bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Syntheses and properties of dumbbell‐shaped POSS derivatives linked by luminescent π‐conjugated units
Authors: Araki Hitoshi , Naka Kensuke
Published: July 2012

Dumbbell‐shaped isobutyl‐substituted 1,2‐bis(4‐vinylphenyl)acetylene‐linked POSS (DA1), 9,10‐bis(4‐vinylphenyl)ethynyl)anthracene‐linked POSS (DA2), and 5,5″‐bis((4‐vinyl)phenyl)ethynyl)‐2,2′:5′2″‐terthiophene‐linked POSS (DA3), and corresponding model compounds were synthesized by cross metathesis and Sonogashira reaction, and their film formability, and thermal and optical properties were examined. The dumbbell structures of the obtained compounds were confirmed by 1H‐, 13C‐, and 29Si‐NMR and MALDI‐TOF‐MS analysis. The dumbbell‐shaped POSS compounds gave optically transparent films. All the model compounds, however, formed opaque films. All the films were emissive under UV irradiation. The dumbbell structures minimize longer wavelength shifts and improve emission efficiency of the luminescent π‐conjugated linker units in their solid states compared with the model compounds. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012.
Polymer electrolyte membranes based on polystyrenes with phosphonic acid via long alkyl side chains
Authors: Tamura Youko , Sheng Li , Nakazawa Satoshi , Higashihara Tomoya , Ueda Mitsuru
Published: July 2012

A series of polystyrenes with phosphonic acid (5) via long alkyl side chains (4, 6, and 8 methylene units) were prepared by the radical polymerization of the corresponding diethyl ω‐(4‐vinylphenoxy)alkylphosphonates, followed by the hydrolysis with trimethylsilyl bromide. The resulting phosphonated polystyrene membranes had a high oxidative stability against Fenton's reagent at room temperature. The membranes prepared from 5 exhibited a very low water uptake, similar to that of Nafion 117 over the wide range of 30 to 80% relative humidity (RH). The proton conductivities of these membranes are lower than that of Nafion 117 in the range of 30 to 90% RH, but comparable or higher than those of the reported phosphonated polymers with higher IEC values, such as the phosphonated poly(N‐phenylacrylamide) (PDPAA, IEC: 6.72 mequiv/g) and fluorinated polymers with pendant phosphonic acids (M47, IEC: 8.5 mequiv/g), at low RH conditions despite the much lower IEC values (3.0–3.8 mequiv/g) of these membranes. These results suggest that the flexible pendant side chains of 5 would contribute to the formation of hydrogen‐bonding networks by considering the very low water uptake of these polymers. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
RAFT‐mediated synthesis of poly[(oligoethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate] brushes for biological functions
Authors: Zengin Adem , Caykara Tuncer
Published: July 2012

The synthesis of poly[(oligoethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate] [poly(OEGA)] brushes was achieved via reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization and used to selectively immobilize streptavidin proteins. Initially, gold surfaces were modified with a trithiocarbonate‐based RAFT chain transfer agent (CTA) by using an ester reaction involving a gold substrate modified with 11‐mercapto‐1‐undecanol and bis(2‐butyric acid)trithiocarbonate. poly(OEGA) brushes were then prepared via RAFT‐mediated polymerization from the surface‐immobilized CTA. The immobilization of CTA on the gold surface and the subsequent polymer formation were followed by ellipsometry, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, grazing angle‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and water contact‐angle measurements. RAFT‐mediated polymerization method gave CTA groups to grafted poly(OEGA) termini, which can be converted to various biofunctional groups. The terminal carboxylic acid groups of poly(OEGA) chains were functionalized with amine‐functionalized biotin units to provide selective attachment points for streptavidin proteins. Fluorescence microscopy measurements confirmed the successful immobilization of streptavidin molecules on the polymer brushes. It is demonstrated that this fabrication method may be successfully applied for specific protein recognition and immobilization. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Structural and Thermal Characterization of A Novel High Nitrogen Energetic Material: (NH4)2DNMT
Authors: Xu Kang‐Zhen , Zhang Hang , Liu Ping , Huang Jie , Ren Ying‐Hui , Wang Bo‐Zhou , Zhao Feng‐Qi
Published: July 2012

1,4‐Dihydro‐5H‐(dinitromethylene)‐tetrazole ammonium salt ((NH4)2DNMT), a high nitrogen energetic compound, was synthesized and structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The thermal behavior of (NH4)2DNMT was studied with DSC and TG‐DTG methods. The kinetic equation of the thermal decomposition reaction is: dα/dT=1013.17/3β(1−α)−2 exp(−1.388×105/RT). The critical temperature of thermal explosion is 182.7 °C. The specific heat capacity of (NH4)2DNMT was determined and the molar heat capacity is 301 J mol−1 K−1 at 298.15 K. The adiabatic time‐to‐explosion of (NH4)2DNMT was calculated to be 277 s. The detonation velocity and detonation pressure were also estimated. All results showed that (NH4)2DNMT presents good performance.
Nanodiamond‐therapeutic complexes embedded within poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate hydrogels mediating sequential drug elution
Authors: Man Han B. , Lam Robert , Chen Mark , Osawa Eiji , Ho Dean
Published: July 2012

