bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of consensus treatment plans for juvenile localized scleroderma: A roadmap toward comparative effectiveness studies in juvenile localized scleroderma
Authors: Li Suzanne C. , Torok Kathryn S. , Pope Elena , Dedeoglu Fatma , Hong Sandy , Jacobe Heidi T. , Rabinovich C. Egla , Laxer Ronald M. , Higgins Gloria C. , Ferguson Polly J. , Lasky Andrew , Baszis Kevin , Becker Mara , Campillo Sarah , Cartwright Victoria , Cidon Michael , Inman Christi J. , Jerath Rita , O'Neil Kathleen M. , Vora Sheetal , Zeft Andrew , Wallace Carol A. , Ilowite Norman T. , Fuhlbrigge Robert C. ,   for the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) Localized Scleroderma Workgroup
Published: April 2012

Objective

Juvenile localized scleroderma (LS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder associated with substantial morbidity and disability. Although a wide range of therapeutic strategies has been reported in the literature, a lack of agreement on treatment specifics and accepted methods for clinical assessment has made it difficult to compare approaches and identify optimal therapy. Our objective was to develop standardized treatment plans, clinical assessments, and response criteria for active, moderate to high severity juvenile LS.

Methods

A core group of pediatric rheumatologists, dermatologists, and a lay advisor was engaged by the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) to develop standardized treatment plans and assessment parameters for juvenile LS using consensus methods/nominal group techniques. Recommendations were validated in 2 face‐to‐face conferences with a larger group of practitioners with expertise in juvenile LS and with the full membership of CARRA, which encompasses the majority of pediatric rheumatologists in the US and Canada.

Results

Consensus was achieved on standardized treatment plans that reflect the prevailing treatment practices of CARRA members. Standardized clinical assessment methods and provisional treatment response criteria were also developed. Greater than 90% of pediatric rheumatologists responding to a survey (66% of CARRA membership) affirmed the final recommendations and agreed to utilize these consensus plans to treat patients with juvenile LS.

Conclusion

Using consensus methodology, we have developed standardized treatment plans and assessment methods for juvenile LS. The high level of support among pediatric rheumatologists will support future comparative effectiveness studies and enable the development of evidence‐based guidelines for the treatment of juvenile LS.
When it hurts, a positive attitude may help: association of positive affect with daily walking in knee osteoarthritis. Results from a multicenter longitudinal cohort study
Authors: White Daniel K. , Keysor Julie J. , Neogi Tuhina , Felson David T. , LaValley Michael , Gross K. Doug , Niu Jingbo , Nevitt Michael , Lewis Cora E. , Torner Jim , Fredman Lisa
Published: April 2012

Objective

While depressive symptoms and knee pain are independently known to impede daily walking in older adults, it is unknown whether positive affect promotes daily walking. This study investigated this association among adults with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and examined whether knee pain modified this association.

Methods

This study is a cross‐sectional analysis of the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study. We included 1,018 participants (mean ± SD age 63.1 ± 7.8 years, 60% women) who had radiographic knee OA and had worn a StepWatch monitor to record their number of steps per day. High and low positive affect and depressive symptoms were based on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Knee pain was categorized as present in respondents who reported pain on most days at both a clinic visit and a telephone screening.

Results

Compared to respondents with low positive affect (27% of all respondents), those with high positive affect (63%) walked a similar number of steps per day, while those with depressive symptoms (10%) walked less (adjusted β −32.6 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) −458.9, 393.8] and −579.1 [95% CI −1,274.9, 116.7], respectively). There was a statistically significant interaction of positive affect by knee pain (P = 0.0045). Among the respondents with knee pain (39%), those with high positive affect walked significantly more steps per day (adjusted β 711.0 [95% CI 55.1, 1,366.9]) than those with low positive affect.

Conclusion

High positive affect was associated with more daily walking among adults with painful knee OA. Positive affect may be an important psychological factor to consider for promoting physical activity among people with painful knee OA.
Chiral Phosphoric Acid‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Oxidation of Aryl Alkyl Sulfides and Aldehyde‐Derived 1,3‐Dithianes: Using Aqueous Hydrogen Peroxide as the Terminal Oxidant
Authors: Liu Zhao‐Min , Zhao Hua , Li Mei‐Qiu , Lan Yu‐Bao , Yao Qi‐Bo , Tao Jing‐Chao , Wang Xing‐Wang
Published: April 2012

(R)‐1,1′‐Binaphthyl‐2,2′‐diol (R‐BINOL) derived chiral phosphoric acids have been explored as organocatalysts for the asymmetric oxidation of a series of aryl alkyl sulfides and 1,3‐dithianes derived from aldehydes with aqueous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as the terminal oxidant. The enantiomerically enriched sulfoxides are obtained in moderate to excellent yield (up to 99%) with excellent diastereoselectivity (up to >99:1 dr) and moderate to good enantioselectivity (up to 91:9 er). In particular, the present protocol stereoselectively provides an efficient access to enantiomerically enriched aryl alkyl sulfoxides and dithioacetal mono‐sulfoxides, which strictly restrains the formation of the undesirable by‐products: sulfones or disulfoxides. The tracking experiments also verify that this approach proceeds via a direct sulfoxidation process, instead of a kinetic resolution route by overoxidation of the resulting sulfoxides.
Olefin Metathesis on a TLC Plate as a Tool for a High‐Throughput Screening of Catalyst‐Substrate Sets
Authors: Cabrera José , Padilla Robin , Dehn Richard , Deuerlein Stephan , Gułajski Łukasz , Chomiszczak Ewa , Teles J. Henrique , Limbach Michael , Grela Karol
Published: April 2012

