bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Label‐free analysis in chip electrophoresis applying deep UV fluorescence lifetime detection
Authors: Beyreiss Reinhild , Ohla Stefan , Nagl Stefan , Belder Detlev
Published: November 2011

Herein we introduce deep UV fluorescence lifetime detection in microfluidics applied for label‐free detection and identification of various aromatic analytes in chip electrophoresis. For this purpose, a frequency quadrupled Nd:YAG (neodymium‐doped yttrium aluminum garnet) picosecond laser at 266 nm was incorporated into an inverse fluorescence microscope setup with time‐correlated single photon counting detection. This allowed recording of photon timing with sub‐nanosecond precision. Thereby fluorescence decay curves are gathered on‐the‐fly and average lifetimes can be determined for each substance in the electropherogram. The aromatic compounds serotonin, propranolol, 3‐phenoxy‐1,2‐propanediol and tryptophan were electrophoretically separated using a fused‐silica microchip. Average lifetimes were independently determined for each compound via bi‐exponential tail fitting. Time‐correlated single photon counting also allows the discrimination of background fluorescence in the time domain. This results in improved signal‐to‐noise‐ratios as demonstrated for the above model analytes. Microchip electrophoretic separations with fluorescence lifetime detection were also performed with a protein mixture containing lysozyme, trypsinogen and chymotrypsinogen emphasizing the potential for biopolymer analysis.
Hepatic retinoid levels in seven fish species (teleosts) from a tropical coastal lagoon receiving effluents from iron-ore mining and processing
Authors: Pereira Adriana A. , van Hattum Bert , Brouwer Abraham
Published: November 2011

The present study was undertaken to investigate the possible effects of Fe and trace element exposure on hepatic levels of retinoids in seven fish species. Concentrations of retinoids were measured in fish collected from a coastal lagoon in Brazil that receives effluents from an iron-ore mining and processing plant. Fish from nearby coastal lagoons were also included to assess possible differences related to chemical exposure. Results indicated considerable differences in hepatic retinoid composition among the various species investigated. The most striking differences were in retinol and derivative-specific profiles and in didehydro retinol and derivative-specific profiles. The Perciformes species Geophagus brasiliensis, Tilapia rendalli, Mugil liza, and Cichla ocellaris and the Characiforme Hoplias malabaricus were characterized as retinol and derivative-specific, while the Siluriformes species Hoplosternum littorale and Rhamdia quelen were didehydro retinol and derivative-specific fish species. A negative association was observed between Al, Pb, As, and Cd and hepatic didehydro retinoid levels. Fish with higher levels of hepatic Fe, Cu, and Zn showed unexpectedly significant positive correlations with increased hepatic retinol levels. This finding, associated with the positive relationships between retinol and retinyl palmitate with lipid peroxidation, may suggest that vitamin A is mobilized from other tissues to increase hepatic antioxidant levels for protection against oxidative damage. These data show significant but dissimilar associations between trace element exposure and hepatic retinoid levels in fish species exposed to iron-ore mining and processing effluents, without apparent major impacts on fish health and condition. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012;31:408–416. © 2011 SETAC
Detection of retinoic acid receptor agonistic activity and identification of causative compounds in municipal wastewater treatment plants in Japan
Authors: Sawada Kazuko , Inoue Daisuke , Wada Yuichiro , Sei Kazunari , Nakanishi Tsuyoshi , Ike Michihiko
Published: November 2011

Retinoic acid (RA) receptor (RAR) agonists are potential toxicants that can cause teratogenesis in vertebrates. To determine the occurrence of RAR agonists in municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), we examined the RARα agonistic activities of influent and effluent samples from several municipal WWTPs in Osaka, Japan, using a yeast two-hybrid assay. Significant RARα agonistic activity was detected in all the influent samples investigated, suggesting that municipal wastewater consistently contains RAR agonists. Fractionations using high-performance liquid chromatography, directed by the bioassay, found several bioactive peaks from influent samples. The RAR agonists, all-trans RA (atRA), 13-cis RA (13cRA), 4-oxo-atRA, and 4-oxo-13cRA, possibly arising from human urine, were identified by liquid chromatography ion trap time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Quantification of the identified compounds in municipal WWTPs confirmed that they were responsible for the majority of RARα agonistic activity in WWTP influents, and also revealed they were readily removed from wastewater by activated sludge treatment. Simultaneous measurement of the RARα agonistic activity revealed that although total activity typically declined concomitant with the reduction of the four identified compounds, it remained high after the decline of RAs and 4-oxo-RAs in one WWTP, suggesting the occurrence of unidentified RAR agonists during the activated sludge treatment. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012;31:307–315. © 2011 SETAC
Validating potential toxicity assays to assess petroleum hydrocarbon toxicity in polar soil
Authors: Harvey Alexis Nadine , Snape Ian , Siciliano Steven Douglas
Published: November 2011

