bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biodegradable composites: Morphological, chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties of composites of poly(hydroxybutyrate‐co‐hydroxyvalerate) with curaua fibers after exposure to simulated soil
Authors: Beltrami Lílian V. R. , Bandeira João A. V. , Scienza Lisete C. , Zattera Ademir J.
Published: March 2014

Composites produced from biodegradable polymeric matrixes reinforced with vegetable fibers have attractive mechanical properties and are environmentally friendly. This work is directed to the biodegradation of a composite made of a poly(hydroxybutyrate‐co‐hydroxyvalerate) matrix reinforced with curaua fibers (with and without alkaline treatment) in simulated soil. The composites were developed by extrusion and injection and were later buried in simulated soil according to the ASTM G160‐03 method. Scanning electron microscopy showed evidence of microbial attack on the samples surfaces. Infrared spectra showed that the composites biodegradation was mainly caused by erosion of the surface layer resulting from microorganisms activity. Thermogravimetric analysis pointed out reduced thermal stability of the samples, and results of differential scanning calorimetry showed that the degree of crystallinity increases and then decreases progressively throughout the degradation period, indicating that enzymatic degradation primarily occurs in the amorphous phase material and thereafter in the crystalline phase. For curaua composite fibers, reductions in tensile strength and elastic modulus are more significant, indicating that the presence of fibers promotes biodegradation of the curaua fiber. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40712.
CH–π interaction in VQIVYK sequence elucidated by NMR spectroscopy is essential for PHF formation of tau
Authors: Sogawa Koushirou , Minoura Katsuhiko , In Yasuko , Ishida Toshimasa , Taniguchi Taizo , Tomoo Koji
Published: March 2014

One of the histopathological features of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is higher order neurofibrillary tangles formed by abnormally aggregated tau protein. Investigation of the mechanism of tau aggregation is important for the clarifying the cause of AD and the development of therapeutic drugs. The microtubule‐binding domain, which consists of repeats of similar amino acids (R1–R4) is thought to form the core component of paired helical filament (PHF). The hexapeptide306VQIVYK311 of R3 has been shown to take a key role of promoting tau aggregation and assumed that its CH–π interaction between the side chains of Ile308 and Tyr310 would contribute in stabilizing the filament.

In this work, we investigated a short isoform of tau (4RTau), R3, VQIVYK peptide and their mutants by thioflavin S (ThS) fluorescence, and NMR measurements, and proved for the first time that this CH–π interaction stabilizes the filament at the atomic level. In addition, by molecular modeling, we revealed that this interaction further supports an extended amphipathic structure for molecular self‐association during the process of PHF formation of tau protein. The present work indicates new approach that inhibits the CH–π interaction for developing a therapeutic agent for AD. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 102: 288–295, 2014.
Invited review GPCR structural characterization: Using fragments as building blocks to determine a complete structure
Authors: Cohen Leah S. , Fracchiolla Katrina E. , Becker Jeff , Naider Fred
Published: March 2014

The structural characterization of G protein‐coupled receptors has surged since the development of methodologies to facilitate the crystallization of these highly helical, seven transmembrane, integral membrane receptors. In the past seven years, eighteen GPCR structures were determined by X‐ray crystallography. The crystal structures represent a static picture of these conformationally flexible signal transducers. Analyses that probe their dynamics and conformational changes require other techniques, in particular solution state nuclear magnetic resonance studies. Such investigations are challenged by the size of GPCRs, their α‐helical structure, which limits resonance dispersion, their tendencies to aggregate in micellar preparations and their conformational heterogeneity. For many years, groups have been studying GPCR fragments as a means to overcome some of these difficulties. The results of these fragment analyses are presented here. Review of the literature reveals that much of the original work depended on circular dichroism, infra‐red spectroscopy and fluorescence approaches. High resolution structures obtained by NMR are compared, where applicable, to the available crystal structures. In most cases, the work done on fragments by biophysical analysis is validated by these comparisons. Our perspective on the field of GPCR fragment analysis is presented together with the future goals that must be considered if work with fragments is continued. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 102: 223–243, 2014.
HER2 and GATA4 are new prognostic factors for early‐stage ovarian granulosa cell tumor—a long‐term follow‐up study
Authors: Färkkilä Anniina , Andersson Noora , Bützow Ralf , Leminen Arto , Heikinheimo Markku , Anttonen Mikko , Unkila‐Kallio Leila
Published: March 2014

Granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) carry a risk of recurrence also at an early stage, but reliable prognostic factors are lacking. We assessed clinicopathological prognostic factors and the prognostic roles of the human epidermal growth factor receptors (HER 2–4) and the transcription factor GATA4 in GCTs. We conducted a long‐term follow‐up study of 80 GCT patients with a mean follow‐up time of 16.8 years. A tumor‐tissue microarray was immunohistochemically stained for HER2–4 and GATA4. Expression of HER2–4 mRNA was studied by means of real time polymerase chain reaction and HER2 gene amplification was analyzed by means of silver in situ hybridization. The results were correlated to clinical data on recurrences and survival. We found that GCTs have an indolent prognosis, with 5‐year disease‐specific survival (DSS) being 97.5%. Tumor recurrence was detected in 24% of the patients at a median of 7.0 years (range 2.6–18 years) after diagnosis. Tumor stage was not prognostic of disease‐free survival (DFS). Of the molecular prognostic factors, high‐level expression of HER2, and GATA4, and high nuclear atypia were prognostic of shorter DFS. In multivariate analyses, high‐level coexpression of HER2 and GATA4 independently predicted DFS (hazard ratio [HR] 8.75, 95% CI 2.20–39.48, P = 0.002). High‐level expression of GATA4 also predicted shorter DSS (HR 3.96, 95% CI 1.45–12.57, P = 0.006). In multivariate analyses, however, tumor stage (II–III) and nuclear atypia were independent prognostic factors of DSS. In conclusion HER2 and GATA4 are new molecular prognostic markers of GCT recurrence, which could be utilized to optimize the management and follow‐up of patients with early‐stage GCTs.
Substitution Effects on the Formation of T‐Shaped Palladium Carbene and Thioketone Complexes from Li/Cl Carbenoids
Authors: Molitor Sebastian , Feichtner Kai‐Stephan , Kupper Claudia , Gessner Viktoria H.
Published: March 2014

The preparation of palladium thioketone and T‐shaped carbene complexes by treatment of thiophosphoryl substituted Li/Cl carbenoids with a Pd0 precursor is reported. Depending on the steric demand, the anion‐stabilizing ability of the silyl moiety (by negative hyperconjugation effects) and the remaining negative charge at the carbenic carbon atom, isolation of a three‐coordinate, T‐shaped palladium carbene complex is possible. In contrast, insufficient charge stabilization results in the transfer of the sulfur of the thiophosphoryl moiety and thus in the formation of a thioketone complex. While the thioketones are stable compounds the carbene complexes are revealed to be highly reactive and decompose under elimination of Pd metal. Computational studies revealed that both complexes are formed by a substitution mechanism. While the ketone turned out to be the thermodynamically favored product, the carbene is kinetically favored and thus preferentially formed at low reaction temperatures.
Anti‐proliferative Activity of Nano‐Formulated Phenolato Titanium(IV) Complexes Against Cancer Cells
Authors: Meker Sigalit , Margulis‐Goshen Katrin , Weiss Ester , Braitbard Ori , Hochman Jacob , Magdassi Shlomo , Tshuva Edit Y.
Published: March 2014

Nanoparticles of titanium(IV) complexes of phenolato ligands were formed and evaluated for cytotoxicity toward human HT‐29 colon cancer, murine T‐25 lymphoma, and murine HU‐2 multidrug‐resistant (MDR) cells. The nano‐formulation, besides increasing the complexes′ shelf lives, is particularly efficient in overcoming limitations in solubility and cell‐penetration, thus enhancing biological accessibility; large complexes that were inactive when measured in a non‐formulated form showed marked activity when nano‐formulated. For active and accessible small complexes, the effect of the formulation was negligible. Most complexes showed similar activity toward MDR cells and their drug‐sensitive analogues, further increasing their therapeutic potential. An exception is a particularly hydrophobic complex, which is presumably more accessible to interaction with the membrane ABCB1 (MDR1) transporter active in the multidrug resistance of HU‐2 cells. The most efficient compound is a mononuclear complex of a single hexadentate ligand, combining particularly high activity and hydrolytic stability with accessibility aided by the nano‐formulation.
The 2014 Surgeon General's report: “The Health Consequences of Smoking–50 Years of Progress”: A paradigm shift in cancer care
Authors: Warren Graham W. , Alberg Anthony J. , Kraft Andrew S. , Cummings K. Michael
Published: March 2014

To the authors' knowledge, the 2014 Surgeon General's report “The Health Consequences of Smoking‐50 Years of Progress” provides the first large evidence review of the effects of smoking on the outcomes of patients with cancer, concluding that smoking causes adverse health outcomes, increases all‐cause mortality, and increases cancer‐specific mortality. This causal evidence has profound implications on providing high‐quality cancer care by emphasizing the need to address tobacco use in all patients with cancer.
Effect of carbamazepine on the pharmacokinetics of paliperidone extended‐release tablets at steady‐state
Authors: Kerbusch‐Herben Virginie , Cleton Adriaan , Berwaerts Joris , Vandebosch An , Remmerie Bart
Published: March 2014

Given the potential concomitant use of carbamazepine and paliperidone extended‐release (ER) in the treatment of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, this open‐label, two‐treatment sequential study investigated the effect of repeated administration of carbamazepine on the steady‐state pharmacokinetics of paliperidone. Sixty‐four patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or bipolar‐I disorder received the following treatments in a fixed sequential order, without washout between treatments: (i) paliperidone ER 6 mg tablet once daily for 7 days, and (ii) paliperidone ER 6 mg once daily concomitantly with carbamazepine 200 mg twice daily for the subsequent 21 days. Upon coadministration with carbamazepine, paliperidone steady‐state total exposure (AUC24 h) and peak plasma concentrations (Cmax) decreased by approximately 37% [LSM ratio—AUC24 h: 63.4 (90% CI: 57.19; 70.29); Cmax: 62.47 (90% CI: 55.77; 69.98)]. This decrease is accounted for to a substantial degree by a 35% increase in renal clearance of paliperidone, likely as a result of induction of renal P‐glycoprotein by carbamazepine. A 14% decrease in the amount of drug excreted unchanged in the urine suggests that carbamazepine coadministration has a limited effect on the intestinal absorption or cytochrome metabolism of paliperidone.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of guanfacine extended release in adolescents aged 13–17 years with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Martin Patrick , Satin Lawrence , Vince Bradley D. , Padilla Americo F. , White Carla , Corcoran Mary , Stevenson Annette , Ermer James
Published: March 2014

