bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Book Reviews
Authors: Nielsen Katherine , Perry Beth , Scott Alan
Published: July 2013

Lynette Shultz, Ali A. Abdi, George H. Richardson (eds) (2011) Global Citizenship Education in Post-secondary Institutions: Theories, Practices, Policies

Review by Katherine Nielsen

Peter Quiddington (2010) Knowledge and Its Enemies: Towards a New Case for Higher Learning

Review by Beth Perry

Benjamin Ginsberg (2011) The Fall of the Faculty: The Rise of the All-Administrative University and Why it Matters

Review by Alan Scott
Evaluation of cytotoxic, mutagenic and antimutagenic potential of leaf extracts of three medicinal plants using Allium cepa chromosome assay
Authors: Rathnasamy Selestin , Mohamed Kamaruzaman Bin , Sulaiman Shaida Fariza , Akinboro Akeem
Published: July 2013

In the present study, the Allium cepa chromosome assay was employed as a preliminary test to investigate the mutagenic and antimutagenic potential of three plants, namely Clinacanthus nutans, Adhatoda vasica, and Carica papaya, used by traditional practitioners in Malaysia against a direct acting mutagen-Methyl Methanesulphonate (MMS). Onions were planted in various treatment groups: plant extract alone, treatment 1 (pre-treatment with MMS and transfer into plant extracts), and treatment 2 (mixture of MMS and plant extracts). The bulbs planted in the extract alone for cytotoxicity and mutagenicity assessment revealed that none of the extracts of the three plants except the 50 mg/kg of methanol extract of A. vasicawere cytotoxic to A. cepa cells, but a moderate level of mutagenicity was observed at 200 and 400 mg/kg of methanol extract of C. papaya and at 400 mg/kg of aqueous extract of C. nutans. Antimutagenic screening on the other hand revealed that all the extracts tested were able to reduce the percentage chromosomal aberration induced by MMS, both in treatment 1 and 2. Besides that, MMS-induced cell death was also observed to be reduced in onion root cells treated with the plant extracts. Therefore, taking all the results obtained into consideration, the order of the plant extracts with increasing suppressiveness against MMS was C. papaya < A. vasica < C. nutans.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v2i8.15588 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, July 2013, 2(8): 131-140
Development and validation of UV spectrophotometric method for quantitative estimation of Promethazine HCl in phosphate buffer saline pH 7.4
Authors: Nurahmanto Dwi
Published: July 2013

A new, sensitive, rapid, simple, specific and economical procedure has been developed for determination Promethazine HCl in phosphate buffer saline pH 7.4. The purpose of this analytical validation procedure is to determine a process of assessment and to validate it by laboratory experiments to prove that the method meets the minimum standard for laboratory use. This analytical method for the determination of Promethazine HCl in phosphate buffer saline pH 7.4 can be used to estimate the amount of promethazine HCl penetrated and dissolved in the blood vessels in vitro by penetration study. The method is based on the ultraviolet light absorbance at 251 nm which is the maximum wavelength of the concerned drug. This method can be succesfully applied for determination of drug in phosphate buffer saline pH 7.4 . The results of the analysis have been validated statistically and by recovery studies.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v2i8.15589 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, July 2013, 2(8): 141-142
Nonnegative Scaling Vectors on the Interval
Authors: Ruch David , Van Fleet Patrick
Published: July 2013

In this paper, we outline a method for constructing nonnegative scaling vectors on the interval. Scaling vectors for the interval have been constructed in [1–3]. The approach here is different in that the we start with an existing scaling vector ϕ that generates a multi-resolution analysis for L2(R) to create a scaling vector for the interval. If desired, the scaling vector can be constructed so that its components are nonnegative. Our construction uses ideas from [4,5] and we give results for scaling vectors satisfying certain support and continuity properties. These results also show that less edge functions are required to build multi-resolution analyses for L2 ([a; b]) than the methods described in [5,6].
Inhomogeneous Viscous Fluids in a Friedmann-Robertson-Walker (FRW) Universe
Authors: Myrzakulov Ratbay , Sebastiani Lorenzo , Zerbini Sergio
Published: July 2013

We give a brief review of some aspects of inhomogeneous viscous fluids in a flat Friedmann-Robertson-Walker Universe. In general, it is pointed out that several fluid models may bring the future Universe evolution to become singular, with the appearance of the so-called Big Rip scenario. We investigate the effects of fluids coupled with dark matter in a de Sitter Universe, by considering several cases. Due to this coupling, the coincidence problem may be solved, and if the de Sitter solution is stable, the model is also protected against the Big Rip singularity.
A Numerical Analytical Method of Parameter Optimization for Fast-starting of the Bionic Robot Fish
Authors: Yang Chao
Published: July 2013

In this study,the alloy sheet, the giant magnetost- rictive material (GMM), was stuck on the sheet, and the external magnetic field were simulated as the framework of the fishtail, respectively; the muscle of the fish and the nerve are to control the swing of the fishtail for simulating the fast-starting of some natural fishes. Simulate the Fast-starting of fish different environment of nature. A mechanics model and new numerical method are presented by analyzing the vibrational modes. Optimization for External Parameter was conducted by using numerical computation, the best environment and material for Fast-starting of the Bionic Robot fish is revealed. Results show that the suit material can help the robot fish complete the fast-transition from the lower order mode to the higher order mode. The method and results provide theoretical foundation and applies basis to designing bionic robot fish.
Synchronous Test Platform for Functionality Verification and Structural Capacity Evaluation of Subsea Equipment
Authors: Chuan Wang , Zhu Hongwu
Published: July 2013

