bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rapid method of quantification of tight‐junction organization using image analysis
Authors: Terryn Christine , Sellami Mehdi , Fichel Caroline , Diebold Marie‐Danielle , Gangloff Sophie , Le Naour Richard , Polette Myriam , Zahm Jean‐Marie 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe spatial organization of proteins in a cell population or in tissues is an important parameter to study the functionality of biological specimens. In this article, we have focused on tight junctions which form network‐like features in immunofluorescence microscopy images. Usually, the organization or disorganization of tight junctions is noticed qualitatively. The aim of this article is to present a simple method to quantify the organization level of tight junction network using image analysis with a dedicated macro developed with Image J software. The method has been validated with simulated images displaying regular decrease of network organization. Then, the macro has been applied to immunofluorescence microscopy images of cells in culture and of tissue sections. © 2012 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
The genetic basis of female multiple mating in a polyandrous livebearing fish
Authors: Evans Jonathan P. , Gasparini Clelia 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe widespread occurrence of female multiple mating (FMM) demands evolutionary explanation, particularly in the light of the costs of mating. One explanation encapsulated by “good sperm” and “sexy‐sperm” (GS‐SS) theoretical models is that FMM facilitates sperm competition, thus ensuring paternity by males that pass on genes for elevated sperm competitiveness to their male offspring. While support for this component of GS‐SS theory is accumulating, a second but poorly tested assumption of these models is that there should be corresponding heritable genetic variation in FMM – the proposed mechanism of postcopulatory preferences underlying GS‐SS models. Here, we conduct quantitative genetic analyses on paternal half‐siblings to test this component of GS‐SS theory in the guppy (Poecilia reticulata), a freshwater fish with some of the highest known rates of FMM in vertebrates. As with most previous quantitative genetic analyses of FMM in other species, our results reveal high levels of phenotypic variation in this trait and a correspondingly low narrow‐sense heritability (h2 = 0.11). Furthermore, although our analysis of additive genetic variance in FMM was not statistically significant (probably owing to limited statistical power), the ensuing estimate of mean‐standardized additive genetic variance (IA = 0.7) was nevertheless relatively low compared with estimates published for life‐history traits across a broad range of taxa. Our results therefore add to a growing body of evidence that FMM is characterized by relatively low additive genetic variation, thus apparently contradicting GS‐SS theory. However, we qualify this conclusion by drawing attention to potential deficiencies in most designs (including ours) that have tested for genetic variation in FMM, particularly those that fail to account for intersexual interactions that underlie FMM in many systems.
From Triplesalen to Triplesalalen and Triplesalan – Strengthening the Aromatic Character of the Ligand Backbone in Extended Phloroglucinol Ligands by Prevention of Heteroradialene Formation
Authors: Feldscher Bastian , Stammler Anja , Bögge Hartmut , Glaser Thorsten 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe methyl‐protected triplesalalen ligand Me3H3talalen was synthesized from 2,4,6‐tris(bromomethyl)‐1,3,5‐trimethoxybenzene and three equivalents of the secondary amine 4,6‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2‐{[2‐(methylamino)ethylimino]methyl}phenol. A reduction with NaBH4 afforded the methyl‐protected triplesalan ligand Me3H3talan. Deprotection efforts of the methyl‐protected Me3H3talalen ligand with Lewis acids were unsuccessful. Using CuII ions as Lewis acid resulted in the formation of the methyl‐protected triplesalalen complex [(Me3H3talalen){CuII(H2O)}3](ClO4)3, which could be characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The bond‐length analysis reveals the aromatic character of the central backbone without heteroradialene contribution, and this is corroborated by NMR spectra of the ligands, which exhibit a singlet assigned to the benzylic protons at δ = 3.50 ppm in the 1H NMR and a resonance typical for an aromatic CAr–O group at δ = 160.0 ppm in the 13C NMR spectroscopy. FTIR spectra of the ligands and of the complexes exhibit the typical features of a central aromatic unit and do not show the characteristic intense bands for vibrations of the exocyclic C=C and C=O double bonds of a heteroradialene. Additionally, the characteristic strong absorption bands for heteroradialenes in the 26000–35000 cm–1 region are absent in the UV/Vis/NIR spectra. The electrochemistry exhibits the reversible oxidation of the terminal phenolates of [(Me3H3talalen){CuII(H2O)}3](ClO4)3 at +0.72 V vs Fc+/Fc, and the magnetic measurements reveal an uncoupled behavior due to the apical coordination of the central methoxy groups to the CuII ions.
Synthesis of Glycidyl‐5‐(carboxyethyl‐1H‐tetrazole)polymer and 1,2‐Bis(5‐carboxyethyl‐1H‐tetrazolyl)ethane as Polymeric Precursor
Authors: Betzler Franziska M. , Klapötke Thomas M. , Sproll Stefan M. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe synthesis of the nitrogen‐rich glycidyl‐5‐(carboxyethyl‐1H‐tetrazole)polymer (4) by the reaction of glycidyl azide polymer (GAP) and ethyl cyanoformate (2) is described. Moreover, the polymer precursor 1,2‐bis(5‐carboxyethyl‐1H‐tetrazolyl)ethane (3), containing two tetrazole moieties, was obtained by reacting compound 2 and 1,2‐diazidoethane (1). The substances were characterized by using vibrational spectroscopy (IR), mass spectrometry, as well as multinuclear NMR spectroscopy. Compound 3 was additionally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction measurements. The thermal stability of 3 was determined by differential scanning calorimetry, which reveals that this compound is a highly stable molecule.
Fetal Liver Bisphenol A Concentrations and Biotransformation Gene Expression Reveal Variable Exposure and Altered Capacity for Metabolism in Humans
Authors: Nahar Muna S. , Liao Chunyang , Kannan Kurunthachalam , Dolinoy Dana C. 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACTWidespread exposure to the endocrine active compound, bisphenol A (BPA), is well documented in humans. A growing body of literature suggests adverse health outcomes associated with varying ranges of exposure to BPA. In the current study, we measured the internal dose of free BPA and conjugated BPA and evaluated gene expression of biotransformation enzymes specific for BPA metabolism in 50 first‐ and second‐trimester human fetal liver samples. Both free BPA and conjugated BPA concentrations varied widely, with free BPA exhibiting three times higher concentrations than conjugated BPA concentrations. As compared to gender‐matched adult liver controls, UDP‐glucuronyltransferase, sulfotransferase, and steroid sulfatase genes exhibited reduced expression whereas β‐glucuronidase mRNA expression remained unchanged in the fetal tissues. This study provides evidence that there is considerable exposure to BPA during human pregnancy and that the capacity for BPA metabolism is altered in the human fetal liver. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J BiochemMol Toxicol 27:116‐123, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.21459
Effect of co‐solvent addition on the reaction kinetics of the lipase‐catalyzed resolution of ibuprofen ester
Authors: Gonawan Fadzil Noor , Yon Lau Sie , Kamaruddin Azlina Harun , Uzir Mohamad Hekarl 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: The addition of co‐solvent is not limited to enhancing the catalytic rate, it could also assist in situ racemization in the dynamic kinetic resolution of racemic compounds by increasing the reactivity of the base catalyst employed. In the current work, reaction media with the presence of DMSO were investigated in Candida rugosa lipase (EC 3.1.1.3)‐catalyzed hydrolysis of ibuprofen ester that focuses on the thermodynamic effect, reaction stability and implication for the kinetic parameters.RESULTS: The introduction of 2% DMSO increased the reaction rate, conversion, and enantioselectivity of the Candida rugosa lipase‐mediated resolution. However, the performance of the particular enzymatic reaction was reduced when a higher DMSO concentration was added. At lower reaction temperatures, the medium with 2% DMSO exhibited an increase in enantioselectivity, which was attributed to a higher activation energy difference between the fast‐ and slow‐reacting enantiomers compared with the water‐isooctane medium. Additionally, the presence of DMSO had a significant effect on the kinetic parameters, shown by a lower value of Michaelis constant compared with that of a normal reaction without DMSO, which resulted in a fast reaction rate. Finally, inhibition due to the uncompetitive substrate inhibitor was reduced, while the non‐competitive product inhibitor consequently increased.CONCLUSION: This work has demonstrated that only 2% of DMSO can be tolerated by the free Candida rugosa lipase in the resolution of ibuprofen ester. However, it is still able to give significant positive effects on the hydrolysis rate, kinetic parameters and enantioselectivity as well as reaction stability. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
A coxsackievirus B5‐associated aseptic meningitis outbreak in Shandong Province, China in 2009
Authors: Chen Peng , Tao Zexin , Song Yanyan , Liu Guifang , Wang Haiyan , Liu Yao , Song Lizhi , Li Yan , Lin Xiaojuan , Cui Ning , Xu Aiqiang 
Published: December 2012

AbstractIn 2009, a major outbreak of aseptic meningitis was noted in Linyi city, Shandong province, China. From June to September 2009, a total of 2,104 cases were involved in this outbreak, and 98.6% of patients were <16 years of age. To determine the pathogen of the outbreak, 42 cerebrospinal fluid specimens collected from aseptic meningitis cases were tested for cell culture, and 17 (40.5%) enteroviruses were isolated and identified as Coxsackievirus B5 (CVB5). Homologous comparison indicated that these isolates had 0–7.7% nucleotide divergence with each other. Phylogenetic reconstruction showed global CVB5 could be separated into four genogroups, and all Linyi CVB5 isolates belonged to the genogroup C which had been circulating for recent 27 years in Asia and Europe. Interestingly, two distinct lineages were observed for the 17 isolates in the phylogenetic tree, indicating that at least two different transmission chains of CVB5 were responsible for this outbreak. This study showed that CVB5‐associated aseptic meningitis is an emerging concern in China. J. Med. Virol. 85:483–489, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Robotically assisted selective neck dissection in parotid gland cancer
Authors: Kim Chul‐Ho , Chang Jae Won , Choi Eun Chang , Shin Yoo Seob , Koh Yoon Woo 
Published: December 2012

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Robot‐assisted neck dissection (ND) in head and neck cancer patients has been demonstrated to be feasible. We hypothesized that surgery for parotid cancer could be achieved via a gasless modified facelift approach using the robotic system. We intended to evaluate the feasibility of robot‐assisted selective ND (SND) via a modified facelift (MFL) approach in parotid gland cancer.Study Design:Case series.Methods:Primary tumor resection with robotic SND I–III via MFL was performed in five patients with parotid gland cancer.Results:All cases of robot‐assisted SND I–III combined with primary tumor resection were successfully conducted without any significant intraoperative complication, applying additional incision or conversion to open conventional ND. The amount and duration of drainage, hospital stay, retrieved lymph nodes, and complications were generally acceptable. The postoperative scar was able to be completely hidden by the auricle and hair.Conclusions:Robotically assisted surgery via an MFL approach is a feasible and useful method, with excellent cosmetic results for the surgical treatment in selected cases of parotid gland cancer. Laryngoscope, 2013
Bio‐based Biodegradable and Biocompatible Hyperbranched Polyurethane: A Scaffold for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Das Beauty , Chattopadhyay Pronobesh , Mandal Manabendra , Voit Brigitte , Karak Niranjan 
Published: December 2012

AbstractHyperbranched polyurethanes are synthesized using TDI, PCL diol, butanediol, and pentaerythritol (1–5 wt%) as the B4 reactant with and without the monoglyceride of sunflower oil. The biodegradation, physico‐mechanical, and thermal properties are found to be tailored by varying the percentage weight of the branching unit. An MTT/hemolytic assay and subcutaneous implantation in Wistar rats followed by cytokine/ALP assay and histopathology studies confirm a better biocompatibility of HBPU with MG than without MG. HBPU supports the proliferation of dermatocytes with no toxic effect in major organs, in addition the in vitro degraded products are non‐toxic. Cell adherence and proliferation endorse the bio‐based HBPU as a prospective scaffold material in the niche of tissue engineering. magnified image
Shape‐Memory Biopolymers Based on β‐Sheet Structures of Polyalanine Segments Inspired by Spider Silks
Authors: Huang Huahua , Hu Jinlian , Zhu Yong 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe molecular structural design learned from natural materials enables synthetic polymers with desirable and unique features to be fabricated. Inspired by spider silks, short‐chain polyalanine (PA) is introduced into multiblock biopolymers with poly(ε‐caprolactone) segments via a coupling reaction. As a result, PA segments in biopolymers form similar β‐sheet crystals to that of natural spidroins. These new biopolymers are found to exhibit nearly complete shape recovery and high shape fixity, along with significantly improved thermal stability due to the strong β‐sheet structures as netpoints. This work provides new insight for the design of novel shape‐memory polymers with potential use in biomedical applications. magnified image
Toward Understanding the Architecture (Branching and MWD) of Crosslinked Acrylic Latexes
Authors: Agirre Amaia , Santos J. Ignacio , Leiza Jose R. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe architecture of crosslinked acrylic latexes of 2‐ethylhexyl acrylate, methacrylic acid, and a crosslinker agent are investigated. These polymers contain a significant amount of gel content. Branching is obtained by liquid‐ and melt‐state 13C NMR spectroscopy. For the first time, the branching densities (long and short chains) of the soluble and gel fractions are measured independently. Branching is higher for the polymers produced with the most‐efficient crosslinkers, namely those which yield a higher crosslinking density. The branching (long chains) and the molecular‐weight distribution (MWD) of the soluble fraction are characterized by size‐exclusion chromatography (SEC) coupled with triple detection. Coelution of branched chains at large elution volumes is observed in the SEC chromatograms indicating the highly branched nature of the sol fractions of the latexes.
Which Is the Better Option? Quicker or Cheaper?
Authors: Chang Chung‐Chau , Chang Shin‐Shin , Chang Jung‐Hua , Chien Ya‐Lan 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACTBoth time and money are valuable scarce resources, but their different characteristics lead to different perceived value in saving time and saving money. The perishability and fixed supply associated with time may enhance its value; however, its inherent nature, difficulty accounting for value of time, infungibility, and perceived slack may weaken its value. Drawing on theories and findings in the domains of temporal and monetary judgment, this research study posits that people usually underappreciate the value of time because the information pertinent to the value of time is less accessible in peoples’ memory compared with monetary value. Hence, prompting people regarding the value of time and the value of money could make their preference for saving time similar to that of saving money. Additionally, people typically expect more time slack than money in the future, thereby discounting their preference for saving time faster than for saving money. The results of a series of experiments support these hypotheses.
Respiratory disorders associated with dystonia
Authors: Mehanna Raja , Jankovic Joseph 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackground:Respiratory difficulties are sometimes reported by patients with cranial‐cervical and other forms of dystonia, but the nature or mechanisms of the breathing problems have not been well characterized.Case Report:We review 13 dystonic patients with various respiratory complaints and describe their symptoms and response to treatment, including botulinum toxin (BoNT) injections.Discussion:Gasping, stridor, interrupted flow of speech, paradoxical breathing, dyspnea on exertion, and other respiratory symptoms reported by patients suggest involvement of the upper airways, chest, and diaphragm. BoNT injections may be, at least partially, beneficial in some patients.Conclusion:This series of patients draws attention to respiratory distress as a potentially serious, even life‐threatening, complication of dystonia. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Effects of BMP4/SMAD signaling pathway on mouse primordial follicle growth and survival via up‐regulation of Sohlh2 and c‐kit
Authors: Ding Xiangyun , Zhang Xiaoli , Mu Yulan , Li Yi , Hao Jing 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) is essential for the development of primordial follicles, although its underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. By using cultured ovaries, the effects of BMP4 and the potential signal transduction pathways were investigated. Ovaries from 3‐day‐old female mouse pups were maintained in organ culture in the absence (control) or presence of BMP4 (100 ng/ml). At different culture time, the effects of BMP4 on primordial follicle growth and survival were assayed by follicle count and TUNEL labeling. The expression of phospho‐SMAD1/5/8, Sohlh2, and c‐kit were measured by immunohistochemistry, RT‐PCR, and Western blotting. Immunohistochemistry was also performed to determine the expression pattern of BMP4, pSMAD1/5/8, Sohlh2, and c‐kit in vivo during ovarian development. The results showed treatments of ovaries with BMP4 resulted in a significant (P < 0.05) increase on the primordial‐to‐primary follicle transition. The oocytes of primordial follicles treated with BMP4 were also less likely to undergo apoptosis. BMP4 enhanced the phosphorylation of SMAD1/5/8 and up‐regulated the expression of Sohlh2 and c‐kit in primordial follicles. During ovarian development in vivo, Sohlh2, and c‐kit exhibited similar expression patterns to BMP4 and pSMAD1/5/8 in primordial follicles. The present studies suggest that BMP4/SMAD signaling pathway initiate primordial follicle growth and prevented oocyte apoptosis via up‐regulation of Sohlh2 and c‐kit. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 80: 70–78, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optimized 3D ultrashort echo time pulmonary MRI
Authors: Johnson Kevin M. , Fain Sean B. , Schiebler Mark L. , Nagle Scott 
Published: December 2012

PurposeTo optimize 3D radial ultrashort echo time MRI for high resolution whole‐lung imaging.Methods3D radial ultrashort echo time was implemented on a 3T scanner to investigate the effects of: (1) limited field‐of‐view excitation, (2) variable density readouts, and (3) radial oversampling. Improvements in noise performance and spatial resolution were assessed through simulation and phantom studies. Their effects on lung and airway visualization in five healthy male human subjects (mean age 32 years) were compared qualitatively through blinded ordinal scoring by two cardiothoracic radiologists using a nonparametric Friedman test (P < 0.05). Relative signal difference between endobronchial air and adjacent lung tissue, normalized to nearby vessel, was used as a surrogate for lung tissue signal. Quantitative measures were compared using the paired Student's t‐test (P < 0.05). Finally, clinical feasibility was investigated in a patient with interstitial fibrosis.ResultsSimulation and phantom studies showed up to 67% improvement in SNR and reduced blurring for short T2* species using all three optimizations. In vivo images showed decreased artifacts and improved lung tissue and airway visualization both qualitatively and quantitatively.ConclusionThe use of limited field‐of‐view excitation, variable readout gradients, and radial oversampling significantly improve the technical quality of 3D radial ultrashort echo time lung images. Magn Reson Med 70:1241–1250, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fracture mechanics analysis using the wavelet Galerkin method and extended finite element method
Authors: Tanaka S. , Okada H. , Okazawa S. , Fujikubo M. 
Published: December 2012

SUMMARYThis paper presents fracture mechanics analysis using the wavelet Galerkin method and extended finite element method. The wavelet Galerkin method is a new methodology to solve partial differential equations where scaling/wavelet functions are used as basis functions. In solid/structural analyses, the analysis domain is divided into equally spaced structured cells and scaling functions are periodically placed throughout the domain. To improve accuracy, wavelet functions are superposed on the scaling functions within a region having a high stress concentration, such as near a hole or notch. Thus, the method can be considered a refinement technique in fixed‐grid approaches. However, because the basis functions are assumed to be continuous in applications of the wavelet Galerkin method, there are difficulties in treating displacement discontinuities across the crack surface. In the present research, we introduce enrichment functions in the wavelet Galerkin formulation to take into account the discontinuous displacements and high stress concentration around the crack tip by applying the concept of the extended finite element method. This paper presents the mathematical formulation and numerical implementation of the proposed technique. As numerical examples, stress intensity factor evaluations and crack propagation analyses for two‐dimensional cracks are presented. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Running on Empty: The Operating Reserves of U.S. Nonprofit Organizations
Authors: Calabrese Thad 
Published: December 2012

AbstractOperating reserves allow nonprofit organizations to smooth out imbalances between revenues and expenses, helping to maintain program output in the presence of fiscal shocks. We know surprisingly little about why nonprofits might save operating reserves and what factors explain variation between organizations' savings behavior. Findings suggest that operating reserves are reduced in the presence of concentrated public funds, access to debt, fixed assets, and endowment. However, size is not an important predictor, indicating that the lack of reserves is not limited to small nonprofit organizations but is instead a sectorwide issue. Significant numbers of nonprofits maintain no operating reserves at all. One potential explanation is that organizations discount the benefits of reserves because they are evaluated on spending, focusing instead on the “benefits of costs.” This preference for spending over reserving may also help explain the general lack of liquidity in the sector beyond operating reserves alone.