The versatility of nanodiamonds (NDs) as a polymer‐embedded therapeutic vehicle was demonstrated by the development of a hybrid material consisting of a poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogel embedded with ND‐drug complexes. A wide range of PEGDA structures, including single and multiple drug reservoirs, exhibited high loading capabilities and stable slow‐release, augmented with the addition of ND conjugates. ND‐PEGDA hydrogels were compared to unmodified, drug‐embedded PEGDA hydrogels to demonstrate their robust drug sequestering capacity in vitro. Remarkably, ND‐embedded hydrogels were capable of mitigating the harmful effects of burst‐release by displaying slow and controlled administration of therapeutic compounds, an improvement over standard diffusion‐based release profiles. The tunable customization of PEGDA hydrogel, both in structure and content, as well as its facile methods of synthesis, make this material an effective multi‐therapeutic complement to the drug delivery abilities of NDs. A hybrid material that utilizes the synergy of PEGDA and ND components has the potential for applications toward a diverse array of biomedical challenges.

magnified image

An artistic rendering of a multi‐layered PEGDA patch. The center of the patch (purple) contains drug‐bound ND particles that are being released (gray truncated octahedra with purple glow), while the outer ring depicts the molecule Temozolomide (green). This image illustrates the ability for tiered patches to simultaneously administer multiple drugs, as well as the drug‐sequestering ability of NDs that mediates sustained delivery and reduced burst release. The nested structure of the two drugs was designed so that the therapeutics could be released sequentially, at different peak‐elution time intervals.
Giant dielectric and ferromagnetic response in Ba0.4Sr0.6Ti1−yCoyO3 ceramics
Authors: Zhang Jingji , Liu Jintao , Huang Xia , Lin Xuecheng , Wang Jiangying
Published: July 2012

Ba0.4Sr0.6Ti1−yCoyO3 ceramics show a diphase of Ba1−xSrxTiO3 and 6H‐hexagonal BaTi1−yCoyO3. As y increases, Ba0.4Sr0.6Ti1−yCoyO3 ceramics experience a transformation from ferroelectric to relaxor‐like behavior. For the samples with y ≥ 0.10, the dielectric constant exhibits relaxor‐like behavior with the frequency‐dependent temperature of the dielectric peak Tm following an Arrhenius law, accompanying a giant dielectric response. The dielectric relaxation with an extremely high dielectric peak is attributed to charge ordering and defects. The samples with low Co levels (y ≤ 0.05) exhibit dielectric nonlinear behavior, whereas those with high Co levels (y ≥ 0.10) have ferromagnetic properties.
Time evolution of resistance in response to magnetic field: Evidence of glassy transport in La0.85Sr0.15CoO3
Authors: Samal D. , Kundu R. , Dalai M. K. , Sekhar B. R. , Kumar P. S. Anil
Published: July 2012

We demonstrate the distinct glassy transport phenomena associated with the phase separated and spin‐glass‐like phases of La0.85Sr0.15CoO3, prepared under different heat‐treatment conditions. The low‐temperature annealed (phase‐separated) sample, exhibits a small change in resistance, with evolution of time, as compared to the high‐temperature annealed (spin glass) one. However, the resistance change as a function of time, in both cases, is well described by a stretched exponential fit, signifying the slow dynamics. Moreover, the ultraviolet spectroscopy study evidences a relatively higher density of states in the vicinity of EF for low‐temperature annealed sample and this correctly points to its less semiconducting behavior.
Cannabidiol in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Brief Overview
Authors: Esposito Giuseppe , Filippis Daniele De , Cirillo Carla , Iuvone Teresa , Capoccia Elena , Scuderi Caterina , Steardo Antonio , Cuomo Rosario , Steardo Luca
Published: July 2012

This minireview highlights the importance of cannabidiol (CBD) as a promising drug for the therapy of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Actual pharmacological treatments for IBD should be enlarged toward the search for low‐toxicityand low‐cost drugs that may be given alone or in combination with the conventional anti‐IBD drugs to increase their efficacy in the therapy of relapsing forms of colitis. In the past, Cannabis preparations have been considered new promising pharmacological tools in view of their anti‐inflammatory role in IBD as well as other gut disturbances. However, their use in the clinical therapy has been strongly limited by their psychotropic effects. CBD is a very promising compound since it shares the typical cannabinoid beneficial effects on gut lacking any psychotropic effects. For years, its activity has been enigmatic for gastroenterologists and pharmacologists, but now it is evident that this compound may interact at extra‐cannabinoid system receptor sites, such as peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma. This strategic interaction makes CBD as a potential candidate for the development of a new class of anti‐IBD drugs. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structuring and destructuring effects along a pathway toward formation of zwitterionic glycine···(H2O)2 complex: many body analysis of clusters and molecular electrostatic potential investigations
Authors: Kulkarni Anant D. , Rai Dhurba , Gejji Shridhar P. , Bartolotti Libero J. , Pathak Rajeev K.
Published: July 2012

