bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CD28 controls the development of innate‐like CD8+T cells by promoting the functional maturation of NKT cells
Authors: Yousefi Mitra , Duplay Pascale
Published: July 2013

NK T cells(NKT cells) share functional characteristics and homing properties that are distinct from conventional T cells. In this study, we investigated the contribution of CD28 in the functional development of γδ NKT and αβ NKT cells in mice. We show that CD28 promotes the thymic maturation of promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger+ IL‐4+ NKT cells and upregulation of LFA‐1 expression on NKT cells. We demonstrate that the developmental defect of γδ NKT cells in CD28‐deficient mice is cell autonomous. Moreover, we show in both wild‐type C57BL/6 mice and in downstream of tyrosine kinase‐1 transgenic mice, a mouse model with increased numbers of γδ NKT cells, that CD28‐mediated regulation of thymic IL‐4+ NKT cells promotes the differentiation of eomesodermin+ CD44high innate‐like CD8+ T cells. These findings reveal a previously unappreciated mechanism by which CD28 controls NKT‐cell homeostasis and the size of the innate‐like CD8+ T‐cell pool.
Synthesis, Structural Aspects and Catalytic Performance of a Tetrahedral Cobalt Phosphonate Framework
Authors: Sen Rupam , Saha Debraj , Mal Dasarath , Brandão Paula , Rogez Guillaume , Lin Zhi
Published: July 2013

A new phosphonate‐based metal organic framework has been synthesized. The structure determined by X‐ray crystallography reveals that it has an interesting 8‐ring channel 3D structure having the Co2‐dimers as the secondary building unit. Topological analysis shows that it has 10‐c uninodal 3D net structure with the Schläfli symbol 315.422.58. The magnetic measurement reveals the tetrahedral coordinated CoII ion. The compound is highly active towards epoxidation in the presence of air and IBA (isobutyraldehyde). It catalyses almost all types of olefinic substrates with equal efficiency. The compound is highly stable thermally (370 °C) and under the reaction conditions as well. After the reaction it can be recovered quite easily and can be used for further reaction without any loss of activity over several cycles.
Advances in chiral separations by nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis in pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis
Authors: Ali Imran , Sanagi Mohd Marsin , Aboul‐Enein Hassan Y.
Published: July 2013

NACE is an alternative technique to aqueous CE in the chiral separations of partially soluble racemates. Besides, partially water‐soluble or insoluble chiral selectors may be exploited in the enantiomeric resolution in NACE. The high reproducibility due to low Joule heat generation and no change in BGE concentration may make NACE a routine analytical technique. These facts attracted scientists to use NACE for the chiral resolution. The present review describes the advances in the chiral separations by NACE and its application in pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis. The emphasis has been given to discuss the selection of the chiral selectors and organic solvents, applications of NACE, comparison between NACE and aqueous CE, and chiral recognition mechanism. Besides, efforts have also been made to predict the future perspectives of NACE.
Selection and optimization of a salting‐out extraction system for recovery of biobutanol from fermentation broth
Authors: Sun Yaqin , Yan Ling , Fu Hongxin , Xiu Zhilong
Published: July 2013

High separation cost of biobutanol from the fermentation broth has become a bottleneck in acetone‐butanol‐ethanol (ABE) industrial production due to low ABE concentration. In this study, a suitable salting‐out extraction (SOE) system was selected and optimized for the recovery of biobutanol from the fermentation broth. From the different SOE systems investigated, the acetone/K2HPO4 system appeared to be more favorable. To examine the potential of this SOE system, the partition coefficient combined with concentration fold of butanol in synthetic solutions was optimized by the response surface methodology. The optimum conditions were found to be 17.51% w/w acetone, 21.44% w/w dipotassium hydrogen phosphate at ABE concentration of 17.3 g/L (butanol = 9.5 g/L). Under these conditions, a favorable partition coefficient, extraction yield, and concentration fold of butanol were determined as 70, 99.08%, and 1.48, respectively. The optimum extraction conditions were then used to direct the recovery of biobutanol from a real fermentation broth. The partition coefficient, extraction yield, and concentration fold of butanol reached 63.13, 98.10%, and 1.53, respectively; while the removal ratio of cells and proteins were 99.12 and 95.70%, respectively. The SOE system of acetone/K2HPO4 appeared to be effective and feasible for the downstream processing of butanol from fermentation broth.
Advantages and challenges with using hypoxic air venting as fire protection
Authors: Nilsson Martin , van Hees Patrick
Published: July 2013

The use of hypoxic air venting system as fire protection is increasing and is sometimes used to replace traditional extinguishing systems. An oxygen level of 15% is generally used because a lower concentration could pose serious health risks. On the request of the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority, a literature review was conducted to determine advantages and challenges with the system and further research needs. The main advantages with a reduced oxygen environment are the reduced probability of ignition and lowered heat release rate. However, at 15% oxygen level, risk for fire still exists, and the system cannot be seen as an alternative to extinguishing systems. Reduced oxygen environment also results in higher production rates of soot and smoke, and there is limited knowledge regarding the effect of fuel configuration and fire behavior of products. In addition, a first evaluation of the test method specified in the hypoxic air venting standards was carried out through testing. The testing showed that the particleboard passed the test criteria at normal atmosphere even though it is commonly known that a particleboard burns in normal air. It is concluded that the test method has deficiencies, and there is clearly a need for development of the test method to guarantee safety levels. © 2013 The Authors. Fire and Materials published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A depth‐integrated non‐hydrostatic finite element model for wave propagation
Authors: Wei Zhangping , Jia Yafei
Published: July 2013

