bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fin whale MDH‐1 and MPI allozyme variation is not reflected in the corresponding DNA sequences
Authors: Olsen Morten Tange , Pampoulie Christophe , Daníelsdóttir Anna K. , Lidh Emmelie , Bérubé Martine , Víkingsson Gísli A. , Palsbøll Per J.
Published: April 2014

The appeal of genetic inference methods to assess population genetic structure and guide management efforts is grounded in the correlation between the genetic similarity and gene flow among populations. Effects of such gene flow are typically genomewide; however, some loci may appear as outliers, displaying above or below average genetic divergence relative to the genomewide level. Above average population, genetic divergence may be due to divergent selection as a result of local adaptation. Consequently, substantial efforts have been directed toward such outlying loci in order to identify traits subject to local adaptation. Here, we report the results of an investigation into the molecular basis of the substantial degree of genetic divergence previously reported at allozyme loci among North Atlantic fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) populations. We sequenced the exons encoding for the two most divergent allozyme loci (MDH‐1 and MPI) and failed to detect any nonsynonymous substitutions. Following extensive error checking and analysis of additional bioinformatic and morphological data, we hypothesize that the observed allozyme polymorphisms may reflect phenotypic plasticity at the cellular level, perhaps as a response to nutritional stress. While such plasticity is intriguing in itself, and of fundamental evolutionary interest, our key finding is that the observed allozyme variation does not appear to be a result of genetic drift, migration, or selection on the MDH‐1 and MPI exons themselves, stressing the importance of interpreting allozyme data with caution. As for North Atlantic fin whale population structure, our findings support the low levels of differentiation found in previous analyses of DNA nucleotide loci.
Predicting future coexistence in a North American ant community
Authors: Bewick Sharon , Stuble Katharine L. , Lessard Jean‐Phillipe , Dunn Robert R. , Adler Frederick R. , Sanders Nathan J.
Published: April 2014

Global climate change will remodel ecological communities worldwide. However, as a consequence of biotic interactions, communities may respond to climate change in idiosyncratic ways. This makes predictive models that incorporate biotic interactions necessary. We show how such models can be constructed based on empirical studies in combination with predictions or assumptions regarding the abiotic consequences of climate change. Specifically, we consider a well‐studied ant community in North America. First, we use historical data to parameterize a basic model for species coexistence. Using this model, we determine the importance of various factors, including thermal niches, food discovery rates, and food removal rates, to historical species coexistence. We then extend the model to predict how the community will restructure in response to several climate‐related changes, such as increased temperature, shifts in species phenology, and altered resource availability. Interestingly, our mechanistic model suggests that increased temperature and shifts in species phenology can have contrasting effects. Nevertheless, for almost all scenarios considered, we find that the most subordinate ant species suffers most as a result of climate change. More generally, our analysis shows that community composition can respond to climate warming in nonintuitive ways. For example, in the context of a community, it is not necessarily the most heat‐sensitive species that are most at risk. Our results demonstrate how models that account for niche partitioning and interspecific trade‐offs among species can be used to predict the likely idiosyncratic responses of local communities to climate change.
Hybridization in a warmer world
Authors: Chunco Amanda J.
Published: April 2014

Climate change is profoundly affecting the evolutionary trajectory of individual species and ecological communities, in part through the creation of novel species assemblages. How climate change will influence competitive interactions has been an active area of research. Far less attention, however, has been given to altered reproductive interactions. Yet, reproductive interactions between formerly isolated species are inevitable as populations shift geographically and temporally as a result of climate change, potentially resulting in introgression, speciation, or even extinction. The susceptibility of hybridization rates to anthropogenic disturbance was first recognized in the 1930s. To date, work on anthropogenically mediated hybridization has focused primarily on either physical habitat disturbance or species invasion. Here, I review recent literature on hybridization to identify how ecological responses to climate change will increase the likelihood of hybridization via the dissolution of species barriers maintained by habitat, time, or behavior. Using this literature, I identify several cases where novel hybrid zones have recently formed, likely as a result of changing climate. Future research should focus on identifying areas and taxonomic groups where reproductive species interactions are most likely to be influenced by climate change. Furthermore, a better understanding of the evolutionary consequences of climate‐mediated secondary contact is urgently needed. Paradoxically, hybridization is both a major conservation concern and an important source of novel genetic and phenotypic variation. Hybridization may therefore both contribute to increasing rates of extinction and stimulate the creation of novel phenotypes that will speed adaptation to novel climates. Predicting which result will occur following secondary contact will be an important contribution to conservation for many species.
New yeast isolate Pichia caribbica synthesizes xylolipid biosurfactant with enhanced functionality
Authors: Joshi‐Navare Kasturi , Singh Pradeep Kumar , Prabhune Asmita A.
Published: April 2014