We investigate molecular cooperativity in the process of conversion of neutral “canonical” form of glycine···(H2O)2 to its zwitterionic form by an intramolecular proton transfer induced by displacement of the oxygen of the water molecule proximal to the amino group, toward the hydrogen bonded H of the latter. In one of the possible pathways considered here, the carboxyl proton is seen to migrate to the amino group resulting into a stable, energetically locally minimal albeit slightly higher, zwitterionic state. Second‐order Møller‐Plesset perturbation theory (MP2) is used for this study; also, the Density Functional Theory (DFT) that includes popular density functionals, viz. B3LYP, B3PW91, as well as a new‐generation functional M06‐L; in conjunction with the basis set 6‐311++G(2d,2p). The proton transfer concomitantly brings in tangible changes in the molecular electrostatic potential profiles as well as repercussions in the salient infra‐red spectra. It is gratifying that DFT provides a consistently competent description of the transfer process. The proton transfer is examined through a “many‐body interaction‐energy analysis of clusters” scheme whence it is perceived that glycine primarily is neither a structure maker nor a breaker with respect to water···water interactions in the cluster. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantification of glycopeptides by multiple reaction monitoring liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Song Ehwang , Pyreddy Swetha , Mechref Yehia
Published: July 2012

Protein glycosylation has a major influence on functions of proteins. Studies have shown that aberrations in glycosylation are indicative of disease conditions. This has prompted major research activities for comparative studies of glycoproteins in biological samples. Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) is a highly sensitive technique which has been recently explored for quantitative proteomics. In this work, MRM was adopted for quantification of glycopeptides derived from both model glycoproteins and depleted human blood serum using glycan oxonium ions as transitions. The utilization of oxonium ions aids in identifying the different types of glycans bound to peptide backbones. MRM experiments were optimized by evaluating different parameters that have a major influence on quantification of glycopeptides, which include MRM time segments, number of transitions, and normalized collision energies. The results indicate that oxonium ions could be adopted for the characterization and quantification of glycopeptides in general, eliminating the need to select specific transitions for individual precursor ions. Also, the specificity increased with the number of transitions and a more sensitive analysis can be obtained by providing specific time segments. This approach can be applied to comparative and quantitative studies of glycopeptides in biological samples as illustrated for the case of depleted blood serum sample. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metabolism profile of timosaponin B‐II in urine after oral administration to rats by ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Liu Zhirui , Zhu Dongliang , Lv Lei , Li Yueyue , Dong Xing , Zhu Zhenyu , Chai Yifeng
Published: July 2012

RATIONALE

Timosaponin B‐II (TB‐II) is one of the major bioactive steroid glycosides isolated from Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bge. (Fam. Liliaceae). It has been regarded as a potential lead compound, which may be further developed into a promising new drug for preventing dementia. To fully understand the action mechanism of TB‐II, it is important to study the metabolism profile of this compound in vivo.

METHODS

Herein, a rapid and sensitive method based on ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC)/quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (QTOFMS) was established to comprehensively investigate the metabolism of TB‐II in Sprague–Dawley rat urine following oral administration of a single dose of TB‐II at 500.4 mg·kg–1.

RESULTS

A total of twelve metabolites were detected and identified by means of comparing molecular mass, retention time and spectral pattern of the analytes with those of the parent drug. A possible metabolic pathway on the biotransformation of TB‐II was also investigated and proposed.

CONCLUSIONS

Oxidation, deglycosylation and E‐ring cleavage were found to be the major metabolic processes of the compound in rat. It is the first report on a mammalian metabolism study of timosaponin, a common member of steroid glycosides, in rat urine. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isomeric differentiation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons using silver nitrate reactive desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Eftekhari Mohammad , Ismail Ali I. , Zare Richard N.
Published: July 2012

RATIONALE

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are nonpolar and difficult to detect by desorption electrospray ionization. We present a new detection method based on cationization with silver ions, which has the added advantage of being able to differentiate PAHs with the same mass but different structure.

METHODS

9,10‐Diphenylanthracene and triptycene, in addition to four different groups of PAH isomers: (1) anthracene and phenanthrene, (2) pyrene and fluoranthene, (3) benz[a]anthracene, benz[b]anthracene (tetracene), and chrysene (4) benzo[a]pyrene and benzo[k]fluoranthene, were deposited on a paper surface and bombarded with methanol droplets containing silver nitrate. The resulting microdroplets entered a quadruple mass spectrometer for mass analysis.

