bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of effective parameters for the synthesis of poly(propylene fumarate) by response surface methodology
Authors: Shahbazi Sara , Jafari Yaser , Moztarzadeh Fathollah , Mir Mohamad Sadeghi Gity 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTPoly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) is an unsaturated linear polyester, which was synthesized for potential applications in filling skeletal defects. The synthesis was carried out according to a two‐step polymerization reaction. In this research, a functional relationship among three reaction factors [temperature, reaction time, and stoichiometry of the monomers] in the PPF synthesis was established by responses of the surface methodology/central composite design (CCD). After that, on the basis of the responses of CCD [increasing intensity ratio of the CH/OH peaks in Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra], designed substances were synthesized and analyzed by FTIR spectroscopy. The synthesized PPF, based on the optimized synthesis conditions from CCD, had a high molecular weight, low hydroxyl group content, and optimum viscosity. According to the CCD response, the best product was obtained through with a molar ratio of diethyl fumarate/propylene glycol/ZnCl2/hydroquinone of 1:3.5:0.01:0.002 and a 17‐h reaction time at 140°C. Eventually, the synthesized PPF was characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, NMR, and gel permeation chromatography analyses. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40932.
Relationship between working memory performance and neural activation measured using near‐infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Ogawa Yutaro , Kotani Kiyoshi , Jimbo Yasuhiko 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundWorking memory (WM) is a key function for various cognitive processes. Near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a powerful technique for noninvasive functional imaging. However, a study has yet to be published on the application of NIRS for evaluating WM performance. The objective was to evaluate NIRS for measuring WM performance.MethodsSubjects were trained to perform a visuospatial WM task. Eight channels on the lateral prefrontal cortex were analyzed. We asked the following three questions: (1) Does WM performance correlate with NIRS signal amplitudes? (2) What are the differences in NIRS amplitudes between correct‐ and incorrect‐WM tasks? (3) Is there a correlation between WM performance and NIRS amplitudes in only correct‐WM tasks?ResultsNIRS activation in all channels correlated with WM performance (P < 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) in seven channels between NIRS amplitude in correct‐ and incorrect‐WM tasks. NIRS activation of the delay time averaged with only correct‐WM tasks, correlated with WM performance in six channels (P < 0.05).ConclusionsSubjects with better WM performance have higher levels of oxyhemoglobin activation compared with control trials in the WM delay time, and our results suggest that NIRS will be useful for measuring the WM performance.
Intraspecific plant–soil feedback and intraspecific overyielding in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Bukowski Alexandra R. , Petermann Jana S. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractUnderstanding the mechanisms of community coexistence and ecosystem functioning may help to counteract the current biodiversity loss and its potentially harmful consequences. In recent years, plant–soil feedback that can, for example, be caused by below‐ground microorganisms has been suggested to play a role in maintaining plant coexistence and to be a potential driver of the positive relationship between plant diversity and ecosystem functioning. Most of the studies addressing these topics have focused on the species level. However, in addition to interspecific interactions, intraspecific interactions might be important for the structure of natural communities. Here, we examine intraspecific coexistence and intraspecific diversity effects using 10 natural accessions of the model species Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. We assessed morphological intraspecific diversity by measuring several above‐ and below‐ground traits. We performed a plant–soil feedback experiment that was based on these trait differences between the accessions in order to determine whether A. thaliana experiences feedback at intraspecific level as a result of trait differences. We also experimentally tested the diversity–productivity relationship at intraspecific level. We found strong differences in above‐ and below‐ground traits between the A. thaliana accessions. Overall, plant–soil feedback occurred at intraspecific level. However, accessions differed in the direction and strength of this feedback: Some accessions grew better on their own soils, some on soils from other accessions. Furthermore, we found positive diversity effects within A. thaliana: Accession mixtures produced a higher total above‐ground biomass than accession monocultures. Differences between accessions in their feedback response could not be explained by morphological traits. Therefore, we suggest that they might have been caused by accession‐specific accumulated soil communities, by root exudates, or by accession‐specific resource use based on genetic differences that are not expressed in morphological traits. Synthesis. Our results provide some of the first evidence for intraspecific plant–soil feedback and intraspecific overyielding. These findings may have wider implications for the maintenance of variation within species and the importance of this variation for ecosystem functioning. Our results highlight the need for an increased focus on intraspecific processes in plant diversity research to fully understand the mechanisms of coexistence and ecosystem functioning.
