bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmental Management Systems and Local Community Perceptions: the Case of Petrochemical Complexes Located in Ports
Authors: López‐Navarro Miguel Ángel , Tortosa‐Edo Vicente , Llorens‐Monzonís Jaume
Published: November 2013

Most oil refineries and factories producing basic chemical products are located in port areas, with the result that industrial complexes potentially have a strong environmental impact on their area of influence. These externalities result in a loss of welfare for citizens residing in neighbouring areas. In a context of sustainable development, companies must integrate concerns about the natural environment in their business strategy. External stakeholders, as residents, find it difficult to visualize the actions firms take to reduce their environmental impact, and the adoption of voluntary certified environmental management systems (EMSs) acts as a signal indicating the adequate environmental behaviour of these companies. These certifications enable companies to achieve the social legitimacy they need for long‐term survival and competitiveness. In the context of a petrochemical industrial complex located in the port of Castellón (Spain), this paper primarily discusses whether such certifications – which act as signals of firms’ desirable environmental conduct – translate into higher trust in firms and lower risk perception by residents. Contrary to what might be expected, despite the widespread use by companies of voluntary and certified EMSs, the research findings confirm a relatively high citizen perception of risk regarding the industrial complex and a low trust in companies. On the other hand, the findings also show a low trust in the public institutions responsible for authorizing and monitoring firms’ activities and for enforcing possible sanctions in non‐compliance cases. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Anatomical features and clinical importance of left atrial diverticula
Authors: Genç Berhan , Solak Aynur , Kantarci Mecit , Bayraktutan Ümmügülsüm , Ogul Hayri , Yüceler Zeynep , Öztürk Ali , Kizrak Yeşim
Published: November 2013

To assess the anatomical features and clinical importance of left atrial diverticula and atrial accessory appendages in patients undergoing cardiac computed tomography with multidetector computed tomography. A total of 1305 consecutive patients (385 female, 29.5%; 920 male, 70.5%) were assessed using electrocardiogram‐gated computed tomography between May 2010 and June 2013. The anatomical features and the prevalences of left atrial diverticula and left atrial accessory appendages were retrospectively assessed by four radiologists. The relationships between the prevalence and size of the diverticula and the age and gender of the patients were assessed. Among the 1305 patients, 610 (46.7%) exhibited 708 left atrial diverticula, and 62 (4.8%) exhibited left atrial accessory appendages. The most common locations of the left atrial diverticula were the right anterior superior wall (n = 328, 46.3%) and the lateral superior wall (n = 96, 13.5%). In addition to classical cystic and tubular diverticula, 49 (3.7%) of the patients exhibited mixed (cystic‐tubular), conical, or hook‐shaped diverticula and diverticular forms containing mural calcifications. There was no significant relationship between the prevalence of diverticula and the age and gender of the patients (P > 0.05). In addition to tubular and cystic diverticula, the left atrial wall can host different diverticular forms (such as mixed, conical, calcific, and hook shaped). It could be beneficial to assess the left atrium using MDCT to determine the source of emboli in cryptogenic embolism and to reduce complications associated with interventional procedures performed for left atrial arrhythmias. Clin. Anat. 27:738–747, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Doing ‘Serious Case Reviews’: The Views and Experiences of NHS Named and Designated Safeguarding Children Professionals
Authors: Peckover Sue , Smith Sue , Wondergem Fiona
Published: November 2013

Serious Case Reviews (SCRs), undertaken when a child has died or been seriously harmed, are an important feature of child protection in England. They are substantial exercises, but little research has examined the everyday work processes associated with their production. This study, undertaken during 2011, explored the views and experiences of NHS Named and Designated Nurses and Doctors for Safeguarding Children about their involvement in SCRs. Nineteen telephone interviews were undertaken and the data thematically analysed. The study found that doing SCRs involved additional work and staff did not always feel fully supported or prepared. Doing SCRs is a rigid and bureaucratic process which sometimes detracted from the case itself. The study also found mixed views about the value of SCRs and the extent to which they promote learning and child‐centred practice. The findings contribute to overall understanding of how this process is undertaken, and help open up to scrutiny the work required and the challenges generated for those involved in SCRs. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

‘Doing SCRs is a rigid and bureaucratic process which sometimes detracted from the case itself’

Key Practitioner Message:

SCRs are substantial exercises; little previous research has examined their production.

Undertaking SCRs requires considerable time, effort and can be emotionally difficult; NHS staff involved in their production face challenges in doing this work.