Potential microbial activities are commonly used to assess soil toxicity of petroleum hydrocarbons (PHC) and are assumed to be a surrogate for microbial activity within the soil ecosystem. However, this assumption needs to be evaluated for frozen soil, in which microbial activity is limited by liquid water (θliquid). Influence of θliquid on in situ toxicity was evaluated and compared to the toxicity endpoints of potential microbial activities using soil from an aged diesel fuel spill at Casey Station, East Antarctica. To determine in situ toxicity, gross mineralization and nitrification rates were determined by the stable isotope dilution technique. Petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated soil (0–8,000 mg kg−1), packed at bulk densities of 1.4, 1.7, and 2.0 g cm−3 to manipulate liquid water content, was incubated at −5°C for one, two, and three months. Although θliquid did not have a significant effect on gross mineralization or nitrification, gross nitrification was sensitive to PHC contamination, with toxicity decreasing over time. In contrast, gross mineralization was not sensitive to PHC contamination. Toxic response of gross nitrification was comparable to potential nitrification activity (PNA) with similar EC25 (effective concentration causing a 25% effect in the test population) values determined by both measurement endpoints (400 mg kg−1 for gross nitrification compared to 200 mg kg−1 for PNA), indicating that potential microbial activity assays are good surrogates for in situ toxicity of PHC contamination in polar regions. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012;31:402–407. © 2011 SETAC
Myriophyllum aquaticum versus Lemna minor: Sensitivity and recovery potential after exposure to atrazine
Authors: Teodorović Ivana , Knežević Varja , Tunić Tanja , Čučak Mićo , Lečić Jelena Nikolić , Leovac Anita , Tumbas Ivana Ivančev
Published: November 2011

The relative sensitivity and recovery potential of two aquatic macrophyte species, Lemna minor and Myriophyllum aquaticum, exposed to atrazine (concentration ranges 80–1,280 µg/L and 40–640 µg/L, respectively) were evaluated using slightly adapted standard protocol for Lemna spp.: relative growth rates (RGR) and yield of both plants were measured in 3-d-long intervals during the exposure and recovery phase. Myriophyllum aquaticum was also exposed to atrazine-spiked sediment (0.1–3.7 µg/g) in a water-free system. The results of M. aquaticum sediment contact tests showed that root- and shoot-based growth parameters are equally sensitive endpoints. In the water (sediment-free) test system, L. minor recovered after short (3 d) and longer exposure (7 d) to all atrazine concentrations after only a 5- to 6-d-long recovery phase. The recovery of M. aquaticum after short exposure was slower and less efficient: after 12 d of recovery phase the final biomass of plants exposed to 380 and 640 µg/L was below the initial values. The last interval RGR provides a good indication of plant recovery potential regardless of species growth strategy. If compared to L. minor, the difference in growth rate, sensitivity, lag phase, recovery potential from water-column substances, and also suitability for studies investigating the effect of sediment-bound pollutants advocates the use of M. aquaticum as an additional macrophyte species in risk assessment. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012;31:417–426. © 2011 SETAC
Approaching the matched filter bound with block transmission techniques
Authors: Silva Fábio , Dinis Rui , Souto Nuno , Montezuma Paulo
Published: November 2011

Block transmission techniques, with appropriate cyclic prefixes and employing frequency‐domain equalisation techniques, have been shown to be suitable for high data rate transmission over severely time‐dispersive channels. The most popular techniques based on this concept are orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) and single‐carrier with frequency‐domain equalisation (SC‐FDE).

In this paper, we consider OFDM and SC‐FDE transmission schemes and study the impact of the number of multipath components and the diversity order on their performance. It is shown that when we have a high number of separable multipath components, the asymptotic performance of both schemes approaches the matched filter bound, even without diversity. When we have diversity, the performance approaches the matched filter bound faster, with a small number of separable multipath components. It was also observed that the SC‐FDE has an overall performance advantage over the OFDM option, especially when employing the iterative block decision feedback equaliser with turbo equalisation and for high code rates. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Extended balanced space–time block coding with transmit antenna selection
Authors: Ekşim Ali
Published: November 2011

The original proposal of the extended balanced space–time block coding (EBSTBC) and its special subsets like balanced space–time block coding utilize all available transmit antennas to guarantee full diversity and to maximize the coding gain when few bits of feedback from the destination to the source are available. Because of the construction technique of EBSTBC, an antenna out of N transmit antennas does not contribute coding gain. To prevent this, a novel EBSTBC design and transmit scheme is proposed. This scheme transmits only N − 1 antennas out of N antennas and an antenna that maximizes the received signal‐to‐noise ratio at the destination doubles its transmit power. The proposed scheme improves performance of the EBSTBC and its subsets and outperforms closed‐loop extended orthogonal space–time block codes, phase feedback based extended space–time block codes, partial phase combining and transmit antenna selection schemes. The difference in performance becomes more prevalent in the presence of feedback errors. The proposed technique can be applied for orthogonal space–time block codes and quasi‐orthogonal space–time block codes if the destination informs the source which antenna has the highest gain. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the Finite Increment Calculus method for stabilizing advection‐diffusion equations, analysis and computation of the stabilization parameter
Authors: Ramirez Manuel , Moreles Miguel Angel
Published: November 2011