The safety and efficacy of guanfacine extended release (up to 4 mg/day) for attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adolescents aged 6–17 years is well documented. Data suggest that weight‐adjusted doses of guanfacine extended release >0.08 mg/kg but ≤0.12 mg/kg, if tolerated, may provide additional clinical benefits. For many adolescents, such dosing would exceed 4 mg/day, the highest approved dose. This open‐label multicenter study evaluated the safety, tolerability, and steady‐state pharmacokinetics of guanfacine extended release at escalated forced doses ≤9 mg/day in adolescents (N = 31) aged 13–17 years with ADHD. Following doses of approximately 0.12 mg/kg, the highest weight group (>70–90 kg) exhibited lower mean clearance at steady‐state than the lowest weight group (≥30–50 kg). Consistent with its known antihypertensive effects, guanfacine extended release was associated with dose‐dependent decreases in blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR). The physiologic response of increased BP upon standing was blunted in a dose‐related manner while the physiologic response of increased HR upon standing was not substantively affected. The most common treatment‐emergent adverse events were somnolence, dizziness, and sinus bradycardia. These results, and those from prior studies, support further examination of the efficacy and safety of higher weight‐adjusted doses of guanfacine extended release for ADHD.
Nonalbuminuric proteinuria as a biomarker for tubular damage in early development of nephropathy with type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Kim Sang Soo , Song Sang Heon , Kim In Joo , Kim Won Jin , Jeon Yun Kyung , Kim Bo Hyun , Kwak Ihm Soo , Lee Eun Kyung , Kim Yong Ki
Published: March 2014

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between urinary nonalbumin protein (NAP) and urinary tubular markers in early diabetic nephropathy.

Methods

Urinary NAP was measured in 118 patients with type 2 diabetes with estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Urine levels of tubular markers [kidney injury molecule (KIM)‐1, neutrophil gelatinase‐assoicated lipocalin (NGAL) and liver‐type fatty acid‐binding protein (L‐FABP)] were measured by using an Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Patients were divided into three groups according to urinary NAP values.

Results

The urine levels of KIM‐1, NGAL and L‐FABP were significantly higher in the third tertile group than in the first tertile group (all p < 0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between NAP and each tubular marker (KIM‐1, NGAL and L‐FABP) in univariate analysis (all p < 0.001). Urinary NAP was positively correlated with all urinary tubular markers after adjustment for age, duration of diabetes, systolic blood pressure, eGFR, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, HbA1c and albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio (KIM‐1 r = 0.170, p < 0.001; NGAL r = 0.142, p < 0.015 and L‐FABP r = 0.262, p < 0.001). In normoalbuminuric patients (n = 58), urinary NAP was also significantly correlated with NGAL and L‐FABP in multivariate regression analyses (r = 0.302, p = 0.030 and r = 0.430, p = 0.001).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that urinary NAP reflects tubular damage in the early‐stage type 2 diabetic nephropathy (eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2). We suggest that urinary NAP could be used as a biomarker for tubular damage in clinical practice. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Peroxynitrite and protein nitration in the pathogenesis of diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Stavniichuk Roman , Shevalye Hanna , Lupachyk Sergey , Obrosov Alexander , Groves John T. , Obrosova Irina G. , Yorek Mark A.
Published: March 2014

Background

Peroxynitrite, a product of the reaction of superoxide with nitric oxide, causes oxidative stress with concomitant inactivation of enzymes, poly(ADP‐ribosylation), mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired stress signalling, as well as protein nitration. In this study, we sought to determine the effect of preventing protein nitration or increasing peroxynitrite decomposition on diabetic neuropathy in mice after an extended period of untreated diabetes.

Methods

C57Bl6/J male control and diabetic mice were treated with the peroxynitrite decomposition catalyst Fe(III) tetramesitylporphyrin octasulfonate (FeTMPS, 10 mg/kg/day) or protein nitration inhibitor (−)‐epicatechin gallate (20 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks, after an initial 28 weeks of hyperglycaemia.

Results

Untreated diabetic mice developed motor and sensory nerve conduction velocity deficits, thermal and mechanical hypoalgesia, tactile allodynia and loss of intraepidermal nerve fibres. Both FeTMPS and epicatechin gallate partially corrected sensory nerve conduction slowing and small sensory nerve fibre dysfunction without alleviation of hyperglycaemia. Correction of motor nerve conduction deficit and increase in intraepidermal nerve fibre density were found with FeTMPS treatment only.

