bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Refractivity and temperature climate records from multiple radio occultation satellites consistent within 0.05%
Authors: Foelsche U. , Scherllin-Pirscher B. , Ladstädter F. , Steiner A. K. , Kirchengast G.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. Data consistency is an important prerequisite to build radio occultation (RO) climatologies based on a combined record of data from different satellites. The presence of multiple RO receiving satellites in orbit over the same time period allows for testing this consistency. We used RO data from CHAMP (CHAllenging Minisatellite Payload for geoscientific research), six FORMOSAT-3/COSMIC satellites (Formosa Satellite Mission 3/Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere and Climate, F3C), and GRACE-A (Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment). We show latitude-altitude-resolved results for an example month (October 2007) and the temporal evolution of differences in a climate record of global and monthly means from January 2007 to December 2009. Latitude- and altitude-resolved refractivity and dry temperature climatologies clearly show the influence of different sampling characteristics; monthly mean deviations from the multi-satellite mean over the altitude domain 10 km to 30 km typically reach 0.1% and 0.2 K, respectively. Nevertheless, the 3-yr average deviations (shorter for CHAMP) are less than 0.03% and 0.05 K, respectively. We find no indications for instrument degradation, temporal inhomogeneities in the RO records, or temporal trends in sampling patterns. Based on analysis fields from ECMWF (European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts), we can estimate – and subtract – the sampling error from each monthly climatology. After such subtraction, refractivity deviations are found reduced to <0.05% in almost any month and dry temperature deviations to <0.05 K (<0.02% relative) for almost every satellite and month. 3-yr average deviations are even reduced to <0.01% and <0.01 K (CHAMP: −0.05 K), respectively, establishing an amazing consistency of RO climatologies from different satellites. If applying the same processing scheme for all data, refractivity and dry temperature records from individual satellites with similar bending angle noise can be safely combined up to 30 km altitude (refractivity also up to 35 km) to a consistent single climate record of substantial value for climate monitoring in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere.
The impacts of climate, land use, and demography on fires during the 21st century simulated by CLM-CN
Authors: Kloster S. , Mahowald N. M. , Randerson J. T. , Lawrence P. J.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. Landscape fires during the 21st century are expected to change in response to multiple agents of global change. Important controlling factors include climate controls on the length and intensity of the fire season, fuel availability, and fire management, which are already anthropogenically perturbed today and are predicted to change further in the future. An improved understanding of future fires will contribute to an improved ability to project future anthropogenic climate change, as changes in fire behavior will in turn impact climate. In the present study we used a coupled-carbon-fire model to investigate how changes in climate, demography, and land use may alter fire emissions. We used climate projections following the SRES A1B scenario from two different climate models (ECHAM5/MPI-OM and CCSM) and changes in population. Land use and harvest rates were prescribed according to the RCP 45 scenario. In response to the combined effect of all these drivers, our model estimated, depending on our choice of climate projection, an increase in future (2075–2099) fire carbon emissions by 17 and 62% compared to present day (1985–2009). The largest increase in fire emissions was predicted for Southern Hemisphere South America for both climate projection. For Northern Hemisphere Africa, a region that contributed significantly to the global total fire carbon emissions, the response varied between a decrease and an increase depending on the climate projection. We disentangled the contribution of the single forcing factors to the overall response by conducting an additional set of simulations in which each factor was individually held constant at pre-industrial levels. The two different projections of future climate change evaluated in this study led to increases in global fire carbon emissions by 22% (CCSM) and 66% (ECHAM5/MPI-OM). The RCP 45 projection of harvest and land use led to a decrease in fire carbon emissions by −5%. Changes in human ignition led to an increase in 20%. When we also included changes in fire management efforts to suppress fires in densely populated areas, global fire carbon emission decreased by −6% in response to changes in population density. We concluded from this study that changes in fire emissions in the future are controlled by multiple interacting factors. Although changes in climate led to an increase in future fire emissions this could be globally counterbalanced by coupled changes in land use, harvest, and demography.
Modelling oxygen isotopes in the University of Victoria Earth System Climate Model
Authors: Brennan C. E. , Weaver A. J. , Eby M. , Meissner K. J.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. Implementing oxygen isotopes (H218O, H216O) in coupled climate models provides both an important test of the individual model's hydrological cycle, and a powerful tool to mechanistically explore past climate changes while producing results directly comparable to isotope proxy records. Here we describe the addition of oxygen isotopes in the University of Victoria Earth System Climate Model (UVic ESCM). Equilibrium simulations are performed for preindustrial and Last Glacial Maximum conditions. The oxygen isotope content in the model preindustrial climate is compared against observations for precipitation and seawater. The distribution of oxygen isotopes during the LGM is compared against available paleo-reconstructions.
Brief communication "Modeled rain on snow in CLM3 warms soil under thick snow cover and cools it under thin"
Authors: Putkonen J. , Jacobson H. P. , Rennert K.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. Rain-on-snow has decimated ungulate herds in the North and warmed permafrost significantly in Spitsbergen. As the permafrost temperatures are used as an integrated signal of the climate change, there is an urgent need to characterize the relationship between rain-on-snow and permafrost temperatures. By incorporating reanalysis based (ERA40) climate forcing into the land model (CLM3) and introducing an artificial rain on snow event on all model pixels the areas with thick snow cover (>0.5 m) experienced season average permafrost warming, sites with intermediate snow depths (0.15–0.5 m) experienced cooling, while sites with thin snow cover were more sensitive to other factors.
Bio‐Sintering/Bio‐Fusion of Silica in Sponge Spicules
Authors: Wang Xiaohong , Wiens Matthias , Schloßmacher Ute , Jochum Klaus Peter , Schröder Heinz C. , Müller Werner E. G.
Published: September 2011