In order to verify the functionality and evaluate the structural capacity for subsea equipment simultaneously, a synchronous test platform was established, which consists of the test setup part and the data measurements part. Based on this platform, a test was conducted on a subsea wellhead connector to illustrate the test process and principle. A numerical calculation using a developed three-dimensional finite element model was performed to compare with the test data. The results of numerical calculation and test have great good agreements. For further application, this synchronous test platform could be used for performance study of the subsea equipment under cyclic load and variable load. This paper is also bringing promotional values for other subsea device with similar and even more complex working condition.
L’ethnographie et l’anthropologie religieuses de Cuba : repères historiques et bibliographiques
Authors: Gobin Emma , Morel Géraldine
Published: July 2013

Le développement que connaissent aujourd’hui les études sur Cuba, en particulier l’ethnographie des pratiques religieuses dites « d’origine africaine », n’est pas le fruit du hasard. Cet article introductif revient sur les conditions sociohistoriques spécifiques qui ont présidé à ce renouveau en les replaçant dans le contexte politique et idéologique cubain. Afin d’établir quelques repères bibliographiques dans un domaine d’études devenu particulièrement dynamique, il évoque aussi certaines tendances de la production scientifique relative aux religions cubaines en répertoriant et en commentant plusieurs études conduites récemment. Selon qu’elles proviennent des États-Unis, d’Europe ou de Cuba, ces dernières témoignent de sensibilités diverses qui sont brièvement pointées avant de présenter les principales caractéristiques du champ religieux « afro-cubain » puis d’évoquer les thématiques qui émergent de ce numéro, également représentatives de certaines orientations de l’anthropologie religieuse contemporaine.
Primary Vascularization of Allografts Governs Their Immunogenicity and Susceptibility to Tolerogenesis
Authors: Kant Cavit D. , Akiyama Yoshinobu , Tanaka Katsunori , Shea Susan , Connolly Sarah E. , Germana Sharon , Winn Henry J. , LeGuern Christian , Tocco Georges , Benichou Gilles
Published: July 2013

We investigated the influence of allograft primary vascularization on alloimmunity, rejection, and tolerance in mice. First, we showed that fully allogeneic primarily vascularized and conventional skin transplants were rejected at the same pace. Remarkably, however, short-term treatment of mice with anti-CD40L Abs achieved long-term survival of vascularized skin and cardiac transplants but not conventional skin grafts. Nonvascularized skin transplants triggered vigorous direct and indirect proinflammatory type 1 T cell responses (IL-2 and IFN-γ), whereas primarily vascularized skin allografts failed to trigger a significant indirect alloresponse. A similar lack of indirect alloreactivity was also observed after placement of different vascularized organ transplants, including hearts and kidneys, whereas hearts placed under the skin (nonvascularized) triggered potent indirect alloresponses. Altogether, these results suggest that primary vascularization of allografts is associated with a lack of indirect T cell alloreactivity. Finally, we show that long-term survival of vascularized skin allografts induced by anti-CD40L Abs was associated with a combined lack of indirect alloresponse and a shift of the direct alloresponse toward a type 2 cytokine (IL-4, IL-10)-secretion pattern but no activation/expansion of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells. Therefore, primary vascularization of allografts governs their immunogenicity and tolerogenicity.
Human Skin Mast Cells Express Complement Factors C3 and C5
Authors: Fukuoka Yoshihiro , Hite Michelle R. , Dellinger Anthony L. , Schwartz Lawrence B.
Published: July 2013

We examine whether complement factor C3 or C5 is synthesized by human skin–derived mast cells and whether their synthesis is regulated by cytokines. C3 and C5 mRNAs were assessed by RT-PCR, and proteins by flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, Western blotting, and ELISA. C3 and C5 mRNAs were each expressed, and baseline protein levels/106 cultured mast cells were 0.9 and 0.8 ng, respectively, and located in the cytoplasm outside of secretory granules. C3 accumulated in mast cell culture medium over time and by 3 d reached a concentration of 9.4 ± 8.0 ng/ml, whereas C5 levels were not detectable (<0.15 ng/ml). Three-day incubations of mast cells with IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-17, IFN-γ, IL-6, or anti-FcεRI did not affect C3 protein levels in culture medium, whereas incubations with PMA, TNF-α, IL-13, or IL-4 enhanced levels of C3 1.7- to 3.3-fold. In contrast with C3, levels of C5 remained undetectable. Importantly, treatment with TNF-α together with either IL-4 or IL-13 synergistically enhanced C3 (but not C5) production in culture medium by 9.8- or 7.1-fold, respectively. This synergy was blocked by attenuating the TNF-α pathway with neutralizing anti–TNF-α Ab, soluble TNFR, or an inhibitor of NF-κB, or by attenuating the IL-4/13 pathway with Jak family or Erk antagonists. Inhibitors of PI3K, Jnk, and p38 MAPK did not affect this synergy. Thus, human mast cells can produce and secrete C3, whereas β-tryptase can act on C3 to generate C3a and C3b, raising the likelihood that mast cells engage complement to modulate immunity and inflammation in vivo.
Butyrophilin 3A1 Plays an Essential Role in Prenyl Pyrophosphate Stimulation of Human Vγ2Vδ2 T Cells
Authors: Wang Hong , Henry Olivier , Distefano Mark D. , Wang Yen-Chih , Räikkönen Johanna , Mönkkönen Jukka , Tanaka Yoshimasa , Morita Craig T.
Published: July 2013

