bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Established monolayer differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells generates heterogeneous neocortical‐like neurons stalled at a stage equivalent to midcorticogenesis
Authors: Sadegh Cameron , Macklis Jeffrey D.
Published: March 2014

Two existing and widely applied protocols of embryonic stem (ES) cell differentiation have been developed to enable in vitro generation of neurons resembling neocortical projection neurons in monolayer culture and from embryoid bodies. The monolayer approach offers advantages for detailed in vitro characterizations and potential mechanistic and therapeutic screening. We investigated whether mouse ES cells undergoing largely undirected neocortical differentiation in monolayer culture recapitulate progressive developmental programs of in vivo progenitor and postmitotic differentiation and whether they develop into specific neocortical subtypes. We find that ES‐derived mitotic cells that have been dorsalized by the sonic hedgehog antagonist cyclopamine, and that express, as a total population, cardinal markers of telencephalic progenitors, are, in fact, molecularly heterogeneous. We next show that these progenitors subsequently generate small numbers of heterogeneous neocortical‐like neurons that are “stalled” at an immature stage of differentiation, based on multiple developmental criteria. Although some aspects of neocortical development are recapitulated by existing protocols of ES cell differentiation, these data indicate that mouse ES‐derived neocortical progenitors both are more heterogeneous than their in vivo counterparts and seemingly include many incorrectly specified progenitors. Furthermore, these ES‐derived progenitors spontaneously differentiate into sparse, and incompletely and largely imprecisely differentiated, neocortical‐like neurons that fail to adopt specific neuronal identities in vitro. These results provide both foundation and motivation for refining and enhancing directed differentiation of clinically important neocortical projection neuron subtypes. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:2691–2706, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Treating Parkinson's disease in the 21st century: Can stem cell transplantation compete?
Authors: Buttery Philip C. , Barker Roger A.
Published: March 2014

The characteristic and selective degeneration of a unique population of cells—the nigrostriatal dopamine (DA) neurons—that occurs in Parkinson's disease (PD) has made the condition an iconic target for cell replacement therapies. Indeed, transplantation of fetal ventral mesencephalic cells into the DA‐deficient striatum was first trialled nearly 30 years ago, at a time when other treatments for the disease were less well developed. Over recent decades standard treatments for PD have advanced, and newer biological therapies are now emerging. In the 21st century, stem cell technology will have to compete alongside other sophisticated treatments, including deep brain stimulation and gene therapies. In this review we examine how stem cell–based transplantation therapies compare with these novel and emerging treatments in the management of this common condition. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:2802–2816, 2014. © 2014 The Authors The Journal of Comparative Neurology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Human induced pluripotent stem cells are a novel source of neural progenitor cells (iNPCs) that migrate and integrate in the rodent spinal cord
Authors: Sareen Dhruv , Gowing Geneviève , Sahabian Anais , Staggenborg Kevin , Paradis Renée , Avalos Pablo , Latter Jessica , Ornelas Loren , Garcia Leslie , Svendsen Clive N.
Published: March 2014

Transplantation of human neural progenitor cells (NPCs) into the brain or spinal cord to replace lost cells, modulate the injury environment, or create a permissive milieu to protect and regenerate host neurons is a promising therapeutic strategy for neurological diseases. Deriving NPCs from human fetal tissue is feasible, although problematic issues include limited sources and ethical concerns. Here we describe a new and abundant source of NPCs derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). A novel chopping technique was used to transform adherent iPSCs into free‐floating spheres that were easy to maintain and were expandable (EZ spheres) (Ebert et al. [2013] Stem Cell Res 10:417–427). These EZ spheres could be differentiated towards NPC spheres with a spinal cord phenotype using a combination of all‐trans retinoic acid (RA) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) and fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF‐2) mitogens. Suspension cultures of NPCs derived from human iPSCs or fetal tissue have similar characteristics, although they were not similar when grown as adherent cells. In addition, iPSC‐derived NPCs (iNPCs) survived grafting into the spinal cord of athymic nude rats with no signs of overgrowth and with a very similar profile to human fetal‐derived NPCs (fNPCs). These results suggest that human iNPCs behave like fNPCs and could thus be a valuable alternative for cellular regenerative therapies of neurological diseases. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:2707–2728, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
PTEN inhibition enhances neurite outgrowth in human embryonic stem cell–derived neuronal progenitor cells
Authors: Wyatt Lindsey A. , Filbin Marie T. , Keirstead Hans S.
Published: March 2014

We investigated the role of PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10) during neurite outgrowth of human embryonic stem cell (hESC)‐derived neuronal progenitors. PTEN inhibits phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling, a common and central outgrowth and survival pathway downstream of neuronal growth factors. It is known that PTEN inhibition, by either polymorphic mutation or gene deletion, can lead to the development of tumorigenesis (Stambolic et al., ; Tamura et al., ). However, temporary inhibition of PTEN, through pharmacological manipulation, could regulate signaling events such as the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, leading to enhanced recovery of central nervous system (CNS) injury and disease. We demonstrate that pharmacological inhibition of PTEN in hESC‐derived neuronal progenitors significantly increased neurite outgrowth in vitro in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. Our results indicate that inhibition of PTEN augments neurite outgrowth beyond that of traditional methods such as elevation of intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels, and depends on upregulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and its downstream effectors, such as mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). PTEN inhibition also rescued neurite outgrowth over an inhibitory substrate in vitro. These findings indicate a remarkable impact on hESC‐derived neuronal progenitor plasticity through PTEN inhibition. Overall, these findings identify a novel therapeutic strategy for neurite outgrowth in CNS injury and disease. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:2741–2755, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Compromised blood–brain barrier competence in remote brain areas in ischemic stroke rats at the chronic stage
Authors: Garbuzova‐Davis Svitlana , Haller Edward , Williams Stephanie N. , Haim Eithan D. , Tajiri Naoki , Hernandez‐Ontiveros Diana G. , Frisina‐Deyo Aric , Boffeli Sean M. , Sanberg Paul R. , Borlongan Cesario V.
Published: March 2014

