bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Diabetes Mellitus on Adipocyte‐Derived Stem Cells in Rat
Authors: Jumabay Medet , Moon Jeremiah H. , Yeerna Huwate , Boström Kristina I.
Published: April 2015

Diabetes mellitus affects the adipose tissue and mesenchymal stem cells derived from the adipose stroma and other tissues. Previous reports suggest that bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) is involved in diabetic complications, at the same time playing an important role in the maintenance of stem cells. In this study, we used rats transgenic for human islet amyloid polypeptide (HIP rats), a model of type 2 diabetes, to study the effect of diabetes on adipocyte‐derived stem cells, referred to as dedifferentiated fat (DFAT) cells. Our results show that BMP4 expression in inguinal adipose tissue is significantly increased in HIP rats compared to controls, whereas matrix Gla protein (MGP), an inhibitor of BMP4 is decreased as determined by quantitative PCR, and immunofluorescence. In addition, adipose vascularity and expression of multiple endothelial cell markers was increased in the diabetic tissue, visualized by immunofluorescence for endothelial markers. The endothelial markers co‐localized with the enhanced BMP4 expression, suggesting that vascular cells play a role BMP4 induction. The DFAT cells are multipotent stem cells derived from white mature adipocytes that undergo endothelial and adipogenic differentiation. DFAT cells prepared from the inguinal adipose tissue in HIP rats exhibited enhanced proliferative capacity compared to wild type. In addition, their ability to undergo both endothelial cell and adipogenic lineage differentiation was enhanced, as well as their response to BMP4, as assessed by lineage marker expression. We conclude that the DFAT cells are affected by diabetic changes and may contribute to the adipose dysfunction in diabetes. J. Cell. Physiol. 9999: 2821–2828, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Kinetics and equilibria of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (5‐HMF) sequestration from algal hydrolyzate using granular activated carbon
Authors: Rolly Gonzales Ralph , Hong Yongseok , Park Jong‐Hun , Kumar Gopalakrishnan , Kim Sang‐Hyoun
Published: April 2015

BACKGROUND

5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (5‐HMF), the major by‐product in hydrolyzates from lignocelluloses and algal biomass, is known as an inhibitor of several microorganisms as well as a promising precursor for biorefinery. In this study, the feasibility of 5‐HMF sequestration was investigated using granular activated carbon (GAC) as the adsorbent.

RESULTS

Equilibria for the 5‐HMF adsorption onto GAC were derived. Positive isosteric heat values showed the reaction was exothermic and favored at low temperature. The pseudo‐second order dynamics and the estimated activation energy, 227.4 kJ mol−1, implied that the removal mechanism would be chemical adsorption. The adsorption was not interfered with by the presence of sugar and sugar compounds were not adsorbed onto GAC.

CONCLUSION

Batch and column tests on dilute acid hydrolyzate of red algal biomass showed that GAC adsorption would be a feasible option for sequestration of 5‐HMF in hydrolyzate for the biofuel and biorefinery industries. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Variability in the start, end, and length of frost‐free periods across the conterminous United States during the past century
Authors: McCabe Gregory J. , Betancourt Julio L. , Feng Song
Published: April 2015

The timing of last spring frost dates (LSFDs), first fall frost dates (FFFDs), and frost‐free period lengths (FFPLs) constrains freeze–thaw processes in hydrology, paces the annual life cycles of plants and animals, affects human food production, and influences land–atmosphere interactions, including the water and carbon cycles. Daily minimum temperature data for the conterminous United States (CONUS) from the Global Historical Climatology Network for the 1920–2012 period are used to determine LSFDs, FFFDs, and FFPLs. Analyses of trends and variability in these growing season components indicate a trend towards earlier LSFDs, later FFFDs, and longer FFPLs for most locations in the CONUS. A general change to earlier LSFDs appears to have occurred after about 1983, whereas a change to later FFFDs is most noticeable after about 1993. Comparisons of time series of LSFDs and FFFDs with well‐known climate indices indicate only weak correlations for most sites.
Spatial analysis of sunshine duration in complex terrain by non‐contemporaneous combination of station and satellite data
Authors: Frei Christoph , Willi Marco , Stöckli Reto , Dürr Bruno
Published: April 2015

Climate monitoring and environmental modelling are in need of spatial datasets of sunshine duration or surface radiation. Their development is complicated by the coarse resolution of station measurements and the limited temporal extent and consistency of satellite retrievals. We present a method for spatial analysis that combines station and satellite data. Instead of merging contemporaneous measurements from both sources, our approach relies on statistical patterns distilled from satellite data over a limited time period. This permits application outside the satellite period and reduces inconsistencies across satellite generations. The non‐contemporaneous merging builds on principal component analysis and kriging with external drift. Its strengths are in regions of complex orography. We develop the non‐contemporaneous combination to derive km‐scale analyses of relative sunshine duration (monthly and daily) for Switzerland (1971–2012). The monthly analysis has a mean absolute error of 3–5% (per cent relative sunshine duration), and it explains 60–80% of the spatial variance in individual months. Errors of the daily analysis are 7–10% with an explained spatial variance of about 60% but strongly varying from day to day. The integration of satellite data systematically improves the analysis compared to interpolation from station data alone. The improvement is largest in autumn and winter, particularly because of better representation of low‐level stratus. The non‐contemporaneous merging realizes more than half the accuracy gain from satellite data obtained with the more informative contemporaneous merging. Hence, our alternative involves only a moderate compromise for the return of making pre‐satellite Campbell–Stokes measurements exploitable for long‐term grid datasets.
Impacts of farmland conversion to apple (Malus domestica) orchard on soil organic carbon stocks and enzyme activities in a semiarid loess region
Authors: Shi Zonglin , Li Xiaoyun , Zhang Lu , Wang Yiquan
Published: April 2015