Sophorolipids (SL) belong to a class of glycolipidic biosurfactants suitable for a wide range of applications. The structural diversity in SL gives rise to variation in physicochemical and biological properties. To achieve the less explored head group diversity in sophorolipid structure, a new xylose fermenting yeast Pichia caribbica has been employed for biosurfactant production. The media and fermentation parameters have been optimized to achieve maximum yield of 7.48 g/L. The physicochemical properties of the xylolipid biosurfactant have been assessed. It reduced the surface tension of distilled water from 70 to 35.9 mN/m with the low critical micellar concentration (CMC) 1.0 mg/L as compared to typical SL (reported CMC range 40–100 mg/L). Structural characterization was done using FTIR and HR‐MS to identify the structure. 17‐L‐[(β‐D‐xylopyranosyl)‐oxy]‐Δ9‐heptadecanoic acid correlated to m/z 415 majorly constituted the product. Control experiment was performed in which glucose was provided as the hydrophilic carbon. This product was also subjected to HR‐MS analysis to determine its chemical nature and found to be different from xylolipid. Presence of xylose as head group was anticipated to give altered physicochemical and biological activities and indeed a low CMC value and better inhibitory action was demonstrated against Staphylococcus aureus.

Practical applications: Sophorolipids produced by microbial sources have several advantageous properties over commercial petroleum‐based surfactants including biodegradability, environmentally friendly nature, and low toxicity. Here, we have attempted to modify the hydrophilic head group by incorporating xylose in place of glucose. This molecule will also behave differently in response to different stimuli. Stimuli‐responsive surfactants are a class of compounds with applications in stabilization of emulsions, suspensions or foams, drug encapsulation and delivery, hard‐surface cleaning, personal care applications.

New yeast isolate – Pichia caribbica was provided with xylose and oleic acid. This resulted in synthesis of glycolipidic molecule different from typical sophorolipid synthesized by Candida bombicola. Xylose was incorporated as head group, i.e., hydrophilic moiety in place of glucose. The variation in structure imparted better surface tension lowering activity thus showed low CMC value. Also antibacterial activity was enhanced.
Antioxidant activity of phosphatidyl derivatives of hydroxytyrosol in edible oils
Authors: Martin Diana , Garcia‐Serrano Alba , Casado Víctor , Vázquez Luis , Reglero Guillermo , Torres Carlos F.
Published: April 2014

A comparative study of the antioxidant activity of hydroxytyrosol (HT) and phosphatidyl derivatives of hydroxytyrosol (PHT) added at increasing concentrations to diverse edible oils (lard oil, refined olive oil, and diacylglycerol‐rich oil) was performed. Antioxidant activity index was estimated as the ratio of induction time in presence of the compounds to induction time in their absence, after oxidation under Rancimat conditions. Tocopherol (TOC) and phosphatydilcholine (PC) were used as reference, and combinations PHT:TOC, PHT:PC, HT:TOC, and PC:TOC were also tested. PHT and HT showed a protective effect as the added concentration of antioxidants increased. However, the protective effect of PHT was superior to HT for olive oil and diacylglycerol oil, and similar to HT for lard oil. The magnitude of the protection of both PHT and HT was higher in lard oil, followed by olive oil and the poorest protection was for diacylglycerol oil. Both HT and PHT were superior to TOC. Furthermore, PC showed a lack of antioxidant activity compared to PHT. A lack of synergism between the combinations of antioxidants was found.

Practical applications: Including phosphatidyl derivatives of hydroxytyrosol in edible oils provides two advantages. First, they serve as a source of hydroxytyrosol and second they stabilize the lipid matrix, and in this respect the phosphatidyl derivatives perform better than hydroxytyrosol or tocopherols.

A comparative study of the antioxidant activity of hydroxytyrosol (HT) and phosphatidyl derivatives of HT (PHT) added at increasing concentrations to diverse edible oils (lard oil, refined olive oil, and diacylglycerol‐rich oil) was performed. Tocopherol as reference was also tested. PHT might be included in edible oils with the double strategy to offer a source of HT and, at the same, stabilize the own lipid matrix, even in a superior mode than HT or the standard tocopherol. Nevertheless, the particularity of each individual oil would determine the magnitude of the protection.
Laboratory‐scale optimization of olive oil extraction: Simultaneous addition of enzymes and microtalc improves the yield
Authors: Peres Fátima , Martins Luisa L. , Ferreira‐Dias Suzana
Published: April 2014

The aim of this work was to optimize olive oil extraction, at laboratory‐scale (Abencor system), from fruits of “Cobrançosa” and “Galega Vulgar” Portuguese cultivars, either in the absence or in the presence of enzymes and natural microtalc. Using a Placket–Burman design to select significant variables followed by a central composite rotatable design (CCRD), Abencor operation conditions were optimized: no water addition in 30 min malaxation and 14% w/w water addition at 50°C in centrifugation. The combined effects of the concentrations of natural microtalc (MT: 0.04–0.46 w‐%) and enzyme preparation (E: 0.003–0.117 w‐%) added at the beginning of malaxation, on quality criteria, total phenols and chlorophyll pigments concentrations, and on oil extraction yield, were investigated using a CCRD. The results showed that the addition of both an enzyme preparation and natural microtalc could enhance olive oil yield (up to 34% for 0.4–0.5% of microtalc and 0.1% of enzymes for “Galega Vulgar”) without any effect on quality of the obtained virgin olive oil.

