bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DNA binding and antibacterial properties of ternary lanthanide complexes with salicylic acid and phenanthroline
Authors: Yue Bin , Sun Hui‐Juan , Chen Ying‐Nan , Kong Kai , Chu Hai‐Bin , Zhao Yong‐Liang
Published: January 2014

Twelve ternary lanthanide complexes RE(sal)3phen (RE3+ = La3+, Pr3+, Nd3+, Sm3+, Eu3+, Gd3+, Tb3+, Dy3+, Ho3+, Tm3+, Yb3+, Lu3+, sal = salicylic acid, phen = phenanthroline) were prepared. Interactions between the complexes and calf thymus DNA (ct‐DNA) were investigated using UV–visible spectrophotometry, fluorescence quench experiment and viscosity measurement. Hypochromicity and red shift of the absorption spectra of complexes were observed in the presence of DNA. The enhanced emission intensity of ethidium bromide (EB) in the presence of DNA was quenched by the addition of lanthanide complexes, which indicated that the lanthanide complexes displaced EB from its binding sites in DNA. Based on the systematic research of the binding constant (Kb) and the fluorescence quenching constant (Kq) of the 12 complexes, we found that the complexes with smaller lanthanide ion radius had stronger binding abilities with DNA. Viscosity measurement showed that the relative viscosity of the DNA solution was enhanced with increasing the amounts of the complexes. All these results suggested that the complexes could bind to DNA and the major binding mode was intercalative binding. Moreover, all these complexes exhibited excellent antibacterial abilities against Escherichia coli. Also, the antibacterial activities of complexes with heavy rare earth were higher than those of complexes with light rare earth. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microneedles from fish scale biopolymer
Authors: Olatunji Ololade , Igwe Chima C. , Ahmed Aroke S. , Alhassan Dewale O. A. , Asieba GGodfrey O. , Diganta Bhusan Das
Published: January 2014

This article reports on microneedles produced from biopolymer films extracted from fish scales of tilapia (Oreochromiss sp.) using micromolding technique. Evaluation of the properties of polypeptide films prepared from the fish scales gave refractive index (1.34), protein concentration (78%), ash content (1.6%) at (22%) moisture content. The microneedles successfully inserted into artificial skin models and imaging using digital camera showed microneedles remained intact when inserted and when removed from the skin model. Microneedles also successfully inserted into porcine skin and were shown to dissolve gradually at 0 s, 60 s, 120 s, and 180 s after insertion. Microneedles containing methylene blue as model drug were also produced and successfully pierced porcine skin. 3D finite element (FEM) simulations were performed using the measured mechanical properties of the biopolymer films (Young's modulus 0.23 N/mm2 and tensile strength 1.8105 N/mm2) to evaluate the stress distribution on various dimensions of the fish scale derived microneedles and hence, their ability to withstand force necessary to pierce the skin without fracture. Results from mechanical analysis using FEM showed that microneedles with tip radius between 10 and 100 μm could withstand up to 0.12 N of force per microneedle without fracture, which is indicated when the stress at the tip of the microneedle exceeds the ultimate stress of the material of fabrication. Using skin insertion tests and finite element simulations, this study provides evidence that microneedles fabricated from fish scale biopolymer can effectively pierce and degrade into skin and therefore are good candidate for transdermal applications. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40377.
Synthesis and Anticonvulsant Activity Evaluation of 7‐Alkoxy[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4‐b]benzothiazol‐3(2H)‐ones
Authors: Liu Da‐Chuan , Deng Xian‐Qing , Wang Shi‐Ben , Quan Zhe‐Shan
Published: January 2014

A new series of 7‐alkoxy[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4‐b]benzothiazol‐3(2H)‐ones were synthesized and evaluated for their anticonvulsant activities. Among these compounds, 7‐propoxy[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4‐b]benzothiazol‐3(2H)‐one (4c) and 7‐butoxy[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4‐b]benzothiazol‐3(2H)‐one (4d) showed the highest activity against maximal electroshock (MES)‐induced tonic extension [effective dose (ED)50: 11.4 and 13.6 mg/kg, respectively]. It is worth mentioning that compound 4d showed especially low neurotoxicity, which led to a high protective index (PI >51). The orally anticonvulsant activity data of compound 4d further confirmed its efficacy, in an MES test, and its high safety with a PI value of 50.2. In addition, the potency of compound 4h against seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole, 3‐mercaptopropionic acid, and bicuculline in the chemical‐induced seizure tests suggested that compound 4d may exert its anticonvulsant activity through affecting the GABAergic system.
Text mining self‐disclosing health information for public health service
Authors: Ku Yungchang , Chiu Chaochang , Zhang Yulei , Chen Hsinchun , Su Handsome
Published: January 2014