Land‐use change often affects the sizes of soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks and the activities of soil enzymes. Responses of relevant soil quality indices caused by farmland conversion to orchard are largely unknown in the semiarid loess regions. This study was conducted at orchard sites, which have been under very intensive cultivation, to evaluate the impacts of farmland conversion to apple (Malus domestica) orchard on SOC stocks and soil enzyme activities in the semiarid loess region of Weibei, Shaanxi province, China. The spatial and temporal changes in a variety of soil quality indices were measured for the 0–100 cm soil profile in apple orchards of three age groups (< 10 y, juvenile; 10–15 y, mature; > 15 y, over‐mature) and adjacent farmlands (control). After farmland conversion, total SOC (TOC) content and density and soil alkaline phosphatase activity significantly decreased, while soil catalase activity increased for the 0–100 cm soil profile. The labile SOC (LOC) content, its proportion to TOC content, and carbon management index (CMI, changes in the total content and lability of SOC) significantly increased in the 0–40 cm soil layer, whereas soil urease and invertase activities only increased in the 0–20 cm layer (P < 0.05). With increasing age of apple orchards, SOC stocks significantly increased after 10 y, being more than 10% larger in mature and over mature orchards than in adjacent farmlands. The LOC content and CMI value also had an increasing trend, while soil enzyme activities showed different response patterns. There were significant correlations between soil enzyme activities, SOC fractions, and CMI value (P < 0.05). We concluded that farmland conversion to apple orchard affected soil quality by reducing SOC stocks in the soil profile and changing SOC content as well as soil enzyme activities at various depth intervals. Long‐term apple cultivation was effective to restore SOC stocks, although it took over a decade to rebuild a new increasing trend after farmland conversion.
Effect of commercial starter cultures on volatile compound profile and sensory characteristics of dry‐cured foal sausage
Authors: Lorenzo José M , Gómez María , Purriños Laura , Fonseca Sonia
Published: April 2015

BACKGROUND

The present work deals with the evaluation of the effect of three different commercial starter cultures (Chr. Hansen, Hørsholm, Denmark) on the volatile compound profile and sensory properties, as well as some important physicochemical parameters, of dry‐fermented foal sausages at the end of ripening in order to select the most suitable starter culture for this elaboration. The sausage batches were named as follows: CO (non‐inoculated control), FS (Lactobacillus sakei + Staphylococcus carnosus), SM (L. sakei + S. carnosus + Staphylococcus xylosus + Pediococcus pentosaceus + Debaryomyces hansenii) and TR (L. sakei + S. carnosus +S. xylosus).

RESULTS

The pH values differed significantly among batches, with the highest values corresponding to CO followed by TR, SM and FS. The highest amounts of volatile compounds were found in FS batch. Hexanal was the most abundant compound, especially in FS and SM batches. These batches also showed higher levels of compounds derived from carbohydrate fermentation and amino acid catabolism. Sensory results showed that acid taste was significantly lower in CO batch than in inoculated batches.

CONCLUSION

According to most parameters, batches inoculated with FS and SM starters showed marked acidity compared with TR and CO batches, as expected from the manufacturer's indications. Therefore the most suitable starter culture for use in the manufacture of foal sausages in Mediterranean countries such as Spain with a preference for low‐acidity products was found to be TR culture. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Beef flavor: a review from chemistry to consumer
Authors: Kerth Chris R , Miller Rhonda K
Published: April 2015

This paper briefly reviews research that describes the sensation, generation and consumer acceptance of beef flavor. Humans sense the five basic tastes in their taste buds, and receptors in the nasal and sinus cavities sense aromas. Additionally, trigeminal senses such as metallic and astringent are sensed in the oral and nasal cavities and can have an effect on the flavor of beef. Flavors are generated from a complex interaction of tastes, tactile senses and aromas taken collectively throughout the tongue, nasal, sinus and oral cavities. Cooking beef generates compounds that contribute to these senses and result in beef flavor, and the factors that are involved in the cookery process determine the amount and type of these compounds and therefore the flavor generated. A low‐heat, slow cooking method generates primarily lipid degradation products, while high‐heat, fast cookery generates more Maillard reaction products. The science of consumer acceptance, cluster analyses and drawing relationships among all flavor determinants is a relatively new discipline in beef flavor. Consumers rate beef that has lipid degradation products generated from a low degree of doneness and Maillard flavor products from fast, hot cookery the highest in overall liking, and current research has shown that strong relationships exist between beef flavor and consumer acceptability, even more so than juiciness or tenderness. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Relay the Right Way: Harnessing Heterogeneity in Sequential Team Production
Authors: Collins Sean
Published: April 2015

