bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of doping with rhGH: Excretion study with WADA‐approved kits
Authors: Jing Jing , Yang Sheng , Zhou Xinmiao , He Chunji , Zhang Lisi , Xu Youxuan , Xie Minhao , Yan Yi , Su Hao , Wu Moutian
Published: December 2011

The detection of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) doping using the World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA) approved kits is reported in this research. Twenty‐five young male students were selected and divided randomly into two groups with six belonging to the placebo and nineteen to the administration group. Thirteen volunteers in one group were administered with a Chinese preparation of rhGH while six volunteers included in the other group were given rhGH made in Switzerland. Both preparations were administered at a dose of 0.1 IU/kg body weight, one injection per day for 14 consecutive days. Blood samples were collected using WADA guidelines and all blood samples were analyzed with WADA‐approved Kits 1 and 2.

The time window for detection of rhGH doping using WADA‐approved kits and criteria are discussed. Based on the comparison of the data obtained from this excretion study and from our routine (Chinese population as reference), consideration of the recent WADA criteria for rhGH AAF (Analytical Adverse Findings) is reported statistically. A comparison of data obtained from the two sample groups administered with pharmaceutical preparations, one Chinese rhGH (GenHeal®, S19990019, 1.6 mg (4 IU), Shanghai, China) obtained from prokaryotic cells and the other (Saizen®, S20080036, 1.33 mg (4 IU), Laboratoires Serone S.A., Switzerland) from eukaryotic cells is reported and did not show any significant difference for the detection of doping with rhGH. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Studies of methylhexaneamine in supplements and geranium oil
Authors: Lisi A. , Hasick N. , Kazlauskas R. , Goebel C.
Published: December 2011

A number of supplements are now available which are sold as fat burners or pre‐workout boosters and contain stimulants which are banned in sport. Many contain methylhexaneamine under one of many pseudonyms including Geranamine, geranium oil or extract, or a number of chemical names such as 1,3‐dimethylpentylamine. This has resulted in many athletes returning an adverse finding and having sanctions imposed. Other stimulants such as caffeine, phenpromethamine, synefrine, and phenethylamines are also to be found in supplements.

This communication shows that geranium oils do not contain methylhexaneamine and that products labelled as containing geranium oil but which contain methylhexaneamine can only arise from the addition of synthetic material.

Since the usual dose of methylhexaneamine is large, the drug is excreted at relatively high amounts for more than 29 h, the time for which the excretion was studied. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improbable but true: the invasive inbreeding ambrosia beetle Xylosandrus morigerus has generalist genotypes
Authors: Andersen Hanne F. , Jordal Bjarte H. , Kambestad Marius , Kirkendall Lawrence R.
Published: December 2011

The wide distribution and dominance of invasive inbreeding species in many forest ecosystems seems paradoxical in face of their limited genetic variation. Successful establishment of invasive species in new areas is nevertheless facilitated by clonal reproduction: parthenogenesis, regular self‐fertilization, and regular inbreeding. The success of clonal lineages in variable environments has been explained by two models, the frozen niche variation (FNV) model and the general‐purpose genotype (GPG) model. We tested these models on a widely distributed forest pest that has been recently established in Costa Rica—the sibling‐mating ambrosia beetle Xylosandrus morigerus. Two deeply diverged mitochondrial haplotypes coexist at multiple sites in Costa Rica. We find that these two haplotypes do not differ in their associations with ecological factors. Overall the two haplotypes showed complete overlap in their resource utilization; both genotypes have broad niches, supporting the GPG model. Thus, probable or not, our findings suggest that X. morigerus is a true ecological generalist. Clonal aspects of reproduction coupled with broad niches are doubtless important factors in the successful colonization of new habitats in distant regions.
Life history traits variation in heterogeneous environment: The case of a freshwater snail resistance to pond drying
Authors: Chapuis Elodie , Ferdy Jean‐Baptiste
Published: December 2011

Ecologists and population geneticists have long suspected that the diversity of living organisms was connected to the structure of their environment. In heterogeneous environments, diversifying selection combined to restricted gene flow may indeed lead to locally adapted populations. The freshwater snail, Galba truncatula, is a good model to address this question because it is present in a heterogeneous environment composed of temporary and permanent waters. In order to test the selective importance of those environments, we proposed here to measure survival of lineages from both habitats during drought episodes. To this purpose, we experimentally submitted adults and juveniles individuals from both habitats to drought. We found a difference in desiccation resistance between temporary and permanents waters only for adults. Adults from temporary habitats were found more resistant to drought. This divergence in desiccation resistance seems to explain the unexpected life history traits differences between habitats observed.
Pheromone production, male abundance, body size, and the evolution of elaborate antennae in moths
Authors: Symonds Matthew R.E. , Johnson Tamara L. , Elgar Mark A.
Published: December 2011