This paper presents a two‐dimensional finite element model for simulating dynamic propagation of weakly dispersive waves. Shallow water equations including extra non‐hydrostatic pressure terms and a depth‐integrated vertical momentum equation are solved with linear distributions assumed in the vertical direction for the non‐hydrostatic pressure and the vertical velocity. The model is developed based on the platform of a finite element model, CCHE2D. A physically bounded upwind scheme for the advection term discretization is developed, and the quasi second‐order differential operators of this scheme result in no oscillation and little numerical diffusion. The depth‐integrated non‐hydrostatic wave model is solved semi‐implicitly: the provisional flow velocity is first implicitly solved using the shallow water equations; the non‐hydrostatic pressure, which is implicitly obtained by ensuring a divergence‐free velocity field, is used to correct the provisional velocity, and finally the depth‐integrated continuity equation is explicitly solved to satisfy global mass conservation. The developed wave model is verified by an analytical solution and validated by laboratory experiments, and the computed results show that the wave model can properly handle linear and nonlinear dispersive waves, wave shoaling, diffraction, refraction and focusing. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman Spectroscopy of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: Technique Overview and Application to Carbon Deposition Analysis
Authors: Maher R. C. , Duboviks V. , Offer G. J. , Kishimoto M. , Brandon N. P. , Cohen L. F.
Published: July 2013

Raman spectroscopy is a powerful characterization tool for improving the understanding of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), capable of providing direct, molecularly specific information regarding the physical and chemical processes occurring within functional SOFCs in real time. In this paper we give a summary of the technique itself and highlight ex situ and in situ studies that are particularly relevant for SOFCs. This is followed by a case study of carbon formation on SOFC Ni‐based anodes exposed to carbon monoxide (CO) using both ex situ and in situ Raman spectroscopy combined with computational simulations. In situ measurements clearly show that carbon formation is significantly reduced for polarized SOFCs compared to those held at open circuit potential (OCP). Ex situ Raman mapping of the surfaces showed clear variations in the rate of carbon formation across the surface of polarized anodes. Computational simulations describing the geometry of the cell showed that this is due to variations in gas access. These results demonstrate the ability of Raman spectroscopy in combination with traditional characterization tools, to provide detailed understanding of critical processes occurring within functional SOFCs.
Involvement of the dorsal and ventral attention networks in oddball stimulus processing: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Kim Hongkeun
Published: July 2013

The aim of this study was to provide the first, comprehensive meta‐analysis of the neuroimaging literature regarding greater neural responses to a deviant stimulus in a stream of repeated, standard stimuli, termed here oddball effects. The meta‐analysis of 75 independent studies included a comparison of auditory and visual oddball effects and task‐relevant and task‐irrelevant oddball effects. The results were interpreted with reference to the model in which a large‐scale dorsal frontoparietal network embodies a mechanism for orienting attention to the environment, whereas a large‐scale ventral frontoparietal network supports the detection of salient, environmental changes. The meta‐analysis yielded three main sets of findings. First, ventral network regions were strongly associated with oddball effects and largely common to auditory and visual modalities, indicating a supramodal “alerting” system. Most ventral network components were more strongly associated with task‐relevant than task‐irrelevant oddball effects, indicating a dynamic interplay of stimulus saliency and internal goals in stimulus‐driven engagement of the network. Second, the bilateral inferior frontal junction, an anterior core of the dorsal network, was strongly associated with oddball effects, suggesting a central role in top‐down attentional control. However, other dorsal network regions showed no or only modest association with oddball effects, likely reflecting active engagement during both oddball and standard stimulus processing. Finally, prominent oddball effects outside the two networks included the sensory cortex regions, likely reflecting attentive and preattentive modulation of early sensory activity, and subcortical regions involving the putamen, thalamus, and other areas, likely reflecting subcortical involvement in alerting responses. Hum Brain Mapp 35:2265–2284, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Epilepsy, anti‐epileptic medication use and risk of cancer
Authors: Kaae Jeanette , Carstensen Lisbeth , Wohlfahrt Jan , Melbye Mads , Allison Boyd Heather
Published: July 2013

