bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of kevlar‐supported novel polypropylene membranes: Effect of the concentration of the nucleating agent on the properties and performance
Authors: Iqbal Nadeem , Ahmad Nasir M. , Sagar Sadia , Iqbal Faisal , Tareen Mohammad H. K. , Khan Taimoor A. , Mehfooz Saad , Khan M. Bilal , Jameel Tahir
Published: June 2013

Novel membranes were fabricated with woven Kevlar fabric sandwiched between two isotactic polypropylene layers and with various concentrations of adipic acid as the nucleating agent (NA). A thermally induced phase‐separation dip‐coating method was adopted to generate and control the microporosity in the developed membranes. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy were used to directly observe and confirm the morphologies and micropores in the fabricated membranes. We observed that with an increase in the concentration of the NA in the fabricated membranes, both the pore density and pore size decreased. The average pore sizes were observed to be 1.686, 0.925, 0.372 μm, respectively, for 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7 pphr concentrations of the NA, respectively. The flux characteristics of the prepared membranes were also tested at various pressures with water, methanol, ethanol, and isopropyl alcohol as solvents in a custom‐made filtration cell. The results obtained indicate the dependence of the flux on the type of solvent, pressure, and membrane. The flux for the solvents was observed to decrease with increasing concentrations of NA in the prepared membranes and was attributed to the decrease in the pore density and pore size. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2821–2831, 2013
New copolymer of poly(N‐vinylcarbazole) and poly(p‐phenylenevinylene) for optoelectronic devices
Authors: Mbarek Mohamed , Massuyeau Florian , Duvail Jean‐Luc , Wery Jany , Faulques Eric , Alimi Kamel
Published: June 2013

A novel diblock copolymer based on poly(N‐vinylcarbazole) PVK and poly(p‐phenylenevinylene) (PPV) precursor was synthesized by oxidative cross‐linking. The grafting of PPV with PVK moieties was elucidated by infrared absorption analysis. A structural study by X‐ray diffraction and a morphological study of the copolymer by scanning and transmission electron microscopy reveal a multiscale one‐dimensional self‐organization both at the molecular and at the sub‐micrometric level. The resulting copolymer exhibits original optical properties compared to those of PVK and PPV ones and presents an improved thermal behavior. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2839–2847, 2013
Pebax‐1657 nanocomposite membranes incorporated with nanoparticles/colloids/carbon nanotubes for CO2/N2 and CO2/H2 separation
Authors: Yu Bing , Cong Hailin , Li Zejing , Tang Jianguo , Zhao Xiu Song
Published: June 2013

Pebax‐1657 is known as a promising polymeric membrane material for CO2/N2 and CO2/H2 separation. In order to further improve its gas separation performance and reinforce the membrane, different fillers including silica nanoparticles, polystyrene (PS) colloids, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were incorporated into the polymer matrix to form nanocomposite membranes. The nanocomposite membranes of Pebax‐1657/silica and Pebax‐1657/PS colloid had a decreased CO2 permeability and selectivity over N2 or H2 compared to the pure Pebax‐1657 membrane, while the Pebax‐1657/CNT nanocomposite membranes had an increased CO2 permeability, retaining similar CO2/N2 or CO2/H2 selectivity compared to the pure polymer membrane. The CO2 permeability increased with increasing CNT content and reached a maximum at 5 wt % CNTs. The CNT‐enhanced gas permeability was attributed to the increase in gas diffusivity. The tensile modulus of Pebax‐1657 increased 43% after adding 5 wt % single‐wall CNTs (SWNTs), and increased 24% after adding 5 wt % multi‐wall CNTs (MWNTs). Thus, it is feasible to add CNTs to Pebax‐1657 membranes for improved mechanical strength and gas separation performance. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2867–2876, 2013
Processing and characterization of supercritical CO2batch foamed poly(lactic acid)/poly(ethylene glycol) scaffold for tissue engineering application
Authors: Zhang Wenhao , Chen Binyi , Zhao Haibin , Yu Peng , Fu Dajiong , Wen Jinsong , Peng Xiangfang
Published: June 2013

Both poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) are biodegradable polymers, blending PLA with PEG is expected to toughen PLA matrix while maintaining its biodegradability. In this study, PLA/PEG blends in different ratios were prepared through triple‐screw extruder, and the foaming behavior was investigated using supercritical carbon dioxide as physical blowing agent. The mechanical, thermal, rheological properties, and crystallization behavior were also studied. By the incorporation of PEG, the impact strength of the PLA/PEG blends improved by 98% with the specimens fractured in a ductile mode. The crystallization process of the blends was accelerated, and the crystallinity was significantly increased to 45.1%. The viscoelasticity of the PLA/PEG matrix was weakened, and the cells tended to break at the cell wall during cell expansion; thus, a highly interconnected structure with a maximum porosity of 82.3% was obtained. Moreover, the PLA/PEG blends exhibited higher cell densities and smaller cell size, compared to their neat counterparts. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 3066–3073, 2013
Outdoor weathering of polyamide and polyester ropes used in fall arrest equipment
Authors: Arrieta Carlos , Dong Yingying , Lan André , Vu‐Khanh Toan
Published: June 2013