The synthesis of siliceous spicules in both demosponges and hexactinellids is enzymatically driven via silicatein. This enzyme exists both intra‐spicularly and in the extra‐spicular space. It catalyzes the formation of bio‐silica constituting the silica lamellae that are formed during the appositional (layer‐by‐layer) growth of the spicules. The extent of (bio‐silica forming) activity of silicatein from the demosponge Suberites domuncula measured in vitro reflects the amount of bio‐silica required for the formation of spicules in vivo. It is shown that during growth and maturation of the spicules in demosponges a bio‐fusion process occurs that results in an intra‐spicular sintering of the silica lamellae to form compact silica rods. The morphological characterization of the globular asters (microscleres) from the demosponge Geodia cydonium revealed that these spherical spicules are formed from a tuft of silicatein filaments which radiate from a common origin. While in demosponges a complete intra‐spicular bio‐sintering/bio‐fusion process occurs, this process is incomplete in hexactinellid spicules. There, only the most inner lamellae of the spicules fuse leaving the more peripheral silica lamellae separate. However, within this class of sponges several families (example Euplectella aspergillum) show a bio‐sintering process between individual spicules. There, bio‐silica is secondarily deposited onto mature spicules, giving rise to an ordered array of bio‐silica bridges. Furthermore we report that for the formation of the strong and stiff bio‐silica skeleton of sponges a hardening process is required that is (presumable) driven by cell‐membrane bound aquaporin channels which allow the removal of water, released during the bio‐silica polycondensation reaction.
Combination of Graphene Oxide and Thiol‐Activated DNA Metallization for Sensitive Fluorescence Turn‐On Detection of Cysteine and Their Use for Logic Gate Operations
Authors: Lin Youhui , Tao Yu , Pu Fang , Ren Jinsong , Qu Xiaogang
Published: September 2011

In this work, a unique, highly sensitive and selective fluorescence turn‐on approach for cysteine detection using an ensemble of graphene oxide (GO) and metallized DNA is reported. The method is based on the extraordinarily high quenching efficiency of GO and the specific interaction between cysteine and metallized DNA via robust Ag–S bonds. In the presence of GO, the dye‐labeled single‐stranded DNA shows weak fluorescence, while it exhibits a dramatic fluorescence increase upon the formation of the double helix through the “activated” metallized DNA by cysteine. In addition, the protocol shows excellent selectivity for cysteine over various other amino acids found in proteins. Importantly, by exploring GO–DNA interactions and the thiol‐mediated DNA hybridization, our sensing system can also be utilized to design the “OR” and “INHIBIT” logic gates using cysteine and DNA as inputs. To the author's knowledge, this method is the first example of combining GO and DNA metallization to fabricate a turn‐on fluorescent sensor for cysteine and logic gates.
A Biologically Active Surface Enzyme Assembly that Attenuates Thrombus Formation
Authors: Qu Zheng , Muthukrishnan Sharmila , Urlam Murali K. , Haller Carolyn A. , Jordan Sumanas W. , Kumar Vivek A. , Marzec Ulla M. , Elkasabi Yaseen , Lahann Joerg , Hanson Stephen R. , Chaikof Elliot L.
Published: September 2011

Activation of hemostatic pathways by blood‐contacting materials remains a major hurdle in the development of clinically durable artificial organs and implantable devices. Here, it is postulated that surface‐induced thrombosis may be attenuated by the reconstitution onto blood contacting surfaces of bioactive enzymes that regulate the production of thrombin, a central mediator of both coagulation and platelet activation cascades. Thrombomodulin (TM), a transmembrane protein expressed by endothelial cells, is an established negative regulator of thrombin generation in the circulatory system. Traditional techniques to covalently immobilize enzymes on solid supports may modify residues contained within or near the catalytic site, thus reducing the bioactivity of surface enzyme assemblies. In this report, a molecular engineering and bioorthogonal chemistry approach to site‐specifically immobilize a biologically active recombinant human TM fragment onto the luminal surface of small diameter prosthetic vascular grafts is presented. Bioactivity and biostability of TM modified grafts is confirmed in vitro and the capacity of modified grafts to reduce platelet activation is demonstrated using a non‐human primate model. These studies indicate that molecularly engineered interfaces that display TM actively limit surface‐induced thrombus formation.
Optical and Electro‐optical Materials Prepared by the Sol‐Gel Method
Authors: Zayat Marcos , Pardo Rosario , Castellón Erick , Torres Leonardo , Almendro David , Parejo Pilar G. , Álvarez Alberto , Belenguer Tomás , García‐Revilla Sara , Balda Rolindes , Fernández Joaquín , Levy David
Published: September 2011

Although there are excellent contributions in the scientific literature covering most aspects of sol‐gel hybrid materials for optics and electro‐optics, this short review shall concentrate on the research activities of the Sol‐Gel Group (SGG) at Madrid in this field, describing recent progress and interdisciplinary approaches to materials with novel properties.
Prognostic implications of genetic aberrations in acute myelogenous leukemia with normal cytogenetics
Authors: Ghanem Hady , Tank Niki , Tabbara Imad A.
Published: September 2011

Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is a genetically heterogeneous disease in which somatic mutations, that disturb cellular growth, proliferation, and differentiation, accumulate in hematopoietic progenitor cells. Cytogenetic findings, at diagnosis, have been proven to be one of the most important prognostic indicators in AML. About half of the patients with AML are found to have “normal” cytogenetic analysis by standard culture techniques. These patients are considered as an intermediate risk group. Cytogenetically normal AML (CN‐AML) is the largest cytogenetic risk group, and the variation in clinical outcome of patients in this group is greater than in any other cytogenetic group. Besides mutation testing, age and presenting white blood cell count are important predictors of overall survival, suggesting that other factors independent of cytogenetic abnormalities, contribute to the outcome of patients with AML. The expanding knowledge at the genetic and molecular levels is helping define several subgroups of patients with CN‐AML with variable prognosis. In this review, we describe the clinical and prognostic characteristics of CN‐AML patients as a group, as well as the various molecular and genetic aberrations detected in these patients and their clinical and prognostic implications. Am. J. Hematol., 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Technical note: Estimating sex using cervical canine odontometrics: A test using a known sex sample
Authors: Hassett Brenna
Published: September 2011

The size of the permanent human canine tooth is one of the few sexually dimorphic features to be present in childhood and as such offers the opportunity to assist in the identification of sex in remains where no other appropriate criteria exist, such as in subadults. However, canine odontometrics are often associated with high levels of interobserver error and can be difficult to access if dentition is in situ. Additionally, appropriate points of measurement can be difficult to identify if the tooth is worn. Alternate measurements of the cervical canine diameters have been proposed as solutions to these issues, but the utility of these measurements in estimating sex has not been conclusively demonstrated. This study uses the buccolingual and mesiodistal cervical diameter of the canines from a known‐sex sample from St. Bride's Church, London and a partially known‐sex sample from the Old Church, Chelsea, London to classify individuals as male or female. A discriminant function classification using these diameters successfully identifies sex in 93.8% of the known‐sex assemblage and 95% of the partially osteologically estimated sex assemblage. It is suggested that cervical canine diameters are highly repeatable measurements with low interobserver error, can be obtained on worn and in situ teeth, and provide as good or better guidance on estimating sex in human remains as standard maximal diameters. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regio‐ and Chemoselective Metalation of Arenes and Heteroarenes Using Hindered Metal Amide Bases
Authors: Haag Benjamin , Mosrin Marc , Ila Hiriyakkanavar , Malakhov Vladimir , Knochel Paul
Published: September 2011

The preparation of highly functionalized organometallic compounds can be achieved by direct CH activation of a broad range of unsaturated substrates using lithium chloride solubilized 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidide bases (TMPnMXm⋅p LiCl). These are excellent reagents for converting a wide range of aromatic and heterocyclic substrates into valuable organometallic reagents with broad applications in organic synthesis.
Synthesis and characterization of amphiphilic PMTFPS‐b‐PEO diblock copolymers
Authors: Zhan Xiaoli , Chen Bi , Zhang Qinghua , Yi Lingmin , Jiang Bo , Chen Fengqiu
Published: September 2011

A series of new amphiphilic poly[methyl(3,3,3‐trifluoropropyl) siloxane]‐b‐poly(ethyleneoxide) (PMTFPS‐b‐PEO) diblock copolymers with different ratio of hydrophobic segment to hydrophilic segment were prepared by coupling reactions of end‐functional PMTFPS and PEO homopolymers. PMTFPS‐b‐PEO diblock copolymers synthesized were shown to be well defined and narrow molecular weight distributed by characterizations such as NMR, GPC, and FTIR. Additionally, the solution properties of these diblock copolymers were investigated using tensiometry and transmission electron microscopy. Interestingly, the critical micellization concentration increases with increasing length of hydrophobic chain. Transmission electron microscopy studies showed that PMTFPS‐b‐PEO diblock copolymers in water preferentially aggregated into vesicles. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Study on phenolic resin beads: Effect of reaction parameters on the properties of polymeric beads
Authors: Shrivastava Smriti , Srivastava Avanish Kumar , Singh Beer , Shah D. , Verma A. K. , Gutch P. K.
Published: September 2011

Well‐sized spherical beads of phenolic resin (0.3–1.2 mm) with an extremely high compressive strength (>8 kg/1.0 mm bead) and hardness (>98%) were synthesized via suspension polymerization of phenol and formaldehyde. Barium hydroxide was used as a catalyst (1.68–10.13 wt %) to get larger size of resin beads. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (5.0–12.5 wt %) and hexamethylene tetramine were used as stabilizing agent and crosslinking agent, respectively. Comprehensive studies elucidated a specific relation between the reaction parameters and properties of the resin beads. Yield was found proportional to catalyst concentration and inversely proportional to stabilizing agent concentration. Particle size distribution curves got contracted and shifted toward a lower size range with higher concentration of catalyst and stabilizing agent. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Novel in situ carbon nanofiber/polydimethylsiloxane nanocomposites: Synthesis, morphology, and physico‐mechanical properties
Authors: Roy Nabarun , Bhowmick Anil K.
Published: September 2011