Modelling centennial sediment waves in an eroding landscape – catchment complexity
Authors: Schoorl Jeroen M. , Temme Arnaud J. A. M. , Veldkamp Tom 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTSediment flux dynamics in fluvial systems have often been related to changes in external drivers of topography, climate or land cover. It is well known that these dynamics are non‐linear. Recently, model simulations of fluvial activity and landscape evolution have suggested that self‐organization in landscapes can also cause internal complexity in the sedimentary record. In this contribution one particular case of self‐organization is explored in the Sabinal field study area, Spain, where several dynamic zones of sedimentation and incision are observed along the current river bed. Whether these zones can be caused by internal complexity was tested with landscape evolution model (LEM) LAPSUS (Landscape Process Modelling at Multi‐dimensions and Scales). During various 500 year simulations, zones of sedimentation appear to move upstream and downstream in eroding river channels (‘waves’). These waves are visualized and characterized for a range of model settings under constant external forcing, and the self‐organizing process behind their occurrence is analysed. Results indicate that this process is not necessarily related to simplifications in the model and is more generic than the process of bed‐armouring that has recently been recognized as a cause for complexity in LEM simulations. We conclude that autogenic sediment waves are the result of the spatial propagation in time of feedbacks in local transport limited (deposition) and detachment limited (erosion) conditions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DNA polymerase ε and its roles in genome stability
Authors: Henninger Erin E. , Pursell Zachary F. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractDNA Polymerase Epsilon (Pol ε) is one of three DNA Polymerases (along with Pol δ and Pol α) required for nuclear DNA replication in eukaryotes. Pol ε is comprised of four subunits, the largest of which is encoded by the POLE gene and contains the catalytic polymerase and exonuclease activities. The 3′‐5′ exonuclease proofreading activity is able to correct DNA synthesis errors and helps protect against genome instability. Recent cancer genome sequencing efforts have shown that 3% of colorectal and 7% of endometrial cancers contain mutations within the exonuclease domain of POLE and are associated with significantly elevated levels of single nucleotide substitutions (15‐500 per Mb) and microsatellite stability. POLE mutations have also been found in other tumor types, though at lower frequency, suggesting roles in tumorigenesis more broadly in different tissue types. In addition to its proofreading activity, Pol ε contributes to genome stability through multiple mechanisms that are discussed in this review. © 2014 IUBMB Life, 66(5):339–351, 2014
Osteoporosis: A Lifecourse Approach
Authors: Harvey Nicholas , Dennison Elaine , Cooper Cyrus 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT

It is becoming increasingly apparent that the risk of developing osteoporosis is accrued throughout the entire lifecourse, even from as early as conception. Thus early growth is associated with bone mass at peak and in older age, and risk of hip fracture. Novel findings from mother-offspring cohorts have yielded greater understanding of relationships between patterns of intrauterine and postnatal growth in the context of later bone development. Study of biological samples from these populations has helped characterize potential mechanistic underpinnings, such as epigenetic processes. Global policy has recognized the importance of early growth and nutrition to the risk of developing adult chronic noncommunicable diseases such as osteoporosis; testing of pregnancy interventions aimed at optimizing offspring bone health is now underway. It is hoped that through such programs, novel public health strategies may be established with the ultimate goal of reducing the burden of osteoporotic fracture in older age. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Runx2 Regulates Endochondral Ossification Through Control of Chondrocyte Proliferation and Differentiation
Authors: Chen Haiyan , Ghori-Javed Farah Y , Rashid Harunur , Adhami Mitra D , Serra Rosa , Gutierrez Soraya E , Javed Amjad 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT

Synthesis of cartilage by chondrocytes is an obligatory step for endochondral ossification. Global deletion of the Runx2 gene results in complete failure of the ossification process, but the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms are not fully known. Here, we elucidated Runx2 regulatory control distinctive to chondrocyte and cartilage tissue by generating Runx2 exon 8 floxed mice. Deletion of Runx2 gene in chondrocytes caused failure of endochondral ossification and lethality at birth. The limbs of Runx2ΔE8/ΔE8 mice were devoid of mature chondrocytes, vasculature, and marrow. We demonstrate that the C-terminus of Runx2 drives its biological activity. Importantly, nuclear import and DNA binding functions of Runx2 are insufficient for chondrogenesis. Molecular studies revealed that despite normal levels of Sox9 and PTHrP, chondrocyte differentiation and cartilage growth are disrupted in Runx2ΔE8/ΔE8 mice. Loss of Runx2 in chondrocytes also impaired osteoprotegerin-receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (OPG-RANKL) signaling and chondroclast development. Dwarfism observed in Runx2 mutants was associated with the near absence of proliferative zone in the growth plates. Finally, we show Runx2 directly regulates a unique set of cell cycle genes, Gpr132, Sfn, c-Myb, and Cyclin A1, to control proliferative capacity of chondrocyte. Thus, Runx2 is obligatory for both proliferation and differentiation of chondrocytes. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Part 2: Ultrastructural changes of fibrin networks during three phases of pregnancy: A qualitative investigation
Authors: Swanepoel Albe C. , Lindeque Barend G. , Swart Paul J. , Abdool Zeelha , Pretorius Etheresia 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Normal pregnancy is characterized by significant alterations in the haemostatic system accompanied by an augmented risk of thrombosis. Materials and methods: The fibrin network ultrastructure of different phases of pregnancy, namely early pregnancy (week 8–14), late pregnancy (week 36–40) as well as post‐partum (week 6–8 after birth) were compared with nonpregnant fibrin networks as well as each other to establish whether differences in fibrin network morphology exist during pregnancy. Scanning electron microscopy was employed to analyse fibrin network morphology. Results: The fibrin networks from all phases of pregnancy appeared similar to each other, exhibiting prominent coagulant formation, an increase in the formation of minor, thin fibers, and the presence of granular globules. All three phases, however, differ from the typical fibrin network ultrastructure exhibited by the fibrin networks from nonpregnant individuals. The increase in estrogen associated with pregnancy may cause the increase in coagulation factors and ultimately the prothrombotic state characteristic of pregnancy. Conclusions: Since no differences were apparent between the different phases of pregnancy it suggests that activation of the coagulation system commences with pregnancy and this pro‐thrombotic state continues till at least 8 weeks after birth. These results may shed light on possible pathological mechanisms employed in the development of abnormal or ailing pregnancy. Microsc. Res. Tech. 77:602–608, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
G‐protein coupled estrogen receptor, estrogen receptor α, and progesterone receptor immunohistochemistry in the hypothalamus of aging female rhesus macaques given long‐term estradiol treatment
Authors: Naugle Michelle M. , Nguyen Long T. , Merceron Tyler K. , Filardo Edward , Janssen William G.M. , Morrison John H. , Rapp Peter R. , Gore Andrea C. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTSteroid hormone receptors are widely and heterogeneously expressed in the brain, and are regulated by age and gonadal hormones. Our goal was to quantify effects of aging, long‐term estradiol (E2) treatment, and their interactions, on expression of G protein‐coupled estrogen receptor (GPER), estrogen receptor α (ERα) and progesterone receptor (PR) immunoreactivity in two hypothalamic regions, the arcuate (ARC) and the periventricular area (PERI) of rhesus monkeys as a model of menopause and hormone replacement. Ovariectomized (OVX) rhesus macaques were young (∼11 years) or aged (∼25 years), given oil (vehicle) or E2 every 3 weeks for 2 years. Immunohistochemistry and stereologic analysis of ERα, PR, and GPER was performed. More effects were detected for GPER than the other two receptors. Specifically, GPER cell density in the ARC and PERI, and the percent of GPER‐immunoreactive cells in the PERI, were greater in aged than in young monkeys. In addition, we mapped the qualitative distribution of GPER in the monkey hypothalamus and nearby regions. For ERα, E2 