analyses were conducted adjusting for demographic, psychosocial, and work organizational factors, with the SI as time‐dependent variable.

Results

High exposure (SI > 5), older age, and self‐perceived poor general health were associated with incidence of LEPI and EPI, but not MEPI. There was a significant relationship between higher scores of SI and LEPI, hazard ratio (HR) 2.00 (95% CI 1.04–3.87) for SI 5.1–12, HR 2.12 (95% CI 1.11–4.05) for SI > 12.

Conclusions

The SI can effectively identify jobs with increased risk of developing incidence of LEPI. Am. J. Ind. Med. 57:1319–1330, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Coastal, valley, and oasis interaction: Impact on the evolution of ancient populations in the South Central Andes
Authors: Varela Héctor H. , Cocilovo Jose A. , Fuchs María L. , O'Brien Tyler G.
Published: September 2014

The existing biocultural links are analyzed among ancient inhabitants of the Cochabamba valleys (Bolivia) from the Formative and Tiwanaku periods, coastal and inland Azapa region (Chile) from the Late Archaic to the Late periods, and the Atacama Desert oases (Chile) from the Formative period to the time of European contact. Craniometric information obtained from a sample of 565 individuals from different sites of the studied regions was evaluated using methods derived from quantitative genetics and multivariate statistical analysis techniques. It is shown that during the Formative and Tiwanaku periods inhabitants of the Cochabamba valleys maintained contact with the population of northern Chile. This contact was more fluid with the people from the interior valley of Azapa than it was with the settlers of San Pedro Atacama (SPA). An important biological affinity in the Late Period between the inhabitants of the Azapa valley and the late SPA groups is also examined. The Late‐Inca Catarpe SPA sample shows a broad genetic variability shared with the majority of the groups studied. The results reaffirm the differences between the coastal and interior Azapa valley groups and strengthen the hypothesis of two pathways to populating the south central Andean area. The divergence observed among subpopulations can be explained by the spatiotemporal dispersion between them, genetic drift dispersion compensated by the action of gene flow, and cultural norms that regulate within group mating. Am J Phys Anthropol 155:591–599, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Kinematics of primate midfoot flexibility
Authors: Greiner Thomas M. , Ball Kevin A.
Published: September 2014

This study describes a unique assessment of primate intrinsic foot joint kinematics based upon bone pin rigid cluster tracking. It challenges the assumption that human evolution resulted in a reduction of midfoot flexibility, which has been identified in other primates as the “midtarsal break.” Rigid cluster pins were inserted into the foot bones of human, chimpanzee, baboon, and macaque cadavers. The positions of these bone pins were monitored during a plantarflexion‐dorsiflexion movement cycle. Analysis resolved flexion‐extension movement patterns and the associated orientation of rotational axes for the talonavicular, calcaneocuboid, and lateral cubometatarsal joints. Results show that midfoot flexibility occurs primarily at the talonavicular and cubometatarsal joints. The rotational magnitudes are roughly similar between humans and chimps. There is also a similarity among evaluated primates in the observed rotations of the lateral cubometatarsal joint, but there was much greater rotation observed for the talonavicular joint, which may serve to differentiate monkeys from the hominines. It appears that the capability for a midtarsal break is present within the human foot. A consideration of the joint axes shows that the medial and lateral joints have opposing orientations, which has been associated with a rigid locking mechanism in the human foot. However, the potential for this same mechanism also appears in the chimpanzee foot. These findings demonstrate a functional similarity within the midfoot of the hominines. Therefore, the kinematic capabilities and restrictions for the skeletal linkages of the human foot may not be as unique as has been previously suggested. Am J Phys Anthropol 155:610–620, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neutral nuclear variation inBaboons (genusPapio) provides insights into their evolutionary and demographic histories
Authors: Boissinot Stéphane , Alvarez Lauren , Giraldo‐Ramirez Juliana , Tollis Marc
Published: September 2014

Baboons (genusPapio) are distributed over most of sub‐Saharan Africa and in the southern portion of the Arabian Peninsula. Six distinct morphotypes, with clearly defined geographic distributions, are recognized (the olive, chacma, yellow, Guinea, Kinda, and hamadryas baboons). The evolutionary relationships among baboon forms have long been a controversial issue. Phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial DNA sequences revealed that the modern baboon morphotypes are mitochondrially paraphyletic or polyphyletic. The discordance between mitochondrial lineages and morphology is indicative of extensive introgressive hybridization between ancestral baboon populations. To gain insights into the evolutionary relationships among morphotypes and their demographic history, we performed an analysis of nuclear variation in baboons. We sequenced 13 noncoding, putatively neutral, nuclear regions, and scored the presence/absence of 18 polymorphic transposable elements in a sample of 45 baboons belonging to five of the six recognized baboon forms. We found that the chacma baboon is the sister‐taxon to all other baboons and the yellow baboon is the sister‐taxon to an unresolved northern clade containing the olive, Guinea, and hamadryas baboons. We estimated that the diversification of baboons occurred entirely in the Pleistocene, the earliest split dating ∼1.5 million years ago, and that baboons have experienced relatively large and constant effective population sizes for most of their evolutionary history (∼30,000 to 95,000 individuals). Am J Phys Anthropol 155:621–634, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Crystallization behavior and morphology of poly(lactic acid) with a novel nucleating agent
Authors: Zou Guo‐Xiang , Jiao Qing‐Wei , Zhang Xin , Zhao Cai‐Xia , Li Jin‐Chun
Published: September 2014