In this work we are concerned with the finite increment calculus (FIC) method. The method has been developed for efficient approximation of advection‐diffusion equations with high Péclet numbers. Since the natural application of FIC is within the framework of the FEM, we consider the BVP in a weak sense on finite dimensional spaces. Here we provide a result on existence and uniqueness of the solution as well as an error analysis. Also we propose a choice of the stabilization parameter. We test the method on some troublesome 2D problems. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A discontinuous Galerkin method for two‐dimensional shallow water flows
Authors: Lai W. , Khan A.A.
Published: November 2011

A numerical scheme is developed for two‐dimensional, depth‐averaged, shallow water flows based on the DG method. In the shallow water equations, the pressure force term and the bed slope term are combined to eliminate numerical imbalance. The HLLC approximate Riemann solver is employed to calculate the numerical flux for the DG scheme. A slope limiting procedure used for compressible flows is adapted for modeling incompressible two‐dimensional flows. A simple treatment for modeling flow over initially dry bed is presented. To validate the scheme, numerical tests are conducted to simulate hydraulic jump, partial dam break, circular dam break, wetting and drying in parabolic bowl, and a real world dam break in the Toce River. Numerical results show that this scheme can accurately model shock waves, wetting and drying, and flows in the channel with varying geometry and bed topography found in natural channels. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mapping hemodynamic correlates of seizures using fMRI: A review
Authors: Chaudhary Umair J. , Duncan John S. , Lemieux Louis
Published: November 2011

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is able to detect changes in blood oxygenation level associated with neuronal activity throughout the brain. For more than a decade, fMRI alone or in combination with simultaneous EEG recording (EEG‐fMRI) has been used to investigate the hemodynamic changes associated with interictal and ictal epileptic discharges. This is the first literature review to focus on the various fMRI acquisition and data analysis methods applied to map epileptic seizure‐related hemodynamic changes from the first report of an fMRI scan of a seizure to the present day. Two types of data analysis approaches, based on temporal correlation and data driven, are explained and contrasted. The spatial and temporal relationship between the observed hemodynamic changes using fMRI and other non‐invasive and invasive electrophysiological and imaging data is considered. We then describe the role of fMRI in localizing and exploring the networks involved in spontaneous and triggered seizure onset and propagation. We also discuss that fMRI alone and combined with EEG hold great promise in the investigation of seizure‐related hemodynamic changes non‐invasively in humans. We think that this will lead to significant improvements in our understanding of seizures with important consequences for the treatment of epilepsy. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The influence of visual training on predicting complex action sequences
Authors: Cross Emily S. , Stadler Waltraud , Parkinson Jim , Schütz‐Bosbach Simone , Prinz Wolfgang
Published: November 2011

Linking observed and executable actions appears to be achieved by an action observation network (AON), comprising parietal, premotor, and occipitotemporal cortical regions of the human brain. AON engagement during action observation is thought to aid in effortless, efficient prediction of ongoing movements to support action understanding. Here, we investigate how the AON responds when observing and predicting actions we cannot readily reproduce before and after visual training. During pre‐ and posttraining neuroimaging sessions, participants watched gymnasts and wind‐up toys moving behind an occluder and pressed a button when they expected each agent to reappear. Between scanning sessions, participants visually trained to predict when a subset of stimuli would reappear. Posttraining scanning revealed activation of inferior parietal, superior temporal, and cerebellar cortices when predicting occluded actions compared to perceiving them. Greater activity emerged when predicting untrained compared to trained sequences in occipitotemporal cortices and to a lesser degree, premotor cortices. The occipitotemporal responses when predicting untrained agents showed further specialization, with greater responses within body‐processing regions when predicting gymnasts' movements and in object‐selective cortex when predicting toys' movements. The results suggest that (1) select portions of the AON are recruited to predict the complex movements not easily mapped onto the observer's body and (2) greater recruitment of these AON regions supports prediction of less familiar sequences. We suggest that the findings inform both the premotor model of action prediction and the predictive coding account of AON function. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neural events leading to and associated with detection of sounds under high processing load
Authors: Sabri Merav , Humphries Colin , Binder Jeffrey R. , Liebenthal Einat
Published: November 2011

