bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Laboratory frost sorting by needle ice: a pilot experiment on the effects of stone size and extent of surface stone cover
Authors: Yamagishi Chizuru , Matsuoka Norikazu 
Published: September 2014

AbstractSorted patterned ground is ubiquitous where gravelly fine soil experiences freeze–thaw cycles, but experimental studies have rarely been successful in reproducing such patterns. This article reports an attempt to reproduce miniature sorted patterns by repeating needle‐ice formation, which simulates frost sorting in regions dominated by diurnal freeze–thaw cycles. Six full‐scale laboratory models were tested. They consisted of near‐saturated volcanic fine soil topped by small stones of uniform size; the models explored a range of stone size (~6, ~12, ~17 and ~22 mm) and surface abundance (20, 40 and 60% cover). The stones were placed in a grid on the surface. These models were subjected to 20–30 temperature excursions between 10 °C and −5 °C in 12 hours. The evolution of surface patterns were visually traced by photogrammetry. A data logging system continuously monitored vertical soil displacements, soil temperatures and moistures at different depths. All experimental runs displayed needle‐ice formation (2–3 cm in height) and resulting displacement of stones. The soil domains tended to heave faster and higher than the stones, leading to outward movement of the former and concentration of the stones. In plan view, smaller stones showed relatively fast and long‐lasting movements, while larger stones stabilized after the first five cycles. The 20% stone cover produced stone islands, whereas the 40% cover resulted in sorted labyrinths (a circle‐island complex) that may represent incipient sorted circles. The average diameter or spacing of these forms are 12–13 cm, being comparable to those in the field. The experiments imply that needle‐ice activity promotes rapid formation of sorted patterns, although the formation of well‐defined sorted circles may require hundreds of diurnal frost heave cycles. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Precipitation influences on uptake of a global pollutant by a coastal avian species
Authors: Bryan Albert L. , Snodgrass Joel W. , Brant Heather A. , Romanek Christopher S. , Jagoe Charles H. , Mills Gary L. , Brisbin I. Lehr 
Published: September 2014

Abstract

Climatic variation, including precipitation amounts and timing, has been linked to abundance and breeding success of many avian species. Less studied, but also of significance, is the consequence of climatic variability on the exposure and uptake of nutrients and contaminants by wildlife. The authors examined mercury (Hg) concentrations in nestling wood stork feathers in a coastal setting over a 16-yr period to understand the influence of rainfall amounts on Hg transfer by parental provisioning relative to habitat use, assuming differential bioavailability of Hg within freshwater and saltwater habitat types. Coastal Hg uptake by stork nestlings was linked to freshwater habitat use, as indicated by stable carbon isotope (δ13C) analyses. Cumulative rainfall amounts exceeding 220 cm in the 23 mo preceding the breeding seasons resulted in greater use of freshwater wetlands as foraging habitat and greater Hg accumulation by nestling storks. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:2711–2715. © 2014 SETAC
Indirectly suspended droplet microextraction of water-miscible organic solvents by salting-out effect for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Daneshfar Ali , Khezeli Tahere 
Published: September 2014

Abstract

A simple and low-cost method that indirectly suspended droplet microextraction of water-miscible organic solvents (ISDME) by salting-out effect before high-performance liquid chromatography and ultraviolet (HPLC-UV) detection was used for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in different samples. The ISDME is a combination of salting-out extraction of water-miscible organic solvent and directly suspended droplet microextraction (DSDME). Ninety-five microliters water-miscible organic solvent (1-propanol) was added to a 500-µL sample. A homogeneous solution was formed immediately. To produce a steady vortex at the top of the solution, the sample was agitated at 700 rpm using a magnetic stirrer. By the addition of ammonium sulfate (saturated solution) to the homogeneous solution, 1-propanol was separated and collected at the bottom of the steady vortex. Finally, 20 µL 1-propanol was injected into HPLC-UV. The effects of important parameters such as water-miscible organic solvent (type and volume), type of salt, and extraction time were evaluated. Under optimum conditions, the method has a good linear calibration range (0.1 µg/L–300 µg/L), coefficients of determination (R2 &gt; 0.998), low limits of detection (between 0.02 µg/L and 0.27 µg/L), and acceptable recovery (&gt;85.0%). Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:2694–2701. © 2014 SETAC
Time-dependent effects of the flame retardant tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCPP) on mRNA expression, in vitro and in ovo, reveal optimal sampling times for rapidly metabolized compounds
Authors: Farhat Amani , Crump Doug , Porter Emily , Chiu Suzanne , Letcher Robert J. , Su Guanyong , Kennedy Sean W. 
Published: September 2014