To improve the crystallization ability of poly(lactic acid) (PLA), a novel nucleating agent with a benzoyl hydrazine compound was used in this study. The crystallization behaviors of PLA/talc and PLA/bibenzoylhydrazinepropane (BBP) with or without poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) were investigated with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarized optical microscopy. The DSC curves showed that the crystallization temperature and crystallinity of PLA/BBP (PBBP) was higher than that of PLA/talc. With the addition of PEG, a synergistic effect was found. According to the results of nonisothermal crystallization kinetics, the values of F(T) of PBBP0.5PEG5 were usually smaller than those of PTa3PEG5, so the nucleation efficiency of BBP was much better than that of talc. From a polarized optical microscopy photo, it was easy to determine that the nucleation density of BBP was higher than that of PTa3PEG5, and the spherulitic diameter increased linearly with the crystallization time no matter the impingements. The spherulitic growth rate of PBBP0.5PEG5 was faster than that of PTa3PEG5, and the induction time of PBBP0.5PEG5 was the shortest among all of the samples. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41367.
The influence of fatty alcohol ether phosphate salt on carbon fiber's dispersion property
Authors: Cui Ying , Zheng Guo , Wu Bo , Sun Yu , Wu Bingyang
Published: September 2014

The influence of fatty alcohol ether phosphate salt on the dispersion property of carbon fiber in oil material is assessed by the settling time, the turbidity and the dispersant condition of carbon fiber in oil material, and the surface morphologic structure and chemical composition of carbon fiber before and after leaching silk are characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope, scanning tunneling microscope, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Experiments show that fatty alcohol ether phosphate salt can improve the dispersion of carbon fiber in oil material significantly, and the optimum leaching silk concentration of fatty alcohol ether phosphate salt is 0.3%, while dispersants would spread over on the surface of carbon fiber evenly and the maximum turbidity value and the longest settlement time is 1.081 NTU and 28 min, respectively. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41470.
Improving wet strength of soy protein films using oxidized sucrose
Authors: Liu Linyun , Chen Zhize , Wang Bijia , Yang Yiqi
Published: September 2014

The chemical modification of soy protein isolate (SPI) with various amounts of oxidized sucrose was performed in this study. The poor mechanical properties and lack of hydrolysis resistance of SPI have limited its applications in various fields. Although chemical modification proved to be an effective method to enhance the properties of SPI films, current SPI modifiers are either expensive, toxic, or do not impart the satisfiable properties to the modified materials. In this research, the possibility of modification of SPI films using oxidized sucrose to improve their strength and stability was examined. At optimal conditions, oxidized sucrose‐modified SPI films showed about 50% higher wet strength than the control films. The melting temperature of modified SPI film was 26°C higher than the unmodified control. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2015,132, 41473.
Structure and properties of aromatic poly(benzimidazole‐imide) copolymer fibers
Authors: Yin Chaoqing , Zhang Zixin , Dong Jie , Zhang Qinghua
Published: September 2014

A series of co‐polyimide fibers were prepared by thermal imidization of copolyamic acids derived from 3,3′,4,4′‐biphenyltertracarboxylic dianhydride (BPDA) and pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) in various molar ratios with 2‐(4‐aminophenyl)−5‐aminobenzimidazole (BIA). The dynamic mechanical behaviors of these polyimide (PI) fibers revealed that the glass transition temperature (Tg) was significantly improved upon increasing PMDA content. Heat‐drawing process led to dramatic change on the glass transition behavior of BPDA/BIA system, but had a small impact on BPDA/PMDA/BIA co‐polyimide fibers. This difference for PI fibers is attributed to the different degree of ordered structure of the fibers affected by heat‐drawing. The incorporation of PMDA obviously improved the dimensional stability against high temperature, due to the restricted movement of polymer chains. In addition, the obtained fibers show excellent mechanical and thermal properties because of the strong hydrogen bonding due to the incorporation of benzimidazole moieties. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41474.
Winning and losing: differences in reward and punishment sensitivity between smokers and nonsmokers
Authors: Martin Laura E. , Cox Lisa S. , Brooks William M. , Savage Cary R.
Published: September 2014

Background

Smokers show increased brain activation in reward processing regions in response to smoking‐related cues, yet few studies have examined secondary rewards not associated with smoking (i.e., money). Inconsistencies exist in the studies that do examine secondary rewards with some studies showing increased brain activation in reward processing brain regions, while others show decreased activation or no difference in activation between smokers and nonsmokers.

Aims

The goal of the current study is to see if smokers process the evaluation and delivery of equally salient real world rewards similarly or differently than nonsmokers.

Methods

The current study employed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine brain responses in smokers and nonsmokers during the evaluation and delivery of monetary gains and losses.

Results

In comparison to nonsmokers, smokers showed increased activation in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex to the evaluation of anticipated monetary losses and the brain response. Moreover, smokers compared to nonsmokers showed decreased activation in the inferior frontal gyrus to the delivery of expected monetary gains. Brain activations to both the evaluation of anticipated monetary losses and the delivery of expected monetary gains correlated with increased self‐reported smoking craving to relieve negative withdrawal symptoms and craving related to positive aspects of smoking, respectively.