Understanding specific patterns or knowledge of self‐disclosing health information could support public health surveillance and healthcare. This study aimed to develop an analytical framework to identify self‐disclosing health information with unusual messages on web forums by leveraging advanced text‐mining techniques. To demonstrate the performance of the proposed analytical framework, we conducted an experimental study on 2 major human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) forums in Taiwan. The experimental results show that the classification accuracy increased significantly (up to 83.83%) when using features selected by the information gain technique. The results also show the importance of adopting domain‐specific features in analyzing unusual messages on web forums. This study has practical implications for the prevention and support of HIV/AIDS healthcare. For example, public health agencies can re‐allocate resources and deliver services to people who need help via social media sites. In addition, individuals can also join a social media site to get better suggestions and support from each other.
A cytotoxic leachable compound from single‐use bioprocess equipment that causes poor cell growth performance
Authors: Hammond Matthew , Marghitoiu Liliana , Lee Hans , Perez Lourdes , Rogers Gary , Nashed‐Samuel Yasser , Nunn Heather , Kline Sally
Published: January 2014

A current trend in the production of biopharmaceuticals is the replacement of fixed stainless steel fluid‐handling units with disposable plastic bags. Such single‐use systems (SUS) offer numerous advantages, but also introduce a new set of materials into the production process and consequently expose biomanufacturers to a new set of risks related to those materials, not to mention reliance on an entirely new supply chain. In the course of developing and conducting a cell‐growth‐based test for suitability of disposable plastic components destined for use in cell culture operations, we discovered that the cytotoxic compound bis(2,4‐di‐tert‐butylphenyl)phosphate (bDtBPP) leaches out of certain bags and into cell culture media in concentrations that are deleterious to cell growth. Specifically, media held in certain bags for several days at 37°C was found to contain bDtBPP, and use of those held‐media samples in cell growth experiments provides data that overlap neatly with cell growth experiments using media spiked directly with bDtBPP, proving that bDtBPP leaching is responsible for the reduced growth attributable to those SUS bags. Overall, this issue represents a risk to the production of biopharmaceuticals in SUS, a risk that must be managed by diligent collaboration among companies along the entire supply chain for SUS components. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 30:332–337, 2014
Partition behavior of CD133+ stem cells from human umbilical cord blood in aqueous two‐phase systems: In route to establish novel stem cell primary recovery strategies
Authors: González‐González Mirna , Rito‐Palomares Marco , Méndez Quintero Olivia
Published: January 2014

Aqueous two‐phase systems (ATPS) represent a promising strategy for the recovery of CD133+ stem cells. This particular type of stem cells has great potential for research and clinical applications. Traditional [polyethylene glycol (PEG), dextran (DEX), and ficoll] and novel (Ucon) polymer–polymer ATPS were exploited to study the partitioning behavior of CD133+ stem cells and contaminants from human umbilical cord blood (HUCB). The aim of the study was to select conditions under which the product of interest and the contaminants concentrate in opposite phases. To accomplish this, three independent samples were tested: (1) enriched CD133+ sample, (2) whole HUCB (contaminants), and (3) complex sample (CD133+ stem cells and contaminants). The objective of this research was to evaluate the partition behavior of CD133+ in ATPS in route to establish the basis for the development of a novel and scalable purification bioprocess. In conclusion, the partitioning behavior of CD133+ stem cells and contaminants from complex samples was as follows: 59% of CD133+ stem cells fractionated to the top phase when employing ficoll 400,000–DEX 70,000 or 100% to the bottom phase with Ucon‐DEX 75,000 and PEG 8,000‐DEX 500,000 ATPS. In average, 35% of the contaminants partitioned to the top phase of the ficoll 400,000‐DEX 70,000 ATPS, 99% to the dextran rich phase of the Ucon‐DEX 75,000 systems and 97% to the bottom phase of the PEG 8,000‐DEX 500,000. Cell viability was at least 98% after ATPS recovery. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 30:700–707, 2014
Toward cell‐free biofuel production: Stable immobilization of oligomeric enzymes
Authors: Grimaldi J. , Collins C. H. , Belfort G.
Published: January 2014