A methodology for screening either various catalysts for a given metathesis reaction, i.e., ring opening‐ring closing alkene metathesis (RO‐RCM) and cross‐metathesis (CM), or various substrates for a given pre‐catalyst on a thin layer chromatography (TLC) plate has been developed. As the substrates elute with the solvent, this TLC‐based system acts as a heterogeneous catalyst bed (“TLC reactor”). Selected promising catalyst candidates were screened on a TLC plate and their initial catalytic potential as observed in the TLC test was later fully confirmed in a classical heterogeneous reaction set‐up using standard commercially available silica (D11‐10). Reacting polyfunctional, natural product‐like substrates in our TLC reactor allows the simultaneous screening of various substrates and the convenient micro‐scale preparation and isolation of potentially biologically active products.
Bioinspirierte künstliche funktionelle Nanokanäle: von der symmetrischen zur unsymmetrischen Modifikation
Authors: Hou Xu , Zhang Huacheng , Jiang Lei
Published: April 2012

Die Natur hat über die Jahrmillionen komplexe Prozesse hervorgebracht, die über ausgeklügelte Kontrollmechanismen verfügen. Das Prinzip, von der Natur zu lernen, spielt bei der Entwicklung “intelligenter” Materialien und Systeme seit langem eine tragende Rolle. Biologische Nanokanäle, typischerweise Ionenkanäle, spielen zum Beispiel eine gewichtige Rolle bei den grundlegenden biochemischen Prozessen in der Zelle. Die Entwicklung biomimetischer Nanokanäle wurde durch Ionenkanäle angeregt, deren Komponenten unsymmetrisch über die Membran verteilt sind, und präsentiert sich gegenwärtig als ein vielseitiges Forschungsgebiet. Die Gestaltung neuer biomimetischer Kanäle umfasst den Einsatz von unterschiedlich geformten Kanälen, von Molekülen, die auf unterschiedliche Stimuli reagieren, und von unterschiedlichen Methoden zur symmetrischen oder unsymmetrischen Modifikation.
Building Bio‐Inspired Artificial Functional Nanochannels: From Symmetric to Asymmetric Modification
Authors: Hou Xu , Zhang Huacheng , Jiang Lei
Published: April 2012

Over millions of years, complex processes of intelligent control have evolved in nature. Learning from nature is a continuing theme in the development of smart materials and intelligent systems. For example, biological nanochannels, which are typically ion channels, play a very important role in basic biochemical processes in cells. Inspired by ion channels, in which the components are asymmetrically distributed between the membrane surfaces, the generation of biomimetic smart nanochannels is a broad and varied scientific research field. The design and development of new biomimetic channels includes the use of different shapes of channels, different stimuli‐responsive molecules, and different symmetric/asymmetric modification methods. In this Minireview, we summarize recent developments in building functional nanochannels by applying various symmetric and asymmetric modifications.
Synthesis and cytostatic activity of Pt(II) complexes of intramolecularly coordinated phosphine and stibine ligands
Authors: Řezníček Tomáš , Dostál Libor , Růžička Aleš , Vinklárek Jaromír , Řezáčová Martina , Jambor Roman
Published: April 2012

The intramolecularly coordinated phosphine and stibine ligands L1PPh2(1), L2PPh2(2) and L2SbPh2(3) containing Y,C,Y‐chelating ligands, L1 = 2,6‐(tBuOCH2)2C6H4−and L2 = 2,6‐(Me2NCH2)2C6H4−, were prepared and characterized. The treatment of these ligands1,2,3with PtCl2yielded complexestrans‐{[2,6‐(tBuOCH2)2C6H3]PPh2}2PtCl2(4),cis‐{[2,6‐(Me2NCH2)2C6H3]PPh2}PtCl2(5), andcis‐{[2,6‐(Me2NCH2)2C6H3]SbPh2}PtCl2(6) as the result of different ability of the starting compounds1,2,3to complex platinum centre. Compounds1,2,3,4,5,6were characterized by1H,13C and31P NMR spectroscopy and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and molecular structures of3,4,5,6were determined by X‐ray diffraction analysis. The substitution reactions of complexes4,5,6were also studied. The reaction of5and6with NaI yielded complexes {[2,6‐(Me2NCH2)2C6H3]PPh2}PtI2(7) and {[2,6‐(Me2NCH2)2C6H3]SbPh2}PtI2(8), while the same reaction of4with NaI did not proceed. As the compounds7and8structurally resemble cisplatin, complex {{[2‐(Me2NCH2)‐6‐(Me2NHCH2)C6H3]PPh2}PtCl2}+Cl−(9) was prepared as water‐soluble platinum complex. The cytotoxic effect of complex9was evaluated on human T‐lymphocytic leukemia cells MOLT‐4 (IC50 = 27.6 ± 1.8 µmol l−1) and human promyelocytic leukemia HL‐60 (IC50 = 55.9 ± 4.9 µmol l−1). Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of long chain branching on melt fractures in capillary extrusion of metallocene‐catalyzed linear low‐density polyethylene melts
Authors: Yoo Taehyun , Kim Dong Hak , Son Younggon
Published: April 2012

To investigate the effect of long chain branching (LCB) on melt fractures of metallocene‐catalyzed linear low‐density polyethylene (mLLDPE), we prepared a series of sparsely long‐chain‐branched mLLDPEs with well‐defined degrees of LCB. Gross melt fractures were observed to decrease as the degree of LCB increases. This is in accordance with a prediction based on the observation that LCB enhances chain entanglement and consequently increases the melt strength of a polymer. However, sharkskin melt fracture (SMF) was observed to be more severe with the degree of LCB. There have been debates over the effect of LCB on SMF. According to a well‐known mechanism of SMF, SMF is expected to decrease with the degree of LCB. Therefore, the majority of research groups believe that SMF decreases with the degree of LCB. This study clearly shows that the SMF becomes more severe with an increase of the degree of LCB and suggests another possible mechanism for the SMF. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Cellulose‐nanowhisker‐templated synthesis of titanium dioxide/cellulose nanomaterials with promising photocatalytic abilities
Authors: Liu Shilin , Tao Dandan , Bai Huiyu , Liu Xiaoya
Published: April 2012