Stroke is a life‐threatening disease leading to long‐term disability in stroke survivors. Cerebral functional insufficiency in chronic stroke might be due to pathological changes in brain areas remote from the initial ischemic lesion, i.e., diaschisis. Previously, we showed that the damaged blood–brain barrier (BBB) was involved in subacute diaschisis. The present study investigated BBB competence in chronic diaschisis by using a transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) rat model. Our results demonstrated significant BBB damage mostly in the ipsilateral striatum and motor cortex in rats at 30 days after tMCAO. The BBB alterations were also determined in the contralateral hemisphere via ultrastructural and immunohistochemical analyses. Major BBB pathological changes in contralateral remote striatum and motor cortex areas included 1) vacuolated endothelial cells containing large autophagosomes, 2) degenerated pericytes displaying mitochondria with cristae disruption, 3) degenerated astrocytes and perivascular edema, 4) Evans blue extravasation, and 5) appearance of parenchymal astrogliosis. Discrete analyses of striatal and motor cortex areas revealed significantly higher autophagosome accumulation in capillaries of ventral striatum and astrogliosis in dorsal striatum in both cerebral hemispheres. These widespread microvascular alterations in ipsilateral and contralateral brain hemispheres suggest persistent and/or continued BBB damage in chronic ischemia. The pathological changes in remote brain areas likely indicate chronic ischemic diaschisis, which should be considered in the development of treatment strategies for stroke. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:3120–3137, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Titanium(IV)‐Immobilized Hydrophilic Hierarchically Ordered Macro‐/Mesoporous Silica for Fast Enrichment of Phosphopeptides
Authors: Yan Yinghua , Zheng Zhifang , Li Yan , Deng Chunhui , Zhang Xiangmin
Published: March 2014

Feasible design is essential to achieve ideal chemical and biological properties of nanomaterials. For the first time, new nanocomposites with a polydopamine coating on hierarchically ordered macro‐/mesoporous silica functionalized with titanium ions (denoted as HOMMS‐PD‐Ti4+) were prepared through a facile reaction route at room temperature. The applicability of as‐synthesized HOMMS‐PD‐Ti4+ for the selective enrichment of phosphopeptides was tested. The experimental results demonstrate that, by taking advantage of the pure phosphate–Ti4+ interface and high loading amount of Ti4+, HOMMS‐PD‐Ti4+ presents remarkable selectivity for phosphopeptides, even at a low molar ratio of phosphopeptides/non‐phosphopeptides (1:1000) with a very rapid enrichment speed (within 1 min). The superior sensitivity for low‐abundant phosphopeptides and the high selectivity and effectiveness for the enrichment of phosphopeptides from human serum are also proven. These outstanding features demonstrate that HOMMS‐PD‐Ti4+ exhibits great potential in phosphoproteome research in the future.
Switchable Ionic Liquids as Delignification Solvents for Lignocellulosic Materials
Authors: Anugwom Ikenna , Eta Valerie , Virtanen Pasi , Mäki‐Arvela Päivi , Hedenström Mattias , Hummel Michael , Sixta Herbert , Mikkola Jyri‐Pekka
Published: March 2014

The transformation of lignocellulosic materials into potentially valuable resources is compromised by their complicated structure. Consequently, new economical and feasible conversion/fractionation techniques that render value‐added products are intensely investigated. Herein an unorthodox and feasible fractionation method of birch chips (B. pendula) using a switchable ionic liquid (SIL) derived from an alkanol amine (monoethanol amine, MEA) and an organic super base (1,8‐diazabicyclo‐[5.4.0]‐undec‐7‐ene, DBU) with two different trigger acid gases (CO2 and SO2) is studied. After SIL treatment, the dissolved fractions were selectively separated by a step‐wise method using an antisolvent to induce precipitation. The SIL was recycled after concentration and evaporation of anti‐solvent. The composition of undissolved wood after MEA‐SO2‐SIL treatment resulted in 80 wt % cellulose, 10 wt % hemicelluloses, and 3 wt % lignin, whereas MEA‐CO2‐SIL treatment resulted in 66 wt % cellulose, 12 wt % hemicelluloses and 11 wt % lignin. Thus, the MEA‐SO2‐SIL proved more efficient than the MEA‐CO2‐SIL, and a better solvent for lignin removal. All fractions were analyzed by gas chromatography (GC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and Gel permeation chromatography (GPC).
Isolated adrenal cryptococcosis, diagnosed by fine‐needle aspiration biopsy: A case report
Authors: Cocker Rubina , McNair Sean A. , Kahn Leonard , Kwon Sean , Ding Xin , Zeltsman Vadim , Sung Chris
Published: March 2014

