bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preliminary Findings on the Use of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment: Outcomes During the Formation of the Practice-Based Research Network, DO-Touch.NET
Authors: Degenhardt Brian F. , Johnson Jane C. , Gross Shanin R. , Hagan Celia , Lund Gregg , Curry William J.
Published: February 2014

Context: Few studies have assessed the use of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) and subsequent patient-reported outcomes.

Objective: To assess the current use of OMT and associated patient-reported outcomes.

Design: A retrospective medical record review and a prospective observational study.

Setting: Two university-based sites and their clinics associated with the practice-based research network DO-Touch.NET.

Participants: Patients aged 18 years or older who received OMT.

Main Outcome Measures: Medical records from 2007 were retrospectively reviewed to identify conditions being managed with OMT. From 2008 to 2010, patients were recruited before seeing their physicians. Questionnaires were distributed to patients and physicians, and information including demographics, chief complaints, symptom severity, current and past treatments, interference of symptoms with quality of life, physical examination findings, diagnoses, OMT performed, and immediate patient response to OMT was collected. A subset of patients provided data on symptom severity and frequency and other treatments daily for the 7 days after OMT. On day 7, symptom interference with quality of life was reassessed.

Results: Retrospective data were collected from 2569 office visits, and prospective data were collected from 299 office visits (patient age range, 18-93 years). In the medical record review, 17 of the top 25 diagnoses (68%) were related to musculoskeletal conditions. In the prospective study, 18 of the top 24 medical diagnoses (75%) were related to musculoskeletal conditions. Immediately after OMT, patients at 271 of 296 office visits (92%) felt better or much better; those at 5 (<2%) felt worse. After 7 days, patients at 126 of 175 office visits (72%) felt better or much better, and those at 10 (6%) felt worse. Average and worst symptom severity decreased until post-OMT days 4 and 5, respectively, when severity leveled off. There was decreased interference of symptoms with quality of life from before OMT to 7 days after OMT in usual/general activities, sleep, mood, and relationships (all P⩽.05).

Conclusion: These preliminary results suggest that for adults, OMT is predominantly used for managing musculoskeletal pain conditions and is effective for short-term symptom relief. Continued surveillance of DO-Touch.NET member practice outcomes may help identify priorities for osteopathic research and define evidence-based standards for OMT practice and training.
Adverse Effects of Adolescent Immunizations
Authors: Vernon Natalia , Jhaveri Pooja
Published: February 2014

Optimal protection against preventable diseases for adolescents can be provided through routine vaccination. Vaccinations recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention can reduce morbidity and mortality associated with influenza, meningococcal, human papillomavirus, tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis infections. Most reported adverse reactions to these vaccinations are mild, and the benefits of immunization often outweigh the potential risks. In the present article, the authors discuss adverse events, contraindications, and precautions associated with adolescent immunizations.
A quasi two-dimensional compact model for trapezoidal FinFETs with non-uniform doping profiles using the perturbation method
Authors: Feng Xixiang , Cheng Qi , Kang Weiling , Chen Yijian
Published: February 2014

A quasi two-dimensional analytic model for trapezoidal fin field-effect transistors (FinFETs) with non-uniform doping profiles is developed. The perturbation method, combined with a variable transformation technique, is applied to solve the nonlinear Poisson’s equation analytically. Our approach lumps the depletion and inversion terms together to capture the effects of nonlinear coupling and spatial variation of an arbitrary doping profile. Trapezoidal boundary conditions are reformulated accordingly and a continuous analytic current–voltage (I–V) model for doped trapezoidal FinFETs is derived. More accurate prediction of the surface potential and the I–V characteristics is achieved by setting the operating point of a Taylor expansion at the channel surface and introducing the higher-order correction. The short-channel effect is also studied and verified with technology computer-aided design (TCAD) simulations, which indicates a high accuracy of this new model.
Near-infrared superluminescent diode using stacked self-assembled InAs quantum dots with controlled emission wavelengths
Authors: Ozaki Nobuhiko , Yasuda Takuma , Ohkouchi Shunsuke , Watanabe Eiichiro , Ikeda Naoki , Sugimoto Yoshimasa , Hogg Richard A.
Published: February 2014

A near-infrared superluminescent diode (SLD) using stacked InAs/GaAs quantum dots (QDs) was developed. The emission wavelength of each QD layer was controlled by varying the thickness of a strain-reducing layer deposited on the QD. The controlled ground state emission peaks enabled formation of a dipless broadband spectrum with the contributions of the first excited state emissions. The bandwidth of the resulting emission was approximately 170 nm with a peak wavelength of 1280 nm. The integrated electroluminescence intensity exhibited a superlinear relation with respect to the injected current density, indicating an SLD emission behavior owing to contributions of stimulated emissions from QDs. The developed broadband SLD was found to be suitable as a potential light source for optical coherence tomography (OCT) leading to improved resolution of OCT images. The axial resolution estimated from the Fourier-transformed spectrum is 4.1 µm.
Die Geltendmachung von Zinsansprüchen für verauslagte Gerichts- und Anwaltskosten
Authors: Saenger Ingo , Uphoff Lisanne
Published: February 2014

In Zivilverfahren summieren sich Prozesskosten: Die Vorleistung der Gerichtskosten ist Voraussetzung für die Zustellung der Klage und damit der Rechtshängigkeit. Eine Beweiserhebung kann weitere Vorschüsse erforderlich machen. Ebenso können Anwaltskosten von den Parteien zu bevorschussen sein.