RESULTS

The mass spectrum shows [PAH]+, [Ag + OH + PAH]+, and [Ag(PAH)n]+ (n = 1, 2) (and [PAH + O2]+ in the case of benz[b]anthracene) ions. PAHs having a bay structure, such as phenanthrene, showed a different tendency to interact with silver ions from those PAHs having a linear arrangement of the fused benzene rings, such as anthracene. The ratios of the [PAH]+ peak intensity to that of [Ag–PAH]+, [Ag + OH + PAH]+, [Ag(PAH)2]+, and [PAH + O2]+ were used to differentiate the PAH isomers sharing the same molecular formula with different structures. For isomeric mixtures the [PAH]+ to [Ag + OH + PAH]+ ratio was found to be the most useful parameter. The uncertainty in the mole fraction of an isomeric mixture was ±0.09, ±0.13, ±0.25, and ±0.1 for phenanthrene‐anthracene, fluoranthene‐pyrene, benz[a]anthracene‐chrysene, and benzo[a]pyrene‐benzo[k]fluoranthene, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

A simple method has been developed for the detection of PAHs in desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry based on Ag(I) cationization. The method showed a capability to differentiate PAHs isomers (having the same molecular mass) in isomeric mixture with an uncertainty in the mole fraction of about ±0.1. At high inlet temperature and voltage, this method showed better sensitivity but less ability to differentiate between isomeric species. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dead‐time correction for time‐of‐flight secondary‐ion mass spectral images: a critical issue in multivariate image analysis
Authors: Tyler Bonnie J. , Peterson Richard E.
Published: July 2012

Dead‐time effects result in a non‐linear detector response in the common time‐of‐flight secondary‐ion mass spectrometry instruments. This can result in image artifacts that can often be misinterpreted. Although the Poisson correction procedure has been shown to effectively eliminate this non‐linearity in spectra, applying the correction to images presents difficulties because the low number of counts per pixel can create large statistical errors. The efficacy of three approaches to dead‐time correction in images has been explored. These approaches include: pixel binning, image segmentation and a binomial statistical correction. When few pixels are fully saturated, all three approaches work satisfactorily. When a large number of pixels are fully saturated, the statistical approach fails to remove the dead‐time artifacts revealed by multivariate analysis. Pixel binning is accurate at higher levels of saturation so long as the bin size is much smaller than the feature size. The segmentation approach works well independent of feature size or the number of fully saturated pixels but requires an accurate segmentation algorithm. It is recommended that images be collected under conditions that minimize the number of fully saturated pixels. When this is impractical and small features are present in the image, segmentation can provide an accurate way to correct for the detector saturation effect. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimating changes in emissions from bus rapid transit: making best use of transport sector experience
Authors: Sayeg Philip , Bray David
Published: July 2012

Bus rapid transit (BRT) systems have been implemented in the last 30 years in Europe, Latin America, Oceania, United Kingdom, Asia, and North America to provide improved levels of public transport service. The associated benefits of reduced greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption have been increasingly recognized. The clean development mechanism (CDM) provides two approved methodologies for estimating and verifying reduced greenhouse gas emissions due to modal switch induced by BRT. However, the methods do not fully account for established transport sector experience on the complexities of forecasting and measuring the direct and induced changes in travel behavior. Incorporation of relevant experience from the transport sector would lead to improved methods for ex ante estimation of changes in emissions and energy consumption. Similarly, by focusing on the key factors that influence emissions and energy consumption, verification procedures could be made more relevant and efficient. Transport sector experience also indicates limitations in the approach used to derive the baseline case in the CDM methodologies (i.e., the situation that would have been the case without the project). Current CDM methodologies also do not distinguish between vehicle drivers and passengers when considering the impact of a switch from private vehicles, and do not adequately take account of the changes in location and travel behavior that could occur. These limitations, which are equally applicable to other rapid transit improvement projects, are reviewed, and examples are given of the extent of misestimation that could occur. Consideration is also given to improved methodologies. The benefits of learnings from the transport sector are illustrated.

This article is categorized under:

Energy Efficiency > Economics and Policy

Energy Policy and Planning > Economics and Policy

Energy and Development > Economics and Policy

Energy and Development > Climate and Environment
Offshore wind—an overview
Authors: MacAskill Allan , Mitchell Paul
Published: July 2012

In this article, the state of the art technology developments and challenges that need to be overcome as the emerging offshore wind industry matures over the coming decade to become a significant source of electricity generation are discussed. A brief summary of the history and drivers of the offshore wind industry is provided followed by more detailed analysis of the current market, focusing on the major developments in Northwest Europe. The offshore wind industry is in the process of shifting from shallow water, near shore projects, to deeper water projects, much farther from shore. This has necessitated the development of larger turbines, a range of substructures, and more advanced installation techniques. The primary components constituting an offshore windfarm—turbines, foundations, substructures, electrical and transmission infrastructure, installation, and operations and maintenance—are analyzed and the opportunities for improvements in both technology and productivity within each component are presented. Technical advances in turbines, substructures, vessels, and the electrical infrastructure will allow larger turbines to be constructed and deployed. These, combined with productivity improvements gained through serial production in manufacturing and construction, represent the most significant ways in which the industry will advance in the future.

This article is categorized under:

Wind Power > Systems and Infrastructure
Masquelet's procedure and bone morphogenetic protein in congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia in children: A case series and meta-analysis
Authors: Dohin Bruno , Kohler Remi
Published: July 2012

Purpose

A type 2 recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP2) and Masquelet's procedure were used in three children presenting with congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (CPT). Recent studies on CPT suggested the presence in situ of pathologic tissues promoting pseudarthrosis. The authors hypothesized that large segmental resection of pseudarthrosis could improve prognosis of the CPT. Masquelet's procedure and rhBMP2 have been advocated for the treatment of long bone defect.