A series of carbon nanofiber (CNF)/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)‐based nanocomposites was prepared by anionic ring opening polymerization of octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4) in presence of pristine CNF and amine‐modified CNF. A detailed study of morphology–property relationship of the nanocomposites was carried out in order to understand the effect of chemical modification and loading of filler on property enhancement of the nanocomposites. An elaborate comparison of structure and properties was carried out for the nanocomposites prepared by in situ and conventional ex situ methods. Pronounced improvement in degree of dispersion of the fillers in the matrix on amine modification of CNFs was reflected in mechanical properties of the modified nanocomposites. Maximum upliftment in mechanical properties was observed for in situ prepared amine modified CNF/hydroxyl PDMS nanocomposites. For 8 phr filler loading, tensile strength increased by 370%, while tensile modulus showed an increase of 515% compared with the virgin elastomer. Furthermore, in situ prepared unmodified CNF/hydroxyl PDMS nanocomposites showed an increase of 141°C in temperature of maximum degradation (Tmax) for 8 phr CNF loading. These results were correlated with the morphological analysis through transmission electron microscopic studies. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Working with Chinese Patients: Are there Conflicts Between Chinese Culture and Psychoanalysis?
Authors: Zhong Jie
Published: September 2011

Despite differences between Chinese culture and Western culture (Sun, 2004), modern Chinese are gradually accepting psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapy as options for dealing with psychological problems and inner conflicts (Gerlach, 1999). Through my own experience of being analyzed and vignettes from my clinical practice as a Chinese analytic psychotherapist, I argue that: (1) although there are conflicts at philosophic and cultural levels between Chinese culture and psychoanalysis, modern Chinese may have varying experiences in psychoanalytic and psychodynamic situations and (2) such cultural conflicts cannot be ignored or regarded only as defenses in the psychoanalytic situation in China. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Women have Relatively Larger Brains than Men: A Comment on the Misuse of General Linear Models in the Study of Sexual Dimorphism
Authors: Forstmeier Wolfgang
Published: September 2011

General linear models (GLM) have become such universal tools of statistical inference, that their applicability to a particular data set is rarely questioned. These models are designed to minimize residuals along the y‐axis, while assuming that the predictor (x‐axis) is free of statistical noise (ordinary least square regression, OLS). However, in practice, this assumption is often violated, which can lead to erroneous conclusions, particularly when two predictors are correlated with each other. This is best illustrated by two examples from the study of allometry, which have received great interest: (1) the question of whether men or women have relatively larger brains after accounting for body size differences, and (2) whether men indeed have shorter index fingers relative to ring fingers (digit ratio) than women. In depth analysis of these examples clearly shows that GLMs produce spurious sexual dimorphism in body shape where there is none (e.g. relative brain size). Likewise, they may fail to detect existing sexual dimorphisms in which the larger sex has the lower trait values (e.g. digit ratio) and, conversely, tend to exaggerate sexual dimorphism in which the larger sex has the relatively larger trait value (e.g. most sexually selected traits). These artifacts can be avoided with reduced major axis regression (RMA), which simultaneously minimizes residuals along both the x and the y‐axis. Alternatively, in cases where isometry can be established there are no objections against and good reasons for the continued use of ratios as a simple means of correcting for size differences. Anat Rec, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and Antioxidant Activity of Substituted‐1,3,2‐Diazaphosphole 1‐Oxides
Authors: Naidu Kalla Reddi Mohan , Rao Pasupuleti Visweswara , Raju Chamarthi Naga , Srinivasulu Kambam
Published: September 2011

Synthesis of 1‐substituted‐1,3,2‐diazaphosphole 1‐oxides (3a–l) were accomplished via a two‐step process. It involves the preparation of diazaphospholo 1‐oxide monochloride intermediate (2) and its subsequent reaction with phenols/amino acid esters in dry THF in the presence of triethylamine at 40–45°C. The structures of newly synthesized compounds were characterized by spectral and elemental analysis. The title compounds were evaluated for their in‐vitro antioxidant properties.
Synthesis and In‐vivo Evaluation of Carbonyl‐amide Linkage Based New Benzimidazole Derivatives
Authors: Shaikh Irfan N. , Hosamani Kallappa M. , Seetharamareddy Harisha R. , Hugar Mallinath H.
Published: September 2011

In search of pharmacologically active potent compounds, a series of carbonyl‐amide linkage based new benzimidazole derivatives were synthesized from acid, aldehydes and isocyanide at ambient temperature via Passerini reaction. All the compounds synthesized were screened for their potential anti‐inflammatory, antidiabetic and anticonvulsant properties. The results revealed that compounds 2i and 2j were found to be the most potent anti‐inflammatory agents, while compounds 2a, 2c, 2e, 2f, 2i and 2j showed increased antidiabetic activity than the reference drugs and 2a, 2g, 2h, 2i and 2j were found to be the main structural requirement for maintaining anticonvulsant activity.
Design and Synthesis of Novel Diphenyl Oxalamide and Diphenyl Acetamide Derivatives as Anticonvulsants
Authors: Nikalje Anna Pratima G. , Ghodke Mangesh , Girbane Amol
Published: September 2011