The males of some species of moths possess elaborate feathery antennae. It is widely assumed that these striking morphological features have evolved through selection for males with greater sensitivity to the female sex pheromone, which is typically released in minute quantities. Accordingly, females of species in which males have elaborate (i.e., pectinate, bipectinate, or quadripectinate) antennae should produce the smallest quantities of pheromone. Alternatively, antennal morphology may be associated with the chemical properties of the pheromone components, with elaborate antennae being associated with pheromones that diffuse more quickly (i.e., have lower molecular weights). Finally, antennal morphology may reflect population structure, with low population abundance selecting for higher sensitivity and hence more elaborate antennae. We conducted a phylogenetic comparative analysis to test these explanations using pheromone chemical data and trapping data for 152 moth species. Elaborate antennae are associated with larger body size (longer forewing length), which suggests a biological cost that smaller moth species cannot bear. Body size is also positively correlated with pheromone titre and negatively correlated with population abundance (estimated by male abundance). Removing the effects of body size revealed no association between the shape of antennae and either pheromone titre, male abundance, or mean molecular weight of the pheromone components. However, among species with elaborate antennae, longer antennae were typically associated with lower male abundances and pheromone compounds with lower molecular weight, suggesting that male distribution and a more rapidly diffusing female sex pheromone may influence the size but not the general shape of male antennae.
Synthesis of Ir[μ2‐(N‐N)]M (M = Ir and Ru) Homo‐ and Heterobimetallic Complexes through a Condensation Reaction of N‐Amino and Formyl Groups Bound to Mononuclear (ηn‐CnMen)M Units (n = 5 for M = Ir; n = 6 for M = Ru)
Authors: Nakao Keisuke , Choi Gyeongshin , Konishi Yuki , Tsurugi Hayato , Mashima Kazushi
Published: December 2011

Reactions of [{Cp*IrCl(μ‐Cl)}2] (Cp* = η5‐pentamethylcyclopentadienyl) with bidentate pyridine–imine ligands such as 2‐(1‐hydrazonoethyl)pyridine (L1‐NH2) and 4‐({[1‐(pyridine‐2‐yl)ethylidene]hydrazono}methyl)benzaldehyde (L3‐CHO), followed by salt exchange, afforded the corresponding iridium mononuclear complexes [Cp*IrCl(L1‐NH2)][PF6] (1a‐PF6) and [Cp* IrCl(L3‐CHO)][PF6] (6‐PF6) that bear N‐amino and formyl functionalities, whereas the reaction of [{Cp*IrCl(μ‐Cl)}2] with butane‐2,3‐diylidenebis(hydrazone) [L2‐(NH2)2; 2 equiv.] afforded the half‐metallocene iridium complex 2‐PF6 with two free amino groups at the 2,5‐positions of an irida‐2,5‐diazacyclopentene skeleton. Post‐functionalization of the N‐amino groups of 1a‐PF6 and 6‐PF6 was accomplished with 3,5‐dimethoxybenzaldehyde in the presence of a catalytic amount of H2SO4 in CH3CN heated at reflux. The condensation reaction proceeded to form N‐imino‐functionalized iridium mononuclear complexes 3‐PF6 and 4‐PF6. Dinuclearization of complex 1a‐PF6 was achieved by a condensation reaction of 1a‐PF6 with dialdehydes. Reaction of an N‐amino functional group of 1a‐PF6 with terephthalaldehyde and isophthalaldehyde in the presence of a catalytic amount of H2SO4 gave the corresponding homodinuclear iridium complexes m‐5‐PF6 and p‐5‐PF6 in high yield. The molecular structure of p‐5‐PF6, evaluated by X‐ray diffraction study, revealed that two {Cp*IrCl} fragments coordinated to the tetradentate linked hydrazonoethyl skeleton in an anti fashion. Furthermore, treatment of the formyl group of iridium complex 6‐PF6 with the N‐amino group of ruthenium complex 1b‐PF6 resulted in the selective formation of an Ir[μ2‐(N‐N)]Ru heterobimetallic complex (7‐PF6) under similar reaction conditions. The selectivity for the formation of the Ru–Ir heterobimetallic complex was due to the tolerance of the imine moiety to hydrolysis under acidic conditions.
Synthesis of Rhenium(I) Tricarbonyl Complexes with Carbohydrate‐Pendant Tridentate Ligands and Their Cellular Uptake
Authors: Mikata Yuji , Takahashi Kyoko , Noguchi Yuka , Naemura Masami , Ugai Anna , Itami Saori , Yasuda Keiko , Tamotsu Satoshi , Matsuo Takashi , Storr Tim
Published: December 2011

Twelve [ReIL(CO)3]n+ complexes with various carbohydrate‐pendant ligands L have been prepared and their uptake into HeLa S3 cells were investigated. The ligand library includes: (i) glucose/galactose as the carbohydrate group; (ii) bis(2‐pyridylmethyl)amine (DPA), bis(2‐quinolylmethyl)amine (DQA), or N‐(2‐pyridylmethyl)glycine (NPG) as the metal binding component; and (iii) an ethylene chain as a linker between the metal binding site and the O/C‐glycosides. Microwave induced plasma mass spectroscopy (MIP‐MS) measurements revealed that all complexes were extensively incorporated into the HeLa cells over a 24 h period, and the DQA complexes showed the highest uptake of all the complexes in the series. However, in comparison to the corresponding Re complexes without the pendant carbohydrate functions (prepared with the related ligands LDPA, LDQA, and LNPG), only the NPG complexes exhibited carbohydrate enhanced cellular uptake. Considering their water solubility and cellular uptake properties, the NPG complexes containing an O‐glycoside group (L1 and L′1) are the best candidates for enhancing cellular uptake of metal ions. Microscopic analysis with PC‐12 cells in the presence of thefluorescent complex [Re(L′7)(CO)3]Cl, revealed that the complex stays in the cell cytosol and cannot penetrate into the nucleus.
Stereoselective Synthesis of Difunctionalized 1,3‐Dienes Containing Tin and Sulfonyl Groups by Palladium‐Catalyzed Regio‐ and Stereocontrolled Addition Reactions
Authors: Zhao Hong , Yang Weisen , Xie Shiyun , Cai Mingzhong
Published: December 2011