Method

The authors report three cases of CPT in children treated with Masquelet's procedure and application of rhBMP2. They analyzed all published cases of CPT similarly treated.

Results

In the present study, Masquelet's procedure did not improve the results in the treatment of CPT, but segmental bone reconstruction was possible. Bone healing was obtained in three out of the five applications of rhBMP2. In one case, the patient's parents asked for leg amputation. Analysis of the 33 published cases with the application of BMP in CPT points to a 62 % healing rate in this pathology.

Conclusion

The authors confirmed that segmental bone reconstruction is possible in CPT using Masquelet's procedure. In the literature, the success rate of the application of rhBMP in CPT appears to be lower than the healing rate usually reported without BMP. Nevertheless, the strict selection of patients, limited number of cases, and their heterogeneity make interpreting the results difficult. However, the theoretical risk which the children are exposed to during the use of BMP makes rigorous selection of the indications necessary. Finally, the interest of rhBMP2 application in Masquelet's procedure remained to be proven.
Cold‐inducible RNA‐binding protein (CIRP) regulates target mRNA stabilization in the mouse testis
Authors: Xia Zhiping , Zheng Xinmin , Zheng Hang , Liu Xiaojun , Yang Zhonghua , Wang Xinghuan
Published: July 2012

Cold‐inducible RNA‐binding protein (CIRP) is an RNA‐binding protein that is expressed in normal testis and down‐regulated after heat stress. Recent studies suggest that CIRP contributes to male fertility problems but the mechanisms are unclear. The purpose of this study was to identify the likely mechanism of CIRP in reproduction. Based on the RNA‐Binding Protein Immunoprecipitation‐Microarray (Chip) Profiling (RIP‐Chip) and biotin pull‐down assays, we found that the mRNAs binding with CIRP in testis were mostly associated with translation regulator activity, antioxidant activity, envelope and reproduction, including important mRNAs related to male infertility. We also discovered that (Un)(n
⩾ 2) was the possible core recognition sequence, and the binding mRNAs increased their stabilization. Our results improve our understanding of the mechanism by which heat stress causes male infertility.
A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 4 (ADAMTS‐4) cleaves Reelin in an isoform‐dependent manner
Authors: Hisanaga Arisa , Morishita Shunsuke , Suzuki Kenta , Sasaki Kazutomo , Koie Mari , Kohno Takao , Hattori Mitsuharu
Published: July 2012

Reelin is a glycoprotein essential for brain development and functions. Reelin is subject to specific proteolysis at two distinct (N‐t and C‐t) sites, and these cleavages significantly diminish Reelin activity. The decrease of Reelin activity is detrimental for brain function, but the protease that catalyzes specific cleavage of Reelin remains elusive. Here we found that a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 4 (ADAMTS‐4) cleaves Reelin in an isoform‐specific manner. Among ADAMTS‐4 isoforms, p50 cleaves the N‐t site only, while p75 cleaves both sites. This is the first report identifying a protease that can specifically cleave Reelin.
SARA is dispensable for functional TGF‐β signaling
Authors: Bakkebø Maren , Huse Kanutte , Hilden Vera I. , Forfang Lise , Myklebust June H. , Smeland Erlend B. , Oksvold Morten P.
Published: July 2012

Smad anchor for receptor activation (SARA or ZFYVE9) has been proposed to mediate transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) signaling by direct interaction with the non‐activated Smad proteins and the TGF‐β receptors; however, these findings are controversial. We demonstrate no correlation between SARA expression and the levels of TGF‐β‐induced phosphorylation of Smads in various B‐cell lymphomas. Moreover, knockdown of SARA in HeLa cells did not interfere with TGF‐β‐induced Smad activation, Smad nuclear translocation, or induction of TGF‐β target genes. Various R‐Smads and TGF‐β receptors did not co‐immunoprecipitate with SARA. Collectively, our results demonstrate that SARA is dispensable for functional TGF‐β‐mediated signaling.
Physical Comorbidities of Dementia
Authors: Kurrle Susan , Brodaty Henry , Hogarth Roseanne
Published: July 2012

Dementia is reaching epidemic proportions. To date treatment has focused on cognitive and behavioural symptoms and their management, but the physical side has been neglected. Physical comorbidity is extremely common in people with dementia and leads to excess disability and reduced quality of life for the affected person and their family. Physical comorbidity is often treatable if not reversible. Epilepsy, delirium, falls, oral disease, malnutrition, frailty, incontinence, sleep disorders and visual dysfunction are found to occur more frequently in dementia sufferers. Physical Comorbidities of Dementia describes how these may present and gives detailed information and evidence-based recommendations on how to recognise and manage these conditions. Written by clinicians, each chapter deals with a separate condition accompanied by a list of recommendations for management. Physical Comorbidities of Dementia provides practical explanations and solutions to help all healthcare professionals to improve care for people with dementia.
Graph Structure and Monadic Second-Order Logic
Authors: Courcelle Bruno , Engelfriet Joost
Published: July 2012