Abstract

The flame retardant, tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCPP), was previously shown to affect chicken embryo growth, gallbladder size, and lipid homeostasis. A microarray study, however, revealed only modest transcriptional alterations in liver tissue of pipping embryos (days 20–21), which was attributed to the rapid metabolism of TDCPP throughout incubation. To identify the most appropriate sampling time for rapidly metabolized compounds, the present study assessed the time-dependent effects of TDCPP on 27 genes, in ovo (50 µg [116 nmol] TDCPP/g egg) and in vitro (10 µM), using a chicken ToxChip polymerase chain reaction array. The greatest magnitude in dysregulation (up to 362-fold) occurred on day 8 of incubation (in ovo) with alterations of genes involved in phase I, II, and III metabolism, among others. Gallbladder hypotrophy was observed by embryonic day 12, corroborating the finding in pipping embryos from our previous study. From days 12 to 19, genes involved in lipid homeostasis, steroid hormone metabolism, and oxidative stress were affected. In chicken embryonic hepatoctyes (CEHs), TDCPP was completely metabolized to bis(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BDCPP) within 36 h, but transcriptional changes remained significant up to 36 h. These changes were not attributed to BDCPP exposure as it only altered 1 gene (CYP1A4). An 18-h exposure in CEHs altered the greatest number of genes, making it an appropriate time point for high-throughput chemical screening; however, depending on the biological pathways of interest, shorter or longer incubation times may be more informative. Overall, TDCPP elicits the transcriptional and phenotypic alterations observed in vitro and in ovo, whereas its major metabolite, BDCPP, is far less biologically active. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:2842–2849. © 2014 SETAC
Phenotypic and genomic responses to titanium dioxide and cerium oxide nanoparticles in Arabidopsis germinants
Authors: Tumburu Laxminath , Andersen Christian P. , Rygiewicz Paul T. , Reichman Jay R. 
Published: September 2014

Abstract

The effects of exposure to nanoparticles of titanium dioxide (nano-titanium) and cerium oxide (nano-cerium) on gene expression and growth in Arabidopsis thaliana germinants were studied by using microarrays and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and by evaluating germinant phenotypic plasticity. Exposure to 12 d of either nano-titania or nano-ceria altered the regulation of 204 and 142 genes, respectively. Genes induced by the nanoparticles mainly include ontology groups annotated as stimuli responsive, including both abiotic (oxidative stress, salt stress, water transport) and biotic (respiratory burst as a defense against pathogens) stimuli. Further analysis of the differentially expressed genes indicates that both nanoparticles affected a range of metabolic processes (deoxyribonucleic acid [DNA] metabolism, hormone metabolism, tetrapyrrole synthesis, and photosynthesis). Individual exposures to the nanoparticles increased percentages of seeds with emergent radicles, early development of hypocotyls and cotyledons, and those with fully grown leaves. Although there were distinct differences between the nanoparticles in their affect on molecular mechanisms attributable to enhancing germinant growth, both particles altered similar suites of genes related to various pathways and processes related to enhanced growth. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:70–83. Published 2014 Wiley Periodicals Inc. on behalf of SETAC. This article is a US government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
Qualitatively different coding of symbolic and nonsymbolic numbers in the human brain
Authors: Lyons Ian M. , Ansari Daniel , Beilock Sian L. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAre symbolic and nonsymbolic numbers coded differently in the brain? Neuronal data indicate that overlap in numerical tuning curves is a hallmark of the approximate, analogue nature of nonsymbolic number representation. Consequently, patterns of fMRI activity should be more correlated when the representational overlap between two numbers is relatively high. In bilateral intraparietal sulci (IPS), for nonsymbolic numbers, the pattern of voxelwise correlations between pairs of numbers mirrored the amount of overlap in their tuning curves under the assumption of approximate, analogue coding. In contrast, symbolic numbers showed a flat field of modest correlations more consistent with discrete, categorical representation (no systematic overlap between numbers). Directly correlating activity patterns for a given number across formats (e.g., the numeral “6” with six dots) showed no evidence of shared symbolic and nonsymbolic number‐specific representations. Overall (univariate) activity in bilateral IPS was well fit by the log of the number being processed for both nonsymbolic and symbolic numbers. IPS activity is thus sensitive to numerosity regardless of format; however, the nature in which symbolic and nonsymbolic numbers are encoded is fundamentally different. Hum Brain Mapp 36:475–488, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Macroeconomic Effects of Precautionary Demand for Oil
Authors: Anzuini Alessio , Pagano Patrizio , Pisani Massimiliano 
Published: September 2014