Conclusions

Peroxynitrite injury and protein nitration are implicated in the development of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. The findings indicate that both structural and functional changes of chronic diabetic peripheral neuropathy can be reversed and provide rationale for the development of a new generation of antioxidants and peroxynitrite decomposition catalysts for treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Published in 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Transient ablation of alveolar macrophages leads to massive pathology of influenza infection without affecting cellular adaptive immunity
Authors: Purnama Christina , Ng See Liang , Tetlak Piotr , Setiagani Yolanda Aphrilia , Kandasamy Matheswaran , Baalasubramanian Sivasankar , Karjalainen Klaus , Ruedl Christiane
Published: March 2014

Alveolar macrophages (AMs), localized at the pulmonary air‐tissue interface, are one of the first lines of defense that interact with inhaled airborne pathogens such as influenza viruses. By using a new CD169‐DTR transgenic mouse strain we demonstrate that specific and highly controlled in vivo ablation of this myeloid cell subset leads to severe impairment of the innate, but not adaptive, immune responses and critically affects the progression of the disease. In fact, AM‐ablated mice, infected with a normally sublethal dose of PR8 influenza virus, showed dramatically increased virus load in the lungs, severe airway inflammation, pulmonary edema and vascular leakage, which caused the death of the infected animals. Our data highlight the possibilities for new therapeutic strategies focusing on modulation of AMs, which may efficiently boost innate responses to influenza infections.
Electrochemiluminescence Sensor for Selective Preconcentration and Sensitive Detection of Napropamide Using Water‐Soluble Sulfonated Graphene
Authors: Wang ShiRu , Wang Sui , Guo ZhiYong
Published: March 2014

A novel electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensor for napropamide determination was prepared using the water‐soluble sulfonated graphene (sulfonated‐G) as solid‐phase microextraction (SPME) material, based on selective preconcentration of target onto an electrode and followed by luminol ECL detection. The effects of pH, adsorption time, buffer solution and the luminescence agent on ECL intensity were optimized. Under the optimized conditions (pH 6; adsorption time 5 min; buffer solution pH 11.0 Na2CO3aHCO3; luminescence agent luminol; stirring speed 400 rpm), the lowest detection limits (1.0 µg L−1) and good linear range (r2≥0.99) were obtained for the analyte, indicating the superior performance of Nafion/sulfonated‐G/GCE for detecting napropamide.
A pilot proteomic study of protein markers in autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Ngounou Wetie Armand G. , Wormwood Kelly , Thome Johannes , Dudley Edward , Taurines Regina , Gerlach Manfred , Woods Alisa G. , Darie Costel C.
Published: March 2014

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis is increasing, with 1/88 children believed to be affected by the disorder, with a most recent survey suggesting numbers as high as 1/50. Treatment and understanding of ASD causes is a pressing health concern. ASD protein biomarkers may provide clues about ASD cause. Protein biomarkers for ASDs could be used for ASD diagnosis, subtyping, treatment monitoring, and identifying therapeutic targets. Here, we analyzed the sera from seven children with ASD and seven matched controls using Tricine gel electrophoresis (Tricine‐PAGE) and LC‐MS/MS. Overall, we found increased levels of apolipoproteins ApoA1 and ApoA4, involved in cholesterol metabolism and of serum paraoxanase/arylesterase 1, involved in preventing oxidative damage, in the sera of children with ASD, compared with their matched controls. All three proteins are predicted to interact with each other and are parts of high‐density lipoproteins. Further studies are needed to validate these findings in larger subject numbers.
Recent advances in enrichment and separation strategies for mass spectrometry‐based phosphoproteomics
Authors: Yang Chenxi , Zhong Xuefei , Li Lingjun
Published: March 2014

Due to the significance of protein phosphorylation in various biological processes and signaling events, new analytical techniques for enhanced phosphoproteomics have been rapidly introduced in the recent years. The combinatorial use of the phospho‐specific enrichment techniques and prefractionation methods prior to MS analysis enable comprehensive profiling of the phosphoproteome and facilitate deciphering the critical roles that phosphorylation plays in signaling pathways in various biological systems. This review places special emphasis on the recent five‐year (2009–2013) advances for enrichment and separation techniques that have been utilized for phosphopeptides prior to MS analysis.
Growth and survival of pacific coho salmon smolts exposed as juveniles to pesticides within urban streams in western Washington, USA
Authors: King Kerensa A. , Grue Christian E. , Grassley James M. , Fisk Robert J. , Conquest Loveday L.
Published: March 2014

Pesticides are frequently detected in urban streams, with concentrations often exceeding those reported in surface waters within agricultural areas. The authors studied growth, survival, and return rates of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) smolts exposed to a pesticide mixture (“cocktail”) representative of the pesticides most frequently reported within urban streams in western Washington State, USA, in fall through early spring. Exposure concentrations were selected to represent a reasonable worst-case scenario based on field monitoring data. Smolts were continuously exposed to pulses of the cocktail either from fertilization through swim-up (2007–2008) or from fertilization through smoltification (2007–2008 and 2008–2009), coded wire tagged, and released in 2008 and 2009. Pre-release endpoints (growth, survival, sex ratio, brain acetylcholinesterase activity, and gonado- and hepatosomatic indices) were not affected. However, the number of returning adults exposed to the cocktail to swim-up (0.90%, n = 42) was more than double that of unexposed controls (0.38%, n = 26) in 2008, whereas in 2009, fish exposed through smoltification returned in lower numbers (0.15%, n = 18) than controls (0.37%, n = 30). Variability in return rates among treatments between years was comparable to that observed in previous whole life cycle studies with Pacific salmon and other contaminants. Results suggest that exposure to pesticides in urban streams does not directly impair early life stages of coho salmon, and that additional studies incorporating releases of larger numbers of smolts across several years are necessary to adequately quantify effects on return rates. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014;33:???–???. © 2014 SETAC
Information‐centric networking for multimedia, social and peer‐to‐peer communications
Authors: Anadiotis Angelos‐Christos G. , Patrikakis Charalampos Z. , Murat Tekalp A.
Published: March 2014