The study of graph structure has advanced in recent years with great strides: finite graphs can be described algebraically, enabling them to be constructed out of more basic elements. Separately the properties of graphs can be studied in a logical language called monadic second-order logic. In this book, these two features of graph structure are brought together for the first time in a presentation that unifies and synthesizes research over the last 25 years. The authors not only provide a thorough description of the theory, but also detail its applications, on the one hand to the construction of graph algorithms, and, on the other to the extension of formal language theory to finite graphs. Consequently the book will be of interest to graduate students and researchers in graph theory, finite model theory, formal language theory, and complexity theory.
The Good Muslim
Authors: Siddiqui Mona
Published: July 2012

In this thought-provoking book, Mona Siddiqui reflects upon key themes in Islamic law and theology. These themes, which range through discussions about friendship, divorce, drunkenness, love, slavery and ritual slaughter, offer fascinating insights into Islamic ethics and the way in which arguments developed in medieval juristic discourse. Pre-modern religious works contained a richness of thought, hesitation and speculation on a wide range of topics, which were socially relevant but also presented intellectual challenges to the scholars for whom God's revelation could be understood in diverse ways. These subjects remain relevant today, for practising Muslims and scholars of Islamic law and religious studies. Mona Siddiqui is an astute and articulate interpreter who relays complex ideas about the Islamic tradition with great clarity. Her book charts her own journey through the classical texts and reflects upon how the principles expounded there have guided her own thinking, teaching and research.
The Silver Fork Novel
Authors: Copeland Edward
Published: July 2012

In the early nineteenth century there was a sudden vogue for novels centering on the glamour of aristocratic social and political life. Such novels, attractive as they were to middle-class readers, were condemned by contemporary critics as dangerously seductive, crassly commercial, designed for the 'masses' and utterly unworthy of regard. Until recently, silver-fork novels have eluded serious consideration and been overshadowed by authors such as Jane Austen. They were influenced by Austen at their very deepest levels, but were paradoxically drummed out of history by the very canon-makers who were using Austen's name to establish their own legitimacy. This first modern full-length study of the silver-fork novel argues that these novels were in fact tools of persuasion, novels deliberately aimed at bringing the British middle classes into an alliance with an aristocratic program of political reform.
Justification and the Truth-Connection
Authors: Littlejohn Clayton
Published: July 2012

The internalism-externalism debate is one of the oldest debates in epistemology. Internalists assert that the justification of our beliefs can only depend on facts internal to us, while externalists insist that justification can depend on additional, for example environmental, factors. In this book Clayton Littlejohn proposes and defends a new strategy for resolving this debate. Focussing on the connections between practical and theoretical reason, he explores the question of whether the priority of the good to the right (in ethics) might be used to defend an epistemological version of consequentialism, and proceeds to formulate a new 'deontological externalist' view. His discussion is rich with insights and will be valuable for a wide range of readers in epistemology, ethics and practical reason.
Values-Based Commissioning of Health and Social Care
Authors: Heginbotham Christopher
Published: July 2012

Health and social care commissioning is a values-driven as well as evidence-driven enterprise. However, whereas there has been an expectation that the evidence-base of commissioning should be made fully explicit, the corresponding values-base has been left largely implicit. The book addresses this subject through a detailed discussion of values and values-based practice, illustrated with case examples, and by developing a critique of existing commissioning. This approach enables commissioners to identify and make explicit the often diverse values of all those involved, whether as commissioners, providers or users of services. It provides a skills base and other support processes for working with differences in values held by all those engaged in making commissioning decisions. This will be essential reading for doctors, both experienced and in training, commissioning managers, professional staff in NHS Foundation Trusts and the private sector and all 'at the sharp' end of practice.
Seroepidemiology ofStrongyloides stercoralisin Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: SULTANA YASMIN , GILBERT GWENDOLYN L. , AHMED BE-NAZIR , LEE ROGAN
Published: July 2012

Human strongyloidiasis is a neglected tropical disease with global distribution and this infection is caused by the parasitic nematodeStrongyloides stercoralis. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of strongyloidiasis in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Sera from 1004 residents from a slum (group A) and 299 from city dwellers (group B) were tested for total IgG and IgG subclasses toStrongyloidesantigen. There was a significant difference (P < 0·001) in IgG seroprevalence between group A (22%) and group B (5%). Reactive IgG subclasses (IgG1 and IgG4) were also higher in group A (P < 0·05). The seroprevalence of strongyloidiasis in group A increased with age but was unrelated to sex. The presence of reactive IgG toStrongyloidesantigen had no correlation with either socio-economic or personal hygiene factors. However, a history of diarrhoea in a family member, in the past 6 months, but not in the respondents was associated with detection of antibodies toS. stercoralis(P < 0·01). None of the sera from either group had an HTLV-I reaction. This study demonstrates that strongyloidiasis is prevalent in Dhaka, especially among slum dwellers, but concurrent infection with HTLV-I was not found. Future epidemiological studies should identify individual risk factors and other communities at risk so that appropriate interventions can be planned.
Horizontal transmission of Thelohania contejeani in the endangered white-clawed (Austropotamobius pallipes) and the invasive signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus)
Authors: IMHOFF EMILY M. , MORTIMER ROBERT J. G. , CHRISTMAS MARTIN , DUNN ALISON M.
Published: July 2012