Most human γδ T cells express Vγ2Vδ2 TCRs and play important roles in microbial and tumor immunity. Vγ2Vδ2 T cells are stimulated by self- and foreign prenyl pyrophosphate intermediates in isoprenoid synthesis. However, little is known about the molecular basis for this stimulation. We find that a mAb specific for butyrophilin 3 (BTN3)/CD277 Ig superfamily proteins mimics prenyl pyrophosphates. The 20.1 mAb stimulated Vγ2Vδ2 T cell clones regardless of their functional phenotype or developmental origin and selectively expanded blood Vγ2Vδ2 T cells. The γδ TCR mediates 20.1 mAb stimulation because IL-2 is released by β− Jurkat cells transfected with Vγ2Vδ2 TCRs. 20.1 stimulation was not due to isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) accumulation because 20.1 treatment of APC did not increase IPP levels. In addition, stimulation was not inhibited by statin treatment, which blocks IPP production. Importantly, small interfering RNA knockdown of BTN3A1 abolished stimulation by IPP that could be restored by re-expression of BTN3A1 but not by BTN3A2 or BTN3A3. Rhesus monkey and baboon APC presented HMBPP and 20.1 to human Vγ2Vδ2 T cells despite amino acid differences in BTN3A1 that localize to its outer surface. This suggests that the conserved inner and/or top surfaces of BTN3A1 interact with its counterreceptor. Although no binding site exists on the BTN3A1 extracellular domains, a model of the intracellular B30.2 domain predicts a basic pocket on its binding surface. However, BTN3A1 did not preferentially bind a photoaffinity prenyl pyrophosphate. Thus, BTN3A1 is required for stimulation by prenyl pyrophosphates but does not bind the intermediates with high affinity.
Regulation of Dendritic Cell Differentiation in Bone Marrow during Emergency Myelopoiesis
Authors: Liu Hao , Zhou Jie , Cheng Pingyan , Ramachandran Indu , Nefedova Yulia , Gabrilovich Dmitry I.
Published: July 2013

Although accumulation of dendritic cell (DC) precursors occurs in bone marrow, the terminal differentiation of these cells takes place outside bone marrow. The signaling, regulating this process, remains poorly understood. We demonstrated that this process could be differentially regulated by Notch ligands: Jagged-1 (Jag1) and Delta-like ligand 1 (Dll1). In contrast to Dll1, Jag1, in vitro and during induced myelopoiesis in vivo, prevented DC differentiation by promoting the accumulation of their precursors. Although both ligands activated Notch in hematopoietic progenitor cells, they had an opposite effect on Wnt signaling. Dll1 activated Wnt pathways, whereas Jag1 inhibited it via downregulation of the expression of the Wnt receptors Frizzled (Fzd). Jag1 suppressed fzd expression by retaining histone deacetylase 1 in the complex with the transcription factor CSL/CBF-1 on the fzd promoter. Our results suggest that DC differentiation, during induced myelopoiesis, can be regulated by the nature of the Notch ligand expressed on adjacent stroma cells.
’n Kwantitatiewe ondersoek na die invloed van enkele demografiese veranderlikes wat verband hou met vroulike ampsdraers
Authors: Jonck Petronella , Le Roux Anda , Hoffman Lizette
Published: July 2013

Hierdie artikel ondersoek lidmate se houding teenoor vroulike ampsdraers. Vir die doel van hierdie navorsingsprojek is die volgende navorsingsvraag geformuleer: Wat is kerklidmate se houding teenoor vroue as ampsdraers in die gemeente? Hierdie navorsingsvraag is met behulp van die volgende hipotese ondersoek: Daar is statisties-beduidende verskille tussen kerklidmate se houding teenoor vroulike ampsdraers en ’n aantal demografiese veranderlikes soos die geografiese ligging, die geslag, die huwelikstatus en die ouderdom. ’n Totaal van 1052 respondente bestaande uit 326 (31%) lidmate van die Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerkfamilie, 311 (29%) lidmate van die Christelike Herlewingskerk, 217 (21%) lidmate van die Gereformeerde Kerk en 198 (19%) lidmate van die Rooms-Katolieke Kerk is by die ondersoek betrek. Data is met behulp van ’n biografiese vraelys, asook die Petro Jonck Houding teenoor Vroulike Ampsdraers-vraelys ingesamel. Meerveranderlike variansie-ontledings is toegepas. Satistiese analise het getoon dat kerklidmate deurgaans ’n positiewe houding aangaande vroulike ampsdraers aanneem. Verder is gevind dat die geslag, die huwelikstatus en die geografiese ligging die grootste invloed op kerklidmate se houding ten opsigte van vroulike ampsdraers uitgeoefen het. Die opleidingsvlak het geen statisties-beduidende invloed op lidmate se houding teenoor vroulike ampsdraers uitgeoefen nie.This article investigates the attitude of church members towards clergywomen. For the purpose of this research project, the following research question has been formulated: What is church members’ attitude towards clergywomen in the congregation? This research question was explored by means of the following hypothesis: There are statistically significant differences between church members’ attitude towards clergywomen and a number of demographic variables such as geographic location, gender, marital status and age. A total of 1052 respondents that included 326 (31%) members of the Dutch Reformed Church family, 311 (29%) members of the Christian Revival Church, 217 (21%) members of the Reformed Church and 198 (19%) members of the Roman Catholic Church were involved. Data were gathered by means of a biographic questionnaire and the Petro Jonck Attitude towards Female Office-bearers Questionnaire. Multivariate analysis of variance was applied. A statistical analysis indicated that church members assume a positive attitude with regard to female office-bearers. Furthermore, it was concluded that gender, marital status and geographic location exerted the greatest influence on the dependent variable (attitude towards clergywomen) while, academic qualification had no statistically significant influence.
Access to Waterless Hand Sanitizer Improves Student Hand Hygiene Behavior in Primary Schools in Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Pickering Amy J. , Davis Jennifer , Blum Annalise G. , Scalmanini Jenna , Oyier Beryl , Okoth George , Breiman Robert F. , Ram Pavani K.
Published: July 2013