This report documents a case of isolated adrenal gland cryptococcosis without the often reported component of concomitant meningitis or Addison's disease in an immune competent patient. Furthermore, both the patient's lung cancer and adrenal infection with cryptococcus were incidentally discovered during work‐up for syncope in the setting of hyponatremia. This case also underscores the diagnostic value of fine‐needle aspiration biopsy in this unusual presentation. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2014;42:899–901. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Isolated cysticercosis of tongue: A case report
Authors: Khare Pratima , Chauhan Nidhi , Dogra Rajeev , Kala Pooja , Chand Priyanka
Published: March 2014

Cysticercosis of the tongue is a rare disease caused by infestation with the larval stage of the pork tapeworm (Taenia solium) in which man acts as a secondary host rather than a primary host. Most of these lesions are asymptomatic. The patient usually reports to the physician with the complaint of swelling. The solitary swelling in the tongue of this young 12‐year‐old girl was not suspected clinically for cysticercosis. Fine needle aspiration cytology, used for pre‐operative diagnosis, suggested the possibility of cysticercosis. Detailed medical evaluation was carried out which ruled out neural cysticercosis and other extraneural lesions. The complete removal of the lesion was achieved by simple excision. The histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of lingual cysticercosis. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2014;42:716–718. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collision tumor of primary merkel cell carcinoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma, diagnosed on ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration biopsy: A unique case report and review of literature
Authors: Li Zhonghua , Yang Jing‐Jing , Wu Maoxin
Published: March 2014

We report an extremely rare case of skin collision tumor between primary Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) first diagnosed on ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (US‐FNA). A 95‐year‐old female with a history of CLL presented with a slow growing left malar mass was referred to our clinic for US‐FNA. US scan showed a well‐defined subcutaneous mass (2.78 cm) with complex echogenicity. On‐site assessment showed a cellular aspiration which was interpreted as small blue round cell tumor. On further examination, smears and cell block showed dimorphic populations of relatively larger cells with neuroendocrine features and smaller lymphoid cells. Immunocytochemical studies of cell block sections revealed that the larger cells were positive for CD56, Chromogranin, Synaptophysin, CK8/18, CK20 (dot‐like pattern); and the smaller cells were positive for CD45. Flow cytometric analysis showed a majority of CD16/CD56 positive cells, 17% of monoclonal B‐cells, and 14% of reactive T cells. The immunophenotype of the monoclonal B cells were of CLL/SLL. The diagnosis of a collision tumor composed of primary MCC and CLL/SLL was confirmed. Surgical resection of the mass one month later concurred with the FNA cytological diagnosis. The fact that surgical specimen displayed a solid tumor with both CLL/SLL and MCC components ruled out the possibility that the FNA merely had MCC with peripheral leukemic blood contaminant. No additional MCC lesion was found in the patient, which ruled out the possibility of metastatic MCC to a lymphomatous lymph node. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2015;43:66–71. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enteropathy‐associated intestinal T‐cell lymphoma in cavitating mesenteric lymph node syndrome: Fine‐needle aspiration contributes to the diagnosis
Authors: Schwock Joerg , Hyjek Elizabeth M. , Torlakovic Emina E. , Geddie William R.
Published: March 2014

Cavitating mesenteric lymph node syndrome (CMLNS) is an infrequently reported manifestation of unrecognized/longstanding celiac disease and may be associated with enteropathy‐associated intestinal T‐cell lymphoma and hyposplenism. Unrecognized malignancy and life‐threatening infections can pose a significant risk to patients in cases of delayed diagnosis. Fine‐needle aspiration of the mesenteric lesions may contribute significantly to the correct diagnosis and can expedite patient management. We report on the cytologic characteristics of enteropathy‐associated intestinal T‐cell lymphoma first detected in a cyst fluid specimen obtained from a patient with cavitating mesenteric lesions. Image‐guided fine‐needle aspiration resulted in chylous fluid that contained a lymphoid cell population with neoplastic morphology and abnormal immunophenotype. Further work‐up led to the diagnosis of enteropathy‐associated intestinal T‐cell lymphoma with bone marrow involvement. Cytologic assessment of the cyst fluid is an important part of the diagnostic cascade in patients with CMLNS to exclude clinically occult lymphoma. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2015;43:125–130. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
β‐Ecdysterone Suppresses Interleukin‐1β‐Induced Apoptosis and Inflammation in Rat Chondrocytes via Inhibition of NF‐κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhang Xiaohong , Xu Xianxiang , Xu Tao , Qin Si
Published: March 2014

Preclinical Research

Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by a loss of articular cartilage accompanied with inflammation of synovium. β‐Ecdysterone (Ecd), a major component of several Chinese herbal medicines, e.g., Achyranthes bidentata BL., has been used for the prevention and treatment of OA. Ecd is an estrogen analog and is likely to have similar pharmacological effects including the effect of protective chondrocytes. This study investigated the effects of Ecd on interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β)‐induced apoptosis and inflammation in rat chondrocytes. Ecd protected chondrocytes from IL‐1β‐induced injury by inhibiting expression of Bax, p53 phosphorylation, and promoting expression of Bcl‐xL. Simultaneously, Ecd reduced caspase 3 activity. IL‐1β‐induced inflammation and matrix degration were also prevented by Ecd via down‐regulation of matrix metalloproteinases MMP 3, MMP 9, and cyclooxygenase‐2 expression. Additionally, Ecd inhibited Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF‐κB) p65 phosphorylation, IκBα degradation, and phosphorylation in IL‐1β‐induced rat chondrocytes. These results suggested Ecd exerted anti‐apoptosis and anti‐inflammation in IL‐1β‐induced rat chondrocytes, which might be related to NF‐κB signal pathway.
Modelling the distribution of Aspalathus linearis (Rooibos tea): implications of climate change for livelihoods dependent on both cultivation and harvesting from the wild
Authors: Lötter Daleen , le Maitre David
Published: March 2014

