bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computational Studies Identifying Entry Inhibitor Scaffolds Targeting the Phe 43 Cavity of HIV‐1 gp120
Authors: Tintori Cristina , Selvaraj Manikandan , Badia Roger , Clotet Bonaventura , Esté José A. , Botta Maurizio
Published: February 2013

Targeting protein–protein interactions, such as the HIV‐1 gp120—CD4 interface, has become a cutting‐edge approach in the current drug discovery scenario. Many small molecules have been developed so far as inhibitors of the interaction between CD4 and HIV‐1 gp120. However, due to a variety of reasons such as solubility, drug toxicity and drug resistance, these inhibitors have failed to prove clinically useful. As such, the identification of novel compounds that bind to protein–protein interactions is still a research area of considerable interest. Here, a structure‐based virtual screening approach was successfully applied with the aim of identifying novel HIV‐1 entry inhibitors targeting the Phe 43 pocket of HIV‐1 gp120. Several compounds able to inhibit viral replication in cell culture were identified, with the best agent endowed with an EC50 value of 0.9 μM. Inactivity of all the identified hits toward a mutant (Met 475 Ile) strain strongly suggests that they interact in the Phe 43 cavity of gp120, as intended. Remarkably, all of these small molecules have a chemical scaffold unrelated to any known class of entry inhibitors reported thus far. Overall, our strategy led to the identification of four novel chemical scaffolds that inhibit HIV‐1 replication through the destabilization of the HIV‐1 gp120–CD4 interface.
Gårding's Theory of Hyperbolic Polynomials
Authors: Harvey F. Reese , Lawson H. Blaine
Published: February 2013

This paper presents a simple, self‐contained account of Gårding's theory of hyperbolic polynomials, together with a recent convexity result of Bauschke‐Güler‐Lewis‐Sendov and an inequality of Gurvits. This account begins by establishing some new results. The first concerns the existence of a pointwise arrangement of the eigenvalues so that they become global real analytic functions. The second asserts that the associated “branches” are independent of the choice of hyperbolic direction. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Intermolecular SH⋅⋅⋅Y (Y=S,O) Hydrogen Bond in the H2S Dimer and the H2S–MeOH Complex
Authors: Bhattacherjee Aditi , Matsuda Yoshiyuki , Fujii Asuka , Wategaonkar Sanjay
Published: February 2013

The nature of the SH⋅⋅⋅S hydrogen‐bonding interaction in the H2S dimer and its structure has been the focus of several theoretical studies. This is partly due to its structural similarity and close relationship with the well‐studied water dimer and partly because it represents the simplest prototypical example of hydrogen bonding involving a sulfur atom. Although there is some IR data on the H2S dimer and higher homomers from cold matrix experiments, there are no IR spectroscopic reports on SH⋅⋅⋅S hydrogen bonding in the gas phase to‐date. We present experimental evidence using VUV ionization‐detected IR‐predissociation spectroscopy (VUV‐ID‐IRPDS) for this weak hydrogen‐bonding interaction in the H2S dimer. The proton‐donating SH bond is found to be red‐shifted by 31 cm−1. We were also able to observe and assign the symmetric (ν1) stretch of the acceptor and an unresolved feature owing to the free SH of the donor and the antisymmetric (ν3) SH stretch of the acceptor. In addition we show that the heteromolecular H2S–MeOH complex, for which both SH⋅⋅⋅O and OH⋅⋅⋅S interactions are possible, is S‐H⋅⋅⋅O bound.
Regioselective Nitration of Aromatics with Nanomagnetic Solid Superacid SO42−/ZrO2‐MxOy‐Fe3O4 and Its Theoretical Studies
Authors: Wang Peng Cheng , Zhu Jie , Liu Xiang , Lu Ting Ting , Lu Ming
Published: February 2013

A series of micro‐ and nanosulfated zirconia loaded on Fe3O4 or other metal oxides (SO42−/ZrO2‐MxOy‐Fe3O4 (M=Ti4+, V5+, and Zn2+)) was prepared, characterized, and used in nitration. The nitration conditions with these solid superacids were then optimized to achieve the best regioselectivity and improve the performances of the catalysts as well. In the experimental results, SZTF (SO42−/ZrO2‐TiO2‐Fe3O4) showed excellent catalytic activity and it increased the surface area of SO42−/ZrO2 by up to 15 %. The increase not only facilitated the generation of NO2+, but also provided more opportunities for metal ions to interact with aromatic compounds. With chlorobenzene as substrate, theoretical research on its geometric parameters, electron clouds, and electron spin density was used to investigate the interaction between transition metals and chlorobenzene.
Electrooxidation of Ethylene Glycol and Glycerol on Pd‐(Ni‐Zn)/C Anodes in Direct Alcohol Fuel Cells
Authors: Marchionni Andrea , Bevilacqua Manuela , Bianchini Claudio , Chen Yan‐Xin , Filippi Jonathan , Fornasiero Paolo , Lavacchi Alessandro , Miller Hamish , Wang Lianqin , Vizza Francesco
Published: February 2013