Using palladium‐catalyzed addition reactions, a terminal alkyne, an acetylenic sulfone, and a tin hydride comprise the building blocks for the construction of difunctionalized 1,3‐dienes containing tin and sulfonyl groups in an atom‐economical fashion. Terminal alkynes 1 undergo clean cis addition to acetylenic sulfones 2 in the presence of catalytic amounts of palladium acetate and tri(2,6‐dimethoxyphenyl)phosphane to give (E)‐1‐sulfonyl‐substituted 1,3‐enynes 3 in excellent yields. Hydrostannylation of 1,3‐enynes 3 with tributyltin hydride in the presence of Pd(PPh3)4 affords regio‐ and stereoselectively (1E,3E)‐1‐sulfonyl‐3‐tributylstannyl‐substituted 1,3‐dienes 4 in excellent yields.
New Optically Active 4‐Alkoxyprolinol Ethers Derived from trans‐4‐Hydroxy‐L‐proline
Authors: Friedemann Nora M. , Eustergerling Astrid , Nubbemeyer Udo
Published: December 2011

(2S,4R)‐trans‐4‐Hydroxy‐L‐proline has been used as thechiral‐pool source in the efficient syntheses of optically active protected 4‐hydroxyprolinols. After N‐acyl protection andester formation, the first ether moiety was introduced maintaining the chiral centre adjacent to the ester. Then, reduction of the ester delivered the corresponding carbinol, which had to be alkylated selectively to avoid side reactions with the N‐protecting group. Finally, the N‐acyl function was removed to generate the target methyl and tert‐butyl ethers displaying defined substitution patterns. The so‐formed optically active 4‐alkoxyprolinol ethers can be used as core fragments in biologically active compounds or as stablechiral auxiliary subunits in suitable starting materials.
A Multicomponent Carba‐Betti Strategy to Alkylidene Heterodimers – Total Synthesis and Structure–Activity Relationships of Arzanol
Authors: Minassi Alberto , Cicione Lavinia , Koeberle Andreas , Bauer Julia , Laufer Stefan , Werz Oliver , Appendino Giovanni
Published: December 2011

Using the synthesis of the heterodimeric phloroglucinyl pyrone arzanol as a benchmark reaction, a carba‐version of the Betti multicomponent reaction has been developed. Capitalizing on the fluorous activation of the phenolic component and the use of iminium ions as bivalent and “transmissive” aldehyde equivalents, the reaction has been used to colonize a biologically privileged but previously inaccessible area of chemical space and investigate the structure–activity relationships of arzanol towards a series of proinflammatory targets (mPGES‐1, 5‐LO).
Recent developments and applications of EMMA in enzymatic and derivatization reactions
Authors: Hai Xin , Yang Bao‐feng , Van Schepdael Ann
Published: December 2011

This review provides systematic coverage of examples in the field of in‐capillary electrophorecially mediated microanalysis (EMMA). The recent developments and applications in the time period up to mid 2011 have been described, as well as relevant older papers. The basic principles and modes of in‐capillary assays have been demonstrated. An overview is also given of the various injection, separation and detection modes implemented in combination with EMMA. The review is presented in two parts mainly dealing with (i) enzymatic and (ii) derivatization or chemical reactions. Finally, the future trends of CE in performing and monitoring reactions have been drawn.
Recent advances in the application of capillary electromigration methods for food analysis and Foodomics
Authors: Castro‐Puyana María , García‐Cañas Virginia , Simó Carolina , Cifuentes Alejandro
Published: December 2011

The analysis of food components using capillary electromigration methods is reviewed in this work. Papers that were published from February 2009 to February 2011 are included following the previous review by Herrero et al. (Electrophoresis, 2010, 31, 205–228). The analysis of amino acids, biogenic amines, peptides, proteins, DNAs, carbohydrates, phenols, polyphenols, pigments, toxins, pesticides, vitamins, additives, small organic and inorganic ions and other compounds found in foods and beverages are reviewed, as well as those applications of CE for monitoring food interactions and food processing. The use of microchips, CE‐MS and chiral‐CE in food analysis is also discussed as well as other current and foreseen trends in this area of research including new developments in Foodomics.
Mycolic acids as diagnostic markers for tuberculosis case detection in humans and drug efficacy in mice
Authors: Shui Guanghou , Bendt Anne K. , Jappar Ignasius A. , Lim Hui Ming , Laneelle Marie , Hervé Maxime , Via Laura E. , Chua Gek Huey , Bratschi Martin W. , Zainul Rahim Siti Zarina , Michelle Ang Lay Teng , Hwang Soo‐Hee , Lee Jong‐Soek , Eum Seok‐Yong , Kwak Hyun‐Kyung , Daffé Mamadou , Dartois Véronique , Michel Gerd , Barry Clifton E. , Wenk Markus R.
Published: December 2011