Handwashing is difficult in settings with limited resources and water access. In primary schools within urban Kibera, Kenya, we investigated the impact of providing waterless hand sanitizer on student hand hygiene behavior. Two schools received a waterless hand sanitizer intervention, two schools received a handwashing with soap intervention, and two schools received no intervention. Hand cleaning behavior after toilet use was monitored for 2 months using structured observation. Hand cleaning after toileting was 82% at sanitizer schools (N = 2,507 toileting events), 38% at soap schools (N = 3,429), and 37% at control schools (N = 2,797). Students at sanitizer schools were 23% less likely to have observed rhinorrhea than control students (P = 0.02); reductions in student-reported gastrointestinal and respiratory illness symptoms were not statistically significant. Providing waterless hand sanitizer markedly increased student hand cleaning after toilet use, whereas the soap intervention did not. Waterless hand sanitizer may be a promising option to improve student hand cleansing behavior, particularly in schools with limited water access.
Influence of heterogeneous freezing on the microphysical and radiative properties of orographic cirrus clouds
Authors: Joos H. , Spichtinger P. , Reutter P. , Fusina F.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. The influence of heterogeneous freezing on the microphysical and optical properties of orographic cirrus clouds has been simulated with the cloud resolving model EULAG. Idealized simulations with different concentrations of ice nuclei (IN) in a dynamically dominated regime with high vertical velocities have been performed. Furthermore the temperature under which the cloud forms as well as the critical supersaturation which is needed for the initiation of heterogenoues freezing have been varied. The short wave, long wave and net cloud forcing has been calculated under the assumption that the clouds form between 06:00 and 12:00 LT or between 12:00 and 18:00 LT, respectively. In general it can be seen that the onset of homogeneous freezing is shifted in time depending on the IN concentration as part of the available water vapor is depleted before the critical threshold for homogeneous freezing is reached. Although the high vertical velocities in an orographic gravity wave lead to a strong adiabatic cooling followed by high ice supersaturations, a small number concentration of IN in the order of 5 L−1 is already able to strongly decrease the simulated ice crystal number burden (ICNB), ice water path (IWP) and optical depth of the cloud. In general, the ICNB, IWP and optical depth strongly decrease when the IN concentrations are increased from 0 to 50 L−1. The absolute values of the short wave, long wave and net cloud forcing are also reduced with increasing IN concentrations. If a cloud produces a net warming or cooling depends on the IN concentration, the temperature and the time of day at which the cloud forms. The clouds that form between 06:00 and 12:00 LT are mainly cooling whereas the clouds with the same microphysical properties can lead to a warming when they form between 12:00 and 18:00 LT. In order to predict the radiative forcing of cirrus clouds it is therefore necessary to take the correct dynamical and thermodynamical processes as well as the possible existence and freezing threshold of heterogeneous INs into account not only for low vertical velocities but also for dynamically dominated regimes like orographic cirrus.
Image of a subsurface current core in the southern South China Sea
Authors: Tang Q. S. , Wang D. X. , Li J. B. , Yan P. , Li J.
Published: July 2013

Abstract. A legacy seismic transect acquired on 30 and 31 May 2009 in the southern South China Sea (SCS) was reprocessed to reveal the thermohaline structure of the water column. In the study region, a mesoscale subsurface lens with extraordinary features was detected at 113.5° E, 11.5° N. It is centred at 450 m depth, occupies both the subsurface and intermediate water from 250 to 600 m, and has an intersection diameter of around 60 km. The simulated results from Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model reveal an eddy-induced subsurface current running southwestward along the deep basin edge and suggest that the imaged lens is a snapshot of the subsurface current core rather than a subsurface eddy.
Western Faculty Profile: Dr. Miguel Valvano
Authors: Kim Suzy
Published: July 2013

Dr. Miguel Valvano is a Professor Emeritus in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Western University. He also holds an academic Chair of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases at the Centre for Infection and Immunity, Queen’s University Belfast, United Kingdom. His laboratory has become an international leader in molecular research aimed at dissecting key bacterial components that directly interact with host cells to cause infections. His research team focuses on two areas: how lipopolylsaccharide (LPS) assembles on the bacterial cell surface and protects bacteria from host defenses, and characterizing the virulence properties of Burkholderia cepacia, an opportunistic pathogen that causes major health problems in patients suffering from cystic fibrosis. Suzy Kim, a member of WURJ, had the opportunity to interview Dr. Valvano to learn more about his research, his path to Western and his career.
Uneven warming shifts equatorial rain band, midlatitude westerlies
Authors: Schultz Colin
Published: July 2013

In a band near the equator, southward Northern Hemisphere winds and northward Southern Hemisphere winds come together to form the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). In this zone the equatorward winds rise and cool, creating a region of high precipitation and weak surface winds. The ITCZ's location and the precipitation it delivers to the rainforests are not static—seasonal differences in temperature between the hemispheres drive ITCZ north and south, with the convergence zone moving toward the warmer hemisphere.
Dispersion State and Fiber Toughness: Antibacterial Lysozyme‐Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Horn Daniel W. , Ao Geyou , Maugey Maryse , Zakri Cécile , Poulin Philippe , Davis Virginia A.
Published: July 2013

