bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Canine Epidermal Neural Crest Stem Cells: Characterization and Potential as Therapy Candidate for a Large Animal Model of Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Gericota Barbara , Anderson Joseph S. , Mitchell Gaela , Borjesson Dori L. , Sturges Beverly K. , Nolta Jan A. , Sieber-Blum Maya 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
The discovery of multipotent neural crest-derived stem cells, named epidermal neural crest stem cells (EPI-NCSC), that persist postnatally in an easy-to-access location—the bulge of hair follicles—opens a spectrum of novel opportunities for patient-specific therapies. We present a detailed characterization of canine EPI-NCSC (cEPI-NCSC) from multiple dog breeds and protocols for their isolation and ex vivo expansion. Furthermore, we provide novel tools for research in canines, which currently are still scarce. In analogy to human and mouse EPI-NCSC, the neural crest origin of cEPI-NCSC is shown by their expression of the neural crest stem cell molecular signature and other neural crest-characteristic genes. Similar to human EPI-NCSC, cEPI-NCSC also expressed pluripotency genes. We demonstrated that cEPI-NCSC can generate all major neural crest derivatives. In vitro clonal analyses established multipotency and self-renewal ability of cEPI-NCSC, establishing cEPI-NCSC as multipotent somatic stem cells. A critical analysis of the literature on canine spinal cord injury (SCI) showed the need for novel treatments and suggested that cEPI-NCSC represent viable candidates for cell-based therapies in dog SCI, particularly for chondrodystrophic dogs. This notion is supported by the close ontological relationship between neural crest stem cells and spinal cord stem cells. Thus, cEPI-NCSC promise to offer not only a potential treatment for canines but also an attractive and realistic large animal model for human SCI. Taken together, we provide the groundwork for the development of a novel cell-based therapy for a condition with extremely poor prognosis and no available effective treatment.
Diagnostic Performance of Contrast‐Enhanced Sonography and Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse Imaging in Solid Liver Lesions
Authors: Zhang Ping , Zhou Ping , Tian Shuang-Ming , Qian Ying , Li Jia-Le , Li Rui-Zhen 
Published: January 2014

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of contrast‐enhanced sonography and acoustic radiation force impulse imaging (ARFI) in differential diagnosis of benign and malignant liver lesions.MethodsA total of 156 patients with liver lesions were included in the study. The images from conventional sonography and contrast‐enhanced sonography and the shear wave velocity values of the liver lesions were obtained. The diagnostic performance of conventional sonography, contrast‐enhanced sonography, and ARFI was assessed by using pathologic examination (needle biopsy or surgery) or clinical imaging inspection as the reference standard.ResultsThe sensitivity and specificity of conventional sonography for malignant liver lesions were 57.1% and 43.1%, respectively, and the sensitivity and specificity of ARFI were 81.3% and 74.1%. When using contrast‐enhanced sonography for the diagnosis of malignant liver lesions, the sensitivity and specificity were 92.9% and 89.7%. The sensitivity and specificity of contrast‐enhanced sonography were significantly higher than those of ARFI and conventional sonography (P < .05).ConclusionsThe differential diagnostic performance of contrast‐enhanced sonography is most predictive of malignant liver lesions. Contrast‐enhanced sonography and ARFI have complementary effects in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant liver lesions.
Image Quality Influences the Assessment of Left Ventricular Function
Authors: Grossgasteiger Manuel , Hien Maximilian D. , Graser Bastian , Rauch Helmut , Motsch Johann , Gondan Matthias , Rosendal Christian 
Published: January 2014