Producing SCRs may distract from the value of the outcomes and the extent to which they promote learning and child‐centred practice.
Complete blalock–taussig shunt obstruction in < 24 hours post‐operative period in a neonate treated emergently using transcatheter angioplasty and low dose local recombinant TPA
Authors: Patange Amit , Blake Jennifer , Gowda Srinath
Published: November 2013

A 12‐day‐old infant with pulmonary atresia, intact ventricular septum, and pulmonary blood flow through a ductus arteriosus developed complete shunt obstruction within 12 hr of creation of a modified Blalock–Taussig shunt. Low dose recombinant tissue plasminogen activator was administered locally as two 0.03 mg/kg bolus injections and was followed by balloon angioplasty. This resulted in complete recanalization of the shunt without any hemorrhagic complications. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chemical Equilibria in Formic Acid/Amine‐CO2 Cycles under Isochoric Conditions using a Ruthenium(II) 1,2‐Bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane Catalyst
Authors: Sordakis Katerina , Beller Matthias , Laurenczy Gábor
Published: November 2013

The equilibrium position in formic acid/amine–CO2 systems has been examined as a function of pressure and temperature under isochoric conditions. The homogeneous ruthenium(II)‐1,2‐bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane catalyst was active in both reactions, that is, in formic acid cleavage producing pure hydrogen and CO2, as well as in carbon dioxide hydrogenation under basic conditions. High yields of formic acid dehydrogenation into H2 and CO2 are favored by low gas pressures and/or high temperatures, and H2 uptake is possible at elevated H2–CO2 pressures. These results take us one step closer to the realization of a practical H2 storage–discharge device.
Control of the Orientation and Photoinduced Phase Transitions of Macrocyclic Azobenzene
Authors: Uchida Emi , Sakaki Kouji , Nakamura Yumiko , Azumi Reiko , Hirai Yuki , Akiyama Haruhisa , Yoshida Masaru , Norikane Yasuo
Published: November 2013

Photoinduced phase transitions caused by photochromic reactions bring about a change in the state of matter at constant temperature. Herein, we report the photoinduced phase transitions of crystals of a photoresponsive macrocyclic compound bearing two azobenzene groups (1) at room temperature on irradiation with UV (365 nm) and visible (436 nm) light. The trans/trans isomer undergoes photoinduced phase transitions (crystal–isotropic phase–crystal) on UV light irradiation. The photochemically generated crystal exhibited reversible phase transitions between the crystal and the mesophase on UV and visible light irradiation. The molecular order of the randomly oriented crystals could be increased by irradiating with linearly polarized visible light, and the value of the order parameter was determined to be −0.84. Heating enhances the thermal cis‐to‐trans isomerization and subsequent cooling returned crystals of the trans/trans isomer.
Development and Mechanism of an Enantioselective Bromocycloetherification Reaction via Lewis Base/Chiral Brønsted Acid Cooperative Catalysis
Authors: Denmark Scott E. , Burk Matthew T.
Published: November 2013

The development of a binary catalyst system for bromocycloetherification, consisting of an achiral Lewis base and a chiral Brønsted acid, is described in detail. The results of preliminary kinetic studies are also presented. Chirality 26:343–354, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ZnO/Co3O4 Porous Nanocomposites Derived from MOFs: Room‐Temperature Ferromagnetism and High Catalytic Oxidation of CO
Authors: Hu Lin , Zhang Ping , Sun Yukun , Bao Shouxin , Chen Qianwang
Published: November 2013

ZnO/Co3O4 porous nanocomposites were successfully fabricated by the thermal decomposition of Prussian Blue analogue (PBA) Zn3[Co(CN)6]2 nanospheres obtained at room temperature. Interestingly, ZnO/Co3O4 porous nanocomposites exhibit room‐temperature ferromagnetism. Moreover, the ZnO/Co3O4 porous nanocomposites show good catalytic activity for CO oxidation, and the CO conversion rate reaches 100 % at 250 °C. It is suggested that the synergistic effect of each component, relative high surface area (32 m2 g−1) and porous structure lead to the promising catalytic properties.
Selective Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles onto Potassium Hexaniobate: Structural Organisation with Bactericidal Properties
Authors: de Souza e Silva Juliana Martins , Pastorello Murilo , Kobarg Jörg , Cardoso Mateus Borba , Mazali Italo Odone
Published: November 2013

Silver‐based nanocomposites are known to act as biocides against a series of microorganisms and are largely studied as an alternative to substitute conventional antibiotics that show decreasing efficacy. In this work, an eco‐friendly method to synthesize silver nanoparticles assembled on the surface of hexaniobate crystals is reported. By means of ion exchange, K+ ions of layered potassium hexaniobate were partially substituted by Ag+ ions and the resulting material was exposed to UV light. The irradiation allowed the reduction of silver ions with consequent formation of silver nanoparticles located only on the hexaniobate surface, whereas Ag+ ions located in the interlayer space remained in the ionic form. Increasing UV‐light exposure times allowed controlling of the silver nanoparticle size. The antibacterial effects of the pristine potassium hexaniobate and of silver‐containing hexaniobate samples were tested against Escherichia coli (E. coli). The antibacterial efficacy was determined to be related to the presence of silver in hexaniobate. An increasing activity against E. coli was observed with the decrease in silver nanoparticles size, suggesting that silver nanoparticles of distinct sizes interact differently with bacterial cell walls.
Quinuclidine Stabilized on FeNi3 Nanoparticles as Catalysts for Efficient, Green, and One‐Pot Synthesis of Triazolo[1,2‐a]indazole‐triones
Authors: Sadeghzadeh Seyed Mohsen
Published: November 2013