Aspalathus linearis (Burm. f.) R. Dahlgren (rooibos) is endemic to the Fynbos Biome of South Africa, which is an internationally recognized biodiversity hot spot. Rooibos is both an invaluable wild resource and commercially cultivated crop in suitable areas. Climate change predictions for the region indicate a significant warming scenario coupled with a decline in winter rainfall. First estimates of possible consequences for biodiversity point to species extinctions of 23% in the long term in the Fynbos Biome. Bioclimatic modelling using the maximum entropy method was used to develop an estimate of the realized niche of wild rooibos and the current geographic distribution of areas suitable for commercially production. The distribution modelling provided a good match to the known distribution and production area of A. linearis. An ensemble of global climate models that assume the A2 emissions scenario of high energy requirements was applied to develop possible scenarios of range/suitability shift under future climate conditions. When these were extrapolated to a future climate (2041–2070) both wild and cultivated tea exhibited substantial range contraction with some range shifts southeastwards and upslope. Most of the areas where range expansion was indicated are located in existing conservation areas or include conservation worthy vegetation. These findings will be critical in directing conservation efforts as well as developing strategies for farmers to cope with and adapt to climate change.
Binary Lithium Indides Li22–xIn8+x (x = 0.1), Li11–xIn4+x (x = 1.05), and Li10–xIn2+x (x = 1.59) with Clusters
Authors: Chumak Ihor , Pavlyuk Volodymyr , Ehrenberg Helmut
Published: March 2014

The synthesis, structural characterization, and chemical bonding peculiarities of three new binary Li–In intermetallides are reported. The crystal structures of these compounds were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. The compositions obtained after structure refinements were Li22–xIn8+x (x = 0.1) [new structure type, monoclinic crystal system, Pearson symbol mS30, space group C2/m, a = 14.156(3), b = 4.729(1), c = 8.617(2) Å, β = 105.89(1)°, R1 = 0.0279, wR2 = 0.0583 for 669 reflections], Li11–xIn4+x (x = 1.05) [new structure type, trigonal, P$\bar {3}$m1, hP15, a = 4.7480(7), c = 14.283(3) Å, R1 = 0.0323, wR2 = 0.0741 for 277 reflections], and Li10–xIn2+x (x = 1.59) [new structure type, hexagonal, P6/mmm, hP12, a = 4.6975(7), c = 11.526(2) Å, R1 = 0.0680, wR2 = 0.1358 for 127 reflections]. The Li22–xIn8+x (x = 0.1) structure is related to the structure of lithium (W‐type). The structure of Li11–xIn4+x (x = 1.05) can be described as a derivative of the CdI2 type. Li10–xIn2+x (x = 1.59) can be derived from the Li2Pt structure. [In2@Li20] clusters composed of 20 lithium atoms, which surround a In–In pair, are detected in the structure of all three investigated compounds. TB‐LMTO (Tight‐Binding Linear Muffin‐Tin Orbital) calculations indicate strong covalent In–In interactions and the presence of [In2@Li20] clusters in these new binary indides.
Acetic Acid Mediated Synthesis of Phosphonate‐Substituted Titanium Oxo Clusters
Authors: Czakler Matthias , Artner Christine , Schubert Ulrich
Published: March 2014

New phosphonate/acetate‐substituted titanium oxo/alkoxo clusters were prepared from Ti(OiPr)4 and bis(trimethylsilyl) phosphonates in the presence of acetic acid, which served to generate water in situ through ester formation. The process led to clusters with a higher degree of condensation than in previously known phosphonate‐substituted titanium oxo clusters. The clusters [Ti6O4(OiPr)10(OAc)2(O3PR)2] (OAc = acetate) were obtained for a large variety of functional and non‐functional groups R under a range of reaction conditions. This cluster type, which is also retained in solution, therefore appears to be very robust. Two other clusters, [Ti5O(OiPr)11(OAc)(O3PCH2CH2CH2Br)3] and [Ti5O3(OiPr)6(OAc)4(O3P‐xylyl)2], were only isolated in special cases.
Improving sensitivity in microchip electrophoresis coupled to ESI‐MS/MS on the example of a cardiac drug mixture
Authors: Schwarzkopf Fabian , Scholl Tobias , Ohla Stefan , Belder Detlev
Published: March 2014

A comprehensive study for a sensitivity optimization in MCE with mass spectrometric detection is presented. As a text mixture, we chose a mixture of the cardiac drugs propranolol, bisoprolol, lidocaine, procaine and studied the effect of different chip layouts and experimental parameters with the aim of achieving both high sensitivity in MS detection and adequate chip electrophoretic separation. An important aspect was a comparison of microfluidic layouts containing various sheath‐flow channels with that avoiding sheath‐flow junctions on‐chip. We utilized glass chips with monolithically integrated nanospray emitter tips coupled dead volume‐free to an IT mass spectrometer running in fragmentation mode (MSn). With this setup, detection limits down to 0.6 ng/mL for the model compound propranolol were achieved.
Protein engineering of laccase to enhance its activity and stability in the presence of organic solvents
Authors: Rasekh Behnam , Khajeh Khosro , Ranjbar Bijan , Mollania Nasrin , Almasinia Banafsheh , Tirandaz Hassan
Published: March 2014