ObjectivesTransesophageal echocardiography has become a standard tool for eval uating left ventricular function during cardiac surgery. However, the image quality varies widely between patients and examinations. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the image quality on 5 commonly used 2‐dimensional methods.MethodsTransesophageal real‐time 3‐dimensional echocardiography (3DE) served as a reference. Left ventricular function was evaluated in 63 patients with sufficient real‐time 3DE image quality. The image quality was rated using the ratio of the visualized border divided by the total endocardial border. These ratings were used to generate groups of poor (0%–40%), fair (41%–70%), and good (71%–100%) image quality. The ejection fraction (EF), end‐diastolic volume, and end‐systolic volume were analyzed by the Simpson method of disks (biplane and monoplane), eyeball method, Teichholz method, and speckle‐tracking method. Furthermore, the fractional area change was determined. Each correlation with real‐time 3DE was evaluated.ResultsCorrelations of the EF and volumes, respectively, as determined by long‐axis view methods increased with improving image quality: the Simpson biplane method was found to be the most accurate method, with good image quality for the EF (r = 0.946) and volumes (end‐diastolic volume, r = 0.962; end‐systolic volume, r = 0.989). Correlations of the EF and fractional area change by short‐axis view methods decreased with improving image quality, with the Teichholz EF found to be most accurate with poor (r = 0.928) in contrast to good (r = 0.699) image quality.ConclusionsWith good image quality, the Simpson biplane method is the most accurate 2‐dimensional method for assessing the left ventricular EF. Short‐axis view methods, especially the Teichholz method yield better correlations with poor image quality. The eyeball method was unaffected by image quality.
Potassium Chloride–Induced Fetal Demise
Authors: Sfakianaki Anna K. , Davis Katherine J. , Copel Joshua A. , Stanwood Nancy L. , Lipkind Heather S. 
Published: January 2014

ObjectivesInduction of fetal demise before second‐trimester termination is performed for a number of reasons. One method for inducing fetal demise is via sonographically guided intracardiac potassium chloride (KCl) injection. We performed a retrospective cohort study to determine the efficacy and safety of intracardiac KCl injection as a method of second‐trimester induced fetal demise.MethodsWe reviewed records from patients who were referred for induced fetal demise from October 2002 to October 2011. We excluded patients undergoing selective fetal reduction in multiple gestations. Procedural complications, the dose of KCl, and the number of failed procedures were determined.ResultsOf the 192 completed procedures, 191 were successful (99.5%). The median gestational age at termination was 22 weeks (range, 15.4–24.9 weeks), and most terminations were surgical (68.0%). Major indications for termination were fetal anomalies (41.6%), unwanted pregnancy (20.8%), and aneuploidy (15.7%). The median dose of KCl was 10 mL (range, 3–40 mL). We found a significant correlation between the dose of KCl and estimated fetal weight. There was no significant correlation between the dose of KCl and body mass index or gestational age. We had 1 maternal complication of a seizure after needle placement but before KCl injection.ConclusionsIntracardiac KCl injection is an effective and safe method for induced fetal demise.
A ubiquitous low‐velocity layer at the base of the mantle transition zone
Authors: Shen Xuzhang , Yuan Xiaohui , Li Xueqing 
Published: January 2014