A new magnetically separable catalyst consisting of quinuclidin‐3‐thiol supported on propylsilane‐functionalized silica‐coated FeNi3 nanoparticles (FeNi3/quinuclidine) has been prepared. The synthesized catalyst was characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, thermogravimetric analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The immobilized FeNi3/quinuclidine was shown to be an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of triazolo[1,2‐a]indazole‐triones under solvent‐free conditions at room temperature. The catalyst is readily recovered by simple magnetic decantation and can be recycled several times with no significant loss of catalytic activity.
Leader‐following consensus problem of heterogeneous multi‐agent systems with nonlinear dynamics using fuzzy disturbance observer
Authors: Lee Tae H. , Park Ju H. , Ji D. H. , Jung H. Y.
Published: November 2013

This article considers the leader‐following consensus problem of heterogeneous multi‐agent systems. The proposed multi‐agent system is consisted of heterogeneous agents where each agents have their own nonlinear dynamic behavior. To overcome difficulty from heterogeneous nonlinear intrinsic dynamics of agents, a fuzzy disturbance observer is adopted. In addition, based on the Lyapunov stability theory, an adaptive control method is used to compensate the observation error caused by the difference between the unknown factor and estimated values. Two numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 19: 20–31, 2014
Cytological diagnosis of angiosarcoma arising in an immunosuppressed patient 6 years after multi‐visceral transplantation
Authors: Chen Xiaowei , Lagana Stephen M. , Poneros John , Kato Tomoaki , Remotti Fabrizio , He Huangjun , Kaminsky Dmitry , Hamele‐Bena Diane
Published: November 2013

Angiosarcoma is a rare and aggressive malignant tumor of soft tissue. It can arise in almost any part of the body, most commonly in the skin and the superficial soft tissue in the head and neck region. Although the etiology of angiosarcoma is unknown, there are several well‐known risk factors, such as chronic lymphedema, exposure to radiation, toxins, and foreign bodies. It rarely occurs in transplant patients. Cytological criteria for the diagnosis of angiosarcoma have not been fully established, having been described only in a few cases, mostly fine‐needle aspiration biopsies (FNAB). Herein, we present a case of angiosarcoma arising in an immunosuppressed patient status post multi‐visceral transplantation and diagnosed by cytology. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of such a case in the English literature. The cytological findings from endoscopic ultrasound‐guided FNAB and ascites fluid are discussed. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2014;42:884–889. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pattern of inbreeding depression, condition dependence, and additive genetic variance in Trinidadian guppy ejaculate traits
Authors: Gasparini Clelia , Devigili Alessandro , Dosselli Ryan , Pilastro Andrea
Published: November 2013

In polyandrous species, a male's reproductive success depends on his fertilization capability and traits enhancing competitive fertilization success will be under strong, directional selection. This leads to the prediction that these traits should show stronger condition dependence and larger genetic variance than other traits subject to weaker or stabilizing selection. While empirical evidence of condition dependence in postcopulatory traits is increasing, the comparison between sexually selected and ‘control’ traits is often based on untested assumption concerning the different strength of selection acting on these traits. Furthermore, information on selection in the past is essential, as both condition dependence and genetic variance of a trait are likely to be influenced by the pattern of selection acting historically on it. Using the guppy (Poecilia reticulata), a livebearing fish with high levels of multiple paternity, we performed three independent experiments on three ejaculate quality traits, sperm number, velocity, and size, which have been previously shown to be subject to strong, intermediate, and weak directional postcopulatory selection, respectively. First, we conducted an inbreeding experiment to determine the pattern of selection in the past. Second, we used a diet restriction experiment to estimate their level of condition dependence. Third, we used a half‐sib/full‐sib mating design to estimate the coefficients of additive genetic variance (CVA) underlying these traits. Additionally, using a simulated predator evasion test, we showed that both inbreeding and diet restriction significantly reduced condition. According to predictions, sperm number showed higher inbreeding depression, stronger condition dependence, and larger CVA than sperm velocity and sperm size. The lack of significant genetic correlation between sperm number and velocity suggests that the former may respond to selection independently one from other ejaculate quality traits. Finally, the association between sperm number and condition suggests that this trait may mediate the genetic benefits of polyandry which have been shown in this species.
Multidisciplinary population monitoring when demographic data are sparse: a case study of remote trout populations
Authors: Fraser Dylan J. , Calvert Anna M. , Bernatchez Louis , Coon Andrew
Published: November 2013

The potential of genetic, genomic, and phenotypic metrics for monitoring population trends may be especially high in isolated regions, where traditional demographic monitoring is logistically difficult and only sporadic sampling is possible. This potential, however, is relatively underexplored empirically. Over eleven years, we assessed several such metrics along with traditional ecological knowledge and catch data in a socioeconomically important trout species occupying a large, remote lake. The data revealed largely stable characteristics in two populations over 2–3 generations, but possible contemporary changes in a third population. These potential shifts were suggested by reduced catch rates, reduced body size, and changes in selection implied at one gene‐associated single nucleotide polymorphism. A demographic decline in this population, however, was ambiguously supported, based on the apparent lack of temporal change in effective population size, and corresponding traditional knowledge suggesting little change in catch. We illustrate how the pluralistic approach employed has practicality for setting future monitoring efforts of these populations, by guiding monitoring priorities according to the relative merits of different metrics and availability of resources. Our study also considers some advantages and disadvantages to adopting a pluralistic approach to population monitoring where demographic data are not easily obtained.
RuII(α‐diimine) or RuIII(α‐diimine·–)? Structural, Spectroscopic, and Theoretical Evidence for the Stabilization of a Prominent Metal‐to‐Ligand Charge‐Transfer Excited‐State Configuration in the Ground State
Authors: Grupp Anita , Bubrin Martina , Ehret Fabian , Zeng Qiang , Hartl František , Kvapilová Hana , Záliš Stanislav , Kaim Wolfgang
Published: November 2013