Mycolic acids are attractive diagnostic markers for tuberculosis (TB) infection because they are bacteria‐derived, contain information about bacterial species, modulate host–pathogen interactions and are chemically inert. Here, we present a novel approach based on mass spectrometry. Quantification of specific precursor → fragment transitions of approximately 2000 individual mycolic acids (MAs) resulted in high analytical sensitivity and specificity. We next used this tool in a retrospective case–control study of patients with pulmonary TB with varying disease burdens from South Korea, Vietnam, Uganda and South Africa. MAs were extracted from small volume sputum (200 µl) and analysed without the requirement for derivatization. Infected patients (70, 19 of whom were HIV+) could be separated from controls (40, 20 of whom were HIV+) with a sensitivity and specificity of 94 and 93%, respectively. Furthermore, we quantified MA species in lung tissue of TB‐infected mice and demonstrated effective clearance of MA levels following curative rifampicin treatment. Thus, our results demonstrate for the first time the feasibility and clinical relevance of direct detection of mycobacterial lipids as biomarkers of TB infection.
The reinforcement contribution to the cyclic behaviour of reinforced concrete beam hinges
Authors: Visintin Phillip , Oehlers Deric J. , Wu Chengwing , Griffith Michael C
Published: December 2011

The cyclic behaviour of plastic hinges is an essential component in tracking the behaviour of RC frames to failure, not only for monotonically increasing force/pressure loads such as under extreme wind loads but also for dynamic displacement‐driven loads such as under earthquake ground motions. To describe member deformations at ultimate loading, traditional moment–curvature techniques have required the use of an empirical hinge length to predict rotations, and despite much research a definitive generic expression for this empirical hinge length is yet to be defined. To overcome this problem, a discrete rotation approach, which directly quantifies the rotation between crack faces using mechanics, has been developed for beams and been shown to be accurate under monotonic loading. In this paper, the discrete rotation approach for monotonic loads is extended to cope with cyclic loads for dynamic analyses, and this has led to the development of a new partial interaction numerical simulation capable of allowing for reversals of slip of the reinforcing bars. This numerical tool should be very useful for the nonlinear analysis of reinforced concrete beams and reinforced concrete columns with small axial loads under severe dynamic loads. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transverse free vibrations of continuous bridges with abutment restraint
Authors: Tubaldi E. , Dall'Asta A.
Published: December 2011

This paper analyzes the dynamic behaviour of continuous bridges with transverse abutment restraint. These are a particular class of multi‐span bridges whose transverse motion is restrained at the abutments.

The transverse dynamic behaviour of these partially‐restrained bridges is described by a model consisting of a two‐dimensional simply‐supported beam with intermediate visco‐elastic restraints. A minimal set of characteristic problem parameters that completely describe the dynamic response is initially identified and an analytical solution is developed for particular configurations. The influence of these characteristic parameters on the properties of the dynamic systems are analyzed by considering the undamped and the damped free vibrations separately.

Successively, in order to cover more general and complex configurations of realistic bridges, an extension of the definition of the characteristic parameters is proposed. The results obtained considering selected case studies are finally presented. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Feasibility of upward evacuation by escalator — An experimental study
Authors: Okada Naoko , Hasemi Yuji , Moriyama Shuji
Published: December 2011

This paper describes group upward evacuation experiments using escalators that were designed to investigate the feasibility of evacuation by escalators for large underground buildings. The experiments were conducted using 22‐m‐high (50‐m‐long) and 5.7‐m‐high (12.2‐m‐long) escalators in a convention facility in Tokyo. In order to consider the potential benefits of using escalators moving towards an exit for evacuation, the experiments included both stationary and upward moving modes of the escalators. Walking behavior such as walking velocity and the effective flow coefficient was measured for solo walking pedestrians and groups in various arrangements. The influence of slow pedestrians (elderly, etc.) on the group evacuation was examined by using subjects wearing an elderly simulator (Instant Senior). The following conclusions were drawn with respect to the walking behavior on an escalator: (1) the walking velocity was nearly constant throughout the 22‐m‐high escalator lane, (2) the walking velocity of a solo pedestrian was 0.03–0.10 m/s slower on a moving escalator than on a stationary escalator, (3) group evacuation on an escalator was strongly affected by the existence of slow pedestrians, (4) the walking velocity of a solo pedestrian on a stationary escalator was nearly identical to that on a stairway, and (5) the effective flow coefficient at the escalator entrance was dictated by the moving velocity of pedestrians on the escalator lane. Numerical evacuation simulations on a real and very deep subway station using the experimental results demonstrate a 46% reduction in the evacuation time by the use of escalators moving toward exits. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A penalized four‐dimensional variational data assimilation method for reducing forecast error related to adaptive observations
Authors: Hossen M.J. , Navon I.M. , Fang F.
Published: December 2011

Four‐dimensional variational (4D‐Var) data assimilation method is used to find the optimal initial conditions by minimizing a cost function in which background information and observations are provided as the input of the cost function. The optimized initial conditions based on background error covariance matrix and observations improve the forecast. The targeted observations determined by using methods such as adjoint sensitivity, observation sensitivity, or singular vectors may further improve the forecast. In this paper, we are proposing a new technique—consisting of a penalized 4D‐Var data assimilation method that is able to reduce the forecast error significantly. This technique consists in penalizing the cost function by a forecast aspect defined over the verification domain at the verification time. The results obtained using the penalized 4D‐Var method show that the initial condition is optimally estimated, thus resulting in a better forecast by significantly reducing the forecast error over the verification domain at verification time. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Discovery of Silurian sponge spicules from the Argentine Precordillera
Authors: Beresi M. S.
Published: December 2011