How a manager chooses to organize teams is a question with substantial efficiency implications. This study reports evidence on how ordering of heterogenous team members impacts productivity and free riding in a sequential production task. A laboratory experiment permits exogenous reordering of team members by cost of contribution. Analyses suggest that team productivity is higher when low cost team members lead and less variable when low cost members both precede and follow high cost members (e.g., the conventional relay team order). Additionally, team members are found to respond in‐kind to the contributions of both predecessors and successors. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does Collaboration Make Any Difference? Linking Collaborative Governance to Environmental Outcomes
Authors: Scott Tyler
Published: April 2015

This paper addresses two research questions: (1) Does collaborative environmental governance improve environmental outcomes? and (2) How do publicly supported collaborative groups with different levels of responsibility, formalization, and representativeness compare in this regard? Using a representative watershed quality data series, the EPA's National Rivers and Streams Assessment and Wadeable Streams Assessment, in conjunction with a watershed management regime database coded for this analysis, I test the relationship between collaborative governance and watershed quality for 357 watersheds. Since these are observational data, a multilevel propensity score matching method is used to control for selection bias. Using an augmented inverse propensity weighted estimator, I estimate the average treatment effect on the treated for six different water quality and habitat condition metrics. Collaborative watershed groups are found to improve water chemistry and in‐stream habitat conditions. I then use hierarchical linear regression modeling to examine how group responsibilities, membership diversity, and formalization affect the predicted impact of a collaborative group. Groups that engage in management activities (in comparison to coordination or planning) are found to achieve greater environmental gains. Limited differentiation is found with regards to the presence of a group coordinator, increased goal specificity, or greater stakeholder diversity.
Evaluation of treatment response using integrated 18F‐labeled choline positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging in adolescents with intracranial non‐germinomatous germ cell tumours
Authors: Tsouana Eva , Stoneham Sara , Fersht Naomi , Kitchen Neil , Gaze Mark , Bomanji Jamshed , Fraioli Francesco , Hargrave Darren , Shankar Ananth
Published: April 2015

The efficacy of hybrid 18F‐Fluroethyl‐Choline (FEC) positron emission tomography (PET)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was investigated as an imaging modality for diagnosis and assessment of treatment response and remission status in four patients with proven or suspected intracranial non‐germinomatous germ cell tumours (NGGCT). In two patients faint or absent choline avidity correlated with negative histology, whereas in other two patients, persistent choline avidity in the residual mass was suggestive of presence of viable tumour, subsequently confirmed histologically. We conclude that FEC‐PET/MRI may be an effective imaging tool in detecting viable residual tumour in patients with intracranial NGGCT post treatment. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:1661–1663. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Model‐based standardization to adjust for unmeasured cluster‐level confounders with complex survey data
Authors: Cai Zhuangyu , Brumback Babette A.
Published: April 2015

Model‐based standardization uses a statistical model to estimate a standardized, or unconfounded, population‐averaged effect. With it, one can compare groups had the distribution of confounders been identical in both groups to that of the standard population. We develop two methods for model‐based standardization with complex survey data that accommodate a categorical confounder that clusters the individual observations into a very large number of subgroups. The first method combines a random‐intercept generalized linear mixed model with a conditional pseudo‐likelihood estimator of the fixed effects. The second method combines a between–within generalized linear mixed model with census data on the cluster‐level means of the individual‐level covariates. We conduct simulation studies to compare the two approaches. We apply the two methods to the 2008 Florida Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey data to estimate standardized proportions of people who drink alcohol, within age groups, adjusting for measured individual‐level and unmeasured cluster‐level confounders. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The wage impact of undocumented workers: Evidence from administrative data
Authors: Hotchkiss Julie L. , Quispe‐Agnoli Myriam , Rios‐Avila Fernando
Published: April 2015

Using administrative, individual level, longitudinal data from the state of Georgia, this article finds that rising shares of undocumented workers results in higher earnings for documented workers, but by a small amount. A one percentage point increase in the share of undocumented workers in a documented worker's county/industry results in an average wage boost of 0.44%. Within the firm, a one percentage point increase in the percent of undocumented workers employed by the firm boosts wages by 0.09% (0.11, 0.12, and 0.04 in low, medium, and high skill firms, respectively). Potential explanations for a positive wage impact are discussed.
The impact of E‐Verify mandates on labor market outcomes
Authors: Orrenius Pia M. , Zavodny Madeline
Published: April 2015