To overcome the main challenges facing alcohol‐based biofuel production, we propose an alternate simplified biofuel production scheme based on a cell‐free immobilized enzyme system. In this paper, we measured the activity of two tetrameric enzymes, a control enzyme with a colorimetric assay, β‐galactosidase, and an alcohol‐producing enzyme, alcohol dehydrogenase, immobilized on multiple surface curvatures and chemistries. Several solid supports including silica nanoparticles (convex), mesopourous silica (concave), diatomaceous earth (concave), and methacrylate (concave) were examined. High conversion rates and low protein leaching was achieved by covalent immobilization of both enzymes on methacrylate resin. Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) exhibited long‐term stability and over 80% conversion of aldehyde to alcohol over 16 days of batch cycles. The complete reaction scheme for the conversion of acid to aldehyde to alcohol was demonstrated in vitro by immobilizing ADH with keto‐acid decarboxylase free in solution. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 30:324–331, 2014
Variations of the tracheobronchial tree: Anatomical and clinical significance
Authors: Wooten Candace , Patel Swetal , Cassidy Lindsey , Watanabe Koichi , Matusz Petru , Tubbs R. Shane , Loukas Marios
Published: January 2014

Tracheobronchial variations can be found during routine bronchoscopy or computed tomography. Previous sources estimate an incidence of 1–12%; however, these variations are often asymptomatic. Symptomatic patients present typically with cough and lower respiratory tract infection. Knowledge and understanding of tracheobronchial variations have important implications for diagnosis of symptomatic patients and performing certain procedures, including bronchoscopy and endotracheal intubation. In this review, we describe the most commonly encountered variations, tracheal bronchus and accessory cardiac bronchus, along with three minor abnormalities of this region. We also review the various imaging modalities in the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions. Clin. Anat. 27:1223–1233, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantitative fluorescent profiling ofVEGFRs reveals tumor cell and endothelial cell heterogeneity in breast cancer xenografts
Authors: Imoukhuede Princess. I. , Popel Aleksander S.
Published: January 2014

Plasma membrane‐localized vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFR) play a critical role in transducingVEGFsignaling toward pro and antiangiogenic outcomes and quantitative characterization of these receptors is critical toward identifying biomarkers for antiangiogenic therapies, understanding mechanisms of action of antiangiogenic drugs, and advancing predictive computational models. While in vitro analysis of cell surface‐VEGFRs has been performed, little is known about the levels of cell surface‐VEGFRon tumor cells. Therefore, we inoculate nude mice with the human triple‐negative breast cancer,MDA‐MB‐231, cell line; isolate human tumor cells and mouse tumor endothelial cells from xenografts; and quantitatively characterize theVEGFRlocalization on these cells. We observe 15,000 surface‐VEGFR1/tumor endothelial cell versus 8200 surface‐VEGFR1/tumor endothelial cell at 3 and 6 weeks of tumor growth, respectively; and we quantify 1200–1700 surface‐VEGFR2/tumor endothelial cell. The tumor cell levels ofVEGFR1 andVEGFR2 are relatively constant between 3 and 6 weeks: 2000–2200 surface‐VEGFR1/tumor cell and ~1000 surface‐VEGFR2/tumor cell. Cell‐by‐cell analysis provides additional insight into tumor heterogeneity by identifying four cellular subpopulations based on size and levels of cell membrane‐localizedVEGFR. Furthermore, when these ex vivo data are compared to in vitro data, we observe little to noVEGFRs onMDA‐MB‐231 cells, and theMDA‐MB‐231VEGFRsurface levels are not regulated by a saturating dose ofVEGF. Overall, the quantification of these dissimilarities for the first time in tumor provides insight into the balance of modulatory (VEGFR1) and proangiogenic (VEGFR2) receptors.
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate inflammatory factor‐induced dysfunction of INS‐1 cells on chip
Authors: sun Yu , Yao Zhina , lin Peng , hou Xinguo , Chen Li
Published: January 2014

