bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hydrothermal treatment and iodine binding provide insights into the organization of glucan chains within the semi‐crystalline lamellae of corn starch granules
Authors: Vamadevan Varatharajan , Hoover Ratnajothi , Bertoft Eric , Seetharaman Koushik 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTThe importance of glucan chains that pass through both the amorphous and crystalline lamellae (tie chains) in the organization of corn starch granules was studied using heat‐moisture treatment (HMT), annealing (ANN), and iodine binding. Molecular structural analysis showed that hylon starches (HV, HVII, and HVIII) contained higher proportion of intermediate glucan chains (HVIII > HVII > HV) than normal corn (CN) starch. Wide angle X‐ray scattering revealed that on HMT, the extent of polymorphic transition in hylon starches decreased with increasing proportion of intermediate and long chains. Iodine treated hylon starches exhibited increased order in the V‐type polymorphism as evidenced by the intense peak at 20° 2θ and the strong reflection intensity at 7.5° 2θ and the extent of the change depended on the type of hylon starch. DSC results showed that the gelatinization enthalpy of CN and waxy corn starch (CW) remained unchanged after ANN. However, hylon starches showed a significant increase in enthalpy with more distinct endotherms after ANN. It can be concluded that tie chains influence the organization of crystalline lamellae in amylose extender mutant starches. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 101: 871–885, 2014.
Contributions of Electrokinetics and Bioremediation in the Treatment of Different Petroleum Components
Authors: Fan Ruijuan , Guo Shuhai , Li Tingting , Li Fengmei , Yang Xuelian , Wu Bo 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe present study investigated the contributions of electrokinetics (EK) and bioremediation (BIO) in the treatment of different petroleum components by using bio‐electrokinetics (BIO‐EK) technology with a 2‐dimensional (2‐D) electric field. The spatiotemporal changes of the contents of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) and its components, as well as microbial activity, were determined during remediation. The results demonstrated that the contribution rate of EK showed a significant positive correlation with electric intensity, while that of BIO was the opposite. The efficiency of BIO was stimulated by the electric field in the coupled BIO‐EK technology, signifying a synergistic effect between EK and BIO. According to the components analysis, alkanes decreased most intensively compared with other components, indicating that alkanes are more susceptible to both EK and BIO. For n‐alkanes, the degradation efficiency was inversely proportional to hydrocarbon chain length. The contribution of EK was higher than that of BIO in the treatment of alkanes, and the contribution of BIO was higher than that of EK in the degradation of aromatics. The use of a 2‐D electric field led to enhanced microbial activity compared to BIO alone. The dehydrogenase activity increased significantly during the first 70 days, correlating with extent of TPH degradation.
Retinal regeneration is facilitated by the presence of surviving neurons
Authors: Sherpa Tshering , Lankford Tyler , McGinn Tim E. , Hunter Samuel S. , Frey Ruth A. , Sun Chi , Ryan Mariel , Robison Barrie D. , Stenkamp Deborah L. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTTeleost fish regenerate their retinas after damage, in contrast to mammals. In zebrafish subjected to an extensive ouabain‐induced lesion that destroys all neurons and spares Müller glia, functional recovery and restoration of normal optic nerve head (ONH) diameter take place at 100 days postinjury. Subsequently, regenerated retinas overproduce cells in the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) layer, and the ONH becomes enlarged. Here, we test the hypothesis that a selective injury, which spares photoreceptors and Müller glia, results in faster functional recovery and fewer long‐term histological abnormalities. Following this selective retinal damage, recovery of visual function required 60 days, consistent with this hypothesis. In contrast to extensively damaged retinas, selectively damaged retinas showed fewer histological errors and did not overproduce neurons. Extensively damaged retinas had RGC axons that were delayed in pathfinding to the ONH, and showed misrouted axons within the ONH, suggesting that delayed functional recovery following an extensive lesion is related to defects in RGC axons exiting the eye and/or reaching their central targets. The atoh7, fgf8a, Sonic hedgehog (shha), and netrin‐1 genes were differentially expressed, and the distribution of hedgehog protein was disrupted after extensive damage as compared with selective damage. Confirming a role for Shh signaling in supporting rapid regeneration, shhat4+/‐ zebrafish showed delayed functional recovery after selective damage. We suggest that surviving retinal neurons provide structural/molecular information to regenerating neurons, and that this patterning mechanism regulates factors such as Shh. These factors in turn control neuronal number, retinal lamination, and RGC axon pathfinding during retinal regeneration. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 74: 851–876, 2014