A number of states have adopted laws that require employers to use the federal government's E‐Verify program to check workers' eligibility to work legally in the United States. Using data from the Current Population Survey, this study examines whether such laws affect labor market outcomes among Mexican immigrants who are likely to be unauthorized. We find evidence that E‐Verify mandates reduce average hourly earnings among likely unauthorized male Mexican immigrants while increasing labor force participation among likely unauthorized female Mexican immigrants. Furthermore, the mandates appear to lead to better labor market outcomes among workers likely to compete with unauthorized immigrants. Employment rises among male Mexican immigrants who are naturalized citizens in states that adopt E‐Verify mandates, and earnings rise among U.S.‐born Hispanic men. There is no evidence of significant effects among U.S.‐born non‐Hispanic whites.
A test of prohibition's effect on alcohol production and consumption using crop yields
Authors: Edwards Griffin , Howe Travis
Published: April 2015

The effect of alcohol prohibition in the United States has been the subject of continuing debate. Due to a lack of data, one question that remains unanswered is the effect prohibition had on the actual production of alcohol. This article attempts to answer this question by estimating prohibition's impact on the yields of grains that constitute the principal inputs in alcohol production. Using a variety of data sources and exploiting the variation in timing of state prohibition law adoption, we estimate the effect of prohibition on several measures of crop production. Our preferred identification strategy compares contiguous counties in states with differing prohibition laws. Our findings suggest that state prohibition laws decreased the production of barley and may have increased the production of corn. Using these estimates, we calculate that prohibition decreased alcohol production, and by extension consumption, by at least 18 gallons per adult per year.
Inducing political action by workers
Authors: De Borger Bruno , Glazer Amihai
Published: April 2015

A firm aiming to influence a governmental policy may benefit from political action by its stakeholders, such as workers. This article studies the behavior of such a firm, showing that workers will have a greater incentive to engage in costly political activity against the governmental policy the greater their number and the higher the wage. The firm may, therefore, profit from paying above‐market wages and from hiring what might appear to be an inefficiently large number of workers. And because unions may overcome free‐rider problems of uncoordinated political effort, a firm may favor unionization, or be less opposed to unionization than it would otherwise be. The results of this article can also explain why firms may little reduce wages in a recession, and why the higher wages paid by unionized firms do not reduce survival rates of these firms.
A recession‐and‐state forecasting model
Authors: Peláez Rolando F.
Published: April 2015

The state forecasting model (SFM) developed herein predicts the probability that a recession will begin or end within the next quarter. It is also important to forecast the state, as models prone to false alarms are not useful. The model combines parsimony, predictive accuracy, and ease of estimation using readily available data. No regressor is benchmark‐revised, and only one is seasonally adjusted. The SFM correctly forecasts, out‐of‐sample, the binary state in 163 of 164 quarters for an overall proportion of correct forecasts of 0.994. The results demonstrate the discriminating ability, longevity and striking forecasting ability of the model. A benchmark model based on the newly revised Leading Economic Index of the Conference Board has zero marginal predictive power in the presence the SFM.
Heterogeneous gender effects under loss aversion in the economics classroom: A field experiment
Authors: Apostolova‐Mihaylova Maria , Cooper William , Hoyt Gail , Marshall Emily C.
Published: April 2015

This article evaluates the impact of loss aversion as a behavioral motivator on students’ classroom performance. Conducting an experiment with University of Kentucky undergraduate students, the authors framed student grades as a loss and gain. In treatment sections, the students began with full marks and lost points as the semester progressed, whereas in control sections, under a traditional grading scheme, students accumulated points throughout the semester. We find that treated individuals, on average, do not have a statistically different final grade than individuals in the control class. However, we uncover a heterogeneous gender effect. On average, a male in the treatment class scores between 3.17 and 4.05 percentage points higher on the final grade than a male in the control class, ceteris paribus. Conversely, a female in the treatment class scores between 3.61 and 4.36 percentage points lower on the final grade than a comparable female in the control class.
Pharmacological Inhibition of Protein Kinase G1 Enhances Bone Formation by Human Skeletal Stem Cells Through Activation of RhoA-Akt Signaling
Authors: Jafari Abbas , Siersbaek Majken S. , Chen Li , Qanie Diyako , Zaher Walid , Abdallah Basem M. , Kassem Moustapha
Published: April 2015

Development of novel approaches to enhance bone regeneration is needed for efficient treatment of bone defects. Protein kinases play a key role in regulation of intracellular signal transduction pathways, and pharmacological targeting of protein kinases has led to development of novel treatments for several malignant and nonmalignant conditions. We screened a library of kinase inhibitors to identify small molecules that enhance bone formation by human skeletal (stromal or mesenchymal) stem cells (hMSC). We identified H-8 (known to inhibit protein kinases A, C, and G) as a potent enhancer of ex vivo osteoblast (OB) differentiation of hMSC, in a stage- and cell type-specific manner, without affecting adipogenesis or osteoclastogenesis. Furthermore, we showed that systemic administration of H-8 enhances in vivo bone formation by hMSC, using a preclinical ectopic bone formation model in mice. Using functional screening of known H-8 targets, we demonstrated that inhibition of protein kinase G1 (PRKG1) and consequent activation of RhoA-Akt signaling is the main mechanism through which H-8 enhances osteogenesis. Our studies revealed PRKG1 as a novel negative regulator of OB differentiation and suggest that pharmacological inhibition of PRKG1 in hMSC implanted at the site of bone defect can enhance bone regeneration. Stem Cells 2015;33:2219–2231
Cerebrolysin reverses hippocampal neural atrophy in a mice model of diabetes mellitus type 1
Authors: Sanchez‐Vega Lizzette , Juárez Ismael , De Jesus Gomez‐Villalobos Maria , Flores Gonzalo
Published: April 2015