treated monkeys tended to have higher cell density than vehicle monkeys in the ARC. The percent of PR density in the PERI tended to be higher in E2 than vehicle monkeys of both ages. This study shows that the aged hypothalamus maintains expression of hormone receptors with age, and that long‐term cyclic E2 treatment has few effects on their expression, although GPER was affected more than ERα or PR. This result is surprising in light of evidence for E2 regulation of the receptors studied here, and differences may be due to the selected regions, long‐term nature of E2 treatment, among other possibilities. J. Exp. Zool. 321A: 399–414, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A clinical decision algorithm for hospital inpatients with impaired decision‐making capacity
Authors: Chase Jack ,   for the San Francisco General Hospital Workgroup on Patient Capacity and Medical Decision Making
Published: May 2014

BACKGROUNDImpaired decision‐making capacity is a frequent complication of inpatient hospitalization, with potential negative impacts on patients and the healthcare system. Studies of clinician behavior show difficulty in diagnosis and management of capacity impairment. Appropriate management of incapacitated patients may benefit safety, medical outcomes, and healthcare expenditure.OBJECTIVETo create a clinical decision algorithm for identification and management of hospital inpatients with impaired capacity.METHODSThe Department of Risk Management at San Francisco General Hospital (SFGH) convened a multidisciplinary workgroup to improve management of incapacitated patients. The workgroup studied institutional data and case experience, solicited mental health expertise, and performed a brief review of published tools for management of incapacitated patients. The workgroup produced a clinical decision algorithm for hospital inpatients with impaired decision‐making capacity.RESULTSThe algorithm is explained via 3 common scenarios, and notable details include identification and management in a single visual diagram, emphasis on safety planning for a high‐risk subset of incapacitated patients, and explanation for multiple disciplines of consultation. The algorithm was disseminated to providers, workshops were conducted, and associated quality improvements were implemented. Initial feedback was positive, relating to clinical competency, decreased practice anxiety, and improved teamwork.CONCLUSIONSImpaired decision‐making capacity is frequent among hospitalized patients, including at SFGH. An algorithm, based on institutional review and prior published work, is presented as an example to address the common challenge of acutely ill patients with impaired decision‐making capacity. Journal of Hospital Medicine 20142014;9:527–532. © 2014 Society of Hospital Medicine
Indian summer monsoon rainfall and its relation with SST in the equatorial Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
Authors: Varikoden Hamza , Babu C. A. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTA better understanding of the factors responsible for the variability in Indian summer monsoon rainfall (ISMR) is important in the present day climate because it is vulnerable to climate change. Here, we report the relationship between the Atlantic and Pacific sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies with ISMR. We developed a new ISMR index based on the high correlation of the SST anomaly over the oceanic regions during March–April, prior to the southwest monsoon season. The study was performed by utilizing rainfall data from the India Meteorological Department and SST anomaly derived from monthly extended reconstruction sea surface temperature data. We found that the relationship of the SST anomaly in the southwest Pacific region during the March–April period with the following ISMR is persistent in the 31‐year sliding window correlation analysis. SST anomaly in the Equatorial Atlantic during the March–April period is related almost in a similar manner to the following ISMR. However, persistence of the significance level is fluctuating. This indicates that the ISMR and the SST anomalies have varying relationships. To find out the fluctuation in the relationship between ISMR and the SSTs, we subjected the parameters to harmonic analysis. We noticed that the SST anomalies have similar kind of variability in the multidecadal (32 year), decadal (10.5) and interdecadal (5.6) periodicities in both Atlantic and southwest Pacific regions. The harmonics of SST and ISMR in the multidecadal time scale is out of phase and that for decadal and interdecadal time scales are in phase.