Practical applications: Abencor system is the most used laboratory‐scale installation in olive oil technology to carry out trials that would be very difficult to perform at industrial scale. This study presents an optimization of the Abencor extraction process, as well as the optimization of extraction with two adjuvants, enzymes and natural microtalc, using two different cultivars. The effect of E and/or MT addition depend on the cultivar. However, an improvement in extractability was always found for both cultivars. This study shows that for “Cobrançosa” olives, considering both olive oil yield and economical aspects, the chosen conditions are 0.05–0.15% of microtalc in the absence of added enzymes. For “Galegar Vulgar” olives, the highest extractability is observed under the presence of enzyme preparation amount higher than 0.10% and microtalc amount of 0.4–0.5%.

The simultaneous addition of an enzyme preparation and natural microtalc could enhance olive oil yield. The use of adjuvants, and their respective amounts, must be adjusted to each cultivar.
Modeling of the composite action in fully restrained beam‐to‐column connections: implications in the seismic design and collapse capacity of steel special moment frames
Authors: Elkady Ahmed , Lignos Dimitrios G.
Published: April 2014

This paper investigates the effect of the composite action on the seismic performance of steel special moment frames (SMFs) through collapse. A rational approach is first proposed to model the hysteretic behavior of fully restrained composite beam‐to‐column connections, with reduced beam sections. Using the proposed modeling recommendations, a system‐level analytical study is performed on archetype steel buildings that utilize perimeter steel SMFs, with different heights, designed in the West‐Coast of the USA. It is shown that in average, the composite action may enhance the seismic performance of steel SMFs. However, bottom story collapse mechanisms may be triggered leading to rapid deterioration of the global strength of steel SMFs. Because of composite action, excessive panel zone shear distortion is also observed in interior joints of steel SMFs designed with strong‐column/weak‐beam ratios larger than 1.0. It is demonstrated that when steel SMFs are designed with strong‐column/weak‐beam ratios larger than 1.5, (i) bottom story collapse mechanisms are typically avoided; (ii) a tolerable probability of collapse is achieved in a return period of 50 years; and (iii) controlled panel zone yielding is achieved while reducing the required number of welded doubler plates in interior beam‐to‐column joints. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Construct validity of the mini mental state examination across time in a sample with low‐education levels: 10‐year follow‐up of the Bambuí Cohort Study of Ageing
Authors: Castro‐Costa Érico , Dewey Michael E. , Uchôa Elizabeth , Firmo Josélia O. A. , Lima‐Costa Maria Fernanda , Stewart Robert
Published: April 2014

Objective

The study aims to investigate whether longitudinal data on the structure of the mini mental state examination (MMSE) collected in an older Brazilian cohort support factorial invariance over time.

Design

Analysis of 10‐year data from a community‐based cohort study was performed.

Setting

The study took place in Bambuí, Brazil.

Participants

The study sample comprised 1558 (89.4%) of all eligible 1742 elderly residents.

Measurements

A standard Brazilian version of the MMSE was used.

Results

A five‐factor solution (developed on the baseline of the cohort) either with no constraints or with loadings constrained to equality across time provided a reasonable fit for the MMSE. A comparison between both models suggested that the model with no constraints was superior. However, the five absolute goodness‐of‐fit indices suggest that the fully constrained model was also adequate and did not differ substantively from the model without any restriction.

Conclusion

The structure of the MMSE remained relatively unchanged across the 10 measurement times, thus providing evidence for the good construct validity of the scale across time. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sickness Absence, Moral Hazard, and the Business Cycle
Authors: Pichler Stefan
Published: April 2014

The procyclical nature of sickness absence has been documented by many scholars in literature. So far, explanations have been based on labor force composition and reduced moral hazard caused by fear of job loss during recessions. In this paper, we propose and test a third mechanism caused by reduced moral hazard during booms and infections. We suggest that the workload is higher during economic booms and thus employees have to go to work despite being sick. In a theoretical model focusing on infectious diseases, we show that this will provoke infections of coworkers leading to overall higher sickness absence during economic upturns. Using state‐level aggregated data from 112 German public health insurance funds (out of 145 in total), we find that sickness absence due to infectious diseases shows the largest procyclical pattern, as predicted by our theoretical model. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Normal Mode Dynamics Comparison of Proteins
Authors: Tobi Dror
Published: April 2014

Sequence and structure comparisons are fundamental techniques that enable exploration of the sequence and structural spaces of proteins. Homology detection, function prediction, and protein classification rely on these techniques. However, protein structures are dynamic, rather than static, and such protein dynamics play a key role in a wide range of biological activities. Therefore, protein dynamics comparison algorithms may shed light on the relationship between proteins′ dynamics and function. Here, we review different strategies for comparing dynamics of proteins. Special emphasis is given to newly developed algorithms that compare dynamics of proteins with no apparent sequence or structural similarity and to the qualitative differences between these algorithms.
Polyfurans: A Computational Study
Authors: Sharma Sagar , Zamoshchik Natalia , Bendikov Michael
Published: April 2014