Whether the powerful medications used to treat epilepsy increase the risk of cancer has been debated for decades, but until now no study could disentangle the contributions of anti‐epileptic medications and epilepsy itself to cancer risk. Using a cohort comprising all Danish residents ≥16 years old at some point during the period 1996–2010 (>56 million person‐years of follow‐up) and information from national health registers, we examined associations between anti‐epileptic medication use and cancer rates in persons with and without epilepsy, and between epilepsy and cancer rates in treated and untreated individuals. Associations were expressed as incidence rate ratios (IRRs) estimated using Poisson regression. Among persons without epilepsy, use of anti‐epileptic medication increased the rates of most cancers little or not at all, although we observed moderately increased rates of liver, mouth and throat, and respiratory tract cancers (IRRs 1.40–1.59). In contrast, we observed strong associations between epilepsy and the rates of central nervous system and mouth and throat cancers (IRRs 2.00–3.91), and a modest association between epilepsy and the rate of respiratory tract cancers (IRRs 1.30–1.35), independent of anti‐epileptic medication use. Our finding of only modest increases in cancer risk directly attributable to anti‐epileptic medication use suggests that these medications may not be as strongly carcinogenic as has been feared, and that it is not primarily anti‐epileptic medications that are responsible for the increased cancer risk among epileptics but another aspect of epilepsy diagnosis or treatment or an etiologic factor common to the two conditions.
Risk factors for cervical precancer detection among previously unscreened HIV‐infected women in Western Kenya
Authors: Huchko Megan J. , Leslie Hannah , Sneden Jennifer , Maloba May , Abdulrahim Naila , Bukusi Elizabeth A. , Cohen Craig R.
Published: July 2013

HIV and cervical cancer are intersecting epidemics in many low‐resource settings, yet there are few accurate estimates of the scope of this public health challenge. To understand disease prevalence and risk factors for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 or greater (CIN2+), we conducted a cross‐sectional study of women undergoing cervical cancer screening as part of routine HIV care in Kisumu, Kenya. Women were offered screening with visual inspection with acetic acid, followed by confirmation with colposcopy and biopsy as needed. Univariable and multivariable analyses were carried out to determine clinical and demographic predictors of prevalent CIN2+. Among 3,241 women screened, 287 (9%) had an initial diagnosis of biopsy‐confirmed CIN2+. On multivariable analysis, combined oral contraceptives remained significantly associated with detection of CIN2+ among women on HAART (AOR 1.84, CI 1.20–2.82), and not on HAART (AOR 1.72, 95% CI 1.08–2.73), while use of a progesterone implant was associated with increased detection of CIN2+ (AOR 9.43, 95% CI 2.85–31.20) only among women not on HAART. CD4+ nadir over 500 cells/mm3 was associated with reduced detection of CIN2+ (AOR 0.61, CI 0.38, 0.97) in the overall group, but current CD4+ was only associated with reduced detection of CIN2+ among women not on HAART (AOR 0.42, CI 0.22, 0.80). In conclusion, a history of less severe immunosuppression appeared to reduce the risk of CIN2+ detection, but current CD4+ count was significant only in non‐HAART users. The association of CIN2+ with hormonal contraception should be explored more in prospective studies designed to better control for confounding factors.
Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of macitentan, an endothelin receptor antagonist, in an ascending multiple‐dose study in healthy subjects
Authors: Sidharta Patricia N. , van Giersbergen Paul L. M. , Dingemanse Jasper
Published: July 2013

This multiple‐ascending‐dose study investigated safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics, of macitentan, a new endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA) with sustained receptor binding and enhanced tissue penetration properties compared to other ERAs. Healthy male subjects (n = 32) received once daily oral doses of macitentan (1 − 30 mg) or placebo for 10 days. Administration of macitentan was safe and well tolerated. Macitentan had no effect on bile salts, suggesting an improved liver safety profile. The multiple‐dose pharmacokinetics of macitentan were dose‐proportional and were characterized by a median tmax and apparent elimination half‐life varying from 6.0 to 8.5 and 14.3 to 18.5 hours, respectively, for the different doses and minimal accumulation. ACT‐132577, a metabolite with lower potency than macitentan, had a half‐life of about 48 hours and accumulated approximately 8.5‐fold. Compared to placebo, administration of macitentan caused a dose‐dependent increase in plasma ET‐1 with maximum effects attained at 10 mg. A small dose‐dependent increase in the 6β‐hydroxycortisol/cortisol urinary excretion ratio was observed, although there were no statistically significant differences between treatments including placebo. Effects of macitentan on cytochrome P450 enzyme 3A4 should be further evaluated in dedicated studies. The present results support investigation of macitentan in the management of pulmonary arterial hypertension and ET‐1‐dependent pathologies.
Population pharmacokinetics of ceftaroline in patients with acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections or community‐acquired bacterial pneumonia
Authors: Van Wart Scott A. , Forrest Alan , Khariton Tatiana , Rubino Christopher M. , Bhavnani Sujata M. , Reynolds Daniel K. , Riccobene Todd , Ambrose Paul G.
Published: July 2013

Ceftaroline, the active form of ceftaroline fosamil, is a broad‐spectrum cephalosporin antibiotic. A population pharmacokinetic (PPK) model for ceftaroline was developed in NONMEM® using data from 185 healthy subjects and 92 patients with acute bacterial skin and skin structure infection (ABSSSI). Data from 128 patients with community‐acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP) were used for external model validation. Healthy subjects received 50–2,000 mg ceftaroline fosamil via intravenous (IV) infusion over 1 hour or intramuscular (IM) injection q12h or q24h. ABSSSI and CABP patients received 600 mg of ceftaroline fosamil IV over 1 hour q12h. A three‐compartment model with zero‐order IV or parallel first‐order IM input and first‐order elimination described ceftaroline fosamil PK. A two‐compartment model with first‐order conversion of prodrug to ceftaroline and parallel linear and saturable elimination described ceftaroline PK. Creatinine clearance was the primary determinant of ceftaroline exposure. Good agreement between the observed data and both population (r2 = 0.93) and individual post‐hoc (r2 = 0.98) predictions suggests the PPK model can adequately approximate ceftaroline PK using covariate information. Such a PPK model can evaluate dose adjustments for patients with renal impairment and generate ceftaroline exposures for use in pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic assessments of efficacy in patients with ABSSSI or CABP.
Impact of donor and recipient CYP3A5 and ABCB1 genetic polymorphisms on tacrolimus dosage requirements and rejection in Caucasian Spanish liver transplant patients
Authors: Gómez‐Bravo Miguel Angel , Salcedo Magdalena , Fondevila Constantino , Suarez Francisco , Castellote José , Rufian Sebastián , Pons José Antonio , Alamo José María , Millán Olga , Brunet Mercè
Published: July 2013