The Wnt cries many: Wnt regulation of neurogenesis through tissue patterning, proliferation, and asymmetric cell division
Authors: Bielen Holger , Houart Corinne 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTDuring early development Wnt signaling has a key role in patterning the prospective nervous system by regulation of cell fate specification, cell polarity, and cell migration. Wnt also coordinates the formation of neural circuits on multiple levels such as transcription, cell cycle, and asymmetric cell division. Here we review the latest findings addressing the role of canonical Wnt/β‐catenin signaling during developmental and adult neurogenesis; exploring the connection of in vivo data to the recently described Wnt‐driven asymmetric stem cell division in vitro. Understanding how Wnt orchestrates these processes in a spatiotemporal manner during corticogenesis will be of crucial importance for the development of new strategies to regenerate neuronal circuits. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 74: 772–780, 2014
Retinal stem/progenitor cells in the ciliary marginal zone complete retinal regeneration: A study of retinal regeneration in a novel animal model
Authors: Miyake Ayumi , Araki Masasuke 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTOur research group has extensively studied retinal regeneration in adultXenopus laevis. However,X. laevisdoes not represent a suitable model for multigenerational genetics and genomic approaches. Instead,Xenopus tropicalisis considered as the ideal model for these studies, although little is known about retinal regeneration inX. tropicalis. In the present study, we showed that a complete retina regenerates at approximately 30 days after whole retinal removal. The regenerating retina was derived from the stem/progenitor cells in the ciliary marginal zone (CMZ), indicating a novel mode of vertebrate retinal regeneration, which has not been previously reported. In a previous study, we showed that inX. laevis, retinal regeneration occurs primarily through the transdifferentiation of retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells. RPE cells migrate to the retinal vascular membrane and reform a new epithelium, which then differentiates into the retina. InX. tropicalis, RPE cells also migrated to the vascular membrane, but transdifferentiation was not evident. Using two tissue culture models of RPE tissues, it was shown that inX. laevisRPE culture neuronal differentiation and reconstruction of the retinal three‐dimensional (3‐D) structure were clearly observed, while inX. tropicalisRPE culture neither ßIII tubulin‐positive cells nor 3‐D retinal structure were seen. These results indicate that the twoXenopusspecies are excellent models to clarify the cellular and molecular mechanisms of retinal regeneration, as these animals have contrasting modes of regeneration; one mode primarily involves RPE cells and the other mode involves stem/progenitor cells in the CMZ. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 74: 739–756, 2014
Intersex (testicular oocytes) in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) on the Delmarva Peninsula, USA
Authors: Yonkos Lance T. , Friedel Elizabeth A. , Fisher Daniel J. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

The authors describe the prevalence and severity of intersex in the form of testicular oocytes in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) collected over a 5-yr period from a variety of surface waters on the Delmarva Peninsula, USA, a region dominated by poultry production and agricultural land use. During a survey from 2005 to 2007 of approximately 200 male specimens representing 6 fish and 2 frog species collected from numerous small-order streams on Delmarva, intersex was observed in only largemouth bass (system-wide prevalence 17%). During 2008 and 2009, testicular oocytes were encountered in male largemouth bass from 6 lakes and 1 large river system, with prevalence ranging from 33% to 88% (weighted arithmetic mean, 57%). The prevalence of testicular oocytes in largemouth bass from Delmarva lakes was comparable to the highest levels reported in a national US Geological Survey reconnaissance of this species, which also occurred in regions of the Atlantic coastal plain with intensive row-crop and animal agriculture. To the authors' knowledge, the present study represents the first report in the peer-reviewed scientific literature of testicular oocytes in fish on the Delmarva Peninsula. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:1163–1169. © 2014 SETAC
Ontogenetic variation in the mandibular ramus of great apes and humans