The neural events that lead to successful or failed detection of suprathreshold sounds are not well established. In this experiment, event‐related potentials (ERPs) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) were recorded while participants performed two tasks: a primary difficult duration judgment task on a sequence of tones presented to one ear, and a secondary target detection task on an auditory oddball stream presented to the other ear. The paradigm was designed to elicit competition and variability in detection of auditory targets despite identical input. Successful detection of auditory targets was associated mainly with greater fMRI activity in superior parietal cortex and thalamus. In the ERPs, successful detection was linked with a larger fronto‐central negativity at 200–400 ms, and a later centro‐posterior positivity. Failure to detect targets was associated with greater fMRI signal in the default mode network, a significantly smaller electrical fronto‐central negativity and no late positivity. These findings demonstrate that variability in auditory detection is related to modulation of activity in multimodal parietal and frontal networks active ∼ 200 ms after target onset. Results are consistent with a limited capacity and late selection view of attention. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
How does interoceptive awareness interact with the subjective experience of emotion? An fMRI Study
Authors: Terasawa Yuri , Fukushima Hirokata , Umeda Satoshi
Published: November 2011

Recent studies in cognitive neuroscience have suggested that the integration of information about the internal bodily state and the external environment is crucial for the experience of emotion. Extensive overlap between the neural mechanisms underlying the subjective emotion and those involved in interoception (perception of that which is arising from inside the body) has been identified. However, the mechanisms of interaction between the neural substrates of interoception and emotional experience remain unclear. We examined the common and distinct features of the neural activity underlying evaluation of emotional and bodily state using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The right anterior insular cortex and ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC) were identified as commonly activated areas. As both of these areas are considered critical for interoceptive awareness, these results suggest that attending to the bodily state underlies awareness of one's emotional state. Uniquely activated areas involved in the evaluation of emotional state included the temporal pole, posterior and anterior cingulate cortex, medial frontal gyrus, and inferior frontal gyrus. Also the precuneus was functionally associated with activity of the right anterior insular cortex and VMPFC when evaluating emotional state. Our findings indicate that activation in these areas and the precuneus are functionally associated for accessing interoceptive information and underpinning subjective experience of the emotional state. Thus, awareness of one's own emotional state appears to involve the integration of interoceptive information with an interpretation of the current situation. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Removing an intersubject variance component in a general linear model improves multiway factoring of event‐related spectral perturbations in group EEG studies
Authors: Spence Jeffrey S. , Brier Matthew R. , Hart John , Ferree Thomas C.
Published: November 2011

Linear statistical models are used very effectively to assess task‐related differences in EEG power spectral analyses. Mixed models, in particular, accommodate more than one variance component in a multisubject study, where many trials of each condition of interest are measured on each subject. Generally, intra‐ and intersubject variances are both important to determine correct standard errors for inference on functions of model parameters, but it is often assumed that intersubject variance is the most important consideration in a group study. In this article, we show that, under common assumptions, estimates of some functions of model parameters, including estimates of task‐related differences, are properly tested relative to the intrasubject variance component only. A substantial gain in statistical power can arise from the proper separation of variance components when there is more than one source of variability. We first develop this result analytically, then show how it benefits a multiway factoring of spectral, spatial, and temporal components from EEG data acquired in a group of healthy subjects performing a well‐studied response inhibition task. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Concurrent chemoradiation for adenoid cystic carcinoma of the head and neck
Authors: Samant Sandeep , van den Brekel Michiel W. , Kies Merrill S. , Wan Jim , Robbins K. Thomas , Rosenthal David I. , Rasch Coen , Weber Randal S.
Published: November 2011

Background

We performed a retrospective review of patients with nonresected head and neck adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) treated with concurrent chemoradiation.

Methods

Sixteen patients (nasopharynx 7, oropharynx 4, trachea 3, oral and nasal cavity 1 each) were treated at 3 tertiary care centers. Six patients received intraarterial cisplatin and 10 received intravenous cisplatin or carboplatin concurrently with radiation.

Results

Thirteen patients are alive, 7 without signs of disease with a median follow‐up of 61 months. Tumor progression was noted in 8 patients (50%) (distant metastasis in 5 patients and local tumor progression in 3 patients) with a median time to progression of 25 months (range, 4–52 months). Overall survival (OS), progression‐free survival (PFS), and local progression–free survival (LPFS) rates at 5 years were 87%, 39%, and 61%, respectively.

Conclusion

Concurrent chemoradiation is a feasible treatment option and may lead to sustained locoregional tumor control in patients with nonresected ACC of the head and neck. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012
Ectopic mediastinal goiter successfully managed via cervical approach: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Walz Patrick C. , Iwenofu O. Hans , Essig Garth F.
Published: November 2011

Background

Ectopic mediastinal goiter is a rare entity that presents diagnostic and treatment challenges to the clinician.

Methods

A case of primary ectopic mediastinal goiter is presented and use of a cervical approach for excision is described herein. Additionally, precedent literature highlighting surgical treatment approaches is reviewed.

Results

The distinction between primary and secondary ectopic mediastinal goiter is significant as this indicates the vascular supply to the ectopic mass. Previous authors suggested open thoracic procedures for all primary mediastinal goiters to safely divide intrathoracic vascular supply, but favorably positioned anterior mediastinal goiter may be safely removed via cervical approach. This is the second case of primary ectopic mediastinal goiter successfully resected via cervical approach.