AbstractGlobal stacks of receiver functions clearly exhibit the upper mantle stratification. Besides the most prominent seismic discontinuities, such as the Moho and the 410 and 660 km discontinuities, a negative discontinuity is detected at a depth of ~600 km, indicating a low‐velocity layer at the base of the mantle transition zone. The slant‐slack technique helps to identify the primary conversions from the multiple reverberations. Presence of the negative 600 km discontinuity underneath both continent and ocean island stations, where the crustal thickness significantly differs, also precludes the possible cause of crustal reverberations. We conclude that the negative 600 km discontinuity could be a global feature, possibly resulted from accumulation of ancient subducted oceanic crust. The X‐discontinuity at ~300 km depth is also observed in our global stacks, which can be explained by the coesite‐stishovite phase transformation.
Magnetic flux transport by dipolarizing flux bundles
Authors: Liu Jiang , Angelopoulos V. , Zhou Xu‐Zhi , Runov A. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractA dipolarizing flux bundle (DFB) is a small magnetotail flux tube (typically < ~3 RE in XGSM and YGSM) with a significantly more dipolar magnetic field than its background. Dipolarizing flux bundles typically propagate earthward at a high speed from the near‐Earth reconnection region. Knowledge of a DFB's flux transport properties leads to better understanding of near‐Earth (X = −6 to −30 RE) magnetotail flux transport and thus conversion of magnetic energy to kinetic and thermal plasma energy following magnetic reconnection. We explore DFB properties with a statistical study using data from the Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms mission. To establish the importance of DFB flux transport, we compare it with transport by bursty bulk flows (BBFs) that typically envelop DFBs. Because DFBs coexist with flow bursts inside BBFs, they contribute >65% of BBF flux transport, even though they last only ~30% as long as BBFs. The rate of DFB flux transport increases with proximity to Earth and to the premidnight sector, as well as with geomagnetic activity and distance from the neutral sheet. Under the latter two conditions, the total flux transport by a typical DFB also increases. Dipolarizing flux bundles appear more often during increased geomagnetic activity. Since BBFs have been previously shown to be the major flux transporters in the tail, we conclude that DFBs are the dominant drivers of this transport. The occurrence rate of DFBs as a function of location and geomagnetic activity informs us about processes that shape global convection and energy conversion.
Quality Management
Authors: Mitra Amitava 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Manufacturing and service organizations have a fundamental objective of meeting or exceeding the needs of the customer. A means to accomplish this objective is through the adoption of a culture of quality management that is pervasive at all levels of the organization.
Starting with senior management in charge of strategic planning, progressing to middle management, dealing with tactical issues, and continuing to line management, addressing operational issues, adoption of a system that promotes continuous quality improvement will ensure competitiveness and growth of the organization. As customer needs are usually prioritized, by focusing on the critical needs of the customer, the organization is able to address customer satisfaction, which in turn influences profitability. Further, as the level of quality increases, a reduction in total costs is achieved. The purpose of the article is to provide an overview of the domain of quality management with a strategic focus. As details on operational methods for the achievement of quality are not within the scope of this article, a brief discussion can be found in the conclusions section. The reader may refer to the cited references and other appropriate sections of the Encyclopedia for further details.
New density estimates of a threatened sifaka species (Propithecus coquereli) in Ankarafantsika National Park
Authors: Kun‐Rodrigues Célia , Salmona Jordi , Besolo Aubin , Rasolondraibe Emmanuel , Rabarivola Clément , Marques Tiago A. , Chikhi Lounès 
Published: January 2014

AbstractPropithecus coquereliis one of the last sifaka species for which no reliable and extensive density estimates are yet available. Despite its endangered conservation status [IUCN, 2012] and recognition as a flagship species of the northwestern dry forests of Madagascar, its population in its last mainrefugium, the Ankarafantsika National Park (ANP), is still poorly known. Using line transect distance sampling surveys we estimated population density and abundance in the ANP. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of road, forest edge, river proximity and group size on sighting frequencies, and density estimates. We provide here the first population density estimates throughout the ANP. We found that density varied greatly among surveyed sites (from 5 to ∼100 ind/km2) which could result from significant (negative) effects of road, and forest edge, and/or a (positive) effect of river proximity. Our results also suggest that the population size may be ∼47,000 individuals in the ANP, hinting that the population likely underwent a strong decline in some parts of the Park in recent decades, possibly caused by habitat loss from fires and charcoal production and by poaching. We suggest community‐based conservation actions for the largest remaining population of Coquerel's sifaka which will (i) maintain forest connectivity; (ii) implement alternatives to deforestation through charcoal production, logging, and grass fires; (iii) reduce poaching; and (iv) enable long‐term monitoring of the population in collaboration with local authorities and researchers. Am. J. Primatol. 76:515–528, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dihydrobiphenylenes through Ruthenium‐Catalyzed [2+2+2] Cycloadditions of ortho‐Alkenylarylacetylenes with Alkynes
Authors: García‐Rubín Silvia , González‐Rodríguez Carlos , García‐Yebra Cristina , Varela Jesús A. , Esteruelas Miguel A. , Saá Carlos 
Published: January 2014

AbstractA new synthetic route to dihydrobiphenylenes has been developed. The process involves a mild RuII‐catalyzed [2+2+2] dimerization of ortho‐alkenylarylacetylenes or its more versatile variant, the Ru‐catalyzed [2+2+2] cycloaddition of ortho‐ethynylstyrenes with alkynes. Mechanistic aspects of this [2+2+2] cycloaddition are discussed.
Properties of extruded starch–poly(methyl acrylate) graft copolymers prepared from spherulites formed from amylose–oleic acid inclusion complexes
Authors: Fanta George F. , Finkenstadt Victoria L. , Felker Frederick C. 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTMixtures of high‐amylose corn starch and oleic acid were processed by steam jet cooking, and the dispersions were rapidly cooled to yield amylose–oleic acid inclusion complexes as micron‐ and submicron‐sized spherulites and spherulite aggregates. Dispersions of these spherulite particles were then graft polymerized with methyl acrylate, both before and after removal of uncomplexed amylopectin by water washing. For comparison, granular, uncooked high‐amylose corn starch was also graft polymerized in a similar manner. Graft copolymers with similar percentages of grafted and ungrafted poly(methyl acrylate) (PMA) were obtained from these polymerizations. The graft copolymers were then processed by extrusion through a ribbon die, and the tensile properties of the extruded ribbons were determined. Although extruded ribbons with similar tensile strengths were obtained from the three starch–PMA graft copolymers, much higher values for % elongation were obtained from the spherulite‐containing systems. Also, the tensile properties were not significantly affected by removal of soluble, uncomplexed amylopectin by water washing before graft polymerization. These results are consistent with the observation that these PMA‐grafted starch particles did not melt during extrusion, and that continuous plastic ribbons were formed by fusing these particles together in the presence of small amounts of thermoplastic PMA matrix. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40381.
The amide III vibrational circular dichroism band as a probe to detect conformational preferences of alanine dipeptide in water
Authors: Mirtič Andreja , Merzel Franci , Grdadolnik Jože 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTThe conformational preferences of blocked alanine dipeptide (ADP), Ac‐Ala‐NHMe, in aqueous solution were studied using vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) together with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. DFT calculations of three most representative conformations of ADP surrounded by six explicit water molecules immersed in a dielectric continuum have proven high sensitivity of amide III VCD band shape that is characteristic for each conformation of the peptide backbone. The polyproline II (PII) and αR conformation of ADP are associated with a positive VCD band while β conformation has a negative VCD band in amide III region. Knowing this spectral characteristic of each conformation allows us to assign the experimental amide III VCD spectrum of ADP. Moreover, the amide III region of the VCD spectrum was used to determine the relative populations of conformations of ADP in water. Based on the interpretation of the amide III region of VCD spectrum we have shown that dominant conformation of ADP in water is PII which is stabilized by hydrogen bonded water molecules between CO and NH groups on the peptide backbone. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 101: 814–818, 2014.
Mechanistic Insight into Peroxo‐Shunt Formation of Biomimetic Models for Compound II, Their Reactivity toward Organic Substrates, and the Influence of N‐Methylimidazole Axial Ligation
Authors: Oszajca Maria , Drzewiecka‐Matuszek Agnieszka , Franke Alicja , Rutkowska‐Zbik Dorota , Brindell Małgorzata , Witko Małgorzata , Stochel Grażyna , van Eldik Rudi 
Published: January 2014

AbstractHigh‐valent iron‐oxo species have been invoked as reactive intermediates in catalytic cycles of heme and nonheme enzymes. The studies presented herein are devoted to the formation of compound II model complexes, with the application of a water soluble (TMPS)FeIII(OH) porphyrin ([meso‐tetrakis(2,4,6‐trimethyl‐3‐sulfonatophenyl)porphinato]iron(III) hydroxide) and hydrogen peroxide as oxidant, and their reactivity toward selected organic substrates. The kinetics of the reaction of H2O2 with (TMPS)FeIII(OH) was studied as a function of temperature and pressure. The negative values of the activation entropy and activation volume for the formation of (TMPS)FeIVO(OH) point to the overall associative nature of the process. A pH‐dependence study on the formation of (TMPS)FeIVO(OH) revealed a very high reactivity of OOH− toward (TMPS)FeIII(OH) in comparison to H2O2. The influence of N‐methylimidazole (N‐MeIm) ligation on both the formation of iron(IV)‐oxo species and their oxidising properties in the reactions with 4‐methoxybenzyl alcohol or 4‐methoxybenzaldehyde, was investigated in detail. Combined experimental and theoretical studies revealed that among the studied complexes, (TMPS)FeIII(H2O)(N‐MeIm) is highly reactive toward H2O2 to form the iron(IV)‐oxo species, (TMPS)FeIVO(N‐MeIm). The latter species can also be formed in the reaction of (TMPS)FeIII(N‐MeIm)2 with H2O2 or in the direct reaction of (TMPS)FeIVO(OH) with N‐MeIm. Interestingly, the kinetic studies involving substrate oxidation by (TMPS)FeIVO(OH) and (TMPS)FeIVO(N‐MeIm) do not display a pronounced effect of the N‐MeIm axial ligand on the reactivity of the compound II mimic in comparison to the OH− substituted analogue. Similarly, DFT computations revealed that the presence of an axial ligand (OH− or N‐MeIm) in the trans position to the oxo group in the iron(IV)‐oxo species does not significantly affect the activation barriers calculated for CH dehydrogenation of the selected organic substrates.
Supramolecular Approaches towards Ordered Polymer Materials
Authors: Uemura Takashi 
Published: January 2014