Information‐centric networking (ICN) is an emerging networking paradigm, which is considered as a possible solution for the next generation Internet. Several research projects have been funded by the state and the industry towards the specification and implementation of ICN solutions, whereas Internet Research Task Force has established a research group for this reason, the Information‐Centric Networking Research Group. However, the use of ICN in action will be decided on the basis of its performance in several disciplines that, eventually, concern the users expectations from their applications over the future Internet. Currently, statistics suggest that, in the near future, the Internet bandwidth will be mainly consumed by multimedia and peer‐to‐peer applications. Furthermore, social networking applications become more and more popular both to end‐users and businesses. This special issue includes papers illustrating how information‐centric networks can effectively address practical issues rising in ICN deployments considering multimedia applications and social networking technologies. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental and rate‐based modeling study of CO2 capture by aqueous monoethanolamine
Authors: Li Xiaofei , Wang Shujuan , Chen Changhe
Published: March 2014

Reducing high energy consumption is one of the greatest challenges facing CO2 capture by aqueous monoethanolamine. The regeneration energy and its energy components (sensible heat, heat of reaction, and water vaporization heat) were evaluated experimentally in a bench‐scale regeneration system. A rate‐based model was developed in an Aspen Plus simulator to simulate the desorption process. The results predicted by the rate‐based model are in good agreement with experimental data. The operational parameters for the standard absorption/desorption process for CO2 capture are then optimized to reduce the energy consumption. The results show that for a 30 wt% MEA solution with 90% removal efficiency, the optimum operational parameters are an L/G ratio of 2.90 kg/kg, a lean loading of 0.24 mol/mol, a 5 °C temperature approach to the heat exchanger and a stripper operating pressure of 180 kPa with a 119 °C reboiler temperature. A minimum energy consumption of 3.52 GJ/tonCO2 was achieved. Under the optimal process conditions, the enthalpy of absorption is the main contribution to the total regeneration energy followed by the water vaporization heat and sensible heat.
CO2 geological storage: hydro‐chemo‐mechanical analyses and implications
Authors: Kim Seunghee , Santamarina J. Carlos
Published: March 2014

The injectivity of CO2 and the integrity of the reservoir‐caprock system are affected by CO2 invasion, water‐CO2‐mineral reactions, and ensuing mineral dissolution and precipitation. We identify different zones around an injection well and investigate the effects of these hydro‐chemo‐mechanical interactions. Geochemical analyses combine a comprehensive mass balance formulation with chemical calculations using published equations and PHREEQC. This analysis framework is used to assess near‐well, pool, and far‐field conditions, and to determine species concentrations, pH, changes in brine density, and changes in mineral and fluid volume in the reservoir. Results show that the brine density may increase by as much as 1.2% and can sustain convective flow of CO2 dissolved brine; the characteristic time scale for convection can be as short as a few years in some permeable formations currently being considered for storage. The precipitation of secondary minerals near the injection well increases the mineral volume by a maximum of 5%, yet, only a minor decrease in CO2 permeability is anticipated. Dissolution may result in unsupported caprock (the span should not exceed 20% of the caprock thickness to prevent failure), and may cause compaction‐driven shear failure of the reservoir. Finally, the analysis of lateral capillary trapping shows that the CO2 pool is only a few meters thick in leveled caprock interfaces and in the absence of geometric traps.
Joint geriatric and old‐age psychiatric wards in the UK, 1940s–early 1990s: a historical study
Authors: Hilton Claire
Published: March 2014

Objective

This study aims to investigate the history of joint geriatric‐psychiatric units. For policy making and planning of high‐quality clinical service models, clinical and social contexts need to be considered. Longitudinal, contextual information can be provided by historical analyses, including the successes and failures of earlier, similar services. Historical analyses complement clinical, randomised controlled studies and may contribute to ensuring optimum outcomes for future schemes.

Methods

Standard historical methodology was used, including searching published sources and institutional and personal archives and conducting a ‘witness seminar’ and individual oral history interviews.

Results

Proposals to create joint units have existed since 1947. Most clinically successful units were led by enthusiastic, dedicated clinicians. Joint units had the potential to provide appropriate assessment and treatment for patients with multiple disorders and education for staff and students. Joint units never became widespread.

Conclusions

Reasons for the limited success of joint geriatric‐psychiatric units might have included personalities of individuals, administrative boundaries separating geriatrics and medicine, unequal numbers of geriatricians and old‐age psychiatrists, varying professional ideologies about the meaning of ‘integrated’ services, lack of reciprocity for each other's inpatients and lack of government support.

Identified stumbling blocks need to be considered when planning joint clinical schemes. If current research indicates benefits of integrated wards for patients and their families, there needs to be ways to ensure that personal factors and fashions of management or government re‐prioritisation will not lead to their premature termination. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Concordance between 99mTc‐ECD SPECT and 18F‐FDG PET interpretations in patients with cognitive disorders diagnosed according to NIA‐AA criteria
Authors: Ito Kimiteru , Shimano Yasumasa , Imabayashi Etsuko , Nakata Yasuhiro , Omachi Yoshie , Sato Noriko , Arima Kunimasa , Matsuda Hiroshi
Published: March 2014

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to clarify the concordance of diagnostic abilities and interobserver agreement between 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) and brain perfusion single photon‐emission computed tomography (SPECT) in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) who were diagnosed according to the research criteria of the National Institute of Aging‐Alzheimer's Association Workshop.