The electrooxidation of ethylene glycol (EG) and glycerol (G) has been studied: in alkaline media, in passive as well as active direct ethylene glycol fuel cells (DEGFCs), and in direct glycerol fuel cells (DGFCs) containing Pd‐(Ni‐Zn)/C as an anode electrocatalyst, that is, Pd nanoparticles supported on a Ni–Zn phase. For comparison, an anode electrocatalyst containing Pd nanoparticles (Pd/C) has been also investigated. The oxidation of EG and G has primarily been investigated in half cells. The results obtained have highlighted the excellent electrocatalytic activity of Pd‐(Ni‐Zn)/C in terms of peak current density, which is as high as 3300 A g(Pd)−1 for EG and 2150 A g(Pd)−1 for G. Membrane‐electrode assemblies (MEA) have been fabricated using Pd‐(Ni‐Zn)/C anodes, proprietary Fe‐Co/C cathodes, and Tokuyama A‐201 anion‐exchange membranes. The MEA performance has been evaluated in either passive or active cells fed with aqueous solutions of 5 wt % EG and 5 wt % G. In view of the peak‐power densities obtained in the temperature range from 20 to 80 °C, at Pd loadings as low as 1 mg cm−2 at the anode, these results show that Pd‐(Ni‐Zn)/C can be classified amongst the best performing electrocatalysts ever reported for EG and G oxidation.
Application of dynamic counter circuits in programmable digital pixel sensor architectures
Authors: Habibi M.
Published: February 2013

In this paper, a high dynamic range digital pixel sensor (DPS) is presented. Each pixel receives light illumination and converts the intensity level to a digital code. The analog‐to‐digital conversion is performed in‐pixel. The pixel structure incorporates light to pulse signal converter and compact in‐pixel dynamic counter to convert the pulse signal to binary coded data. Different variations of the custom design dynamic counters are analyzed in a 0.18 µm technology, and their application in the DPS is investigated. It is shown that due to the limited clock frequency required in the sensor pixel, the dynamic counter can be incorporated as a pulse to binary code converter. Performance specifications such as power consumption, dynamic range and resolution of the presented structure are investigated using a 100 × 100 pixel sensor. The presented sensor is an effective solution for use in digital field programmable smart image sensors and vision chips since the pixel output is a regular binary code while no global digital counter bus is required. The fill factor of the presented design remains close to that of typical DPSs. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Application of ZnO Nanoparticles Containing Polyoxometalates in Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Li Jiansheng , Sang Xiaojing , Chen Weilin , Qin Chao , Wang Shiming , Su Zhongmin , Wang Enbo
Published: February 2013

ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) containing H3PW12O40 polyoxometalates (POMs) were firstly synthesized by a simple solvothermal route. The photoanodes of dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were assembled with the as‐prepared ZnO powder containing H3PW12O40. A comparative experiment in the absence of POMs was carried out to investigate the influence of H3PW12O40. Furthermore, the effects of other Keggin‐type POMs including W series, Mo series, and the potassium salt K3PW12O40 were studied and different concentrations of H3PW12O40 were utilized to investigate the impact on the performance of DSSCs on the basis of the above research. The results demonstrate that the W‐containing POM series HxMW12O40 (M = P, x = 3; M = Si, Ge, x = 4) significantly enhances the performance of DSSCs by increasing electronic lifetimes and reducing dark currents. The overall solar‐to‐electric energy conversion efficiency reached a maximum of 2.70 % in the presence of H3PW12O40, which is an improvement of 49.2 % compared to the efficiency without H3PW12O40. A suitable H3PW12O40 concentration is crucial.
Nitrogen‐Rich Salts of 1H,1′H‐5,5′‐Bitetrazole‐1,1′‐diol: Energetic Materials with High Thermal Stability
Authors: Fischer Niko , Klapötke Thomas M. , Reymann Marius , Stierstorfer Jörg
Published: February 2013

1H,1′H‐5,5′‐Bitetrazole‐1,1′‐diol was synthesized starting from glyoxal, which is converted to glyoxime after treatment with hydroxylamine. Chlorination of glyoxime with Cl2 gas in ethanol and following chloro/azido exchange yields diazidoglyoxime, which is cyclized under acidic conditions (HCl gas in diethyl ether) to give 1H,1′H‐5,5′‐bitetrazole‐1,1′‐diol dihydrate (1). A large variety of nitrogen‐rich salts of 1 such as the diammonium (2), the dihydrazinium (3), the bis‐guanidinium (4), the bis(aminoguanidinium) (5), the diaminoguanidinium salt monohydrate (6), the triaminoguanidinium salt monohydrate (7), the 1‐amino‐3‐nitroguanidinium salt dihydrate (8), the diaminouronium salt monohydrate (9), the bis(oxalyldihydrazidinium) (10), the oxalyldihydrazidinium salt dihydrate (11), the 3,6‐dihydrazino‐1,2,4,5‐tetrazinium (12), the 5‐aminotetrazolium (13), the bis(5‐amino‐1‐methyl‐1H‐tetrazolium) salt (14), the bis(5‐amino‐2‐methyl‐2H‐tetrazole) adduct (15), and the 1,5‐diaminotetrazolium salt (16) were synthesized by means of Brønsted acid–base or metathesis reactions. All compounds were fully characterized by vibrational spectroscopy (IR and Raman), multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements. The crystal structures of 1–16 could be determined by using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The heats of formation of 1–16 were calculated by using the atomization method on the basis of CBS‐4M enthalpies. With regard to their potential use as cyclotrimethylene trinitramine (RDX) or hexanitrostilbene (HNS) replacements, several detonation parameters such as the detonation pressure, detonation velocity, explosion energy, and explosion temperature were computed using the EXPLO5 code on the basis of the experimental (X‐ray) densities and calculated heats of formation. In addition, the sensitivities towards impact, friction, and electrical discharge were tested using the BAM drop hammer, a friction tester, as well as a small‐scale electrical discharge device.
Synthesis, Structure, and Reactivity of Pd Complexes with Mixed P,S‐Bis(ylide), Ylide–Sulfide, and Ylide–Methanide Ligands
Authors: Serrano Elena , Soler Tatiana , Urriolabeitia Esteban P.
Published: February 2013

The coordination properties of the ylide–sulfonium salts [Ph3P=C(H)COCH2S(R1)R2]X [R1 = R2 = Et, X = Br (2); R1 = Me, R2 = Ph, X = ClO4 (5)], the phosphonium–sulfide salt [Ph3PCH2COCH2SEt]Br (3) and the neutral ylide–sulfide [Ph3P=C(H)COCH2SPh] (4) towards PdII have been studied. Four different bonding modes have been characterized. The reactions of the ylide–sulfonium salts 2 and 5 with PdCl2(NCMe)2 and NEt3 afford the chelating bis(ylide) complexes cis‐[PdCl2{Ph3PC(H)COC(H)S(R1)R2‐κC,C}] [R1 = R2 = Et (6); R1 = Me, R2 = Ph (7)], which are obtained selectively in the meso form (RS/SR). This bonding mode is characterized, including by X‐ray crystallography, in the acetylacetonate (acac) complexes [Pd(acac‐O,O′){Ph3PC(H)COC(H)S(R1)R2‐κC,C}]ClO4 [R1 = R2 = Et (8); R1 = Me, R2 = Ph (9)], which were obtained by reaction of the respective precursor 6 or 7 with AgClO4 and Tl(acac). On the other hand, the C,S‐chelating bonding mode has been characterized in [PdCl2{Ph3PC(H)COCH2SR‐κC,S}] [R = Et (10); R = Ph (11)], obtained by reaction of the phosphonium–sulfide salt 3 with PdCl2(NCMe)2 and NEt3 or by reaction of the ylide–sulfide 4 with PdCl2(NCMe)2, respectively. Furthermore, the tridentate bonding mode μ‐S:κC,C,S has been determined in the dinuclear derivative [PdCl{Ph3PC(H)COC(H)SPh‐μ‐S:κC,C,S}]2 (13), synthesized by reaction of the ylide–sulfide 4 with PdCl2(NCMe)2 and NEt3. Compound 13 reacts with PPh3 to afford the κC,C‐chelate [PdCl{Ph3PC(H)COC(H)SPh‐κC,C}PPh3] (14) after cleavage of the sulfide bridge. Compound 14 was obtained as a single diastereoisomer, which was characterized as the D,L form (RR/SS).
Sensitive determination of chloroanilines in water samples by hollow fiber‐based liquid‐phase microextraction prior to capillary electrophoresis with amperometric detection
Authors: Pan Ya‐Li , Chen Fang , Zhang Meng‐Yu , Wang Tian‐Qi , Xu Zi‐Chun , Zhang Wei , Chu Qing‐Cui , Ye Jian‐Nong
Published: February 2013

A hollow fiber‐based liquid‐phase microextraction method has been developed for enrichment of trace chloroanilines in water samples. Target analytes including aniline, three mono‐chlorinated aniline isomers (o‐chloroaniline, m‐chloroaniline, and p‐chloroaniline) and four mono‐chlorinated methylaniline isomers (2‐chloro‐4‐methylaniline, 3‐chloro‐4‐methylaniline, 4‐chloro‐2‐methylaniline, and 5‐chloro‐2‐methylaniline) were determined by CE with amperometric detection after microextraction. Several factors that affect separation, detection, and extraction efficiency were investigated. Under the optimum conditions, eight aniline compounds could be well separated from other components coexisting in water samples within 25 min, exhibiting a linear calibration over three orders of magnitude (r > 0.998); the obtained enrichment factors were between 51 and 239, and the LODs were in the range of 0.01–0.1 ng/mL. The proposed method has been applied for the analyses of real environmental water and sewage samples with relative recoveries in the range of 83–108%.
Multiplex agarose gel electrophoresis system for variable number of tandem repeats genotyping: Analysis example using Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Wada Takayuki , Maeda Shinji
Published: February 2013

As one genotyping method for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) is a promising tool to trace the undefined transmission of tuberculosis, but it often requires large equipment such as a genetic analyzer for DNA fragment analysis or CE system to conduct systematic analyses. For convenient genotyping at low cost in laboratories, we designed a multiplex PCR system that is applicable to agarose gel electrophoresis using fluorescent PCR primers. For tuberculosis genotyping by VNTR, the copy quantities of minisatellite DNA must be determined in more than 12 loci. The system can halve laborious electrophoresis processes by presenting an image of two VNTR amplicons on a single lane. No expensive equipment is necessary for this method. Therefore, it is useful even in developing countries.
An immobilized graphene oxide stationary phase for open‐tubular capillary electrochromatography
Authors: Wang Chun , de Rooy Sergio , Lu Cheng‐Fei , Fernand Vivian , Moore Leonard , Berton Paula , Warner Isiah M.
Published: February 2013

The research literature currently abounds with studies of graphene‐related materials as a result of the extraordinary properties of such materials. On the basis of these citations, it is clear that the range of applications for such materials is substantial. In this manuscript, we report the immobilization of graphene oxide (GO) onto a fused‐silica capillary to form a potential stationary phase for use in open‐tubular CEC. We successfully incorporated GO through an in situ condensation reaction with (3‐aminopropyl)triethoxysilane after silanization with (3‐aminopropyl)triethoxysilane on the inner surface of the capillary. This GO‐incorporated capillary was then characterized by use of SEM, infrared spectroscopy, and measurements of EOF. The electrochromatographic features of this stationary phase have also been investigated. Evaluation of acquired data indicates high electrochromatographic resolution and good capillary efficiency. Highly reproducible results between runs, days, and capillaries were also obtained.
Use of surface plasmon resonance to study the adsorption of detergents on poly(dimethylsiloxane) surfaces
Authors: Gaspar Attila , Kecskemeti Adam , Gomez Frank A.
Published: February 2013