Novel multicomponent fibers that include single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) and lysozyme (LSZ) are reported. These fibers exhibit antibacterial and mechanical properties suitable for fabrics, clothing and technical textiles in medical environments. The challenging combination of several components in a single fiber material is achieved via fundamental studies on the phase behavior of aqueous LSZ–SWNT dispersions. The addition of molecular cationic surfactants proved to be critical to achieving stable liquid mixtures that can be spun into fibers. In the absence of the cationic surfactant tetradecyl trimethylammonium bromide (TTAB), depletion effects result in large aggregates at relatively low SWNT concentration. However, the addition of TTAB increases the concentration at which demixing occurrs by approximately one order of magnitude. Dry‐spun fibers with significant antibacterial activity and toughness are obtained from LSZ–TTAB–SWNT dispersions combined with a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) solution. Toughness is strongly affected by the initial dispersion state. The most remarkable fibers are produced from concentrated LSZ–TTAB–SWNT supernatants; they both have four times the toughness of spider silk and 70% of the native LSZ activity.
A Novel High‐Energy Hybrid Supercapacitor with an Anatase TiO2–Reduced Graphene Oxide Anode and an Activated Carbon Cathode
Authors: Kim Haegyeom , Cho Min‐Young , Kim Mok‐Hwa , Park Kyu‐Young , Gwon Hyeokjo , Lee Yunsung , Roh Kwang Chul , Kang Kisuk
Published: July 2013

A hybrid supercapacitor with high energy and power densities is reported. It comprises a composite anode of anatase TiO2 and reduced graphene oxide and an activated carbon cathode in a non‐aqueous electrolyte. While intercalation compounds can provide high energy typically at the expense of power, the anatase TiO2 nanoparticles are able to sustain both high energy and power in the hybrid supercapacitor. At a voltage range from 1.0 to 3.0 V, 42 W h kg−1 of energy is achieved at 800 W kg−1. Even at a 4‐s charge/discharge rate, an energy density as high as 8.9 W h kg−1 can be retained. The high energy and power of this hybrid supercapacitor bridges the gap between conventional batteries with high energy and low power and supercapacitors with high power and low energy.
Heat integration of a tetrahydrofuran recovery system to save energy
Authors: Li Yan‐Peng , Liu Zhi‐Yong
Published: July 2013

Based on an existing pressure‐swing distillation process for tetrahydrofuran recovery, heat integration system is investigated in which the condenser of the high‐pressure column is integrated with the reboiler of the low‐pressure column. Rigorous simulations for the base case and the retrofitted one are carried out with the commercial software aspen plus. Simulation results show that the integrated structure is feasible, and the energy consumption is reduced by 33.31% compared with the base case. Meanwhile, the product purity is increased in the integrated structure. © 2013 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Endothelial Injury in a Transforming Growth Factor β–Dependent Mouse Model of Scleroderma Induces Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Derrett‐Smith Emma C. , Dooley Audrey , Gilbane Adrian J. , Trinder Sarah L. , Khan Korsa , Baliga Reshma , Holmes Alan M. , Hobbs Adrian J. , Abraham David , Denton Christopher P.
Published: July 2013

Objective

To delineate the constitutive pulmonary vascular phenotype of the TβRIIΔk‐fib mouse model of scleroderma, and to selectively induce pulmonary endothelial cell injury using vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibition to develop a model with features characteristic of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

Methods

The TβRIIΔk‐fib mouse strain expresses a kinase‐deficient transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) receptor type II driven by a fibroblast‐specific promoter, leading to ligand‐dependent up‐regulation of TGFβ signaling, and replicates key fibrotic features of scleroderma. Structural, biochemical, and functional assessments of pulmonary vessels, including in vivo hemodynamic studies, were performed before and following VEGF inhibition, which induced pulmonary endothelial cell apoptosis. These assessments included biochemical analysis of the TGFβ and VEGF signaling axes in tissue sections and explanted smooth muscle cells.

Results

In the TβRIIΔk‐fib mouse strain, a constitutive pulmonary vasculopathy with medial thickening, a perivascular proliferating chronic inflammatory cell infiltrate, and mildly elevated pulmonary artery pressure resembled the well‐described chronic hypoxia model of pulmonary hypertension. Following administration of SU5416, the pulmonary vascular phenotype was more florid, with pulmonary arteriolar luminal obliteration by apoptosis‐resistant proliferating endothelial cells. These changes resulted in right ventricular hypertrophy, confirming hemodynamically significant PAH. Altered expression of TGFβ and VEGF ligand and receptor was consistent with a scleroderma phenotype.