Methods

Fifty‐five patients with “AD and mild cognitive impairment (MCI)” (n = 40) and “non‐AD” (n = 15) were evaluated with 18F‐FDG PET and 99mTc‐ethyl cysteinate dimer (ECD) SPECT during an 8‐week period. Three radiologists independently graded the regional uptake in the frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital lobes as well as the precuneus/posterior cingulate cortex in both images. Kappa values were used to determine the interobserver reliability regarding regional uptake.

Results

The regions with better interobserver reliability between 18F‐FDG PET and 99mTc‐ECD SPECT were the frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes. The 99mTc‐ECD SPECT agreement in the occipital lobes was not significant. The frontal, temporal, and parietal lobes showed good correlations between 18F‐FDG PET and 99mTc‐ECD SPECT in the degree of uptake, but the occipital lobe and precuneus/posterior cingulate cortex did not show good correlations. The diagnostic accuracy rates of “AD and MCI” ranged from 60% to 70% in both of the techniques.

Conclusions

The degree of uptake on 18F‐FDG PET and 99mTc‐ECD SPECT showed significant correlations in the frontal, temporal, and parietal lobes. The diagnostic abilities of 18F‐FDG PET and 99mTc‐ECD SPECT for “AD and MCI,” when diagnosed according to the National Institute of Aging‐Alzheimer's Association Workshop criteria, were nearly identical. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Glycine N‐methyltransferase expression in the hippocampus and its role in neurogenesis and cognitive performance
Authors: Carrasco Manuel , Rabaneda Luis G. , Murillo‐Carretero Maribel , Ortega‐Martínez Sylvia , Martínez‐Chantar María L. , Woodhoo Ashwin , Luka Zigmund , Wagner Conrad , Lu Shelly C. , Mato José M. , Micó Juan A. , Castro Carmen
Published: March 2014

The hippocampus is a brain area characterized by its high plasticity, observed at all levels of organization: molecular, synaptic, and cellular, the latter referring to the capacity of neural precursors within the hippocampus to give rise to new neurons throughout life. Recent findings suggest that promoter methylation is a plastic process subjected to regulation, and this plasticity seems to be particularly important for hippocampal neurogenesis. We have detected the enzyme GNMT (a liver metabolic enzyme) in the hippocampus. GNMT regulates intracellular levels of SAMe, which is a universal methyl donor implied in almost all methylation reactions and, thus, of prime importance for DNA methylation. In addition, we show that deficiency of this enzyme in mice (Gnmt−/−) results in high SAMe levels within the hippocampus, reduced neurogenic capacity, and spatial learning and memory impairment. In vitro, SAMe inhibited neural precursor cell division in a concentration‐dependent manner, but only when proliferation signals were triggered by bFGF. Indeed, SAMe inhibited the bFGF‐stimulated MAP kinase signaling cascade, resulting in decreased cyclin E expression. These results suggest that alterations in the concentration of SAMe impair neurogenesis and contribute to cognitive decline. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High Frequency of Antiphospholipid Antibodies in Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
Authors: Mankaï Amani , Manoubi Wiem , Ghozzi Mariam , Melayah Sarra , Sakly Wahiba , Ghedira Ibtissem
Published: March 2014

Aim

To evaluate, retrospectively, the frequency of autoantibodies of antiphospholipid syndrome (APLS) in Tunisian patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC).

Patients and methods

We analyzed 80 PBC sera and 80 sera from blood donors. ELISA was used to determine the frequency of antibodies against cardiolipin (aCL IgG, IgA, and IgM) and beta 2 glycoprotein I (aβ2GPI IgG, IgA, and IgM).

Results

The frequency of antiphospholipid antibodies (aCL and/or aβ2GPI) was significantly higher in PBC patients than in controls (70 vs. 5%, P < 10−6). The frequency of aCL antibodies (IgG, IgA or IgM) was significantly higher in PBC patients than in the control group (23.7 vs. 3.7%, P = 0.0005). The frequencies of aCL IgA and aCL IgM in PBC patients' sera were significantly higher than those in the control group (10 vs. 0%, P = 0.003 and 20 vs. 2.5%, P = 0.001, respectively). Two patients of eighty (2.5%) had aCL IgG, aCL IgA and aCL IgM. The frequency of aβ2GPI antibodies (IgG, IgA, or IgM) was significantly higher in PBC patients than in the control group (70 vs. 1.2%, P < 10−6). The frequencies of aβ2GPI IgG, aβ2GPI IgA, and aβ2GPI IgM in PBC patients' sera were significantly higher in patients than in the control group (12.5 vs. 0%, P = 0.003; 62.5 vs. 1.2%, P < 10−6; and 21.2 vs. 0%, P < 10−4, respectively).

Conclusion

Autoantibodies related to APLS (aCL and aβ2GPI) were present in the majority of patients with PBC, reflecting the ability of these antibodies to engage mediators of damage.
Application of a Commercial Immunoblot to Define EBV IgG Seroprofiles
Authors: de Ory Fernando , Guisasola Eulalia , Tarragó David , Sanz Juan Carlos
Published: March 2014

Background

Immunoblot (IB) techniques using different Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) antigens have been applied for detecting specific antibodies, making possible to obtain EBV seroprofiles in a single determination. The aim of this study was to evaluate a commercial IB for the detection of EBV‐specific IgG (Euroimmun, Lübeck, Germany).