This paper demonstrates the use of surface plasmon resonance to study adsorption (either reversible or irreversible) of detergents on PDMS surfaces in real time. The surface plasmon resonance measurements can directly provide information about the adsorption/desorption processes of detergents on the surface revealing the durability of the adsorbed layer and the anticipated degree of the EOF. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose very strongly adsorbs onto PDMS and can be considered both a semipermanent layer and stable semipermanent coating. Adsorbed SDS or CTAB layers were stable for several minutes upon rinsing the surface with solution not containing the detergent. It was shown that SDS coated onto PDMS in microchips has the potential to afford similar separations in PDMS as found in conventional fused silica capillaries.
Temperature variation effects on the determination of acidity constants through the internal standard–capillary electrophoresis method
Authors: Gravador Rufielyn S. , Fuguet Elisabet , Ràfols Clara , Rosés Martí
Published: February 2013

The internal standard (IS) CE (IS‐CE) method is an interesting alternative to other methods for the determination of acidity constants of compounds. Although some of the advantages of this method have been already reported, the method has not been tested yet as regards to temperature effects. This has been the aim of this work, where it is demonstrated that the method can be applied successfully for the determination of pKas at different temperatures, if the acidity constant of the IS at the desired temperature is known. The fact of obtaining the acidity constants at different temperatures allows the calculation of some thermodynamic quantities, such as the molar standard enthalpy and the molar standard entropy in a fast way. It is also demonstrated that if the IS and the test compound have similar standard enthalpy increment, the IS compensates uncontrolled possible temperature fluctuations (e.g., due to Joule heat) inside the capillary obtaining reliable acidity constant values at the desired temperature.
Increased immunoreactive 11-ketotestosterone concentrations in sheep feces after acth challenge
Authors: Sid-Ahmed Omer , Arias Nino , Palme Rupert , Möstl Erich
Published: February 2013

11-Oxoetiocholanolone and related substances are important metabolites of cortisol and are excreted via feces in ruminants. To investigate whether 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) or its immunoreactive metabolites are formed and excreted in ruminant feces, an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) was developed and validated. The antibody was raised in rabbits against 11-KT-3-CMO:bovine serum albumin with biotinylated 11-KT as a label. The assay showed a sensitivity of 0.3 pg/well. To validate the assay biologically, 6 rams were injected with a synthetic analogue of the adrenocorticotropic hormone (Synacthen, 2 µg/kg body wt). An aliquot was collected of each fecal portion spontaneously defecated 8 h before Synacthen injection to 24 h after injection and stored at −20 °C until analysis. Samples (0.5 g) were extracted using 80% methanol and immunoreactive metabolites measured using the 11-KT EIA and an already established 11,17-dioxoandrostane (11,17-DOA) EIA. High-performance liquid chromatography separation revealed no peak in the same elution position as authentic 11-KT; therefore, reacting substances were referred to as 11-KT equivalents. In the case of 11-KT immunoreactive substances, the values increased from baseline (median, 136 ng/g feces) to a peak concentration (median, 424 ng/g) 10 to 14 h after Synacthen injection and declined afterwards. Concentrations of 11,17-DOA showed the same pattern, but the values were 2 to 4 times higher. From this data, the authors conclude that 11-KT-like substances, specifically C19O3-androgens with a 17ß-hydroxy group, were present in the feces. These substances originate from the adrenals and are most likely cortisol metabolites. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:1332–1336. © 2013 SETAC
Tippers at island observatories: Can we use them to probe electrical conductivity of the Earth's crust and upper mantle?
Authors: Samrock F. , Kuvshinov A.
Published: February 2013

For decades, time series of hourly‐mean values of the geomagnetic field measured on a global network of observatories have been routinely used to recover the electrical conductivity distribution in midmantle depths. Nowadays, most observatories provide data in the form of minute‐means. This allows for analysis of short‐period geomagnetic variations, which, in principle, contain information about geoelectric structures in the crust and upper mantle. However, so far these data have been ignored for induction studies of the Earth due to a theoretical preconception. In this paper, we demonstrate that short‐period responses (tippers) at island observatories, being large owing to the ocean effect, are also sensitive to 1‐D structures and thus can be used for probing the Earth. This means that a huge amount of data that was not exploited hitherto for induction studies should be reconsidered as a useful source of information about geoelectric structures in oceanic regions where our knowledge is still very limited.
Segmentation of the Vp/Vs ratio and low‐frequency earthquake distribution around the fault boundary of the Tonankai and Nankai earthquakes
Authors: Akuhara Takeshi , Mochizuki Kimihiro , Nakahigashi Kazuo , Yamada Tomoaki , Shinohara Masanao , Sakai Shin'ichi , Kanazawa Toshihiko , Uehira Kenji , Shimizu Hiroshi
Published: February 2013

Beneath the Kii Peninsula, the distribution of low‐frequency earthquakes (LFEs) forms three clusters. A previous study shows that one of the clusters has anomalously less amount of cumulative slip than the others. To understand the cause of this variation, we applied a tomographic analysis using arrival times of earthquakes recorded by both ocean bottom seismometers and onshore stations. As a result, we identified segmentation about the Vp/Vs ratio around the subducting plate interface corresponding to the distribution of LFEs. One of the segments has low a Vp/Vs ratio that coincides with the small‐slip LFE cluster. Another segment has a high Vp/Vs ratio in which almost no LFEs occur. We conclude that the relatively low pore fluid pressure within the low Vp/Vs segment contributes to the small‐slip LFE cluster and that the gap of LFEs within the high Vp/Vs segment corresponds to stable slip area due to high pore fluid pressure.
Persistent sensitivity of Asian aerosol to emissions of nitrogen oxides
Authors: Kharol S. K. , Martin R. V. , Philip S. , Vogel S. , Henze D. K. , Chen D. , Wang Y. , Zhang Q. , Heald C. L.
Published: February 2013