By using native cellulose nanowhiskers as green templates, we prepared TiO2/cellulose nanomaterials via a sol–gel process from the hydrolysis of Ti(OC2H5)4. The structures and properties of the composite nanoparticles were characterized with X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and photocatalytic degradation tests. The TiO2/cellulose nanoparticles with low loadings of TiO2 nanoparticles exhibited obvious quantum size effects and lower band gaps. The composite nanoparticles had promising photocatalytic activity for the photodegradation of a methyl orange solution under weak UV light irradiation. Furthermore, they exhibited good stability against photocorrosion, so it is possible that they could be used in the photodegradation of organic pollutants. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Electrical and thermal properties of kraft paper reinforced with montmorillonite
Authors: Liao Ruijin , Zhang Fuzhou , Yang Lijun
Published: April 2012

Kraft‐montmorillonite composites (K‐MMT) with different weight percent of MMT and different stirring time were prepared successfully. The electrical properties and thermal stability of K‐MMT were investigated. The breakdown voltage of K‐MMT (9 wt % MMT, stirring 12 min) was increased to 60 kV/mm from 50.3 kV/mm of blank Kraft. With the increase of MMT, the relative permittivity had a corresponding reduction. The relative permittivity was in the range of 2.29–2.42 at 50 Hz. The thermal stability of K‐MMT, Kraft, and MMT were also measured. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Poly(trimethylene terephthalate‐block‐tetramethylene oxide) elastomer/single‐walled carbon nanotubes nanocomposites: Synthesis, structure, and properties
Authors: Szymczyk Anna
Published: April 2012

Nanocomposites based on poly(trimethylene terephthalate)‐block‐poly(tetramethylene oxide) (PTT‐PTMO)‐segmented copolymer and COOH‐functionalized single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were prepared by in situ polymerization method. The obtained nanocomposites were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), DMTA, wide‐angle x‐ray scattering (WAXS), small‐angle X‐ray scattering, and tensile testing. The nanocomposites with low SWCNTs loading (<0.5 wt %) shows uniform dispersion of CNT in polymer matrix. As the SWCNTs loading in the nanocomposites increase, the significant improvement of thermo‐oxidative stability was observed. It was found that the nanocomposites have slightly higher degree of crystallinity (determined by DSC and WAXS) of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) hard phase than neat PTT‐PTMO copolymer. The melting point of PTT hard phase and glass transition temperature of poly(tetramethylene oxide)‐rich phase were not affected by the presence of CNTs in polymer matrix. The SWCNTs played a role as nucleating agent in PTT‐PTMO matrix, which led to increase in the crystallization rate. Tensile tests showed that the tensile strength of the nanocomposites with 0.05–0.3 wt % loading of SWCNTs have improved tensile strength in comparison to the neat PTT‐PTMO copolymer without reduction elongation at break. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Are They Linear, Bent, or Cyclic? Quantum Chemical Investigation of the Heavier Group 14 and Group 15 Homologues of HCN and HNC
Authors: Devarajan Deepa , Frenking Gernot
Published: April 2012

The singlet potential‐energy surface (PES) of the system involving the atoms H, X, and E (the (H, X, E) system) in which X=N–Bi and E=C–Pb has been explored at the CCSD(T)/TZVPP and BP86/TZ2P+ levels of theory. The nature of the XE bonding has been analyzed with charge‐ and energy‐partitioning methods. The calculations show that the linear isomers of the nitrogen systemslin‐HENandlin‐HNEare minima on the singlet PES. The carbon compoundlin‐HCN(HCN=hydrogen cyanide) is 14.9 kcal mol−1lower in energy thanlin‐HNCbut the heavier group 14 homologueslin‐HEN(E=Si–Pb) are between 64.8 and 71.5 kcal mol−1less stable than thelin‐HNEisomers. The phosphorous system (H, P, E) exhibits significant differences concerning the geometry and stability of the equilibrium structures compared with the nitrogen system. The linear formlin‐HEPof the former system is much more stable thanlin‐HPE. The moleculelin‐HCPis the only minimum on the singlet PES. It is 78.5 kcal mol−1lower in energy thanlin‐HPC, which is a second‐order saddle point. The heavier homologueslin‐HPE, in which E=Si–Pb, are also second‐order saddle points, whereas thebent‐HPEstructures are the global minima on the PES. They are between 10.3 (E=Si) and 36.5 kcal mol−1(E=Pb) lower in energy thanlin‐HEP. Thebent‐HPEstructures possess rather acute bending angles H‐P‐E between 60.1 (E=Si) and 79.7° (E=Pb). The energy differences between the heavier group 15 isomerslin‐HEX(X=P–Bi) and the bent structuresbent‐HXEbecome continuously smaller. The silicon specieslin‐HSiBiis even 3.1 kcal mol−1lower in energy thanbent‐HBiSi. The bending angle H‐X‐E becomes more acute when X becomes heavier. The drastic energy differences between the isomers of the system (H, X, E) are explained with three factors that determine the relative stabilities of the energy minima: 1) The different bond strength between the hydrogen bonds HX and HE. 2) The electronic excitation energy of the fragment HE from the X2Π ground state to the4Σ−excited state, which is required to establish a E≡X triple bond in the moleculeslin‐HEX. 3) The strength of the intrinsic XE interactions in the molecules. The trends of the geometries and relative energies of the linear, bent, and cyclic isomers are explained with an energy‐decomposition analysis that provides deep insight into the nature of the bonding situation.
Diaminoterephthalate Turn‐On Fluorescence Probes for Thiols—Tagging of Recoverin and Tracking of its Conformational Change
Authors: Wache Nina , Schröder Claudia , Koch Karl‐Wilhelm , Christoffers Jens
Published: April 2012