A series of novel N1‐substituted‐N2,N2‐diphenyl oxalamides 3a–l were synthesized in good yield by stirring diphenylcarbamoyl formyl chloride (2) and various substituted aliphatic, alicyclic, aromatic, heterocyclic amines in DMF and K2CO3. Also 2‐substituted amino‐N,N‐diphenylacetamides 5a–m were designed by pharmacophore generation and synthesized by stirring 2‐chloro‐N,N‐diphenylacetamide (4) and various substituted amines in acetone using triethyl amine as a catalyst. All the synthesized compounds were screened for anticonvulsant activity in Swiss albino mice by MES and ScPTZ induced seizure tests. Neurotoxicity screening and behavioral testing was also carried out. Some of the synthesized test compounds were found to be more potent than the standard drug.
Microchimerism in the rheumatoid nodules of patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Chan William F. N. , Atkins Christopher J. , Naysmith David , van der Westhuizen Nicholas , Woo Janet , Nelson J. Lee
Published: September 2011

Objective

The rheumatoid nodule is a lesion commonly found on extraarticular areas prone to mechanic trauma. When present with inflammatory symmetric polyarthritis, it is pathognomonic of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease in which naturally acquired microchimerism has previously been described and can sometimes contribute to RA risk. Since RA patients harbor microchimerism in the blood, we hypothesized that microchimerism is also present in rheumatoid nodules and could play a role in rheumatoid nodule formation. This study was undertaken to investigate rheumatoid nodules for microchimerism.

Methods

Rheumatoid nodules were tested for microchimerism by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The rheumatoid nodules of 29 female patients were tested for a Y chromosome–specific sequence. After HLA genotyping of patients and family members, rheumatoid nodules from 1 man and 14 women were tested by HLA‐specific qPCR, targeting a nonshared HLA allele of the potential microchimerism source. Results were expressed as genome equivalents of microchimeric cells per 105 patient genome equivalents (GE/105).

Results

Rheumatoid nodules from 21% of the female patients contained male DNA (range <0.5, 10.3 GE/105). By HLA‐specific qPCR, 60% of patients were microchimeric (range 0, 18.5 GE/105). Combined microchimerism prevalence was 47%. A fetal or maternal source was identified in all patients who tested positive by HLA‐specific qPCR. Unexpectedly, a few rheumatoid nodules also contained microchimerism without evidence of a fetal or maternal source, suggesting alternative sources.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that microchimerism is frequently present in the rheumatoid nodules of RA patients. Since microchimerism is genetically disparate, whether microchimerism in rheumatoid nodules serves as an allogeneic stimulus or allogeneic target warrants further investigation.
Preferential transmission of genetic risk variants of candidate loci at 6p21 from asymptomatic grandparents to mothers of children with neonatal lupus
Authors: Saxena Amit , McDonnell Erin , Ramos Paula S. , Sajuthi Satria , Marion Miranda C. , Langefeld Carl D. , Buyon Jill P. , Clancy Robert M.
Published: September 2011

Objective

Neonatal lupus (NL) occurs in fetuses exposed to maternal anti‐SSA/Ro and/or anti‐SSB/La antibodies, although the mothers themselves may not manifest any clinical disease. A focus on transmission of risk factors for NL from maternal grandparents to mothers of children with NL may yield dividends toward understanding the aggregation of autoantibodies and genetic factors in affected families. This study was perforned to determine the role of maternal grandparents in the development of the autoimmune phenotype of mothers of children with NL.

Methods

Fifty‐one mothers of children with cardiac and/or cutaneous NL, 48 maternal grandmothers, and 35 maternal grandfathers in the Research Registry for Neonatal Lupus were interrogated for clinical symptoms by questionnaire and underwent laboratory assessments, including determination of anti‐SSA/Ro and anti‐SSB/La antibody status (by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay) and genotype at rs1800629 (TNFα) and rs7775397 (C6orf10) (allelic discrimination). The transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) was computed to test for nonrandom transmission from maternal grandparents to mothers of children with NL.

Results

The common phenotypic feature in mothers of children with NL was the autoantibody and not the clinical profile; 7 had lupus, 14 had Sjögren's syndrome, 7 had both, and 23 were asymptomatic. Mothers of children with NL were significantly enriched for the risk alleles at both TNFα and C6orf10. The grandparents of children with NL carried minimal burden for autoimmune disease or abnormal antibody production and were not enriched in the genetic risk factors. However, the TDT analysis showed significant excess transmission of the risk alleles at both TNFα (odds ratio [OR] 6.67, P = 3.93 × 10−4) and C6orf10 (OR 35.0, P = 3.74 × 10−5) to mothers of children with NL.