Polyfurans and furan‐based polymers have recently emerged as a new class of conjugated materials. We undertook the first comprehensive computational study of polyfurans, especially doped polyfurans, and systematically compared their properties with those of the corresponding polythiophenes. Parent polyfuran has higher highest occupied crystal orbit and lowest unoccupied crystal orbit energies (by 0.25 and 0.61 eV, respectively), as well as a higher band gap (by 0.36 eV) and significantly larger twisting energy than that of polythiophenes. Doping of polyfuran and polythiophene was less exothermic than polyselenophene in all cases. For thermodynamic reasons, polyfurans should be easier to dope lightly than polythiophenes, whereas at heavy doping levels polyfurans and polythiophenes should be doped with similar ease.
Evaluation of developmental toxicity using undifferentiated human embryonic stem cells
Authors: Jung Eui‐Man , Choi Yeo‐ul , Kang Hong‐Seok , Yang Hyun , Hong Eui‐Ju , An Beum‐Soo , Yang Jun‐young , Choi Ki. Hwan , Jeung Eui‐Bae
Published: April 2014

An embryonic stem cell test (EST) has been developed to evaluate the embryotoxic potential of chemicals with anin vitrosystem. In the present study, novel methods to screen toxic chemicals during the developmental process were evaluated using undifferentiated human embryonic stem (hES) cells. By using surface marker antigens (SSEA‐4, TRA‐1‐60 and TRA‐1‐81), we confirmed undifferentiated conditions of the used hES cells by immunocytochemistry. We assessed the developmental toxicity of embryotoxic chemicals, 5‐fluorouracil, indomethacin and non‐embryotoxic penicillin G in different concentrations for up to 7 days. While expressions of the surface markers were not significantly affected, the embryotoxic chemicals influenced their response to pluripotent ES cell markers, such as OCT‐4, NANOG, endothelin receptor type B (EDNRB), secreted frizzled related protein 2 (SFRP2), teratocarcinoma‐derived growth factor 1 (TDGF1), and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). Most of the pluripotent ES cell markers were down‐regulated in a dose‐dependent manner after treatment with embryotoxic chemicals. After treatment with 5‐fluorouracil, indomethacin and penicillin G, we observed a remarkable convergence in the degree of up‐regulation of development, cell cycle and apoptosis‐related genes by gene expression profiles using an Affymetrix GeneChips. Taken together, these results suggest that embryotoxic chemicals have cytotoxic effects, and modulate the expression of ES cell markers as well as development‐, cell cycle‐ and apoptosis‐related genes that have pivotal roles in undifferentiated hES cells. Therefore, we suggest that hES cells may be useful for testing the toxic effects of chemicals that could impact the embryonic developmental stage. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Claw‐Free Graphs, Skeletal Graphs, and a Stronger Conjecture on ω, Δ, and χ
Authors: King Andrew D. , Reed Bruce A.
Published: April 2014

The second author's (B.A.R.) ω, Δ, χ conjecture proposes that every graph satisfies . In this article, we prove that the conjecture holds for all claw‐free graphs. Our approach uses the structure theorem of Chudnovsky and Seymour. Along the way, we discuss a stronger local conjecture, and prove that it holds for claw‐free graphs with a three‐colorable complement. To prove our results, we introduce a very useful χ‐preserving reduction on homogeneous pairs of cliques, and thus restrict our view to so‐called skeletal graphs.
Synthesis and evaluation of a 99mTc‐labeled tubulin‐binding agent for tumor imaging
Authors: Erfani Mostafa , Shamsaei Mojtaba , Mohammadbaghery Faiyaz , Shirmardi Seyed Pezhman
Published: April 2014

Cholchicine and its derivatives are very potent tubulin‐binding compounds and can be used as a potential tumor targeting agents. In this study, colchicine was labeled with 99mTc via hydrazinonicotinic acid (HYNIC) and was investigated further. HYNIC/cholchicine was synthesized and labeling with 99mTc was performed at 95 °C for 15 min and radiochemical analysis included HPLC method. The stability of radiconjugate was checked in the presence of human serum at 37 °C up to 24 h. Biodistribution was studied in breast tumor‐bearing mice. Labeling yield of 95.8 ± 0.54% was obtained corresponding to a specific activity of 54 MBq/µmol. Radioconjugate showed good stability in the presence of human serum. Biodistribution studies in tumor‐bearing mice showed that 99mTc/HYNIC/colchicine conjugate accumulated in tumor with good uptake (3.17 ± 0.14% g/g at 1 h post‐injection). The radioconjugate was cleared fast from normal organs and showed clearance through urinary and hepatobiliary systems with accumulation of activity in kidneys and intestine. This radioconjugate may be useful to assess the presence of tumor by imaging.
Uterine epithelial cell changes during pregnancy in a marsupial (Sminthopsis crassicaudata; Dasyuridae)
Authors: Laird Melanie K. , Thompson Michael B. , Murphy Christopher R. , McAllan Bronwyn M.
Published: April 2014