An association of silicified spicules of hexactinellid sponges was collected from Silurian sandstones at the top of the La Chilca Formation, cropping out at Cerro del Fuerte, 20 km east of Jáchal, in the San Juan Precordillera of west‐central Argentina. This is the first occurrence of a Silurian spicule fauna recorded at higher palaeolatitudes from Argentina and the entire South American part of Gondwana. The spicules were extracted by means of formic acid treatment from sandstones of the uppermost part of the La Chilca Formation, which ranges in age from the late Hirnantian to Llandovery, based on graptolites, brachiopods and conodonts. The spicule association is composed only of scarce siliceous hexactine‐based spicules which cannot be attributed to any specific hexactinellid taxon. The fragmentary preservation of this allochthonous sponge assemblage points toward preburial transport. These spicules represent the only microfauna found in the uppermost sandstones. Macrofossils are absent. No conodonts have been recovered in these levels. Two interpretations on the spicules of the Precordillera can be argued: (a) that those early Silurian hexactinellids could have occurred in quartz sandstones of the shore‐facies to off‐shore transitional associations, in the upper La Chilca Formation, or (b) that these sponges flourished in mainly calcareous shales in quiet deep‐water conditions, and that their fragile spicules were removed and deposited by oceanic currents, on the top of the outer‐shelf sand bars.

Both hypotheses on the palaeoenvironmental origin of these spicules are substantially different, but the scarcity of spicules does not allow a more precise interpretation. The discovery of these hexactinellid spicules provides a new perspective on Silurian sponge occurrence and distribution for the Argentine Precordillera. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Astrogliosis involves activation of retinoic acid‐inducible gene‐like signaling in the innate immune response after spinal cord injury
Authors: de Rivero Vaccari Juan Pablo , Minkiewicz Julia , Wang Xiaoliang , De Rivero Vaccari Juan Carlos , German Ramon , Marcillo Alex E. , Dietrich W. Dalton , Keane Robert W.
Published: December 2011

Spinal cord injury (SCI) induces a glial response in which astrocytes become activated and produce inflammatory mediators. The molecular basis for regulation of glial‐innate immune responses remains poorly understood. Here, we examined the activation of retinoic acid‐inducible gene (RIG)‐like receptors (RLRs) and their involvement in regulating inflammation after SCI. We show that astrocytes express two intracellular RLRs: RIG‐I and melanoma differentiation‐associated gene 5. SCI and stretch injury of cultured astrocytes stimulated RLR signaling as determined by phosphorylation of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) leading to production of type I interferons (IFNs). RLR signaling stimulation with synthetic ribonucleic acid resulted in RLR activation, phosphorylation of IRF3, and increased expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and vimentin, two hallmarks of reactive astrocytes. Moreover, mitochondrial E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1, an RLR inhibitor, decreased production of GFAP and vimentin after RIG‐I signaling stimulation. Our findings identify a role for RLR signaling and type I IFN in regulating astrocyte innate immune responses after SCI. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genetic approaches to study glial cells in the rodent brain
Authors: Pfrieger Frank W. , Slezak Michal
Published: December 2011

The development, function, and pathology of the brain depend on interactions of neurons and different types of glial cells, namely astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, and ependymal cells. Understanding neuron–glia interactions in vivo requires dedicated experimental approaches to manipulate each cell type independently. In this review, we first summarize techniques that allow for cell‐specific gene modification including targeted mutagenesis and viral transduction. In the second part, we describe the genetic models that allow to target the main glial cell types in the central nervous system. The existing arsenal of approaches to study glial cells in vivo and its expansion in the future are key to understand neuron–glia interactions under normal and pathologic conditions. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bradford College: Requiem for a college
Authors: Levine Arthur
Published: December 2011

Bradford College overestimated its potential for growth; though it epitomized the small New England liberal arts college—beautiful campus, dedicated faculty, talented administrators, caring trustees, a strong curriculum, and valued traditions—it also had characteristics of many colleges that closed: it was small, private, and poor.
Reinventing black colleges in postethnic America: The case of Knoxville College
Authors: Hatton Barbara R.
Published: December 2011

A former Knoxville College president recounts struggles and innovative strategies to turn the college around.
Retracted: Oxidative stress induced by aluminum oxide nanomaterials after acute oral treatment in Wistar rats
Authors: Prabhakar P. V. , Reddy Utkarsh A. , Singh S. P. , Balasubramanyam A. , Rahman M. F. , Indu Kumari S. , Agawane Sachin B. , Murty U. S. N. , Grover Paramjit , Mahboob Mohammed
Published: December 2011

This study investigated the oxidative stress induced after acute oral treatment with 500, 1000 and 2000 mg kg−1 doses of Al2O3‐30 and −40 nm and bulk Al2O3 in Wistar rats. Both the nanomaterials induced significant oxidative stress in a dose‐dependent manner in comparison to the bulk. There was no significant difference between the two nanomaterials. However, the effect decreased with increase with time after treatment. The histopathological examination showed lesions only in liver with Al2O3 nanomaterials at 2000 mg kg−1. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two‐year drinking water carcinogenicity study of methyl tertiary‐butyl ether (MTBE) in Wistar rats
Authors: Dodd Darol , Willson Gabrielle , Parkinson Horace , Bermudez Edilberto
Published: December 2011

