bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differentiation of ovarian development and the evolution of fecundity in rapidly diverging exotic beetle populations
Authors: Macagno Anna L. M. , Beckers Oliver M. , Moczek Armin P. 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTFecundity is a fundamental determinant of fitness, yet the proximate developmental and physiological mechanisms that enable its often rapid evolution in natural populations are poorly understood. Here, we investigated two populations of the dung beetle Onthophagus taurus that were established in exotic ranges in the early 1970s. These populations are subject to drastically different levels of resource competition in the field, and have diverged dramatically in female fecundity. Specifically, Western Australian O. taurus experience high levels of resource competition, and exhibit greatly elevated reproductive output compared to beetles from the Eastern US, where resource competition is minimal and female fecundity is low. We compared patterns of ovarian maturation, relative investment into and timing of egg production, and potential trade‐offs between ovarian investment and the duration of larval development and adult body size between populations representative of both exotic ranges. We found that the rapid divergence in fecundity between exotic populations is associated with striking differences in several aspects of ovarian development: (1) Western Australian females exhibit accelerated ovarian development, (2) produce more eggs, (3) bigger eggs, and (4) start laying eggs earlier compared to their Eastern US counterparts. At the same time, divergence in ovarian maturation patterns occurred alongside changes in (5) larval developmental time, and (6) adult body size, and (7) mass. Western Australian females take longer to complete larval development and, surprisingly, emerge into smaller yet heavier adults than size‐matched Eastern US females. We discuss our results in the context of the evolutionary developmental biology of fecundity in exotic populations. J. Exp. Zool. 323A: 679–688, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The genetic and developmental basis of an exaggerated craniofacial trait in East African cichlids
Authors: Concannon Moira R. , Albertson R. Craig 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTThe evolution of an exaggerated trait can lead to a novel morphology that allows organisms to exploit new niches. The molecular bases of such phenotypes can reveal insights into the evolution of unique traits. Here, we investigate a rare morphological innovation in modern haplochromine cichlids, a flap of fibrous tissue that causes a pronounced projection of the snout, which is limited to a single genus (Labeotropheus) of Lake Malawi cichlids. We compare flap size in our focal species L. fuelleborni (LF) to homologous landmarks in other closely related cichlid species that show a range of ecological overlap with LF, and demonstrate that variation in flap size is discontinuous among Malawi cichlid species. We demonstrate further that flap development in LF begins at early juvenile stages, and scales allometrically with body size. We then used an F2 hybrid mapping population, derived via crossing LF to a close ecological competitor that lacks this trait, Tropheops “red cheek” (TRC), to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) that underlie flap development. In all, we identified four loci associated with variation in flap size, and for each the LF allele contributed to a larger flap. We next cross‐referenced our QTL map with population genomic data, comparing natural populations of LF and TRC, to identify divergent polymorphisms within each QTL interval. Candidate genes for flap development are discussed. Together, these data indicate a relatively simple and tractable genetic basis for this morphological innovation, which is consistent with its apparently sudden and saltatory evolutionary history. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 324B: 662–670, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Representations of Women in Microcredit Promotional Materials: The Case of Espoir Ecuador
Authors: Valencia‐Fourcans Lidia , Hawkins Roberta 
Published: August 2015

AbstractIn this paper, we explore the nature and practices of representations of women in microcredit promotional discourses. Based on the case of Espoir, a microcredit non‐governmental organization in Ecuador, we argue that the representations of women in microcredit promotional discourses have been reshaped increasingly by neoliberal configurations of power. These discourses reinforce the conceptualization of women as key actors in the development process—of their households and communities, and Ecuador as a nation. This conceptualization elicits conflicting and contradictory implications that may empower women but exacerbate neoliberal understandings of development that can undermine gender equality. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Effect of Metal‐Ligand Affinity on Fe3O4_Supported Co–Rh Catalysts for Dicyclopentadiene Hydroformylation
Authors: Ma Yubo , Qing Shaojun , Li Nana , Zhang Letao , Li Shouzhu , Gao Zhixian , Li Hongyi , Eli Wumanjiang , Wang Tianfu 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTThe catalytic performances of Co‐Rh/Fe3O4 catalysts modified with phosphine ligands (PPh3) and its analogues on dicyclopentadiene hydroformylation were evaluated. Among these catalysts, Co‐Rh/Fe3O4 modified with tris(p‐trifluoromethylphenyl)phosphine was determined to be effective for monoformyltricyclodecanes production, whereas Co‐Rh/Fe3O4 modified with PPh3 or tri‐p‐tolylphosphine was effective for the diformyltricyclodecanes production. To investigate the ligand effects, the complex catalyst system (Co‐Rh/Fe3O4 and phosphine ligand) was subjected to pretreatment with syngas and then characterized by thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis (TG‐DTA). It was determined that the threshold decomposition temperature reflected the corresponding Rh‐phosphine interaction strength, affecting the catalytic selectivity toward different products. A weak Rh‐phosphine interaction was desirable to produce monoformyltricyclodecanes with fast reaction kinetics, whereas a strong Rh‐phosphine complex was required for the synthesis of diformyltricyclodecanes. In addition to the selectivity rule shown in the PPh3 series, experiments with other ligands also demonstrated similar selectivity trends.