Using a microfluidic chip, we have investigated whether bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSCs) could ameliorate IL‐1β/IFN‐γ‐induced dysfunction of INS‐1 cells. BM‐MSCs were obtained from diabetes mellitus patients and their cell surface antigen expression profiles were analyzed by flow cytometric. INS‐1 cells were cocultured with BM‐MSCs on a microfluidic chip with persistent perfusion of medium containing 1 ng/mL IL‐1β and 2.5 U/mL IFN‐γ for 72 h. BM‐MSCs could partially rescue INS‐1 cells from cytokine‐induced dysfunction and ameliorate the expression of insulin and PDX‐1 gene in INS‐1 cells. Thus BM‐MSCs can be viewed as a promising stem cell source to depress inflammatory factor‐induced dysfunction of pancreatic β cells in diabetic patients.
Strategic orientation and new product performance: The roles of technological capability
Authors: Hsu Teresa Tiaojung , Tsai Kuen‐Hung , Hsieh Ming‐Hung , Wang Wei‐Yuan
Published: January 2014

Although prior research has examined the linkage between strategic orientation and new product performance, existing empirical evidence suggests exploration of the effects of a firm's internal factors on this linkage is required. This study aims to fill the marketing literature gap by addressing how technological capability moderates the strategic orientation‐new product performance relationship. This study measures new product performance as a two‐dimensional construct to avoid the oversimplified bias. Research hypotheses are tested using a sample of 121 information system product projects and a hierarchical regression approach is utilized. Results show that (a) technological capability strengthens the market orientation‐performance relationship and (b) technological capability affects the financial performance effects of market and technology orientations via market performance. Copyright © 2014 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New Antithrombotics for Secondary Prevention of Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Goto Shinya , Tomita Aiko
Published: January 2014

Patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) usually receive acetylsalicylic acid plus an adenosine diphosphate (ADP) receptor inhibitor to reduce the long‐term risk of recurrent events. However, patients receiving standard antiplatelet prophylaxis still face a substantial risk of recurrent events. Strategies involving 3 antithrombotic agents with different modes of action have now been tested. In Thrombin Receptor Antagonists for Clinical Event Reduction (TRA‐CER), compared with standard care alone, bleeding complications including intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) were increased with the addition of vorapaxar, without efficacy benefit. In Trial to Assess the Effects of SCH 530348 in Preventing Heart Attack and Stroke in Patients With Atherosclerosis (TRA 2°P–TIMI 50), the addition of vorapaxar reduced recurrent events compared with standard care in stable patients with prior myocardial infarction. This study was terminated early in patients with prior stroke owing to excess ICH, though an increased risk of ICH or fatal bleeding was not detected in patients with prior myocardial infarction. The Apixaban for Prevention of Acute Ischemic and Safety Events 2 (APPRAISE‐2) trial of standard‐dose apixaban added to standard care in patients with ACS was also stopped early owing to excess serious bleeding. However, in Rivaroxaban in Combination With Aspirin Alone or With Aspirin and a Thienopyridine in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes (ATLAS ACS 2 TIMI 51), fatal bleeding or fatal ICH did not increase with low‐dose rivaroxaban added to low‐dose acetylsalicylic acid‐based standard care compared with standard care alone. In that trial, a significant reduction of recurrent vascular events was shown with 3 antithrombotic regimens compared with standard care. Therefore, depending on drug dose and patient population, further reductions in recurrent vascular events after ACS may be possible in future clinical practice, with a favorable benefit‐risk profile.
Prehospital Telemedicine Electrocardiogram Triage for a Regional Public Emergency Medical Service: Is It Worth It? A Preliminary Cost Analysis
Authors: Brunetti Natale Daniele , Dellegrottaglie Giulia , Lopriore Claudio , Di Giuseppe Giuseppe , De Gennaro Luisa , Lanzone Saverio , Di Biase Matteo
Published: January 2014

Background

Telemedicine has been shown to improve quality of health‐care delivery in several fields of medicine; its cost‐effectiveness, however, is still a matter of debate.

Hypothesis

Pre‐hospital telemedicine electrocardiogram triage for regional public emergency medical service may reduce costs.

Methods

An economic evaluation (cost analysis) was performed from the perspective of regional health‐care system. Patients enrolled in the study and considered for cost analysis were those who called the local emergency medical service (EMS; dialing 1‐1‐8) during 2012 and underwent prehospital field triage with a telemedicine electrocardiogram (ECG) in the case of suspected acute cardiac disease (acute coronary syndrome, arrhythmia). The prehospital ECGs were read by a remote cardiologist, available 24/7. Cost savings associated with this method were calculated by subtracting the cost of prehospital triage with telemedicine support from the cost of conventional emergency department triage (ECG and consultation by a cardiologist).