Authors: Terhune Claire E. , Robinson Chris A. , Ritzman Terrence B. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTConsiderable variation exists in mandibular ramus form among primates, particularly great apes and humans. Recent analyses of adult ramal morphology have suggested that features on the ramus, especially the coronoid process and sigmoid notch, can be treated as phylogenetic characters that can be used to reconstruct relationships among great ape and fossil hominin taxa. Others have contended that ramal morphology is more influenced by function than phylogeny. In addition, it remains unclear how ontogeny of the ramus contributes to adult variation in great apes and humans. Specifically, it is unclear whether differences among adults appear early and are maintained throughout ontogeny, or if these differences appear, or are enhanced, during later development. To address these questions, the present study examined a broad ontogenetic sample of great apes and humans using two‐dimensional geometric morphometric analysis. Variation within and among species was summarized using principal component and thin plate spline analyses, and Procrustes distances and discriminant function analyses were used to statistically compare species and age classes. Results suggest that morphological differences among species in ramal morphology appear early in ontogeny and persist into adulthood. Morphological differences among adults are particularly pronounced in the height and angulation of the coronoid process, the depth and anteroposterior length of the sigmoid notch, and the inclination of the ramus. In all taxa, the ascending ramus of the youngest specimens is more posteriorly inclined in relation to the occlusal plane, shifting to become more upright in adults. These results suggest that, although there are likely functional influences over the form of the coronoid process and ramus, the morphology of this region can be profitably used to differentiate among great apes, modern humans, and fossil hominid taxa. J. Morphol. 275:661–677, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tideglusib reduces progression of brain atrophy in progressive supranuclear palsy in a randomized trial
Authors: Höglinger Günter U. , Huppertz Hans‐Jürgen , Wagenpfeil Stefan , Andrés María V , Belloch Vincente , León Teresa , del Ser Teodoro ,   for the TAUROS MRI Investigators
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTIt is believed that glycogen synthase kinase‐3 hyperphosphorylates tau protein in progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). The Tau Restoration on PSP (TAUROS) trial assessed the glycogen synthase kinase‐3 inhibitor tideglusib as potential treatment. For the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) substudy reported here, we assessed the progression of brain atrophy. TAUROS was a multinational, phase 2, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial in patients with mild‐to‐moderate PSP who were treated with oral tideglusib (600 mg or 800 mg daily) or with placebo for 1 year. A subset of patients underwent baseline and 52‐week MRI. Automated, observer‐independent, atlas‐based, and mask‐based volumetry was done on high‐resolution, T1‐weighted, three‐dimensional data. For primary outcomes, progression of atrophy was compared both globally (brain, cerebrum) and regionally (third ventricle, midbrain, pons) between the active and placebo groups (Bonferroni correction). For secondary outcomes, 15 additional brain structures were explored (Benjamini & Yekutieli correction). In total, MRIs from 37 patient were studied (placebo group, N = 9; tideglusib 600 mg group, N = 19; tideglusib 800 mg group, N = 9). The groups compared well in their demographic characteristics. Clinical results showed no effect of tideglusib over placebo. Progression of atrophy was significantly lower in the active group than in the placebo group for the brain (mean ± standard error of the mean: −1.3% ± 1.4% vs. −3.1% ± 2.3%, respectively), cerebrum (−1.3% ± 1.5% vs. −3.2% ± 2.1%, respectively), parietal lobe (−1.6% ± 1.9% vs. −4.1% ± 3.0%, respectively), and occipital lobe (−0.3% ± 1.8% vs. −2.7% ± 3.2%, respectively). A trend toward reduced atrophy also was observed in the frontal lobe, hippocampus, caudate nucleus, midbrain, and brainstem. In patients with PSP, tideglusib reduced the progression of atrophy in the whole brain, particularly in the parietal and occipital lobes. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Neuropathology of prodromal Lewy body disease
Authors: Iranzo Alex , Gelpi Ellen , Tolosa Eduard , Molinuevo José Luis , Serradell Mónica , Gaig Carles , Santamaria Joan 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTBackgroundCurrent evidence suggests that there is a prodromal stage in Parkinson disease characterized by a variety of nonmotor symptoms.Methods and ResultsA 69‐year‐old man presented to our sleep center with isolated rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder. During a 10‐year follow‐up period, longitudinal clinical and laboratory assessments indicated the development of hyposmia, depression, mild cognitive impairment, and constipation. Parkinsonism was absent, but dopamine transporter imaging showed subclinical substantia nigra damage. Postmortem examination demonstrated neuronal loss and Lewy body pathology in the peripheral autonomic nervous system (eg, cardiac and myenteric plexus), olfactory bulb, medulla, pons, substantia nigra pars compacta (estimated cell loss, 20%‐30%), nucleus basalis of Meynert, and amygdala, sparing the neocortex.ConclusionsOur observations indicate that nonmotor symptoms plus widespread peripheral and central nervous system pathological changes occur before parkinsonism and dementia onset in diseases associated with Lewy pathology. The current diagnostic criteria for Parkinson's disease miss these patients, who present only with nonmotor symptoms. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Pre‐maturation with cAMP modulators in conjunction with EGF‐like peptides during in vitro maturation enhances mouse oocyte developmental competence
Authors: Richani D. , Wang X. , Zeng H.T. , Smitz J. , Thompson J.G. , Gilchrist R.B. 