Kinetic Modeling of Ethylene Glycol Monoesterification
Authors: Pečar Darja , Goršek Andreja 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTThe monoesterification of ethylene glycol under isothermal conditions was conducted using benzoic acid in methane‐sulfonic acid/Al2O3 as a catalyst. Using this reagent, glycol was selectively monoesterified with high yield. The reactions were performed within an automated batch reactor under equimolar conditions, constant rotational frequency of the stirrer, and within the temperature range from 65 to 85°C. The rate constant related to this reaction and to the corresponding reverse reaction, activation energy, and preexponential factor was derived from experimental data. It has been concluded that under these conditions the formation of dibenzoate was successfully prevented.
Thermoresponsive Substrates Used for the Growth and Controlled Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Fan Xingliang , Nash Maria E. , Gorelov Alexander V. , Barry Frank P. , Shaw Georgina , Rochev Yury A. 
Published: August 2015

This communication outlines the advances made in the development of thermoresponsive substrates for human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) expansion and subsequent controlled specific and multilineage differentiation from a previous study performed by this group. Previously, the development of an inexpensive and technically accessible method for hMSC expansion and harvesting was reported, using the solvent casting deposition method and thermoresponsive poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide). Here, the logical continuation of this work is reported with the multipassage expansion of hMSCs with phenotypic maintenance followed by induced adipogenic, osteogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation. Interestingly, 1 μm thick solvent cast films are not only capable of hosting an expanding population of phenotypically preserved hMSCs similar to tissue culture plastic controls, but also the cells detached via temperature control better maintain their ability to differentiate compared to conventionally trypsinized cells. This approach to hMSC expansion and differentiation can be highly attractive to stem cell researchers where clinical therapies have seen a collective deviation away from the employment of animal derived products such as proteolytic trypsin.
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Maleimide Glycidyl Ether: A Bifunctional Monomer for Orthogonal Cationic and Radical Polymerizations
Authors: Klein Rebecca , Übel Fabian , Frey Holger 
Published: August 2015

A novel bifunctional monomer, namely maleimide glycidyl ether (MalGE), prepared in a four‐step reaction sequence is introduced. This monomer allows for selective (co)polymerization of the epoxide group via cationic ring‐opening polymerization, preserving the maleimide functionality. On the other hand, the maleimide functionality can be copolymerized via radical techniques, preserving the epoxide moiety. Cationic ring‐opening multibranching copolymerization of MalGE with glycidol was performed, and a MalGE content of up to 24 mol% could be incorporated into the hyperbranched polymer backbone (Mn = 1000–3000 g mol−1). Preservation of the maleimide functionality during cationic copolymerization was verified via NMR spectroscopy. Subsequently, the maleimide moiety was radically crosslinked to generate hydrogels and additionally employed to perform Diels‐Alder (DA) “click” reactions with (functional) dienes after the polymerization process. Radical copolymerization of MalGE with styrene (Mn = 5000–9000 g mol−1) enabled the synthesis of a styrene copolymer with epoxide functionalities that are useful for versatile crosslinking and grafting reactions.