SummaryWe evaluate the macroeconomic effects of shocks specific to the oil market, which mainly reflect fluctuations in precautionary demand for oil driven by uncertainty about future supplies. A two‐stage identification procedure is used. First, daily changes in the futures–spot price spread proxy for precautionary demand shocks and the path of oil prices is estimated. This information is then exploited to restrict the oil price response in a vector autoregression. Impulse responses suggest that such shocks reduce output and raise prices. Historical decomposition shows that they contributed significantly to the US recessions in the 1990s and in the early 2000s, but not to the most recent slump. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Autoantibody Profiling in a Cohort of Pediatric and Adult Patients With Autoimmune Hepatitis
Authors: Villalta Danilo , Girolami Elia , Alessio Maria Grazia , Sorrentino Maria Concetta , Tampoia Marilina , Brusca Ignazio , Daves Massimo , Porcelli Brunetta , Barberio Giuseppina , Conte Mariaelisabetta , Pantarotto Lisa , Bizzaro Nicola ,   on behalf of the Study Group on Autoimmune Diseases of the Italian Society of Laboratory Medicine, Italy
Published: September 2014

BackgroundAutoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a rare condition characterized by the presence of autoantibodies distinctive of type 1 AIH (AIH‐1) and type 2 AIH (AIH‐2). The aim of this study was to evaluate the autoantibody profile in a cohort of pediatric and adult AIH patients, using both indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) and a new multiplexed line‐blot assay.MethodsSera from 63 pediatric and 53 adult AIH patients were tested for antinuclear (ANA), antismooth muscle (SMA), anti‐liver kidney microsome 1 (anti‐LKM1), anti‐liver cytosol 1 (anti‐LC1) autoantibodies using IIF methods; for anti‐LKM1, anti‐LC1, and soluble liver antigen/liver‐pancreas (anti‐SLA/LP) autoantibodies using the line‐blot; for anti‐F‐actin autoantibodies using IIF both on VSM47 cell‐line and on rat intestinal epithelial cells.ResultsAIH‐1 was the most common type of AIH in the adult cohort (73.6%), while AIH‐2 was the most common AIH in the pediatric cohort (61.9%). Both in adult and pediatric AIH‐2 anti‐LKM1 were the prevalent autoantibodies. In pediatric AIH‐2 anti‐LC1 autoantibodies were more frequent than in adult AIH‐2 (59 vs. 28.6%), and in 35.9% of cases they were present alone. In 17 patients anti‐LC1 autoantibodies were detected only with the line‐blot assay. The levels of anti‐LKM1 and of anti‐LC1 were not different between adult and pediatric AIH, and the overall agreement between the results obtained with the two IIF methods for F‐actin detection was 98.8% (CI 95%: 94.4–99.7%).ConclusionsThe line‐blot assay showed a higher sensitivity than IIF for anti‐LC1 detection. Anti‐LKM1 and anti‐LC1 autoantibody levels are not different in adults and children. An almost perfect agreement between the two IIF methods for anti‐F‐actin detection has been observed.
Mouse calvarial defect Model: An approach for the micro‐tomographic evaluation of polymer scaffolds
Authors: Wu Xiaohong , Wang Lu , Deng Feng , Watts David C. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTThe ability of bone repair scaffolds to form bone is traditionally evaluated using cell culture and animal experiments. Mouse calvarial organ culture maintains the natural cell‐to‐cell and cell‐to‐matrix relationships as well as the anatomical order, and this model has been used to study the biological behavior of intramembranous bones. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of mouse calvarial organ culture to be used as an in vitro model to study the bone regenerative ability of bone repair polymer scaffolds. Critical size defects (CSD) were created in the parietal bones. Electrospun poly(ε‐caprolactone) scaffolds were placed into one group of defects. The remaining defects served as a control. The bones were cultured for 38 days and analyzed with μCT, phase‐contrast microscopy, dissecting microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray analyses. This organ culture technique is easily available and could permit researchers to quickly establish a valuable database of candidate bone repair scaffolds. Microsc. Res. Tech. 77:1037–1043, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Exploring the length of the common channel of pancreaticobiliary maljunction on magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography
Authors: Itokawa Fumihide , Kamisawa Terumi , Nakano Toshiaki , Itoi Takao , Hamada Yoshinori , Ando Hisami , Fujii Hideki , Koshinaga Tsugumichi , Yoshida Hitoshi , Tamoto Eiji , Noda Takuo , Kimura Yasutoshi , Maguchi Hiroyuki , Urushihara Naoto , Horaguchi Jun , Morotomi Yoshiki , Sato Masahito , Hanada Keiji , Tanaka Masao , Takahashi Astushi , Yamaguchi Taketo , Arai Yuuki , Horiguchi Akihiko , Igarashi Yoshinori , Inui Kazuo ,   The Committee of Diagnostic Criteria of The Japanese Study Group on Pancreaticobiliary Muljunction
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundIn the revised diagnostic criteria for pancreaticobiliary maljunction (PBM), PBM can be diagnosed from a long common channel by magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). However, it is necessary to differentiate from high confluence of pancreaticobiliary ducts (HCPBD) with a relatively long common channel (≥6 mm) and effect of the sphincter in the pancreaticobiliary junction. This multicenter study aimed to explore definite value of the length of an abnormally long common channel, which enables to distinguish PBM from HCPBD on MRCP.MethodsIn 184 PBM patients and 22 HCPBD patients who were diagnosed by direct cholangiography and underwent MRCP, the length of the common channel was measured.ResultsThe length of the common channel was 16.2 ± 6.9 mm on direct cholangiography and 13.9 ± 6.2 mm on MRCP in PBM patients, and 7.7 ± 1.5 mm and 6.6 ± 1.4 mm in HCPBD patients. The optimal cut off value of the length of the common channel to distinguish PBM from HCPBD was identified to be 9 mm.ConclusionsPancreaticobiliary maljunction can be diagnosed from an abnormally long common channel on MRCP, but in cases of the common channel ≤9 mm on MRCP, direct cholangiography is needed to confirm PBM.
High resolution muscle measurements provide insights into equinus contractures in patients with cerebral palsy
Authors: Mathewson Margie A. , Ward Samuel R. , Chambers Henry G. , Lieber Richard L. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractMuscle contractures that occur after upper motor neuron lesion are often surgically released or lengthened. However, surgical manipulation of muscle length changes a muscle's sarcomere length (Ls), which can affect force production. To predict effects of surgery, both macro‐ (fascicle length (Lf)) and micro‐ (Ls) level structural measurements are needed. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to quantify both Ls and Lf in patients with cerebral palsy (CP) as well as typically developing (TD) children. Soleus ultrasound images were obtained from children with CP and TD children. Lf was determined and, with the joint in the same position, CP biopsies were obtained and formalin fixed, and Ls was measured by laser diffraction. Since soleus Ls values were not measurable in TD children, TD Ls values were obtained using three independent methods. While average Lf did not differ between groups (CP = 3.6 ± 1.2 cm, TD = 3.5 ± 0.9 cm; p > 0.6), Ls was dramatically longer in children with CP (4.07 ± 0.45 µm vs. TD = 2.17 ± 0.24 µm; p < 0.0001). While Lf values were similar between children with CP and TD children, this was due to highly stretched sarcomeres within the soleus muscle. Surgical manipulation of muscle‐tendon unit length will thus alter muscle sarcomere length and change force generating capacity of the muscle. © 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:33–39, 2015.
Use of the backslopping method for accelerated and nutritionally enriched idli fermentation
Authors: Shrivastava Neha , Ananthanarayan Laxmi 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDIdli is a cereal–legume‐based fermented food, widely consumed in India. It is popular for its nutritional content, sour taste and appetising aroma. The fermentation time of idli batter varies from 12 to 14 h. A reduction in fermentation time of idli batter is of great significance for large‐scale idli production units since it will reduce the batch time and will lead to a greater output. Accelerated fermentation can be potentially achieved by using the backslopping method. The inoculum for backslopping was optimally fermented (12 h) idli batter, dried at room temperature.RESULTSBackslopping reduced the fermentation time of idli batter from the conventional 12 h to 3 h while successfully maintaining sensory attributes of the product. In the idlis prepared by backslopped expedited batter, thiamine was found to be 50% higher; while reduction of anti‐nutrients phytate (11%) and trypsin inhibitor (16%) was higher than the conventionally fermented (12 h) idli batter.CONCLUSIONBackslopping not only accelerated idli batter fermentation but also enhanced its nutritional value. A similar process can be designed for other fermented foods, to expedite fermentation thus reducing the time requirement. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Mechanics of circular breathing in wind musicians using cine magnetic resonance imaging techniques
Authors: Peng Tiffany , Phillips C. Douglas , Dyke Jonathan P. , Stewart Michael G. 
Published: September 2014