Methods

A total of 117 samples classified as EBV primary recent infections (n = 70), past infections (n = 29), or not infected (n = 18) have been used. The samples were characterized by immunofluorescence, by testing EBV capsid antigens IgM and IgG (using indirect approaches) and EBV nuclear antigen (by anticomplement technique; Meridian Bioscience Inc.).

Results

Using the cut‐off value as defined by the IB manufacturer, the concordance, relative sensitivity, and relative specificity were 85.5 (100/117), 94.3% (66/70), and 72.3% (34/47), respectively. If a corrected cut‐off value was considered to classify the samples, the corresponding corrected figures were 89.7, 88.6, and 91.5%, respectively.

Conclusion

Being a useful serological diagnostic tool, IB for testing EBV IgG seems to be an adequate approach to define EBV seroprofiles. However, efforts to better define the cut‐off value should be made in order to improve the performance of the assay in evaluation.
Association Between Serum Soluble Low‐Density Lipoprotein Receptor Levels and Metabolic Factors in Healthy Japanese Individuals
Authors: Shimohiro Hisashi , Taniguchi Shin‐Ichi , Koda Masahiko , Sakai Chieko , Yamada Sadako
Published: March 2014

Background

Soluble low‐density lipoprotein receptor (sLDL‐R) is formed by cleavage of the extracellular domain of low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDL‐R). It is unclear whether serum sLDL‐R is a marker of diseases associated with triglyceride (TG) metabolism. We investigated the association between serum sLDL‐R concentrations and other biochemical parameters in healthy Japanese individuals.

Methods

Study subjects consisted of 102 healthy adult Japanese volunteers (42 men, 60 women) with body mass index (BMI) < 30 kg/m2 and serum TGs, LDL cholesterol (LDL‐C), aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase, and glucose concentrations within normal ranges. Serum sLDL‐R concentrations were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and their correlations with biochemical parameters were analyzed.

Results

Mean serum sLDL‐R concentration was 120.9 ± 39.9 ng/ml. Serum sLDL‐R levels were significantly and positively correlated with BMI (rs = 0.252) and TG (rs = 0.408) and LDL‐C (rs = 0.325) concentrations. Multiple regression analysis adjusted for age, gender, and smoking showed that BMI (β = 0.274), TG (β = 0.328), and LDL‐C (β = 0.224) were factors independently correlated with sLDL‐R levels.

Conclusion

Serum sLDL‐R concentration may be a marker of diseases associated with TG metabolism. This is the first report to date describing the clinical relevance of sLDL‐R.
Improvement of ballast water disinfection using a photocatalytic (UV‐C + TiO2) flow‐through reactor for saltwater treatment
Authors: Romero‐Martínez Leonardo , Moreno‐Andrés Javier , Acevedo‐Merino Asunción , Nebot Enrique
Published: March 2014

BACKGROUND

Ultraviolet disinfection systems used for treating ballast water have several strict requirements such as short exposure time or high disinfection efficacy. Disinfection can be enhanced by a photocatalytic system triggered by ultraviolet light, leading to a reduction in the exposure time necessary and thus a general improvement in the treatment. The use of laboratory disinfection equipment and data modeling enabled determination of the expected treatment optimization.

RESULTS

Photocatalysis enhanced ultraviolet treatment, reducing dose requirements by up to 70%, and was particularly effective on the most resistant organism. Treatment optimization was also observed in saltwater conditions.

CONCLUSION

Photocatalytic treatment may speed up ballasting and deballasting processes, since a lower ultraviolet dose is required. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Differences between the single‐event and frequency formats of seasonal‐climate‐forecast probability
Authors: Coventry W. L. , Dalgleish L. I.
Published: March 2014

Since the late 1980s, Australian forecasters have used the seasonal climate forecast (SCF) statement In the next three months, the probability of getting above median rainfall is 30%. Study one (n = 63) established a baseline of whether laypersons interpreted this statement as forecasting wetter or drier conditions than normal. Although the statement is forecasting a greater likelihood of drier conditions than normal, 76% incorrectly interpreted the statement as forecasting a wetter season than normal. Using testing conditions identical to study one, in study two (n = 71), to improve accuracy, we inserted the word only in the statement (i.e. … probability of getting above median rainfall is only 30%). While the probability itself had not changed, a drop to just 24% errors suggested participants were ambiguous about how to interpret this probability. A body of research by Gigerenzer and others shows peoples' ability to reason with probabilities is enhanced by frequency probabilities rather than single‐event probabilities. Study three (n = 51) used the frequency (i.e. 3 in 10) rather than single‐event (i.e. 30%) format tested in studies one and two. Only 22% made errors showing participants better understood how to interpret the frequency probability. We discuss formats for presenting the SCF and argue the frequency format more effectively conveys the chance nature of forecasts.
Product characteristics and quality of bovine blood‐enriched dried vegetable paste
Authors: Faria da Rocha Silvia , Kappaun Rodrigues Marla Cristina , Legemann Monte Micheli , Quites Larrosa Ana Paula , de Almeida Pinto Luiz Antonio
Published: March 2014

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate a preparation of vegetable paste with bovine blood in order to maximize the protein content using linear programming, and to analyze the product characteristics and quality of bovine blood‐enriched vegetable paste dried in a spouted bed. The drying experiments were performed by evaluating the effects of inlet air temperature, paste flow rate and paste solids concentration on the dried product characteristics and quality (functional and nutritional properties).