Formation of a placenta requires intimate contact between the embryonic and maternal uterine epithelia in early pregnancy. Contact is accompanied by a characteristic suite of changes to the plasma membranes of uterine epithelial cells, termed the plasma membrane transformation. The plasma membrane transformation occurs in eutherian mammals and in viviparous (live‐bearing) squamate reptiles, and may be fundamental to the evolution of viviparity in amniotes. Marsupials provide an excellent opportunity to test the generality of this phenomenon. Here, we present the first detailed study of the plasma membrane transformation in a marsupial. We combine electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry to describe morphological and molecular features of uterine epithelial cells during pregnancy in the fat‐tailed dunnart (Sminthopsis crassicaudata; Dasyuridae). Cell morphology changes dramatically in S. crassicaudata during pregnancy. Apical microvilli are replaced by irregular blunt projections, then by spiky projections postimplantation. Cell surfaces flatten and ciliated cells are lost. Junctional complexes between adjacent cells increase in depth, then decrease just before implantation, which is consistent with junctional protein localization in this region of the cell membrane. The uterine cellular changes in S. crassicaudata are consistent with a plasma membrane transformation, and support the idea that this phenomenon is fundamental to the evolution of viviparity in amniote vertebrates. J. Morphol. 275:1081–1092, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Application of bioflocculating property of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain IASST201 in treatment of oil‐field formation water
Authors: Pathak Mihirjyoti , Devi Arundhuti , Sarma Hridip Kumar , Lal Banwari
Published: April 2014

A bioflocculating activity of 89.8% was depicted by an activated sludge‐borne bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain IASST201 with a yield of bioflocculant of 2.68 g L−1 obtained from production media broth after optimization of different parameters. The highest bioflocculation efficiency was found at the pre‐stationary phase of the bacterial growth period in the production media broth at 96th hour examined from a growth‐flocculation kinetics study. 85.67% of bioflocculation was observed in oil‐field formation water, with a separation of 68.7% of aliphatic hydrocarbon contents of the formation water after the application of the bacterial bioflocculant by entrapment mechanism with formation of flocs which was analyzed and examined comparatively through gas‐chromatography. Extensive removal of heavy metal contents of the oil‐field formation water due to bioflocculation was estimated by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The SEM and AFM studies declare the extracellular polymeric nature of the bioflocculant produced by this bacterium clumped within bacterial biofilm supported with FTIR study of the extracted bioflocculant.
Can managers compensate for coyote predation of white‐tailed deer?
Authors: Robinson Kelly F. , Diefenbach Duane R. , Fuller Angela K. , Hurst Jeremy E. , Rosenberry Christopher S.
Published: April 2014

Many studies have documented that coyotes (Canis latrans) are the greatest source of natural mortality for white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) neonates (<3 months old). With the range expansion of coyotes eastward in North America, many stakeholders are concerned that coyote predation may be affecting deer populations adversely. We hypothesized that declines in neonate survival, perhaps caused by increasing coyote predation, could be offset by adjusting or eliminating antlerless harvest allocations. We used a stochastic, age‐based population simulation model to evaluate combinations of low neonate survival rates, severe winters, and low adult deer survival rates to determine the effectiveness of reduced antlerless harvest at stabilizing deer populations. We found that even in regions with high winter mortality, reduced antlerless harvest rates could stabilize deer populations with recruitment and survival rates reported in the literature. When neonate survival rates were low (25%) and yearling and adult female survival rates were reduced by 10%, elimination of antlerless harvests failed to stabilize populations. Our results suggest increased deer mortality from coyotes can be addressed through reduced hunting harvest of adult female deer in most circumstances throughout eastern North America. However, specific knowledge of adult female survival rates is important for making management decisions in areas where both neonate and adult survival may be affected by predation and other mortality factors. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.
Genetic structure of brown and Iberian hare populations in northern Iberia: Implications for conservation of genetic diversity
Authors: Sanz‐Martín María J. , Estonba Andone , Manzano Carmen , Iriondo Mikel , Pérez‐Suárez Gonzalo , Fernández Alfonso , Palacios Fernando
Published: April 2014

Hares in the northern Iberian Peninsula have been managed by local authorities primarily as a game species for hunting. Over the last 4 decades, populations have been restocked by means of translocation from other regions. We examined the genetic structure of wild populations of 2 species living in the northern Iberian Peninsula: the brown hare (Lepus europaeus) and the Iberian hare (L. granatensis) to assess their genetic uniqueness and distinctiveness, and thus determine if these populations have been altered by anthropogenic translocations. We analyzed 215 sequences of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region and 6 microsatellite markers in 157 individuals from northern Iberia. We detected 3 distinct mtDNA types in L. europaeus (timidus, granatensis, and europaeus mtDNA lineages) and 2 mtDNA types in L. granatensis, (timidus and granatensis lineages). The high and homogeneous prevalence of a north European timidus mtDNA lineage in both L. europaeus and L. granatensis may be the result of an ancient introgression during the last glacial period. The homogeneous distribution of the granatensis mtDNA lineage in L. europaeus may also be the result of gene flow between species in a contact zone. In contrast, both the low prevalence of the europaeus mtDNA lineage and its highly localized presence in the center of Guipúzcoa are strongly indicative of the recent incorporation of non‐Iberian L. europaeus into the local population. The data derived from microsatellite markers revealed that L. europaeus populations from the center of Guipúzcoa had a much higher assignment probability to eastern European populations than the rest of northern Iberian populations, which presented high assignment probabilities to the populations from protected areas of Cantabria and Huesca. Strict adherence to International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) criteria strongly suggests that these translocations may not be beneficial, in that they compromise the genetic integrity of the native population of L. europaeus in the northern Iberian Peninsula. For this reason, we strongly recommend 1) translocations of L. europaeus individuals from non‐Iberian populations into Iberian populations be avoided; 2) restocking the center of Guipúzcoa with autochthonous L. europaeus individuals; 3) carrying out periodic genetic surveys of L. europaeus throughout the study area; and 4) increasing our knowledge of the genetic structure of L. granatensis under natural conditions. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.
Smad3: An emerging target for vocal fold fibrosis
Authors: Paul Benjamin C. , Rafii Benjamin Y. , Gandonu Sonate , Bing Renjie , Born Hayley , Amin Milan R. , Branski Ryan C.
Published: April 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

To determine the efficacy of small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting Smad3 to mediate fibroplasia in vitro, to investigate the temporal regulation of Smad3 following vocal fold (VF) injury, and to determine the local and distal effects of Smad3 siRNA VF injection.

Study Design

In vitro and in vivo.

Methods

In vitro, Smad3 regulation was examined at both the level of transcription and translation in a human VF cell line in response to Smad3 siRNA ± transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β). Collagen transcription was also examined. In vivo, Smad3 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was quantified as a function of time following rabbit VF injury. Also, the effects of injected Smad3 siRNA were assessed at local and distal sites.

Results

Smad3 siRNA knocked down Smad3 transcription and translation and limited TGF‐β‐mediated collagen mRNA expression with minimal cytotoxicity in vitro. In vivo, Smad3 mRNA increased 1 day following VF injury and remained elevated through day 7. Smad3 siRNA injection into the uninjured vocal fold had no local or distant effect on Smad3 mRNA at multiple organ sites.

Conclusions

These data provide a foundation for further investigation regarding the development of novel RNA‐based therapeutics for the VF, specifically locally delivered siRNA for challenging fibrotic conditions of the VF.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope 124:2327–2331, 2014
Thiolated Eudragit‐based Nanoparticles for Oral Insulin Delivery: Preparation, Characterization, and Evaluation Using Intestinal Epithelial Cells In Vitro
Authors: Zhang Yan , Du Xuli , Zhang Yu , Li Guofei , Cai Cuifang , Xu Jinghua , Tang Xing
Published: April 2014

This work deals with the synthesis of insulin loaded nanoparticles (NPs) composed of thiolated Eudragit L100 (Eul‐cys) and reduced glutathione (GSH) as potential nanocarriers for oral delivery of insulin. Perfectly spherical NPs with an average particle size of nearly 200–300 nm are prepared. The insulin release from Eul‐cys/GSH and Eul‐cys NPs in PBS (pH 7.4) shows that GSH can slightly decrease the release rate of insulin. Eul‐cys in combination with GSH or sodium caprate (SC) is evaluated for its permeation enhancing effect of FITC‐insulin using the Caco‐2 monolayer and Caco‐2/HT29‐MTX co‐cultured cells models. SC results in greater permeation enhancement compared to GSH. However, GSH proves to be less toxic. Paracellular transport of insulin represents the main mechanism by which the NPs facilitate insulin permeation through the intestinal epithelium, whereas a number of NPs are also taken up by the cells and release insulin within the cells.
4,5‐Ethylene‐2,7‐Carbazole‐Based Medium‐Bandgap Conjugated Polymers with Low‐Lying HOMO Levels Toward Efficient Polymer Solar Cells with High Open‐Circuit Voltage
Authors: Sun Jiangman , Zhu Yongxiang , Xu Xiaofeng , Zhang Chen , Chen Junwu , Chen Hongzheng , Cao Yong
Published: April 2014

Three medium‐bandgap polymers based on a 4,5‐ethylene‐2,7‐dithienyl carbazole as the electron‐donating unit and different 5,6‐dialkoxy‐2,1,3‐benzothiadiazoles as the electron‐accepting units, are synthesized as polymer donors for photovoltaic applications. The three copolymers possess highest occupied molecular oribital (HOMO) levels around −5.47 eV and medium bandgaps of about 1.94 eV. The solar cells with polymer:[6,6]‐phenyl C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) = 1:4 as the active layer, show an especially high open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.95 V and attain good power conversion efficiency up to 5.91%. The hole mobilities of the active layer films, measured by space‐charge‐limited current (SCLC), are up to 3.5 × 10−4 cm2 V−1 s−1. Given the favorable medium bandgaps, low‐lying HOMO levels, and good hole mobilities, these copolymers are promising candidates for the construction of a highly efficient front cell to harvest the shorter wavelength band of the solar radiation in a tandem solar cell with high Voc.

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Biodegradable polymers—an overview
Authors: Doppalapudi Sindhu , Jain Anjali , Khan Wahid , Domb Abraham J.
Published: April 2014

The revelation of biodegradable polymers dates back to many years ago. From then, their emergence leads to the surge of many biomaterials applicable in various fields like controlled drug delivery, regenerative medicine, orthopedic and long‐term implants which proved out to be momentous contributions of these materials. The immense effort and investigation kept on these materials are reflected by significant upsurge of the biodegradable polymer‐based marketed products and ongoing clinical trials of these materials. The synthetic versatility and flexible features of these polymers to get custom designed in accordance with need make them attractive for various therapeutic strategies. Long‐term biocompatibility and avoidance of surgery to remove implants are the main advantages of biodegradable materials over biostable polymers by which the former stand in for various indications over the latter. This review gives an overview on various biodegradable polymers with details on properties, mode of degradation and the potential biomedical applications associated with them. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Crystallization behavior and toughening mechanism of poly(ethylene oxide) in polyoxymethylene/poly(ethylene oxide) crystalline/crystalline blends
Authors: Liu Yongcheng , Zhou Tao , Chen Zhengguang , Li Lin , Zhan Yanhui , Zhang Aiming , Liu Feiwei
Published: April 2014

In this study, the unique crystallization behavior of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) in polyoxymethylene (POM)/PEO crystalline/crystalline blends was examined in detail. This study was the first to report the typical fractionated crystallization of PEO in POM/PEO blends when PEO is fewer than 30 wt.%. The delayed crystallization temperature of PEO was confirmed at about 5°C to 14°C by using differential scanning calorimetry and perturbation–correlation moving‐window 2D correlation IR spectroscopy. Wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction indicates that no new crystal structures or co‐crystals were generated in POM/PEO. The statistical calculations of scanning electron microscopy photos show that the average diameter of PEO particles is 0.227 µm to 1.235 µm and that the number of small particles is as many as 109 magnitudes per cm3. Theory analysis establishes that the delayed crystallization of PEO is a heterogeneous nucleation process and not a homogeneous nucleation process. A significant toughening effect of PEO to POM was also observed. The impact strength of POM/PEO acquires a maximum of 10.5 kJ/m2 when PEO content is 5%. The impact strength of the blend increases by 78.0% compared with pure POM. To improve the toughening effect, the best particle size is established between 0.352 and 0.718 µm, with a PEO particle spacing of 0.351 µm to 0.323 µm. The number of corresponding particles was 0.887 × 109 per cm3 to 3.240 × 109 per cm3. A PEO toughening model for POM was proposed to provide a new and effective way to solve the problem of POM toughening. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TPMT and MTHFR genotype is not associated with altered risk of thioguanine‐related sinusoidal obstruction syndrome in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia: A report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Wray Lisa , Vujkovic Marijana , McWilliams Thomas , Cannon Shannon , Devidas Meenakshi , Stork Linda , Aplenc Richard
Published: April 2014

Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome is a complication of therapy for pediatric ALL and may be modified by thiopurine methyltransferase activity as well as by MTHFR genotype. We assessed TPMT *3A, *3B, *3C, and MTHFR C677T and A1298C germline genetic polymorphisms among 351 patients enrolled in the thioguanine treatment arm of CCG‐1952 clinical trial. TPMT and MTHFR C677T genotypes were not associated with SOS risk. The combination of MTHFR and TPMT variant genotypes was not associated with SOS risk. These suggest that germline genetic variation in TPMT and MTHFR do not significantly alter SOS risk in patients exposed to thioguanine. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:2086–2088. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fearful thinking predicts hypervigilance towards pain‐related stimuli in patients with chronic pain
Authors: He Chun‐Hong , Yu Feng , Jiang Zhao‐Cai , Wang Jin‐Yan , Luo Fei
Published: April 2014

Cognitive impairment plays a role in the development and maintenance of chronic pain. Patients with painful disorders are reported to show attentional biases toward pain‐related information. However, these findings are controversial and rarely has any study examined whether chronic pain patients have attentional biases to pain‐related conditioned stimuli (CS). In this study, 21 patients diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia (TN) were recruited from the neurosurgical department of a large urban general hospital. Sixteen family members and 21 pain‐free volunteers were included as two separate control groups. Pain ratings, pain‐related anxiety, general anxiety, and depression were measured in all subjects using questionnaires. Two dot probe tests were performed, one which used pictures of painful versus neutral faces as cues, and another that presented three types of CS as cues that predicted certain, uncertain, or no pain. Our results demonstrated that the TN patients showed attentional biases towards painful faces and the CSs that signaled uncertain pain. Moreover, the ratings of negative emotion about their pain conditions correlated significantly with the presence of attentional biases. The patients' close family members, however, displayed biases towards uncertain‐pain CS. This study demonstrates that patients with chronic pain have increased attention towards pain‐related information and that the fearful thinking about pain was positively correlated with this phenomenon.
Toward combined transport and optical studies of the 0.7‐anomaly in a quantum point contact
Authors: Schubert Enrico , Heyder Jan , Bauer Florian , Waschneck Bernd , Stumpf Wolfgang , Wegscheider Werner , von Delft Jan , Ludwig Stefan , Högele Alexander
Published: April 2014

A quantum point contact (QPC) causes a one‐dimensional constriction on the spatial potential landscape of a two‐dimensional electron system. By tuning the voltage applied on the QPC gates which form the constriction at low temperatures the resulting regular step‐like electron conductance quantization can show an additional kink near pinch‐off around , called 0.7‐anomaly. In a recent publication, we presented a combination of theoretical calculations and transport measurements that lead to a detailed understanding of the microscopic origin of the 0.7‐anomaly. Functional renormalization group‐based calculations were performed exhibiting the 0.7‐anomaly even when no symmetry‐breaking external magnetic fields are involved. According to the calculations the electron spin susceptibility is enhanced within a QPC that is tuned in the region of the 0.7‐anomaly. Moderate externally applied magnetic fields impose a corresponding enhancement in the spin magnetization. In principle, it should be possible to map out this spin distribution optically by means of the Faraday rotation technique. Here we report the initial steps of an experimental project aimed at realizing such measurements. Simulations were performed for a heterostructure designed to combine transport and optical studies. Based on the simulation results a sample was built and its basic transport and optical properties were investigated.
Natural Antimicrobial – Containing EVOH Coatings on PP and PET Films: Functional and Active Property Characterization
Authors: Cerisuelo Josep Pasqual , Gavara Rafael , Hernández‐Muñoz Pilar
Published: April 2014

Natural antimicrobials are currently being tested by many researchers for active packaging applications as a response to consumer demands for safer food products. In previous work, several packaging materials consisting of ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH)‐coated polypropylene (PP) films containing essential oils or their constituents as active agents were successfully developed and tested for antimicrobial activity. In this work, selected films from those materials, namely EVOH coatings with carvacrol, citral, marjoram essential oil, or cinnamon bark essential oil, on PP and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates, were subjected to diverse physicochemical analyses in order to assess their suitability for food packaging applications. Concretely, the investigated properties were the stability of EVOH coatings on PP and PET substrates, the retainability of EVOH matrices for active compounds, the mechanical, optical, surface and barrier properties of the final active films and the effects of a matrix modification based on the addition of bentonite nanoclay on the performance of PP/EVOH active packages studied in actual working conditions.

Results showed that the application of corona discharge followed by a polyethyleneimine‐based primer was the best anchorage treatment available to stabilize EVOH coatings on PP and PET substrates. Furthermore, they demonstrated that the retention of active agents into EVOH matrices ranged from low to moderate, depending on the embedded substance, and that their presence into an EVOH coating in the final multilayer films did not noticeably affect their mechanical, optical or barrier properties, although it considerably improved their wettability. They also indicated that the inclusion of bentonite nanoparticles into their carrier layers substantially enhanced the performance of the final packages, while maintaining or slightly improving their other physical properties. Hence, as a conclusion, all the assayed multilayer films were considered perfectly valid for food packaging applications, and the incorporation of bentonite nanoclay to their carrier layers was also highly recommended. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The block planning approach for continuous time-based dynamic lot sizing and scheduling
Authors: Günther Hans-Otto
Published: April 2014

This paper calls for a change in paradigm in lot sizing and scheduling. Traditionally, a discrete time scale is chosen to model lot sizing and scheduling. As an alternative, the so-called block planning concept is proposed which is based on a continuous representation of time. A mixed-integer linear optimization model is presented that determines the size and the time phasing of the individual production lots in a single-stage production system under the objective of minimizing the makespan. The modelling approach presented here assumes the grouping of product variants into setup families and the production of product variants within a family in a pre-defined sequence. Numerical results demonstrate the practicability of this approach under experimental conditions which reflect typical settings from a leading company in the European beverage industry.
Combination and mean width rearrangements of solutions to elliptic equations in convex sets
Authors: Salani Paolo
Published: April 2014

We introduce a method to compare solutions of different equations in different domains. As a consequence, we define a new kind of rearrangement which applies to solution of fully nonlinear equations

F(x,u,Du,D^{2}u) = 0

, not necessarily in divergence form, in convex domains and we obtain Talenti's type results for this kind of rearrangement.
An Analysis of Mass Casualty Incidents in the Setting of Mass Gatherings and Special Events
Authors: Turris Sheila A. , Lund Adam , Bowles Ronald R.
Published: April 2014

Objectives

Mass gatherings (MGs) and special events typically involve large numbers of people in unfamiliar settings, potentially creating unpredictable situations. To assess the information available to guide emergency services and onsite medical teams in planning and preparing for potential mass casualty incidents (MCIs), we analyzed the literature for the past 30 years.

Methods

A search of the literature for MCIs at MGs from 1982 to 2012 was conducted and analyzed.

Results

Of the 290 MCIs included in this study, the most frequently reported mechanism of injury involved the movement of people under crowded conditions (162; 55.9%), followed by special hazards (eg, airplane crashes, pyrotechnic displays, car crashes, boat collisions: 57; 19.6%), structural failures (eg, building code violations, balcony collapses: 38; 13.1%), deliberate events (26; 9%), and toxic exposures (7; 2.4%). Incidents occurred in Asia (71; 24%), Europe (69; 24%), Africa (48; 17%), North America (48; 27%), South America (27; 9%), the Middle East (25; 9%), and Australasia (2; 1%). A minimum of 12 877 deaths and 27 184 injuries resulted.

Conclusions

Based on our findings, we recommend that a centralized database be created. With this database, researchers can further develop evidence to guide prevention efforts and mitigate the effects of MCIs during MGs. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2014;0:1-7)