Daher werden in der Praxis neben der Hauptforderung immer häufiger Zinsansprüche geltend gemacht, die auf der Vorleistung von Gerichts- und Anwaltskosten beruhen. Die Frage, wie mit solchen Zinsansprüchen im Verfahren umzugehen ist, wird in der Rechtsprechung umfangreich, aber doch uneinheitlich behandelt. Der folgende Beitrag zeigt eine Lösung zur Behandlung der Zinsansprüche auf und gibt konkrete Musterformulierungen für entsprechende Anträge an die Hand.
Where do coastlines stabilize following rapid retreat?
Authors: Simms Alexander R. , Rodriguez Antonio B.
Published: February 2014

We present a numerical model that shows that the transgressing upper shoreline of wave‐dominated estuaries (bayhead deltas), which commonly contain populous urban and industrial centers, stabilizes, and their rate of retreat decreases at tributary junctions. The decreased rate of retreat across a tributary junction is caused by a decrease in the total accommodation, while sediment supply remains conserved. Our model predicts that bayhead deltas from smaller systems will be located closer to tributary confluences than their larger counterparts. An examination of the modern bayhead deltas in Albemarle Sound, U.S. Atlantic Coast, reveals that bayhead deltas from smaller tributaries are located closer to tributary confluences than bayhead deltas associated with larger tributaries, supporting our model prediction. Our results highlight the importance of antecedent topography created during falling sea‐levels on shaping the nature of transgression during the ensuing sea‐level rise. In particular, tributary junctions act as pinning points during transgression.
Using field data to assess model predictions of surface and ground fuel consumption by wildfire in coniferous forests of California
Authors: Lydersen Jamie M. , Collins Brandon M. , Ewell Carol M. , Reiner Alicia L. , Fites Jo Ann , Dow Christopher B. , Gonzalez Patrick , Saah David S. , Battles John J.
Published: February 2014

Inventories of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from wildfire provide essential information to the state of California, USA, and other governments that have enacted emission reductions. Wildfires can release a substantial amount of GHGs and other compounds to the atmosphere, so recent increases in fire activity may be increasing GHG emissions. Quantifying wildfire emissions however can be difficult due to inherent variability in fuel loads and consumption and a lack of field data of fuel consumption by wildfire. We compare a unique set of fuel data collected immediately before and after six wildfires in coniferous forests of California to fuel consumption predictions of the first‐order fire effects model (FOFEM), based on two different available fuel characterizations. We found strong regional differences in the performance of different fuel characterizations, with FOFEM overestimating the fuel consumption to a greater extent in the Klamath Mountains than in the Sierra Nevada. Inaccurate fuel load inputs caused the largest differences between predicted and observed fuel consumption. Fuel classifications tended to overestimate duff load and underestimate litter load, leading to differences in predicted emissions for some pollutants. When considering total ground and surface fuels, modeled consumption was fairly accurate on average, although the range of error in estimates of plot level consumption was very large. These results highlight the importance of fuel load input to the accuracy of modeled fuel consumption and GHG emissions from wildfires in coniferous forests.
Direct Writing of Gallium‐Indium Alloy for Stretchable Electronics
Authors: Boley J. William , White Edward L. , Chiu George T.‐C. , Kramer Rebecca K.
Published: February 2014

In this paper, a direct writing method for gallium‐indium alloys is presented. The relationships between nozzle inner diameter, standoff distance, flow rate, and the resulting trace geometry are demonstrated. The interaction between the gallium oxide layer and the substrate is critically important in understanding the printing behavior of the liquid metal. The difference between receding and advancing contact angles demonstrates that the adhesion of the oxide layer to the substrate surface is stronger than the wetting of the surface by the gallium‐indium alloy. This further demonstrates why free‐standing structures such as the traces described herein can be realized. In addition to the basic characterization of the direct writing process, a design algorithm that is generalizable to a range of trace geometries is developed. This method is applied to the fabrication of an elastomer‐encapsulated strain gauge that displays an approximately linear behavior through 50% strain with a gauge factor of 1.5.
DNA Hybridization‐Mediated Liposome Fusion at the Aqueous Liquid Crystal Interface
Authors: Noonan Patrick S. , Mohan Praveena , Goodwin Andrew P. , Schwartz Daniel K.
Published: February 2014

The prominence of receptor‐mediated bilayer fusion in cellular biology motivates development of biomimetic strategies for studying fusogenic mechanisms. An approach is reported here for monitoring receptor‐mediated fusion that exploits the unique physical and optical properties of liquid crystals (LC). PEG‐functionalized lipids are used to create an interfacial environment capable of inhibiting spontaneous liposome fusion with an aqueous/LC interface. Then, DNA hybridization between oligonucleotides within bulk phase liposomes and a PEG‐lipid monolayer at an aqueous/LC interface is exploited to induce receptor‐mediated liposome fusion. These hybridization events induce strain within the liposome bilayer, promote lipid mixing with the LC interface, and consequently create an interfacial environment favoring re‐orientation of the LC to a homeotropic (perpendicular) state. Furthermore, the bi‐functionality of aptamers is exploited to modulate DNA hybridization‐mediated liposome fusion by regulating the availability of the appropriate ligand (i.e., thrombin). Here, a LC‐based approach for monitoring receptor (i.e., DNA hybridization)‐mediated liposome fusion is demonstrated, liposome properties that dictate fusion dynamics are explored, and an example of how this approach may be used in a biosensing scheme is provided.
Boronic Acid‐Catalyzed Selective Oxidation of 1,2‐Diols to α‐Hydroxy Ketones in Water
Authors: William Julius M. , Kuriyama Masami , Onomura Osamu
Published: February 2014

The activation of 1,2‐diols through formation of boronate esters was found to enhance the selective oxidation of 1,2‐diols to their corresponding α‐hydroxy ketones in aqueous medium. The oxidation step was accomplished using dibromoisocyanuric acid (DBI) as a terminal chemical oxidant or an electrochemical process. The electrochemical process was based on the use of platinum electrodes, methylboronic acid [MeB(OH)2] as a catalyst and bromide ion as a mediator. Electro‐generated OH− ions (EGB) at the cathode acted as a base and “Br+” ion generated at the anode acted as an oxidant. Various cyclic and acyclic 1,2‐diols as substrates were selectively oxidized to the corresponding α‐hydroxy ketones via their boronate esters by the two oxidative methods in good to excellent yields.

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Bipyridine Periodic Mesoporous Organosilica: A Solid Ligand for the Iridium‐Catalyzed Borylation of CH Bonds
Authors: Grüning Wolfram R. , Siddiqi Georges , Safonova Olga V. , Copéret Christophe
Published: February 2014

With the goal to obtain a molecularly defined iridium(I) heterogeneous CH functionalization catalyst, a periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO) containing bipyridylene moieties in a matrix of biphenylene units as ligand platform was designed and fully characterized. The material exhibits a high surface area with small mesopores in a vermicular arrangement, and the pore walls show a highly crystal‐like character. After surface passivation with chlorotrimethylsilane and functionalization with chloro(1,5‐cyclooctadiene)iridium(I) dimer [{IrCl(COD)}2] a molecularly defined Ir(I) surface complex was obtained according to EXAFS and UV‐Vis spectroscopy. This functionalized material catalyzes the direct CH borylation of arenes to yield the corresponding boronic esters and can be reused without significant loss of activity.

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Real‐time monitoring of ring‐opening polymerization of tetrahydrofuran via in situ Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Deng Hangjun , Shen Zhongquan , Li Lifeng , Yin Hong , Chen Jizhong
Published: February 2014

The polymerization of tetrahydrofuran (THF) was carried out in CH2Cl2 by using phosphotungstic heteropolyacid as initiator and epichlorohydrin as promoter. This cationic ring‐opening polymerization process was monitored by in situ mid‐infrared spectroscopy system (ReactIR) to further study the thermodynamics and kinetics of THF polymerization. It was observed that the sharp infrared peak of COC stretching vibrations will shift from about 1068 to 1109 cm−1 in THF ring‐opening step. The changes in absorbance intensity of the two characteristic peaks were used for determining instantaneous concentration of linear polymer and ring monomer. The experimental results demonstrated that the kinetics of THF polymerization proved to be typically first‐order. Thermodynamic parameters were determined from the temperature dependence of the monomer equilibrium concentration [M]e over the range from −5 to 25°C. The values of kapp were obtained via the plots of ln{([M]0−[M]e)/([M]t−[M]e)} vs reaction time, for polymerization under specific conditions. The apparent activation energy (Ea) and frequency (A) were determined from the Arrhenius plot of kapp vs. T−1. Besides, the in situ kinetic investigation revealed that more chain‐transfer occurred at higher temperatures, leading to a reduction in propagation species concentration and a deviation from first‐order propagation at the later stage of polymerization. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40503.
In vitro evaluation of spray‐dried chitosan microspheres crosslinked with pyromellitic dianhydride for oral colon‐specific delivery of protein drugs
Authors: Kavianinia Iman , Plieger Paul G. , Kandile Nadia G. , Harding David R. K.
Published: February 2014

Chitosan microspheres have been prepared using a spray‐drying method, and crosslinked with pyromellitic dianhydride. The chemical structure of the modified chitosan was characterized by FTIR spectroscopy and solid state 13C NMR analysis. The particle size and morphology of the crosslinked chitosan were investigated. These microspheres were evaluated for colon‐specific delivery of bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model protein drug. The results indicate that the drug was released as follows: 37.1 ± 2.8% after 2 h in SGF, 73.1 ± 4.8% after 8 h (2 h in SGF+ 6 h in SIF), and 80.9 ± 4.1% after 12 h in SCF. The effect of β‐glucosidase on the drug release was also examined. The encapsulation efficiency was decreased from 88.4 ± 3.1% to 62.8 ± 2.9%, with increasing BSA concentration. Loading capacity was significantly increased from 6.3 ± 0.3% to 41.8 ± 4.1% by increasing the initial BSA concentration. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40514.
Interjet distance in needleless melt differential electrospinning with umbellate nozzles
Authors: Li Haoyi , Chen Hongbo , Zhong Xiangfeng , Wu Weifeng , Ding Yumei , Yang Weimin
Published: February 2014

Melt electrospinning technique has shown great advantages in numerous areas where polymer dissolving, solvent accumulation, or toxicity is a concern in solution electrospinning. However, conventional capillary spinnerets in electrospinning are less productive. In this article, two needleless umbellate nozzles were used based on melt differential method, and the smallest interjet distance of 1.1 mm was observed. Experimental results indicated that the main factors affecting the interjet distance were the electric field strength and melts viscosity. The produced fiber diameter was related to interjet distance directly. Finite element modeling (FEM) showed that umbellate structure determines the intensity of maximum electric field around the rim of nozzles and the resultant interjet distance. This new method enabled the mass production of ultra‐fine fibers using needleless melt electrospinning method when relatively low voltage (less than 65 kV) was loaded on the receive plate. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2014,131, 40515.
CO2 Adsorption capacity of activated N‐doping porous carbons prepared from graphite nanofibers/polypyrrole
Authors: Meng Long‐Yue , Meng Wan , Chen Tie , Jin Long Yi
Published: February 2014

In this study, N‐doping porous carbons (NPCs) with a 3D aperiodic hierarchical and layered structure were prepared by the sodium hydride (NaOH) activation of graphite nanofibers (GNFs)/polypyrrole (PPY) composites. The effects of the N groups and structural features on the CO2 adsorption capacity of NPCs were investigated by N2 full isotherms, XRD, SEM, and TEM. The CO2 adsorption capacity was measured by the CO2 isothermal adsorption at 25°C and 1 atm. It was found that GNFs served as a substrate and layered graphitic carbons were formed by the thermal annealing of PPY. The content of N groups and textural properties of NPCs were enhanced with increasing activation temperature, resulting in improved CO2 adsorption capacity. The CO2 adsorption isotherms showed that GPK‐600 exhibited the best CO2 adsorption capacity of 88.8 mg/g when the activation temperature was 600°C. The result indicates that the pore size and its distribution of NPCs lead to feasible contact CO2, and the presence of high N groups on the NPCs could have resulted in further stabilization of the surface effect. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40517.
Structural and AC impedance studies on nanocomposite polymer electrolytes based on poly(ε‐caprolactone)
Authors: Sownthari K. , Suthanthiraraj S. Austin
Published: February 2014

Nanocomposite polymer electrolyte (NCPE) films of [75 wt % poly(ε‐caprolactone) : 25 wt % zinc triflate] + x wt % nanofiller Al2O3 (x = 1, 3, 5, 7) were prepared by solution cast technique. Such NCPE films were characterized using Fourier transform infrared and AC impedance spectroscopic techniques. Complexation of polymer with salt and nanofiller was revealed from FTIR analysis. On the other hand, an apparent increase in the number density of charge carriers upto 5 wt % loading of the nanofiller was also confirmed. Furthermore, AC impedance spectroscopic studies have shown that ionic conductivity increases with the addition of Al2O3 and reaches a maximum of 2.5 × 10−5 S cm−1 at room temperature for 5 wt % loading of nanofiller. The dielectric behavior of all the synthesized samples has also been analyzed and presented. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40524.
FEEDING ON A BEGOMOVIRUS‐INFECTED PLANT ENHANCES FECUNDITY VIA INCREASED EXPRESSION OF AN INSULIN‐LIKE PEPTIDE IN THE WHITEFLY, MEAM1
Authors: Guo Jian‐Yang , Cheng Lu , Ye Gong‐Yin , Fang Qi , Guo Jian‐Yang
Published: February 2014

The Middle East‐Minor 1 cryptic species (MEAM1), Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is a globally invasive pest. It spreads widely due to its high fecundity and mutualistic interactions with the virus they vector. Feeding on virus (tomato yellow leaf curl China virus, TYLCCNV)‐infected host plants improves their fecundity, however, the key factor regulating the signaling transduction in reproduction of whitefly remains to be identified. Here, we cloned a full length cDNA encoding an insulin‐like peptide in MEAM1 (BtILP1) and investigated its expression profile, functions, and the expression induced by feeding on virus‐infected tobacco plants. The full length cDNA of BtILP1 was 590 bps and encoded an open reading frame containing 149 amino acid residues. Multiple sequences alignment results showed BtILP1 contained the structural features typical of the insulin family. Expression dynamics associated with development showed the expression level of BtILP1 peaked at 5 days posteclosion (PE). During 1 to 3 days PE, BtILP1 was expressed highly in the head and abdomen of female adults and highly in the head during 5 to 7 days PE. Knockdown of the BtILP1 expression also impaired vitellogenin gene expression at both transcript and protein levels. Downregulating BtILP1 expression decreased fecundity of female adults and hatching rate of eggs. Feeding on virus‐infected tobacco increased BtILP1 expression in MEAM1 female adults. We infer feeding on begomovirus‐infected tobacco enhances the reproduction of MEAM1 by inducing BtILP1 expression. Our results give a new sight into the mutualistic interactions between virus and its insect vector.
Linear Model‐based Feedforward Control for Improving Tracking‐performance of Linear Motors
Authors: Li Yan‐Jang , Tien Szu‐Chi
Published: February 2014

The main purpose of this article is to propose a linear model‐based approach for improving the tracking performance of linear motors. In particular, P‐ and PI‐controllers, augmented with a linear‐model‐based feedforward controller and disturbance observer (DOB), were utilized in this research. Experimental results show that the feedforward controller can substantially reduce the phase‐delay problem resulting from the limitation of closed‐loop bandwidth. In addition, the DOB can reject nonlinear behaviors to keep a motor‐system close to our nominal linear model. Compared with the results of using P‐ and PI‐controllers only, tracking errors were reduced from 4.44% to 0.67% of the desired trajectory. Therefore, the proposed method provides a solution for improving the tracking performance of linear motors.
Temperature‐dependent changes in the microbial storage flora of birch and spruce sawdust
Authors: Blomqvist Johanna , Leong Su‐lin L. , Sandgren Mats , Lestander Torbjörn , Passoth Volkmar
Published: February 2014

Sawdust can be used to make pellets (biofuel) and particle boards and as a potential lignocellulose feedstock in bioethanol production. Microbial activity can affect sawdust quality; hence, we monitored the microbial population in birch‐ and spruce sawdust after 3 months’ storage at various temperatures. Species composition was similar on both materials but was strongly influenced by temperature. Bacteria were present on all materials at all conditions: on birch, 2.8 × 108, 1.1 × 108, and 8.8 × 106, and on spruce, 4.1 × 108, 5.6 × 107, and 1.5 × 108 CFU/g DM, at 2, 20, and 37 °C, respectively. Dominant bacteria at 2, 20, and 37 °C were Pseudomonas spp. (some Enterobacteriaceae spp. present), Luteibacter rhizovicinus, and Fulvimonas sp., respectively. Pseudomonas spp. were absent at ≥20 °C. Among microfungi, yeasts dominated at 2 °C but were absent at 37 °C, whereas molds dominated at 20 and 37 °C. Common yeasts included Cystofilobasidium capitatum, Cystofilobasidium infirmominiatum, Candida saitoana, Candida oregonensis, and Candida railenensis. Ophiostoma quercus was a common mold at 2 and 20 °C, whereas the human pathogens Aspergillus fumigatus and Paecilomyces variotii dominated at 37 °C. Attempts to influence the microflora by addition of the biocontrol yeasts, Wickerhamomyces anomalus and Scheffersomyces stipitis, were unsuccessful, as their growth in sawdust was poor to absent.
Conotruncal heart defects and common variants in maternal and fetal genes in folate, homocysteine, and transsulfuration pathways
Authors: Hobbs Charlotte A. , Cleves Mario A. , MacLeod Stewart L. , Erickson Stephen W. , Tang Xinyu , Li Jingyun , Li Ming , Nick Todd , Malik Sadia ,   the National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Published: February 2014

Background

We investigated the association between conotruncal heart defects (CTDs) and maternal and fetal single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 60 genes in the folate, homocysteine, and transsulfuration pathways. We also investigated whether periconceptional maternal folic acid supplementation modified associations between CTDs and SNPs

Methods

Participants were enrolled in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study between 1997 and 2008. DNA samples from 616 case‐parental triads affected by CTDs and 1645 control‐parental triads were genotyped using an Illumina® Golden Gate custom SNP panel. A hybrid design analysis, optimizing data from case and control trios, was used to identify maternal and fetal SNPs associated with CTDs

Results

Among 921 SNPs, 17 maternal and 17 fetal SNPs had a Bayesian false‐discovery probability of <0.8. Ten of the 17 maternal SNPs and 2 of the 17 fetal SNPs were found within the glutamate‐cysteine ligase, catalytic subunit (GCLC) gene. Fetal SNPs with the lowest Bayesian false‐discovery probability (rs2612101, rs2847607, rs2847326, rs2847324) were found within the thymidylate synthetase (TYMS) gene. Additional analyses indicated that the risk of CTDs associated with candidate SNPs was modified by periconceptional folic acid supplementation. Nineteen maternal and nine fetal SNPs had a Bayesian false‐discovery probability <0.8 for gene‐by‐environment (G × E) interactions with maternal folic acid supplementation.

Conclusion

These results support previous studies suggesting that maternal and fetal SNPs within folate, homocysteine, and transsulfuration pathways are associated with CTD risk. Maternal use of supplements containing folic acid may modify the impact of SNPs on the developing heart. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 100:116–126, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sample size determination for within‐device precision
Authors: Chiang Chieh , Hsiao Chin‐Fu , Liu Jen‐Pei
Published: February 2014

The within‐device precision for quantitative assays is the square root of the total variance, which is defined as the sum of the between‐day, between‐run, and within‐run variances under a two‐stage nested random‐effects model. Currently, methods for point and interval estimations have been proposed. However, the literature on sample size determination for within‐device precision is scarce. We propose an approach for the determination of sample size for within‐device precision. Our approach is based on the probability for which the 100(1 − α)% upper confidence bound for the within‐device precision smaller than the pre‐specified claim is greater than 1 − β. We derive the asymptotic distribution of the confidence upper bound based on the modified large‐sample method for sample size determination and allocation. Our study reveals that the dominant term for sample size determination is the between‐day variance. Results of simulation studies are reported. An example with real data is used to illustrate the proposed method. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developmental gene regulatory network evolution: Insights from comparative studies in echinoderms
Authors: Hinman Veronica F. , Cheatle Jarvela Alys M.
Published: February 2014

