bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial scale and place field stability in a grid‐to‐place cell model of the dorsoventral axis of the hippocampus
Authors: Lyttle David , Gereke Brian , Lin Kevin K. , Fellous Jean‐Marc 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTThe rodent hippocampus and entorhinal cortex contain spatially modulated cells that serve as the basis for spatial coding. Both medial entorhinal grid cells and hippocampal place cells have been shown to encode spatial information across multiple spatial scales that increase along the dorsoventral axis of these structures. Place cells near the dorsal pole possess small, stable, and spatially selective firing fields, while ventral cells have larger, less stable, and less spatially selective firing fields. One possible explanation for these dorsoventral changes in place field properties is that they arise as a result of similar dorsoventral differences in the properties of the grid cell inputs to place cells. Here, we test the alternative hypothesis that dorsoventral place field differences are due to higher amounts of nonspatial inputs to ventral hippocampal cells. We use a computational model of the entorhinal‐hippocampal network to assess the relative contributions of grid scale and nonspatial inputs in determining place field size and stability. In addition, we assess the consequences of grid node firing rate heterogeneity on place field stability. Our results suggest that dorsoventral differences in place cell properties can be better explained by changes in the amount of nonspatial inputs, rather than by changes in the scale of grid cell inputs, and that grid node heterogeneity may have important functional consequences. The observed gradient in field size may reflect a shift from processing primarily spatial information in the dorsal hippocampus to processing more nonspatial, contextual, and emotional information near the ventral hippocampus. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Novel Cerebrosides Isolated from the Fermentation Mycelia of Tuber indicum
Authors: Li Yuan‐Yuan , Liu Ping , Tang Yang , Li Hong‐Mei , Tang Ya‐Ling , Liang Xin‐Hua , Tang Ya‐Jie 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe four new cerebrosides 1–4 possessing a unique C18 9‐methylsphinga‐4,8‐dienine‐related moiety and a cyclic octapeptide, 5, possessing alternating proline and glycine moietes were isolated from the Tuber indicum fermentation mycelium. Their structures were established on the basis of a spectroscopic analysis including NMR and HR‐ESI‐MS, as well as an acidic methanolysis experiment. To the best of our knowledge, the cerebrosides identified in the present study are quite different from those isolated from Tuber indicum fruiting bodies. Additionally, it was the first time that a cyclic peptide was isolated from the Tuber genus.
Synthesis of the Major Oxepane Segment of Zoapatanol
Authors: Yadav Jhillu S. , Dash Uttam , Guguloth Nagesh , Mohapatra Debendra K. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractA linear synthesis of the major oxepane fragment of zoapatanol, showing the induction of uterine contractions, and cervical dilation and uterine bleeding (by the concentrated zoapatle tea) in early human pregnancy, isolated from the leaves of Mexican zoapatle plant Montanoa tomentosa, is described from known intermediate involving Sharpless asymmetric epoxidation, bis‐epoxide opening reaction with CoreyChaykovsky reagent, ring‐closing metathesis reaction, and HornerWadsworthEmmons olefination reaction as key steps.
Triazoles and Other N‐Containing Metabolites from the Marine‐Derived Endophytic Fungus Penicillium chrysogenum EN‐118
Authors: An Chun‐Yan , Li Xiao‐Ming , Li Chun‐Shun , Gao Shu‐Shan , Shang Zhuo , Wang Bin‐Gui 
Published: April 2013

AbstractTwo new triazoles, chrysotriazoles A and B (1 and 2, resp.), along with two known quinazolinones, 3 and 4, two known 2‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)acetamides, 5 and 6, and two known N‐(4‐hydroxystyryl)formamides, 7 and 8, were isolated and identified from the culture extract of Penicillium chrysogenum EN‐118, an endophytic fungus obtained from the marine brown alga Sargassum pallidium. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by NMR‐spectroscopic analysis, and that of compound 1 was confirmed by X‐ray crystallographic analysis of its p‐bromobenzoate derivative. Compounds 4, 5, and 7 showed moderate cytotoxicities against Du145, A‐549, and HeLa cell lines.