Diaminoterephthalates with a maleimide moiety were synthesized and used as fluorescence dyes for sensing thiols. Whereas these “NiWa Blue” dyes showed no emission, the conjugate addition of a thiol to the maleimide group turned on a fluorescence at about 400 nm when irradiating the dye at 338 nm. The neuronal‐calcium sensor protein recoverin possesses a single cysteine residue at position 39, which reacts with NiWa Blue, and is therefore labeled by a fluorophore with an emission at about 440 nm. In the absence of Ca2+, irradiation at 280 nm of a tryptophan residue in close proximity to Cys‐bound NiWa Blue lead to strong FRET, which was detected by emission of the dye at 440 nm. In the presence of Ca2+, the protein holds a conformation with distal Trp and Cys residues, thus FRET of irradiated Trp to Cys‐bound NiWa Blue was significantly weakened.
Pivaloylmetals (tBu‐COM: M=Li, MgX, K) as Equilibrium Components
Authors: Knorr R. , Böhrer G. , Schubert B. , Böhrer P.
Published: April 2012

Short‐lived pivaloylmetals, (H3C)3C‐COM, were established as the reactive intermediates arising through thermal heterolytic expulsion of O=CtBu2 from the overcrowded metal alkoxides tBuC(=O)‐C(‐OM)tBu2 (M=MgX, Li, K). In all three cases, this fission step is counteracted by a faster return process, as shown through the trapping of tBu‐COM by O=C(tBu)‐C(CD3)3 with formation of the deuterated starting alkoxides. If generated in the absence of trapping agents, all three tBu‐COM species “dimerize” to give the enediolates MO‐C(tBu)=C(tBu)‐OM along with O=CtBu2 (2 equiv). A common‐component rate depression by surplus O=CtBu2 proves the existence of some free tBu‐COM (separated from O=CtBu2); but companion intermediates with the traits of an undissociated complex such as tBu‐COM & O=CtBu2 had to be postulated. The slow fission step generating tBu‐COMgX in THF levels the overall rates of dimerization, ketone addition, and deuterium incorporation. Formed by much faster fission steps, both tBu‐COLi and tBu‐COK add very rapidly to ketones and dimerize somewhat slower (but still fairly fast, as shown through trapping of the emerging O=CtBu2 by H3CLi or PhCH2K, respectively). At first sight surprisingly, the rapid fission, return, and dimerization steps combine to very slow overall decay rates of the precursor Li and K alkoxides in the absence of trapping agents: A detailed study revealed that the fast fission step, generating tBu‐COLi in THF, is followed by a kinetic partitioning that is heavily biased toward return and against the product‐forming dimerization. Both tBu‐COLi and tBu‐COK form tBu‐CH=O with HN(SiMe3)3, but only tBu‐COK is basic enough for being protonated by the precursor acyloin tBuC(=O)‐C(‐OH)tBu2.
Strong Lewis Acids of Air‐Stable Metallocene Bis(perfluorooctanesulfonate)s as High‐Efficiency Catalysts for Carbonyl‐Group Transformation Reactions
Authors: Qiu Renhua , Xu Xinhua , Peng Lifeng , Zhao Yalei , Li Ningbo , Yin Shuangfeng
Published: April 2012

Strong Lewis acids of air‐stable metallocene bis(perfluorooctanesulfonate)s [M(Cp)2][OSO2C8F17]2⋅nH2O⋅THF (M=Zr (2 a⋅3 H2O⋅THF), M=Ti (2 b⋅2 H2O⋅THF)) were synthesized by the reaction of [M(Cp)2]Cl2 (M=Zr (1 a), M=Ti (1 b)) with nBuLi and C8F17SO3H (2 equiv) or with C8F17SO3Ag (2 equiv). The hydrate numbers (n) of these complexes were variable, changing from 0 to 4 depending on conditions. In contrast to well‐known metallocene triflates, these complexes suffered no change in open air for a year. thermogravimetry–differential scanning calorimetry (TG‐DSC) analysis showed that 2 a and 2 b were thermally stable at 300 and 180 °C, respectively. These complexes exhibited unusually high solubility in polar organic solvents. Conductivity measurement showed that the complexes (2 a and 2 b) were ionic dissociation in CH3CN solution. X‐ray analysis result confirmed 2 a⋅3 H2O⋅THF was a cationic organometallic Lewis acid. UV/Vis spectra showed a significant red shift due to the strong complex formation between 10‐methylacridone and 2 a. Fluorescence spectra showed that the Lewis acidity of 2 a fell between those of Sc3+ (λem=474 nm) and Fe3+ (λem=478 nm). ESR spectra showed the Lewis acidity of 2 a (0.91 eV) was at the same level as that of Sc3+ (1.00 eV) and Y3+ (0.85 eV), while the Lewis acidity of 2 b (1.06 eV) was larger than that of Sc3+ (1.00 eV) and Y3+ (0.85 eV). They showed high catalytic ability in carbonyl‐compound transformation reactions, such as the Mannich reaction, the Mukaiyama aldol reaction, allylation of aldehydes, the Friedel–Crafts acylation of alkyl aromatic ethers, and cyclotrimerization of ketones. Moreover, the complexes possessed good reusability. On account of their excellent catalytic efficiency, stability, and reusability, the complexes will find broad catalytic applications in organic synthesis.
Rh‐Catalyzed [5+1] and [4+1] Cycloaddition Reactions of 1,4‐Enyne Esters with CO: A Shortcut to Functionalized Resorcinols and Cyclopentenones
Authors: Fukuyama Takahide , Ohta Yuko , Brancour Célia , Miyagawa Kazusa , Ryu Ilhyong , Dhimane Anne‐Lise , Fensterbank Louis , Malacria Max
Published: April 2012