Conclusion

Mothers of children with NL are enriched for the TNFα and C6orf10 risk alleles, which are preferentially inherited from the asymptomatic maternal grandparents. These findings support the hypothesis that the development of NL and genetic etiology are multigenerational.
Hierarchy of risk of childhood‐onset rheumatoid arthritis conferred by HLA–DRB1 alleles encoding the shared epitope
Authors: Prahalad Sampath , Thompson Susan D. , Conneely Karen N. , Jiang Yunxuan , Leong Traci , Prozonic Jennifer , Brown Milton R. , Ponder Lori A. , Angeles‐Han Sheila T. , Vogler Larry B. , Kennedy Christine , Wallace Carol A. , Wise Carol A. , Punaro Marilynn , Reed Ann , Park Jane L. , Mellins Elizabeth D. , Zeft Andrew S. , Bohnsack John F. , Glass David N.
Published: September 2011

Objective

Associations between shared epitope (SE)–encoding HLA–DRB1 alleles and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are well established. However, only a limited number of studies have investigated these alleles in patients with childhood‐onset RA, which is defined as rheumatoid factor– and/or anti–citrullinated protein antibody–positive juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The aims of this study were to investigate the largest cohort of patients with childhood‐onset RA for association with SE alleles and to determine whether there is a hierarchy of risk based on the amino acid sequence of the SE.

Methods

High‐resolution HLA–DRB1 genotypes were obtained for 204 patients with childhood‐onset RA and 373 healthy control subjects. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated for different SE‐encoding HLA–DRB1 alleles. In addition, genotype ORs were calculated for combinations of SE alleles classified into S2, S3P, or L alleles, based on amino acid sequences in position 70–74 of the DRβ1 chain, as proposed by Tezenas du Montcel et al.

Results

We confirmed associations between HLA–DRB1 SE alleles and childhood‐onset RA (76% of patients carried 1 or 2 SE alleles compared with 46% of control subjects; OR 3.81, 95% CI 2.4–6.0, P < 1 × 10−7). We also observed associations between individual SE alleles (HLA–DRB1*0101, *0401, *0404, *0405, *0408, and *1001) and childhood‐onset RA. Genotype‐specific risk estimates suggested a hierarchy of risk, with the highest risk among individuals heterozygous for S2/S3P (OR 22.3, 95% CI 9.9–50.5, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

We confirm the association between SE‐encoding HLA–DRB1 alleles and susceptibility to childhood‐onset RA. The excess risk conferred by carriage of the combination of S2 and S3P risk alleles suggests that children with DRβ1 chains containing the KRAA and QRRAA or RRRAA sequences are especially susceptible to RA.
Hydrogen‐Bonding‐Induced Chirality Organization and Stabilization of Redox Species of Polyaniline‐Unit Molecules by Introduction of Amino Acid Pendant Groups
Authors: Moriuchi Toshiyuki , Ohmura Satoshi D. , Morita Kenji , Hirao Toshikazu
Published: September 2011

The chirality organization of polyaniline‐unit molecules was achieved by the introduction of amino acid pendant groups through intramolecular hydrogen bonding, which plays an important role in the stabilization of the chirality‐organized redox species. Another interesting feature of the synthesized polyaniline‐unit molecules is the luminescent switching properties based on the redox states of the phenylenediamine moiety.
5‐(Pyren‐1‐yl)uracil as a Base‐Discriminating Fluorescent Nucleobase in Pyrrolidinyl Peptide Nucleic Acids
Authors: Boonlua Chalothorn , Vilaivan Chotima , Wagenknecht Hans‐Achim , Vilaivan Tirayut
Published: September 2011

A pyrene‐labeled uridine (UPy) monomer for a pyrrolidinyl peptide nucleic acid with an alternating proline/2‐aminocyclopentanecarboxylic acid backbone (acpcPNA) was synthesized and incorporated into the PNA. The UPy base in acpcPNA could specifically recognize the base A in its complementary DNA strand as determined by thermal denaturation (Tm) experiments. The fluorescence of the UPy‐containing single‐stranded acpcPNA was very weak in aqueous buffer. In the presence of a complementary DNA target, the fluorescence was enhanced significantly (2.7–41.9 folds, depending on sequences). The fluorescence enhancement was specific to the pairing between UPy and dA, making the UPy‐modified acpcPNA useful as a hybridization‐responsive fluorescence probe for DNA‐sequence determination.
Biocompatibility of amorphous silica nanoparticles: Size and charge effect on vascular function, in vitro
Authors: Akbar Naveed , Mohamed Teba , Whitehead Debra , Azzawi May
Published: September 2011

Synthetic amorphous silica is gaining popularity as the material of choice in the fabrication of nanoparticles for use in imaging diagnostics, medical therapeutics, and tissue engineering because of its biocompatible nature. However, recent evidence suggests that silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) show a concentration‐ and size‐dependent toxic effect that is cell specific. We investigated the direct influence of SiNP uptake on the vasodilator responses of rat aortic vessels, in vitro, using fabricated SiNPs of defined size (97 ± 7.60 and 197 ± 7.50 nm) and charge (positive and nonmodified). Dilator responses to cumulative doses of endothelial‐dependent [acetylcholine (Ach); 0.01 µM–1.0 mM] and endothelial‐independent (sodium nitroprusside; 0.01–10 µM) agonists were determined before and 30 Min after incubation in SiNPs (at 1.1 × 1011 nanoparticles/mL). Acute exposure to SiNPs led to their rapid uptake by the lining endothelial cells (as verified by transmission electron microscopy). SiNP uptake had no significant influence on dilator responses, although a greater degree of attenuation was evident after uptake of the 100 nm and positively charged SiNPs (significant at the highest 1.0 mM Ach concentration between positive and nonmodified 200 nm SiNPs; P < 0.05). In summary, our findings suggest that SiNP surface interactions, rather than mass, affect vasodilator function of aortic vessels.
Differential magnetic field effects on heart rate and nociception in anosmic pigeons
Authors: Del Seppia Cristina , Mencacci Resi , Luschi Paolo , Varanini Maurizio , Ghione Sergio
Published: September 2011