AbstractControlled organization of polymer chains into ordered structures is highly important to tune or enhance the properties of the polymeric materials. A supramolecular approach using host–guest chemistry has allowed rational design of chain assemblies with many functional properties. Nanoporous materials with ordered channel structures are particularly useful for attaining precise assemblies of polymer chains through nanoconfinement.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Aza‐Wittig‐Type Condensation of Isoxazol‐5(4H)‐ones with Aldehydes
Authors: Okamoto Kazuhiro , Shimbayashi Takuya , Tamura Eisuke , Ohe Kouichi 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThis paper describes the development of a palladium‐catalyzed decarboxylative inter‐ and intramolecular condensation reaction of isoxazol‐5(4 H)‐ones with carbonyl compounds in the presence of PPh3, giving various 2‐azabuta‐1,3‐dienes or pyrroles in moderate to high yields.
Material Behavior of Deep‐Frozen Bulk Solids at Compression
Authors: Müller Peter , Gomolla Franziska , Tomas Jürgen 
Published: January 2014

AbstractDie Arbeit soll das komplexe Zusammenspiel ausgewählter Einflussparameter auf das Materialverhalten tiefgefrorener Schüttgüter verdeutlichen. Zudem sollen die Versuchsergebnisse in der Praxis helfen, das Materialverhalten besser einschätzen zu können. Als Versuchsmaterialien wurden Steinkohle, Eisenerz und Sand ausgewählt und mit Wasser gesättigte, würfelförmige Proben in einem Tiefkühlschrank über einen definierten Zeitraum eingefroren. Anschließend wurden einaxiale Druckversuche mit den tiefgefrorenen Proben durchgeführt, wobei der Einfluss der Einfrierzeit und der Partikelgröße auf das mechanische Verhalten analysiert wurde.
Single‐Crystal X‐ray Diffraction and Solution Studies of Anion–π Interactions in N‐(Pentafluorobenzyl)pyridinium Salts
Authors: Giese Michael , Albrecht Markus , Repenko Tatjana , Sackmann Johannes , Valkonen Arto , Rissanen Kari 
Published: January 2014

AbstractA solid‐state structural study on anion–π interaction in various N‐(pentafluorobenzyl)pyridinium salts accompanied by NMR spectroscopic investigations is presented. The crystal structures of 1a–1d reveal different kinds of contacts with anions, including anion–π interactions. In particular, the solid‐state structure of 1b‐I3 shows distinct evidence of anion–π interactions. Attempts to study anion–π interactions in solution were not successful, but their presence in solution could not be ruled out.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Cross‐Coupling of Vinylarenes with Arylaluminum Reagents in the Presence of Ketones
Authors: Tanaka Shota , Mori Atsunori 
Published: January 2014

AbstractRhodium‐catalyzed addition/elimination of arylaluminum reagents with vinylarenes was achieved to obtain stilbene derivatives. The reaction of diethyl(phenyl)aluminum with styrene in the presence of the chloro(1,5‐cyclooctadiene)rhodium(I) dimer, [RhCl(cod)]2, and diisopropyl ketone (2,4‐dimethyl‐3‐pentanone) as an additive occurred to give (E)‐stilbene in quantitative yield. The use of other arylaluminum reagents afforded β‐arylated products in good to excellent yields. This reaction was found to be promoted by ketones as additives, which are reduced to the corresponding alcohols, as confirmed by analysis of the crude reaction mixture by 1H NMR spectroscopy.