Conclusion

Select cases of primary mediastinal goiter may be amenable to excision via cervical approach, avoiding potential complications of open thoracic procedures. Additionally, CT‐guided biopsy is an effective tool in preoperative diagnosis of anterior mediastinal masses. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013
Multiplexed immunoassay of thyroglobulin autoantibodies in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Giovanella Luca , Toffalori Emanuela , Tozzoli Renato , Caputo Marco , Ceriani Luca , Verburg Frederik A.
Published: November 2011

Background

Thyroglobulin (Tg) antibodies (TgAb) screening is recommended in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) to validate Tg measurements. We compared a new multiplexed and 2 conventional TgAb immunoassays in patients with DTC and healthy controls.

Methods

TgAb were measured by 2 conventional automated immunoassays and a multiplexed immunoassay in sera from 163 patients with DTC and 64 controls.

Results

No significant differences were found between the different assays when the suggested manufacturer cutoffs were used. The positive rate of multiplexed assay, but not of conventional assays, significantly increased when limits of detection were used as cutoff.

Conclusion

Further technical evaluations are necessary to explain the very high rate of detectable TgAb values in both patients with DTC and controls by the multiplexed assay. For the moment, we suggest caution in using such methods in the current clinical practice. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Quantitative assessment of short‐term rainfall forecasts from radar nowcasts and MM5 forecasts
Authors: Liguori Sara , Rico‐Ramirez Miguel Angel
Published: November 2011

Short‐term Quantitative Precipitation Forecasts (QPFs) can be achieved from numerical weather prediction (NWP) models or radar nowcasting, that is the extrapolation of the precipitation at a future time from consecutive radar scans. Hybrid forecasts obtained by merging rainfall forecasts from radar nowcasting and NWP models are potentially more skilful than either radar nowcasts or NWP rainfall forecasts alone. This paper provides an assessment of deterministic and probabilistic high‐resolution QPFs achieved by implementing the Short‐term Ensemble Prediction System developed by the UK Met Office. Both radar nowcasts and hybrid forecasts have been performed. The results show that the performance of both deterministic nowcasts and deterministic hybrid forecasts decreases with increasing rainfall intensity and spatial resolution. The results also show that the blending with the NWP forecasts improves the performance of the forecasting system. Probabilistic hybrid forecasts have been obtained through the modelling of a stochastic noise component to produce a number of equally likely ensemble members, and the comparative assessment of deterministic and probabilistic hybrid forecasts shows that the probabilistic forecasting system is characterised by a higher discrimination accuracy than the deterministic one. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Association Between Positive Parenting and Externalizing Behaviour
Authors: Boeldt Debra L. , Rhee Soo Hyun , DiLalla Lisabeth F. , Mullineaux Paula Y. , Schulz‐Heik R. Jay , Corley Robin P. , Young Susan E. , Hewitt John K.
Published: November 2011

The present study examined the role of positive parenting on externalizing behaviours in a longitudinal, genetically informative sample. It often is assumed that positive parenting prevents behaviour problems in children via an environmentally mediated process. Alternatively, the association may be due to either an evocative gene–environment correlation, in which parents react to children's genetically influenced behaviour in a positive way, or a passive gene–environment correlation, where parents passively transmit a risk environment and the genetic risk factor for the behavioural outcome to their children. The present study estimated the contribution of these processes in the association between positive parenting and children's externalizing behaviour. Positive parenting was assessed via observations at ages 7, 9, 14, 24 and 36 months and externalizing behaviours were assessed through parent report at ages 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11 and 12 years. The significant association between positive parenting and externalizing behaviour was negative, with children of mothers who showed significantly more positive parenting during toddlerhood having lower levels of externalizing behaviour in childhood; however, there was not adequate power to distinguish whether this covariation was due to genetic, shared environmental or nonshared environmental influences. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A polymorphism at the miR‐502 binding site in the 3′‐untranslated region of the histone methyltransferase SET8 is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma outcome
Authors: Guo Zhanjun , Wu Chensi , Wang Xiaoling , Wang Cuiju , Zhang Ruixing , Shan Baoen
Published: November 2011

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can bind to the 3′‐untranslated regions (UTRs) of messenger RNAs, where they interfere with translation and thereby regulate cell differentiation, apoptosis and tumorigenesis. Genetic polymorphisms in the 3′‐UTRs targeted by miRNAs alter the strength of miRNA binding in a manner that affects the behavior of individual miRNAs. The histone methyltransferase SET8 has been reported to methylate TP53 and regulate genomic stability. We analyzed a single‐nucleotide polymorphism (rs16917496) within the miR‐502 miRNA seed region for the 3′‐UTR of SET8 in Chinese patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The SET8 CC genotype was independently associated with longer postoperative survival in patients with HCC by multivariate analysis (relative risk, 0.175; 95% CI = 0.053–0.577; p = 0.004). The SET8 CC genotype was associated with reduced SET8 protein levels based on the immunostaining of 51 HCC tissue samples. We also found that the low SET8 levels were associated with longer HCC survival. Our data suggest that SET8 modifies HCC outcome by altering its expression, which depends, at least in part, on its binding affinity with miR‐502. The analysis of genetic polymorphisms in miRNA binding sites can help to identify patient subgroups that are at high risk for poor disease outcomes.
An improved smoothed particle electromagnetics method in 3D time domain simulations
Authors: Ala G. , Francomano E.
Published: November 2011