Several studies have shown that exposure to altered magnetic fields affects nociception by suppressing stress‐induced hypoalgesia, and that this effect is reduced or abolished if the treatment is performed in the absence of light. This raises the question as to whether other sources of sensory stimuli may also modulate these magnetic effects. We investigated the possible role of olfaction in the magnetically induced effects on sensitivity to nociceptive stimuli and heart rate (HR) in restraint‐stressed homing pigeons exposed to an Earth‐strength, irregularly varying (<1 Hz) magnetic field. The magnetic treatment decreased the nociceptive threshold in normally smelling birds and an opposite effect was observed in birds made anosmic by nostril plugging. Conversely, no differential effect of olfactory deprivation was observed on HR, which was reduced by the magnetic treatment both in smelling and anosmic pigeons. The findings highlight an important role of olfactory environmental information in the mediation of magnetic effects on nociception, although the data cannot be interpreted unambiguously because of the lack of an additional control group of olfactory‐deprived, non‐magnetically exposed pigeons. The differential effects on a pigeon's sensitivity to nociceptive stimulus and HR additionally indicate that the magnetic stimuli affect nociception and the cardiovascular system in different ways. Bioelectromagnetics 33:309–319, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Long‐term follow‐up of polytetrafluoroethylene‐covered stents implanted during percutaneous coronary intervention for management of acute coronary perforation
Authors: Copeland Kevin A. , Hopkins James T. , Weintraub William S. , Rahman Ehsanur
Published: September 2011

Objective: To determine the long‐term outcomes for patients receiving polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)‐covered stents as definitive therapy, in our institution, for the management of acute coronary perforation. Background: Coronary perforation as a complication of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Management options included observation only or a combination of several or all of these approaches: reversal of anticoagulation, prolonged balloon inflation, deployment of a standard stent, emergent cardiac surgery, or insertion of a PTFE‐covered stent. Methods: With our IRB approval, records of 12,093 consecutive patients who received PCI during a 5‐year period from January 2002 to December 2006 were reviewed and 50 patients who had coronary perforation as a complication of PCI were identified. Results: Of the 21 patients who received a PTFE‐covered stent to manage coronary perforation, one died secondary to acute thrombosis within the PTFE‐covered stent in the first 24 hrs and one required emergent cardiac surgery due to continued contrast extravasation despite PTFE‐covered stent deployment. The other 19 patients were followed long term (mean 55 months) and only one survivor had a potentially life‐threatening outcome (subacute stent thrombosis) over that time period. Conclusion: Utilization of a PTFE‐covered stent may be a reasonable short‐ and long‐term option to manage acute coronary perforation that occurs during PCI. On the basis of this limited experience, successful PTFE‐covered stent deployment as the conclusive treatment for coronary perforation is associated with a favorable long‐term event‐free survival rate. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Long‐term clinical outcomes in patients treated with drug‐eluting compared to bare‐metal stents for the treatment of transplant coronary artery disease
Authors: Lee Michael S. , Yang Tae , Kandzari David , Mahmud Ehtisham , Liao Hsini , Kirtane Ajay
Published: September 2011

Objective: We aimed to compare the long‐term clinical outcomes of first‐vessel percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug‐eluting stents (DES) and bare metal stents (BMS) for the treatment of transplant coronary artery disease (TCAD). Background: TCAD is the leading cause of late death in orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) recipients. PCI is associated with worse clinical outcomes compared with non‐OHT patients. Our institution previously reported superior angiographic outcomes with DES compared with BMS in OHT patients. However, long‐term clinical outcomes comparing PCI with DES versus BMS are lacking. Methods: The data on 105 OHT recipients who underwent first‐vessel PCI with DES (n = 58) or BMS (n = 47) at UCLA Medical Center between 1995 and 2009 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Five‐year clinical outcomes were not significantly different with DES and BMS in terms of the composite of death, myocardial infarction (MI), or target vessel revascularization (TVR) [(40.8 ± 7.2)% vs. (59.6 ± 7.2)%, log‐rank P = 0.33], death [(31.8 ± 7.8)% vs. (40.4 ± 7.2)%, log‐rank P = 0.46], MI [(12.2 ± 6.2)% vs. (11.3 ± 5.4)%, log rank P = 0.98], TVR [(25.5 ± 6.9)% vs. (26.5 ± 7.3)%, log rank P = 0.76], and time to repeat OHT [(2.27 ± 1.79) vs. (3.22 ± 3.34), P = 0.98]. Conclusions: At long‐term follow‐up, PCI with DES and BMS provided similar clinical outcomes in OHT. Long‐term mortality remains high in OHT recipients after PCI with either DES or BMS. Randomized clinical trials are required to determine the optimal treatment strategy for OHT recipients with TCAD. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Application of Hierarchical Porous Silica with a Stable Large Porosity for β‐Galactosidase Immobilization
Authors: Bernal Claudia , Sierra Ligia , Mesa Monica
Published: September 2011