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Role of Ets Proteins in Development, Differentiation, and Function of T‐Cell Subsets
Authors: Liu Mian , Gao Weiwu , van Velkinburgh Jennifer C. , Wu Yuzhang , Ni Bing , Tian Yi 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThrough positive selection, double‐positive cells in the thymus differentiate into CD4+ or CD8+ T single‐positive cells that subsequently develop into different types of effective T cells, such as T‐helper and cytotoxic T lymphocyte cells, that play distinctive roles in the immune system. Development, differentiation, and function of thymocytes and CD4+ and CD8+ T cells are controlled by a multitude of secreted and intracellular factors, ranging from cytokine signaling modules to transcription factors and epigenetic modifiers. Members of the E26 transformation specific (Ets) family of transcription factors, in particular, are potent regulators of these CD4+ or CD8+ T‐cell processes. In this review, we summarize and discuss the functions and underlying mechanisms of the Ets family members that have been characterized as involved in these processes. Ongoing research of these factors is expected to identify practical applications for the Ets family members as novel therapeutic targets for inflammation‐related diseases.
Anisotropic field‐of‐view support for golden angle radial imaging
Authors: Wu Ziyue , Han Fei , Hu Peng , Nayak Krishna S. 
Published: August 2015

PurposeTo provide anisotropic field‐of‐view (FOV) support for golden angle radial imaging.Theory and MethodsIn radial imaging, uniform spoke density leads to a circular FOV, which is excessive for objects with anisotropic dimensions. Larson et al previously showed that the angular k‐space spoke density can be determined by the desired anisotropic FOV. We show that conventional golden angle sampling can be deployed in an angle‐normalized space and transformed back to k‐space such that the desired nonuniform spoke density is preserved for arbitrary temporal window length. Elliptical FOVs were used to illustrate this generalized mapping approach. Point‐spread‐function and spoke density analysis was performed. Phantom and in vivo cardiac images were acquired.ResultsSimulations, phantom, and in vivo experiments confirmed that the proposed method is able to achieve anisotropic FOV while still maintaining the benefits of golden angle sampling. This approach requires 50% less spokes for elliptical FOV with major‐to‐minor‐axis ratio of 1:0.3, when compared with isotropic FOV with the same undersampling factor.ConclusionWe demonstrate a simple method for applying golden angle view ordering to anisotropic FOV radial imaging. This can reduce imaging time for objects with anisotropic dimensions while still allowing arbitrary temporal window selection. Magn Reson Med 76:229–236, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of Action Observational Training Plus Brain–Computer Interface‐Based Functional Electrical Stimulation on Paretic Arm Motor Recovery in Patient with Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kim TaeHoon , Kim SeongSik , Lee ByoungHee 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate whether action observational training (AOT) plus brain–computer interface‐based functional electrical stimulation (BCI‐FES) has a positive influence on motor recovery of paretic upper extremity in patients with stroke. This was a hospital‐based, randomized controlled trial with a blinded assessor. Thirty patients with a first‐time stroke were randomly allocated to one of two groups: the BCI‐FES group (n = 15) and the control group (n = 15). The BCI‐FES group administered to AOT plus BCI‐FES on the paretic upper extremity five times per week during 4 weeks while both groups received conventional therapy. The primary outcomes were the Fugl‐Meyer Assessment of the Upper Extremity, Motor Activity Log (MAL), Modified Barthel Index and range of motion of paretic arm. A blinded assessor evaluated the outcomes at baseline and 4 weeks. All baseline outcomes did not differ significantly between the two groups. After 4 weeks, the Fugl‐Meyer Assessment of the Upper Extremity sub‐items (total, shoulder and wrist), MAL (MAL‐Activity of Use and Quality of Movement), Modified Barthel Index and wrist flexion range of motion were significantly higher in the BCI‐FES group (p < 0.05). AOT plus BCI‐based FES is effective in paretic arm rehabilitation by improving the upper extremity performance. The motor improvements suggest that AOT plus BCI‐based FES can be used as a therapeutic tool for stroke rehabilitation. The limitations of the study are that subjects had a certain limited level of upper arm function, and the sample size was comparatively small; hence, it is recommended that future large‐scale trials should consider stratified and lager populations according to upper arm function. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mutations can cause light chains to be too stable or too unstable to form amyloid fibrils