Results

During 2012, the regional EMS performed 109 750 ECGs by telemedicine support. The associated total cost for the regional health‐care system was €1 833 333, with a €16.70 cost per single ECG/consultation. Given the cost of similar conventional emergency department treatment from a regional rate list of €24.80 to €55.20, the savings was €8.10 to €38.40 per ECG/consultation (total savings, €891 759.50 to €4 219 379.50). The cost for ruling out an acute cardiac disease was €25.30; for a prehospital diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, €49.20. With 629 prehospital diagnoses of ST‐elevation myocardial infarction and reported reductions in mortality thanks to prehospital diagnosis deduced from prior studies, 69 lives per year presumably could be saved, with a cost per quality‐adjusted life year gained of €1927, €990/€ − 2508 after correction for potential savings.

Conclusions

Prehospital EMS triage with telemedicine ECG in patients with suspected acute cardiac disease may reduce health‐care costs.
Effects of Cardiac Rehabilitation in Diabetic Patients: Both Cardiac and Noncardiac Factors Determine Improvement in Exercise Capacity
Authors: St. Clair Mitchell , Mehta Hardik , Sacrinty Matthew , Johnson Dominic , Robinson Killian
Published: January 2014

Background

Diabetic patients have a worse prognosis than nondiabetic patients after myocardial infarction. Although exercise improves risk factors, exercise capacity, and mortality, it is still unclear if these benefits are the same as in nondiabetics. Furthermore, although exercise tolerance is predicted by systolic and diastolic dysfunction in nondiabetics, its role as a predictor of exercise capacity in diabetics remains unclear.

Hypothesis

Diabetics and nondiabetics see a similar improvement in their cardiac risk factors and exercise parameters from exercise‐based cardiac rehabilitation (CR).

Methods

A series of 370 diabetics and 942 nondiabetics entered a 36‐session outpatient CR program after interventions for coronary heart disease or after bypass or cardiac valve surgery. The program consisted of physical exercise, lifestyle modification, and pharmacotherapy.

Results

Quality of life, weight, blood pressure, and lipid profiles improved significantly in both groups during the 12‐week program. Baseline metabolic equivalents (METs) were lower in diabetics vs nondiabetics at the start of CR (2.4 vs 2.7, P < 0.001). Although both groups increased their exercise capacity, diabetics had less improvement (change in METs 1.7 vs 2.6, P < 0.001). Significant predictors for improvement after CR included age, sex, and weight, as well as both systolic and diastolic function. After adjustment for these, diabetes remained a significant predictor of reduced improvement in exercise capacity.

Conclusions

Diabetics saw a significant benefit in quality of life, weight, exercise tolerance, and cardiac risk factors, but to a lesser extent when compared with nondiabetics. The mechanisms for poorer improvement in diabetics following CR also include noncardiac factors and require further study.
Quality of Care for Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes as a Function of Hospital Revascularization Capability: Insights From Get With The Guidelines‐CAD
Authors: Thukkani Arun K. , Fonarow Gregg C. , Cannon Christopher P. , Cox Margueritte , Hernandez Adrian F. , Peterson Eric D. , Peacock W. Frank , Laskey Warren K. , Schwamm Lee H. , Bhatt Deepak L. ,   for the Get With the Guidelines Steering Committee and Investigators
Published: January 2014

Background

Revascularization availability at US hospitals varies and may impact care quality for acute coronary syndrome patients.

Hypothesis

The hypothesis of this study was that there would be differences in care quality at Get With The Guidelines–Coronary Artery Disease (GWTG‐CAD) hospitals based on revascularization capability.

Methods

For acute coronary syndrome patients admitted to GWTG‐CAD hospitals between 2000 and 2010, care quality at hospitals with or without revascularization capability was examined by assessing conformity with performance and quality measures.