We have developed novel Rh‐catalyzed [n+1]‐type cycloadditions of 1,4‐enyne esters, which involve an acyloxy migration as a key step. The efficient preparation of functionalized resorcinols, including biaryl derivatives, from readily available 1,4‐enyne esters and CO was achieved by Rh‐catalyzed [5+1] cycloaddition accompanied by 1,2‐acyloxy migration. When enyne esters had an internal alkyne moiety, the reaction proceeded by a [4+1]‐type cycloaddition involving 1,3‐acyloxy migration, leading to cyclopentenones.
Comparison of two views of maximum entropy in biodiversity: Frank (2011) and Pueyo et al. (2007)
Authors: Pueyo Salvador
Published: April 2012

An increasing number of authors agree in that the maximum entropy principle (MaxEnt) is essential for the understanding of macroecological patterns. However, there are subtle but crucial differences among the approaches by several of these authors. This poses a major obstacle for anyone interested in applying the methodology of MaxEnt in this context. In a recent publication, Frank (2011) gives some arguments why his own approach would represent an improvement as compared to the earlier paper by Pueyo et al. (2007) and also to the views by Edwin T. Jaynes, who first formulated MaxEnt in the context of statistical physics. Here I show that his criticisms are flawed and that there are fundamental reasons to prefer the original approach.
Phylogeography ofTibouchina papyrus(Pohl) Toledo (Melastomataceae), an endangered tree species from rocky savannas, suggests bidirectional expansion due to climate cooling in the Pleistocene
Authors: Collevatti Rosane Garcia , de Castro Thaís Guimarães , de Souza Lima Jacqueline , de Campos Telles Mariana Pires
Published: April 2012

Many endemic species present disjunct geographical distribution; therefore, they are suitable models to test hypotheses about the ecological and evolutionary mechanisms involved in the origin of disjunct distributions in these habitats. We studied the genetic structure and phylogeography ofTibouchina papyrus(Melastomataceae), endemic to rocky savannas in Central Brazil, to test hypothesis of vicariance and dispersal in the origin of the disjunct geographical distribution. We sampled 474 individuals from the three localities where the species is reported: Serra dos Pirineus, Serra Dourada, and Serra de Natividade. Analyses were based on the polymorphisms at cpDNA and on nuclear microsatellite loci. To test for vicariance and dispersal we constructed a median‐joining network and performed an analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA). We also tested population bottleneck and estimated demographic parameters and time to most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) using coalescent analyses. A remarkable differentiation among populations was found. No significant effect of population expansion was detected and coalescent analyses showed a negligible gene flow among populations and an ancient coalescence time for chloroplast genome. Our results support that the disjunct distribution ofT. papyrusmay represent a climatic relict. With an estimated TMRCA dated from ∼836.491 ± 107.515 kyr BP (before present), we hypothesized that the disjunct distribution may be the outcome of bidirectional expansion of the geographical distribution favored by the drier and colder conditions that prevailed in much of Brazil during the Pre‐Illinoian glaciation, followed by the retraction as the climate became warmer and moister.
Photocatalytic decomposition of hexachlorobenzene on nano‐titanium dioxide films—Experimental study and mechanistic considerations
Authors: Shengyong Lu , Qiulin Wang , Di Wu , Xiaodong Li , Jianhua Yan
Published: April 2012

The photocatalytic decomposition of hexachlorobenzene (HCBz) was studied in a laboratory‐scale reactor on nano‐titanium dioxide (TiO2) catalyst films in this study, and the effects of initial amount of HCBz dripped on the catalyst, UV light intensity, reaction time, and atmosphere (air and nitrogen) on photocatalytic decomposition efficiency (PDE) were investigated. Both increasing UV‐light intensity and decreasing initial amount of HCBz remarkably promote PDE. The catalyst film thickness is theoretically calculated to be 76.9 μm. Moreover, PDE is obviously higher in the air as carrier gas than in the nitrogen. Experimental data is confronted with tentative mechanism explanations to show the reaction mechanism: dechlorination and ring cleavage are the main pathways under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, respectively. Kinetic analysis is carried out to evaluate the effects of various parameters on reaction rates and find out that PDEs vary with reaction time according to first order kinetics. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 32: 458–464, 2013
Accumulation and distribution characteristics of platinum group elements in roadside dusts in Beijing, China
Authors: Gao Bo , Yu Yanke , Zhou Huaidong , Lu Jin
Published: April 2012

The concentrations, distribution, and accumulation of platinum group elements (PGEs) were investigated in roadside dusts collected in four different foundational areas in Beijing during February to May 2010. The results showed that PGE levels in all samples were above the average upper crust values, with mean concentrations of 57.5 ng · g−1 Pd, 28.2 ng · g−1 Pt, and 9.8 ng · g−1 Rh, respectively. Palladium concentration has increased rapidly in recent years. The rank of PGE levels in four different functional regions for roadside dusts was: heavy density traffic area > residential area > educational area > tourism area. Palladium, Pt, and Rh concentrations in dusts showed strong positive correlations, indicating a common traffic-related source of these metals. Meanwhile, PGEs in these samples were not correlated with other traffic-related metals except for Cr. The average PGE ratios of road dusts from Beijing were consistent with those in Gemany and Western Australia, but lower than those in the United States and Mexico, indicating that various catalyst productions were used in different countries. In addition, grain-size partitioning of PGEs in dusts indicated that concentrations of PGEs differed from one particle size to another. The coarse fraction had higher PGE concentrations than the fine fraction in roadside dusts. These results showed that autocatalyst PGE contamination estimates in the environment would be significantly underestimated if only a fine-grain size fraction (<0.063 mm) is analyzed. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012;31:1231–1238. © 2012 SETAC
Toxic concentrations in fish early life stages peak at a critical moment
Authors: Foekema E.M. , Fischer A. , Parron M. Lopez , Kwadijk C. , de Vries P. , Murk A.J.
Published: April 2012