In this work, the effect of natural climatic aging on two ropes made from polyamide 6 (PA6) and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) was evaluated. Samples of rope from both materials underwent a continuous outdoor aging treatment spanning 6 months in Montreal's weather. Tensile tests carried out on aged PA6 ropes showed an increase in ultimate strain and a decrease in breaking force when compared with as‐received values, while PET ropes exhibited a slight increase in ultimate strain as their breaking force remained unchanged. FTIR analyses of aged PET samples revealed a new absorption band in the hydroxyl region ascribed to the OH stretching vibrations of carboxylic acid end groups. FTIR quantitative analyses of the absorption bands in the carbonyl region of aged PA6 spectra displayed an increase in intensity that indicates the occurrence of chemical degradation reactions. The degree of crystallinity of PA6, calculated from differential scanning calorimetry data, was found to increase after the weathering treatment, a result confirmed by X‐ray diffraction analyses. The higher crystalline fraction is believed to entail an increase in the density of PA6 fibers, which give rise to the length reduction seen in PA6 ropes after the aging treatment. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 3058–3065, 2013
Miscibility, water uptake, ion exchange capacity, conductivity and dielectric studies of poly(methyl methacrylate) and cellulose acetate blends
Authors: Jois H. S. Sreekantha , Bhat Denthaje Krishna
Published: June 2013

In the last few decades, polymer blends with good miscibility and conductivity have been the focus of study for material scientists. Here, polymer blends of Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and Cellulose acetate (CA) of varying blend compositions have been prepared by solution casting method and their miscibility, water uptake, ion exchange capacity (IEC) proton conductivity, and dielectric properties have been studied. Dimethyl formamide (DMF) was used as solvent. Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) and Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements have been used to analyze the miscibility of the blends. Up to 50/50 PMMA/CA, water uptake showed an increasing trend and for other compositions the value decreased. Ion exchange capacity and conductivity of the blends decreased with increase in PMMA content of the blends. The variations in the blend properties have been attributed to the presence of specific interactions and exchangeable groups in the blend system. The proton conductivity of the blends is in the order of 10−3 S cm−1. Impedance analysis of the blends indicated the absence of any relaxation phenomenon in the blend system. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 3074–3081, 2013
Effects of postcure temperature variation on hygrothermal‐mechanical properties of an out‐of‐autoclave polymer composite
Authors: Vo Tien , Vora Khalil , Minaie Bob
Published: June 2013

The effects of cure temperature variation on the properties of an out‐of‐autoclave polymer composite manufactured using Cycom 5320 8HS prepreg were investigated using different postcure temperatures of a two‐stage cure cycle. In addition, the effects of adverse environmental conditions on the cure temperature variation were studied by conditioning the samples in an environmental chamber until they reached moisture equilibrium. The state of cure was obtained using a differential scanning calorimeter and dynamic mechanical analyzer. The mechanical properties were obtained using short‐beam shear (SBS) and combined loading compression (CLC) test methods. The state of cure obtained showed increases in total heat of reaction, degree of cure, and glass transition temperature as the postcure temperature increased. The SBS and CLC strengths showed an increasing trend as postcure temperature increased. Good correlations were obtained between the material's cure temperatures, state of cure, and mechanical properties for room temperature dry and hot wet conditions. The study showed that the state of cure can be used to define, monitor, and verify the cure quality. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 3090–3097, 2013
Distribution and extirpation of pigs in Pacific Islands: a case study from Palau
Authors: Clark Geoffrey , Petchey Fiona , Hawkins Stuart , Reepmeyer Christian , Smith Ian , Masse W. Bruce
Published: June 2013

Neolithic arrival in the Pacific involved, as in other parts of the world, the translocation of domesticated plants and animals by pottery‐making cultures in prehistory. Globally uncommon, though, was the abandonment of pottery on some islands and the extirpation of the pig (Sus scrofa/verrucosus) and dog (Canis familiaris) – the two largest mammalian quadrupeds introduced to Oceania – from the subsistence and cultural systems. This paper examines the extirpation of pigs from the Palau Islands as a case study to understand why an important domesticate has such an uneven prehistoric distribution. When suids are fed agricultural produce required to sustain the human population, it has been proposed that competition and extirpation will result, especially on small islands with limited arable land. However, pigs are considered problem animals in many environments because of the damage they cause to horticultural production, particularly the effects of free‐range pigs on gardens and plantations. It is suggested that extirpation and low‐level animal keeping are a response to the threat that pigs pose to plant food yields and social relations.
Somatic Hypermutations Confer Rheumatoid Factor Activity in Hepatitis C Virus–Associated Mixed Cryoglobulinemia
Authors: Charles Edgar D. , Orloff Michael I. M. , Nishiuchi Eiko , Marukian Svetlana , Rice Charles M. , Dustin Lynn B.
Published: June 2013

Objective

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most frequent cause of mixed cryoglobulinemia (MC), which is characterized by endothelial deposition of rheumatoid factor (RF)–containing immune complexes and end‐organ vasculitis. MC is a lymphoproliferative disorder in which B cells express RF‐like Ig, yet its precise antigenic stimulus is unknown. We have proposed that IgG–HCV immune complexes stimulate B cell expansion and somatic hypermutation (SHM)–induced affinity maturation in part via engagement of an RF‐like B cell receptor. This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that SHM augments RF activity.

Methods

RFs cloned from single B cells from 4 patients with HCV‐associated MC (HCV‐MC) were expressed as IgM, IgG, or IgG Fab. Selected Ig were reverted to germline. RF activity of somatically mutated Ig and germline‐reverted Ig was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Ig with SHM had RF activity, with the preference for binding being highest for IgG1, followed by IgG2 and IgG4, and lowest for IgG3, where there was no detectable binding. In contrast, reverted germline IgG exhibited markedly diminished RF activity. Competition with 1 μg/ml of protein A abrogated RF activity, suggesting specificity for IgG Fc. Swapping of mutated heavy‐chain pairs and light‐chain pairs also abrogated RF activity, suggesting that context‐specific pairing of appropriate IgH and Igκ, in addition to SHM, is necessary for RF activity.

Conclusion

SHM significantly contributes to RF activity in HCV‐MC patients, suggesting that autoreactivity in these patients arises through antigen‐dependent SHM, as opposed to nondeletion of autoreactive germline Ig.
Error rating tool to identify and analyse technical errors and events in laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Bonrath E M , Zevin B , Dedy N J , Grantcharov T P
Published: June 2013

Background

Surgical error analysis is essential for investigating mechanisms of errors, events and adverse outcomes. Furthermore, it provides valuable information for formative feedback and quality control. The aim of the present study was to design and validate a technical error rating tool in laparoscopic surgery.

Methods

The framework consisted of nine task groups and four error modes. Unedited videos of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedures were rated and analysed. The Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skill (OSATS) global rating scale was used to assess technical skills. The incidence of errors and of injuries (events) were the main outcome measures, and were used to calculate the reliability, and construct and concurrent validity of the instrument.

Results

Two observers analysed 25 procedures. Inter-rater reliability was high regarding total number of errors (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) 0·90) and events (ICC 0·85). The median (interquartile range) error rate was 35 (26–44) and the event rate 3 (2–3) per procedure. Error frequencies and OSATS scores correlated significantly in all operative steps (rs = − 0·75 to −0·40, P = <0·001–0·046). Surgeons demonstrating high OSATS scores had lower median (i.q.r.) error rates than surgeons with low scores in three of four steps: measuring bowel (4 (2–7) versus 10 (9–11); P = 0·004), jejunojejunostomy formation (5 (2–6) versus 10 (9–11); P = 0·001) and pouch formation (4 (3–6) versus 9 (5–12); P = 0·004).

Conclusion

The proposed error rating tool allows an objective and reliable assessment of operative performance in laparoscopic gastric bypass procedures.
A baseline process for the production, recovery, and purification of bacterial influenza vaccine candidates
Authors: Sánchez‐Arreola Pamela B. , López‐Uriarte Salvador , Marichal‐Gallardo Pável A. , González‐Vázquez Juan C. , Pérez‐Chavarría Roberto , Soto‐Vázquez Pedro , López‐Pacheco Felipe , Ramírez‐Medrano Alicia , Rocha‐Pizaña María R. , Álvarez Mario M.
Published: June 2013

The current commercial system for influenza vaccine production depends on the culture of virus in embryonated eggs—a strategy that is both costly and poorly scalable. Consequently, a sudden pandemic event with a demand for millions of vaccine doses in a short time could readily overwhelm the available world production capacity. In this communication, we present a process that uses Escherichia coli for scalable production of recombinant vaccine candidates against influenza. A monomeric and a dimeric fragment of hemagglutinin of the influenza A H1N1/2009 virus were successfully expressed in a BL21 (DE3) pLysS variety of C41 E. coli. We present results from batch processes where induction is made with isopropyl thiogalactoside and from fed‐batch experiments where expression is induced using lactose/glucose pulses. Concentrations in the range of 1.188–0.605 g/L of recombinant protein were observed in 2‐L stirred tank bioreactors. The genetic construct included an N‐terminal histidine tag sequence that facilitated recovery, purification, and proper refolding of the vaccine candidate by affinity chromatography in columns loaded with Ni+2. The proteins produced by this strategy selectively and specifically recognizes antibodies from patients diagnosed as positive to influenza A H1N1/2009. Overall protein recovery yields between 30.0 and 34.7% were typically observed. Based on these yields, a production of 4.6 × 103 doses L−3 day−1 is feasible. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 29:896–908, 2013
Application of a nonradioactive method of measuring protein synthesis in industrially relevant chinese hamster ovary cells
Authors: Dadehbeigi Nazanin , Dickson Alan James
Published: June 2013

Due to the high medical and commercial value of recombinant proteins for clinical and diagnostic purposes, the protein synthesis machinery of mammalian host cells is the subject of extensive research by the biopharmaceutical industry. RNA translation and protein synthesis are steps that may determine the extent of growth and productivity of host cells. To address the problems of utilization of current radioisotope methods with proprietary media, we have focused on the application of an alternative method of measuring protein synthesis in recombinant Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. This method employs puromycin as a nonradioactive label which incorporates into nascent polypeptide chains and is detectable by western blotting. This method, which is referred to as SUnSET, successfully demonstrated the expected changes in protein synthesis in conditions that inhibit and restore translation activity and was reproducibly quantifiable. The study of the effects of feed and sodium butyrate addition on protein synthesis by SUnSET revealed an increase following 1 h feed supplementation while a high concentration of sodium butyrate was able to decrease translation during the same treatment period. Finally, SUnSET was used to compare protein synthesis activity during batch culture of the CHO cell line in relation to growth. The results indicate that as the cells approached the end of batch culture, the global rate of protein synthesis declined in parallel with the decreasing growth rate. In conclusion, this method can be used as a “snapshot” to directly monitor the effects of different culture conditions and treatments on translation in recombinant host cells. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 29:1043–1049, 2013
Model‐based identifiable parameter determination applied to a simultaneous saccharification and fermentation process model for bio‐ethanol production
Authors: López C. Diana C. , Barz Tilman , Peñuela Mariana , Villegas Adriana , Ochoa Silvia , Wozny Günter
Published: June 2013

In this work, a methodology for the model‐based identifiable parameter determination (MBIPD) is presented. This systematic approach is proposed to be used for structure and parameter identification of nonlinear models of biological reaction networks. Usually, this kind of problems are over‐parameterized with large correlations between parameters. Hence, the related inverse problems for parameter determination and analysis are mathematically ill‐posed and numerically difficult to solve. The proposed MBIPD methodology comprises several tasks: (i) model selection, (ii) tracking of an adequate initial guess, and (iii) an iterative parameter estimation step which includes an identifiable parameter subset selection (SsS) algorithm and accuracy analysis of the estimated parameters. The SsS algorithm is based on the analysis of the sensitivity matrix by rank revealing factorization methods. Using this, a reduction of the parameter search space to a reasonable subset, which can be reliably and efficiently estimated from available measurements, is achieved. The simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) process for bio‐ethanol production from cellulosic material is used as case study for testing the methodology. The successful application of MBIPD to the SSF process demonstrates a relatively large reduction in the identified parameter space. It is shown by a cross‐validation that using the identified parameters (even though the reduction of the search space), the model is still able to predict the experimental data properly. Moreover, it is shown that the model is easily and efficiently adapted to new process conditions by solving reduced and well conditioned problems. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 29:1064–1082, 2013
Sexual Abuse and Drug Abuse Among Homeless Children in Ahvaz, Iran
Authors: Baratvand Mahmood , Soodani Mansour , Zarei Eghbal , Asadollahi Abdolrahim
Published: June 2013

This study conducted in the Ahvaz Correction Centre (ACC) in 2008 explored the relationship between variables such as drug abuse and sexual abuse and homelessness among children. The sample consisted of 28 children (mean age = 14.5 years) selected by snowball sampling. Data were collected by social workers practising in the ACC. The mean age of children beginning life on the streets was 11.71 years, and the group lived on the streets, on average, for 2.69 years. The group was held in the ACC, on average, for 11.68 months. Sexual abuse and drug abuse were common behaviours among the children, and robust relationships were found between these variables and age during the first experience of shelter‐seeking. The children had committed crimes such as pick‐pocketing, sexual abuse against other children, drug addiction and drug trafficking. It was found that many of their families had a history of conflict and/or divorce and most children had a family member with a criminal record. The children were also disadvantaged by a lack of education, with illiteracy common among them and their parents. A significant relationship was established between the children's family situation and the length of their detention (r = 0.47), while children who maintained links with their family members were less likely to return to crime after release from the centre. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

‘A history of conflict and/or divorce and most had a family member with a criminal record’

Key Practitioner Messages

In this sample of street children in Iran, half had begun living on the streets before the age of 11 years.

A majority of the children had engaged in criminal behaviours, particularly the misuse of drugs.

Many of these children had either perpetrated or been victims of sexual abuse while living on the streets.

Criminality in the family of origin was a common finding.
A Langevin Canonical Approach to the Dynamics of Chiral Systems: Populations and Coherences
Authors: Peñate‐Rodríguez Helen Clara , Dorta‐Urra Anais , Bargueño Pedro , Rojas‐Lorenzo German , Miret‐Artés Salvador
Published: June 2013

A canonical framework for chiral two–level systems coupled to a bath of harmonic oscillators is developed to extract, from a stochastic dynamics, the thermodynamic equilibrium values of both the population difference and coherences. The incoherent and coherent tunneling regimes are analyzed for an Ohmic environment in terms of a critical temperature defined by the maximum of the heat capacity. The corresponding numerical results issued from solving a non‐linear coupled system of equations are fitted to approximate path–integral analytical expressions beyond the so‐called non‐interacting blip approximation in order to determine the different time scales governing both regimes. Chirality 25:514–520, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hilar interneuron vulnerability distinguishes aged rats with memory impairment
Authors: Spiegel Amy M. , Koh Ming Teng , Vogt Nicholas M. , Rapp Peter R. , Gallagher Michela
Published: June 2013

Hippocampal interneuron populations are reportedly vulnerable to normal aging. The relationship between interneuron network integrity and age‐related memory impairment, however, has not been tested directly. That question was addressed in the present study using a well‐characterized model in which outbred, aged, male Long‐Evans rats exhibit a spectrum of individual differences in hippocampal‐dependent memory. Selected interneuron populations in the hippocampus were visualized for stereological quantification with a panel of immunocytochemical markers, including glutamic acid decarboxylase‐67 (GAD67), somatostatin, and neuropeptide Y. The overall pattern of results was that, although the numbers of GAD67‐ and somatostatin‐positive interneurons declined with age across multiple fields of the hippocampus, alterations specifically related to the cognitive outcome of aging were observed exclusively in the hilus of the dentate gyrus. Because the total number of NeuN‐immunoreactive hilar neurons was unaffected, the decline observed with other markers likely reflects a loss of target protein rather than neuron death. In support of that interpretation, treatment with the atypical antiepileptic levetiracetam at a low dose shown previously to improve behavioral performance fully restored hilar SOM expression in aged, memory‐impaired rats. Age‐related decreases in GAD67‐ and somatostatin‐immunoreactive neuron number beyond the hilus were regionally selective and spared the CA1 field of the hippocampus entirely. Together these findings confirm the vulnerability of hippocampal interneurons to normal aging and highlight that the integrity of a specific subpopulation in the hilus is coupled with age‐related memory impairment. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:3508‐3523, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Anterior insular cortex and emotional awareness
Authors: Gu Xiaosi , Hof Patrick R. , Friston Karl J. , Fan Jin
Published: June 2013

This paper reviews the foundation for a role of the human anterior insular cortex (AIC) in emotional awareness, defined as the conscious experience of emotions. We first introduce the neuroanatomical features of AIC and existing findings on emotional awareness. Using empathy, the awareness and understanding of other people's emotional states, as a test case, we then present evidence to demonstrate: 1) AIC and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) are commonly coactivated as revealed by a meta‐analysis, 2) AIC is functionally dissociable from ACC, 3) AIC integrates stimulus‐driven and top‐down information, and 4) AIC is necessary for emotional awareness. We propose a model in which AIC serves two major functions: integrating bottom‐up interoceptive signals with top‐down predictions to generate a current awareness state and providing descending predictions to visceral systems that provide a point of reference for autonomic reflexes. We argue that AIC is critical and necessary for emotional awareness. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:3371‐3388, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional allocation of synaptic contacts in microcircuits from rods via rod bipolar to AII amacrine cells in the mouse retina
Authors: Tsukamoto Yoshihiko , Omi Naoko
Published: June 2013

Retinal microcircuits for night vision at the absolute threshold are required to relay a single‐photon rod signal reliably to ganglion cells via rod bipolar (RB) cells and AII amacrine cells. To assess the noise reduction of intercellular signal transmission in this rod‐specific pathway, we quantified its synaptic connectivity by 3D reconstruction of a series of electron micrographs. In most cases (94%), each rod made ribbon synaptic contacts onto two adjacent RB cells. Conversely, each RB cell was contacted by 25 rods. Each RB axon terminal contacted four or five AII amacrine cells via 53 ribbon synapses. Thus, the signal from one rod may be represented as 106 replicates at two RB axons. Moreover, the two adjacent RB cells contacted two to four AII amacrine cells in common, where the signals relayed by two RB cells were reunited. In more detail, over 50% of each RB output was directed predominantly to a single, preferred AII amacrine cell, although each RB cell also separately contacted another one to three AII amacrine cells. Most of the replicate signals at two RB axons were collected on a few AII amacrine cells via reunions, dominant connections, and electrical coupling by AII–AII gap junctions. Thus the original signal may be reliably represented by signal amplification with focal accumulation without gathering unnecessary noise from a wide surrounding area. This allocation of RB–AII synaptic contacts may serve as the structural basis for the physiological properties of the AII single‐photon response that include high amplification, local adaptation, and regenerative acceleration. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:3541‐3555, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Choline acetyltransferase‐like immunoreactivity in a physiologically distinct subtype of olfactory nonspiking local interneurons in the cockroach (periplaneta americana)
Authors: Fusca Debora , Husch Andreas , Baumann Arnd , Kloppenburg Peter
Published: June 2013

Behavioral and physiological studies have shown that local interneurons are pivotal for processing odor information in the insect antennal lobe. They mediate inhibitory and excitatory interactions between the glomerular pathways and ultimately shape the tuning profile of projection neurons. To identify putative cholinergic local interneurons in the antennal lobe of Periplaneta americana, an antibody raised against the biosynthetic enzyme choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) was applied to individual morphologically and electrophysiologically characterized local interneurons. In nonspiking type IIa1 local interneurons, which were classified in this study, we found ChAT‐like immunoreactivity suggesting that they are most likely excitatory. This is a well‐defined population of neurons that generates Ca2+‐driven spikelets upon depolarization and stimulation with odorants, but not Na+‐driven action potentials, because they lack voltage‐activated transient Na+ currents. The nonspiking type IIa2 and type IIb local interneurons, in which Ca2+‐driven spikelets were absent, had no ChAT‐like immunoreactivity. The GABA‐like immunoreactive, spiking type I local interneurons had no ChAT‐like immunoreactivity. In addition, we showed that uniglomerular projection neurons with cell bodies located in the ventral portion of the ventrolateral somata group and projections along the inner antennocerebral tract exhibited ChAT‐like immunoreactivity. Assigning potential transmitters and neuromodulators to distinct morphological and electrophysiological types of antennal lobe neurons is an important prerequisite for a detailed understanding of odor information processing in insects. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:3556‐3569, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Subcellular organization of camkii in rat hippocampal pyramidal neurons
Authors: Ding Jin‐Dong , Kennedy Mary B. , Weinberg Richard J.
Published: June 2013

Calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) plays a key role in N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor‐dependent long‐term synaptic plasticity; its location is critical for signal transduction, and may provide clues that further elucidate its function. We therefore examined the subcellular localization of CaMKII in CA1 stratum radiatum of adult rat hippocampus, by using immuno‐electron microscopy after chemical fixation. When tissue was fixed quickly, the concentration of CaMKIIα (assessed by pre‐embedding immunogold) was significantly higher in dendritic shafts than in spine heads. However, when tissue was fixed 5 minutes after perfusion with normal saline, the density of labeling decreased in dendritic shaft while increasing in spine heads, implying rapid translocation into the spine during brief perimortem stress. Likewise, in quickly fixed tissue, CaMKII within spine heads was found at comparable concentrations in the “proximal” half (adjacent to the spine neck) and the “distal” half (containing the postsynaptic density [PSD]), whereas after delayed fixation, label density increased in the distal side of the spine head, suggesting that CaMKII within the spine head moves toward the PSD during this interval. To estimate its distribution at the synapse in vivo, we performed postembedding immunogold staining for CaMKII in quick‐fixed tissue, and found that the enzyme did not concentrate primarily within the central matrix of the PSD. Instead, labeling density peaked ∼40 nm inside the postsynaptic membrane, at the cytoplasmic fringe of the PSD. Labeling within 25 nm of the postsynaptic membrane concentrated at the lateral edge of the synapse. This lateral “PSD core” pool of CaMKII may play a special role in synaptic plasticity. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:3570‐3583, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nuclear factor one B regulates neural stem cell differentiation and axonal projection of corticofugal neurons
Authors: Betancourt Jennifer , Katzman Sol , Chen Bin
Published: June 2013

During development of the cerebral cortex, neural stem cells divide to expand the progenitor pool and generate basal progenitors, outer radial glia, and cortical neurons. As these newly born neurons differentiate, they must properly migrate toward their final destination in the cortical plate, project axons to appropriate targets, and develop dendrites. However, a complete understanding of the precise genetic mechanisms regulating these steps is lacking. Here we show that a member of the nuclear factor one (NFI) family of transcription factors, NFIB, is essential for many of these processes in mice. We performed a detailed analysis of NFIB expression during cortical development, and investigated defects in cortical neurogenesis, neuronal migration, and differentiation in NfiB−/− brains. We found that NFIB is strongly expressed in radial glia and corticofugal neurons throughout cortical development. However, in NfiB−/− cortices, radial glia failed to generate outer radial glia, subsequently resulting in a loss of late basal progenitors. In addition, corticofugal neurons showed a severe loss of axonal projections, whereas late‐born cortical neurons displayed defects in migration and ectopically expressed the early‐born neuronal marker CTIP2. Furthermore, gene expression analysis, by RNA sequencing, revealed a misexpression of genes that regulate the cell cycle, neuronal differentiation and migration in NfiB−/− brains. Together these results demonstrate the critical functions of NFIB in regulating cortical development. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:6–35, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Withdrawal and restoration of central vagal afferents within the dorsal vagal complex following subdiaphragmatic vagotomy
Authors: Peters James H. , Gallaher Zachary R. , Ryu Vitaly , Czaja Krzysztof
Published: June 2013

Vagotomy, a severing of the peripheral axons of the vagus nerve, has been extensively utilized to determine the role of vagal afferents in viscerosensory signaling. Vagotomy is also an unavoidable component of some bariatric surgeries. Although it is known that peripheral axons of the vagus nerve degenerate and then regenerate to a limited extent following vagotomy, very little is known about the response of central vagal afferents in the dorsal vagal complex to this type of damage. We tested the hypothesis that vagotomy results in the transient withdrawal of central vagal afferent terminals from their primary central target, the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS). Sprague–Dawley rats underwent bilateral subdiaphragmatic vagotomy and were sacrificed 10, 30, or 60 days later. Plastic changes in vagal afferent fibers and synapses were investigated at the morphological and functional levels by using a combination of an anterograde tracer, synapse‐specific markers, and patch‐clamp electrophysiology in horizontal brain sections. Morphological data revealed that numbers of vagal afferent fibers and synapses in the NTS were significantly reduced 10 days following vagotomy and were restored to control levels by 30 days and 60 days, respectively. Electrophysiology revealed transient decreases in spontaneous glutamate release, glutamate release probability, and the number of primary afferent inputs. Our results demonstrate that subdiaphragmatic vagotomy triggers transient withdrawal and remodeling of central vagal afferent terminals in the NTS. The observed vagotomy‐induced plasticity within this key feeding center of the brain may be partially responsible for the response of bariatric patients following gastric bypass surgery. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:3584‐3599, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Odd‐skipped labels a group of distinct neurons associated with the mushroom body and optic lobe in the adult Drosophila brain
Authors: Levy Peter , Larsen Camilla
Published: June 2013

Olfactory processing has been intensively studied in Drosophila melanogaster. However, we still know little about the descending neural pathways from the higher order processing centers and how these connect with other neural circuits. Here we describe, in detail, the adult projections patterns that arise from a cluster of 78 neurons, defined by the expression of the Odd‐skipped transcription factor. We term these neurons Odd neurons. By using expression of genetically encoded axonal and dendritic markers, we show that a subset of the Odd neurons projects dendrites into the calyx of the mushroom body (MB) and axons into the inferior protocerebrum. We exclude the possibility that the Odd neurons are part of the well‐known Kenyon cells whose projections form the MB and conclude that the Odd neurons belong to a previously not described class of extrinsic MB neurons. In addition, three of the Odd neurons project into the lobula plate of the optic lobe, and two of these cells extend axons ipsi‐ and contralaterally in the brain. Anatomically, these cells do not resemble any previously described lobula plate tangential cells (LPTCs) in Drosophila. We show that the Odd neurons are predominantly cholinergic but also include a small number of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic neurons. Finally, we provide evidence that the Odd neurons are a hemilineage, suggesting they are born from a defined set of neuroblasts. Our anatomical analysis hints at the possibility that subgroups of Odd neurons could be involved in olfactory and visual processing. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:3716–3740, 2013. © 2013 The Authors The Journal of Comparative Neurology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development of myelination and cholinergic innervation in the central auditory system of a prosimian primate (Otolemur garnetti)
Authors: Miller Daniel J. , Lackey Elizabeth P. , Hackett Troy A. , Kaas Jon H.
Published: June 2013

Change in the timeline of neurobiological growth is an important source of biological variation, and thus phenotypic evolution. However, no study has to date investigated sensory system development in any of the prosimian primates that are thought to most closely resemble our earliest primate ancestors. Acetylcholine (ACh) is a neurotransmitter critical to normal brain function by regulating synaptic plasticity associated with attention and learning. Myelination is an important structural component of the brain because it facilitates rapid neuronal communication. In this work we investigated the expression of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and the density of myelinated axons throughout postnatal development in the inferior colliculus (IC), medial geniculate complex (MGC), and auditory cortex (auditory core, belt, and parabelt) in Garnett's greater galago (Otolemur garnetti). We found that the IC and MGC exhibit relatively high myelinated fiber length density (MFLD) values at birth and attain adult‐like values by the species‐typical age at weaning. In contrast, neocortical auditory fields are relatively unmyelinated at birth and only attain adult‐like MFLD values by the species‐typical age at puberty. Analysis of AChE expression indicated that, in contrast to evidence from rodent samples, the adult‐like distribution of AChE in the core area of auditory cortex, dense bands in layers I, IIIb/IV, and Vb/VI, is present at birth. These data indicate the differential developmental trajectory of central auditory system structures and demonstrate the early onset of adult‐like AChE expression in primary auditory cortex in O. garnetti, suggesting the auditory system is more developed at birth in primates compared to rodents. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:3804–3816, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparative analysis ofTsc1andTsc2single and double radial glial cell mutants
Authors: Mietzsch Ulrike , McKenna James , Reith R. Michelle , Way Sharon W. , Gambello Michael J.
Published: June 2013

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with variable expressivity. Heterozygous mutations in either of two genes,TSC1(hamartin) orTSC2(tuberin), are responsible for most cases. Hamartin and tuberin form a heterodimer that functions as a major cellular inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) kinase. Genotype‐phenotype studies suggest thatTSC2mutations are associated with a more severe neurologic phenotype, although the biologic basis for the difference betweenTSC1‐ andTSC2‐based disease is unclear. Here we performed a study to compare and contrast the brain phenotypes ofTsc1andTsc2single and double mutants. UsingTsc1andTsc2floxed alleles and a radial glial transgenic Cre driver (FVB‐Tg(GFAP‐cre)25Mes/J), we deletedTsc1and/orTsc2in radial glial progenitor cells. Single and double mutants had remarkably similar phenotypes: early postnatal mortality, brain overgrowth, laminar disruption, astrogliosis, a paucity of oligodendroglia, and myelination defects. DoubleTsc1/Tsc2mutants died earlier than single mutants, and single mutants showed differences in the location of heterotopias and the organization of the hippocampal stratum pyramidale. The differences were not due to differential mTORC1 activation or feedback inhibition on Akt. These data provide further genetic evidence for individual hamartin and tuberin functions that may explain some of the genotype–phenotype differences seen in the human disease. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:3817–3831, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intraspinal stretch receptor neurons mediate different motor responses along the body in lamprey
Authors: Hsu Li‐Ju , Zelenin Pavel V. , Grillner Sten , Orlovsky Grigori N. , Deliagina Tatiana G.
Published: June 2013

In lampreys, stretch receptor neurons (SRNs) are located at the margins of the spinal cord and activated by longitudinal stretch in that area caused by body bending. The aim of this study was a comprehensive analysis of motor responses to bending of the lamprey body in different planes and at different rostrocaudal levels. For this purpose,in vitropreparation of the spinal cord isolated together with notochord was used, and responses to bending were recorded from SRNs, as well as from motoneurons innervating the dorsal (dMNs) and ventral (vMNs) parts of a myotome. It was found that SRNs were activated on the convex (stretched) side of the preparation during bending both in the yaw and in the pitch plane. By contrast, responses of motoneurons depended on the site and plane of bending. In the yaw plane, concave responses to bending of rostral segments and convex responses to bending of mid‐body segments prevailed. In the pitch plane, convex responses in dMNs and concave responses in vMNs to bending in mid‐body segments prevailed. These spinal reflexes could contribute to feedback regulation of locomotor body undulations and to the control of body configuration during locomotion. After a longitudinal split of the spinal cord, only convex responses in motoneurons were present, suggesting an important role of contralateral networks in determining the type of motor response. Stimulation of the brainstem changed the type of motor response to bending, suggesting that these spinal reflexes can be modified by supraspinal signals in accordance with different motor behaviors. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:3847–3862, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Clinical significance of atypical squamous cells cannot exclude high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion with histologic correlation—: A 9‐Year experience
Authors: Selvaggi Suzanne M.
Published: June 2013

Atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (ASC‐H) is a recognized category in the 2001 Bethesda Nomenclature System for cervical cytology. Although current ASCCP guidelines recommend colposcopic follow‐up, more recent studies are suggesting prior triage for HPV‐DNA analysis. We report on our experience at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics. From January 1, 2003 through December 31, 2011 (9‐y), the cytopathology laboratory processed 109,424 Pap Tests, of which 281 (0.26%) were diagnosed as ASC‐H. Tissue follow‐up was available in 181 (64%) of these cases, of which 45 (25%) were negative/cervicitis, 41 (23%) were CIN 1, 36 (20%) were CIN 2 and 59 (32%) were CIN 3. Stratification by age groups showed a higher percentage of high grade (CIN 2+) lesions (65%) in the premenopausal age group as compared with high grade lesion (35%) in the postmenopausal age group, whereas negative/CIN1 biopsies were more common in postmenopausal (65%) as compared to premenopausal (44%) women. Our data support the use of colposcopy in the management of women with ASC‐H on Pap Tests. However, in the older age group, prior HPV‐DNA testing may be of benefit to better identify those women at risk for high grade lesions. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2013;41:943–946. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nodular fasciitis in the parotid gland: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Peng Wei‐Xia , Kudo Mitsuhiro , Yamamoto Tetsushi , Inai Shunta , Fujii Takenori , Teduka Kiyoshi , Kawahara Kiyoko , Naito Zenya
Published: June 2013

Nodular fasciitis (NF) is a benign, reactive lesion with a self‐limiting process. Because NF is rare in the parotid gland and has many cytological similarities to other benign or malignant tumors, cytological misinterpretation is common. The patient, a 30‐year‐old woman, had a painless mass in her right parotid gland. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) was performed. Spindle cells with basophilic and well‐demarcated cytoplasm were observed in a mucoid‐like background. The mucoid‐like substance was metachromatic and appeared to be the matrix of PA. Histopathologically, spindle‐shaped cells with intervening birefringent mature collagen were arranged in short irregular bundles. Prominent mucoid‐like matrixes as well as few infiltrating neutrophils and lymphocytes were found in the background. Lesional cells were positive for CD10 and β‐catenin in the cytoplasm, but negative for cytokeratin, the S‐100 protein, CD34, and neurofilament. Ultimately, this patient was diagnosed with NF. In FNAC of the parotid gland region, distinguishing NF from other real tumors is important for deciding treatment strategies. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2013;41:829–833. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cytologic features of lipid‐rich variant of pancreatic endocrine tumor—Report of two cases with literature review
Authors: Zhang Zesong , Lee John G. , Gu Mai
Published: June 2013

Pancreatic endocrine tumor (PET) is an uncommon neoplasm of the pancreas with distinct cytomorphologic features. Lipid‐rich PET, a rare variant, histologically deviates from that of a conventional PET. There is only one case report of the cytologic features of this rare entity in the literature. We report two cases of lipid‐rich PETs diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasound‐guided FNA biopsy. Case 1 showed large aggregates, small clusters, and single cells with plasmacytoid appearance, small uniform nuclei, coarse chromatin, and prominent nucleoli. Abundant distinct small cytoplasmic vacuoles were present in almost all tumor cells and the background was clean. Case 2 showed flat cohesive sheets of medium‐sized uniform cells with indistinct plasmacytoid appearance, uniform nuclei, fine and evenly distributed chromatin, and inconspicuous nucleoli. Distinct small cytoplasmic vacuoles were seen only focally. Immunohistochemical stains in cell blocks of both cases confirmed the diagnosis of PET. Lipid‐rich PET may be misinterpreted on cytology specimens if the pathologist is not aware of this rare entity since it mimics clear cell carcinoma of the kidney, adrenal cortical neoplasm, or adenocarcinoma of the pancreas. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2014;42:308–313. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.