Discussion

Together these results indicate that smokers are hyperresponsive to the evaluation of anticipated punishment and hyporesponsive to the delivery of expected rewards. Although further research is needed, this hypersensitivity to punishments coupled with increased craving may negatively impact quit attempts as smokers anticipate the negative withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting.
New Thymol Derivatives and Cytotoxic Constituents from the Root of Eupatorium cannabinum ssp. asiaticum
Authors: Chen Li‐Chai , Lee Tzong‐Huei , Sung Ping‐Jyun , Shu Chih‐Wen , Lim Yun‐Ping , Cheng Ming‐Jen , Kuo Wen‐Lung , Chen Jih‐Jung
Published: September 2014

Two new thymol (=5‐methyl‐2‐(1‐methylethyl)phenol) derivatives, 8,10‐didehydro‐9‐(3‐methylbutanoyl)thymol 3‐O‐tiglate (1) and 9‐O‐angeloyl‐8‐methoxythymol 3‐O‐isobutyrate (2), were isolated from the root of Eupatorium cannabinum ssp. asiaticum, together with six known compounds, 3–8. The structures of 1 and 2 were determined through extensive 1D/2D‐NMR and MS analyses. Among the isolates, 9‐acetoxy‐8,10‐epoxythymol 3‐O‐tiglate (3) was the most cytotoxic, with IC50 values of 0.02±0.01, 1.02±0.07, and 1.36±0.12 μg/ml, respectively, against DLD‐1, CCRF‐CEM, and HL‐60 cell lines. In addition, 10‐acetoxy‐9‐O‐angeloyl‐8‐hydroxythymol (4) and eupatobenzofuran (6) exhibited cytotoxicities, with IC50 values of 1.14±0.16 and 2.63±0.22, and 7.63±0.94 and 2.31±0.14 μg/ml, respectively, against DLD‐1 and CCRF‐CEM cell lines.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Antibacterial Activity of Structurally Complex 2‐Acylated 2,3,1‐Benzodiazaborines and Related Compounds
Authors: Kanichar Divya , Roppiyakuda Lance , Kosmowska Ewa , Faust Michelle A. , Tran Kim P. , Chow Felicia , Buglo Elena , Groziak Michael P. , Sarina Evan A. , Olmstead Marilyn M. , Silva Isba , Xu H. Howard
Published: September 2014

A set of 2‐acylated 2,3,1‐benzodiazaborines and some related boron heterocycles were synthesized, characterized, and tested for antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Mycobacterium smegmatis. By high‐field solution NMR, the heretofore unknown class of 2‐acyl‐1‐hydroxy‐2,3,1‐diazaborines has been found to be able to exist in several interconvertable structural forms along a continuum comprised of an open hydrazone a, a monomeric B‐hydroxy diazaborine b, and an anhydro dimer c. X‐Ray crystallography of one of the anhydro dimers, 17c, revealed it to have an unprecedented structure featuring a double intramolecular O→B chelation. The crystal structure of another compound, 37, showed it to be based on a new pentacyclic B heterocycle framework. Nine compounds were found to possess activities against E. coli, and two others were active against M. smegmatis. The finding that these two contain isoniazid covalently embedded in their structures suggests that they might possibly be acting as prodrugs of this well‐known antituberculosis agent in vivo.
Fragrant Volatile Sesquiterpenoids Isolated from the Essential Oil of Laggera pterodonta by Using Olfactory‐Guided Fractionation
Authors: Gu Jian‐Long , Li Zhi‐Jian , Zhang Hong‐Xia , Du Zhi‐Zhi
Published: September 2014

Chemical composition of the essential oil from Laggera pterodonta (Compositae) was inverstigated. GC/MS Analyses led to the identification of 68 components, representing more than 96% of the total oil. By focusing on the woody note fraction of the essential oil, one new bisabolane‐type sesquiterpenoid, bisabola‐2,7(14),11‐trien‐10‐ol (1), together with ten known compounds, bisabolol oxide B (2), ylangenol (3), copaborneol (4), guai‐11‐en‐10‐ol (5), spathulenol (6), aromadendran‐10‐ol (7), caryophyllenol (8), 5α,7α‐eudesm‐11(13)‐en‐4α‐ol (9), γ‐costic acid (10), and eudesma‐4(15),11(13)‐diene‐12,5β‐olide (11), were isolated by using olfactory‐guided fractionation. The structures of the eleven compounds were determined by NMR and MS analyses. All the volatile compounds reported here were isolated for the first time from this plant. On the basis of preliminary odor assessment, the odor of the woody‐note fractions of the essential oil was assumed to be due to these isolated sesquiterpenoids.
Chloroform Extract of Underground Parts of Ferula heuffelii: Secondary Metabolites and Spasmolytic Activity
Authors: Pavlović Ivan , Krunić Aleksej , Nikolić Dejan , Radenković Mirjana , Branković Suzana , Niketić Marjan , Petrović Silvana
Published: September 2014