In this paper, an enhanced variant of the meshless smoothed particle electromagnetics (SPEM) method is performed in order to solve PDEs in time domain describing 3D transient electromagnetic phenomena. The method appears to be very efficient in approximating spatial derivatives in the numerical treatment of Maxwell's curl equations. In many cases, very often, accuracy degradation, due to a lack of particle consistency, severely limits the usefulness of this approach. A numerical corrective strategy, which allows to restore the SPEM consistency, without any modification of the smoothing kernel function and its derivatives, is presented.

The method allows to restore the same order of consistency for both interior and the boundary regions outperforming the original version of SPEM as far as accuracy and stability are concerned. Therefore, computational details are reported and simulations, using uniform and non‐uniform particles distribution in 3D domains, are performed for the first time in order to validate the proposed approach. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and characterization of catalase‐loaded solid lipid nanoparticles based on soybean phosphatidylcholine
Authors: Qi Ce , Chen Yan , Huang Jian‐Hua , Jin Qing‐Zhe , Wang Xing‐Guo
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND: High‐purity soybean phosphatidylcholine (SPC) (94%) were prepared using macroporous resin adsorption chromatography previously. Catalase is a food enzyme for promoting health and protecting against many age‐related disease. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) are safe immobilizing systems for efficient protein transportation to biomembranes while avoiding adverse degradation of protein. This study was aimed at developing and characterizing catalase‐loaded SLN using SPC as solubilizers and stabilizing agents, to protect catalase from proteolysis.

RESULTS: Catalase‐loaded SLN were prepared by the double emulsification method and solvent evaporation techniques, using acetone–methylene chloride (1:1, v/v) as an organic solvent, SPC–tripalmitin as oil phase and Poloxamer 188 as a surfactant. The optimized SLN were prepared using an SPC:tripalmitin ratio of 5% (w/w), 20 s plus 30 s sonication, 20 g L−1 Poloxamer 188 and 1:2 (v/v) of oily phase:outer aqueous phase ratio. The mean particle size of SLN was 296.0 ± 7.0 nm, polydispersity index range and zeta potential were 0.322–0.354 and − 36.4 ± 0.6, respectively, and encapsulation efficiency reached its maximum of 77.9 ± 1.56%. Catalase, which was found to distribute between the solid lipid and inner aqueous phase, was gradually released from SLN up to 20% within 20 h. Catalase‐loaded SLN had stably retained 30% of H2O2‐degrading activity for at least 24 h in a proteolytic environment, while free catalase lost its activity within 1 h.

CONCLUSION: Catalase can indeed be loaded in tripalmitin‐based SLN using SPC as solubilizers and stabilizing agents, which protected it against proteolysis, suggesting the potential application of SPC in delivery and protection of functional food enzyme. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Physiological age at harvest regulates the variability in postharvest ripening, sensory and nutritional characteristics of mango (Mangifera indica L.) cv. Coghshall due to growing conditions
Authors: Joas Jacques , Vulcain Emmanuelle , Desvignes Claire , Morales Emeline , Léchaudel Mathieu
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND: Climacteric fruits are harvested at the green‐mature stage and ripen during their marketing cycle. However, growing conditions induce variability into the maturity stage of mangoes at harvest, with an impact on their final quality. Assuming that the physiological age can be correctly evaluated by a criterion based on the variable chlorophyll fluorescence of the skin (Fv) and that differences in physiological age depend on growing conditions, controlled stress experiments were carried out on mango fruit by manipulating either the leaf/fruit ratio or the light environment.

RESULTS: Delays from 9 to 30 days were observed, depending on stress level and harvest stage, to obtain the same Fv value. For moderate stress, fruit composition after ripening was partially compensated for, with little or no difference in sugar, dry matter, carotenoid and aroma contents. For more pronounced stress, the major metabolites were not particularly affected, but the synthesis capacity of carotenoids and aromas was lower after maturity.