We use a chemical transport model and its adjoint to examine the sensitivity of secondary inorganic aerosol formation to emissions of precursor trace gases from Asia. Sensitivity simulations indicate that secondary inorganic aerosol mass concentrations are most sensitive to ammonia (NH3) emissions in winter and to sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions during the rest of the year. However, in the annual mean, the perturbations on Asian population‐weighted ground‐level secondary inorganic aerosol concentrations of 34% due to changing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions are comparable to those from changing either SO2 (41%) or NH3 (25%) emissions. The persistent sensitivity to NOx arises from the regional abundance of NH3 over Asia that promotes ammonium nitrate formation. IASI satellite observations corroborate the NH3 abundance. Projected emissions for 2020 indicate continued sensitivity to NOx emissions. We encourage more attention to NOx controls in addition to SO2 and NH3 controls to reduce ground‐level East Asian aerosol.
Twentieth century agricultural drainage creates more erosive rivers
Authors: Schottler Shawn P. , Ulrich Jason , Belmont Patrick , Moore Richard , Lauer J. Wesley , Engstrom Daniel R. , Almendinger James E.
Published: February 2013

Rivers in watersheds dominated by agriculture throughout the US are impaired by excess sediment, a significant portion of which comes from non‐field, near‐channel sources. Both land‐use and climate have been implicated in altering river flows and thereby increasing stream‐channel erosion and sediment loading. In the wetland‐rich landscapes of the upper Mississippi basin, 20th century crop conversions have led to an intensification of artificial drainage, which is now a critical component of modern agriculture. At the same time, much of the region has experienced increased annual rainfall. Uncertainty in separating these drivers of streamflow fuels debate between agricultural and environmental interests on responsibility and solutions for excess riverine sediment. To disentangle the effects of climate and land‐use, we compared changes in precipitation, crop conversions, and extent of drained depressional area in 21 Minnesota watersheds over the past 70 years. Watersheds with large land‐use changes had increases in seasonal and annual water yields of >50% since 1940. On average, changes in precipitation and crop evapotranspiration explained less than one‐half of the increase, with the remainder highly correlated with artificial drainage and loss of depressional areas. Rivers with increased flow have experienced channel widening of 10–40% highlighting a source of sediment seldom addressed by agricultural best management practices. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Induction and transfer of resistance to poisoning by Amorimia (Mascagnia) septentrionalis in goats
Authors: Duarte Amélia L. L. , Medeiros Rosane M. T. , Carvalho Fabrício K. L. , Lee Stephen T. , Cook Daniel , Pfister James A. , Costa Valéria M. M. , Riet‐Correa Franklin
Published: February 2013

Amorimia septentrionalis contains sodium monofluoroactetate (MFA) and can cause acute heart failure in ruminants when ingested in toxic doses. In this study, we demonstrate that resistance to poisoning by A. septentrionalis can be improved in goats by the repeated administration of non‐toxic doses of A. septentrionalis. We also show that increased resistance to poisoning by A. septentrionalis can also be achieved by the transfaunation of ruminal content from goats previously conditioned to be resistant to naïve goats. These methods of improving resistance require further study, but appear to provide potential management solutions to mitigate toxicity problems from A. septentrionalis, and perhaps other plant species containing MFA. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Menopause, exercise, and knee. What happens?
Authors: Fontinele Renata Gabriel , Mariotti Valquiria Barboza , Vazzoleré Amanda Messias , Ferrão Juliana Shimara Pires , Junior José Roberto Kfoury , De Souza Romeu Rodrigues
Published: February 2013

Objective

To check if ovariectomy produces alterations in the articular cartilage structure of the tibial proximal epiphysis and if aerobic physical exercise has any influence on these alterations.

Methods

Six‐month‐old female Wistar rats were distributed in three groups: Control group (CG), without ovariectomy and physical activity; Oophorectomy and sedentary group (OSG), with bilateral ovariectomy and without physical activity, and Oophorectomy and trained group (OTG), with bilateral ovariectomy and physical activity during 3 months. All rats were euthanised at 9 months of age. The results were obtained by using histological sections stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin, and Picrosirius stain.

Results

In relation to the thickness of the articular cartilage an increase was observed in the superficial layer in OSG in relation to OTG. The number of chondrocytes did not show any significant difference. The nuclear volume of chondrocytes in the superficial layer was higher in CG than in OSG . In the medium layer, the volume of chondrocytes was higher in CG than in OSG and the OTG. The same occurred when the values of the epiphysial cartilage was considered as a whole. For the collagen, the values of volume density of the collagen fibers were higher in the OSG and in the OTG than the CG. The same occurred with the OTG in relation to OSG.