Studies of liver transplant (LT) patients, mainly in Asians, have evaluated the influence of the CYP3A5*1 allele and P‐glycoprotein gene ABCB1 on tacrolimus pharmacokinetics or biopsy‐proven acute rejection (BPAR) incidence, with no conclusive results. To investigate these issues, 98 Caucasian Spanish LT patients with tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil and steroids and 88 cadaveric donors were genotyped for the SNPs CYP3A5 6986G>A, ABCB1 1236C>T, ABCB1 2677G>A/T and ABCB1 3435C>T;. On day 7 post‐LT, patients with a native CYP3A5*1 allele had significantly lower tacrolimus trough concentrations C0 (P = .03) and dose‐adjusted concentrations C0/D (P = .02) than CYP3A5 *3/*3 homozygotes. Three months post‐LT, patients carrying a liver with CYP3A5*1 had significantly lower C0/D (P = .03) and took significantly higher tacrolimus doses (P = .03) than the corresponding *3/*3 homozygotes. ABCB1 SNPs showed no significant association with tacrolimus variables. The 3‐month incidence of BPAR was 10.2%, with no statistically significant differences related to CYP3A5 (14.3% in expresser vs. 9.5% in non‐expresser) or ABCB1 genotype of either patient or donor. We conclude that in Caucasian Spanish LT patients, a native or graft‐borne CYP3A5*1 allele tends to lower tacrolimus concentrations and increase dosage needs, but has no significant impact on the incidence of BPAR.
Co‐substrate mannitol feeding strategy design in semi‐batch production of recombinant human erythropoietin production by Pichia pastoris
Authors: Eskitoros Melda Ş. , Çalık Pınar
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

The effects of alternative co‐substrate feeding strategies on recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) production by Pichia pastoris‐Mut+ strain were investigated.

RESULTS

Five different production strategies were designed and performed in the production phase of the bioprocesses with the use of either mannitol or sorbitol as the co‐substrate. The highest rHuEPO production was achieved as CrHuEPO= 0.65 g L−1 at t=9 h, with the cell concentration Cx=55 g L−1 in the production phase; wherein methanol was fed to the bioreactor with a predetermined dynamic feeding rate calculated for constant μM0=0.03 h−1; and three consecutive pulses of the co‐substrate mannitol were introduced at t=0, 6, and 12 h, so that CMan=50 g L−1. The overall cell and product yields on the substrates methanol and mannitol were found, respectively, as YX/St=0.22 g g−1 and YrHuEPO/St=3.74 mg g−1.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of mannitol as the co‐substrate enhanced rHuEPO production and furthermore shortened the bioprocess time. The design of semi‐batch feeding strategy, based on the selection of the substrates and the co‐substrates, and their dynamic feeding into the bioreactor, is important to increase the production and productivity in r‐protein production by Mut+ strains of P. pastoris, and the developed strategy would be especially important for therapeutic glycoprotein productions by P. pastoris. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Improved production of poly(γ‐glutamic acid) by Bacillus subtilisRKY3 and its recovery from viscous fermentation broth as a biodegradable polymer
Authors: Jeong Gwi‐Taek , Kim Jin‐Nam , Ryu Hwa‐Won , Wee Young‐Jung
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

Physiological parameters (culture pH, aeration rate, and agitation speed) were optimized to improve γ‐PGA production by batch culture of Bacillus subtilis RKY3. The optimum conditions for recovery of γ‐PGA from highly viscous culture broth were also investigated.

RESULTS

Enhanced γ‐PGA production (41.4 g L−1, 397 cP) was observed under optimized physiological culture parameters (no pH control, 1.5 L min−1 aeration, and 300 rpm agitation). The cells were completely removed by diluting the viscous culture broth 7.5‐, 5.0‐, and 2.5‐fold at pH 6.0, 4.0, and 2.0, respectively. Maximum recovery of γ‐PGA was observed when the volume ratio of cell‐free culture broth to cold ethanol was 1:5 at pH 6.0. γ‐PGA with a molecular weight <100 kDa was successfully excluded in an ultrafiltration system to develop more economical recovery of γ‐PGA from cell‐free culture broth, which resulted in efficient γ‐PGA concentration with a molecular weight >100 kDa.