Conclusion

In this study, we replicated key features of systemic sclerosis–related PAH in a mouse model. Our results suggest that pulmonary endothelial cell injury in a genetically susceptible mouse strain triggers this complication and support the underlying role of functional interplay between TGFβ and VEGF, which provides insight into the pathogenesis of this disease.
The Marriage of Peripherally Metallated and Directly Linked Porphyrins: Bromidobis(phosphine)platinum(II) as a Cation‐Stabilizing Substituent on Directly Linked and Fused Triply Linked Diporphyrins
Authors: Hartnell Regan D. , Yoneda Tomoki , Mori Hirotaka , Osuka Atsuhiro , Arnold Dennis P.
Published: July 2013

A meso‐bromidoplatiniobis(triphenylphosphine) η1‐organometallic porphyrin monomer was prepared by the oxidative addition of meso‐bromoZnDPP (DPP=dianion of 5,15‐diphenylporphyrin) to a platinum(0) species. The meso–meso directly linked dimeric porphyrin (5) was prepared from this monomer by silver(I)‐promoted oxidative coupling and planarized to give a triply linked dizinc(II) porphyrin dimer (8). Acidic demetallation of 8 afforded the bis(free base) 9. Dimer 5 was demetallated then remetallated with nickel(II) to give the dinickel(II) analogue 10, the X‐ray crystal structure of which showed a twisted molecule with ruffled, orthogonal NiDPP rings, terminated by square‐planar trans‐[Pt(PPh3)2Br] units. New compounds were fully characterized spectroscopically, and the fused diporphyrin exhibited a broad, low‐energy, near‐IR electronic absorption band near 1100 nm. Electrochemical measurements of this series indicate that the organometallic fragment is a strong electron donor towards the porphyrin ring. The triply linked organometallic diporphyrin has a substantially lowered first one‐electron oxidation potential (−0.35 V versus the ferrocene/ferrocenium couple (Fc/Fc+)) and a narrow HOMO–LUMO gap of 0.96 V. Solutions prepared for NMR spectroscopy slowly decompose with degradation of the signals, which is attributed to partial oxidation to the cation radical. This paramagnetic species can be reduced in situ by hydrazine to restore the NMR spectrum to its former appearance. The combined influence of the two [Pt(PPh3)2Br] electron‐donating substituents is sufficient to make dimer 5 too aerobically unstable to allow further elaboration.
A predictive biomarker for altered 5‐fluorouracil pharmacokinetics following repeated administration in a rat model of colorectal cancer
Authors: Kobuchi Shinji , Kuwano Shota , Imoto Kazuki , Okada Kae , Nishimura Asako , Ito Yukako , Shibata Nobuhito , Takada Kanji
Published: July 2013

The relationship between the plasma ratio of dihydrouracil/uracil (UH2/Ura) and hepatic dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) activity after repeated 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) treatment in rats with colorectal cancer (CRC) was investigated. Repeated intravenous 5‐FU bolus injections resulted in a significant decrease in the total clearance (CLtot) and an increased area under the curve (AUC0‐∞) in CRC rats. Furthermore, the hepatic DPD levels and the plasma ratio of UH2/Ura decreased significantly and lost their circadian rhythms in CRC rats treated repeatedly with 5‐FU, although significant circadian variation in the two parameters was observed in the control CRC rats. Moreover, a significant correlation was found between the plasma ratio of UH2/Ura and hepatic DPD activity in CRC rats untreated and treated with single or repeated 5‐FU administration (r2 = 0.865, p < 0.01). The ratio of UH2/Ura in plasma could be a predictive biomarker of the suppression of hepatic DPD levels during repeated 5‐FU‐based treatment. Furthermore, by plotting the observed pharmacokinetic parameters of 5‐FU against hepatic DPD activity levels predicted by the ratio of UH2/Ura in plasma, AUC0‐∞, CLtot and half‐life (t1/2) were closely linked to predicted hepatic DPD activity levels. These observations suggest that the factor that significantly influences the AUC0‐∞, CLtot and t1/2 of 5‐FU after single or repeated administration of 5‐FU is the hepatic DPD activity and it could be assessed by the ratio of UH2/Ura in plasma. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Paying for quality? Associations between private school income, performance and use of resources
Authors: Davies Peter , Davies Neil M.
Published: July 2013

Education policy in England has explicitly aimed to remodel state schools in the image of independent, private, schools. However, the body of research evidence on the operation of private schools is very small. Critics have frequently argued that, in contrast to state schools, private schools use resources efficiently because their autonomy gives them freedom to make efficient choices in response to market pressures. We investigated the resource allocation decisions of income private schools using data from their financial accounts. We report the associations of private school spending and performance and teacher and non‐teacher numbers, teacher salaries and regional earnings. Schools with higher fees had more teachers and non‐teachers per pupil, but similar average staff wages to schools with lower income. Yet we found little evidence that achievement was associated with resource use in English private schools. That is, we found no evidence to support the view that financial autonomy enabled flexibility in using resources to promote higher achievement.
Systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of the effect of tranexamic acid on surgical blood loss
Authors: Ker K , Prieto-Merino D , Roberts I
Published: July 2013

Background

Tranexamic acid (TXA) reduces blood transfusion in surgery but the extent of the reduction in blood loss and how it relates to the dose of TXA is unclear.

Methods

A systematic review of randomized trials was performed. Data were extracted on blood loss from trials comparing intravenous TXA with no TXA or placebo in surgical patients. A Bayesian linear regression was used to describe the relationship between the reduction in blood loss with TXA and the extent of bleeding as measured by the mean blood loss in the control group. A meta-analysis of the log-transformed data was conducted to quantify the effect of TXA on blood loss, stratified by type of surgery, timing of TXA administration and trial quality. Meta-regression was used to explore the effect of TXA dosage.

Results

Data from 104 trials were examined. Although the absolute reduction in blood loss with TXA increased as surgical bleeding increased, the percentage reduction was similar. TXA reduced blood loss by 34 per cent (pooled ratio 0·66, 95 per cent confidence interval 0·65 to 0·67; P < 0·001). The percentage reduction in blood loss with TXA differed by type of surgery, timing of TXA administration and trial quality, but the differences were small. The effect of TXA on blood loss did not vary over the range of doses assessed (5·5–300 mg/kg).