The animal model of streptozotocin‐induced diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM1) is used to study neuronal and behavioral changes produced by an increase in blood‐glucose levels. Our previous report showed that chronic streptozotocin administration induced atrophy of dendritic morphology of pyramidal neurons of the CA1 dorsal hippocampus. In addition, we showed that Cerebrolysin (Cbl), a neurotrophic peptide mixture, reduces the dendritic atrophy in animal models of aging. This study aimed to determine whether Cbl was capable of reducing behavioral and neuronal alterations, after 6 weeks of hyperglycemia in mice (streptozotocin‐induced DM1). The levels of glucose in the blood were evaluated before and after streptozotocin administration and only animals with more than 240 mg/dL of blood‐levels of glucose were used. After streptozotocin treatment, the mice received 6 weeks of Cbl, locomotor activity was measured and dendritic morphological changes were evaluated using Golgi‐Cox stain procedure, and analyzed by the Sholl method. In mice treated with streptozotocin there was a clear reduction in the dendritic length of pyramidal neurons of the CA1 and granular cells of the dental gyrus of the dorsal hippocampus. Interestingly, Cbl reversed the morphological changes induced by streptozotocin. Our results extend the list of abnormal morphological changes detected in this model of DM, and support the possibility that Cbl may have beneficial effects in the management of brain alterations induced by DM. Synapse 69:326–335, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Interactive Read‐Alouds for English Learners in the Elementary Grades
Authors: Giroir Shannon , Grimaldo Leticia Romero , Vaughn Sharon , Roberts Greg
Published: April 2015

This article describes the implementation of a read‐aloud routine focused on the development of vocabulary knowledge and comprehension for English Learners (ELs) in grades K‐3. This paper describes the steps of a daily read‐aloud system, including key applications of second language acquisition and culturally responsive pedagogy with examples of how they are integrated with literacy instruction for ELs. The routine was implemented across three campuses, and qualitative data was collected throughout the implementation period to inform model development. Data sources include formal observations, focus‐group interviews, documents from professional development activities, and researcher field notes. The article concludes with a discussion of the successes and challenges to implementing the read‐aloud routine in K‐3 classrooms.
Modeling OFDM irreducible BER with impact of CP length and CFO in multipath channel with small delay dispersion
Authors: Lipovac Adriana , Lipovac Vlatko , Modlic Borivoj
Published: April 2015

In this paper, we propose an analytical model for estimating the irreducible bit error ratio (BER) in multipath channel with small‐extent delay dispersion, such as indoor, where the signal‐to‐noise ratio is high, implying dominance of inter‐symbol interference as error‐generating mechanism. Both channel and overall orthogonal frequency‐division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols are modeled stochastically, resulting with novel expression for the residual BER prediction that is shown to analytically distinguish power delay profiles with equal delay spreads but having different profile shapes. In addition, the model could simply accommodate insertion of cyclic prefix onto the OFDM symbol, providing a means for either testing adequacy of any applied (standard) cyclic prefix length or finding its optimal value as a compromise between the performance enhancement achieved by inserting cyclic prefix and the consequently added redundancy. Finally, the model was modified as to include the analysis of effects of subcarrier frequency inaccuracy or Doppler shift, by adding additional equivalent delay dispersion with equal effect on BER degradation, while considering the system virtually free of carrier frequency offset. All analytically achieved results and conclusions are tested and successfully verified by conducted extensive Monte Carlo simulations. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cumulative risk and developmental health: an argument for the importance of a family‐wide science
Authors: Browne Dillon T. , Plamondon Andre , Prime Heather , Puente‐Duran Sofia , Wade Mark
Published: April 2015

A substantial body of research links social disadvantage and developmental health via a cascade running from poverty, to cumulative psychosocial risk, to disrupted family dynamics, to child biological regulatory systems and neurocognitive processing, and finally to morbidity across the lifespan. Most research in this area employs single‐dyad or between‐family methodology. While informative, there are limitations to this approach. Specifically, it is impossible to determine how risk alters psychosocial environments that are similar for all persons within a household, versus processes that are unique to particular children. This is important in light of literature citing the primacy of child‐specific environments in driving developmental health. Methodologically speaking, there are both benefits and challenges to family‐wide approaches that differentiate between‐ and within‐family environments. This review describes literature linking cumulative risk and developmental health via family process, while articulating the importance of family‐wide approaches. Areas of shortcoming and recommendations for a family‐wide science are provided.WIREs Cogn Sci2015, 6:397–407. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1349

This article is categorized under:

Psychology > Development and Aging

Psychology > Theory and Methods
Optical control of biological processes by light‐switchable proteins
Authors: Fan Linlin Z. , Lin Michael Z.
Published: April 2015

Cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, or migration depend on precise spatiotemporal coordination of protein activities. Correspondingly, reaching a quantitative understanding of cellular behavior requires experimental approaches that enable spatial and temporal modulation of protein activity. Recently, a variety of light‐sensitive protein domains have been engineered as optogenetic actuators to spatiotemporally control protein activity. In the present review, we discuss the principle of these optical control methods and examples of their applications in modulating signaling pathways. By controlling protein activity with spatiotemporal specificity, tunable dynamics, and quantitative control, light‐controllable proteins promise to accelerate our understanding of cellular and organismal biology. WIREs Dev Biol 2015, 4:545–554. doi: 10.1002/wdev.188

This article is categorized under:

Technologies > Perturbing Genes and Generating Modified Animals

Technologies > Analysis of Cell, Tissue, and Animal Phenotypes

Technologies > Analysis of Proteins
Gay‐Straight Alliances Vary on Dimensions of Youth Socializing and Advocacy: Factors Accounting for Individual and Setting‐Level Differences
Authors: Poteat V. Paul , Scheer Jillian R. , Marx Robert A. , Calzo Jerel P. , Yoshikawa Hirokazu
Published: April 2015

Gay‐Straight Alliances (GSAs) are school‐based youth settings that could promote health. Yet, GSAs have been treated as homogenous without attention to variability in how they operate or to how youth are involved in different capacities. Using a systems perspective, we considered two primary dimensions along which GSAs function to promote health: providing socializing and advocacy opportunities. Among 448 students in 48 GSAs who attended six regional conferences in Massachusetts (59.8 % LGBQ; 69.9 % White; 70.1 % cisgender female), we found substantial variation among GSAs and youth in levels of socializing and advocacy. GSAs were more distinct from one another on advocacy than socializing. Using multilevel modeling, we identified group and individual factors accounting for this variability. In the socializing model, youth and GSAs that did more socializing activities did more advocacy. In the advocacy model, youth who were more actively engaged in the GSA as well as GSAs whose youth collectively perceived greater school hostility and reported greater social justice efficacy did more advocacy. Findings suggest potential reasons why GSAs vary in how they function in ways ranging from internal provisions of support, to visibility raising, to collective social change. The findings are further relevant for settings supporting youth from other marginalized backgrounds and that include advocacy in their mission.
The Cup of Diogenes: A Fixed Anatomical Landmark for Carpal Tunnel Surgery
Authors: Houdek Matthew T. , Wagner Eric R. , Shin Alexander Y.
Published: April 2015

Purpose

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common entrapment neuropathy. When conservative management fails to relieve symptoms, carpal tunnel surgery is indicated. The surgical exposure for this procedure is commonly based on variable anatomic landmarks. The purpose of this study was to describe a fixed, easily referenced anatomical landmark for the distal extension of the transverse carpal ligament, the “Cup of Diogenes.”

Materials and Methods

Topographical landmarks including Kaplan cardinal line, palmaris tendon, and distal palmer crease were marked on six fresh frozen cadaveric wrist and hand specimens. The apex of the Cup of Diogenes is determined to be the confluence of the thenar and hypothenar musculature of the palm. Wrists were dissected and the distance between these landmarks and the superficial palmar arch, median nerve, transverse carpal ligament, and ulnar nerve were measured.

Results

In all specimens, the ulnar nerve was ulnar to this the apex of the Cup of Diogenes, while the median nerve was radial. The apex was proximal in all specimens to the superficial palmar arch. The apex marked the distal extent of the transverse carpal ligament in all specimens.

Discussion

Based on our results, we feel the apex of the Cup of Diogenes is a consistent, fixed anatomical marker for the distal extent of the transverse carpal ligament, marking a safe zone in the palm for surgical planning of incisions.

Level of Evidence

Level V - Therapeutic
Branched‐Chain Fatty Acid Methyl Esters as Cold Flow Improvers for Biodiesel
Authors: Dunn Robert O. , Ngo Helen L. , Haas Michael J.
Published: April 2015

Biodiesel is an alternative diesel fuel derived mainly from the transesterification of plant oils with methanol or ethanol. This fuel is generally made from commodity oils such as canola, palm or soybean and has a number of properties that make it compatible in compression‐ignition engines. Despite its many advantages, biodiesel has poor cold flow properties that may impact its deployment during cooler months in moderate temperature climates. This work is a study on the use of skeletally branched‐chain‐fatty acid methyl esters (BC‐FAME) as additives and diluents to decrease the cloud point (CP) and pour point (PP) of biodiesel. Two BC‐FAME, methyl iso‐oleate and methyl iso‐stearate isomers (Me iso‐C18:1 and Me iso‐C18:0), were tested in mixtures with fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) of canola, palm and soybean oil (CaME, PME and SME). Results showed that mixing linear FAME with up to 2 mass% BC‐FAME did not greatly affect CP, PP or kinematic viscosity (ν) relative to the unmixed biodiesel fuels. In contrast, higher concentrations of BC‐FAME, namely between 17 and 39 mass%, significantly improved CP and PP without raising ν in excess of limits in the biodiesel fuel standard specification ASTM D 6751. Furthermore, it is shown that biodiesel/Me iso‐C18:0 mixtures matched or exceeded the performance of biodiesel/Me iso‐C18:1 mixtures in terms of decreasing CP and PP under certain conditions. This was taken as evidence that additives or diluents with chemical structures based on long‐chain saturated chains may be more effective at reducing the cold flow properties of mixtures with biodiesel than structures based on long‐chain unsaturated chains.
On causality and mechanisms in medical education research: an example of path analysis
Authors: Leppink Jimmie
Published: April 2015