CONCLUSION

The physiological parameters affecting γ‐PGA production were optimized, and the isolation and recovery of γ‐PGA from viscous culture broth was also evaluated. Cells were removed completely by diluting the culture broth, and precipitation of γ‐PGA using cold ethanol was better than that of other alcohols. Ultrafiltration was found to be an efficient recovery method for concentration of culture broth containing γ‐PGA. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Mesoporous iron oxide nanoparticles prepared by polyacrylic acid etching and their application in gene delivery to mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Cao Binrui , Qiu Penghe , Mao Chuanbin
Published: July 2013

Novel monodisperse mesoporous iron oxide nanoparticles (m‐IONPs) were synthesized by a postsynthesis etching approach and characterized by electron microscopy. In this approach, solid iron oxide nanoparticles (s‐IONPs) were first prepared following a solvothermal method, and then etched anisotropically by polyacrylic acid to form the mesoporous nanostructures. MTT cytotoxicity assay demonstrated that the m‐IONPs have good biocompatibility with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Owing to their mesoporous structure and good biocompatibility, these monodisperse m‐IONPs were used as a nonviral vector for the delivery of a gene of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) tagged with a green fluorescence protein (GFP) into the hard‐to‐transfect stem cells. Successful gene delivery and transfection were verified by detecting the GFP fluorescence from MSCs using fluorescence microscopy. Our results illustrated that the m‐IONPs synthesized in this work can serve as a potential nonviral carrier in gene therapy where stem cells should be first transfected and then implanted into disease sites for disease treatment. Microsc. Res. Tech. 76:936–941, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Phase contrast without phase plates and phase rings—optical solutions for improved imaging of phase structures
Authors: Piper Timm , Piper Jörg
Published: July 2013

Using the optical methods described, phase specimens can be observed with a modified light microscope in enhanced clarity, purified from typical artifacts which are apparent in standard phase contrast illumination. In particular, haloing and shade‐off are absent, lateral and vertical resolution are maximized and the image quality remains constant even in problematic preparations which cannot be well examined in normal phase contrast, such as specimens beyond a critical thickness or covered by obliquely situated cover slips. The background brightness and thus the range of contrast can be continuously modulated and specimens can be illuminated in concentric‐peripheral, axial or paraxial light. Additional contrast effects can be achieved by spectral color separation. Normal glass or mirror lenses can be used; they do not need to be fitted with a phase plate or a phase ring. The methods described should be of general interest for all disciplines using phase microscopy. Microsc. Res. Tech., 76:1050–1056, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tridimensional quantitative porosity characterization of three set calcium silicate‐based repair cements for endodontic use
Authors: De Souza Erika Thuanne Gonçalves , Nunes Tameirão Michele Dias , Roter Juliana Marins , De Assis Joaquim Teixeira , De Almeida Neves Aline , De‐Deus Gustavo André
Published: July 2013

The aim of the this study was to quantitatively evaluate in three‐dimensional (3D), the porosity degree of three improved silicate‐based endodontic repair cements (iRoot BP Plus®, Biodentine®, and Ceramicrete) compared to a gold‐standard calcium silicate bioactive cement (Pro Root® MTA). From each tested cement, four samples were prepared by a single operator following the manufacturer's instructions in terms of proportion, time, and mixing method, using cylindrical plastic split‐ring moulds. The moulds were lubricated and the mixed cements were inserted with the aid of a cement spatula. The samples were scanned using a compact micro‐CT device (Skyscan 1174, Bruker micro‐CT, Kontich, Belgium) and the projection images were reconstructed into cross‐sectional slices (NRecon v.1.6.9, Bruker micro‐CT). From the stack of images, 3D models were rendered and the porosity parameters of each tested material were obtained after threshold definition by comparison with standard porosity values of Biodentine®. No statistically significant differences in the porosity parameters among the different materials were seen. Regarding total porosity, iRoot BP Plus® showed a higher percentage of total porosity (9.58%), followed by Biodentine® (7.09%), Pro Root® MTA (6.63%), and Ceramicrete (5.91%). Regarding closed porosity, Biodentine® presented a slight increase in these numbers compared to the other sealers. No significant difference in porosity between iRoot BP Plus®, Biodentine®, and Ceramicrete were seen. In addition, no significant difference in porosity between the new calcium silicate‐containing repair cements and the gold‐standard MTA were found. Microsc. Res. Tech., 76:1093–1098, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rapid postseismic strength recovery of Pingxi fault gouge from the Longmenshan fault system: Experiments and implications for the mechanisms of high‐velocity weakening of faults
Authors: Yao Lu , Shimamoto Toshihiko , Ma Shengli , Han Raehee , Mizoguchi Kazuo
Published: July 2013