Conclusion

TXA reduces blood loss in surgical patients by about one-third. A total dose of 1 g appears to be sufficient for most adults. There is no evidence to support the use of high doses.
Differential roles of astrocyte and microglia in supporting oligodendrocyte development and myelination in vitro
Authors: Pang Yi , Fan Lir‐Wan , Tien Lu‐Tai , Dai XueMei , Zheng Baoying , Cai Zhengwei , Lin Rick C. S. , Bhatt Abhay
Published: July 2013

Oligodendrocyte (OL) development relies on many extracellular cues, most of which are secreted cytokines from neighboring neural cells. Although it is generally accepted that both astrocytes and microglia are beneficial for OL development, there is a lack of understanding regarding whether astrocytes and microglia play similar or distinct roles. The current study examined the effects of astrocytes and microglia on OL developmental phenotypes including cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, and myelination in vitro. Our data reveal that, although both astrocytes‐ and microglia‐conditioned medium (ACDM and MCDM, respectively) protect OL progenitor cells (OPCs) against growth factor withdrawal‐induced apoptosis, ACDM is significantly more effective than MCDM in supporting long‐term OL survival. In contrast, MCDM preferentially promotes OL differentiation and myelination. These differential effects of ACDM and MCDM on OL development are highlighted by distinct pattern of cytokine/growth factors in the conditioned medium, which correlates with differentially activated intracellular signaling pathways in OPCs upon exposure to the conditioned medium.
Dual‐space ray casting for height field rendering
Authors: Luo Jianxin , Hu Guyu , Ni Guiqiang
Published: July 2013

This paper presents a realistic ray casting model on a curved surface. Guided by the model, we derive an analytical solution for spherical surfaces and propose a mathematical model by solving one problem in two spaces. By using the solution, we introduce a novel framework for spherical height field rendering. We have successfully implemented a spherical height field rendering framework on the graphics processing unit and obtained real‐time rendering rates with screen error below 1 pixel. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chirality in Distorted Square Planar Pd(O,N)2 Compounds
Authors: Brunner Henri , Bodensteiner Michael , Tsuno Takashi
Published: July 2013

Salicylidenimine palladium(II) complexes trans‐Pd(O,N)2 adopt step and bowl arrangements. A stereochemical analysis subdivides 52 compounds into 41 step and 11 bowl types. Step complexes with chiral N‐substituents and all the bowl complexes induce chiral distortions in the square planar system, resulting in Δ/Λ configuration of the Pd(O,N)2 unit. In complexes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 with enantiomerically pure N‐substituents ligand chirality entails a specific square chirality and only one diastereomer assembles in the lattice. Dimeric Pd(O,N)2 complexes with bridging N‐substituents in trans‐arrangement are inherently chiral. For dimers 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 different chirality patterns for the Pd(O,N)2 square are observed. The crystals contain racemates of enantiomers. In complex 12 two independent molecules form a tight pair. The (RC) configuration of the ligand induces the same Δ chirality in the Pd(O,N)2 units of both molecules with varying square chirality due to the different crystallographic location of the independent molecules. In complexes 13 and 14 atrop isomerism induces specific configurations in the Pd(O,N)2 bowl systems. The square chirality is largest for complex 15 [(Diop)Rh(PPh3)Cl)], a catalyst for enantioselective hydrogenation. In the lattice of 15 two diastereomers with the same (RC,RC) configuration in the ligand Diop but opposite Δ and Λ square configurations co‐crystallize, a rare phenomenon in stereochemistry. Chirality 25:663–667, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Primary sclerosing cholangitis with equivocal cytology: Fluorescence in situ hybridization and serum CA 19‐9 predict risk of malignancy
Authors: Barr Fritcher Emily G. , Voss Jesse S. , Jenkins Sarah M. , Lingineni Ravi K. , Clayton Amy C. , Roberts Lewis R. , Halling Kevin C. , Talwalkar Jayant A. , Gores Gregory J. , Kipp Benjamin R.
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

Patients diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and dominant strictures often undergo endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with brush cytology to exclude or confirm the development of malignancy. Equivocal (atypical or suspicious) routine cytologic results may confound patient management decisions, especially in the absence of a mass on imaging. The objective of the current study was to identify independent predictors of malignancy in patients with PSC with an equivocal cytology diagnosis.

METHODS

Patients with PSC underwent brush cytology for routine cytology and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) during endoscopy as per standard care. FISH slides were classified as polysomy if at least 5 cells displayed a gain of ≥ 2 probes. A retrospective search identified 102 patients without a mass lesion noted on initial imaging studies, an equivocal routine cytology, and ≥ 2 years of follow‐up.

RESULTS

Of 102 patients, 30 (29%) with an equivocal cytology result developed cancer within 2 years. Serum carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 (CA 19‐9) levels ≥ 129 U/mL (hazard ratio [HR] 3.19; P = .001) and polysomy (HR 8.70; P < .001) were each found to be predictive of cancer. Of 10 patients who had elevated CA 19‐9 levels and polysomy, all went on to develop cancer (9 within 2 years). Although only 10 patients were included in this subset, the combination of elevated CA 19‐9 and polysomy was found to be predictive of cancer (HR 10.92; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Polysomy by FISH identified those patients most likely to have or develop malignancy in the challenging clinical scenario of PSC with no mass at baseline and equivocal cytology. The combination of an elevated serum CA 19‐9 level with polysomy is highly suspicious for the presence of malignancy. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2013;121:708–717. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Diagnostic error assessment and associated harm of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration of neuroendocrine neoplasms of the pancreas
Authors: Hooper Kari , Mukhtar Faisal , Li Shaoying , Eltoum Isam A.
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

Over the past decade, the standardization of error classification in anatomic pathology has become an important issue. The objective of the current study was to assess the extent of errors occurring in the cytopathologic diagnosis of neuroendocrine lesions of the pancreas, and to classify these errors and their associated harm.