Studies in medical education can serve a variety of purposes. Studies that have a predominantly quantitative orientation may focus on estimating relations between variables, on estimating effects of one or more variables on some other variable(s), or on series of causal relations or mechanisms. Which is the focus of a particular study depends on the theoretical framework and research questions of that study. However, theory is of fundamental importance to medical education research, and studies focusing on series of causal relations or mechanisms can contribute greatly to the advancement of medical education research. This paper presents the potential benefits which result from adopting a path analysis perspective on the estimation of causal relations and conceptualization of mechanisms in medical education research.
Enlisting the power of the verb
Authors: Lingard Lorelei
Published: April 2015

None
Is there a role for B lymphocyte chimerism in the monitoring of B‐acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients receiving allogeneic stem cell transplantation?
Authors: Yang Yi‐Ning , Wang Xiao‐Rui , Qin You‐Wen , Wan Li‐Ping , Jiang Ying , Wang Chun
Published: April 2015

Objective

To determine the sensitivity and significance of B‐cell chimerism for the detection of early engraftment, transplant rejection, and disease relapse.

Methods

The dynamic monitoring of lineage‐specific cell subtypes (B, T, and NK cells) was made in 20 B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B‐ALL) patients following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT). In the early period after allo‐HSCT, the latest establishment of B‐cell complete chimerism (CC) was observed in a majority of patients.

Results

The percentage of donor cells of B‐cell lineage was lower than the percent of T‐cell lineage in most of the mixed chimerism (MC) patients. During graft rejection, the frequency of patients with decreasing MC of B‐, T‐ and NK‐cell lineage were 5/5, 2/5, and 2/5. When disease relapsed, five patients showed a faster decrease of the donor percent of B‐cells than of T‐ or NK‐cells. Only one patient displayed a more rapid decrease in NK‐cells than in T‐ or B‐cells.

Conclusion

Monitoring of B‐cell chimerism after HSCT seems to be valuable for insuring complete engraftment, anticipating graft rejection, and relapse in B‐ALL patients.
Soluble CD40 in plasma and malignant pleural effusion with non‐small cell lung cancer: A potential marker of prognosis
Authors: Mu Chuan‐Yong , Qin Pang‐Xue , Qu Qiu‐Xia , Chen Cheng , Huang Jian‐An
Published: April 2015

Objective

Soluble CD40 (sCD40) is a potential modulator for both antitumor responses and CD40‐based immunotherapy; however the levels and significance of sCD40 in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with malignant pleural effusion are unknown.

Methods

Forty‐eight patients with lung cancer were treated in our institutions from January 2008 to January 2010. Peripheral blood and pleural effusion samples were collected from each subject. sCD40 levels in plasma and malignant pleural effusions supernatant were measured. The CD40L expression on CD3t T‐cells was confirmed by flow cytometric direct immunofluorescence analysis. All patients were followed up after the study ended on January 1, 2010.

Results

Patients with malignant pleural effusion of NSCLC had elevated circulating and pleural effusion levels of sCD40, and these elevated sCD40 levels were associated with advanced diseases and a poor prognosis.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that elevated sCD40 may have a role in modulating antitumor responses and may also be a useful prognostic marker.
Cardiovascular and Perceptual Responses to an Ultraendurance Channel Swim: A Case Study
Authors: Judelson Daniel A. , Bagley James R. , Schumacher Jennifer M. , Wiersma Lenny D.
Published: April 2015

Ultraendurance open water swimming presents unique physiological challenges. This case study aimed to describe cardiovascular and perceptual responses during a successful solo channel swim. Investigators followed a female swimmer’s Catalina Channel (32.2 km) crossing, monitoring water temperature (Twater) and air temperature (Tair), distance remaining (DR), average velocity, and heart rate (HRswim) at regular intervals. Every 24 minutes, the swimmer reported perceived pain (on a scale of 0–10), rating of perceived exertion (RPE [scale of 6–20]), perceived thermal sensation (scale 0–8), and thirst (scale 1–9). Data are presented as mean ± SD where applicable. The participant finished in 9 hours, 2 minutes, and 48 seconds; Twater averaged 19.1 ± 0.4°C, and Tair averaged 18.6 ± 0.9°C. Her HRswim ranged from 148 to 155 beats/min, and thermal sensation ranged from 3 to 4. Pain inconsistently varied from 0 to 5 during the swim. The RPE remained between 12 and 14 for the first 8 hours, but increased dramatically near the end (reaching 18). Thirst sensation steadily increased throughout the swim, again reaching maximal values on completion. Physiologically and statistically significant correlations existed between thirst and DR ( r = −0.905), RPE and HRswim ( r = 0.741), RPE and DR ( r = −0.694), and pain and DR ( r = −0.671). The primary findings were that, despite fluctuations in perceptual stressors, the swimmer maintained a consistent exercise intensity as indicated by HRswim; and during ultraendurance swimming, pain, RPE, and thirst positively correlated with distance swum. We hope these findings aid in the preparation and performance of future athletes by providing information on what swimmers may expect during an ultraendurance attempt and by increasing the understanding of physiological and perceptual responses during open water swimming.
The motion of a deforming capsule through a corner
Authors: Zhu Lailai , Brandt Luca
Published: April 2015