Slide‐hold‐slide tests were conducted on gray blackish gouge (GBG) and yellowish gouge (YG) from Pingxi fault zone to see how rapidly the strength of Longmenshan fault recovers after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake. Twenty dry runs were made at a normal stress of 0.8 MPa, at a seismic slip rate of 1.4 m/s, and with hold time th ranging 0.3–105 s. Results exhibit very rapid healing by more than 0.4 in friction coefficient μ in less than 5–10 s, followed by gradual healing in proportion to log(th). Healing rates, (increase in μ)/(log (th)), during rapid and slow healing are 0.188 and 0.015 for GBG and 0.154 and 0.016 for YG, respectively. The average temperature in the outer half of a 5 µm thick slip zone decreases from 260–300°C to 110–170°C in 5–10 s, and hence, temperature drop appears to be correlated with the rapid healing. Previously reported rapid healing at subseismic slip rates (85–90 mm/s) begins to occur in 10–300 s after the stop of sliding, and this cannot be explained by the cooling of gouge. The difference in healing between subseismic slip rates (delayed and rapid healing) and seismic slip rates (immediate and rapid healing) suggests that the dominant weakening mechanism shifts from tribochemical processes at subseismic slip rates to frictional heating at seismic slip rates. Slip‐zone structures are too complex and variable from run to run to reveal microscopic mechanisms for the strength recovery. Rapid healing following seismic slip can be a cause for reduced aftershocks along major coseismic faults.
Marine ice formation in a suture zone on the Larsen C Ice Shelf and its influence on ice shelf dynamics
Authors: Jansen Daniela , Luckman Adrian , Kulessa Bernd , Holland Paul R. , King Edward C.
Published: July 2013

Antarctic ice shelves are fed primarily by the glaciers flowing into them. Downstream of promontories separating these glaciers, supercooled water can rise and freeze into suture zones, leading to the accretion of marine ice. Marine ice bodies have been found in several Antarctic ice shelves, but little is known about their detailed geometry, rate of accretion, or influence on ice dynamics. In this study, we investigate marine ice in a suture zone downstream of the Joerg Peninsula in the southern part of the Larsen C Ice Shelf, Antarctic Peninsula. We present ground penetrating radar data from which we infer the base of the meteoric ice and, in combination with GPS data and assuming hydrostatic equilibrium, estimate marine ice thickness within a suture zone. We show that the Joerg Peninsula suture zone contains marine ice layer, which is increasing in thickness along flow from ~140 m to 180 m over 20 km, implying an average basal accretion rate of ~0.5 m a−1 in our study area. We examined the impact of this inferred marine ice on ice shelf dynamics by modeling the suture zone within an ice flow model. The results, which replicate observed surface velocities and strain rates, show that the warmer and thus softer ice of the suture zone serves to channel shear deformation. This enables decoupling of neighboring flow units with different flow velocities, while maintaining the structural integrity of the ice shelf.
Development of the skull of the Hawksbill Seaturtle, Eretmochelys imbricata
Authors: Sheil Christopher A.
Published: July 2013

The embryonic development of the cranium of the Hawksbill Seaturtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) is described on the basis of cleared and double‐stained specimens. Illustrations and descriptions of the chondrocranium at Stage 25 form the basis of comparison with similar data for the Loggerhead Seaturtle, Caretta caretta. Morphological changes through prehatching ontogeny are described for all dermal and endochondral elements of the skull and jaws, and the sequence of appearance and ossification of these elements are compared with similar data for Chelonia mydas, Natator depressa, and Dermochelys coriacea. Comparisons among suggest that a possible remnant of the dorsal edge of the orbital cartilage remains and represents a portion of the posterior orbital cartilage in C. caretta, representing a novel pattern of development for the posterior orbital cartilage for this species. Anatomy of cartilages of the orbitotemporal region are described for E. imbricata and C. caretta. J. Morphol. 274:1124–1142, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Combinatorial effect of Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki and Photorhabdus luminescens against Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Benfarhat‐Touzri Dalel , Amira Amal Ben , khedher Saoussen Ben , Givaudan Alain , Jaoua Samir , Tounsi Slim
Published: July 2013

Spodoptera littoralis, one of the major pests of many important crop plants, is more susceptible to Bacillus thuringiensis aizawai delta‐endotoxins than to those of Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki. Within the framework of the development of efficient bioinsecticides and the prevention against insect resistance, we tested the effect of mixing B. thuringiensis kurstaki delta‐endotoxins and Photorhabdus luminescens cells on S. littoralis growth. The obtained results showed that the growth inhibition of this insect was more effective when B. thuringiensis kurstaki spore‐crystal mixture and Photorhabdus luminescens cells were used in combination. Furthermore, this synergism is mainly due to the presence of Cry1Ac, which is one of the three delta‐endotoxins that form the crystal of B. thuringiensis kurstaki strain BNS3 in addition to Cry1Aa and Cry2Aa. This work shows a possibility to use B. thuringiensis as a delivery means for Photorhabdus bacteria in order to infect the insect hemocoel and to reduce the risk of developing resistance in the target organism.
Pulsed light inactivation of naturally occurring moulds on wheat grain
Authors: Aron Maftei Nicoleta , Ramos‐Villarroel Ana Y , Nicolau Anca I , Martín‐Belloso Olga , Soliva‐Fortuny Robert
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

Pulsed light (PL) is emerging as a non‐thermal technology with excellent prospects for the decontamination of foods and food contact surfaces. Its application for mould inactivation on cereal grains would allow a reduction of storage losses as well as the prevention of mycotoxin contamination at a post‐harvest level. The potential of PL for the decontamination of naturally occurring moulds on wheat grain was investigated in this study.