Conclusions

The depression of estrogen levels produced important changes in the tibial cartilage of Wistar rats mainly on the superficial layer and physical activity seemed to relieve these effects. Microsc. Res. Tech. 76:381–387, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Scanning electron microscopy analysis of the cephalic sensilla of Chrysolina aeruginosa Fald. (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae)
Authors: Zhang Lu , Ren Li-li , Luo You-qing , Zong Shi-xiang
Published: February 2013

Chrysolina aeruginosa Fald. (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) is an important pest of Artemisia ordosica Krasch. In recent years, this phytophagous beetle has spread rapidly throughout northwest China, which has led to mass mortalities of the A. ordosica. This pest has caused great damage to the local ecology. To address this problem, this study compared the sensilla types and their densities on the antennae, maxillary palps, and labial palps of C. aeruginosa. Six different types of sensilla were observed on the antennae using scanning electron microscopy, i.e., sensilla chaetica, sensilla trichodea, sensilla basiconica, sensilla coeloconica, sensilla styloconica, and Böhm bristles. Sensilla chaetica were the main sensilla on the antennae. There was a significant difference in the distribution and density of sensilla trichodea between males and females. Sensilla basiconica were distributed from the fifth to the ninth flagellomeres. Sensilla coeloconica and sensilla styloconica were usually found from the fifth to the eighth flagellomeres. Böhm bristles were found only on the terminal region of the scape and pedicel. Sensilla chaetica and sensilla twig basiconica were observed on the maxillary and labial palps. Sensilla chaetica were distributed all over the maxillary and labial palps. Sensilla twig basiconica were located in the distal areas of these two types of palps. In this study, we also discussed the responses of C. aeruginosa to the volatile semiochemicals produced by their host plants and the behaviours exhibited during host and habitat selection. Microsc. Res. Tech. 76:423–431, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of chitosan solution on the inhibition of Acidovorax citrulli causing bacterial fruit blotch of watermelon
Authors: Li Bin , Shi Yu , Shan Changlin , Zhou Qing , Ibrahim Muhammad , Wang Yanli , Wu Guoxing , Li Hongye , Xie Guanlin , Sun Guochang
Published: February 2013

BACKGROUND: The production of watermelon in China has been seriously hampered by fruit blotch disease and limited control measures are now applied. Chitosan has been employed to control a variety of plant diseases and is considered to be the most promising biochemical to control this disease.

RESULTS: The in vitro antibacterial effect of chitosan and its ability in protection of watermelon seedlings from bacterial fruit blotch were evaluated. Results showed that three types of chitosan, in particular, chitosan A at 0.40 mg mL−1 significantly inhibited the growth of Acidovorax citrulli. The antibacterial activity of chitosan A was affected by chitosan concentration and incubation time. The direct antibacterial activity of chitosan may be attributed to membrane lysis evidenced by transmission electron microscopic observation. The disease index of watermelon seedlings planted in soil and the death rate of seedlings planted in perlite were significantly reduced by chitosan A at 0.40 mg mL−1 compared to the pathogen control. Fresh and dry weight of watermelon seedlings planted in soil was increased by chitosan seed treatment, but not by chitosan leaf spraying.

CONCLUSION: The results indicated that chitosan solution may have a potential in controlling bacterial fruit blotch of watermelon. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
A novel method to prepare monolithic molecular imprinted polymer fiber for solid‐phase microextraction by microwave irradiation†
Authors: Jin Ya‐Feng , Zhang Yu‐Ping , Huang Ming‐Xian , Bai Lian‐Yang , Lee Milton L.
Published: February 2013

In this paper, a new approach to prepare monolithic molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) fibers for solid‐phase microextraction is proposed with the help of microwave irradiation. Imprinting polymerization was carried out within silica capillaries in 4.5 min, using dimethyl phthalate (DMP) as a template molecular, α‐methacrylic acid as a functional monomer and ethylene dimethacrylate as a crosslinker, acetonitrile as the porogenic solvent. The synthesis was optimized by varying the ratio of template/monomer and different volume of porogen. The resulted MIP fibers were obtained after silica being etched away with a controlled length of 1 cm, and subsequently characterized by SEM. In order to increase the selective extraction of DMP, factors affecting the extraction including extraction time, salt concentration, desorption time, and desorption solvents were investigated for solid‐phase microextraction procedures in detail. The selectivity coefficients, defined as the extraction amount ratio of MIP to its nonimprinting fiber, were 5.6, 2.6, and 1.4 for DMP and its counterpart including dibutyl phthalate and di‐n‐octylo‐phthalate, respectively. The resulted fibers were also applied to detect DMP, dibutyl phthalate, and di‐n‐octylo‐phthalate in bottled beverage samples coupled to HPLC and resulted in relative recoveries of up to 73.8–98.5%, respectively.
The addition of a contralateral routing of signals microphone to a unilateral cochlear implant system—A prospective study in speech outcomes
Authors: Arora Roochi , Amoodi Hosam , Stewart Suzanne , Friesen Lendra , Lin Vincent , Nedzelski Julian , Chen Joseph
Published: February 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis:

The purpose of the study was to investigate the potential clinical advantages of incorporating a contralateral routing of signals (CROS) microphone in unilateral cochlear implant (CI) users.

Study Design:

A prospective study was undertaken on a group of 21 postlingually deafened adults who were all implanted with the same multichannel CI system.

Methods:

Performance with a unilateral CI was compared with performance using both a unilateral implant and a CROS microphone system worn on the opposite site (CI‐CROS). Speech understanding using the AzBio sentence was evaluated in quiet, with speech presented at 0° and 270° azimuth in the horizontal plane. Speech understanding in noise was performed with speech at 0°, and noise at 0°, 90°, and 270°.

Results:

A significant gain in speech understanding using CI‐CROS compared to the unilateral CI alone was found in quiet when speech was presented at 270° (average improvement of 8.8%, P < .01). Participants also demonstrated statistically significant improvement using CI‐CROS compared with the unilateral CI alone when noise was presented at 90° and speech at 0° (average improvement of 6.7%, P < .01).