One of the central concerns of Evolutionary Developmental biology is to understand how the specification of cell types can change during evolution. In the last decade, developmental biology has progressed toward a systems level understanding of cell specification processes. In particular, the focus has been on determining the regulatory interactions of the repertoire of genes that make up gene regulatory networks (GRNs). Echinoderms provide an extraordinary model system for determining how GRNs evolve. This review highlights the comparative GRN analyses arising from the echinoderm system. This work shows that certain types of GRN subcircuits or motifs, i.e., those involving positive feedback, tend to be conserved and may provide a constraint on development. This conservation may be due to a required arrangement of transcription factor binding sites in cis regulatory modules. The review will also discuss ways in which novelty may arise, in particular through the co‐option of regulatory genes and subcircuits. The development of the sea urchin larval skeleton, a novel feature that arose in echinoderms, has provided a model for study of co‐option mechanisms. Finally, the types of GRNs that can permit the great diversity in the patterns of ciliary bands and their associated neurons found among these taxa are discussed. The availability of genomic resources is rapidly expanding for echinoderms, including genome sequences not only for multiple species of sea urchins but also a species of sea star, sea cucumber, and brittle star. This will enable echinoderms to become a particularly powerful system for understanding how developmental GRNs evolve. genesis 52:193–207. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The echinoderm larval skeleton as a possible model system for experimental evolutionary biology
Authors: Koga Hiroyuki , Morino Yoshiaki , Wada Hiroshi
Published: February 2014

The evolution of various body plans results from the acquisition of novel structures as well as the loss of existing structures. Some novel structures necessitate multiple evolutionary steps, requiring organisms to overcome the intermediate steps, which might be less adaptive or neutral. To examine this issue, echinoderms might provide an ideal experimental system. A larval skeleton is acquired in some echinoderm lineages, such as sea urchins, probably via the co‐option of the skeletogenic machinery that was already established to produce the adult skeleton. The acquisition of a larval skeleton was found to require multiple steps and so provides a model experimental system for reproducing intermediate evolutionary stages. The fact that echinoderm embryology has been studied with various natural populations also presents an advantage. genesis 52:186–192. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Resource defense and monopolization in a marked population of ruby‐throated hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris)
Authors: Rousseu François , Charette Yanick , Bélisle Marc
Published: February 2014

Resource defense behavior is often explained by the spatial and temporal distribution of resources. However, factors such as competition, habitat complexity, and individual space use may also affect the capacity of individuals to defend and monopolize resources. Yet, studies frequently focus on one or two factors, overlooking the complexity found in natural settings. Here, we addressed defense and monopolization of nectar feeders in a population of free‐ranging ruby‐throated hummingbirds marked with passive integrated transponder (PIT tags). Our study system consisted of a 44 ha systematic grid of 45 feeders equipped with PIT tag detectors recording every visit made at feeders. We modeled the number of visits by competitors (NVC) at feeders in response to space use by a focal individual potentially defending a feeder, number of competitors, nectar sucrose concentration, and habitat visibility. Individuals who were more concentrated at certain feeders on a given day and who were more stable in their use of the grid throughout the season gained higher exclusivity in the use of those feeders on that day, especially for males competing against males. The level of spatial concentration at feeders and its negative effect on NVC was, however, highly variable among individuals, suggesting a continuum in resource defense strategies. Although the apparent capacity to defend feeders was not affected by competition or nectar sucrose concentration, the level of monopolization decreased with increasing number of competitors and higher nectar quality. Defense was enhanced by visibility near feeders, but only in forested habitats. The reverse effect of visibility in open habitats was more difficult to interpret as it was probably confounded by perch availability, from which a bird can defend its feeder. Our study is among the first to quantify the joint use of food resource by overlapping individuals unconstrained in their use of space. Our results show the importance of accounting for variation in space use among individuals as it translated into varying levels of defense and monopolization of feeders regardless of food resource distribution.
Quantifying the effects of elevated CO2 on water budgets by combining FACE data with an ecohydrological model
Authors: Cheng Lei , Zhang Lu , Wang Ying‐Ping , Yu Qiang , Eamus Derek
Published: February 2014

Response of leaf area index (LAI) is the key determinant for predicting impacts of the elevated CO2 (eCO2) on water budgets. Importance of the changes in functional attributes of vegetation associated with eCO2 for predicting responses of LAI has rarely been addressed. In this study, the WAter Vegetation Energy and Solute (WAVES) model was applied to simulate ecohydrological effects of the eCO2 at two free‐air CO2 enrichment (FACE) experimental sites with contrasting vegetation. One was carried out by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory on the forest (ORNL FACE). The other one was conducted by the University of Minnesota on the grass (BioCON FACE). Results demonstrated that changes in functional attributes of vegetation (including reduction in specific leaf area, changes in carbon assimilation and allocation characteristics) and availability of nutrients are important for reproducing the responses of LAI, transpiration and soil moisture at both sites. Predicted LAI increased slightly at both sites because of fertilization effects of the eCO2. Simulated transpiration decreased 10·5% at ORNL site and 13·8% at BioCON site because of reduction in the stomatal conductance. Predicted evaporation from interception and soil surface increased slightly (<1·0 mm year−1) at both sites because of increased LAI and litter production, and increased soil moisture resulted from reduced transpiration. All components of run‐off were predicted to increase because of significant decrease in transpiration. Simulated mean annual evapotranspiration decreased about 8·7% and 10·8%, and mean annual run‐off increased about 11·1% (59·3 mm year−1) and 9·5% (37·6 mm year−1) at the ORNL and BioCON FACE sites, respectively. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Riparian and in‐stream restoration of boreal streams and rivers: success or failure?
Authors: Nilsson Christer , Polvi Lina E. , Gardeström Johanna , Hasselquist Eliza Maher , Lind Lovisa , Sarneel Judith M.
Published: February 2014

We reviewed follow‐up studies from Finnish and Swedish streams that have been restored after timber floating to assess the abiotic and biotic responses to restoration. More specifically, from a review of 18 case studies (16 published and 2 unpublished), we determined whether different taxonomic groups react differently or require different periods of time to respond to the same type of restoration. Restoration entailed returning coarse sediment (cobbles and boulders) and sometimes large wood to previously channelized turbulent reaches, primarily with the objective of meeting habitat requirements of naturally reproducing salmonid fish. The restored streams showed a consistent increase in channel complexity and retention capacity, but the biotic responses were weak or absent in most species groups. Aquatic mosses growing on boulders were drastically reduced shortly after restoration, but in most studies, they recovered after a few years. Riparian plants, macroinvertebrates and fish did not show any consistent trends in response. We discuss seven alternative explanations to these inconsistent results and conclude that two decades is probably too short a time for most organisms to recover. We recommend long‐term monitoring using standardized methods, a landscape‐scale perspective and a wider range of organisms to improve the basis for judging to what extent restoration in boreal streams has achieved its goal of reducing the impacts from timber floating. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simultaneous measurements of stem radius variation and sap flux density reveal synchronisation of water storage and transpiration dynamics in olive trees
Authors: Cocozza Claudia , Marino Giovanni , Giovannelli Alessio , Cantini Claudio , Centritto Mauro , Tognetti Roberto
Published: February 2014

Continuous stem water relations, sap flux and radial variation, and soil moisture were monitored in rainfed and irrigated mature olive (Olea europaea L.) trees in field conditions in central Italy. A mathematical procedure was applied to describe plant–environment dependences in order to facilitate the identification of the correspondence between stem factors (sap flow and diameter variation) and environmental parameters (water availability and evaporative demand). A direct correspondence between the time series of the monitored parameters was observed in the two growing seasons. Soil water content was synchronous to stem diameter variation in irrigated trees, whereas they were asynchronous in rainfed conditions. On a daily basis, sap flux density showed an opposite trend with respect to patterns of vapour pressure deficit and evapotranspiration (ET0) in spring, corresponded to the course of ET0 in summer and lagged behind ET0 in autumn. Maximum daily shrinkage was correlated with vapour pressure deficit (R2 = 0.50, in rainfed; R2 = 0.51, in irrigated plants), whereas it was not significantly related to ET0. Conversely, cumulative sap flow showed a good relationship with ET0 (R2 = 0.60, in rainfed; R2 = 0.51, in irrigated plants) and scaled exponentially with maximum daily shrinkage (R2 = 0.56, in rainfed; R2 = 0.61, in irrigated plants), indicating consistent radial transfer of water between xylem and phloem. The proposed analytical approach highlights the importance of combining measured parameters and sensor outputs in order to determine adjustments of specific plant functionality traits, such as the dynamics of water status in trees, for modelling and practical uses. This study also indicates a different accounting of the effect of microclimatic variables on plant signals based on stem sensors. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Copper‐Catalyzed Decarboxylative Methylation of Aromatic Carboxylic Acids with PhI(OAc)2
Authors: Jiang Yuyu , Pan Shulei , Zhang Yanghui , Yu Jingxun , Liu Hongqiang
Published: February 2014

The copper‐catalyzed decarboxylative methylation of aromatic carboxylic acids was developed by using PhI(OAc)2 to provide a new strategy for the methylation of aryl acids through the decarboxylation of alkyl acids. The mechanism and the roles of each reactant in the reaction were investigated extensively.
Compact Electrochemical Flow System for the Analysis of Environmental Pollutants
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Capitán Manuel , Ipatov Andrey , Merlos Ángel , Jiménez‐Jorquera Cecilia , Fernández‐Sánchez César
Published: February 2014

A compact flow system that includes two electrochemical transducers integrated in a miniaturized cell is reported. Each transducer shows an on‐chip thin‐film gold three‐electrode configuration. The cell was machined on polymethyl methacrylate substrates, together with the required minifluidic elements for sample conditioning and analysis. These include several pumps and valves that enabled the system to work in an automatic fashion. Its performance was assessed by analyzing copper, catechol and parathion, using different chronoamperometric approaches. A rapid and reproducible response, ease of use, simple data interpretation and low maintenance make the system amenable to be implemented in a portable instrument for on‐site environmental analysis.
Application of PEDOT‐CNT Microelectrodes for Neurotransmitter Sensing
Authors: Samba Ramona , Fuchsberger Kai , Matiychyn Ilona , Epple Sebastian , Kiesel Lydia , Stett Alfred , Schuhmann Wolfgang , Stelzle Martin
Published: February 2014