Authors: Marin‐Argany Marta , Güell‐Bosch Jofre , Blancas‐Mejía Luis M. , Villegas Sandra , Ramirez‐Alvarado Marina 
Published: August 2015

AbstractLight chain (AL) amyloidosis is an incurable human disease, where the amyloid precursor is a misfolding‐prone immunoglobulin light‐chain. Here, we identify the role of somatic mutations in the structure, stability and in vitro fibril formation for an amyloidogenic AL‐12 protein by restoring four nonconservative mutations to their germline (wild‐type) sequence. The single restorative mutations do not affect significantly the native structure, the unfolding pathway, and the reversibility of the protein. However, certain mutations either decrease (H32Y and H70D) or increase (R65S and Q96Y) the protein thermal stability. Interestingly, the most and the least stable mutants, Q96Y and H32Y, do not form amyloid fibrils under physiological conditions. Thus, Q96 and H32 are key residues for AL‐12 stability and fibril formation and restoring them to the wild‐type residues preclude amyloid formation. The mutants whose equilibrium is shifted to either the native or unfolded states barely sample transient partially folded states, and therefore do not form fibrils. These results agree with previous observations by our laboratory and others that amyloid formation occurs because of the sampling of partially folded states found within the unfolding transition (Blancas‐Mejia and Ramirez‐Alvarado, Ann Rev Biochem 2013;82:745–774). Here we provide a new insight on the AL amyloidosis mechanism by demonstrating that AL‐12 does not follow the established thermodynamic hypothesis of amyloid formation. In this hypothesis, thermodynamically unstable proteins are more prone to amyloid formation. Here we show that within a thermal stability range, the most stable protein in this study is the most amyloidogenic protein.
Diversity of bacterial communities in the midgut of Bactrocera cucurbitae (Diptera: Tephritidae) populations and their potential use as attractants
Authors: Hadapad Ashok B , Prabhakar Chandra S , Chandekar Snehal C , Tripathi Jyoti , Hire Ramesh S 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe microbiota plays an important role in insect development and fitness. Understanding the gut microbiota composition is essential for the development of pest management strategies. Midgut bacteria were isolated from nine wild B. cucurbitae populations collected from different agroecological zones of India. These isolates were further studied for attractant potential of fruit fly adults, and the chemical constituents in the supernatants of gut bacteria were analysed.RESULTSTwenty‐six bacterial isolates belonging to the families Enterobacteriaceae, Bacillaceae, Micrococcaceae and Staphylococcaceae were isolated and identified on the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. The dominant species in the midgut of melon fly were from the genera Enterobacter (34.6%), Klebsiella (19.2%), Citrobacter (7.7%), Bacillus (15.4%) and Providencia (7.7%), and 3.8% each of Micrococcus, Staphylococcus, Leclercia and Exiguobacterium. Bactrocera cucurbitae and B. dorsalis adults were significantly attracted to bacterial whole cell cultures and their supernatants in the fruit fly attraction bioassays. Bacillus cereus, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Citrobacter and Providencia species attracted both male and females of Bactrocera species. The supernatants of Klebsiella, Citrobacter and Providencia species attracted a significantly greater number of females than males. The most abundant chemical constituents in supernatants of K. oxytoca and C. freundii were 3‐methyl‐1‐butanol, 2‐phenylethanol, butyl isocyanatoacetate, 2‐methyl‐1‐propanol and 3‐hydroxy‐2‐butanone, as identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.CONCLUSIONSThe bacterial endosymbionts associated with melon fly exhibited attractant potential which could facilitate eco‐friendly insect control strategies. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Knockdown of juvenile hormone acid methyl transferase severely affects the performance of Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) larvae and adults