A three-dimensional deformable capsule convected through a square duct with a corner is studied via numerical simulations. We develop an accelerated boundary integral implementation adapted to general geometries and boundary conditions. A global spectral method is adopted to resolve the dynamics of the capsule membrane developing elastic tension according to the neo-Hookean constitutive law and bending moments in an inertialess flow. The simulations show that the trajectory of the capsule closely follows the underlying streamlines independently of the capillary number. The membrane deformability, on the other hand, significantly influences the relative area variations, the advection velocity and the principal tensions observed during the capsule motion. The evolution of the capsule velocity displays a loss of the time-reversal symmetry of Stokes flow due to the elasticity of the membrane. The velocity decreases while the capsule is approaching the corner, as the background flow does, reaches a minimum at the corner and displays an overshoot past the corner due to the streamwise elongation induced by the flow acceleration in the downstream branch. This velocity overshoot increases with confinement while the maxima of the major principal tension increase linearly with the inverse of the duct width. Finally, the deformation and tension of the capsule are shown to decrease in a curved corner.
Social Support Seeking in Relation to Parental Attachment and Peer Relationships Among Victims of Cyberbullying
Authors: Ševčíková Anna , Macháčková Hana , Wright Michelle F. , Dědková Lenka , Černá Alena
Published: April 2015

Victims use social support seeking (SSS) to buffer the negative effects of cyberbullying. It is unknown whether cyber-victims’ perceptions of harm and having poor peer and parental relationships influence SSS. Using a sample of 451 cyberbullying-victims, aged 12–18, 68% girls, this study examined relationships of gender, harm, peer rejection, parental attachment, offline victimisation and online aggression to SSS, and tested the interaction of harm with peer rejection and parental attachment. Findings from logistic regression revealed that poor parental attachment and higher peer rejection decreased SSS, and that the association between parental attachment and SSS was stronger among cyber-victims with higher harm. This study highlights the importance of assessing cyber-victims’ attachment and experiences with their peers when implementing preventative intervention programs.
Outcomes for Young Children's Social Status from Playing Group Games: Experiences from a Primary School in Hong Kong
Authors: Liu Sylvia , Yuen Mantak , Rao Nirmala
Published: April 2015

This exploratory study involved a structured group-games intervention to develop first-grade students’ social competence. The effects were evaluated by assessing possible outcomes for the children's social status. A sample of 119 first-grade, mixed-ability students from a Hong Kong primary school participated in the sessions (63 boys, 56 girls: mean age 74 months). Sessions were led by trained parent-volunteers and involved a 60-minute session each week for 8 weeks in the children's own classrooms. Peer nominations were used before and after intervention to assess participants’ social status under five possible categories ― popular, rejected, controversial, neglected and average. Improvement in children's social awareness and social status was noted following the intervention. Children's competence in playing group games was found to be positively correlated with their social acceptance. The findings support the value of early social intervention in classrooms as a practical way for preparing first-grade students for primary school life.
Volcanic hydrothermal systems as potential analogues of Martian sulphate-rich terrains
Authors: Rodríguez A. , van Bergen M.J.
Published: April 2015

Remote sensing observations and rover missions have documented the presence of sulphate-rich mineral associations on Mars. Many of these minerals are paleo-indicators of hydrous, acidic and oxidising environments that must have prevailed in Mars´ distant past, contrary to the present conditions. Furthermore, occurrences of silica together with high Cl and Br concentrations in Martian soils and rocks represent fingerprints of chemically atypical fluids involved in processes operating on the surface or at shallow depth. From field observations at representative active volcanoes in subduction settings, supported by geochemical modelling, we demonstrate that volcanic hydrothermal systems are capable of producing Mars-like secondary mineral assemblages near lakes, springs and fumaroles through the action of acidic fluids. Water–gas-rock interactions, together with localised flow paths of water and fumarolic gas emitted from associated subaerial vents, lead to deposition of a range of sulphates, including gypsum, jarosite, alunite, epsomite and silica. Evaporation, vapour separation and fluid mixing in (near-) surface environments with strong gradients in temperature and fluid chemistry further promote the diversity of secondary minerals. The mineralogical and chemical marks are highly variable in space and time, being subject to fluctuations in ambient conditions as well as to changes in the status of volcanic-hydrothermal activity. It is concluded that active processes in modern volcanic-geothermal systems may be akin to those that created several of the sulphate-rich terrains in the early history of Mars.