In our previous study, we reported an increase in the thermal stability of bacterial laccase from Bacillus sp. HR03 using site‐directed mutagenesis. Three‐dimensional model of this enzyme showed a negative patch in the connecting loop between domains 1 and 2. In the present study, the stability of laccase in organic solvents was improved by introducing nonpolar (E188 → A, I, L, and V) and positively charged (E188 → K and R) residues in this region by site‐directed mutagenesis. Irreversible thermoinactivation, C50 value (organic solvent concentration at which 50% of enzyme activity remains), change in transition‐state stabilization energy, and kinetic parameters of the wild type and its variants were calculated in the presence and absence of various organic solvents (ethanol, methanol, and 1‐propanol). All variants showed higher C50 values when compared to the wild type. Nonpolar amino acid substitutions were found to be the most efficient mutants for their remarkable increase in C50 value and a decrease in thermoinactivation rate in the presence of mentioned solvents. Data showed that replacing a negative residue with hydrophobic residues on the surface of a protein could enhance thermoresistance as well as solvent stability. The stability of the resulting enzymes was dependent on the length of the alkyl chain. Results demonstrated that solvent tolerance was positively correlated with thermal stability.
Flame retardants and heat release: review of traditional studies on products and on groups of polymers
Authors: Hirschler Marcelo M.
Published: March 2014

This is part of a project considering whether flame retardants affect polymer heat release, a critical issue to assess whether adding flame retardants decreases fire hazard. The work investigated the following. (1) Fire properties affecting fire hazard, confirming that heat release rate is the key fire property most strongly influencing fire hazard. (2) Ways to assess heat release and whether full‐scale fire heat release rate can be predicted from small‐scale test results, confirming that cone calorimeter and Ohio State University data are adequate to predict full‐scale heat release. (3) Analysis of key 1988 NBS/NIST study comparing the fire hazard of flame retarded products versus non‐flame retarded products for the same application. This confirmed that the study demonstrated that flame retardants lower fire hazard and that the levels of additives in the flame retarded products used were not excessive. (4) Review of studies investigating effects of flame retardants on various polymeric systems. The overall conclusion is that flame retardants does indeed improve fire safety (when used appropriately) primarily because they decrease heat release. Part 2 of the project (separately) considers the key polymers that need to be potentially flame retarded and reviews recent studies on effects of flame retardants on heat released by such polymers. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Temperature distribution of steel columns protected by sprayed fire retardant coatings with three sides exposed to fire
Authors: Wang Peijun , Xia Jinhuan , Du Qiudi
Published: March 2014

Temperature gradient will occur when the steel framed column is heated from three sides in a fire. Current design codes provide the design equations to calculate the temperature elevation of the steel column unevenly heated in a fire. However, the design equation is based on the assumption that the temperature is uniformly distributed across the section. The temperature field of a steel column protected by sprayed fire retardant coating with three sided exposed to fire is analyzed using a verified finite element model. Parameters that affect the temperature distribution across the section are investigated, which include the section height, the web thickness, and the fire protection thickness. The coded equations based on the element factor approach are modified according to the finite element simulation results. Different temperature distribution profiles are proposed through using the heated flange temperature, the web temperature, and the protected flange temperature. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Association between the angiotensin‐converting enzyme gene insertion/deletion polymorphism and first‐episode patients with schizophrenia in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Hui Li , Wu Jing Qin , Zhang Xuan , Lv Jie , Du Wei Li , Kou Chang Gui , Yu Ya Qin , Lv Meng Han , Chen Da Chun , Zhang Xiang Yang
Published: March 2014

Background

Angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE), a key enzyme of the renin–angiotensin system, can modulate dopamine turnover in the midbrain. Previous studies have revealed an association between ACE gene insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism and chronic schizophrenia, yet results are conflicting.

Objective

The primary objective of this study was to examine whether the ACE gene I/D polymorphism is associated with first‐episode patients with schizophrenia (FEP) in a Chinese Han population.

Methods

The presence of the polymorphism was determined in 220 FEP and 538 healthy controls using a case–control design. We assessed the psychopathology in 212 FEP using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).

Results

The allelic and genotypic frequencies of the ACE gene I/D polymorphism did not significantly differ between FEP and healthy controls (both p > 0.05). However, the negative PANSS symptom was significantly higher in FEP with the D/D genotype than those with I/D and I/I genotypes (all p < 0.05) even after Bonferroni corrections (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, the D allele of the ACE gene was associated with higher negative PANSS symptom score in FEP.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that even though the ACE gene I/D polymorphism did not associate with FEP, it may play a role in susceptibility to the negative PANSS symptom of FEP in a Chinese Han population. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of cathodic polarization and simulated inflammation on titanium electrochemistry
Authors: Brooks Emily , Tobias Menachem , Krautsak Kevin , Ehrensberger Mark
Published: March 2014