The new compounds [Ru(R‐DAB)(acac)2] (R‐DAB = 1,4‐diorganyl‐1,4‐diazabuta‐1,3‐diene; R = tert‐butyl, 4‐methoxyphenyl, 2,6‐dimethylphenyl; acac– = 2,4‐pentanedionate) exhibit intrachelate ring bond lengths 1.297 < d(CN) < 1.344 Å and 1.382 < d(CC) < 1.425 Å, which suggest a RuIII(R‐DAB·–) oxidation state formulation. This notion is confirmed by the negligible solvatochromism of the intense (ϵ ≈ 104 M–1 cm–1) charge‐transfer absorption band in the visible region and by DFT calculations. Oxidation of the compounds occurs mainly at the R‐DAB·– radical ligand to produce UV/Vis/NIR and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroelectrochemically detectable RuIII species, whereas the reduction proceeds less reversibly and yields predominantly (R‐DAB)‐ligand‐based spin for the 4‐methoxyphenyl derivative, measured at low temperature. The results are discussed with respect to metal‐to‐ligand charge‐transfer (MLCT) excited states of conventional (α‐diimine)ruthenium(II) complexes and in view of other (α‐diimine)metal complexes with ambiguous oxidation‐state assignments.
The First Stereoselective Total Synthesis of (–)‐Synrotolide
Authors: Sabitha Gowravaram , Rao Allu Senkara , Sandeep AnkiReddy , Yadav Jhillu S.
Published: November 2013

The first stereoselective total synthesis of (–)‐synrotolide has been realized by two different approaches, both starting from (S)‐ethyl lactate. Both strategies used stereo‐ and regioselective epoxide opening with a nucleophile, aldehyde alkyne coupling and ring‐closing metathesis as key steps. Judicious choice of reagents (CeCl3·7H2O and H2SiF6) for the chemoselective removal of protecting groups delivered the target molecule.
Syntheses and Iron Binding Affinities of the Bacillus anthracis Siderophore Petrobactin and Sidechain‐Modified Analogues
Authors: Bugdahn Nikolas , Oberthür Markus
Published: November 2013

An improved synthesis of petrobactin and analogues has been developed that provides reliable access to siderophores in sufficient quantities for biological studies. The determination of the iron affinity of different petrobactin derivatives showed that functionalization at the central amino group of the spermidine sidechain has only a minor influence on the iron binding properties of the siderophore. Accordingly, such derivatives are promising starting points for the development of biological probes to study bacterial siderophore transport, a possible new target for antibiotics.
Do Experts’ SKU Forecasts Improve after Feedback?
Authors: Legerstee Rianne , Franses Philip Hans
Published: November 2013

We analyze the behavior of experts who quote forecasts for monthly SKU‐level sales data, where we compare data before and after the moment that experts received different kinds of feedback on their behavior. We have data for 21 experts located in as many countries who make SKU‐level forecasts for a variety of pharmaceutical products for October 2006 to September 2007. We study the behavior of the experts by comparing their forecasts with those from an automated statistical program, and we report the forecast accuracy over these 12 months. In September 2007 these experts were given feedback on their behavior and they received training at the headquarters office, where specific attention was given to the ins and outs of the statistical program. Next, we study the behavior of the experts for the 3 months after the training session, i.e. October 2007 to December 2007. Our main conclusion is that in the second period the experts’ forecasts deviated less from the statistical forecasts and that their accuracy improved substantially. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid manifestation of reactive astrogliosis in acute hippocampal brain slices
Authors: Takano Takahiro , He Wei , Han Xiaoning , Wang Fushun , Xu Qiwu , Wang Xiaohai , Oberheim Bush Nancy Ann , Cruz Nancy , Dienel Gerald A. , Nedergaard Maiken
Published: November 2013

A flurry of studies over the past decade has shown that astrocytes play a more active role in neural function than previously recognized. Hippocampal slices prepared from young rodent pups have served as a popular model for studying the pathways by which astrocytes participate in synaptic transmission. It is, however, not known how well astrocytes tolerate traumatic injury and hypoxia, which are unavoidable when preparing acute slices. We here showed that astrocytes exhibit striking changes in expression of several receptors and structural proteins, including re‐expression of the developmental marker nestin within 90 min following preparation of live vibratome slices. Moreover, immunoelectron microscopy showed a 2.7‐fold loss of astrocytic processes in acute hippocampal slices prepared from glial fibrillary acidic protein‐green fluorescent protein reporter mice. A sharp decrease in the number of mitochondria was also noted in acute slices, concurrently with an increase in mitochondrial size. Glycogen content decreased 3‐fold upon slice preparation and did not recover despite stable recordings of field excitatory postsynaptic current. Analysis of Ca2+ signaling showed that astrocytic responses to purine receptor and mGluR5 agonists differed in slice versus in vivo. These observations suggest that the functional properties and the fine structure of astrocytes in slices may be reflective of early stages of reactive gliosis and should be confirmed in vivo when possible. GLIA 2013;62:78–95
Equity in access to healthcare among the urban elderly in China: does health insurance matter?
Authors: Sun Ju , Deng Shuo , Xiong Xianjun , Tang Shenglan
Published: November 2013

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine if inequity in healthcare among the urban elderly in China has been improved through the implementation of Urban Resident Basic Medical Insurance (URBMI).