Published: February 2014

SUMMARYRecent studies have independently shown that cyclic adenosine 3′5′‐monophosphate (cAMP) modulation prior to in vitro maturation (IVM) and epidermal growth factor (EGF)‐like peptide supplementation during IVM improve subsequent oocyte developmental outcomes. This study investigated the effects of an IVM system that incorporates these two concepts. Cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) were collected from pre‐pubertal mice either 46 hr post‐equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) (IVM) or post‐eCG + post‐human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulation (in vivo maturation; IVV). IVM COCs were treated with the cAMP modulators forskolin and IBMX for 1, 2, or 4 hr (pre‐IVM phase) prior to IVM. COCs then underwent IVM with the EGF‐like peptides amphiregulin or epiregulin, or with the common IVM stimulants follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) or EGF. A pre‐IVM phase increased the size of the subsequent blastocysts' inner‐cell‐mass compared to standard IVM, regardless of IVM treatment (P < 0.05). Unlike FSH or EGF, amphiregulin or epiregulin significantly increased blastocyst quality (trophectoderm and total cell numbers) and/or yield (P < 0.01) compared to standard IVM, and were the only treatments that produced blastocysts comparable to IVV‐derived blastocysts. Forskolin acutely up‐regulated EGF‐like peptide mRNA expression after a 2‐hr pre‐IVM phase (P < 0.001), although EGF receptor and ERK1/2 activities were not significantly different than control. IVV‐like levels of EGF‐like peptide mRNA expression during IVM were maintained only by supplementing with EGF‐like peptides and EGF, since expression levels induced by FSH were significantly lower in vitro than during IVV. However, EGF receptor and ERK1/2 phosphorylation levels were not significantly different across treatment groups. In conclusion, a pre‐IVM phase in conjunction with IVM in the presence of EGF‐like peptides endows high oocyte developmental competence, as evidenced by increased embryo yield and/or quality relative to FSH and EGF.Mol. Reprod. Dev. 81: ???–???, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Protein expression pattern of PAWP in bull spermatozoa is associated with sperm quality and fertility following artificial insemination
Authors: Kennedy Chelsey E. , Krieger Kari Beth , Sutovsky Miriam , Xu Wei , Vargovič Peter , Didion Bradley A. , Ellersieck Mark R. , Hennessy Madison E. , Verstegen John , Oko Richard , Sutovsky Peter 
Published: February 2014

SUMMARYPost‐acrosomal WW‐domain binding protein (PAWP) is a signaling molecule located in the post‐acrosomal sheath (PAS) of mammalian spermatozoa. We hypothesized that the proper integration of PAWP in the sperm PAS is reflective of bull‐sperm quality and fertility. Cryopreserved semen samples from 298 sires of acceptable, but varied, fertility used in artificial insemination services were analyzed using immunofluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry for PAWP protein. In normal spermatozoa, PAWP fluorescence formed a regular band around the proximal PAS. Anomalies of PAWP labeling in defective spermatozoa were reflected in flow cytometry by varied intensities of PAWP‐induced fluorescence. Distinct sperm phenotypes were also identified, including morphologically normal and some defective spermatozoa with moderate levels of PAWP; grossly defective spermatozoa with low/no PAWP; and defective spermatozoa with high PAWP. Analysis by ImageStream flow cytometry confirmed the prevalence of abnormal sperm phenotypes in the spermatozoa with abnormal PAWP content. Live/dead staining and video recording showed that some abnormal spermatozoa are viable and capable of progressive motility. Conventional flow‐cytometric measurements of PAWP correlated significantly with semen quality and fertility parameters that reflect the sires' artificial insemination fertility, including secondary sperm morphology, conception rate, non‐return rate, and residual value. A multiplex, flow‐cytometric test detecting PAWP, aggresomes (ubiquitinated protein aggregates), and acrosomal integrity (peanut‐agglutinin‐lectin labeling) had a predictive value for conception rate, as demonstrated by step‐wise regression analysis. We conclude that PAWP correlates with semen/fertility parameters used in the cattle artificial insemination industry, making PAWP a potential biomarker of bull fertility. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 81: ???–???, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Changes in motor unit properties in SOD1 (G93A) rats