This study evaluated the influence of simulated inflammation and cathodic polarization on the electrochemical properties of commercially pure titanium (CpTi) and titanium–6%aluminum–4%vanadium (Ti6Al4V). Normal conditions immersed the metals in phosphate buffered saline at open circuit potential (OCP). Inflammatory conditions immersed the metals in a 150 mMhydrogen peroxide titrated to pH = 5.0 at OCP. Cathodic inflammatory conditions immersed the metals in the inflammatory electrolyte at −1 V versus Ag/AgCl. Cathodic polarization scans revealed a more electropositive corrosion potential (Ecorr) and an increased corrosion current density (Icorr) for both metals after incubation at inflammatory conditions (CpTi:Ecorr = 171 mV,Icorr = 147 nA/cm2and Ti6Al4V:Ecorr = 241 mV andIcorr = 413 nA/cm2) as compared to normal conditions (CpTi:Ecorr = −249 mV,Icorr = 19 nA/cm2and Ti6Al4V:Ecorr = −263 mV andIcorr = 11 nA/cm2). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed the polarization resistance (Rp) decreases and constant phase element (CPE) magnitude increases for both metals when comparing normal (CpTi:Rp = 3.5 MΩ cm2, CPE = 35 µS sα/cm2and Ti6Al4V:Rp = 6.5 MΩ cm2and CPE = 30 µS sα/cm2) to inflammatory (CpTi:Rp = 79 kΩ cm2, CPE = 55 µS sα/cm2and Ti6Al4V:Rp = 230 kΩ cm2and CPE = 56 µS sα/cm2) to cathodic inflammatory (CpTi:Rp=24 kΩ cm2, CPE = 290 µS sα/cm2and Ti6Al4V:Rp = 12 kΩ cm2and CPE = 250 µS sα/cm2) conditions. These observed changes are consistent with the formation of a thin and defective oxide film. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy revealed that inflammatory conditions increased dissolution of both metals and that the addition of cathodic potential significantly increased the dissolution of the beta phase elements of Ti6Al4V. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 1445–1453, 2014.
A mechanism for the enhanced attachment and proliferation of fibroblasts on anodized 316L stainless steel with nano‐pit arrays
Authors: Ni Siyu , Sun Linlin , Ercan Batur , Liu Luting , Ziemer Katherine , Webster Thomas J.
Published: March 2014

In this study, 316L stainless steel with tunable nanometer pit sizes (0, 25, 50, and 60 nm) were fabricated by an anodization procedure in an ethylene glycol electrolyte solution containing 5 vol % perchloric acid. The surface morphology and elemental composition of the 316L stainless steel were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The nano‐pit arrays on all of the 316L stainless steel samples were in a regular arrangement. The surface properties of the 316L stainless steel nano‐pit surface showed improved wettability properties as compared with the untreated 316L stainless steel, as demonstrated by the lower contact angles which dropped from 83.0° to 28.6 to 45.4°. The anodized 316L stainless steel surfaces with 50 nm and 60 nm diameter pits were also more rough at the nanoscale. According to MTT assays, compared with unanodized (that is, nano‐smooth) surfaces, the 50 and 60 nm diameter nano‐pit surfaces dramatically enhanced initial human dermal fibroblast attachment and growth for up to 3 days in culture. Mechanistically, this study also provided the first evidence of greater select protein adsorption (specifically, vitronectin and fibronectin which have been shown to enhance fibroblast adhesion) on the anodized 316L stainless steel compared with unanodized stainless steel. Such nano‐pit surfaces can be designed to support fibroblast growth and, thus, improve the use of 316L stainless steel for various implant applications (such as for enhanced skin healing for amputee devices and for percutaneous implants). © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 1297–1303, 2014.
On‐line Concentration and Separation of Parabens by Micellar Electrokinetic Chromatography Using Polymer Solutions
Authors: Wu Chien‐Wei , Lee Jan‐Yee , Hu Cho‐Chun , Chiu Tai‐Chia
Published: March 2014

Simultaneous separation and quantification of seven parabens commonly used as preservatives in cosmetic products, by micellar electrokinetic chromatography with a stacking technique has been demonstrated. An effective on‐line concentration strategy involving a combination of sweeping and the use of polymer solutions is a key feature of the proposed method, which successfully determined individual parabens. The analysis parameters such as injection time, pH and concentration of phosphate solution, and concentration of sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) were examined. The optimum conditions were found to be as follows: a 15 mM phosphate solution (pH 9.5) containing 20 mM SDS for filling the capillary, and for the separation electrolytes, 0.100% PEO (8 MDa) added to the phosphate and SDS solution of the same composition as for the capillary. The entire analysis process was completed in 13 min and a 930‐2200‐fold enhancement factor was achieved. The LODs (S/N = 3) for this approach were in the range from 4.32 to 7.78 nM. The linear range for each paraben was between 50 nM and 5.0 μM (R2 > 0.990). The optimized method was then successfully applied to the determination of parabens in commercial cosmetic products.
Mutually Disjoint 5‐Designs and 5‐Spontaneous Emission Error Designs from Extremal Ternary Self‐Dual Codes
Authors: Fang Jianying , Chang Yanxun
Published: March 2014

It is known that extremal ternary self‐dual codes of length mod 12) yield 5‐designs. Previously, mutually disjoint 5‐designs were constructed by using single known generator matrix of bordered double circulant ternary self‐dual codes (see [1, 2]). In this paper, a number of generator matrices of bordered double circulant extremal ternary self‐dual codes are searched with the aid of computer. Using these codes we give many mutually disjoint 5‐designs. As a consequence, a list of 5‐spontaneous emission error designs are obtained.
Distribution of CGRP in the minipig brainstem
Authors: Lisardo Sánchez Manuel , Vecino Elena , Coveñas Rafael
Published: March 2014

For the first time, an in‐depth study has been made of the distribution of fibers and cell bodies containing calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) in the minipig brainstem using an indirect immunoperoxidase technique. The animals studied were not treated with colchicine. Cell bodies containing CGRP were found in 20 nuclei/regions of the brainstem. These perikarya were located in somatomotor, brachiomotor and raphae nuclei, nucleus ambiguus, substantia nigra, nucleus reticularis tegmenti pontis, nucleus prepositus hypoglossi, nuclei olivaris inferior and superior, nuclei pontis, formatio reticularis, nucleus dorsalis tegmenti of Gudden, and in the nucleus reticularis lateralis. Fourteen of the 20 brainstem nuclei showed a high density of immunoreactive cell bodies. In comparison with other species, the minipig, together with the rat, show the most widespread distribution of cell bodies containing CGRP in the mammalian brainstem. Immunoreactive fibers were also observed in the brainstem. However, in the minipig brainstem the density of these fibers is low, as in many brainstem nuclei only single immunoreactive fibers were observed. A high density of immunoreactive fibers was only observed in the pars caudalis of the nucleus tractus spinalis nervi trigemini and in the nucleus ventralis tegmenti of Gudden. According to the observed anatomical distribution of the immunoreactive structures containing CGRP, the peptide could be involved in motor, somatosensory, gustative, and autonomic mechanisms. Microsc. Res. Tech. 77:374–384, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MR and applanation tonometry derived aortic impedance: Association with aging and left ventricular remodeling
Authors: Bargiotas Ioannis , Bollache Emilie , Mousseaux Elie , Giron Alain , de Cesare Alain , Redheuil Alban , Kachenoura Nadjia
Published: March 2014

Purpose

We sought to noninvasively estimate aortic impedance indices from MR and tonometric data.

Materials and Methods

MR aortic velocity‐encoded and carotid applanation tonometry pressure data of 70 healthy subjects (19–79 years) were used to calculate the following indices from impedance spectrum: (i) characteristic impedance (Zc) reflecting pulsatile component of left ventricular (LV) afterload, (ii) frequency of the minimal impedance magnitude related to arterial compliance (FMIN), (iii) total peripheral resistance (TPR) related to steady LV load, (iv) impedance oscillatory index (ZINDEX) related to proximal reflections, and (v) reflection magnitude (RM). Associations with age and LV remodeling (LV mass/end‐diastolic volume) were investigated using multivariate analysis.

Results

All indices except Zc were associated with age independent of subjects characteristics and systolic blood pressures. They were all significantly associated with the well‐established carotid‐femoral pulse wave velocity (r ≥ 0.29; P < 0.01). However, such associations were not independent of age. Pulsatile index Zc was independently associated with carotid pulse pressure (r = 0.53, P < 0.001). Moreover, conversely to conventional stiffness indices, Zc and TPR were independently associated with LV remodeling (r = 0.30, r = 0.43, respectively, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

We estimated aortic impedance from velocity‐encoded MR and tonometry data resulting in reliable impedance and reflection indices as confirmed by their significant and independent associations with age and LV remodeling. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;41:781–787. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Implicit Theories of Creativity in Computer Science in the United States and China
Authors: Tang Chaoying , Baer John , Kaufman James C.
Published: March 2014

To study implicit concepts of creativity in computer science in the United States and mainland China, we first asked 308 Chinese computer scientists for adjectives that would describe a creative computer scientist. Computer scientists and non‐computer scientists from China (N = 1069) and the United States (N = 971) then rated how well those adjectives described creative computer scientists using a 5‐point Likert Scale. Factor analysis revealed that the concept of a creative computer scientist had four dimensions: (1) smart/effective, (2) outgoing, (3) creative thinking and (4) unsociable. Differences in the implicit concepts across disciplines, ethnicity, gender, age, and working experience were analyzed. We discuss the implications of these findings for our understanding of the domain specificity of creativity.
Consumer Mindfulness and Marketing Implications
Authors: Ndubisi Nelson Oly
Published: March 2014

The aim of this study was to examine the role of mindfulness in consumer behavior and service marketing in Australia and Malaysia. Two studies were conducted; first to identify and characterize consumers on the basis of mindfulness, and to obtain data on the dimensions of relationship quality and consumer loyalty from the groups. Results from a standard analysis of data confirmed five of the six hypotheses tested. There are significant differences in the three dimensions of relationship quality (i.e., trust, satisfaction, and commitment), and in two of three dimensions of consumer loyalty (namely, attitudinal and behavioral loyalty) between the two consumer groups—high and low mindful consumers. There is no significant difference in consumer switching restraint between the groups. These findings lead to research and managerial implications that conclude the paper.
Causes and Consequences of Abusive Supervision in Sales Management: A Tale of Two Perspectives
Authors: Gabler Colin B. , Nagy Katy R. , Hill Ronald Paul
Published: March 2014