Methods and data source

We used the data from a nationwide household health survey conducted between December 2011 and February 2012 to compare the needs, uses, and non‐uses of health services of the 7618 urban Chinese elderly 60 years and older covered by two different health insurance schemes. Frequency and percentages were used to examine the data.

Results

Significant inequity in health service uses existed among different socioeconomic groups and the people covered by two different health insurance schemes. Compared with the elderly covered by Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance, the elderly covered by URBMI had much lower rates of service use and higher non‐use rates of health services.

Conclusions

Universal health insurance coverage alone cannot mitigate the existing inequity in healthcare; the Chinese government must develop appropriate financial policies and measures to provide more financial support to URBMI in order to improve equitable and affordable access to healthcare. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gender influences on efficacy and safety of sublingual zolpidem tartrate for middle‐of‐the‐night awakening in insomnia
Authors: Roth Thomas , Steinberg Frank , Singh Nikhilesh N. , Moline Margaret
Published: November 2013

Objective

Evaluate potential gender effects on efficacy and safety of a buffered zolpidem sublingual tablet (ZST) formulation.

Methods

Post hoc analysis of the pivotal sleep laboratory and outpatient studies, per gender.

Results

In the sleep laboratory study, polysomnography‐derived latency to persistent sleep after middle‐of‐the‐night was significantly improved for both genders at both 1.75 mg and 3.5 mg ZST (females: 15.7 and 8.6 min, respectively, vs. 27.7 min [placebo]; males: 19.0 and 12.7 min vs. 29.0 min [placebo]) with no significant gender differences. In the outpatient study, subjective sleep onset latency after middle‐of‐the‐night was significantly shorter for both genders treated with ZST 3.5 mg versus placebo over the 4‐week average (females: 37.3 vs. 59.4 min, p < 0.0001; males: 38.6 vs. 55.1 min, p ≤ 0.01). There were no gender differences in subjective sleep onset latency after middle‐of‐the‐night awakening. In the outpatient study, weekly usage of ZST and placebo by both genders declined throughout the study. Morning alertness following dosing nights improved in both genders, although significant only in females. In both studies, there were no gender differences in adverse events.

Conclusion(s)

Time to return to sleep after middle‐of‐the‐night dosing with ZST improved in both genders, with no gender differences in efficacy and safety. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Immunomodulatory effects in the spleen‐injured mice following exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles
Authors: Sang Xuezi , Fei Min , Sheng Lei , Zhao Xiaoyang , Yu Xiaohong , Hong Jie , Ze Yuguan , Gui Suxin , Sun Qingqing , Ze Xiao , Wang Ling , Hong Fashui
Published: November 2013

Immune injuries following the exposure of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) have been greatly concerned along with the TiO2 NPs are widely used in pharmacology and daily life. However, very little is known about the immunomodulatory mechanisms in the spleen‐injured mice due to TiO2 NPs exposure. In this study, mice were continuously exposed to 2.5, 5, or 10 TiO2 NPs mg kg−1 body weight for 90 days with intragastric administration to investigate the immunomodulatory mechanisms in the spleen. The findings showed that TiO2 NPs exposure resulted in significant increases in spleen and thymus indices, and titanium accumulation, in turn led to histopathological changes and splenocyte apoptosis. Furthermore, the exposure of TiO2 NPs could significantly increase the levels of macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)−1α, MIP‐2, Eotaxin, monocyte chemotactic protein‐1, interferon‐γ, vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1, interleukin‐13, interferon‐γ‐inducible protein‐10, migration inhibitory factor, CD69, major histocompatibility complex, protein tyrosine phosphatase, protein tyrosine kinase 1, basic fibroblast growth factor, Fasl, and GzmB expression, whereas markedly decrease the levels of NKG2D, NKp46, 2B4 expression involved in immune responses, lymphocyte healing and apoptosis. These findings would better understand toxicological effects induced by TiO2 NPs exposure. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 3562–3572, 2014.
Determination of Acrolein‐Derived 3‐Hydroxypropylmercapturic Acid in Human Urine Using Solid‐phase Extraction Combined with Molecularly Imprinted Mesoporous Silica and LC‐MS/MS Detection
Authors: Zhu Xiaolan , Tang Fei , Yang Jun , Gao Yun
Published: November 2013

A novel method for the analysis of (3‐hydroxypropyl)mercapturic acid (HPMA), a major acrolein metabolite in human urine incorporating a molecularly imprinted solid‐phase extraction (MISPE) process using N‐acetylcysteine ‐imprinted mesoporous silica particles coupled with LC‐MS/MS detection was developed. The molecularly imprinted mesoporous silica particles were synthesized based on the supported material of ordered mesoporous silica SBA‐15 with N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) as template using surface molecular imprinting technology. The condition of MISPE procedures was optimized. The use of MISPE improved the accuracy and precision of the LC‐MS method and lowered the limit of detection (0.23 ng/mL). The recoveries at three spiked levels ranged between 88.5% to 108.6%. The developed MISPE method enabled the selective extraction of HPMA successfully in human urine and could be used as an effective approach for the determination of ultra‐trace HPMA in complex biological matrices. The results in real samples showed that median levels of HPMA were significantly higher (1922.0 ng/mg of creatinine, N = 75) in smokers than in nonsmokers (759.1 ng/mg of creatinine, N = 5), demonstrating the higher acrolein uptake in smokers than in nonsmokers.
Gender differences in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of zolpidem following sublingual administration
Authors: Greenblatt David J. , Harmatz Jerold S. , Singh Nikhilesh N. , Steinberg Frank , Roth Thomas , Moline Margaret L. , Harris Stephen C. , Kapil Ram P.
Published: November 2013

The effect of dose and gender on the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of zolpidem after administration of a buffered zolpidem sublingual tablet (ZST; Intermezzo®, Purdue Pharma L.P., Stamford, CT, USA) was evaluated in healthy non‐elderly male and female volunteers. Subjects received a single morning dose of ZST (1.0, 1.75, and 3.5 mg) or placebo in a four‐way crossover study. In male and female subjects zolpidem PK were linear, with area under the curve (AUC) proportional to dose, and apparent oral clearance and elimination half‐life independent of dose. However, AUC averaged 40% to 50% higher in females than in males receiving the same dose. The gender effect was incompletely explained by body weight. In females, ZST produced PD changes consistent with benzodiazepine agonist effects, particularly at the 3.5‐mg dose. For several PD variables, PD effects were significantly related to plasma zolpidem concentrations when data were aggregated across subjects. However, there was variability in response among individuals. In males, PD effects of zolpidem seldom differed from placebo regardless of plasma concentration. The findings confirm that zolpidem clearance is lower in females than in males. PD effects of zolpidem from ZST are greater in female subjects, due to a combination of higher plasma concentrations and greater intrinsic sensitivity.
Interaction of maternal separation on the UCh rat Cerebellum
Authors: Oliveira S.A. , Fontanelli B. A. F. , Stefanini M.A. , Chuffa L.G.A. , Teixeira G.R. , Lizarte F.S.N. , Tirapelli L.F. , Quitete V.H.A. , Matheus S.M.M. , Padovani C.R. , Martinez M. , Martinez F.E.
Published: November 2013

Maternal care is the main source of signals and stimuli for proper development, growth, and production of adjustment responses to stressful factors. Adverse experiences in childhood are associated with a vulnerability to developing abusive ethanol ingestion via alterations of the response of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. Alcoholism causes global brain abnormalities, with the cerebellum being one of the most susceptible areas. We evaluated the effect of maternal separation on the cerebellum structure of male UCh rats. Adult male UChA (low 10% ethanol consumption) and UChB (high 10% ethanol consumption) rats were divided in to four experimental groups: (1) UChA, (2) UChA maternal separation (MS), (3) UChB, and (4) UChB MS. The MS occurred between the 4th and 14th days of age, for 240 min day−1. Euthanasia was performed at 120 days of age. An image analysis system was used to measure cerebellar cortical height and Purkinje cellular area and height in five rats from each group. The cerebellar sections were stained with antibodies against IGFR‐I. MS did not alter the ethanol consumption of UChA and UChB rats. Corticosterone level was significantly higher in UChA MS and UChB MS rats than in UChA and UChB rats. The Purkinje cellular area and height were higher in UChA MS rats. IGFR‐I expression was observed in the cortical glomerular area of UChA MS and UChB MS rats. MS altered the Purkinje cells in the cerebella of male UCh rats. Microsc. Res. Tech. 77:44–51, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Noninvasive visualization of the basilar artery wall and branch ostia with high‐resolution three‐dimensional black‐blood sequence at 3 tesla
Authors: Lou Xin , Ma Ning , Shen Hao , Shi Kaining , Jiang Weijian , Ma Lin
Published: November 2013

Purpose

To evaluate the usefulness of three‐dimensional (3D) MR black‐blood sequence flow‐dephasing‐prepared fast spoiled gradient recalled echo (FDP‐FSPGR) in screening the basilar artery (BA) wall and the ostia of the adjacent branch arteries.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐one patients with BA stenosis >50% on digital subtraction angiography (DSA) were imaged. Three‐dimensional FDP‐FSPGR images were acquired using a flow‐dephasing‐prepared segmented technique, including two spin echoes to overcome the inhomogeneity of the radiofrequency field. Precontrast and postcontrast 3D FDP‐FSPGR sequences were performed.

Results

The wall of the BA could be visualized in 20 patients with good contrast, and 82 ostia of the adjacent branch arteries were identified on 3D FDP‐FSPGR images. Compared with DSA, the accuracy of it was 0.94 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.89 to 0.99) for reader 1 and 0.92 (95% CI, 0.86 to 0.98) for reader 2, with strong agreement between the two readers (κ = 0.82). BA plaque enhancement was noted in 16 of the 20 patients after contrast administration.