Authors: Kryściak Katarzyna , Grieb paweł , Celichowski Jan 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), progressive death of motor neurons results in denervation and reinnervation of muscles. It is not clear how ALS affects the properties of motor units (MUs). Methods: Properties of single MUs in the medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscle of rats bearing the human mutated superoxide dismutase gene type 1 (SOD1) were determined at 3 stages: asymptomatic (ALS I); early symptomatic (ALS II); and terminal (ALS III). Results: In ALS II, higher proportions of FF (fast fatigable) and S (slow) MUs were observed, whereas in ALS III higher percentages of S and lower percentages of FF MUs were noted compared with controls. S motor neurons reinnervated fast muscle fibers, and those MUs gained some properties of fast MUs, including lower fatigue resistance, greater force generation, and higher action potential amplitudes. Conclusion: Changes in MU properties of SOD1 rats have progressive and multidirectional character and speed depending on the MU type. Muscle Nerve 50: 577–586, 2014
Late adult‐onset of X‐linked myopathy with excessive autophagy
Authors: Crockett Cameron D. , Ruggieri Alessandra , Gujrati Meena , Zallek Christopher M. , Ramachandran Nivetha , Minassian Berge A. , Moore Steven A. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: X‐linked myopathy with excessive autophagy (XMEA) is characterized by autophagic vacuoles with sarcolemmal features. Mutations in VMA21 result in insufficient lysosome acidification, causing progressive proximal weakness with onset before age 20 years and loss of ambulation by middle age. Methods: We describe a patient with onset of slowly progressive proximal weakness of the lower limbs after age 50, who maintains ambulation with the assistance of a cane at age 71. Results: Muscle biopsy at age 66 showed complex muscle fiber splitting, internalized capillaries, and vacuolar changes characteristic of autophagic vacuolar myopathy. Vacuoles stained positive for sarcolemmal proteins, LAMP2, and complement C5b‐9. Ultrastructural evaluation further revealed basal lamina reduplication and extensive autophagosome extrusion. Sanger sequencing identified a known pathologic splice site mutation in VMA21 (c.164–7T>G). Conclusions: This case expands the clinical phenotype of XMEA and suggests VMA21 sequencing be considered in evaluating men with LAMP2‐positive autophagic vacuolar myopathy. Muscle Nerve 50: 138–144, 2014
Genetic heterogeneity of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Implications for clinical practice and research
Authors: Su Xiaowei W. , Broach James R. , Connor James R. , Gerhard Glenn S. , Simmons Zachary 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTGenetic insights into the pathophysiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are untangling the clinical heterogeneity that may contribute to poor clinical trial outcomes and thus to a lack of effective treatments. Mutations in a large number of genes, including SOD1, C9ORF72, TARDBP, FUS, VAPB, VCP, UBQLN2, ALS2, SETX, OPTN, ANG, and SPG11, are thought to cause ALS, whereas others, including ATAXN2, GRN, HFE, NEFH, UNC13A, and VEGF, appear to be disease‐modifying genes. Epigenetic influences may also play important roles. An improved understanding of ALS genetics should lead to better trial designs, insights into common molecular pathways, and better characterization of preclinical models. New genetic sequencing techniques, which use high‐throughput methods to assess variants across the genome or exome, may facilitate rational patient stratification for clinical trials and permit more individualized prognostic information and treatment decisions in clinical care. Muscle Nerve 49: 786–803, 2014