The microsporidian parasite Thelohania contejeani causes porcelain disease and has been implicated in mass mortalities in populations of the endangered European crayfish Austropotamobius pallipes. However, the route of parasite transmission is not known. This paper investigates the horizontal transmission of T. contejeani between A. pallipes hosts as well as its transmissibility to the invasive signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus). Field collected juvenile A. pallipes and P. leniusculus were assigned to 1 of 3 experimental treatments; fed heavily infected A. pallipes tissue, exposed to water from tanks housing heavily parasitized A. pallipes, and a control group to provide an estimate of the baseline infection levels in the field. After 26 weeks, abdominal muscle samples were screened by PCR for T. contejeani. Infection was significantly higher in the treatment groups (83% in the cannibalism treatment, 42% in the water exposure treatment) than in the control group (4%), providing evidence for horizontal transmission of the parasite between A. pallipes hosts. Cannibalism and scavenging are common amongst crayfish, providing transmission opportunities in the field. The study also provides the first direct evidence for transmission of the parasite from an indigenous European crayfish species to the invasive signal crayfish, with 50% of P. leniusculus in each treatment, and 8% of control animals infected. We discuss the possibility that high density populations of the invasive signal crayfish may serve either as reservoirs or sinks for the parasite.
Integrating the landscape epidemiology and genetics of RNA viruses: rabies in domestic dogs as a model
Authors: BRUNKER K. , HAMPSON K. , HORTON D. L. , BIEK R.
Published: July 2012

Landscape epidemiology and landscape genetics combine advances in molecular techniques, spatial analyses and epidemiological models to generate a more real-world understanding of infectious disease dynamics and provide powerful new tools for the study of RNA viruses. Using dog rabies as a model we have identified how key questions regarding viral spread and persistence can be addressed using a combination of these techniques. In contrast to wildlife rabies, investigations into the landscape epidemiology of domestic dog rabies requires more detailed assessment of the role of humans in disease spread, including the incorporation of anthropogenic landscape features, human movements and socio-cultural factors into spatial models. In particular, identifying and quantifying the influence of anthropogenic features on pathogen spread and measuring the permeability of dispersal barriers are important considerations for planning control strategies, and may differ according to cultural, social and geographical variation across countries or continents. Challenges for dog rabies research include the development of metapopulation models and transmission networks using genetic information to uncover potential source/sink dynamics and identify the main routes of viral dissemination. Information generated from a landscape genetics approach will facilitate spatially strategic control programmes that accommodate for heterogeneities in the landscape and therefore utilise resources in the most cost-effective way. This can include the efficient placement of vaccine barriers, surveillance points and adaptive management for large-scale control programmes.
Cicero's ‘Response of the haruspices’ and the Voice of the Gods
Authors: Beard Mary
Published: July 2012

This article explores the religious importance of Cicero's De Haruspicum Responso against the background of prodigy-handling in Republican Rome. Comparing the prodigy in question to an ‘auditory epiphany’, it argues that key issues raised by the speech include the nature of the divine voice, the relationship of the prodigious ‘rumbling and clattering’ to the gods themselves, and the ambiguous temporalities implied by Roman practices of divination. The article also suggests that De Haruspicum Responso proposes a significant overlap between religious and political speech, and it questions the radical split often assumed between the religious ideology of Cicero's philosophical and his more ‘public’ works.
Bangladesh anthrax outbreaks are probably caused by contaminated livestock feed
Authors: FASANELLA A. , GAROFOLO G. , HOSSAIN M. J. , SHAMSUDDIN M. , BLACKBURN J. K. , HUGH-JONES M.
Published: July 2012

In Bangladesh from 1 July to 30 September 2010 there were 104 animal cases of anthrax and 607 associated human cases. This investigation was conducted in Sirajganj district in December 2010, on eight farms where animal cases had occurred.Bacillus anthraciswas recovered from soil samples and turbinate bones on six farms. Canonical single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis showed that all the isolates belonged to the major lineage A, sublineage A.Br.001/002 of China and South East Asia while a multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat (VNTR) analysis (MLVA) with 15 VNTRs demonstrated three unique genotypes. The single nucleotide repeat (SNR) analyses showed two SNR types in 97 out of 99 isolates; nevertheless, due to its higher discriminatory power the presence of two isolates with different SNR-type polymorphisms were detected within two MLVA genotypes. The epidemic occurred during the monsoon season, a time of extensive flooding, suggesting that the source was contaminated feed, not grazing, which is supported by the genetic variance.
Years of potential life lost for six major enteric pathogens, Germany, 2004–2008
Authors: WERBER D. , HILLE K. , FRANK C. , DEHNERT M. , ALTMANN D. , MÜLLER-NORDHORN J. , KOCH J. , STARK K.
Published: July 2012