Results

This study included 95 999 acute coronary syndrome patients admitted to 310 GWTG‐CAD hospitals. There were 89 000 patients admitted to 226 revascularization‐capable hospitals and 6999 patients admitted to 84 hospitals without revascularization capability included. Adjusted multivariate analysis demonstrated that 8 of the 19 measures were more frequently performed in the revascularization cohort: aspirin (odds ratio [OR]: 1.41, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04‐1.92), clopidogrel (OR: 2.31, 95% CI: 1.78‐3.00), lipid‐lowering therapies at discharge (OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.04‐1.87), lipid‐lowering therapies for low‐density lipoprotein >100 mg/dL (OR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.23‐2.77), achievement of blood pressure <140/90 mm Hg (OR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.03‐1.40), LDL recorded (OR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.05‐2.06), and recommendations offered for physical activity (OR: 3.82, 95% CI: 2.23‐6.55) or weight management (OR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.12‐2.69).

Conclusions

The GWTG‐CAD revascularization hospitals were associated with better performance in some, but not all, measures assessed. Although the difference in conformity between hospital types was modest for performance measures but more variable for quality measures, room for improvement exists in key aspects of care.
N‐GaN column arrays on the vertical InGaN/GaN blue LEDs formed by maskless dry etching
Authors: Doan Manh‐Ha , Lee Jaejin
Published: January 2014

The InGaN/GaN blue light emitting diodes (LED) structures have been grown on sapphire substrates with a hexagonal array of hemispherical patterns by low‐pressure metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. Vertical LED structures on Cu carriers are fabricated using electroplating and KrF laser lift‐off techniques. After removal of the patterned sapphire substrate, an inductively coupled plasma etching is carried out to expose the n‐GaN layer for n‐metal contact. It is observed that GaN columns are formed at the center of the concave hemispheres after dry etching processes. Cathodoluminescence and wet chemical etching investigations reveal that a high density of dislocations is found to be generated at these specific positions. The possible mechanism for these observations is attributed to the defect distribution and defect‐dependent selective etching of the GaN.
Foxp2 regulates neuronal differentiation and neuronal subtype specification
Authors: Chiu Yi‐Chi , Li Ming‐Yang , Liu Yuan‐Hsuan , Ding Jing‐Ya , Yu Jenn‐Yah , Wang Tsu‐Wei
Published: January 2014

Mutations of the transcription factor FOXP2 in humans cause a severe speech and language disorder. Disruption of Foxp2 in songbirds or mice also leads to deficits in song learning or ultrasonic vocalization, respectively. These data suggest that Foxp2 plays important roles in the developing nervous system. However, the mechanism of Foxp2 in regulating neural development remains elusive. In the current study, we found that Foxp2 increased neuronal differentiation without affecting cell proliferation and cell survival in primary neural progenitors from embryonic forebrains. Foxp2 induced the expression of platelet‐derived growth factor receptor α, which mediated the neurognic effect of Foxp2. In addition, Foxp2 positively regulated the differentiation of medium spiny neurons derived from the lateral ganglionic eminence and negatively regulated the formation of interneurons derived from dorsal medial ganglionic eminence by interacting with the Sonic hedgehog pathway. Taken together, our results suggest that Foxp2 regulates multiple aspects of neuronal development in the embryonic forebrain. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 74: 723–738, 2014
Assessment of different mouthwashes on cannabis oral fluid concentrations
Authors: de Castro Ana , Lendoiro Elena , Fernández‐Vega Hadriana , López‐Rivadulla Manuel , Steinmeyer Stefan , Cruz Angelines
Published: January 2014

Since the implementation of mandatory drug testing in drivers' oral fluid, several solutions to avoid an onsite positive result can be found on drug users' forums, especially for marijuana, including the use of different mouthwashes. Recently, a product for personal hygiene, Kleaner, has been sold for this purpose. The aims of this study were to assess the effect of water, whole milk, and Kleaner mouthwashes on tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) oral fluid concentrations, and those observed in passive smokers subjected to extreme contamination conditions. The study was performed on four days. On day 0, study information was given to the participants. On days 1, 2, and 3, 11 chronic cannabis users smoked their usual daily dose, and oral fluid specimens were collected before smoking (t=‐0.5h) and at t=0.25, 0.5, 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h post‐smoking. On day 1, participants rinsed their mouth with water before each specimen collection. On day 2, 5 participants rinsed their mouth with Kleaner and 6 with whole milk. On day 3, a specimen was collected before and after rinsing the mouth with water. Statistically significant lower concentrations were observed comparing concentrations in oral fluid specimens collected before and after a water rinse. However, maximum THC concentrations at t=0.25h were >3‐fold higher than the cut‐off employed by the Spanish police (25 ng/mL) regardless of the use of any mouthwash. THC was also detected in the oral fluid of passive smokers subjected to extreme contamination conditions; however, concentrations were <25 ng/mL in all cases. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of locus number, genetic divergence, and genotyping error on the utility of dominant markers for hybrid identification
Authors: Sovic Michael G. , Kubatko Laura S. , Fuerst Paul A.
Published: January 2014