RESULTS

The vegetable paste enriched with bovine blood was a good source of protein (∼0.20 g g−1, dry basis), and the linear programming was adequate to select the constituents (carrot, onion, potato, kale, tomato, soybean oil and bovine blood) and optimize their quantities. The drying conditions of bovine blood‐enriched vegetable paste in the spouted bed that gave the best product characteristics were an air temperature of 110 °C and a paste flow rate of 600 mL h−1 with 0.07 g g−1 solids concentration.

CONCLUSION

The addition of bovine blood to vegetable paste by linear programming increased the protein content of the paste and improved its functional properties and digestibility. The powder obtained from the spouted bed drier showed suitable functional and nutritional properties and was also a good source of antioxidant compounds. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Fast ultrasound‐assisted extraction followed by capillary gas chromatography combined with nitrogen–phosphorous selective detector for the trace determination of tebuconazole in garlic, soil and water samples
Authors: Singh Sunil Kumar , Padmaja P. , Pandey S. Y.
Published: March 2014

A fast and an efficient ultrasound‐assisted extraction technique using a lower density extraction solvent than water was developed for the trace‐level determination of tebuconazole in garlic, soil and water samples followed by capillary gas chromatography combined with nitrogen–phosphorous selective detector (GC–NPD). In this approach, ultrasound radiation was applied to accelerate the emulsification of the ethyl acetate in aqueous samples to enhance the extraction efficiency of tebuconazole without requiring extra partitioning or cleaning, and the use of capillary GC–NPD was a more sensitive detection technique for organonitrogen pesticides. The experimental results indicate an excellent linear relationship between peak area and concentration obtained in the range 1–50 μg/kg or μg/L. The limit of detection (S/N, 3 ± 0.5) and limit of quantification (S/N, 7.5 ± 2.5) were obtained in the range 0.2–3 and 1–10 μg/kg or μg/L. Good spiked recoveries were achieved from ranges 95.55–101.26%, 96.28–99.33% and 95.04–105.15% in garlic, Nanivaliyal soil and Par River water, respectively, at levels 5 and 20 μg/kg or μg/L, and the method precision (% RSD) was ≤5%. Our results demonstrate that the proposed technique is a viable alternative for the determination of tebuconazole in complex samples.
Block Copolymer Micelles with an Intermediate Star‐/Flower‐Like Structure Studied by 1H NMR Relaxometry
Authors: Weiss Jan , Wienk Hans , Boelens Rolf , Laschewsky André
Published: March 2014

1H NMR relaxation is used to study the self‐assembly of a double thermoresponsive diblock copolymer in dilute aqueous solution. Above the first transition temperature, at which aggregation into micellar structures is observed, the trimethylsilyl (TMS)‐labeled end group attached to the shell‐forming block shows a biphasic T2 relaxation. The slow contribution reflects the TMS groups located at the periphery of the hydrophilic shell, in agreement with a star‐like micelle. The fast T2 contribution corresponds to the TMS groups, which fold back toward the hydrophobic core, reflecting a flower‐like micelle. These results confirm the formation of block copolymer micelles of an intermediate nature (i.e., of partial flower‐like and star‐like character), in which a part of the TMS end groups folds back to the core due to hydrophobic interactions.

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Synthesis of a Multiblock Copolymer of cis‐1,4‐Polybutadiene and Poly(3‐buten‐1‐ol)
Authors: Tanaka Ryo , Kasai Yuki , Shinzawa Masahito , Cai Zhengguo , Nakayama Yuushou , Shiono Takeshi
Published: March 2014

Synthesis of a multiblock copolymer composed of cis‐1,4‐polybutadiene (PBd) segments and poly(3‐buten‐1‐ol) segments is performed via successive hydroboration and oxidation of cis‐1,4/syn‐1,2‐multiblock PBd. The ratio of functionalization can be controlled by changing the amount of the borane reagent. The obtained polymer shows two distinctive glass‐transition temperatures, which correspond to the cis‐1,4‐PBd block and the poly(3‐buten‐1‐ol) block. These thermal properties clearly show that the functionalization of the PBd proceeds keeping the elastic property derived from cis‐1,4 segment.

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Mass spectrometry imaging for visualizing organic analytes in food
Authors: Handberg Eric , Chingin Konstantin , Wang Nannan , Dai Ximo , Chen Huanwen
Published: March 2014

The demand for rapid chemical imaging of food products steadily increases. Mass spectrometry (MS) is featured by excellent molecular specificity of analysis and is, therefore, a very attractive method for chemical profiling. MS for food imaging has increased significantly over the past decade, aided by the emergence of various ambient ionization techniques that allow direct and rapid analysis in ambient environment. In this article, the current status of food imaging with MSI is reviewed. The described approaches include matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI), but emphasize desorption atmospheric pressure photoionization (DAPPI), electrospray‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (ELDI), probe electrospray ionization (PESI), surface desorption atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (SDAPCI), and laser ablation flowing atmospheric pressure afterglow (LA‐FAPA). The methods are compared with regard to spatial resolution; analysis speed and time; limit of detection; and technical aspects. The performance of each method is illustrated with the description of a related application. Specific requirements in food imaging are discussed. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev 34: 641–658, 2015.