Methyl tertiary‐butyl ether (MTBE) has been used as a gasoline additive to reduce tailpipe emissions and its use has been discontinued. There remains a concern that drinking water sources have been contaminated with MTBE. A two‐year drinking water carcinogenicity study of MTBE was conducted in Wistar rats (males, 0, 0.5, 3, 7.5 mg ml−1; and females, 0, 0.5, 3, and 15 mg ml−1). Body weights were unaffected and water consumption was reduced in MTBE‐exposed males and females. Wet weights of male kidneys were increased at the end of two years of exposure to 7.5 mg ml−1 MTBE. Chronic progressive nephropathy was observed in males and females, was more severe in males, and was exacerbated in the high MTBE exposure groups. Brain was the only tissue with a statistically significant finding of neoplasms. One astrocytoma (1/50) was found in a female rat (15 mg ml−1). The incidence of brain astrocytomas in male rats was 1/50, 1/50, 1/50 and 4/50 for the 0, 0.5, 3 and 7.5 mg ml−1 exposure groups, respectively. This was a marginally significant statistical trend, but not statistically significant when pairwise comparisons were made or when multiple comparisons were taken into account. The incidence of astrocytoma fell within historical control ranges for Wistar rats, and the brain has not been identified as a target organ following chronic administration of MTBE, ethyl tert‐butyl ether, or tertiary butyl alcohol (in drinking water) to mice and rats. We conclude that the astrocytomas observed in this study are not associated with exposure to MTBE. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling nonlinear optics of nanosystems with sum‐over‐states model
Authors: Tian Wei Quan
Published: December 2011

Three‐stage strategies (ladder rule, few state model (FSM), and parallelization) were proposed to improve the computational efficiency of the sum‐over‐states (SOS) model in nonlinear optics (NLO) modeling. Ladder rule decomposes NLO coefficients of the nth state into the (n−1)th term and the contribution from the (n−1)th to the nth state without loss of rigor in theory. FSM singles out the states with substantial contribution to NLO. Those strategies are universal to all (including revised and simplified) SOS models. The computing cost reduces roughly to C/(ni−1) (C is a constant and i is the rank (order) of the NLO coefficients). © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2012
Ethanol production from wood via concentrated acid hydrolysis, chromatographic separation, and fermentation
Authors: Heinonen Jari , Tamminen Anu , Uusitalo Jaana , Sainio Tuomo
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND: Production of bioethanol from wood using concentrated acid hydrolysis has received less attention than the dilute acid hydrolysis route. The feasibility of producing lignocellulosic bioethanol from spruce and birch via concentrated acid hydrolysis was studied experimentally. Hydrolysis with sulfuric acid, chromatographic purification of the hydrolysate, and fermentation of the monosaccharides were investigated.

RESULTS: Monosaccharide yields of 70% were obtained in the hydrolysis of spruce and birch. Only low amounts of by‐products were formed. With chromatographic purification of the hydrolysate, over 90% of the hydrolysis acid was recovered for recycling, and furfural and HMF were removed completely. Most of the acetic acid was recovered in a separate fraction. The monosaccharide yield in a single pass separation was approximately 70%. In the fermentation, S. cerevisiae produced higher amounts of ethanol and more efficiently than P. stipitis. Chromatographically purified hydrolysates gave higher ethanol productivities and yields than Ca(OH)2 neutralized hydrolysates.

CONCLUSIONS: Chromatographic purification of concentrated acid lignocellulosic hydrolysates has advantages when compared with neutralization with Ca(OH)2. With chromatography, most of the inhibitory compounds can be removed from the hydrolysates. In addition, due to the recycling of the hydrolysis acid, the economy of the bioethanol manufacturing process is increased considerably. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Functionalization of gold and silver nanoparticles with diphenyl dichalcogenides probed by surface enhanced Raman scattering
Authors: Takata Leandro M. S. , Gonçalves Augusto C. , Ando Rômulo A. , Dos Santos Alcindo A. , Camargo Pedro H. C.
Published: December 2011

This paper describes a surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) systematic investigation regarding the functionalization of gold (Au) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles with diphenyl dichalcogenides, i.e. diphenyl disulfide, diphenyl diselenide, and diphenyl ditelluride. Our results showed that, in all cases, functionalization took place with the cleavage of the chalcogen–chalcogen bond on the surface of the metal. According to our density functional theory calculations, the molecules assumed a tilted orientation with respect to the metal surface for both Au and Ag, in which the angle of the phenyl ring relative to the metallic surface decreased as the mass of the chalcogen atom increased. The detected differences in the ordinary Raman and SERS spectra were assigned to the distinct stretching frequencies of the carbon–chalcogen bond and its relative contribution to the ring vibrational modes. In addition, the SERS spectra showed that there was no significant interaction between the phenyl ring and the surface, in agreement with the tilted orientation observed from our density functional theory calculations. The results described herein indicate that diphenyl dichalcogenides can be successfully employed as starting materials for the functionalization of Au nanoparticles with organosulfur, organoselenium, and organotellurium compounds. On the other hand, diphenyl disulfide and diphenyl diselenide could be employed for the functionalization of Ag nanoparticles, while the partial oxidation of the organotellurium unit could be detected on the Ag surface. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
First‐order Raman scattering of the MAX phases Ta4AlC3, Nb4AlC3, Ti4AlN3, and Ta2AlC
Authors: Lane Nina J. , Naguib Michael , Presser Volker , Hug Gilles , Hultman Lars , Barsoum Michel W.
Published: December 2011