New method for purifying histidine‐rich glycoprotein from human plasma redefines its functional properties
Authors: Patel Kruti K. , Poon Ivan K. H. , Talbo Gert H. , Perugini Matthew A. , Taylor Nicole L. , Ralph Troy J. , Hoogenraad Nicholas J. , Hulett Mark D. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractHistidine‐rich glycoprotein (HRG) is a relatively abundant plasma protein that has been implicated in multiple biological processes including immunity, tumor progression, and vascular biology. However, current protocols for purifying HRG from plasma result in the copurification of contaminating proteins and raise questions over the validity of biological activities ascribed to HRG. In this study, we describe a two‐step protocol for the large‐scale purification of HRG from human plasma using a combination of metal affinity and ion exchange chromatography. The protocol employs a rapid and simple strategy to isolate highly purified HRG that minimizes proteolytic cleavage of the protein. The purification of HRG was assessed at each stage by measuring the amount of HRG immunoreactive protein using a specific monoclonal antibody against total protein, and demonstrated ∼1,000‐fold purification with an overall yield of ∼32%. Mass spectrometry analysis demonstrated that plasma‐derived HRG was free of contaminating proteins and gel electrophoresis showed it to have minimal proteolytic degradation. Characterization of protein by physical method showed that the protein exists as a single, monodisperse species. In contrast to the previous studies of HRG purified by different methods, HRG purified using the new procedure demonstrated a reduced profile of functions. Although the HRG retained binding to heparin and phosphatidic acid, it did not interact with necrotic cells or other cellular lipids. These data demonstrate that HRG does not exhibit the broad interactive properties that have been reported previously, suggesting that copurification of HRG‐binding partners or other impurities are responsible for some of the reported functional properties. The findings in this study demonstrate that the new purification procedure can provide a ready source of pure HRG to assess ligand specificity and biological function of this important plasma protein. ©2013 IUBMB Life, 65(6):550–563, 2013
Effects of Asian sand dust particles on the respiratory and immune system
Authors: Honda Akiko , Matsuda Yugo , Murayama Rumiko , Tsuji Kenshi , Nishikawa Masataka , Koike Eiko , Yoshida Seiichi , Ichinose Takamichi , Takano Hirohisa 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTEpidemiologic studies have reported that Asian sand dust (ASD) particles can affect respiratory health; however, the mechanisms remain unclear. We investigated the effects of ASD on airway epithelial cells and immune cells, and their contributing factors to the effects. Human airway epithelial cells were exposed to ASD collected on 1–3 May (ASD1) and on 12–14 May (ASD2) 2011 in Japan and heat‐treated ASD1 for excluding heat‐sensitive substances (H‐ASD) at a concentration of 0, 3, 30 or 90 µg ml–1 for 4 or 24 h. Furthermore, bone marrow‐derived dendritic cells (BMDC) from atopic prone mice were differentiated by culture with granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) then these BMDC were exposed to the ASD for 24 h. Also splenocytes as mixture of immune cells were exposed to the ASD for 72 h. All ASD dose dependently reduced viability of airway epithelial cells. Non‐heated ASD showed a dose‐dependent increase in the protein release of interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐8. The raises induced by ASD1 were higher than those by ASD2. ASD1 and ASD2 also elevated ICAM‐1 at the levels of mRNA, cell surface protein and soluble protein in culture medium. In contrast, H‐ASD did not change most of these biomarkers. Non‐heated ASD showed enhancement in the protein expression of DEC205 on BMDC and in the proliferation of splenocytes, whereas H‐ASD did not. These results suggest that ASD affect airway epithelial cells and immune cells such as BMDC and splenocytes. Moreover, the difference in ASD events and components adhered to ASD can contribute to the health effects. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The 2‐Blocking Number and the Upper Chromatic Number of PG(2,q)
Authors: Bacsó Gábor , Héger Tamás , Szőnyi Tamás 
Published: April 2013

AbstractA twofold blocking set (double blocking set) in a finite projective plane Π is a set of points, intersecting every line in at least two points. The minimum number of points in a double blocking set of Π is denoted by τ2(Π). Let PG(2,q) be the Desarguesian projective plane over GF(q), the finite field of q elements. We show that if q is odd, not a prime, and r is the order of the largest proper subfield of GF(q), then τ2PG(2,q))≤ 2(q+(q‐1)/(r‐1)). For a finite projective plane Π, let denote the maximum number of classes in a partition of the point‐set, such that each line has at least two points in some partition class. It can easily be seen that (⋆) for every plane Π on v points. Let , p prime. We prove that for , equality holds in (⋆) if q and p are large enough.