Authors: Fu Kai‐Yun , Li Qian , Zhou Li‐Tao , Meng Qing‐Wei , Lü Feng‐Gong , Guo Wen‐Chao , Li Guo‐Qing 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDJuvenile hormone (JH) plays a critical role in the regulation of metamorphosis in Leptinotarsa decemlineata, a notorious defoliator of potato. JH acid methyltransferase (JHAMT) is involved in one of the final steps of JH biosynthesis.RESULTSA putative JHAMT cDNA (LdJHAMT) was cloned. Two double‐stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) (dsJHAMT1 and dsJHAMT2) against LdJHAMT were constructed and bacterially expressed. Experiments were conducted to investigate the effectiveness of RNAi in both second‐ and fourth‐instar larvae. Dietary introduction of dsJHAMT1 and dsJHAMT2 successfully knocked down the target gene, lowered JH titre in the haemolymph and reduced the transcript of Krüppel homologue 1 gene. Ingestion of dsJHAMT caused larval death and weight loss, shortened larval developmental period and impaired pupation. Moreover, the dsJHAMT‐fed pupae exhibited lower adult emergence rates. The resulting adults weighed an average of 50 mg less than the control group, and the females did not deposit eggs. Application of pyriproxyfen to the dsJHAMT‐fed insects rescued all the negative effects.CONCLUSIONSLdJHAMT expresses functional JHAMT enzyme. The RNAi targeting LdJHAMT could be used for control of L. decemlineata. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Wound Disruption Following Colorectal Operations
Authors: Moghadamyeghaneh Zhobin , Hanna Mark H. , Carmichael Joseph C. , Mills Steven , Pigazzi Alessio , Nguyen Ninh T. , Stamos Michael J. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractObjectivesPostoperative wound disruption is associated with high morbidity and mortality. We sought to identify the risk factors and outcomes of wound disruption following colorectal resection.MethodsThe American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was used to examine the clinical data of patients who underwent colorectal resection from 2005 to 2013. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors of wound disruption.ResultsWe sampled a total of 164,297 patients who underwent colorectal resection. Of these, 2073 (1.3 %) had wound disruption. Patients with wound disruption had significantly higher mortality (5.1 vs. 1.9 %, AOR: 1.46, P = 0.01). The highest risk of wound disruption was seen in patients with wound infection (4.8 vs. 0.9 %, AOR: 4.11, P < 0.01). A number of factors are associated with wound disruption such as chronic steroid use (AOR: 1.71, P < 0.01), smoking (AOR: 1.60, P < 0.01), obesity (AOR: 1.57, P < 0.01), operation length more than 3 h (AOR: 1.56, P < 0.01), severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) (AOR: 1.36, P < 0.01), urgent/emergent admission (AOR: 1.31, P = 0.01), and serum Albumin Level <3 g/dL (AOR: 1.27, P < 0.01). Laparoscopic surgery had significantly lower risk of wound disruption compared to open surgery (AOR: 0.61, P < 0.01).ConclusionWound disruption occurs in 1.3 % of colorectal resections, and it correlates with mortality of patients. Wound infection is the strongest predictor of wound disruption. Chronic steroid use, obesity, severe COPD, prolonged operation, non‐elective admission, and serum albumin level are strongly associated with wound disruption. Utilization of the laparoscopic approach may decrease the risk of wound disruption when possible.
Dynamic Models for Longitudinal Butterfly Data
Authors: Dennis Emily B. , Morgan Byron J. T. , Freeman Stephen N. , Roy David B. , Brereton Tom 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
We present models which provide succinct descriptions of longitudinal seasonal insect count data. This approach produces, for the first time, estimates of the key parameters of brood productivities. It may be applied to univoltine and bivoltine species. For the latter, the productivities of each brood are estimated separately, which results in new indices indicating the contributions from different generations. The models are based on discrete distributions, with expectations that reflect the underlying nature of seasonal data. Productivities are included in a deterministic, auto-regressive manner, making the data from each brood a function of those in the previous brood. A concentrated likelihood results in appreciable efficiency gains. Both phenomenological and mechanistic models are used, including weather and site-specific covariates. Illustrations are provided using data from the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme, however the approach is perfectly general. Consistent associations are found when estimates of productivity are regressed on northing and temperature. For instance, for univoltine species productivity is usually lower following milder winters, and mean emergence times of adults for all species have become earlier over time, due to climate change. The predictions of fitted dynamic models have the potential to improve the understanding of fundamental demographic processes. This is important for insects such as UK butterflies, many species of which are in decline. Supplementary materials for this article are available online.