Herein, we report on the Raman spectra of the following ternary hexagonal carbides and nitrides (MAX phases): Ta4AlC3, Ta2AlC and Ti4AlN3. We also present the Raman‐active modes of α‐ and β‐Ta4AlC3, Nb4AlC3 and Ti4AlN3, – also referred to as the 413 MAX phases – as predicted from first principles calculations using density functional theory. We compare the obtained experimental and calculated results with previous studies on Ta2AlC and Ti4AlN3. The vibrational behavior associated with the Raman‐active modes for the 413 phases has been identified for the first time. In general, the agreement is good between theory and experiment. The experimental and calculated results indicate that the modes at low wavenumbers ‐ dominated by the Al atoms ‐ are a weak function of chemistry and the differences in energy can be traced to variations in the reduced mass. The modes at higher wavenumbers are dominated by the C and N atoms and show a strong dependence on the unit cell chemistry, with the Ta–C bond being stiffer than the Nb–C bond, which is in turn stiffer than Ti–N. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Color compensation in nitrite‐reduced meat batters incorporating paprika or tomato paste
Authors: Bázan‐Lugo Eduardo , García‐Martínez Ignacio , Alfaro‐Rodríguez Rosa Hayde , Totosaus Alfonso
Published: December 2011

BACKGROUND: Nitrite is a key ingredient the manufacture of meat products, forming a stable pink color characteristic of cured products, retarding the development of rancidity and off‐odors and flavors during storage, and preventing microbial growth. The negative aspects of nitrite and the demands for healthy foods result in the need to reduce nitrite in cured meat products. Paprika or tomato has been employed as natural pigments in meat products. The objective of this work was to determine the effect of incorporating paprika powder or tomato paste on the texture, rancidity and instrumental and sensory color compensation in nitrite‐reduced meat batters.

RESULTS: Addition of tomato paste improved moisture content, resulting in harder but less cohesive samples as compared to control and paprika‐containing meat batters. Color characteristics of reduced nitrite samples obtained higher a* red coloration (8.9 for paprika and 7.7–8.0 for tomato paste), as compared to control samples (5.65). Instrumental color was low in control samples, with high values for tomato paste and paprika samples. Nonetheless, tomato paste used to compensate color in nitrite‐reduced meat batters was ranked closer to the control sample in sensory evaluation.

CONCLUSION: Color characteristics—instrumental and sensory—in these kinds of meat products were enhanced by the addition of 2.5–3.0% of tomato paste, presenting results close to the non‐reduced nitrite control. Similarly, antioxidant components of tomato paste or paprika reduced lipid oxidation. Nitrite reduction from 150 to 100 ppm could be achieved employing tomato paste as a natural pigment to improve color and texture. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Outcomes following oesophageal stent insertion for palliation of malignant strictures: A large single centre series
Authors: Battersby Nicholas J. , Bonney Glenn K. , Subar Daren , Talbot Laura , Decadt Bart , Lynch Niall
Published: December 2011

Background

Self‐expanding metal stents (SEMS) are an accepted intervention for malignant dysphagia. Stents vary in ease of insertion, removability, migration and occlusion rates. This series reports the complications, morbidity and mortality associated with several SEMS.

Method

A prospective database of patients undergoing fluoroscopic guided oesophageal stent insertion for malignancy between June 2001 and June 2009 was analysed. Patient demographics, intervention outcomes and tumour variables were correlated with stent failure and patient survival. Multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate predictors for stent failure.

Results

Two hundred and seventy‐three stents were deployed using nine different types of SEMS. The median Mellow–Pinkas dysphagia score significantly improved from 3 to 1 post‐stent insertion (P < 0.001), with a technical success rate of 98%. Stent complications occurred in 95 (36%) patients [recurrent dysphagia n = 49 (19%), migration n = 24 and occlusion n = 25]. Multivariate analysis demonstrates that the covered Niti S stent fails significantly more than the double‐layered Niti S stent (OR = 4, P < 0.005).

Conclusion

Oesophageal stent insertion provides good palliation for malignant dysphagia, however recurrent dysphagia remains a problem. This major complication occurs more frequently with covered Niti S stents than double‐layered Niti S stents. This finding may aid the stent choice used in advanced oesophageal malignancy. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 105:60–65. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Foraging preferences of Canada geese among turfgrasses: Implications for reducing human–goose conflicts
Authors: Washburn Brian E. , Seamans Thomas W.
Published: December 2011

Canada geese (Branta canadensis) can cause serious damage to turfgrass areas and create human health and safety concerns (e.g., collisions with aircraft, disease transmission). We conducted a study during 2005–2007 to determine if Canada geese exhibit a feeding preference among various commercially available turfgrasses. Behavioral responses of captive geese to 9 turfgrasses, bare ground, and litter were observed over 6 4‐week trials during July–September following the installation of selected turfgrasses into experimental arenas. Captive geese preferred to forage on Kentucky bluegrass, creeping bentgrass, and fine fescue sods compared to centipedegrass, St. Augustinegrass, and zoysiagrass. Forage qualities and macronutrient levels varied among the turfgrasses and might explain the foraging preferences geese exhibited during this study. Canada goose feeding rate was positively correlated with crude protein, nitrogen content, and calcium, but negatively correlated with acid detergent fiber content, within various turfgrasses. Our findings suggest careful selection of turfgrasses could be an effective method for reducing Canada goose conflicts in urban and suburban areas. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Response of double‐crested cormorants to a large‐scale egg oiling experiment on Lake Huron
Authors: Ridgway Mark S. , Middel Trevor A. , Pollard J. Bruce
Published: December 2011