Conclusions:

Adding a contralateral microphone to a unilateral CI resulted in a significant improvement in speech understanding in different conditions. This method could provide a greater cost/benefit ratio than bilateral CIs and be a potential improvement for those who are not candidates for bilateral CIs. Laryngoscope, 2013
Oncocytic carcinoma of the parotid gland
Authors: Huang Ming‐Wei , Zhang Jian‐Guo , Zhang Jie , Liu Shu‐Ming , Zheng Lei , Shi Yan , Shi Dian‐Yin , Yu Guang‐Yan
Published: February 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis:

The incidence of oncocytic carcinoma of the parotid gland is low, so a systematic evaluation of treatment strategies is lacking. We aimed to describe our experiences in treating this malignancy.

Study Design:

Retrospective study.

Methods:

We reviewed the files for 18 patients (14 males) of oncocytic carcinoma of the parotid gland in our institution from 1991 to 2011. Four patients underwent surgery alone, four surgery and postoperative radiotherapy, nine surgery and postoperative brachytherapy, and one radiotherapy alone. Median follow‐up was 36 months (range 2–108 months).

Results:

The 5‐year local control rate was 66.9%, overall survival 68.6%, disease progression‐free survival 46.2%, and 5‐year freedom from distant metastasis 61.0%. Clinical N category, local recurrence, and distant metastasis significantly influenced overall survival.

Conclusions:

Conservative parotidectomy is not radical enough to treat oncocytic carcinoma of the parotid gland. Elective neck dissection is recommended for patients with cancer stage T2 to 4. Surgery with postoperative 125I brachytherapy leads to good local control for patients with advanced disease or with positive or close resection margins.
The impact of treatment modality and radiation technique on outcomes and toxicity of patients with locally advanced oropharyngeal cancer
Authors: Al‐Mamgani Abrahim , van Rooij Peter , Verduijn Gerda M. , Mehilal Robert , Kerrebijn Jeroen D. , Levendag Peter C.
Published: February 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To investigate the impact of treatment modality and radiation technique on oncologic outcomes and toxicity of patients with locally advanced oropharyngeal cancer (OPC).

Study Design:

Retrospective analysis of outcomes and toxicity.

Methods:

Between 2000 and 2011, 204 consecutive patients with locally advanced OPC were treated with definitive (chemo)radiotherapy using 3‐dimensional conformal (3DCRT) or intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). Endpoints were local control (LC), regional control (RC), disease‐free survival (DFS), cause‐specific survival (CSS), and overall survival (OS), and toxicity.

Results:

After a median follow‐up of 44 months (range 4–134), the 5‐year Kaplan‐Meier estimates of LC, RC, DFS, CSS, and OS were 78%, 92%, 60%, 64%, and 48%, respectively. Grade 3 mucositis and dysphagia (feeding‐tube dependency) were reported in 75% and 65%, respectively. The overall incidence of grade ≥2 and grade 3 late toxicities were 44% and 16%, respectively. Dysphagia and xerostomia were the most frequently reported late toxicity. Chemotherapy was significantly predictive for improved outcomes and increased toxicity. IMRT was significantly correlated with reduced toxicity.

Conclusions:

Compared to radiation alone, chemoradiotherapy significantly improved oncologic outcomes, but with significantly increased toxicity. Compared to 3DCRT, the introduction of IMRT resulted in a significant reduction of acute and late toxicity with slightly better, or at least comparable, outcomes. Despite the improvements achieved by the implementation of chemo‐IMRT, different new strategies to further improve outcome and reduce toxicity need to be thoroughly investigated in prospective, preferably, randomized trials.
Diagnosis and management of differentiated thyroid cancer using molecular biology
Authors: Witt Robert L. , Ferris Robert L. , Pribitkin Edmund A. , Sherman Steven I. , Steward David L. , Nikiforov Yuri E.
Published: February 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To define molecular biology in clinical practice for diagnosis, surgical management, and prognostication of differentiated thyroid cancer.

Data Sources:

Ovid Medline 2006‐2012

Review Methods:

Manuscripts with clinical correlates.

Results:

Papillary thyroid carcinomas harbor point mutations of the BRAF and RAS genes or RET/PTC rearrangements, all of which activate the mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway. These mutually exclusive mutations are found in 70% of PTC. BRAF mutation is found in 45% of papillary thyroid cancer and is highly specific. Follicular carcinomas are known to harbor RAS mutation or PAX8/PPARγ rearrangement. These mutations are also mutually exclusive and identified in 70% of follicular carcinomas. Molecular classifiers measure the expression of a large number of genes on a microarray chip providing a substantial negative predictive value pending further validation.

Conclusions:

1) 20% to 30% of cytologically classified Follicular Neoplasms and Follicular Lesion of Undetermined Significance collectively are malignant on final pathology. Approximately 70% to 80% of thyroid lobectomies performed solely for diagnostic purposes are benign. Molecular alteration testing may reduce the number of unnecessary thyroid procedures, 2) may reduce the number of completion thyroidectomies, and 3) may lead to more individualized operative and postoperative management. Molecular testing for BRAF, RAS, RET/PTC, and PAX8/PPARγ for follicular lesion of undetermined significance and follicular neoplasm improve specificity, whereas molecular classifiers may add negative predictive value to fine needle aspiration diagnosis.
Simulation‐based training in advanced airway skills in an otolaryngology residency program
Authors: Amin Milan R. , Friedmann David R.
Published: February 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Life‐support training emphasizes the primacy of airway management. Acquiring these skills requires practice and exposure to events. Otolaryngology residents lack standardized training in advanced airway skills. This project aimed to create such a program by using simulation‐based methodology evaluated using specific educationally based tools.