Trend and variability of China's summer precipitation during 1955–2008
Authors: Ye Jian‐Sheng 
Published: April 2013

AbstractTrend and variability of China's summer precipitation during 1955–2008 are examined. The results show that (1) summer precipitation has significantly increased in South China and significantly decreased in North China, while there are no significant trends in the West and China overall; (2) interannual variability is greatly intensified all over China with more wet and dry extreme years in the second bin (1977–2008) than in the first bin (1955–1976). Covariability between China's summer precipitation and the Pacific sea surface temperature (SST) is analysed using singular value decomposition (SVD) technique. The first mode of SVD displays an El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO)‐like SST pattern, the associated precipitation shows negative anomalies in North China; the second mode exhibits SST fluctuations in the western and central Pacific that corresponding to positive anomalies in South China. In addition, cooling over the mid‐lower reaches of Yangtze River basin (i.e. South‐central China) might also contribute to decreased (increased) summer precipitation in North (South) China. The percentages of variance of summer precipitation and SST explained by each mode suggest that the increased variability of the second SVD mode in the second bin is consistent with intensified variability of China's summer precipitation in the same period. © 2013 Royal Meteorological Society
Controlled/living copolymerization of styrene and acrylamide in DMF with Fe/TMEDA complex as catalyst
Authors: Wang Guo‐Xiang , Lu Mang , Hou Zhao‐Hui , Li Jing , Zhong Ming , Wu Hu 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIn this work, Fe(0)‐mediated single electron‐living radical copolymerization of styrene (St) and acrylamide (AM) was investigated at ambient temperature in N,N‐dimethylformamide using carbon tetrachloride as initiator and tetramethylethylenediamine as ligand. Kinetic studies showed that the copolymerization followed the first‐order kinetics model. The resulting copolymers of St and AM possessed predetermined molecular weights and narrow molecular weight distribution, which agreed with the character of controlled/living polymerization. On the basis of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), the monomer reactivity ratios were calculated. The amount of ligand played an important role in copolymerization. The obtained polymer was characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and gel permeation chromatography. The living characteristics were demonstrated by chain extension experiment. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 2919–2924
RAFT polymerization of a novel allene‐derived asymmetrical divinyl monomer: A facile strategy to alkene‐functionalized hyperbranched vinyl polymers with high degrees of branching
Authors: Bao Youmei , Shen Guorong , Liu Xiaohui , Li Yuesheng 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTHyperbranched vinyl polymers with high degrees of branching (DBs) up to 0.43 functionalized with numerous pendent allene groups have been successfully prepared via reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization of a state‐of‐art allene‐derived asymmetrical divinyl monomer, allenemethyl methacrylate (AMMA). The gelation did not occur until high monomer conversions (above 90%), as a result of the optimized reactivity difference between the two vinyl groups in AMMA. The branched structure was confirmed by a combination of a triple‐detection size exclusion chromatography (light scattering, refractive index, and viscosity detectors) and detailed 1H NMR analyses. A two‐step mechanism is proposed for the evolution of branching according to the dependence of molecular weight and DB on monomer conversion. Controlled radical polymerization proceeds until moderate conversions, mainly producing linear polymers. Subsequent initiation and propagation on the polymerizable allene side chains as well as the coupling of macromolecular chains generate numerous branches at moderate‐to‐high monomer conversions, dramatically increasing the molecular weight of the polymer. AMMA was also explored as a new branching agent to construct poly(methyl methacrylate)‐type hyperbranched polymers by its copolymerization with methyl methacrylate. The DB can be effectively tuned by the amount of AMMA, showing a linear increase trend. The pendent allene groups in the side chains of the copolymers were further functionalized by epoxidation and thiol‐ene chemistry in satisfactory yields. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 2959–2969