In industrialized countries, acute infectious enteric diseases are usually mild, but they can also cause death. They do so, however, at different ages. Using 2004–2008 German notification data, we computed and compared crude and premature mortality [three different measures of years of potential life lost (YPLL)] of illnesses caused by Campylobacter spp., Listeria monocytogenes, norovirus, rotavirus, non-typhoidal Salmonella spp., and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). Among ∼1·5 million notified illnesses, those caused by norovirus were the most frequent. The highest annual mortality was registered for salmonellosis (0·55/1 000 000 population), but listeriosis accounted for the highest number of YPLL (n=4245). Disregarding death at advanced age (i.e. >70 years), STEC illness (n=757) and rotavirus gastroenteritis (n=648) ranked second and third, following listeriosis (n=2306). Routine surveillance captures only a fraction of all incident cases and deaths, under-ascertaining the true burden of disease. Weighting death by age permits a different view on the disease burden individual enteric pathogens cause and particularly underscores the public health importance of listeriosis prevention.
A case of neonatal Marfan syndrome with good late follow-up: is it possible to avoid an early unfavourable outcome?
Authors: Brito-Filho Sérgio L. S. , Oporto Victor , Campos Orlando , Álvares Ana B. , Carvalho Antonio C.
Published: July 2012

We report a case of a child with neonatal Marfan syndrome who was submitted for clinical and surgical treatment with good late outcome 9 years after the first cardiac operation.
Aorta–right atrial tunnel closure using the transcatheter technique: a case of a 3-year-old child
Authors: Baykan Ali , Narin Nazmi , Ozyurt Abdullah , Uzum Kazim
Published: July 2012

Aorta–right atrial tunnel is a rare congenital defect. If it is not treated, critical complications can occur. Surgical closure is the treatment of choice, but with increasing experience in transcatheter techniques and the introduction of new occluder devices the percutaneous technique is now a successful modality for closure. In this paper, we report the case of a 3-year-old child with aorta–right atrial tunnel whose defect was closed with the vascular plug 4 device.
Cardiac troponin I after cardiopulmonary bypass in infants in comparison with older children
Authors: Gupta-Malhotra Monesha , Kern Jeffrey H. , Flynn Patrick A. , Schiller Myles S. , Quaegebeur Jan M. , Friedman Deborah M.
Published: July 2012

Objective

At the present time, there is a trend towards performing open heart surgery at a younger age. Myocardium of infants has been thought to be more vulnerable to cardiopulmonary bypass in comparison with adults. For this study, we evaluated the degree of myocardial injury by measurement of cardiac troponin levels in infants in comparison with older children for similar surgeries.

Methods

Serum was collected before bypass, after bypass, and daily after surgery and serum cardiac troponin I level (micrograms per litre). The demographic data, cardiac diagnoses, types of surgery performed, and peri-operative parameters were collected.

Results

Of the 21 children enrolled consecutively, five were infants. Among the 21 patients, four patients had post-operative peak troponin values greater than 100 (three were infants) and all four patients survived and had normal left ventricular systolic function upon discharge echocardiogram. The five infants had peak troponin levels of 222.3, 202, 129, 26.7, and 82.3. The post-operative peak troponin levels were significantly higher in infants (mean 132.5 with a standard deviation of 81.6) than in the older children (mean 40.3 with a standard deviation of 33.4), although there was no significant difference in bypass time, bypass temperature, cross-clamp time, or the length of stay in the intensive care unit between the two age groups.

Conclusions

Higher troponin release is seen in infants in comparison with older children after bypass for similar surgeries. A troponin level greater than 100 after bypass does not necessarily predict death or a severe cardiovascular event in the very young.
Early-life conditions and older adult health in low- and middle-income countries: a review
Authors: McEniry M.
Published: July 2012

Population aging and subsequent projected large increases in chronic conditions will be important health concerns in low- and middle-income countries. Although evidence is accumulating, little is known regarding the impact of poor early-life conditions on older adult (50 years and older) health in these settings. A systematic review of 1141 empirical studies was conducted to identify population-based and community studies in low- and middle-income countries, which examined associations between early-life conditions and older adult health. The resulting review of 20 studies revealed strong associations between (1)in utero/early infancy exposures (independent of other early life and adult conditions) and adult heart disease and diabetes; (2) poor nutrition during childhood and difficulties in adult cognition and diabetes; (3) specific childhood illnesses such as rheumatic fever and malaria and adult heart disease and mortality; (4) poor childhood health and adult functionality/disability and chronic diseases; (5) poor childhood socioeconomic status (SES) and adult mortality, functionality/disability and cognition; and (6) parental survival during childhood and adult functionality/disability and cognition. In several instances, associations remained strong even after controlling for adult SES and lifestyle. Although exact mechanisms cannot be identified, these studies reinforce to some extent the importance of early-life environment on health at older ages. Given the paucity of cohort data from the developing world to examine hypotheses of early-life conditions and older adult health, population-based studies are relevant in providing a broad perspective on the origins of adult health.