Plants from the genus Ferula L. (Apiaceae) were used for various purposes in traditional medicine of different nations throughout the history. Ferula heuffelii Griseb. ex Heuffel is a perennial species endemic for Balkan peninsula. Ten compounds which belong to classes of prenyl‐furocoumarin‐, prenyl‐dihydrofurochromone‐, prenyl‐benzoyl‐ and prenyl‐benzoylfuranone‐type sesquiterpenoids, as well as sesquiterpene coumarins and phenylpropanoids, were, for the first time, isolated from the CHCl3 extract of the underground parts of this plant and identified. Furthermore, extract and three isolated compounds, i.e., latifolone (1), dshamirone (4), and (2S*,3R*)‐2‐[(3E)‐4,8‐dimethylnona‐3,7‐dien‐1‐yl]‐2,3‐dihydro‐7‐hydroxy‐2,3‐dimethylfuro[3,2‐c]coumarin (6) were, for the first time, evaluated for their in vitro antispasmodic activities in three experimental models: spontaneous contraction, and ACh‐ and KCl‐induced contraction of an isolated rat ileum. The extract (0.1–1.3 mg/ml) and compound 6 (1–10 μg/ml) exhibited dose‐dependent effect in all three models. Compound 1 (1–6 μg/ml) affected spontaneous contractions and those induced by KCl, while compound 4 (8 μg/ml) displayed only moderate activity with ACh‐induced contractions. It can be concluded that tested compounds contribute to exhibited antispasmodic activity of crude extract. Additionally, extract (0.1–1.3 mg/ml) was tested for in vitro relaxant activity on an isolated rat trachea, and relaxed the KCl‐induced contractions in a dose‐dependent manner.
Chemical and Genetic Studies on Hybrid of Ligularia subspicata and Ligularia cyathiceps Collected in Yunnan Province of China
Authors: Shimizu Anna , Watanabe Shizuka , Hanai Ryo , Okamoto Yasuko , Tori Motoo , Gong Xun , Kuroda Chiaki
Published: September 2014

Two morphologically ambiguous Ligularia samples (samples A and B), and samples with morphology of Ligularia subspicata (sample C), Ligularia lamarum (sample D), or Ligularia cyathiceps (sample E), were collected at Tianchi Pond, Shangrila County, Yunnan Province, China. Analysis of the nucleotide sequence of the internal transcribed spacers (ITSs) in the nuclear ribosomal RNA gene cluster indicated that not only sample B but also sample D was a hybrid of L. cyathiceps and L. lamarum/L. subspicata. Although the morphology of sample A suggested that it was also a hybrid, the ITS sequence of sample A was that of L. cyathiceps. Twenty compounds were isolated from the five samples, and the structures of two new compounds 7 and 14 were determined. Furanoeremophilanes typical of L. lamarum/L. subspicata were detected not only in samples C and D, but also in samples A and B. These results indicate that the ability to produce root chemicals can spread through introgression.
Thermal conductivity modelling of alumina/Al functionally graded composites
Authors: Pélegris Christine , Ferguen Nabil , Leclerc Willy , Lorgouilloux Yannick , Hocquet Stéphane , Rigo Olivier , Guessasma Mohamed , Bellenger Emmanuel , Courtois Christian , Lardot Véronique , Leriche Anne
Published: September 2014

This paper describes a new manufacturing process for producing functionally graded ceramic‐metal composites with anisotropic properties for thermal management in automotive engine blocks. These composites are elaborated by producing a porosity gradient within an alumina matrix, subsequently infiltrated by a molten aluminum alloy. The interconnected macro porosity inside the ceramic is controlled by the coalescence of PMMA (PolyMethylMethAcrylate) spherical particles during the elaboration step of an organic frame template in which bridges are created at contact points between the particles. The diameter of the interconnection contact plays a key role because it greatly controls the microstructure of the final composites and consequently the thermal conductivity. A numerical model was developed for simulating the different steps of the elaboration process of the composites. Numerical assessments of the effective thermal conductivity are achieved in order to examine interconnection contact effects. To end up, the developed model is validated by comparing the numerical predictions with experimental measurements.
Hydrocarbons – water phase equilibria using the CPA equation of state with a group contribution method
Authors: Hajiw Martha , Chapoy Antonin , Coquelet Christophe
Published: September 2014

It is proposed in this paper to extend the original group contribution method PPR78 to systems containing water, by combining it to the Cubic–Plus–Association (CPA) equation of state (EoS). Applying simple geometric combination rules, the binary interaction parameter kij(T) can be calculated from interaction parameters between hydrocarbon groups and water. This model, called the GC–PR–CPA is applied to predict hydrocarbons – water mutual solubilities over a wide temperature and pressure range, depending on available literature data. Group interaction parameters, here CH4, C2H6, CH3, CH2, CH, C, CHaro, CH2,cyclic, CHcyclic/Ccyclic, C2H4, CH2,alkene/CHalkene with H2O have been defined with solubility data. Predictions of the developed model have been validated against independent solubility data as well as water content in hydrocarbon rich phase. Predictions of the new model are in good agreement for light and medium hydrocarbons; however, some deviations are observed for heavier hydrocarbons.
Effectiveness of population‐based service screening with mammography for women ages 40 to 49 years with a high or low risk of breast cancer: Socioeconomic status, parity, and age at birth of first child
Authors: Hellquist Barbro Numan , Czene Kamila , Hjälm Anna , Nyström Lennarth , Jonsson Håkan
Published: September 2014

BACKGROUND

Invitation to mammography screening of women aged 40 to 49 years is a matter of debate in many countries and a cost‐effective alternative in countries without screening among women aged 40 to 49 years could be inviting those at higher risk. The relative effectiveness of mammography screening was estimated for subgroups based on the breast cancer risk factors parity, age at time of birth of first child, and socioeconomic status (SES).