Effect of thermal history on the ionic conductivity of block copolymer electrolytes
Authors: Mullin Scott A. , Teran Alexander A. , Yuan Rodger , Balsara Nitash P. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTWe have studied the effect of thermal history on ionic conductivity of block copolymer electrolytes. Previous work on block copolymer electrolytes composed of polystyrene‐b‐poly(ethylene oxide) (SEO) and lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfone) imide (LiTFSI) salt was restricted to lamellar morphologies. This study addresses both cylindrical and lamellar morphologies. The conductivity of low molecular weight samples decreases after they are annealed. In contrast, the conductivity of high molecular weight samples is generally unaffected by annealing. These results are explained in the context of connectivity and composition of the conducting phase. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. Part B: Polym. Phys. 2013, 51, 927–934
Changes in fetal cardiac axis between 8 and 15 weeks' gestation
Authors: McBrien A. , Howley L. , Yamamoto Y. , Hutchinson D. , Hirose A. , Sekar P. , Jain V. , Motan T. , Trines J. , Savard W. , Hornberger L. K. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo document changes in the normal embryonic/fetal cardiac axis in the late first and early second trimesters of pregnancy.MethodsImages from 188 fetal echocardiograms performed prospectively between 8 and 15 weeks' gestation in 166 healthy pregnancies and in 10 pregnancies with severe fetal heart disease were reviewed. For each echocardiogram, three measurements of the cardiac axis were taken in the axial plane at the level of the four‐chamber view. Differences in mean embryonic/fetal cardiac axis at different gestational ages in the healthy pregnancies were compared.ResultsThe mean ± SD embryonic/fetal cardiac axis was 25.5 ± 11.5° from 8 + 0 to 9 + 6 weeks (Group  1), 40.4 ± 9.2° from 10 + 0 to 11 + 6 weeks (Group  2), 49.2 ± 7.4° from 12 + 0 to 12 + 6 weeks (Group  3), 50.6 ± 5.7° from 13 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks (Group 4) and 48.6 ± 7.3° from 14 + 0 to 14 + 6 weeks (Group 5). Groups 1 and 2 were significantly different from each other and all other groups (P < 0.05). The results for 22 cases with repeat measurements from 8 + 0 to 11 + 6 and 12 + 0 to 14 + 6 weeks confirmed that the embryonic/fetal cardiac axis increased significantly (P < 0.001). In the cases with severe congenital heart disease, the cardiac axis was > 90th centile in four cases and < 10th centile in two cases.ConclusionsThe embryonic cardiac axis is relatively midline at 8 weeks and levorotates in the late first trimester. By 12 weeks' gestation, the normal leftward fetal cardiac axis is established and remains stable until at least 14 + 6 weeks. Observation of an abnormal cardiac axis in some cases of severe congenital heart disease prior to 15 weeks' gestation may assist in prenatal detection. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Methods for generating families of univariate continuous distributions in the recent decades
Authors: Lee Carl , Famoye Felix , Alzaatreh Ayman Y. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThere has been a renewed interest in developing more flexible statistical distributions in recent decades. A major milestone in the methods for generating statistical distributions is undoubtedly the system of differential equation approach. There is a recent renewed interest in generating skewed distributions. Generally speaking, the methods developed prior to 1980s may be summarized into three categories: (1) method of differential equation, (2) method of transformation, and (3) quantile method. Techniques developed since 1980s may be categorized as ‘methods of combination’ for the reason that these methods attempt to combine existing distributions into new distributions or adding new parameters to an existing distribution. This article discusses five general methods of combination and their variations. These five are (1) method of generating skew distributions, (2) method of adding parameters (e.g., exponentiation), (3) beta generated method, (4) transformed‐transformer method, and (5) composite method.WIREs Comput Stat2013, 5:219–238. doi: 10.1002/wics.1255This article is categorized under:Algorithms and Computational Methods > Random Number GenerationStatistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Modeling Methods and AlgorithmsStatistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Nonparametric Methods
Comparison of the Frying Performance of High Oleic Oils Subjected to Discontinuous and Prolonged Thermal Treatment
Authors: Romano Raffaele , Manzo Nadia , Le Grottaglie Laura , Giordano Anella , Romano Annalisa , Masi Paolo 
Published: April 2013

AbstractFrying is a popular practice because of its unique sensory characteristics and low cost. The high temperature reached with this cooking method alters molecules present in the oil. The deterioration of the oil depends primarily on its chemical composition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the thermal stability of high oleic sunflower oil (HOSO), sunflower oil (SO) and mixed oil (MIX) during deep frying of French fries. Octanoic acid and unsaturated fatty acid (UFA)/saturated fatty acid (SFA) ratio showed a good correlation with total polar compounds (TPC) for all frying samples analyzed. HOSO and MIX were characterized by reduced levels of thermal degradation, while SO resulted in the highest values of oxidation products (highest TPC values). SO was also the oil more retained by the food matrix, whereas MIX was the least absorbed. HOSO and MIX, having a high oleic acid content (77.58 and 59.92 %, respectively) and a low linoleic acid content (13.42 and 25.70 %, respectively), showed the best characteristics for the frying process.
Disaster Preparedness and Pandemic Plans: A Survey of Nebraska Home Health Agencies
Authors: Kassmeier Michele D. , Medcalf Sharon , Hansen Keith , Smith Philip W. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo develop a tool that assesses disaster-planning strategies used by Home Health Agencies (HHAs) throughout Nebraska.MethodsA survey of HHAs in Nebraska was created, distributed, and analyzed to assess and gain information about their written disaster plans. Part 1 of this 2-part survey identified agencies with written disaster plans and collected basic information about plan and structure. Part 2 identified detailed characteristics of the HHA and their pandemic influenza plans. Also, pandemic influenza preparedness of HHAs was assessed and compared to other health care institutions.ResultsMore than 90% of the HHAs that responded to the survey reported that they have written disaster plans; almost half of the plans address strategies for surge capacity. The majority of HHAs with plans also have disaster-specific plans for pandemic influenza preparedness. Our findings suggest that Nebraska HHAs have taken substantial steps toward preparedness, although individual plans may vary considerably.ConclusionsThis survey provides a first step at evaluating HHA disaster preparedness plans. It also demonstrates that Nebraska HHAs have taken substantial steps toward being prepared, although individual plans vary widely. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2013;0:1–9)
A Resource Management Tool for Public Health Continuity of Operations During Disasters
Authors: Turner Anne M. , Reeder Blaine , Wallace James C. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjectiveWe developed and validated a user-centered information system to support the local planning of public health continuity of operations for the Community Health Services Division, Public Health - Seattle & King County, Washington.MethodsThe Continuity of Operations Data Analysis (CODA) system was designed as a prototype developed using requirements identified through participatory design. CODA uses open-source software that links personnel contact and licensing information with needed skills and clinic locations for 821 employees at 14 public health clinics in Seattle and King County. Using a web-based interface, CODA can visualize locations of personnel in relationship to clinics to assist clinic managers in allocating public health personnel and resources under dynamic conditions.ResultsBased on user input, the CODA prototype was designed as a low-cost, user-friendly system to inventory and manage public health resources. In emergency conditions, the system can run on a stand-alone battery-powered laptop computer. A formative evaluation by managers of multiple public health centers confirmed the prototype design's usefulness. Emergency management administrators also provided positive feedback about the system during a separate demonstration.ConclusionsValidation of the CODA information design prototype by public health managers and emergency management administrators demonstrates the potential usefulness of building a resource management system using open-source technologies and participatory design principles.(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2013;0:1–7)