CONCLUSION: The ripening ability of a fruit is acquired on the tree and defines its postharvest changes. Control of the physiological age at harvest can minimise the variability observed under natural conditions and guarantee fruit batches whose postharvest changes will be relatively homogeneous. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Advanced preservation methods and nutrient retention in fruits and vegetables
Authors: Barrett Diane M , Lloyd Beate
Published: November 2011

Despite the recommendations of international health organizations and scientific research carried out around the world, consumers do not take in sufficient quantities of healthy fruit and vegetable products. The use of new, ‘advanced’ preservation methods creates a unique opportunity for food manufacturers to retain nutrient content similar to that found in fresh fruits and vegetables. This review presents a summary of the published literature regarding the potential of high‐pressure and microwave preservation, the most studied of the ‘advanced’ processes, to retain the natural vitamin A, B, C, phenolic, mineral and fiber content in fruits and vegetables at the time of harvest. Comparisons are made with more traditional preservation methods that utilize thermal processing. Case studies on specific commodities which have received the most attention are highlighted; these include apples, carrots, oranges, tomatoes and spinach. In addition to summarizing the literature, the review includes a discussion of postharvest losses in general and factors affecting nutrient losses in fruits and vegetables. Recommendations are made for future research required to evaluate these advanced process methods. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
A stakeholder perspective into wildlife policy in India
Authors: Niraj Shekhar K. , Krausman P. R. , Dayal Vikram
Published: November 2011

We investigated perceptions of wildlife policy and issues through questionnaires (n = 148) administered to policy makers, conservation scientists, individuals representing non‐government organizations (NGOs), and field officials, who implemented government policies and enforced laws. We found significant differences among attitudes of stakeholders identifying major threats to wildlife, the use of science, the role of poaching in conservation, and the composition of species illegally traded. Policy makers and field officials differed in their views with NGOs and scientists on community response to wildlife policies and the varying threat perceptions to different species due to poaching and illegal trade. We noted ambiguity among stakeholders about sustainable use principles in India. Policies must be more effective in conservation and the process of making policy must be broad‐based and participatory if wildlife conservation is to advance on the subcontinent. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Lead exposure in large carnivores in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem
Authors: Rogers Thomas A. , Bedrosian Bryan , Graham Jon , Foresman Kerry R.
Published: November 2011

Ingestion of lead rifle bullet fragments found in discarded hunter‐harvested ungulate gut piles negatively affects avian wildlife. Some large carnivores, such as grizzly bears, are also known to target these gut piles as a food source and are therefore potentially at risk of lead exposure. We investigated whether large carnivores in the greater Yellowstone ecosystem were exposed to lead, and if so, if ammunition ingested from gut piles was an apparent source of exposure. Grizzly bears (Ursus arctos, n = 82) exhibited higher blood lead levels (median = 4.4 µg/dL, range 1.1–18.6 µg/dL) than black bears (Ursus americanus, n = 35, median = 1.6, range 0.5–6.9 µg/dL), but blood lead levels did not increase during the autumn hunting season when potentially lead‐tainted gut piles are available. Wolves (Canis lupus, n = 21) and cougars (Puma concolor, n = 8) showed lead concentrations near or below the minimum level of detection in both blood and tissue samples. Unlike findings in previous studies on avian scavengers, we did not find lead ammunition fragments to be a widespread source of lead exposure in large carnivores. Grizzly bears do, however, exhibit blood lead levels that are higher than what is considered safe in humans, but the source of this exposure remains unknown. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Translocation of Gunnison's prairie dogs from an urban and suburban colony to abandoned wildland colonies
Authors: Nelson Emily J. , Theimer Tad C.
Published: November 2011

Translocating prairie dogs from areas in or near human developments to wildlands can reduce conflicts with humans or supplement wild populations, but translocation methods differ in cost and fate of translocated individuals is often difficult to assess. We translocated 74 Gunnison's prairie dogs from 1 source colony in downtown Flagstaff, Arizona (urban) and 75 from 1 source colony in lower density housing outside the city (suburban) to 2 abandoned, recipient colonies on open grasslands 50 km north of the city (wildland). We released animals into uncaged, pre‐existing burrow entrances (hard release) or into temporary cages over pre‐existing burrow entrances (soft release). We captured 15 (10%) marked animals 1 year post‐translocation at the 2 recipient colonies, 7 from soft release treatments and 8 from hard release treatments but visual surveys indicated a minimum of 57 adult prairie dogs and 76 pups present. Adult prairie dogs in all photographs taken by automated cameras placed at burrow entrances at each recipient colony had ear tags, suggesting that most animals at these colonies were survivors from translocation and that survival was likely higher than 10%. By 1 year post‐release, recipient colonies occupied an area roughly 9–18 times that of source colonies. Urban Gunnison's prairie dogs can be successfully translocated to abandoned wildland colonies without using soft release methods, but animals may disperse widely. Given the cost and effort translocation requires, and the fact that all 6 confirmed mortalities were from human shooting, we recommend temporary restrictions on shooting at recipient colonies until populations have met management goals. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Exploring the Scope of the Baylis–Hillman Reaction for the Synthesis of Side‐Chain Functional Polyesters
Authors: Ji Sanhao , Bruchmann Bernd , Klok Harm‐Anton
Published: November 2011