RESULTS

Treatments of up to 40 flashes of a fluence of 0.4 J cm−2 per pulse were applied to both sides of the grain, with an overall energy release ranging from 6.4 to 51.2 J g−1. The most powerful treatment applied to wheat in this study (51.2 J g−1) resulted in a mould reduction of approximately 4 log cycles on samples displaying an initial mould contamination level of 2.2 × 105 CFU g−1. At the same time, the seed germination percentage was only slightly affected. For PL treatments causing an inactivation of 3–4 log cycles, only 14–15% of the germination power of the wheat seeds was lost.

CONCLUSION

The PL treatments attained greater microbial reductions for higher treatment times and lower initial mould loads. The absence of the UV portion of the radiation spectrum was found to significantly reduce the treatment effectiveness. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Development and validation of a rapid and sensitive assay for the determination of anisodamine in 50 μL of beagle dog plasma by LC–MS/MS
Authors: Li Wenxue , Wen Jun , He Jingyu , Cao Di , Sun Fanlu , Li Jinying , Fan Guorong
Published: July 2013

A simple, rapid, high‐throughput, and highly sensitive LC–MS/MS was developed to determine anisodamine in a small volume (50 μL) of beagle dog plasma using atropine sulfate as the internal standard. The analyte and internal standard were isolated from 50 μL plasma samples after a one‐step protein precipitation using Sirocco 96‐well protein precipitation filtration plates. The separation was accomplished on a Hanbon Hedera CN column (100 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) and the run time was 4 min. A Micromass Quatro Ultima mass spectrometer equipped with an ESI source was operated in the multiple reaction monitoring mode with the precursor‐to‐product ion transitions m/z 306.0→140.0 (anisodamine) and 290.0→123.9 (atropine) used for quantitation. The method was sensitive with a low LOQ of 0.05 ng/mL, and good linearity in the range 0.05–50 ng/mL for anisodamine (r2 ≥ 0.995). All the validation data, such as accuracy, intra‐ and interrun precision, were within the required limits. The method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of anisodamine hydrochloride injection in beagle dogs.
Novel Methylaluminoxane‐Activated Neodymium Isopropoxide Catalysts for 1,3‐Butadiene Polymerization and 1,3‐Butadiene/Isoprene Copolymerization
Authors: Hu Yanming , Dong Weimin , Masuda Toshio
Published: July 2013

The homo‐ and copolymerizations of 1,3‐butadiene and isoprene are examined by using neodymium isopropoxide [Nd(Oi‐Pr)3] as a catalyst, in combination with a methylaluminoxane (MAO) cocatalyst. In the homopolymerization of 1,3‐butadiene, the binary Nd(Oi‐Pr)3/MAO catalyst works quite effectively, to afford polymers with high molecular weight ( ≈ 105 g mol‐1), narrow molecular‐weight distribution (MWD) (/ = 1.4–1.6), and cis‐1,4‐rich structure (87–96%). Ternary catalysts that further contain chlorine sources enhance both catalytic activity and cis‐1,4 selectivity. In the copolymerization of 1,3‐butadiene and isoprene, the copolymers feature high , unimodal gel‐permeation chromatography (GPC) profiles, and narrow MWD. Most importantly, the ternary Nd(Oi‐Pr)3/MAO/t‐BuCl catalyst affords a copolymer with high cis‐1,4 content in both monomer units (>95%).

image
The anatomical basis of dystonia: Current view using neuroimaging
Authors: Lehéricy Stéphane , Tijssen Marina A.J. , Vidailhet Marie , Kaji Ryuji , Meunier Sabine
Published: July 2013

This review will consider the knowledge that neuroimaging studies have provided to the understanding of the anatomy of dystonia. Major advances have occurred in the use of neuroimaging for dystonia in the past 2 decades. At present, the most developed imaging approaches include whole‐brain or region‐specific studies of structural or diffusion changes, functional imaging using fMRI or positron emission tomography (PET), and metabolic imaging using fluorodeoxyglucose PET. These techniques have provided evidence that regions other than the basal ganglia are involved in dystonia. In particular, there is increasing evidence that primary dystonia can be viewed as a circuit disorder, involving the basal ganglia‐thalamo‐cortical and cerebello‐thalamo‐cortical pathways. This suggests that a better understanding of the dysfunction in each region in the network and their interactions are important topics to address. Current views of interpretation of imaging data as cause or consequence of dystonia, and the postmortem correlates of imaging data are presented. The application of imaging as a tool to monitor therapy and its use as an outcome measure will be discussed. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
The definition of dystonia: Current concepts and controversies
Authors: Frucht Steven J.
Published: July 2013

The definition of dystonia has been a subject of much debate and controversy for the last century. In this paper, a practical definition of dystonia for the movement disorders expert is presented, based on a new algorithm. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
Genetics of dystonia: What's known? What's new? What's next?
Authors: Lohmann Katja , Klein Christine
Published: July 2013