METHODS

The SCReening of Young Women (SCRY) database consists of all women aged 40 to 49 years in Sweden between 1986 and 2005 and was split into a study and control group. The study group consisted of women residing in areas in which women aged 40 to 49 years were invited to screening and the control group of women in areas in which women aged 40 to 49 years were not invited to screening. Rate ratio (RR) estimates were calculated for 2 exposures: invitation and attendance.

RESULTS

There were striking similarities noted in the RR pattern for women invited to and attending screening and no statistically significant difference or trend in the RR was noted by risk group. The RR estimates increased by increasing parity for parity of 0 to 2 and ranged from 0.55 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.38‐0.79) to 0.79 (95% CI, 0.65‐0.95) for attending women. The RR for women with high SES was lower than that for women with low SES (RR, 0.72 [95% CI, 0.60‐0.86] and RR, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.63‐0.99], respectively). For women aged 20 to 24 years at the time of the birth of their first child, the RR was 0.73 (95% CI, 0.58‐0.91) and estimates for other ages were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no statistically significant difference noted in the relative effectiveness of mammography screening by parity, age at the time of birth of the first child, or SES. Cancer 2015;121:251–8. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Development of MRI‐based atlases of non‐human brains
Authors: Ullmann Jeremy F.P. , Janke Andrew L. , Reutens David , Watson Charles
Published: September 2014

Brain atlases are a fundamental resource for neuroscience research. In the past few decades they have undergone a transition from traditional printed histological atlases to digital atlases made up of multiple data sets from multiple modalities, and atlases based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have become widespread. Here we discuss the methods involved in making an MRI brain atlas, including registration of multiple data sets into a model, ontological classification, segmentation of a minimum deformation model, dissemination strategies, and applications of these atlases. Finally, we discuss possible future directions in the development of brain atlases. J. Comp. Neurol. 523:391–405, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A comparative examination of neural circuit and brain patterning between the lamprey and amphioxus reveals the evolutionary origin of the vertebrate visual center
Authors: Suzuki Daichi G. , Murakami Yasunori , Escriva Hector , Wada Hiroshi
Published: September 2014

Vertebrates are equipped with so‐called camera eyes, which provide them with image‐forming vision. Vertebrate image‐forming vision evolved independently from that of other animals and is regarded as a key innovation for enhancing predatory ability and ecological success. Evolutionary changes in the neural circuits, particularly the visual center, were central for the acquisition of image‐forming vision. However, the evolutionary steps, from protochordates to jaw‐less primitive vertebrates and then to jawed vertebrates, remain largely unknown. To bridge this gap, we present the detailed development of retinofugal projections in the lamprey, the neuroarchitecture in amphioxus, and the brain patterning in both animals. Both the lateral eye in larval lamprey and the frontal eye in amphioxus project to a light‐detecting visual center in the caudal prosencephalic region marked by Pax6, which possibly represents the ancestral state of the chordate visual system. Our results indicate that the visual system of the larval lamprey represents an evolutionarily primitive state, forming a link from protochordates to vertebrates and providing a new perspective of brain evolution based on developmental mechanisms and neural functions. J. Comp. Neurol. 523:251–261, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structural basis for serotonergic regulation of neural circuits in the mouse olfactory bulb
Authors: Suzuki Yoshinori , Kiyokage Emi , Sohn Jaerin , Hioki Hiroyuki , Toida Kazunori
Published: September 2014

Olfactory processing is well known to be regulated by centrifugal afferents from other brain regions, such as noradrenergic, acetylcholinergic, and serotonergic neurons. Serotonergic neurons widely innervate and regulate the functions of various brain regions. In the present study, we focused on serotonergic regulation of the olfactory bulb (OB), one of the most structurally and functionally well‐defined brain regions. Visualization of a single neuron among abundant and dense fibers is essential to characterize and understand neuronal circuits. We accomplished this visualization by successfully labeling and reconstructing serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine: 5‐HT) neurons by infection with sindbis and adeno‐associated virus into dorsal raphe nuclei (DRN) of mice. 5‐HT synapses were analyzed by correlative confocal laser microscopy and serial‐electron microscopy (EM) study. To further characterize 5‐HT neuronal and network function, we analyzed whether glutamate was released from 5‐HT synaptic terminals using immuno‐EM. Our results are the first visualizations of complete 5‐HT neurons and fibers projecting from DRN to the OB with bifurcations. We found that a single 5‐HT axon can form synaptic contacts to both type 1 and 2 periglomerular cells within a single glomerulus. Through immunolabeling, we also identified vesicular glutamate transporter 3 in 5‐HT neurons terminals, indicating possible glutamatergic transmission. Our present study strongly implicates the involvement of brain regions such as the DRN in regulation of the elaborate mechanisms of olfactory processing. We further provide a structure basis of the network for coordinating or linking olfactory encoding with other neural systems, with special attention to serotonergic regulation. J. Comp. Neurol. 523:262–280, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Analytical synthesis of voltage‐mode even/odd‐nth‐order differential difference current conveyor and fully differential current conveyor II‐grounded resistor and capacitor universal filter structures
Authors: Chang Chun‐Ming , Swamy M. N. S. , Soliman Ahmed M.
Published: September 2014