Abuse may characterize some most important relationships, and it is estimated that 20 million Americans face abusive work situations on a daily basis. Given this statistic, there is a clear need to investigate this topic within the marketing literature. As a result, the purpose of this study is to explore antecedents and outcomes of abusive supervision in sales management, where the performance‐driven nature of salesperson–sales manager relationships often creates a highly stressful situation. This research looks at several characteristics of sales managers from their perspectives as well as subordinates, and it considers how abuse influences professional and personal lives of both parties. Causes under investigation include leadership style, justice perceptions, negative affectivity, and experiences of abusive leadership by sales managers. Their impact is measured on salesperson and manager job satisfaction and organizational commitment. A model is used to help readers visualize the processes involved with both salespersons and sales managers, and theoretical and practical implications are provided in the close.
Topological Fingerprints as an Aid in Finding Structural Patterns for LRRK2 Inhibition
Authors: Kahn Iiris , Lomaka Andre , Karelson Mati
Published: March 2014

Multiplet‐based fingerprint mapping has been used to analyse the relationship between the structural features of potential drug candidates and the enzyme LRRK2 inhibition expressed as the inhibition constant (pKi). For 198 structurally diverse compounds 4195 dimensional fingerprints were generated and mathematically manipulated using partial least squares (PLS) regression. A variation of PLS‐BETA technique was developed for the reduction of noise by eliminating excess variables that resulted in a 636 dimensional fingerprint related to pKi. The QSAR model for the training set of 170 compounds (R2=0.87, Q2=0.77 and SDEC=0.42) had four latent variables (PLS components) and it was validated by the external test set of 28 compounds (Qext2=0.63). The proposed model of LRRK2 inhibitory activity can be helpful in designing focused libraries enriched in LRRK2 inhibitors and identifying new active chemotypes in compound databases.
Prediction of Signal Peptide Cleavage Sites with Subsite‐Coupled and Template Matching Fusion Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Shao‐Wu , Zhang Ting‐He , Zhang Jun‐Nan , Huang Yufei
Published: March 2014

Fast and effective prediction of signal peptides (SP) and their cleavage sites is of great importance in computational biology. The approaches developed to predict signal peptide can be roughly divided into machine learning based, and sliding windows based. In order to further increase the prediction accuracy and coverage of organism for SP cleavage sites, we propose a novel method for predicting SP cleavage sites called Signal‐CTF that utilizes machine learning and sliding windows, and is designed for N‐termial secretory proteins in a large variety of organisms including human, animal, plant, virus, bacteria, fungi and archaea. Signal‐CTF consists of three distinct elements: (1) a subsite‐coupled and regularization function with a scaled window of fixed width that selects a set of candidates of possible secretion‐cleavable segment for a query secretory protein; (2) a sum fusion system that integrates the outcomes from aligning the cleavage site template sequence with each of the aforementioned candidates in a scaled window of fixed width to determine the best candidate cleavage sites for the query secretory protein; (3) a voting system that identifies the ultimate signal peptide cleavage site among all possible results derived from using scaled windows of different width. When compared with Signal‐3L and SignalP 4.0 predictors, the prediction accuracy of Signal‐CTF is 4–12 %, 10–25 % higher than that of Signal‐3L for human, animal and eukaryote, and SignalP 4.0 for eukaryota, Gram‐positive bacteria and Gram‐negative bacteria, respectively. Comparing with PRED‐SIGNAL and SignalP 4.0 predictors on the 32 archaea secretory proteins of used in Bagos’s paper, the prediction accuracy of Signal‐CTF is 12.5 %, 25 % higher than that of PRED‐SIGNAL and SignalP 4.0, respectively. The predicting results of several long signal peptides show that the Signal‐CTF can better predict cleavage sites for long signal peptides than SignalP, Phobius, Philius, SPOCTOPUS, Signal‐CF and Signal‐3L. These results show that Signal‐CTF is more accurate and flexible in predicting signal peptides of different characteristics for many organisms. Signal‐CTF is freely available as a web‐server at http://darwin2.cbi.utsa.edu/minniweb/index.html.
Compact multiband antenna with CRLH‐TL ZOR for wireless USB dongle applications
Authors: Xing Jun , Li Long , Zhang Lu , Sun Hao , Shi Yan
Published: March 2014

A compact multiband antenna with composite right‐ and left‐handed transmission line (CRLH‐TL) zeroth‐order resonator for wireless universal serial bus dongle applications is proposed in this article. The proposed antenna occupying a small volume of 12 × 28 × 5.8 mm3 comprises a folded monopole which can generate two resonant modes to cover the GSM850/900 (820–960 MHz) and the LTE2500 operation (2500–2690 MHz) and a CRLH‐TL ZOR structure which is capacitively excited by the folded monopole to generate zeroth‐order resonant mode to cover LTE700 (746–787 MHz). The proposed antenna offers nearly omnidirectional radiation patterns, the measured peak gain are obtained from 0.8 to 3.4 dBi, and measured antenna efficiency varies from about 40–56% in the whole operation band. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:1133–1138, 2014
Printed inverted‐L shaped monopole antenna with Parasitic Inverted‐F element for dual band applications
Authors: Verma Sudhanshu , Kumar Preetam
Published: March 2014

This article presents a low‐profile dual band printed Inverted‐L (IL) shaped monopole antenna with Parasitic Inverted‐F (PIF) shaped element in the ground plane for 2.4/5.2/5.8 GHz wireless local area network applications simultaneously. Owing to coupling 006‐Ff microstrip line‐fed IL driven element and PIF element, a compact radiator of 8 × 12 mm2 is realized and tested. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 56:1163–1167, 2014