Although all forms of dystonia share the core clinical features of involuntary dystonic dyskinesia, there is not only marked phenotypic but also etiologic heterogeneity. Isolated dystonia can be caused by mutations in TOR1A (DYT1), TUBB4 (DYT4), THAP1 (DYT6), CIZ1 (DYT23), ANO3 (DYT24), and GNAL (DYT25). Combined dystonias (with parkinsonism or myoclonus) are further subdivided into persistent (TAF1 [DYT3], GCHI [DYT5], SGCE [DYT11], ATP1A3 [DYT12]), PRKRA (DYT16), and paroxysmal (MR‐1 [DYT8], PRRT2 [DYT10], SLC2A1 [DYT18]. With the advent of next‐generation sequencing, an unprecedented number of new dystonia genes have recently been described, including 4 in the past 12 months. Despite the need for independent confirmation, these recent findings raise 2 important questions regarding (1) the role of genetics in dystonia overall and (2) the role of different molecular mechanisms in dystonia pathogenesis. The genetic contribution to dystonia represents a continuum ranging from genetic susceptibility factors of small effect to causative genes with markedly reduced penetrance to those with full penetrance. Equally diverse and complex are the pathways and neuronal function(s) putatively involved in dystonia pathogenesis including dopamine signaling, intracellular transport, cytoskeletal dynamics, transcriptional regulation, cell‐cycle control, ion channel function, energy metabolism, signal transduction, and detoxification mechanisms. In the next decade of dystonia research, we expect to see the discovery of additional dystonia genes and susceptibility factors. In this context, it will be of great interest to explore whether the diverse cellular functions of the known dystonia proteins may be linked to shared pathways and thus complete the complex puzzle of dystonia pathogenesis. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
Emerging common molecular pathways for primary dystonia
Authors: LeDoux Mark S. , Dauer William T. , Warner Thomas T.
Published: July 2013

The dystonias are a group of hyperkinetic movement disorders whose principal cause is neuron dysfunction at 1 or more interconnected nodes of the motor system. The study of genes and proteins that cause familial dystonia provides critical information about the cellular pathways involved in this dysfunction, which disrupts the motor pathways at the systems level. In recent years study of the increasing number of DYT genes has implicated a number of cell functions that appear to be involved in the pathogenesis of dystonia. A review of the literature published in English‐language publications available on PubMed relating to the genetics and cellular pathology of dystonia was performed. Numerous potential pathogenetic mechanisms have been identified. We describe those that fall into 3 emerging thematic groups: cell‐cycle and transcriptional regulation in the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum and nuclear envelope function, and control of synaptic function. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
What's new in surgical treatment for dystonia?
Authors: Moro Elena , Gross Robert E. , Krauss Joachim K.
Published: July 2013

It is now established that pallidal deep brain stimulation (DBS) is effective in the treatment of generalized and segmental primary dystonia, although there is still insufficient evidence to support its benefit in focal and secondary dystonia. Because several studies have demonstrated that pallidal DBS improves quality of life (QoL), reduced QoL and disability that are nonresponsive to medical treatment are probably the main factors guiding the decision to consider surgery. Some studies have indicated that young patients with primary dystonia who have shorter disease duration and less severe dystonia are likely to have the best outcome from DBS. Therefore, surgery should not be delayed when disability and QoL are impaired to the extent that justifies the surgical risk. A case‐by‐case approach is recommended in patients who have secondary dystonia. The globus pallidus internus is considered the best target for dystonia. There are still not enough data about the effectiveness of thalamic, subthalamic nucleus, and premotor cortex stimulation. Targeting with multiple electrodes and intra‐individual comparisons of outcomes may help determine which target would be more beneficial. With regard to the role of lesions, pallidotomy for dystonia is still performed in several countries and can play a role in selected patients. New technologies are already available to improve the stimulation programming for DBS patients and to increase battery longevity. In the near future, it is possible that we will be able to shape stimulation settings according to disease type and symptoms. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
Dystonia rating scales: Critique and recommendations
Authors: Albanese Alberto , Sorbo Francesca Del , Comella Cynthia , Jinnah H. A. , Mink Jonathan W. , Post Bart , Vidailhet Marie , Volkmann Jens , Warner Thomas T. , Leentjens Albert F.G. , Martinez‐Martin Pablo , Stebbins Glenn T. , Goetz Christopher G. , Schrag Anette
Published: July 2013

Many rating scales have been applied to the evaluation of dystonia, but only few have been assessed for clinimetric properties. The Movement Disorders Society commissioned this task force to critique existing dystonia rating scales and place them in the clinical and clinimetric context. A systematic literature review was conducted to identify rating scales that have either been validated or used in dystonia. Thirty‐six potential scales were identified. Eight were excluded because they did not meet review criteria, leaving 28 scales that were critiqued and rated by the task force. Seven scales were found to meet criteria to be “recommended”: the Blepharospasm Disability Index is recommended for rating blepharospasm; the Cervical Dystonia Impact Scale and the Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale for rating cervical dystonia; the Craniocervical Dystonia Questionnaire for blepharospasm and cervical dystonia; the Voice Handicap Index (VHI) and the Vocal Performance Questionnaire (VPQ) for laryngeal dystonia; and the Fahn‐Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale for rating generalized dystonia. Two “recommended” scales (VHI and VPQ) are generic scales validated on few patients with laryngeal dystonia, whereas the others are disease‐specific scales. Twelve scales met criteria for “suggested” and 7 scales met criteria for “listed.” All the scales are individually reviewed in the online information. The task force recommends 5 specific dystonia scales and suggests to further validate 2 recommended generic voice‐disorder scales in dystonia. Existing scales for oromandibular, arm, and task‐specific dystonia should be refined and fully assessed. Scales should be developed for body regions for which no scales are available, such as lower limbs and trunk. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society