During the development of an embryo into a juvenile, the physiology and behavior of a fish change greatly, affecting exposure to and uptake of environmental pollutants. Based on experimental data with sole (Solea solea), an existing bioaccumulation model was adapted and validated to calculate the development of concentrations of persistent organic pollutants in the tissue of developing fish. Simulation revealed that toxic tissue concentrations of pollutants with log octanol–water partition ratio (KOW) > 5 peak at the moment when the larvae become free-feeding, when the lipid reserves are depleted. This may explain the delayed effects observed in fish early-life-stage experiments with exposed eggs. In the field, eggs can be exposed through maternal transfer to adult pollutant tissue concentrations, which will increase in the larva to peak tissue concentrations, exceeding those of the adult fish. The results demonstrate the risk of underestimating the effects of lipophilic persistent organic pollutants with log KOW > 5 in short-term, early-life-stage fish tests and underscore the importance of maternal transfer as an exposure route in the field situation. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012;31:1381–1390. © 2012 SETAC
Semifield testing of a bioremediation tool for atrazine-contaminated soils: Evaluating the efficacy on soil and aquatic compartments
Authors: Chelinho Sónia , Moreira-Santos Matilde , Silva Cátia , Costa Catarina , Viana Paula , Viegas Cristina A. , Fialho Arsénio M. , Ribeiro Rui , Sousa José Paulo
Published: April 2012

The present study evaluated the bioremediation efficacy of a cleanup tool for atrazine-contaminated soils (Pseudomonas sp. ADP plus citrate [P. ADP + CIT]) at a semifield scale, combining chemical and ecotoxicological information. Three experiments representing worst-case scenarios of atrazine contamination for soil, surface water (due to runoff), and groundwater (due to leaching) were performed in laboratory simulators (100 × 40 × 20 cm). For each experiment, three treatments were set up: bioremediated, nonbioremediated, and a control. In the first, the soil was sprayed with 10 times the recommended dose (RD) for corn of Atrazerba and with P. ADP + CIT at day 0 and a similar amount of P. ADP at day 2. The nonbioremediated treatment consisted of soil spraying with 10 times the RD of Atrazerba (day 0). After 7 d of treatment, samples of soil (and eluates), runoff, and leachate were collected for ecotoxicological tests with plants (Avena sativa and Brassica napus) and microalgae (Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata) species. In the nonbioremediated soils, atrazine was very toxic to both plants, with more pronounced effects on plant growth than on seed emergence. The bioremediation tool annulled atrazine toxicity to A. sativa (86 and 100% efficacy, respectively, for seed emergence and plant growth). For B. napus, results point to incomplete bioremediation. For the microalgae, eluate and runoff samples from the nonbioremediated soils were extremely toxic; a slight toxicity was registered for leachates. After only 7 d, the ecotoxicological risk for the aquatic compartments seemed to be diminished with the application of P. ADP + CIT. In aqueous samples obtained from the bioremediated soils, the microalgal growth was similar to the control for runoff samples and slightly lower than control (by 11%) for eluates. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 1564–1572. © 2012 SETAC
Seasonal exposure of fish to neurotoxic pesticides in an intensive agricultural catchment, Uma-oya, Sri Lanka: Linking contamination and acetylcholinesterase inhibition
Authors: Sumith Jayakody A. , Hansani P.L. Chamila , Weeraratne Thilini C. , Munkittrick Kelly R.
Published: April 2012

The annual cultivation pattern in the Uma-oya catchment in Sri Lanka is characterized by Yala and Maha rainfall periods and associated cropping. Two cultivation seasons were compared for pesticide residues: base flow, field drainage, and the runoff and supplementary sediment data for three sites in the catchment. Organophosphate and N-methyl carbamate pesticide analysis confirmed a higher concentration in the Yala season with low-flow conditions. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was measured by standard spectrometry in the brain, muscle, and eye tissues of three freshwater cyprinid fishes, Garra ceylonensis, Devario malabaricus, and Rasbora daniconius from three study sites during months overlapping two seasons in 2010 (December) and 2011 (July). Baseline AChE data were measured from fish samples from a forested reserve in the Knuckles. A 73% inhibition in muscle AChE activity in G. ceylonensis was associated with intense pesticide exposure months in the Yala season. The AChE inhibition more than 70% in G. ceylonensis eyes in both Yala (76%) and Maha (72.5%) seasons indicates particular sensitivity of eye tissue to inhibitors. The less dramatic AChE inhibition in the eye tissues in D. malabaricus and R. daniconius in both seasons indicates exemplary protective capacity of muscle AChE in fish. The highest inhibition of AChE (up to 60% in brain and up to 56% in muscle AChE activity in R. daniconius and up to 47.8% in brain and up to 64.6% in muscle AChE activity in D. malabaricus) occurred during the Yala season. Tissue AChE activity and physiological activity in fish were correlated. The results collectively indicate that AChE is a consistent biomarker for diffused contaminant exposure in agricultural catchments. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 1501–1510. © 2012 SETAC
Public awareness and opinion on CCS in the province of Québec, Canada
Authors: Moutenet Jean‐Philibert , Bédard Karine , Malo Michel
Published: April 2012