Study Design:

Prospective cohort study.

Methods:

The program consisted of lectures and simulation‐based training sessions designed to impart competency in a set of defined airway skills to otolaryngology residents. Only participating residents who completed the course (n = 12) were evaluated both before and after the course for their fund of knowledge through multiple‐choice examinations and for clinical reasoning and technical skills as assessed by a panel of otolaryngologists in simulated difficult airway situations. Self‐assessment tools were also incorporated.

Results:

The average multiple choice score was 12 of 27 (44%) before the course and 15 of 27 (55%) after the completion of the course (P = .001). Faculty assessment yielded a cumulative score of 80% and 91% pre‐ and postcourse, respectively (P = .002). Although all residents reported prior experience in a critical emergency airway situation, only one reported prior training in advanced airway skills. A significant increase in participants' self‐perceived ability to carry out critical airway‐related skills was observed. All respondents felt the course was effective.

Conclusions:

Simulation‐based airway training courses can be effectively incorporated into existing educational curricula for otolaryngology residents, and their success can be measured using educationally based tools. With such a course, residents can be expected to demonstrate measurable improvement in clinical knowledge base, technical skills, and self‐perceived ability to handle difficult airway situations. Laryngoscope, 2013
Head drop syndrome secondary to multimodality treatments for head and neck cancer
Authors: Smillie Ian , Ellul David , Townsley Richard , James Allan , Clark Brian , Petty Richard K. H. , Clark Louise
Published: February 2013

Five patients under follow‐up for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) at Southern General Hospital Glasgow presented with a fixed flexion deformity of the neck. These cases are characterized by the onset of severe weakness and atrophy of the neck extensor muscles and anterior fibrosis forcing the mandible to the chest wall. This causes considerable morbidity with communication, feeding, and appearance. This is a rare complication with no curative treatments that has not been reported previously by a UK center and is likely to become important with the increased use of multimodality treatments for head and neck SCC.
Oxygenated fixation demonstrates novel and improved ultrastructural features of the human endolymphatic sac
Authors: Møller Martin Nue , Caye‐Thomasen Per , Qvortrup Klaus
Published: February 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

The purpose of the present study is to describe in detail the ultrastructure of the human endolymphatic sac using a new and improved method of fixation as well as a refined surgical approach in obtaining specimens.

Study Design

Transmission electron microscopy of the human endolymphatic sac, employing an oxygenated fixative.

Methods

Eighteen tissue samples of the human endolymphatic sac were obtained during surgery for vestibular schwannoma using the translabyrinthine approach. The specimens were fixed in 2% glutaraldehyde in an oxygenated fluorocarbon blood substitute vehicle before preparation by routine methods for transmission electron microscopy. We focused on the epithelial cell layer, subepithelial tissue, intraluminal content, and vascular tissue in both the intra‐ and extraosseous part of the endolymphatic sac.

Results

We observed well‐defined endolymphatic sac epithelial cell lining in all 18 specimens. In general, we found very well‐preserved specimens with well‐defined intracellular structures. In contrast to the results in former studies, a minimum of fixation artifacts was observed in the present study. Three different cell types were observed in the intraosseous part of the sac: mitochondria‐rich cells, ribosome‐rich cells, and nonclassifiable cells. A fourth cell type was found in the extraosseous part. Novel ultrastructural features of the epithelial lining and the subepithelial layer are described and discussed.

Conclusions

The results in the present study indicate an improvement in obtaining human tissue with optimal fixation for ultrastructural analysis and provide several novel morphologic observations. The potential functions of the endolymphatic sac are discussed with reference to former studies. Laryngoscope, 123:1967–1975, 2013
Potential of fish by‐products as a source of novel marine lipases and their uses in industrial applications
Authors: Kurtovic Ivan , Marshall Susan N.
Published: February 2013

An abundance of fish by‐products worldwide provides a diverse and highly valuable raw material for the extraction of numerous biochemicals, including lipases. Marine lipases are versatile enzymes possessing high activity at relatively low temperatures and unique fatty acid specificity. The challenges associated with marine lipases revolve around their cost of extraction and chemical instability. As these are overcome there is scope for commercial exploitation. The potential applications of marine lipases include flavour development in food products and synthesis of specialty lipids such as omega‐3 concentrates.
Palm oil: Features and applications
Authors: Norhaizan Mohd Esa , Hosseini Soraya , Gangadaran Surendiran , Lee Sin Tien , Kapourchali Fatemeh Ramezani , Moghadasian Mohammed H.
Published: February 2013

Palm fruits are the source of two distinct but related vegetable oils, namely palm oil and palm kernel oil. Palm oil has many food and industrial applications. Ever‐increasing demands for palm oil have substantially impacted its industry, creating some environmental concerns. Both types of oil are high in saturated fatty acids with potential cardiovascular risks. Several attempts have been made to reduce undesirable health and environmental impacts. However, additional research and development activities are needed to meet the concerns of the medical professionals and environmental activists.
A study on the (2 + 1)‐dimensional KdV4 equation derived by using the KdV recursion operator
Authors: Wazwaz Abdul‐Majid
Published: February 2013

We derive a new ( 2 + 1)‐dimensional Korteweg–de Vries 4 (KdV4) equation by using the recursion operator of the KdV equation. This study shows that the new KdV4 equation possess multiple soliton solutions the same as the multiple soliton solutions of the KdV hierarchy, but differ only in the dispersion relations. We also derive other traveling wave solutions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.