Conclusion

The 3D FDP‐FSPGR can be used for high‐spatial‐resolution demonstration and large coverage of the BA wall and the ostia of the adjacent branch arteries. This sequence will make it possible to evaluate therapeutic effects in clinical studies. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;39:911–916. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gadolinium‐free T1 contrast agents for MRI: Tunable pharmacokinetics of a new class of manganese porphyrins
Authors: Cheng Hai‐Ling Margaret , Haedicke Inga E. , Cheng Weiran , Tchouala Nofiele Joris , Zhang Xiao‐an
Published: November 2013

Purpose

To evaluate a new class of manganese porphyrins with tunable pharmacokinetics as potential gadolinium (Gd)‐free T1 agents for contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Materials and Methods

Two new contrast agents, MnTCP and MnP2, were evaluated in four female rats. MRI was performed daily up to 3 days postinjection (0.05 mmol/kg) on a 3 T clinical scanner. T1 relaxation times and dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI were performed to assess contrast enhancement and clearance in blood, heart, liver, kidney, and muscle.

Results

Relative T1 decreases were similar for MnTCP and Gd‐DTPA in all tissues but were significantly larger (P < 0.05) for MnP2 in blood, heart, kidney, and liver (2–6‐fold larger). Clearance of MnTCP was similar to Gd‐DTPA, with T1 returning to baseline by 40 minutes and complete elimination in 1 day. MnP2 was cleared from blood after 2 days and sustained a lowered T1 in other tissues for at least 1 hour (P < 0.05). The maximum enhancement, slope, and time‐to‐peak were similar between contrast agents. Only the parameter AUC60 differed, with MnP2 yielding the largest AUC60 values primarily through longer retention in tissue.

Conclusion

MnTCP and MnP2 offer distinct applications as Gd‐free T1 contrast agents. MnTCP behaves like a Gd‐DTPA analog, while MnP2 provides significantly greater and longer positive signal enhancement.J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;40:1474–1480. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enrichment specificity of micro and nano‐sized titanium and zirconium dioxides particles in phosphopeptide mapping
Authors: Vilasi Annalisa , Fiume Immacolata , Pace Paolo , Rossi Mosè , Pocsfalvi Gabriella
Published: November 2013

Owning to their anion‐exchange properties, titanium and zirconium dioxides are widely used in phosphopeptide enrichment and purification protocols. The physical and chemical characteristics of the particles can significantly influence the loading capacity, the capture efficiency and phosphopeptide specificity and thus the outcome of the analyses. Although there are a number of protocols and commercial kits available for phosphopeptide purification, little data are found in the literature on the choice of the enrichment media. Here, we studied the influence of particle size on the affinity capture of phosphopeptides by TiO2 and ZrO2. Bovine milk casein derived phosphopeptides were enriched by micro and nanoparticles using a single‐tube in‐solution protocol at different peptide‐to‐beads ratio ranging from 1 : 1 to 1 : 200. Unsupervised hierarchical cluster analysis based on the whole set of Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectra of the phosphopeptide enriched samples revealed 62 clustered peptide peaks and shows that nanoparticles have considerably higher enrichment capacity than bulk microparticles. Moreover, ZrO2 particles have higher enrichment capacity than TiO2. The selectivity and specificity of the enrichment was studied by monitoring the ion abundances of monophosphorylated, multiphosphorylated and non‐phosphorylated casein‐derived peptide peaks at different peptide‐to‐beads ratios. Comparison of the resulting plots enabled the determination of the optimal peptide‐to‐beads ratios for the different beads studied and showed that nano‐TiO2 have higher selectivity for phosphopeptides than nano‐ZrO2 particles. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Atmospheric pressure ionization–tandem mass spectrometry of the phenicol drug family
Authors: Alechaga Élida , Moyano Encarnación , Galceran M. Teresa
Published: November 2013

In this work, the mass spectrometry behaviour of the veterinary drug family of phenicols, including chloramphenicol (CAP) and its related compounds thiamphenicol (TAP), florfenicol (FF) and FF amine (FFA), was studied. Several atmospheric pressure ionization sources, electrospray (ESI), atmospheric pressure chemical ionization and atmospheric pressure photoionization were compared. In all atmospheric pressure ionization sources, CAP, TAP and FF were ionized in both positive and negative modes; while for the metabolite FFA, only positive ionization was possible. In general, in positive mode, [M + H]+ dominated the mass spectrum for FFA, while the other compounds, CAP, TAP and FF, with lower proton affinity showed intense adducts with species present in the mobile phase. In negative mode, ESI and atmospheric pressure photoionization showed the deprotonated molecule [M–H]−, while atmospheric pressure chemical ionization provided the radical molecular ion by electron capture. All these ions were characterized by tandem mass spectrometry using the combined information obtained by multistage mass spectrometry and high‐resolution mass spectrometry in a quadrupole‐Orbitrap instrument. In general, the fragmentation occurred via cyclization and losses or fragmentation of the N‐(alkyl)acetamide group, and common fragmentation pathways were established for this family of compounds. A new chemical structure for the product ion at m/z 257 for CAP, on the basis of the MS3 and MS4 spectra is proposed. Thermally assisted ESI and selected reaction monitoring are proposed for the determination of these compounds by ultra high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry, achieving instrumental detection limits down to 0.1 pg. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Susceptibility of human and avian influenza viruses to human and chicken saliva
Authors: Limsuwat Nattavatchara , Suptawiwat Ornpreya , Boonarkart Chompunuch , Puthavathana Pilaipan , Auewarakul Prasert , Wiriyarat Witthawat
Published: November 2013

Oral cavity can be an entry site of influenza virus and saliva is known to contain innate soluble anti‐influenza factors. Influenza strains were shown to vary in their susceptibility to those antiviral factors. Whether the susceptibility to the saliva antiviral factors plays any role in the host species specificity of influenza viruses is not known. In this study, the antiviral activity of human and chicken saliva against human and the H5N1 avian influenza viruses were investigated by hemagglutination inhibition (HI) and neutralization (NT) assays. In comparison to human influenza viruses, H5N1 isolates showed reduced susceptibility to human saliva as measured by HI and NT assays. Interestingly, an H5N1 isolate that bind to both α2,3‐ and α2,6‐linked sialic acid showed much higher HI titers with human saliva, suggesting that the susceptibility profile was linked to the receptor‐binding preference and the presence of α2,6‐linked sialic in human saliva. On the other hand, the H5N1 isolates showed increased HI titers but reduced NT titers to chicken saliva as compared to human influenza isolates. The human salivary antiviral components were characterized by testing the sensitivity to heat, receptor destroying enzyme (RDE), CaCl2/EDTA dependence, and inhibition by mannan, and shown to be α‐ and γ‐inhibitors. These data suggest that the H5N1 HPAI influenza virus had distinctive susceptibility patterns to human and chicken saliva, which may play some roles in its infectivity and transmissibility in these hosts. J. Med. Virol. 86:872–878, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influenza vaccine effectiveness during the 2012 influenza season in Victoria, Australia: Influences of waning immunity and vaccine match
Authors: Sullivan Sheena G. , Komadina Naomi , Grant Kristina , Jelley Lauren , Papadakis Georgina , Kelly Heath
Published: November 2013

Vaccine effectiveness may wane with increasing time since vaccination. This analysis used the Victorian sentinel general practitioner (GP) network to estimate vaccine effectiveness for trivalent inactivated vaccines in the 2012 season. A test‐negative design was used where patients presenting to GPs with influenza‐like illness who tested positive for influenza were cases and noncases were those who tested negative. Vaccination status was recorded by GPs. Vaccine effectiveness was calculated as (1‐odds ratio) × 100%. Estimates were compared early versus late in the season and by time since vaccination. Virus isolates were assessed antigenically by hemagglutination inhibition assay in a selection of positive samples and viruses from healthy adults who experienced a vaccine breakthrough were analyzed genetically. The adjusted vaccine effectiveness estimate for any type of influenza was 45% (95% CI: 8,66) and for influenza A(H3) was 35% (95% CI: −11,62). A non‐significant effect of waning effectiveness by time since vaccination was observed for A(H3). For those vaccinated <93 days of presentation vaccine effectiveness was 37% (95% CI: −29,69), while for those vaccinated ≥93 days before presentation it was 18% (95% CI: −83,63). Comparison of early versus late in the season estimates was very sensitive to the cut off week chosen for analysis. Antigenic data suggested that low vaccine effectiveness was not associated with poor vaccine match among the A(H3) viruses. However, genetic analysis suggested nucleotide substitutions in antigenic sites. In 2012, the trivalent influenza vaccine provided moderate protection against influenza and showed limited evidence for waning effectiveness. Antigenic and genetic data can provide additional insight into understanding these estimates. J. Med. Virol. 86:1017–1025, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Asymmetry in semicircular canal diameters may account for circling behavior in EphB‐deficient mice
Authors: Lee Kenneth H. , Lee James , Shao Dongmei , Dravis Christopher , Henkemeyer Mark
Published: November 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis

Determine if differences in right and left semicircular size account for phenotypic behavior, indicating vestibulopathy in EphB deficient mice.

Study Design

The diameters of the superior semicircular canals (SCC) were measured. The differences in the right and left superior SCC diameters were analyzed in homozygous EphB2 and EphB3 double knockout mice known to have head bobbing and circling behavior. Results were compared to similar analysis in wild type controls that displayed no signs of vestibulopathy.

Methods

Axial frozen sections through the superior (SCC) were analyzed by light microscopy; and the diameters of the left and right canals were measured in μm for both EphB2 and EphB3 double knockout mice, as well as in wild type control mice. The differences in diameter between the left and right superior SCC was determined for each animal.

Results

Overall, the EphB2 and EphB3 double knockout mice had smaller superior SCC diameters compared to wild type (109.0 ± 21.4 μm vs. 185.0 ± 5.2 μm (P < 0.0001). The mean difference in left and right diameter of the superior SCC of EphB2/EphB3 double knockout mice was 29.0 ± 8.7 μm; in wild‐type controls this difference was 6.0 ± 5.1 μm (P = 0.002). In addition, the direction of circling appeared to be independent of the laterality of the smaller (or larger) superior SCC.

Conclusion

Mice deficient in EphB2/EphB3 signaling have smaller superior SCC and asymmetry in lumen sizes between the left and right sides. The laterality of the larger versus smaller is not correlated with the direction of circling behavior.

Level of Evidence

N/A. Laryngoscope, 124:E278–E282, 2014