CO2 capture and geological storage (CCS) is a major topic of interest in Canada, where many CCS projects are either underway or in the planning stage. In order to get information about public acceptance for a potential CCS pilot project in the province of Québec, two identical Internet‐based public awareness and opinion surveys were conducted: one in 2010 and one in 2011. Results of the two surveys show that respondents are not really aware of what climate change is and that they know almost nothing about CCS. In 2010, respondents did not generally reject CCS technology or a potential pilot project in their region. In fact, they were slightly favorable toward such a project. In 2011, the picture changed slightly as an intense debate on shale gas exploration had taken place in the province at the end of 2010. It appears that respondents were less likely to be favorable toward the use of CCS. It is not possible to specifically link the increase of respondents against CCS or a potential pilot project and the increase of security concerns to the debate regarding shale gas exploration. However, the social context in a region where controversial shale gas activities are underway may not be the best for a potential CCS pilot project to become accepted by the local community. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Comparison of hepatitis C virus treatment between incarcerated and community patients
Authors: Rice John P. , Burnett David , Tsotsis Helena , Lindstrom Mary J. , Cornett Daniel D. , Voermans Patricia , Sawyer Jill , Striker Rob , Lucey Michael R.
Published: April 2012

The prevalence of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among incarcerated individuals in the United States is estimated to be between 12% and 31%. HCV treatment during incarceration is an attractive option because of improved access to health care and directly observed therapy. We compared incarcerated and nonincarcerated HCV-infected patients evaluated for treatment at a single academic center between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2007. During this period, 521 nonincarcerated and 388 incarcerated patients were evaluated for HCV treatment. Three hundred and nineteen (61.2%) nonincarcerated patients and 234 (60.3%) incarcerated patients underwent treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Incarcerated patients were more likely to be male, African-American race, and have a history of alcohol or intravenous drug use. Treated incarcerated patients were less likely to have genotype 1 virus and were less likely to have undergone previous treatment. There was a similar prevalence of coinfection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in both groups. A sustained viral response (SVR) was achieved in 97 (42.9%) incarcerated patients, compared to 115 (38.0%) nonincarcerated patients (

P

= 0.304). Both groups had a similar proportion of patients that completed a full treatment course. Stepwise logistic regression was conducted, and the final model included full treatment course, non-genotype 1 virus, younger age at treatment start, and negative HIV status. Incarceration status was not a significant predictor when added to this model (

P

= 0.075).

Conclusion

: In a cohort of HCV-infected patients managed in an academic medical center ambulatory clinic, incarcerated patients were as likely to be treated for HCV and as likely to achieve an SVR as nonincarcerated patients. (Hepatology 2012)
Oncogene-specific formation of chemoresistant murine hepatic cancer stem cells
Authors: Chow Edward Kai-Hua , Fan Ling-ling , Chen Xin , Bishop Michael J.
Published: April 2012

At least some cancer stem cells (CSCs) display intrinsic drug resistance that may thwart eradication of a malignancy by chemotherapy. We explored the genesis of such resistance by studying mouse models of liver cancer driven by either

MYC

or the combination of oncogenic forms of activation of v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog (

AKT

) and

NRAS

. A common manifestation of chemoresistance in CSCs is efflux of the DNA-binding dye Hoechst 33342. We found that only the MYC-driven tumors contained a subset of cells that efflux Hoechst 33342. This “side population” (SP) was enriched for CSCs when compared to non-SP tumor cells and exhibited markers of hepatic progenitor cells. The SP cells could differentiate into non-SP tumor cells, with coordinate loss of chemoresistance, progenitor markers, and the enrichment for CSCs. In contrast, non-SP cells did not give rise to SP cells. Exclusion of Hoechst 33342 is mediated by ATP binding cassette drug transporter proteins that also contribute to chemoresistance in cancer. We found that the multidrug resistance gene 1 (MDR1) transporter was responsible for the efflux of Hoechst from SP cells in our MYC-driven model. Accordingly, SP cells and their tumor-initiating subset were more resistant than non-SP cells to chemotherapeutics that are effluxed by MDR1.

Conclusion

: The oncogenotype of a tumor can promote a specific mechanism of chemoresistance that can contribute to the survival of hepatic CSCs. Under circumstances that promote differentiation of CSCs into more mature tumor cells, the chemoresistance can be quickly lost. Elucidation of the mechanisms that govern chemoresistance in these mouse models may illuminate the genesis of chemoresistance in human liver cancer. (Hepatology 2012)
Tim-3/galectin-9 signaling pathway mediates T-cell dysfunction and predicts poor prognosis in patients with hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Li Hang , Wu Ke , Tao Kaixiong , Chen Libo , Zheng Qichang , Lu Xiaoming , Liu Jun , Shi Liang , Liu Chuanqiao , Wang Guobin , Zou Weiping
Published: April 2012

The interaction between T cell immunoglobulin- and mucin-domain-containing molecule (Tim-3) expressed on T helper 1 (Th1) cells, and its ligand, galectin-9, negatively regulates Th1-mediated immune responses. However, it is poorly understood if and how the Tim-3/galectin-9 signaling pathway is involved in immune escape in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here we studied the expression, function, and regulation of the Tim-3/galectin-9 pathway in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated HCC. We detected different levels of galectin-9 expression on antigen-presenting cell (APC) subsets including Kupffer cells (KCs), myeloid dendritic cells (DCs), and plasmacytoid DCs in HCC. The highest galectin-9 expression was on KCs in HCC islets, not in the adjacent tissues. Furthermore, Tim-3 expression was increased on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in HCC as compared to the adjacent tissues, and Tim-3+ T cells were replicative senescent and expressed surface and genetic markers for senescence. Interestingly, tumor-infiltrating T-cell-derived interferon (IFN)-γ stimulated the expression of galectin-9 on APCs in the HCC microenvironment. Immunofluorescence staining revealed a colocalization of Tim-3+ T cells and galectin-9+ KCs in HCC. Functional studies demonstrated that blockade of the Tim-3/galectin-9 signaling pathway importantly increased the functionality of tumor-infiltrating Tim-3+ T cells as shown by increased T-cell proliferation and effector cytokine production. Finally, we show that the numbers of Tim-3+ tumor-infiltrating cells were negatively associated with patient survival.