Objectives/HypothesisTo investigate the mechanics of circular breathing using cine magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI).Study DesignPilot study.MethodsEight musicians were asked to sustain a note by circular breathing while being studied inside a Siemens Trio 3T magnetic resonance imaging scanner. Subjects were imaged in the midsagittal plane using an innovative T1‐weighted cMRI. Our study population included six professionals and two experienced amateurs (two saxophonists, two trombonists, and four trumpeters). Five predetermined oropharyngeal distances were measured frame by frame. Data were analyzed for displacement and percentage change over time. Oral airway area was measured using automated bounding box techniques.ResultsAll subjects were observed to complete the same series of steps characterized by 1) superior/posterior tongue displacement, 2) inferior/anterior soft palate displacement, 3) anterior tongue/soft palate displacement, 4) superior/posterior soft palate displacement, and 5) return of the tongue to baseline. Posterior oropharyngeal occlusion was demonstrated in bounding box data. Relative occlusion time was significantly longer among experienced amateurs than professionals (P = .01), with a similar trend in absolute occlusion time (P = .08). A trend toward a longer circular breathing cycle time was observed among saxophonists and trumpeters (P = .2), although the difference among trumpeters disappeared when amateurs were excluded.ConclusionsCircular breathing has been investigated as therapy for obstructive sleep apnea. This study defines the mechanics of circular breathing for use in training—and potentially in therapy—if proven useful. We demonstrated similar mechanics across subgroups, and increased efficiency among professionals. Our findings demonstrate the feasibility and reliability of cMRI in the dynamic assessment of oropharyngeal motion.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 125:412–418, 2015
Post‐ovulatory aging of oocytes disrupts kinase signaling pathways and lysosome biogenesis
Authors: MCGinnis Lynda K. , Pelech Steven , Kinsey William H. 
Published: September 2014

SUMMARYPost‐ovulatory aging of oocytes results in the progressive loss of fertilization and developmental competence. This degradation of oocyte quality has been the object of numerous investigations, primarily focused on individual signaling pathways which provide limited insight into the status of global signaling events. The purpose of the present investigation was to comprehensively assess broad patterns of signaling pathway activity during in vitro aging as an initial step in defining control points that can be targeted to prevent the reduction in oocyte quality during prolonged culture. An antibody microarray‐based phospho‐proteome analysis performed on oocytes before and after eight hours of culture revealed significant changes in the abundance or activation state of 43 proteins that function in a wide variety of protein kinase‐mediated signaling pathways. Several of the most significantly affected kinases were studied by Western blot and confocal immunofluorescence to corroborate the array results. Prolonged culture resulted in global changes in the abundance and activity of protein kinases that regulate the response to calcium, stress, and cell‐cycle control. Examination of intracellular structures revealed a previously unrecognized increase in the abundance of large autophogagic lysosomes, which correlates with changes in protein kinase pathways. These results provide insight into the stresses experienced by oocytes during culture and the diversity of responses that results from them. The observed increase in autophagy‐related activity, together with the disruptions in calcium signaling, cell‐cycle, and stress‐response pathways, have the potential to negatively impact oocyte quality by interfering with the normal sequence of biochemical changes that constitute egg activation following fertilization. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 81: 928–945, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.