We report on a management experiment examining the effects of large‐scale egg oiling on double‐crested cormorant nest abundance and measures of seasonal cormorant density (bird‐days/km2) from 2000 to 2005. We employed the staircase design to distinguish transient responses to management treatments from site and year effects that generally contribute to variation in populations. The response to egg oiling in Georgian Bay was as expected with a decline in nest abundance attributable to egg oiling. In the North Channel, nest abundance did not decline because of egg oiling but increased, reflecting either retention of nesting adults or recruitment to colonies. This surprising outcome may stem from fish escapement from pen rearing facilities in the vicinity of the oiling experiment in the North Channel. We observed no effect of egg oiling on the July–August seasonal density of cormorants. The strongest effect size was associated with site effects followed by year effects for nest abundance and seasonal density. The effect size of egg oiling on variation in nest abundance did not exceed 5% for any year in both the North Channel and Georgian Bay. Fish pen culture appears to affect coastal distribution of cormorants. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
True North Groups: A big idea for developing leaders
Authors: George Bill
Published: December 2011

Today's leaders must develop their emotional intelligence to overcome the crisis of leadership of the past decade. George explains how leaders can become truly authentic through aligning, empowering, serving, and collaborating. A valuable setting for their development can take place in small, intimate peer groups George dubs the “True North Group.” Participants “can share their experiences, challenges, and frustrations and get honest feedback.” They can thus grow as people and as leaders, develop confidence and self‐compassion, and accept their own strengths and weaknesses.
Authenticity is everything: An interview with Jeffrey Gitomer
Authors: Gitomer Jeffrey
Published: December 2011

Don't just lead by example, Gitomer advises. Set a standard for others to follow. Leaders who do this will prove not only their own authenticity, but also that of their organization. They must “rate their own reality.” Bland, forgettable mission statements don't have the force of strong customer promises backed up by being the best at what you do. Leaders who are preoccupied with “making the last dime for their shareholders” will find that their time is better spent communicating continually inside and outside their organization.
Comparison of sulphide corrosivity of sulphate‐ and non‐sulphate‐reducing prokaryotes isolated from oilfield injection water
Authors: Duque Z. , Ibars J. R. , Sarró M. I. , Moreno D. A.
Published: December 2011

The microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) of water injection systems by sulphate‐reducing prokaryotes (SRP) has caused many problems in the oil industry. These prokaryotes produce H2S, which reacts aggressively with steel and is thus widely considered to be the main cause of bacterial corrosion of industrial oil equipment. However, current microbiological treatments and controls have not taken into account other groups of sulphidogenic prokaryotes, which also produce H2S or its derivatives and with the same adverse effects of MIC. In the present work, sulphidogenic prokaryotes were isolated from water injection systems and identified by DNA sequencing. The identified species included sulphate‐reducing Desulfovibrio termitidis and non‐sulphate‐reducing Escherichia coli. Biocorrosion tests were carried out on API 5L grade X65 carbon steel. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, polarisation resistance, open circuit potential and weight loss were carried out. Steel corrosion resulting from the production of the metabolite H2S by SRP and non‐SRP was observed, with sulphide generation by SRP much greater than that by non‐SRP. These results confirm the need to investigate and consider the role of not only SRP but also non‐SRP in order to improve the control over bacterial corrosion of oil‐industry equipment.
Investigations on susceptibility to intergranular corrosion of thermo‐mechanically rolled corrosion‐resistant materials 316L and Alloy 825
Authors: Prohaska M. , Mori G. , Grill R. , Tischler G. , Mitsche S.
Published: December 2011

The influence of parameters of a thermo‐mechanical rolling process on corrosion properties of materials 316L and Alloy 825 was studied by means of the DL‐EPR‐method and a conventional corrosion test. Prior to polarization measurements, optimization of the DL‐EPR‐method was conducted. SEM was used to characterize microstructure and type of attack before and after corrosion testing. A strong correlation between annual corrosion rates and DL‐EPR‐test results was obtained. Due to the low tendency of both alloys to form corrosion‐promoting precipitates, the applicable range of process parameters for both alloys is large and the fabrication process in general is not critical.
Investigation of the microstructure of an aqueously corroded zinc wire by data‐constrained modelling with multi‐energy X‐ray CT
Authors: Wang Y. D. , Yang Y. S. , Cole I. , Trinchi A. , Xiao T. Q.
Published: December 2011

The compositional microstructure of a zinc sample that has been subjected to aqueous oxidation has been investigated using a data‐constrained modelling (DCM) approach combined with multi‐energy X‐ray micro computed tomography (CT) data. High‐resolution X‐ray CT data sets were acquired at the Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility (SSRF) at beam energies of 9 and 10.5 keV. CT images were used to reconstruct the three dimensional chemical compositional distribution via the DCM approach, with spatial resolution at the order of a micron. The results indicate that the interface between zinc and zinc oxide is characterized by a triple layer where the innermost layer consists of zinc and zinc oxide and the outer layers of zinc oxide with differing density.