Hierarchical porous silica, particles or monoliths, were synthesized by polycondensation of sodium silicate in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and ethyl acetate at different concentrations under hydrothermal conditions. They were used as the support for the immobilization of β‐galactosidase from Kluyveromyces lactis by adsorption. The enzyme loading capacity (higher than 50 mg g−1 support) and the retention ability (lixiviation less than 20 % after 72 h of catalysis) of these supports were explained as a function of the hierarchical porosity, mesopore sizes of 10–40 nm, and macropore sizes of 0.07–20 μm and the presence of ionized silanol groups on the surface. The optimum pH value and temperature for the maximum activity of the obtained hybrid biocatalyst were evaluated, indicating that the three‐dimensional structure of the lactase was not significantly affected during the immobilization process. The stability under extreme conditions was improved in comparison with soluble lactase. The porous supports exhibited morphological and porous stability under the immobilization and catalytic processes. These results show that the obtained materials are good candidates for the immobilization of large enzymes, such as β‐galactosidase.
Modeling of Aniline Removal by Reverse Osmosis Using Different Membranes
Authors: Hidalgo A. M. , León G. , Gómez M. , Murcia M. D. , Gómez E. , Gómez J. L.
Published: September 2011

The behavior of different reverse osmosis membranes, namely, HR98PP, SEPA‐MS05, and DESAL‐3B, was compared with the one predicted by a solution‐diffusion model. This model assumes that the membrane has a homogeneous, nonporous surface layer and uses two main parameters, permeate concentration Cp and volumetric permeate flux Qp, to characterize the membrane system. In order to calculate these parameters, the theoretical values of water and solute permeability constants, Aw and Bs, and the osmotic pressure coefficient, Ψ, were initially determined. Using the software Sigma Plot V 10.0, accurate values of Ψ, Qp, and Cp were only obtained for the DESAL‐3B membrane, i.e., the selected solution‐diffusion model can be applied to this membrane.
Photocatalytic Discoloration of Dyes: Relation between Effect of Operating Parameters and Dye Structure
Authors: Camarillo R. , Rincón J.
Published: September 2011

The process of TiO2/UV photocatalytic discoloration of wastewaters containing organic dyes is influenced by a number of variables. In this paper, the effects of some of these parameters, i.e., mass of catalyst, initial dye concentration, and pH, were related to the structural nature of the dyes investigated, azo and anthraquinone dyes, two families that are representative of about 75 % of the dyes marketed nowadays. Both bibliographical and own experimental data were used to analyze and discuss the photocatalytic discoloration in terms of dye structure and degradation pathways. It is shown that azo dyes (Methyl Orange, Metanil Yellow, Acid Orange 7, and Reactive Red 120) are more easily discolored than Reactive Blue 19 (anthraquinone dye), due to the higher molecular stability of the latter. It is also shown that azo dye discoloration is more influenced by the initial dye concentration, whereas recalcitrant anthraquinone dyes (Reactive Blue 19) mainly demand for basic pH values to generate enough OH• radicals. Concerning TiO2 loading, both the bibliographical and current research data showed no effect of this variable in the experimental range analyzed.
Electrode Design for Soil Decontamination with Radio‐Frequency Heating
Authors: Roland U. , Holzer F. , Kraus M. , Trommler U. , Kopinke F.‐D.
Published: September 2011

Radio‐frequency heating to enhance soil decontamination requires adjusted solutions for the electrode design depending on scale and remediation technique. Parallel plate electrodes provide widely homogeneous field and temperature distributions and are, therefore, most suitable for supporting biodegradation processes. For thermally enhanced soil vapor extraction, certain temperature gradients can be accepted and, therefore, the less‐demanding geometry of rod‐shaped electrodes is usually applied. For electrode lengths of some meters, a design with an air gap has to be used in order to focus heating to the desired depth. Perforated rod electrodes may be simultaneously employed as extraction wells. Placing an oxidation catalyst in situ within the electrodes is an option for handling of highly loaded air flows. Coaxial antenna may be utilized to selectively heat soil compartments far from the surface of the soil.
Effectiveness of Polyoxyethylene Nonionic Emulsifiers in Emulsification Processes Using Disc Systems
Authors: Petersen S. , Ulrich J.
Published: September 2011

Additives such as emulsifiers and stabilizers (viscosity enhancers or polymers) are needed to stabilize emulsion systems against coalescence and creaming. A way to reduce emulsifier input by determining the effectiveness of different emulsifiers is described. Only disc systems with optimized configuration are applied for emulsification. Polysorbates are taken as an example for emulsifiers. The viscosity was increased with pectin as a viscosity enhancer to allow higher energy inputs by the disc systems and, therefore, to improve droplet disruption. The attainable mean diameters of oil droplets stabilized only by pectin were compared with the resulting mean diameters of oil droplets of emulsions containing polysorbates. Polysorbate 20, the emulsifier with the highest water solubility of all here described emulsifiers, proved to be the most effective in decreasing the mean diameter of the disperse phase when using disc systems. An optimal emulsifier concentration of 2 wt‐% for emulsions at low viscosities is observed for all polysorbates and for the whole range of oil concentration.