A complete definition of an odd/even‐nth‐order notch or band‐reject filter transfer function is presented. Based on the differences between the input voltage and (i) an nth‐order high‐pass; (ii) a traditional nth‐order notch; and (iii) an nth‐order all‐pass filtering transfer function, a systematic method has been proposed to derive a universal filter structure that can realize voltage‐mode odd/even‐nth‐order low‐pass, band‐pass, high‐pass, all‐pass and traditional notch filters. The intrinsic capability of voltage‐mode addition and subtraction of the two active elements, differential difference current conveyors and fully differential current conveyors, is used to advantage in the aforementioned synthesis procedure. Based upon the definition of an nth‐order notch or band‐reject filter transfer function proposed in this paper, the aforementioned universal one has been further extended to the newly defined nth‐order band rejection filter. The voltage and current tracking errors of the two active elements are compensated by varying the resistances of the proposed filter. Filtering feasibility, stability, component sensitivities, linear and dynamic ranges, power consumption, and noise are simulated using H‐Spice with 0.35 µm process. Compared to some of the recently reported universal biquads, the new one is shown to enjoy the lowest component sensitivities and the best output accuracy for all‐pass signals. Moreover, Monte Carlo and two‐tone tests for intermodulation linearity simulations are also investigated. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Odd skipped related 1 is a negative feedback regulator of nodal‐induced endoderm development
Authors: Terashima Alexandra V. , Mudumana Sudha P. , Drummond Iain A.
Published: September 2014

Background: Early embryo patterning is orchestrated by tightly regulated morphogen gradients. The Nodal morphogen patterns the mesendoderm, giving rise to all endoderm and head and trunk mesoderm. High Nodal concentrations favor endoderm differentiation while lower promote mesoderm differentiation. Nodal signaling is controlled by both positive and negative feedback regulation to ensure robust developmental patterning. Results: Here we identify odd skipped related 1 (osr1), a zinc finger transcription factor, as a new element in Nodal feedback regulation affecting endoderm development. We show that osr1 expression in zebrafish germ ring mesendoderm requires Nodal signaling; osr1 expression was lost in embryos lacking Nodal signaling. Conversely, osr1 expression was ectopically induced by the activation of Nodal signaling. Furthermore we demonstrate that osr1 responds directly to Nodal signaling. Additionally, osr1 knockdown generated excess endoderm cells marked by sox32 expression while expression of osr1 mRNA was not affected in sox32‐deficient embryos. Conclusions: Our findings identify osr1 as a Nodal‐induced, negative feedback regulator of Nodal signaling that acts at the earliest stages of endoderm differentiation to limit the number of endoderm progenitors. As such, we propose that osr1 represents a novel network motif controlling the output of Nodal signaling to regulate mesendoderm patterning. Developmental Dynamics 243:1571–1580, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Partitioning evapotranspiration in an intact forested watershed in southern China
Authors: Liu Xiaodong , Li Yuelin , Chen Xiuzhi , Zhou Guoyi , Cheng Jing , Zhang Deqiang , Meng Ze , Zhang Qianmei
Published: September 2014

Accurate estimates and partition of evapotranspiration (ET) are difficult but critical for understanding terrestrial ecosystem processes and primary productivity. A multi‐year, multi‐technique study including the catchment water balance (12 years), a semi‐empirical ET model (9 years), eddy covariance (9 years), canopy water balance (1 year) and sap flow (1 year) techniques was conducted to measure ET and its components within an intact forested watershed in the subtropical region of southern China. Over a 9‐year period, the estimates of annual ET using the catchment water balance, eddy covariance and semi‐empirical ET model techniques were in close agreement, averaging 809.9 ± 62.8, 803.8 ± 36.6 and 801.6 ± 46.9 mm per year, respectively, amounting to an average of approximately 50.2% of the mean annual precipitation. Qualitative similarities in seasonal and diurnal variation were observed between the sap flow and eddy covariance estimates of water flux. Sap flow estimates of transpiration were approximately 60.2% of the annual ET estimated with the eddy covariance technique. Interception evaporation was 31.7% of the total ET and was demonstrated to be a main contributor of total evaporation. Soil evaporation was calculated to be approximately 8.1% of the total annual ET and 4.7% of the annual precipitation. Furthermore, daytime transpiration exhibited a logarithmic increase with increases in the vapour pressure deficit (VPD) on daily scale in both the wet and dry seasons, and tended to level off when the VPD was >1 kPa because of the stomatal regulation of transpiration. Correspondingly, nighttime sap flow amounted to an average of approximately 6% of the total daily sap flow, and no significant correlations with the VPD, air temperature or relative humidity were found. Essential differences among the mechanisms of evaporation and transpiration were demonstrated, suggesting that soil evaporation is primarily a climate‐driven process, with air temperature and wind speed as the predominant driving forces. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PD‐1 is not required for natural or peripherally induced regulatory T cells: Severe autoimmunity despite normal production of regulatory T cells
Authors: Ellestad Kristofor K. , Thangavelu Govindarajan , Ewen Catherine L. , Boon Louis , Anderson Colin C.
Published: September 2014