In this work, composite microelectrodes from poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and carbon nanotubes (CNT) are characterized as electrochemical sensing material for neurotransmitters. Dopamine can be detected using square wave voltammetry at these microelectrodes. The CNTs improve the sensitivity by a factor of two. In addition, the selectivity towards dopamine in the presence of ascorbic acid and uric acid was examined. While both electrodes, PEDOT and PEDOT‐CNT are able to detect all measured concentrations of dopamine in the presence of uric acid, small concentrations of dopamine and ascorbic acid are only distinguishable at PEDOT‐CNT electrodes. Changing the pH has a strong influence on the selectivity. Moreover, it is possible to detect concentrations as low as 1 µM dopamine in complex cell culture medium. Finally, other catecholamines like serotonin, epinephrine, norepinephrine and L‐dopa are also electrochemically detectable at PEDOT‐CNT microelectrodes.
Facilitated Transport of Ions and Glucose by Amphotericin B Across Lipid Bilayers in the Presence or Absence of Cholesterol
Authors: Kagohashi Hiroki , Shirai Osamu , Kubota Shintaro , Kitazumi Yuki , Kano Kenji
Published: February 2014

The transport of ions and glucose across bilayer lipid membranes (BLM) facilitated by amphotericin B (AmB) is studied by use of planar BLMs and liposomal membranes. The transport characteristics change with time in the presence of cholesterol, while it is independent of time in the absence of cholesterol. The carrier‐type transport is observed immediately after the addition of AmB. In the presence of cholesterol, AmB forms a 1 : 1 complex with cholesterol and the channel is formed by aggregation of AmB‐cholesterol complexes. It is concluded that the number of the channels increases with time and that the carrier‐type transport decreases instead.
Detection and Quantification of Sulfonamide Antibiotic Residues in Milk Using Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy
Authors: Conzuelo Felipe , Stratmann Lutz , Grützke Stefanie , Pingarrón José M. , Schuhmann Wolfgang
Published: February 2014

The use of scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) for the qualitative and quantitative determination of sulfapyridine (SPY) in milk is described. A direct competitive immunoassay was performed involving an antibiotic horseradish peroxidase (HRP)‐labeled analog and using selective capture antibodies immobilized on the surface of Protein G‐modified glassy carbon plates. SECM detection was accomplished by means of the sample generator/tip collector (GC) mode involving the reduction of benzoquinone (BQ) generated upon the HRP‐catalyzed oxidation of hydroquinone (HQ) at the modified substrate surface in the presence of H2O2. The detection limit for SPY in milk samples was as low as 0.13 ng mL−1.
Modelling soil water dynamics considering measurement uncertainty
Authors: Kisekka Isaya , Migliaccio K. W. , Muñoz‐Carpena R. , Schaffer B. , Khare Y.
Published: February 2014

In shallow water table‐controlled environments, surface water management impacts groundwater table levels and soil water dynamics. The study goal was to simulate soil water dynamics in response to canal stage raises considering uncertainty in measured soil water content. Water and Agrochemicals in the soil, crop and Vadose Environment (WAVE) was applied to simulate unsaturated flow above a shallow aquifer. Global sensitivity analysis was performed to identify model input factors with the greatest influence on predicted soil water content. Nash–Sutcliffe increased and Root Mean Square Error reduced when uncertainties in measured data were considered in goodness‐of‐fit calculations using measurement probability distributions and probable asymmetric error boundaries, implying that appropriate model performance evaluation should be carried out using uncertainty ranges instead of single values. Although uncertainty in the experimental measured data limited evaluation of the absolute predictions by the model, WAVE was found a useful exploratory tool for estimating temporal variation in soil water content. Visual analysis of soil water content time series under proposed changes in canal stage management indicated that sites with land surface elevation of less than 2.0‐m NGVD29 were predicted to periodically experience saturated conditions in the root zone and shortening of the growing season if canal stage is raised more than 9 cm and maintained at this level. The models developed could be combined with high‐resolution digital elevation models in future studies to identify areas with the greatest risk of experiencing saturated root zone. The study also highlighted the need to incorporate measurement uncertainty when evaluating performance of unsaturated flow models. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prospective cohort studies of association between family history of liver cancer and risk of liver cancer
Authors: Yang Yang , Wu Qi‐Jun , Xie Li , Chow Wong‐Ho , Rothman Nat , Li Hong‐Lan , Gao Yu‐Tang , Zheng Wei , Shu Xiao‐Ou , Xiang Yong‐Bing
Published: February 2014

Uncertainty remains on the relationship between a family history of liver cancer and liver cancer risk in prospective cohort studies in a general population. Thus, we examined this association in 133,014 participants in the Shanghai Women's and Men's Health Studies. Family history of liver cancer was categorized through dichotomous and proportional score approaches. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were derived using the Cox proportional hazards models with adjustment for potential confounders. A meta‐analysis of observational studies through December 2013 on liver cancer risk in relation to family history of liver cancer was also performed. Study‐specific risk estimates were combined using fixed or random effects models depending on whether significant heterogeneity was detected. For the Shanghai Women's and Men's Health Studies, 299 liver cancer cases were identified during follow‐up through 2010. Family history of liver cancer was associated with liver cancer risk using both binary indicator (HR = 2.60, 95% CI: 1.77–3.80) and proportional score (high‐risk vs. minimal‐risk category: HR = 3.03, 95% CI: 1.73–5.31), with increasing HRs for increasing score categories. The meta‐analysis also showed an increased risk for those with a family history of liver cancer (relative risk = 2.55, 95% CI: 2.05–3.16). Family history of liver cancer was related to increased risk of liver cancer in Chinese population. This risk is particularly high for those with an affected mother. The “dose‐response” of risk with an increasing family history score of liver cancer might further facilitate future cancer prevention programs on identifying individuals with the highest potential liver cancer risk.