Conclusion

: Our work demonstrates that the Tim-3/galectin-9 signaling pathway mediates T-cell senescence in HBV-associated HCC. The data suggest that this pathway could be an immunotherapeutic target in patients with HBV-associated HCC. (Hepatology 2012)
Four‐dimensional imaging of murine subpleural alveoli using high‐speed optical coherence tomography
Authors: Kirsten Lars , Gaertner Maria , Schnabel Christian , Meissner Sven , Koch Edmund
Published: April 2012

The investigation of lung dynamics on alveolar scale is crucial for the understanding and treatment of lung diseases, such as acute lung injury and ventilator induced lung injury, and to promote the development of protective ventilation strategies. One approach to this is the establishment of numerical simulations of lung tissue mechanics where detailed knowledge about three‐dimensional alveolar structure changes during the ventilation cycle is required. We suggest four‐dimensional optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging as a promising modality for visualizing the structural dynamics of single alveoli in subpleural lung tissue with high temporal resolution using a mouse model. A high‐speed OCT setup based on Fourier domain mode locked laser technology facilitated the acquisition of alveolar structures without noticeable motion artifacts at a rate of 17 three‐dimensional stacks per ventilation cycle. The four‐dimensional information, acquired in one single ventilation cycle, allowed calculating the volume‐pressure curve and the alveolar compliance for single alveoli. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
New Results on D‐Optimal Matrices
Authors: Đoković Dragomir Ž. , Kotsireas Ilias S.
Published: April 2012

We construct a number of new supplementary difference sets (SDS) with v odd and . In particular, these give rise to D‐optimal matrices of the four new orders 206, 242, 262, 482, constructed here for the first time.
Treating Alcohol Problems With Couple Therapy
Authors: McCrady Barbara S.
Published: April 2012

Couple therapy for treating alcohol use disorders (AUDs) results in less drinking and greater relationship stability and satisfaction in both men and women with AUDs. The theoretical tenets, treatment methods, and research evidence for Alcohol Behavioral Couple Therapy (ABCT) are summarized. The application of ABCT is illustrated through the treatment of a 42‐year‐old woman with an AUD and her 56‐year‐old husband. During 12 sessions over a 6‐month period, the woman attained abstinence from alcohol and learned cognitive and behavioral coping skills to deal with drinking antecedents. Her husband learned to support her abstinence by stopping drinking himself, helping her cope with drinking urges, and reinforcing her successes. The couple increased positive pleasurable activities that did not involve alcohol and improved their communication skills. Challenges in the treatment included her ambivalence about abstaining, their complicated work and travel schedules, and other life stressors.
Molecular markers of adrenocortical tumors
Authors: Jain Meenu , Rechache Nesrin , Kebebew Electron
Published: April 2012

Adrenocortical tumors are common and incidentally discovered in up to 14% of axial imaging studies performed for other indications. Most of these tumors are nonfunctioning but may require removal because of the risk of adrenocortical carcinoma. Unfortunately, most clinical and imaging features are still not accurate enough to allow definitive diagnosis and an increasing number of patients undergo adrenalectomy to exclude a cancer diagnosis. Adrenocortical carcinoma is an aggressive malignancy with no effective therapy for patients with locally advanced and metastatic disease. Studies using new genomic approaches including mRNA, miRNA, methylation, and CGH profiling have identified dysregulated genes and pathways that may have clinical implications in improved molecular diagnosis and prognostication of adrenocortical cancer (ACC). In this review, we highlight recent advances in the molecular diagnosis of adrenocortical tumors. Published 2012. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:549–556. Published 2012. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Synthesis of a New Cationic Polythiophene Derivative and Its Application for Colorimetric and Fluorometric Detection of Iodide Ion and Anionic Surfactants in Water
Authors: Li Enyong , Lin Li , Wang Lin , Pei Meishan , Xu Jingkun , Zhang Guangyou
Published: April 2012

A new cationic polythiophene derivative poly[3‐(1,1′‐dimethyl‐4‐piperidinemethylene)thiophene‐2,5‐diyl chloride] (PDPMT‐Cl) is synthesized and applied as a colorimetric and fluorometric probe for the detection of iodide ion and anionic surfactants with high selectivity and sensitivity. Upon adding iodide ion or anionic surfactant into the aqueous solution of PDPMT‐Cl, the maximum absorption of the polymer is blue‐shifted with a naked‐eye color change from red‐violet to yellow, signifying that iodide ion or anionic surfactants can cause the dissociation of PDPMT‐Cl aggregates. More sensitive results are obtained in the fluorometric detection to iodide ion or anionic surfactant, thereinto, the detection limit to surfactants can be extended to the order of 10−9 M.
Shelah's strong covering property and CH inV[r]
Authors: Eslami Esfandiar , Golshani Mohammad
Published: April 2012

In this paper we review Shelah's strong covering property and its applications. We also extend some of the results of Shelah and Woodin on the failure of\documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$\mathsf {CH}$\end{document}by adding a real.