METHODS

Information on all cases diagnosed as a neuroendocrine neoplasm either by endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) in cytology or by surgical pathology between 2000 and 2012 was collected. Using standardized error and harm classification, the authors reviewed the cytology and surgical pathology material and evaluated the type and the cause of diagnostic errors and their impact on the patient.

RESULTS

A total of 177 patients who underwent EUS‐FNA were diagnosed with a neuroendocrine neoplasm either by cytology or surgical pathology. Eighty of these cases had surgical follow‐up available at the study institution. Of these 80 cases, 56 had an adequate cell block and immunohistochemistry was performed. There were 14 discrepancies noted between cytologic and surgical pathologic diagnoses. There were 9 false‐negative cases, consisting of 3 interpretation errors and 6 cytology sampling errors. There were 5 misclassifications, including 4 cases of solid pseudopapillary neoplasm and 1 case of neuroendocrine carcinoma (diagnosed as adenocarcinoma on cytology). There were no surgical pathology errors noted. All errors were associated with no or minor harm.

CONCLUSIONS

EUS‐FNA of pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms has excellent diagnostic performance, with no false‐positive diagnoses reported. When an adequate sample is obtained, the most significant error is misclassification, which is most often associated with solid pseudopapillary neoplasm. The harm associated with diagnostic errors is at most minor. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2013;121:653–60. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Utilizing Ancillary Ligands to Optimize the Photophysical Properties of 4H‐Imidazole Ruthenium Dyes
Authors: Wächtler Maria , Maiuri Margherita , Brida Daniele , Popp Jürgen , Rau Sven , Cerullo Giulio , Dietzek Benjamin
Published: July 2013

Correlations between structural features and photophysical properties offer the possibility to design dyes with tailor‐made properties. In this respect, the photophysical properties of a series of 4H‐imidazole (4H‐im) ruthenium dyes with varying chemical and electronic structures of the complex fragments [(tpy)Ru(4H‐im)X] {tpy=4,4′,4′′‐tri‐tert‐butyl‐2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine; X=Cl−, NCS−} and [(bpy)2 Ru(4H‐im)]+ {bpy=4,4′‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine} were investigated. Variation of the π‐donor/acceptor properties of the ancillary ligands offers the possibility to tune the relative energies of the d donor and π* acceptor orbitals of 4H‐im, which results in a shift in the Ru→4H‐im 1MLCT (MLCT=metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer) absorption band in the visible range. Further, the energies of the excited states and also the interactions and mixing of the metal d orbital with the π* 4H‐im orbital are sensitive to the chemical and electronic structures of the complex fragment. This causes subtle changes in the photoinduced processes; for example, the rate of the interim population of a planarized state increases with increasing/decreasing π‐acceptor/donor character of the ancillary ligand. Although ground‐state repopulation in the tpy species follows the energy‐gap law, local symmetry‐related effects have to be considered to account for the very short lifetime of the excitation in the bpy complex. Additionally, the ultrafast intramolecular relaxation processes leading from the initially excited states to the relaxed triplet states localized on the 4H‐im ligand (internal conversion, internal vibrational energy redistribution, intersystem crossing) depend on the nature of the complex fragment. The high excitation‐wavelength‐dependent rate for the population of the relaxed triplet states in the bpy complex points to additional interligand electron‐transfer contributions upon excitation into the higher lying Ru→bpy 1MLCT states.
Lymphocyte subsets: Reference ranges in an age‐ and gender‐balanced population of Omani healthy adults
Authors: Al‐Mawali Adhra , Pinto Avinash Daniel , Al Busaidi Raiya , Al‐Zakwani Ibrahim
Published: July 2013

Country‐specific reference ranges for adult peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets have been established in a few countries around the world; however, there have been no specific comprehensive studies in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Middle East, which investigated age and gender‐specific reference ranges. Demographic and environmental factors may contribute to variations in these subsets around the world, and thus there is a great necessity for each country to establish its own reference ranges. Hence, the aim of this study is to establish lymphocyte subsets reference ranges for Omani healthy adults. Total, age, and gender‐specific reference ranges were established using four‐color flow cytometry analysis with an extensive panel of monoclonal antibodies in 50 healthy adult males and females aged between 18 and 57. Reference values were expressed as median and 95% confidence intervals for T cells—CD3+: 76.5 (57–89), CD4+: 45 (31–58), CD5+: 75 (58–85), CD7+: 80 (70–89), CD8+: 29.5 (19–43); B cells—CD10+: 1 (1–3), CD19+: 14 (6–23), CD20+: 14 (6–23), and NK cells—CD16+: 9 (3–22), CD56+: 13 (5–24), CD3−/(CD16+/CD56+): 7 (3–20). In comparison with other published studies, the lymphocyte subsets reference ranges in healthy Omani adults were similar to those reported in the rest of the world. These observations have important clinical implications in lymphocyte subset analysis in Oman, especially in the management of immunological disorders. The reference ranges established by this study can be adopted as a reference for clinical practice decisions. © 2013 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry