bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunolocalization indicates that both original and regenerated lizard tail tissues contain populations of long retaining cells, putative stem/progenitor cells
Authors: Alibardi Lorenzo
Published: September 2015

The regeneration of the tail in lizards is likely sustained by stem/progenitor cells located in the stump after amputation of the tail. This microscopic and ultrastructural study shows the localization of 5‐bromo‐deoxy‐uridine (5BrdU)‐long retaining labeled cells in different tissues of the tail stump. These putative stem/progenitor cells are sparsely detected in the epidermis of scales, adipose tissue, intermuscle connective septa, myosatellite cells, and perichondrion of the vertebrae. Most of 5BrdU‐labeled cells are present in the bone marrow of vertebrae as hemocytoblasts and reticulate cells, whereas more numerous myelocytes and polychromatophilic erythroblasts show a variable level of nuclear labeling. 5BrdU and tritiated‐thymidine labeled and unlabeled hemopoietic cells are seen in circulating vessels and in the blastema where their maturation is completed. This observation indicates that the entire differentiation span of both white and red blood cells, at least during tail regeneration, lasts longer than 4 weeks. Labeled polychromatophilic erythroblasts and heterophilic and basophilic myelocytes are present in the synusoidal vessels of the regenerating tail. This study indicates that extravasating blood cells involved in immunity make large part of the forming blastema cell population, but are replaced by mesenchymal cells of different origin. The presence of long retaining labeled cells in tissues of the tail stump is likely connected to the production of blastema mesenchymal cells. Although no direct cell‐lineage study has been done, histological, immunocytochemical, and autoradiographic studies have indicated that it is from these tissues that proliferating cells appear mainly localized after tail amputation and blastema formation. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:1032–1045, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis, Antimicrobial, and Antioxidant Activities of Some Fused Heterocyclic [1,2,4]Triazolo[3,4‐b][1,3,4]thiadiazole Derivatives
Authors: Seelolla Gangadhara , Ponneri Venkateswarlu
Published: September 2015

In the present work, we synthesized a series of [1,2,4]triazolo[3,4‐b][1,3,4]thiadiazole derivatives (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e, 6f and 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f) by using simple starting materials, namely, β‐amino acids and different aromatic acid hydrazides. The newly synthesized compounds were characterized by mass, IR, 1H, and13C‐NMR spectral data analysis. The newly synthesized compounds were tested for their antimicrobial activities and antioxidant properties. Compound 6c was a potent microbial agent particularly against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC 3.12 µg/mL) and Candida albicans (MIC 6.25 µg/mL) when compared with the reference drugs ciprofloxacin and fluconazole, respectively. The antioxidant activity of the synthesized compounds was also evaluated by 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl hydrazyl, nitric oxide, and hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging methods. Compounds 6c, 6f, 7c, and 7f showed good radical scavenging activity due to the presence of electron‐donating group on phenyl ring.
The road to the winner's circle begins at the ASHRM Annual Conference!
Authors: Venditti Ellen Grady
Published: September 2015

The saying “Time flies when you're having fun” is a time‐honored expression that is part of our vernacular. Sometimes we say it in jest, tongue in cheek, when it seems a long day will never end! However, when we celebrate professional or personal anniversaries, when we look at our growing kids, or especially, when we look in the mirror, we marvel at how fast the years have flown by!
Emu oil decreases atherogenic plaque formation in cafeteria diet‐induced obese rats
Authors: Kamalakkannan Soundararajan , Tirupathi Pichiah PB , Kalaiselvi Seenivasan , Arunachalam Sankarganesh , Achiraman Shanmugam
Published: September 2015

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerosis‐induced coronary heart disease – caused by elevated levels of low‐density lipoproteins (LDL) and inflammation – is one of the most prevalent diseases. Monounsaturated fatty acids are reported to prevent atherosclerosis; emu oil is a rich source of monounsaturated fatty acid, and we hypothesize that emu oil supplementation could lower inflammation and prevent atherosclerosis in diet‐induced obese (DIO) animals. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups (n= 6), and fed with normal diet (chow pellet;ND), or with cafeteria diet (CD), or withCDalong with emu oil supplementation at three different doses:ED1(2mL),ED2(4mL) andED3(8mL) kg−1body weight (BW), respectively.

RESULTS

After 12 weeks, the animals were sacrificed and serum was analysed for measuring lipid profile, C‐reactive proteins, testosterone and luteinizing hormone. Histopathological studies were performed to observe atherogenic changes in thoracic aorta. Restoration of altered lipid and hormonal profiles, and inhibition of atherogenic changes in thoracic aorta, were observed with supplementation of emu oil, confirming its anti‐atherosclerotic activity.

CONCLUSION

The high content of oleic acid in emu oil could have orchestrated – either solely or in combination with linoleic and linolenic acids – causing the upregulation of testosterone biosynthesis and inhibition of atheromatous plaque formation in diet‐induced obese animals. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Enhanced mucosal healing with curcumin in animal oral ulcer model
Authors: Lim Yun‐Sung , Kwon Seong Keun , Park Joo Hyun , Cho Chang Gun , Park Seok‐Won , Kim Woo Kyung
Published: September 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Oral ulcers are very common and can compromise the quality of life of patients with pain. The objective of this study was to evaluate mucosal healing with curcumin in an animal oral ulcer model.

Study Design

Experimental study.

Methods

Twenty New Zealand white rabbits were used. Round filter paper 6 mm in diameter was soaked with 15 μl 50% acetic acid and applied over the upper labial gingiva, creating a uniform circular ulcer. After creation of an oral ulcer, curcumin, the active substance in tumeric, was applied twice over the ulcer in the experimental group but not in the control group. The ulcer area was calculated by maximal (D) and minimal (d) diameter : π × D × d/4. All animals were weighed, and the area was measured on days 0, 7, and 14. On days 7 and 14, half of the animals were sacrificed and gingival specimens were acquired.

Results

Curcumin treatment exhibited accelerated healing such that the gross appearance of the ulcer demonstrated a recognizable difference in wound healing between the curcumin‐treated and control groups with time. Weight loss was observed after the creation of oral ulcer in the control group. However, the curcumin‐treated group gained weight with time, resulting in a significant weight difference. On day 14, epithelial regeneration was completed in the treated group but incomplete in the control group.

Conclusion

Topical application of curcumin enhanced the wound‐healing process of oral ulcer in the animal model, which implicate that curcumin can be used as an effective and safe medical tool in the treatment of oral ulcer.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 126:E68–E73, 2016
Layer‐by‐Layers of Polymeric Micelles as a Biomimetic Drug‐Releasing Network
Authors: Authimoolam Sundar P. , Lakes Andrew L. , Puleo David A. , Dziubla Thomas D.
Published: September 2015

Mucin networks are lubricous biofunctional coats formed through the continuous deposition of mucin glycoproteins. Previously, we demonstrated the synthesis of a mucin mimic using biotinylated‐filomicelles crosslinked via streptavidin using a layer‐by‐layer approach. These networks recreate the fibrous nature of mucin and can serve as a drug‐releasing network. In this work, the ability to vary the network properties by blending filomicelles with spherical micelles is demonstrated. In addition, the deposition of a dense polymer coating on the mucin network was shown to act as a barrier to control diffusion and improved the structural stability under simulated oral chemical conditions. These biomimetic coatings can be utilized as a delivery system, providing a tunable drug release for oral applications.
Global well‐posedness for free boundary problem of the Oldroyd‐B model fluid flow
Authors: Maryani Sri
Published: September 2015

In this paper, we prove the global well‐posedness of non‐Newtonian viscous fluid flow of the Oldroyd‐B model with free surface in a bounded domain of N‐dimensional Euclidean space
. The assumption of the problem is that the initial data are small enough and orthogonal to rigid motions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A classification of structural dissipations for evolution operators
Authors: D'Abbicco M. , Ebert M.R.
Published: September 2015

In this paper, we study the asymptotic profile of the solution for a σ‐evolution equation with a time‐dependent structural damping. We introduce a classification of the damping term, which clarifies whether the solution behaves like the solution to an anomalous diffusion problem. We call this damping effective, whereas we say that the damping is noneffective when the solution shows oscillations in its asymptotic profile that cannot be neglected. Our classification shows a completely new interplay between the strength of the damping and the long time behavior of its coefficient. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An adaptive learning rate backpropagation‐type neural network for solving n × n systems on nonlinear algebraic equations
Authors: Goulianas K. , Margaris A. , Refanidis I. , Diamantaras K.
Published: September 2015

This paper presents an MLP‐type neural network with some fixed connections and a backpropagation‐type training algorithm that identifies the full set of solutions of a complete system of nonlinear algebraic equations with n equations and n unknowns. The proposed structure is based on a backpropagation‐type algorithm with bias units in output neurons layer. Its novelty and innovation with respect to similar structures is the use of the hyperbolic tangent output function associated with an interesting feature, the use of adaptive learning rate for the neurons of the second hidden layer, a feature that adds a high degree of flexibility and parameter tuning during the network training stage. The paper presents the theoretical aspects for this approach as well as a set of experimental results that justify the necessity of such an architecture and evaluate its performance. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Well‐posedness and exact controllability of the mass balance equations for an extrusion process
Authors: Diagne Mamadou , Shang Peipei , Wang Zhiqiang
Published: September 2015

In this paper, we study the well‐posedness and exact controllability of a physical model for an extrusion process in the isothermal case. The model expresses the mass balance in the extruder chamber and consists of a hyperbolic partial differential equation (PDE) and a nonlinear ordinary differential equation (ODE) whose dynamics describes the evolution of a moving interface. By suitable change of coordinates and fixed point arguments, we prove the existence, uniqueness, and regularity of the solution and finally, the exact controllability of the coupled system. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Joint myocardial T1 and T2 mapping using a combination of saturation recovery and T2‐preparation
Authors: Akçakaya Mehmet , Weingärtner Sebastian , Basha Tamer A. , Roujol Sébastien , Bellm Steven , Nezafat Reza
Published: September 2015

Purpose

To develop a heart‐rate independent breath‐held joint T1–T2 mapping sequence for accurate simultaneous estimation of coregistered myocardial T1 and T2 maps.

Methods

A novel preparation scheme combining both a saturation pulse and T2‐preparation in a single R–R interval is introduced. The time between these two pulses, as well as the duration of the T2‐preparation is varied in each heartbeat, acquiring images with different T1 and T2 weightings, and no magnetization dependence on previous images. Inherently coregistered T1 and T2 maps are calculated from these images. Phantom imaging is performed to compare the proposed maps with spin echo references. In vivo imaging is performed in ten subjects, comparing the accuracy and precision of the proposed technique to existing myocardial T1 and T2 mapping sequences of the same duration.

Results

Phantom experiments show that the proposed technique provides accurate quantification of T1 and T2 values over a wide‐range (T1: 260 ms to 1460 ms, T2: 40 ms to 200 ms). In vivo imaging shows that the proposed sequence quantifies T1 and T2 values similar to a saturation‐based T1 mapping and a conventional breath‐hold T2 mapping sequence, respectively.

Conclusion

The proposed sequence allows joint estimation of accurate and coregistered quantitative myocardial T1 and T2 maps in a single breath‐hold. Magn Reson Med 76:888–896, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Additional sampling directions improve detection range of wireless radiofrequency probes
Authors: Hoffmann Malte , Mada Marius , Carpenter T. Adrian , Sawiak Stephen J. , Williams Guy B.
Published: September 2015

Purpose

While MRI is enhancing our knowledge about the structure and function of the human brain, subject motion remains a problem in many clinical applications. Recently, the use of wireless radiofrequency markers with three one‐dimensional (1D) navigators for prospective correction was demonstrated. This method is restricted in the range of motion that can be corrected, however, because of limited information in the 1D readouts.

Methods

Here, the limitation of techniques for disambiguating marker locations was investigated. It was shown that including more sampling directions extends the tracking range for head rotations. The efficiency of trading readout resolution for speed was explored.

Results

Tracking of head rotations was demonstrated from −19.2 to 34.4°, −2.7 to 10.0°, and −60.9 to 70.9° in the x‐, y‐, and z‐directions, respectively. In the presence of excessive head motion, the deviation of marker estimates from SPM8 was reduced by 17.1% over existing three‐projection methods. This was achieved by using an additional seven directions, extending the time needed for readouts by a factor of 3.3. Much of this increase may be circumvented by reducing resolution, without compromising accuracy.

Conclusion

Including additional sampling directions extends the range in which markers can be used, for patients who move a lot. Magn Reson Med 76:913–918, 2016. © 2015 The Authors. Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Predictive factors of adverse events after intravesical suburothelial onabotulinumtoxina injections for overactive bladder syndrome—A real‐life practice of 290 cases in a single center
Authors: Jiang Yuan‐Hong , Ong Hueih‐Ling , Kuo Hann‐Chorng
Published: September 2015

Aims

Patients often experience adverse events (AEs) after intravesical onabotulinumtoxinA (BoNT‐A) treatment for overactive bladder refractory to antimuscarinic agents. We investigated the prevalence and predictive factors of AEs in such patients.

Methods

A total of 290 patients underwent intravesical BoNT‐A (100 U) suburothelial injection. The age, gender, overactive bladder subtypes, medical co‐morbidities, and neurological diseases of the patients were recorded. The maximum flow rate (Qmax), voided volume, post‐void residual (PVR) volume, and voiding efficiency (VE) at baseline were analyzed to identify adverse events within 3 months after treatment.

Results

Acute urinary retention (AUR) developed in 24 patients (8.3%), and urinary tract infection (UTI) occurred in 44 (15.2%) within 3 months of treatment. Large PVR volume (>200 ml) occurred in 81 (27.9%), 68 (24.3%), and 49 (18.4%) patients 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment, respectively. AUR developed significantly more often in men, patients >61 years old, those with a baseline Qmax ≤15 ml/sec, PVR ≥100 ml, and VE <90%. Patients older than 61 years had a higher incidence of large PVR 1 month after treatment. Female gender and a baseline PVR volume ≥100 ml had a greater incidence of UTI. Age >61 years, low Qmax, low voiding efficiency, and large PVR at baseline were also risk factors for adverse events.

Conclusion

AUR, UTI, and large PVR volume are common AEs after BoNT‐A treatment. Patients with overactive bladders that are at risk of developing AEs after BoNT‐A injection should be informed of the possible AEs. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:142–147, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of high nano‐SiO2 contents on properties of epoxy‐modified polybenzoxazine
Authors: Okhawilai Manunya , Dueramae Isala , Jubsilp Chanchira , Rimdusit Sarawut
Published: September 2015

High‐performance nanosilica composites based on epoxy‐modified polybenzoxazine matrices are developed. Chemorheological study of benzoxazine–epoxy resin mixtures reveals that processing window of the benzoxazine resin (BA‐a) is substantially broadened with an addition of the liquid epoxy. Glass transition temperature (Tg) of the BA‐a copolymerized with epoxy resin shows a synergistic behavior with a maximum Tg value (174°C) at the benzoxazine–epoxy mass ratio of 80:20. The copolymer at this composition is also used as a matrix for nano‐SiO2 composites. A very low melt viscosity of the benzoxazine–epoxy mixtures promotes good processability with the maximum attainable nano‐SiO2 loading up to 35 wt%. From scanning electron microscopy investigation, fracture surface of the 35 wt% nano‐SiO2‐filled benzoxazine–epoxy composite reveals relatively homogeneous distribution of the nano‐SiO2 in the copolymer with good particle wet‐out. In addition, very high reinforcing effect was also observed in such high content of the nano‐SiO2, i.e., about 2.5 times in modulus improvement. This improvement is attributed to the strong bonding between the copolymer matrix and the nano‐SiO2 through ether linkage as confirmed by Fourier‐transform infrared investigation. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:2261–2271, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis of the first hyperbranched polyorganoethoxysilsesquioxanes and their chemical transformations to functional core–shell nanogel systems
Authors: Migulin Dmitry , Tatarinova Elena , Meshkov Ivan , Cherkaev Georgy , Vasilenko Natalia , Buzin Michail , Muzafarov Aziz
Published: September 2015

Hyperbranched polyvinyl‐ and polymethylethoxysiloxanes were obtained for the first time by heterofunctional polycondensation of the corresponding organoethoxysilanols derived from relevant monosodium organodiethoxysilanolates. Synthesized structures were characterized using 29Si NMR, 1H NMR and infrared spectroscopies, gel permeation chromatography and elemental analysis. On the basis of the obtained hyperbranched polyorganoethoxysiloxanes, new ‘core–shell’ structured polyvinyl‐ and polymethylsilsesquioxanes with adjustable sizes, different crosslinking densities and variable chemical natures of the core–shell surroundings were prepared, investigated and characterized using 1H NMR and infrared spectroscopies, gel permeation chromatography, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and elemental analysis. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
iTRAQ‐based quantitative proteomic analysis of a toxigenic dinoflagellate Alexandrium catenella and its non‐toxic mutant
Authors: Zhang Shu‐Fei , Zhang Yong , Xie Zhang‐Xian , Zhang Hao , Lin Lin , Wang Da‐Zhi
Published: September 2015

Paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) are a group of potent neurotoxic alkaloids produced by cyanobacteria and dinoflagellates. The PST biosynthesis gene cluster and several toxin‐related proteins have been unveiled in cyanobacteria, yet little is known about dinoflagellates. Here, we compared the protein profiles of a toxin‐producing dinoflagellate Alexandrium catenella (ACHK‐T) and its non‐toxic mutant (ACHK‐NT), and characterized differentially displayed proteins using a combination of the iTRAQ‐based proteomic approach and the transcriptomic database. Totally 3488 proteins were identified from A. catenella, and proteins involved in carbohydrate, amino acid and energy metabolism were the most abundant. Among them, 185 proteins were differentially displayed: proteins involved in amino acid biosynthesis, protein and carbohydrate metabolism and bioluminescence were more abundant in ACHK‐T, while proteins participating in photosynthesis, fatty acid biosynthesis, and the processes occurring in peroxisome displayed higher abundances in ACHK‐NT. Seven toxin‐related proteins were identified but they varied insignificantly between the two strains. Different carbon and energy utilization strategies were potentially related to the toxin producing ability, and the regulation mechanism of PST biosynthesis was more complex in dinoflagellates. Our study provides the first comprehensive dataset on the dinoflagellate proteome and lays the groundwork for future proteomic study.
Proteomics of the Roseobacter clade, a window to the marine microbiology landscape
Authors: Christie‐Oleza Joseph A. , Armengaud Jean
Published: September 2015

Oceans are powered by metabolically‐active microorganisms which are main drivers of global biogeochemical cycles on Earth. A decade ago, marine microbiology was boosted with next‐generation sequencing capacities and the launch of large metagenomics surveys. High‐performing proteomics is now comprehensive enough for reaching genome‐wide and systems‐wide scales. It is highly complementary to transcriptomics in order to analyze functional dynamics of marine microbes and microbial complex systems. Next‐generation proteomics allows new perspectives for better understanding microbial lifestyles and uncovering the complexity of microbial communities. Here, we review the proteomics approaches and outcomes of recent work carried out on one of the most thoroughly studied marine generalist microorganisms, i.e. the Roseobacter clade, as pivotal examples. We also discuss how the study of the proteome of these organisms has helped in the understanding of the ecological strategy and lifestyle of this relevant marine clade, not only in laboratory cultures but also in its natural environment.
Analysis of TMEFF2 allografts and transgenic mouse models reveals roles in prostate regeneration and cancer
Authors: Corbin Joshua M. , Overcash Ryan F. , Wren Jonathan D. , Coburn Anita , Tipton Greg J. , Ezzell Jennifer A. , McNaughton Kirk K. , Fung Kar‐Ming , Kosanke Stanley D. , Ruiz‐Echevarria Maria J.
Published: September 2015

BACKGROUND

Previous results from our lab indicate a tumor suppressor role for the transmembrane protein with epidermal growth factor and two follistatin motifs 2 (TMEFF2) in prostate cancer (PCa). Here, we further characterize this role and uncover new functions for TMEFF2 in cancer and adult prostate regeneration.

METHODS

The role of TMEFF2 was examined in PCa cells using MatrigelTM cultures and allograft models of PCa cells. In addition, we developed a transgenic mouse model that expresses TMEFF2 from a prostate specific promoter. Anatomical, histological, and metabolic characterizations of the transgenic mouse prostate were conducted. The effect of TMEFF2 in prostate regeneration was studied by analyzing branching morphogenesis in the TMEFF2‐expressing mouse lobes and alterations in branching morphogenesis were correlated with the metabolomic profiles of the mouse lobes. The role of TMEFF2 in prostate tumorigenesis in whole animals was investigated by crossing the TMEFF2 transgenic mice with the TRAMP mouse model of PCa and analyzing the histopathological changes in the progeny.

RESULTS

Ectopic expression of TMEFF2 impairs growth of PCa cells in Matrigel or allograft models. Surprisingly, while TMEFF2 expression in the TRAMP mouse did not have a significant effect on the glandular prostate epithelial lesions, the double TRAMP/TMEFF2 transgenic mice displayed an increased incidence of neuroendocrine type tumors. In addition, TMEFF2 promoted increased branching specifically in the dorsal lobe of the prostate suggesting a potential role in developmental processes. These results correlated with data indicating an alteration in the metabolic profile of the dorsal lobe of the transgenic TMEFF2 mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, our results confirm the tumor suppressor role of TMEFF2 and suggest that ectopic expression of TMEFF2 in mouse prostate leads to additional lobe‐specific effects in prostate regeneration and tumorigenesis. This points to a complex and multifunctional role for TMEFF2 during PCa progression. Prostate 76:97–113, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multigrid solvers and multigrid preconditioners for the solution of variational data assimilation problems
Authors: Debreu Laurent , Neveu Emilie , Simon Ehouarn , Le Dimet François‐Xavier , Vidard Arthur
Published: September 2015

In order to lower the computational cost of the variational data assimilation process, we investigate the use of multigrid methods to solve the associated optimal control system. In a linear advection equation, we study the impact of the regularization term on the optimal control and the impact of discretization errors on the efficiency of the coarse‐grid correction step. We show that, even if the optimal control problem leads to the solution of an elliptic system, numerical errors introduced by the discretization can alter the success of the multigrid method. The view of multigrid iteration as a preconditioner for a Krylov optimization method leads to a more robust algorithm. A scale‐dependent weighting of the multigrid preconditioner and the usual background‐error covariance‐matrix based preconditioner is proposed and brings significant improvements.
Chromatin Remodeling Factor Brg1 Supports the Early Maintenance and Late Responsiveness of Nestin-Lineage Adult Neural Stem and Progenitor Cells
Authors: Petrik David , Latchney Sarah E. , Masiulis Irene , Yun Sanghee , Zhang Zilai , Wu Jiang I. , Eisch Amelia J.
Published: September 2015

Insights from embryonic development suggest chromatin remodeling is important in adult neural stem cells (aNSCs) maintenance and self-renewal, but this concept has not been fully explored in the adult brain. To assess the role of chromatin remodeling in adult neurogenesis, we inducibly deleted Brg1—the core subunit of SWI/SNF-like Brg1/Brm-associated factor chromatin remodeling complexes—in nestin-expressing aNSCs and their progeny in vivo and in culture. This resulted in abnormal adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus, which initially reduced hippocampal aNSCs and progenitor maintenance, and later reduced its responsiveness to physiological stimulation. Mechanistically, deletion of Brg1 appeared to impair cell cycle progression, which is partially due to elevated p53 pathway and p21 expression. Knockdown of p53 rescued the neurosphere growth defects caused by Brg1 deletion. Our results show that epigenetic chromatin remodeling (via a Brg1 and p53/p21-dependent process) determines the aNSCs and progenitor maintenance and responsiveness of neurogenesis. Stem Cells  2015;33:3655–3665
Stem Cell Antigen-1 Identifies a Distinct Androgen-Independent Murine Prostatic Luminal Cell Lineage with Bipotent Potential
Authors: Kwon Oh-Joon , Zhang Li , Xin Li
Published: September 2015

Recent lineage tracing studies support the existence of prostate luminal progenitors that possess extensive regenerative capacity, but their identity remains unknown. We show that Sca-1 (stem cell antigen-1) identifies a small population of murine prostate luminal cells that reside in the proximal prostatic ducts adjacent to the urethra. Sca-1+ luminal cells do not express Nkx3.1. They do not carry the secretory function, although they express the androgen receptor. These cells are enriched in the prostates of castrated mice. In the in vitro prostate organoid assay, a small fraction of the Sca-1+ luminal cells are capable of generating budding organoids that are morphologically distinct from those derived from other cell lineages. Histologically, this type of organoid is composed of multiple inner layers of luminal cells surrounded by multiple outer layers of basal cells. When passaged, these organoids retain their morphological and histological features. Finally, the Sca-1+ luminal cells are capable of forming small prostate glands containing both basal and luminal cells in an in vivo prostate regeneration assay. Collectively, our study establishes the androgen-independent and bipotent organoid-forming Sca-1+ luminal cells as a functionally distinct cellular entity. These cells may represent a putative luminal progenitor population and serve as a cellular origin for castration resistant prostate cancer.
ErbB4 Activated p38γ MAPK Isoform Mediates Early Cardiogenesis Through NKx2.5 in Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Ramachandra Chrishan J.A. , Mehta Ashish , Wong Philip , Shim Winston
Published: September 2015

Activation of ErbB4 receptor signaling is instrumental in heart development, lack of which results in embryonic lethality. However, mechanism governing its intracellular signaling remains elusive. Using human pluripotent stem cells, we show that ErbB4 is critical for cardiogenesis whereby its genetic knockdown results in loss of cardiomyocytes. Phospho-proteome profiling and Western blot studies attribute this loss to inactivation of p38γ MAPK isoform which physically interacts with NKx2.5 and GATA4 transcription factors. Post-cardiomyocyte formation p38γ/NKx2.5 downregulation is followed by p38α/MEF2c upregulation suggesting stage-specific developmental roles of p38 MAPK isoforms. Knockdown of p38γ MAPK similarly disrupts cardiomyocyte formation in spite of the presence of NKx2.5. Cell fractionation and NKx2.5 phosphorylation studies suggest inhibition of ErbB4-p38γ signaling hinders NKx2.5 nuclear translocation during early cardiogenesis. This study reveals a novel pathway that directly links ErbB4 and p38γ to the transcriptional machinery of NKx2.5-GATA4 complex which is critical for cardiomyocyte formation during mammalian heart development.
The Quality of Genetic Counseling and Connected Factors as Evaluated by Male BRCA1/2 Mutation Carriers in Finland
Authors: Kajula Outi , Kääriäinen Maria , Moilanen Jukka S. , Kyngäs Helvi
Published: September 2015

There is little written about the quality of genetic counseling for men with the BRCA1/2 mutation. The purpose of this study was to describe the quality of genetic counseling and connected factors according to Finnish male BRCA1/2 mutation carriers’ (n = 35) perspectives and reasons for seeking genetic counseling. Data were collected from the Departments of Clinical Genetics at five Finnish university hospitals. The exploratory study design was conducted using a 51‐item questionnaire based on a previously devised quality of counseling model and analyzed using non‐parametric tests and principle content analysis. The satisfaction level with genetic counseling was high, especially with regard to the content of genetic counseling. The benefit of genetic counseling on the quality of life differed significantly (p < 0.001–0.009) from other factors. In particular, genetic counseling was in some cases associated to reduce the quality of life. Only 49 % of the male carriers felt they received sufficient counseling on social support. Attention to individual psychosocial support was proposed as an improvement to genetic counseling. Primary and secondary reasons for seeking genetic counseling and background information, such as education, affected the perceived quality of genetic counseling. The results of the study could be used to tailor genetic counseling for male BRCA1/2 mutation carriers.
Identification of Recycled Cooking Oil and Edible Oils by Iodine Determination and Carbon Isotopic Analysis
Authors: Lu Hai , Wei Chao , Fu Hui , Li Xiuqin , Zhang Qinghe , Wang Jun
Published: September 2015

Elemental iodine determination by ICP‐MS and carbon isotope analysis by EA‐IRMS were jointly employed to identify recycled cooking oil from edible oils. Iodine in 204 oils demonstrated that recycled cooking oils can be distinguished from soybean oil, maize oil, colza oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil and olive oil with the exception of tea oil and mixed oil. These two types of oils can be definitively distinguished from recycled cooking oil in the carbon isotope ratio analysis. It was proposed to use total iodine analysis as the primary screening method and the carbon isotope ratio measurement as a secondary method for confirmation and verification. For routine screening, threshold values of Iodine determination and δ13C measurement were determined to be 20 ng g−1 iodine and a range of −27.3 to −28.5 of δ13C, respectively.
Supraclavicular skin temperature and BAT activity in lean healthy adults
Authors: van der Lans Anouk A. J. J. , Vosselman Maarten J. , Hanssen Mark J. W. , Brans Boudewijn , van Marken Lichtenbelt Wouter D.
Published: September 2015

The ‘gold standard’ for measuring brown adipose tissue (BAT) in humans is [18F]FDG-PET/CT-imaging. With this technique subjects are exposed to ionizing radiation and are therefore limited in the number of scans that can be performed. We investigated the relation between supraclavicular skin temperatures and BAT activity values using a strictly temperature-controlled air-cooling protocol. Data of 36 male subjects was analyzed. BAT activity was evaluated by [18F]FDG-PET/CT-imaging and skin temperature was measured by means of wireless temperature sensors. Supraclavicular skin temperature dropped less compared to skin temperatures at other sites (all P values <0.01). A significant positive correlation was found between the change in supraclavicular skin temperature with BAT activity (R
2 0.23), and the change in supraclavicular skin temperature and non-shivering thermogenesis (R
2 0.18, both P values <0.01). The correlations indicate that supraclavicular skin temperature (changes) can potentially be used as a qualitative measure of BAT activity and BAT thermogenesis.
Frontier studies on fatigue, autonomic nerve dysfunction, and sleep-rhythm disorder
Authors: Tanaka Masaaki , Tajima Seiki , Mizuno Kei , Ishii Akira , Konishi Yukuo , Miike Teruhisa , Watanabe Yasuyoshi
Published: September 2015

Fatigue is defined as a condition or phenomenon of decreased ability and efficiency of mental and/or physical activities, caused by excessive mental or physical activities, diseases, or syndromes. It is often accompanied by a peculiar sense of discomfort, a desire to rest, and reduced motivation, referred to as fatigue sensation. Acute fatigue is a normal condition or phenomenon that disappears after a period of rest; in contrast, chronic fatigue, lasting at least 6 months, does not disappear after ordinary rest. Chronic fatigue impairs activities and contributes to various medical conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, epileptic seizures, and death. In addition, many people complain of chronic fatigue. For example, in Japan, more than one third of the general adult population complains of chronic fatigue. It would thus be of great value to clarify the mechanisms underlying chronic fatigue and to develop efficient treatment methods to overcome it. Here, we review data primarily from behavioral, electrophysiological, and neuroimaging experiments related to neural dysfunction as well as autonomic nervous system, sleep, and circadian rhythm disorders in fatigue. These data provide new perspectives on the mechanisms underlying chronic fatigue and on overcoming it.
Prenatal exposure to integerrimine N‐oxide enriched butanolic residue from Senecio brasiliensis affects behavior and striatal neurotransmitter levels of rats in adulthood
Authors: Sandini Thaísa M. , Udo Mariana S.B. , Reis‐Silva Thiago M. , Sanches Daniel , Bernardi Maria Martha , Flório Jorge Camilo , Spinosa Helenice de S.
Published: September 2015

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are toxins that are exclusively biosynthesized by plants and are commonly present in foods and herbs. PAs are usually associated with poisoning events in livestock and human beings. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the behavioral and neurochemical effects of prenatal exposure to PA integerrimine N‐oxide of rats in adulthood. Pregnant Wistar rats received integerrimine N‐oxide from the butanolic residue of Senecio brasiliensis by gavage on gestational days 6–20 at doses of 3, 6 and 9 mg/kg. During adulthood of the offspring, the following behavioral tests were performed: open‐field, plus‐maze, forced swimming, catalepsy and stereotypy. Histological analyses and monoamine levels were measured. Male offspring from dams that were exposed to 9 mg/kg showed an increase in locomotion in the open‐field test, an increased frequency of entries and time spent in open arms in elevated plus‐maze test, as well as decreased swimming time. In the female offspring from dams that were exposed to 9 mg/kg, there was an increased time of climbing in forced swimming and intensity of stereotyped behavior. The histological study indicates an increase in the number of multinucleated cells in the liver (6 and 9 mg/kg). In neurotransmitter analysis, specifically in the striatum, we observed change in dopamine and serotonin levels in the middle dose. Thus, our results indicate that prenatal exposure to integerrimine N‐oxide changed behavior in adulthood and neurotransmitter levels in the striatum. Our results agree with previous studies, which showed that integerrimine N‐oxide impaired physical and neurobehavioral development in childhood that can persist until adulthood.
Editorial
Authors: Guenther John
Published: September 2015

In 2013, the Cooperative Research Centre for Remote Economic Participation's (CRC-REP) Remote Education Systems (RES) project team brought together a collection of papers built around a central theme of ‘red dirt thinking’. This theme reflected a view the authors had, that education and schooling in remote communities should be relevant to the context (that is, the ‘red dirt’) in which it is provided. We proposed this as a conceptual framework in which to challenge conventional wisdom about success, disadvantage and aspiration in remote schools.
A NEOLITHIC CARVED STONE BALL FROM SCOTLAND ACQUIRED BY SIR JOHN LUBBOCK (LORD AVEBURY), WITH COMMENTS ON THE SCOTTISH CONNECTIONS OF LUBBOCK AND HIS COLLECTION
Authors: Saville Alan
Published: September 2015

A previously unpublished Neolithic carved stone ball from Aberdeenshire, Scotland, is described. This intricately decorated object formed part of the collection of Sir John Lubbock (Lord Avebury) and is now housed at the Bromley Museum, Orpington, Greater London. The intrinsic importance of this ball is discussed and its interest is enhanced by the details of its collection history. The acquisition of other items from Scotland in the Avebury Collection at Bromley Museum is put in the context of Lubbock’s contacts and visits to Scotland.
Thomas Hooker, Martin Luther, and the Terror at the Edge of Protestant Faith
Authors: Tipson Baird
Published: September 2015

Toward the end of his nine-year tenure as Fellow, Thomas Hooker awoke in his sleeping quarters at Emmanuel College terrified by a sense of “the Just Wrath of Heaven.” His God, the same God in whom he had always put his trust, had turned against him and was furious at his sinfulness. Dreading divine punishment, Hooker found himself “fill'd. . . with most unusual Degrees of Horror and Anguish.” Alone in the night, Hooker was haunted by the anger of a terrifying God.
The relationships between coping strategies, social support and depression: an investigation among Turkish care-givers of patients with dementia
Authors: KIRAL KAHRAMAN , YETİM ÜNSAL , ÖZGE AYNUR , AYDIN ARZU
Published: September 2015

Caring for a patient with dementia is a stressful life event, and care-givers carry a heavy psychological burden. However, the extent to which care-givers are affected by the stressful aspects of care-giving may depend on a variety of factors. This study examined the relationships between cognitive emotion regulation strategies, social support and depression among Turkish dementia care-givers. Research questions explored whether different coping strategies and social support were related to levels of depression, as well as whether social support moderated this relationship. We used a hierarchical multiple regression analysis consisting of three blocks as the primary statistical technique to examine our expectations. In total, 141 dementia care-givers (108 women, 33 men) were recruited to the study. The mean age of the sample was 59.74 years old (standard deviation = 12.70). Hierarchical regression analysis indicated a significant negative main effect for positive refocusing strategies and significant positive main effects for catastrophising and blaming others. Social support moderated the relationships between catastrophising, rumination and symptoms of depression. Our results show that cognitive emotion regulation strategies and social support can play significant roles in alleviating care-giver depression. In the light of these results, it may be suggested that interventions focusing on the effects of positive refocusing, catastrophising and blaming others, as well as providing social support, may be helpful in alleviating depression in care-givers.
Policy Feedback in the Public–Private Welfare State: Advocacy Groups and Access to Government Homeownership Programs, 1934–1954
Authors: Thurston Chloe N.
Published: September 2015

Scholarship on the U.S. public–private welfare state has pointed to the ways in which indirect, market-based channels of social policy provision often obscure the role of the government from many citizens who use these programs. This article argues that the same mechanisms that often depoliticize public–private policies for citizens who already benefit from them may actually politicize them for citizens who are unable to access those benefits. Focusing on the responses of black civil rights and veterans advocacy groups to the shortcomings of the Federal Housing Administration and the early GI Bill, it shows that public–private policies can draw advocacy groups, providers, and the state into conflicts over the terms of access. Despite facing very different challenges and bringing very different political capacities to bear, these two types of groups followed precisely the same processes of political mobilization and contestation in each case: First, they aggregated individual grievances into broader collective problems. Then, they traced those problems not to impersonal market mechanisms but to government policies and state authority. Finally, they pushed for reform across multiple venues to expand access for their members. By explicating these recurrent political dynamics, this article contributes to our understanding of policy feedback in the public–private welfare state and highlights the role of advocacy groups in helping to reshape the state's capacity to govern in a policy arena that is often characterized as dominated by third-party providers.
A conceptual framework for economic optimization of an animal health surveillance portfolio
Authors: GUO X. , CLAASSEN G. D. H. , OUDE LANSINK A. G. J. M. , SAATKAMP H. W.
Published: September 2015

Decision making on hazard surveillance in livestock product chains is a multi-hazard, multi-stakeholder, and multi-criteria process that includes a variety of decision alternatives. The multi-hazard aspect means that the allocation of the scarce resource for surveillance should be optimized from the point of view of a surveillance portfolio (SP) rather than a single hazard. In this paper, we present a novel conceptual approach for economic optimization of a SP to address the resource allocation problem for a surveillance organization from a theoretical perspective. This approach uses multi-criteria techniques to evaluate the performances of different settings of a SP, taking cost-benefit aspects of surveillance and stakeholders’ preferences into account. The credibility of the approach has also been checked for conceptual validity, data needs and operational validity; the application potentials of the approach are also discussed.
A Quantitative Method for Microtubule Analysis in Fluorescence Images
Authors: Lan Xiaodong , Li Lingfei , Hu Jiongyu , Zhang Qiong , Dang Yongming , Huang Yuesheng
Published: September 2015

Microtubule analysis is of significant value for a better understanding of normal and pathological cellular processes. Although immunofluorescence microscopic techniques have proven useful in the study of microtubules, comparative results commonly rely on a descriptive and subjective visual analysis. We developed an objective and quantitative method based on image processing and analysis of fluorescently labeled microtubular patterns in cultured cells. We used a multi-parameter approach by analyzing four quantifiable characteristics to compose our quantitative feature set. Then we interpreted specific changes in the parameters and revealed the contribution of each feature set using principal component analysis. In addition, we verified that different treatment groups could be clearly discriminated using principal components of the multi-parameter model. High predictive accuracy of four commonly used multi-classification methods confirmed our method. These results demonstrated the effectiveness and efficiency of our method in the analysis of microtubules in fluorescence images. Application of the analytical methods presented here provides information concerning the organization and modification of microtubules, and could aid in the further understanding of structural and functional aspects of microtubules under normal and pathological conditions.
Political Contestation, Secularization, and Religious Supply: Why is Morality Policy so Restrictive in the Faroe Islands?
Authors: van Kersbergen Kees , Lindberg Erla Leifsdóttir
Published: September 2015

The Nordic countries pursue permissive policies with regard to morality issues. There is, however, one exception: the Faroe Islands. This country pursues remarkably conservative policies. Drawing on morality issue theory, secularization theory, and the supply side theory of religion, we develop a framework that explains the political dynamics around morality issues and policies in this country. We contribute to the understanding of the various ways in which religion can enter politics by showing how and why a minimal politicization of morality issues can coincide with a strong religious wording of such issues in a context where a high level of religiosity stands out. Religious vitality came about because religion became attached to the nationalist and language struggle, which encouraged religious activity. The ample supply of religion accounts for religious vitality, which, in turn, explains why religion continues to play in morality politics.
First record of Caryophyllia smithii in the central southern North Sea: artificial reefs affect range extensions of sessile benthic species
Authors: Coolen Joop W.P. , Lengkeek Wouter , Lewis Gareth , Bos Oscar G. , Van Walraven Lodewijk , Van Dongen Udo
Published: September 2015

In the North Sea, observations of the solitary coralCaryophyllia smithiiare mostly limited to the north-east coast of the United Kingdom including the Shetland and Orkney islands. To date,C. smithiihas not been reported from far offshore locations in the North Sea south of 57.7°N. Distribution of this species appears limited by the restricted availability of natural hard substrata in the central southern North Sea. There are, however, many artificial hard substrata in this area in the form of shipwrecks and offshore oil and gas installations. These may provide stepping stones forC. smithiito expand its distribution. Here we report the first sighting ofC. smithiiin the central southern North Sea on an unidentified wreck on the Dogger Bank. This is the first offshore observation of any hard coral in the central southern North Sea.
Satellite Data for Water Resources Management
Authors: Bolten John , Lee Christine , Houser Paul
Published: September 2015

2015 NASA Applied Sciences Program, Water Resources Team Meeting; College Park, Md., 3–4 March 2015