Effects of thyme as a feed additive in broiler chickens on thymol in gut contents, blood plasma, liver and muscle
Authors: Haselmeyer Alexander , Zentek Jürgen , Chizzola Remigius 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDAromatic herbs as feed additives in animal production are encountering growing interest, but data on the fate of the aromatic compounds from the plant in the animal body are very scarce. In the present study, thyme (Thymus vulgaris) herb consisting of leaves and flowers without stems was used as an ingredient in the diet for broilers. The herb was fed for 35 days to five groups of broilers (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 1% w/w in the diet). Animal performance and the concentrations of the main essential oil component from thyme, thymol, were measured in gut contents, plasma and liver and muscle tissues using solid phase microextraction and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.RESULTSThere were no differences between the groups in feed intake, daily weight gain, feed conversion and slaughter weight. Thymol was detected in gut contents, plasma and liver and muscle tissues. Increased intestinal thymol concentrations were found in the group with 1% thyme compared with the other groups (P < 0.05). In liver and muscle tissues the thymol levels were close to the limit of quantification.CONCLUSIONThe data do not indicate a positive effect of thyme on animal performance. With high dietary levels of thyme herb, thymol concentrations increased in gut contents and plasma but were very low in edible tissues such as liver and flesh. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Germ‐cell culture conditions facilitate the production of mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Ramos‐Ibeas Priscila , Pericuesta Eva , Fernández‐González Raúl , Gutiérrez‐Adán Alfonso , Ramírez Miguel Ángel 
Published: May 2014

SUMMARYThe derivation of embryonic stem‐cell (ESC) lines from blastocysts is a very inefficient process. Murine ESCs are thought to arise from epiblast cells that are already predisposed to a primordial‐germ‐cell fate. During the process of ESC derivation from B6D2 F1 hybrid mice, if we first culture the embryo from the two‐cell stage in medium supplemented with LIF, we improve the quality of the blastocyst. When the blastocyst is then cultured in a germ‐line stem‐cell culture medium (GSCm), we are able to more efficiently (28.3%) obtain quality ESC lines that have a normal karyotype, proper degree of chimerism, and exhibit germ‐line transmission when microinjected into blastocysts. Although germ‐cell‐specific genes were expressed in all culture medium conditions, GSCm did not shift the transcriptome towards germ‐cell specification. A correlation was further observed between ESC derivation efficiency and the expression of some imprinted genes and retrotransposable elements. In conclusion, the combination of LIF supplementation followed by culture in GSCm establishes a higher efficiency method for ESC derivation. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 81: 794–804, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nuchal translucency thickness in the prediction of unbalanced translocations
Authors: Arigita Marta , Grande Maribel , Mula Raquel , Borobio Virginia , Sanchez Aurora , Soler Anna , Borrell Antoni 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the role of nuchal translucency (NT) in the prediction of unbalanced translocation in offspring of couples in which one of the parents is a balanced translocation carrier.Material and methodsFrom January 1996 to December 2012, fetal NT was measured before chorionic villus sampling in 86 pregnancies referred because of parental balanced translocation.ResultsNo significant differences in pregnancy characteristics and in NT expressed in millimetres or in multiples of the median (MoMs) were observed between the 41 fetuses with a normal karyotype [1.72 mm, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.49–1.96; 1.14 MoM; 95% CI: 1.01–1.26], the 38 fetuses with balanced translocations (1.78 mm, 95% CI: 1.44–2.12; 1.22 MoM; 95% CI: 1.01–1.43) and the 7 fetuses with unbalanced translocations (2.21 mm, 95% CI: 1.33–3.09; 1.59 MoM; 95% CI: 0.72–2.45). The proportions of fetuses with NT above 95th centile in the three groups were 9.1% in fetuses with normal karyotype, 18.4% in balanced translocations and 28.6% in unbalanced translocations, not significantly different.ConclusionAlthough a trend to an increased NT was observed in fetuses with unbalanced translocation, no significant differences were reached. According to our results, a normal NT evaluation should not preclude the performance of CVS in pregnancies of balanced translocation parents. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.