The expression of the coinhibitor PD‐1 on T cells is important for the establishment of immune homeostasis. We previously found that PD‐1 is particularly critical for the control of self‐tolerance during lymphopenia‐induced proliferation of recent thymic emigrants (RTEs). Previous studies suggested that PD‐1 modulates the generation of Treg cells, particularly peripherally induced Treg (pTreg) cells, and controls Th17 cells. However, these conclusions were derived indirectly from studies on the ligand PD‐L1, and not PD‐1 itself. Herein we directly tested whether T‐cell PD‐1 expression was needed for Treg cell generation and examined if a paucity of Treg cells or enhanced Th17 cells could explain the severe lymphopenia‐potentiated autoimmunity caused by PD‐1 KO RTEs. Employing the murine FoxP3EGFP reporter system to simultaneously monitor conversion of WT and PD‐1 KO T cells to pTreg cells in the same animal, we found that PD‐1 deficiency did not inhibit pTreg cell generation or lead to Th17‐cell‐mediated autoimmunity. Surprisingly, pTreg cell numbers were increased in PD‐1 KO versus WT cell populations. Furthermore, we noted an increased conversion to pTreg cells by RTEs. Our data suggest that the primary role for PD‐1 is to restrain T‐cell activation/proliferation to self‐Ags rather than promote generation of Treg cells.
1,8‐Dioxyanthracene‐Derived Crown Ethers: Synthesis, Complexation with Paraquat and Assembly of a Tetracationic Cyclophane‐Crown Ether Based [2]Catenane
Authors: Tang Bo , Yang Hong‐Mei , Hu Wen‐Jing , Ma Ming‐Liang , Liu Yahu A. , Li Jiu‐Sheng , Jiang Biao , Wen Ke
Published: September 2014

1,8‐Dioxyanthracene‐based bisarylene crown ethers, composed of ethylene glycol chains and aromatic moieties, have been synthesized. Complexation studies revealed that these crown ethers could form 1:1 complexes with methyl viologen dication (N,N′‐dimethyl‐4,4′‐bipyridinium dication; MV2+) in a mixed solvent of CDCl3 and CD3CN (1:1 v/v) with association constants in a range of (1.2 ± 0.1) × 103 M–1 to (1.6 ± 0.2) × 104 M–1. The structure of the complex and the strength of the π‐donor/π‐acceptor interactions between the 1,8‐dioxyanthracene planes and the pyridinium rings of MV2+ are highly dependent on the length of the polyether chains of the ethers. Structural analysis showed that the tetraethylene glycol‐derived bis‐1,8‐dioxyanthracene‐based crown ether 9 forms a U‐shaped host‐guest complex with MV2+ by inserting the coplanar pyridinium rings of MV2+ between the two parallel oriented 1,8‐dioxyanthracene units of 9, which is driven predominantly by π‐donor/π‐acceptor interactions. The pentaethylene glycol‐derived bis‐1,8‐dioxyanthracene‐based crown ether 10, however, adopts a crescent‐shaped conformation in complex 10⊃MV2+ with the MV2+ guest being encapsulated by the polyether chains, propelled mainly by the hydrogen‐bonding interactions between the hydrogen atoms of MV2+ and the oxygen atoms of the polyether chains of 10. Similarly, the hexaethylene glycol‐derived bis‐1,8‐dioxyanthracene‐based crown ether 11 forms a complex with MV2+. However, only weak π‐donor/π‐acceptor interactions between the aromatic groups of the mixed bisarylene crown ethers 12 and 13, and MV2+ were observed, and construction of tetracationic cyclophane [CBPQT4+] and crown ether 13 based [2]catenane 15 was achieved through supramolecular interactions between the [CBPQT4+] ring and naphtho unit in the crown ether.
Genomic damage as a biomarker of chronic kidney disease status
Authors: Corredor Zuray , Stoyanova Elitsa , Rodríguez‐Ribera Lara , Coll Elisabet , Silva Irene , Diaz Juan Manuel , Ballarin José , Marcos Ricard , Pastor Susana
Published: September 2014

Patients suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD) exhibit a high incidence of cancer and cardiovascular diseases, as well as high levels of genomic damage. To confirm the association of CKD with genomic damage we have carried out the largest study to date addressing this issue, using a total of 602 subjects (187 controls, 206 pre‐dialysis CKD patients and 209 CKD patients in hemodialysis). DNA oxidative damage was measured in all individuals using the comet assay. Our results indicate that CKD patients have significantly higher levels of DNA damage than controls, but no significant differences were observed between pre‐hemodialysis (pre‐HD) and hemodialysis (HD) patients. When oxidative damage was measured, no differences were observed between patients and controls, although HD patients showed significantly higher levels of oxidative damage than pre‐HD patients. In addition, a positive relationship was demonstrated between genomic damage and all‐cause mortality. Our study confirms that genomic damage can be predictive of prognosis in CKD patients, with high levels of DNA damage indicating a poor prognosis in HD patients. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 56:301–312, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Laboratory frost sorting by needle ice: a pilot experiment on the effects of stone size and extent of surface stone cover
Authors: Yamagishi Chizuru , Matsuoka Norikazu
Published: September 2014