The Baylis–Hillman reaction provides a protective‐group‐free strategy to heterobifunctional polyesters, which can be further modified via various post‐polymerization modification reactions. This contribution explores the Baylis–Hillman polymerization of 1,3‐butanediol diacrylate with two readily available dialdehyde monomers, iso‐ and terephthaldehyde. The influence of a variety of catalysts and additives on the polymerization of these two pairs of monomers and in particular the molecular weight of the resulting polymers was investigated. The presence of the orthogonally reactive vinyl and hydroxyl groups makes the polymers interesting, e.g., as precursors for dual‐cure coatings.
Birth control vaccine targeting leukemia inhibitory factor
Authors: Lemons Angela R. , Naz Rajesh K.
Published: November 2011

The population explosion and unintended pregnancies resulting in elective abortions continue to impose major public health issues. This calls for a better method of contraception. Immunocontraception has been proposed as a valuable alternative that can fulfill most, if not all, of the properties of an ideal contraceptive. There are several targets that are being explored for contraceptive vaccine development. Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), a member of interleukin‐6 family, is required for embryo development and successful blastocyst implantation in several mammalian species. The present study was conducted to examine if LIF can be a target for the development of a birth control vaccine. Three sequences from LIF and two sequences from LIF‐receptor (LIF‐R) that span the regions involved in ligand‐receptor binding were delineated, and peptides were synthesized based upon these sequences. Antibodies raised against these five peptides reduced LIF bioactivity in an in vitro culture assay using BA/F3 mLIF‐R‐mpg130 cells. Vaccines were prepared by conjugating these peptides to various carrier proteins. Immunization of female mice with these peptide vaccines induced a long‐lasting, circulating as well as local antibody response in various parts of the genital tract, and resulted in a significant (P ≤ 0.05) inhibition in fertility in all the three trials; the LIF‐R peptide vaccines proved to be a better vaccine target. The data indicate that LIF/LIF‐R is an excellent target for the development of a birth control vaccine. This is the first study, to our knowledge, that examined LIF/LIF‐R as a target for immunocontraception. The findings of this study can be easily translated to humans since LIF/LIF‐R is also important for implantation and pregnancy in women. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 79:97–106, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Petrov–Galerkin formulation for the alpha interpolation of FEM and FDM stencils: Applications to the Helmholtz equation
Authors: Nadukandi Prashanth , Oñate Eugenio , Garcia Julio
Published: November 2011

A new Petrov–Galerkin (PG) method involving two parameters, namely α1 and α2, is presented, which yields the following schemes on rectangular meshes: (i) a compact stencil obtained by the linear interpolation of the Galerkin FEM and the classical central finite difference method (FDM), should the parameters be equal, that is, α1 = α2 = α; and (ii) the nonstandard compact stencil presented in (Int. J. Numer. Meth. Engng 2011; 86:18–46) for the Helmholtz equation if the parameters are distinct, that is, α1 ≠ α2. The nonstandard compact stencil is obtained by taking the linear interpolation of the diffusive terms (specified by α1) and the mass terms (specified by α2) that appear in the stencils obtained by the standard Galerkin FEM and the classical central FDM, respectively. On square meshes, these two schemes were shown to provide solutions to the Helmholtz equation that have a dispersion accuracy of fourth and sixth order, respectively (Int. J. Numer. Meth. Engng 2011; 86:18–46). The objective of this paper is to study the performance of this PG method for the Helmholtz equation using nonuniform meshes and the treatment of natural boundary conditions. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Betasympathomimetika bei Asthma bronchiale
Authors: Högger Petra
Published: November 2011

Inhalativ verabreichte Agonisten der β‐adrenergen Rezeptoren werden schon länger als inhalative Glucocorticoide in der Therapie des Asthma bronchiale eingesetzt. Ihre bronchorelaxierende Wirkung führt zu einer schnellen Besserung akuter Symptome. Aufgrund ihrer hohen Effektivität sind sie ein wichtiger Bestandteil der Behandlungsleitlinien chronisch‐obstruktiver Lungenerkrankungen. In letzter Zeit standen zahlreiche Diskussionen über Nutzen und Schaden ihrer Anwendung im Fokus des Interesses.
Betasympathomimetika bei Kindern und Schwangeren
Authors: Klein Marcus O. , Hilpert Felix , Ankermann Tobias
Published: November 2011

Betasympathomimetika werden bei Kindern zur Behandlung obstruktiver Ventilationsstörungen, die vorzugsweise per inhalationem erfolgen sollte, und der Hyperkaliämie, bei der die Gabe systemisch erfolgen sollte, eingesetzt. Sie sind gut untersucht, gut wirksam und sicher.

In der Schwangerschaft werden Betasympathomimetika zur Therapie des Asthma bronchiale und zur Tokolyse eingesetzt. Die Therapie eines Asthma bronchiale in der Schwangerschaft unterscheidet sich bezüglich der Betasympathomimetika nicht von der nicht‐schwangerer Frauen. Inhalativ applizierte Betasympathomimetika sind in der Schwangerschaft zur Asthmatherapie hinreichend untersucht und sicher.

Beim Einsatz zur Tokolyse ist der Stellenwert der Betasympathomimetika angesichts neuerer zur Tokolyse eingesetzter Substanzen in Diskussion.