Sorted patterned ground is ubiquitous where gravelly fine soil experiences freeze–thaw cycles, but experimental studies have rarely been successful in reproducing such patterns. This article reports an attempt to reproduce miniature sorted patterns by repeating needle‐ice formation, which simulates frost sorting in regions dominated by diurnal freeze–thaw cycles. Six full‐scale laboratory models were tested. They consisted of near‐saturated volcanic fine soil topped by small stones of uniform size; the models explored a range of stone size (~6, ~12, ~17 and ~22 mm) and surface abundance (20, 40 and 60% cover). The stones were placed in a grid on the surface. These models were subjected to 20–30 temperature excursions between 10 °C and −5 °C in 12 hours. The evolution of surface patterns were visually traced by photogrammetry. A data logging system continuously monitored vertical soil displacements, soil temperatures and moistures at different depths. All experimental runs displayed needle‐ice formation (2–3 cm in height) and resulting displacement of stones. The soil domains tended to heave faster and higher than the stones, leading to outward movement of the former and concentration of the stones. In plan view, smaller stones showed relatively fast and long‐lasting movements, while larger stones stabilized after the first five cycles. The 20% stone cover produced stone islands, whereas the 40% cover resulted in sorted labyrinths (a circle‐island complex) that may represent incipient sorted circles. The average diameter or spacing of these forms are 12–13 cm, being comparable to those in the field. The experiments imply that needle‐ice activity promotes rapid formation of sorted patterns, although the formation of well‐defined sorted circles may require hundreds of diurnal frost heave cycles. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Precipitation influences on uptake of a global pollutant by a coastal avian species
Authors: Bryan Albert L. , Snodgrass Joel W. , Brant Heather A. , Romanek Christopher S. , Jagoe Charles H. , Mills Gary L. , Brisbin I. Lehr
Published: September 2014

Climatic variation, including precipitation amounts and timing, has been linked to abundance and breeding success of many avian species. Less studied, but also of significance, is the consequence of climatic variability on the exposure and uptake of nutrients and contaminants by wildlife. The authors examined mercury (Hg) concentrations in nestling wood stork feathers in a coastal setting over a 16-yr period to understand the influence of rainfall amounts on Hg transfer by parental provisioning relative to habitat use, assuming differential bioavailability of Hg within freshwater and saltwater habitat types. Coastal Hg uptake by stork nestlings was linked to freshwater habitat use, as indicated by stable carbon isotope (δ13C) analyses. Cumulative rainfall amounts exceeding 220 cm in the 23 mo preceding the breeding seasons resulted in greater use of freshwater wetlands as foraging habitat and greater Hg accumulation by nestling storks. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:2711–2715. © 2014 SETAC
Indirectly suspended droplet microextraction of water-miscible organic solvents by salting-out effect for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Daneshfar Ali , Khezeli Tahere
Published: September 2014

A simple and low-cost method that indirectly suspended droplet microextraction of water-miscible organic solvents (ISDME) by salting-out effect before high-performance liquid chromatography and ultraviolet (HPLC-UV) detection was used for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in different samples. The ISDME is a combination of salting-out extraction of water-miscible organic solvent and directly suspended droplet microextraction (DSDME). Ninety-five microliters water-miscible organic solvent (1-propanol) was added to a 500-µL sample. A homogeneous solution was formed immediately. To produce a steady vortex at the top of the solution, the sample was agitated at 700 rpm using a magnetic stirrer. By the addition of ammonium sulfate (saturated solution) to the homogeneous solution, 1-propanol was separated and collected at the bottom of the steady vortex. Finally, 20 µL 1-propanol was injected into HPLC-UV. The effects of important parameters such as water-miscible organic solvent (type and volume), type of salt, and extraction time were evaluated. Under optimum conditions, the method has a good linear calibration range (0.1 µg/L–300 µg/L), coefficients of determination (R2 > 0.998), low limits of detection (between 0.02 µg/L and 0.27 µg/L), and acceptable recovery (>85.0%). Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:2694–2701. © 2014 SETAC
Time-dependent effects of the flame retardant tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCPP) on mRNA expression, in vitro and in ovo, reveal optimal sampling times for rapidly metabolized compounds
Authors: Farhat Amani , Crump Doug , Porter Emily , Chiu Suzanne , Letcher Robert J. , Su Guanyong , Kennedy Sean W.
Published: September 2014

The flame retardant, tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCPP), was previously shown to affect chicken embryo growth, gallbladder size, and lipid homeostasis. A microarray study, however, revealed only modest transcriptional alterations in liver tissue of pipping embryos (days 20–21), which was attributed to the rapid metabolism of TDCPP throughout incubation. To identify the most appropriate sampling time for rapidly metabolized compounds, the present study assessed the time-dependent effects of TDCPP on 27 genes, in ovo (50 µg [116 nmol] TDCPP/g egg) and in vitro (10 µM), using a chicken ToxChip polymerase chain reaction array. The greatest magnitude in dysregulation (up to 362-fold) occurred on day 8 of incubation (in ovo) with alterations of genes involved in phase I, II, and III metabolism, among others. Gallbladder hypotrophy was observed by embryonic day 12, corroborating the finding in pipping embryos from our previous study. From days 12 to 19, genes involved in lipid homeostasis, steroid hormone metabolism, and oxidative stress were affected. In chicken embryonic hepatoctyes (CEHs), TDCPP was completely metabolized to bis(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BDCPP) within 36 h, but transcriptional changes remained significant up to 36 h. These changes were not attributed to BDCPP exposure as it only altered 1 gene (CYP1A4). An 18-h exposure in CEHs altered the greatest number of genes, making it an appropriate time point for high-throughput chemical screening; however, depending on the biological pathways of interest, shorter or longer incubation times may be more informative. Overall, TDCPP elicits the transcriptional and phenotypic alterations observed in vitro and in ovo, whereas its major metabolite, BDCPP, is far less biologically active. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:2842–2849. © 2014 SETAC