In surveys of hybrid zones, dominant genetic markers are often used to identify individuals of hybrid origin and assign these individuals to one of several potential hybrid classes. Quantitative analyses that address the statistical power of dominant markers in such inference are scarce. In this study, dominant genotype data were simulated to evaluate the effects of, first, the number of loci analyzed, second, the magnitude of differentiation between the markers scored in the groups that are hybridizing, and third, the level of genotyping error associated with the data when assigning individuals to various parental and hybrid categories. The overall performance of the assignment methods was relatively modest at the lowest level of divergence examined (Fst ~ 0.4), but improved substantially at higher levels of differentiation (Fst ~ 0.67 or 0.8). The effect of genotyping error was dependent on the level of divergence between parental taxa, with larger divergences tempering the effects of genotyping error. These results highlight the importance of considering the effects of each of the variables when assigning individuals to various parental and hybrid categories, and can help guide decisions regarding the number of loci employed in future hybridization studies to achieve the power and level of resolution desired.
Extracellular adenosine controls NKT‐cell‐dependent hepatitis induction
Authors: Subramanian Meenakshi , Kini Radhika , Madasu Manasa , Ohta Akiko , Nowak Michael , Exley Mark , Sitkovsky Michail , Ohta Akio
Published: January 2014

Extracellular adenosine regulates inflammatory responses via the A2A adenosine receptor (A2AR). A2AR deficiency results in much exaggerated acute hepatitis, indicating nonredundancy of adenosine‐A2AR pathway in inhibiting immune activation. To identify a critical target of immunoregulatory effect of extracellular adenosine, we focused on NKT cells, which play an indispensable role in hepatitis. An A2AR agonist abolished NKT‐cell‐dependent induction of acute hepatitis by concanavalin A (Con A) or α‐galactosylceramide in mice, corresponding to downregulation of activation markers and cytokines in NKT cells and of NK‐cell co‐activation. These results show that A2AR signaling can downregulate NKT‐cell activation and suppress NKT‐cell‐triggered inflammatory responses. Next, we hypothesized that NKT cells might be under physiological control of the adenosine‐A2AR pathway. Indeed, both Con A and α‐galactosylceramide induced more severe hepatitis in A2AR‐deficient mice than in WT controls. Transfer of A2AR‐deficient NKT cells into A2AR‐expressing recipients resulted in exaggeration of Con A‐induced liver damage, suggesting that NKT‐cell activation is controlled by endogenous adenosine via A2AR, and this physiological regulatory mechanism of NKT cells is critical in the control of tissue‐damaging inflammation. The current study suggests the possibility to manipulate NKT‐cell activity in inflammatory disorders through intervention to the adenosine‐A2AR pathway.
Volatile compounds generated in corn oil stored at room temperature. Presence of toxic compounds
Authors: Goicoechea Encarnación , Guillén María D.
Published: January 2014

Solid Phase Microextraction (SPME) followed by GC/MS was employed to study the headspace composition of corn oil (maize oil) samples stored at room temperature in closed receptacles with limited amounts of air for different periods of time. Samples with a high oxidation level showed the presence of typical secondary volatile oxidation compounds such as alkanals, 2‐alkenals, 2,4‐alkadienals, acids, alcohols, ketones, alkylfurans, and lactones. Aldehydes were the most numerous group; however, acids, which were fewer in number, showed the highest abundances. The high number of lactones detected is also noteworthy. In agreement with corn oil composition, those volatiles derived from linoleic acyl groups appeared in the highest abundances. The detection of two groups of toxic compounds, whose rise in concentration corresponded with the oxidation level of the samples, was remarkable. There were, on the one hand, alkylbenzenes and mono‐ and poly‐cyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) of low molecular weight, such as toluene, naphthalene, and fluorene. On the other hand, there were oxygenated α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes like 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal, 4‐oxo‐2‐nonenal, and 4,5‐epoxy‐2‐decenal brought about by the oxidation of omega‐6 polyunsaturated acyl groups (linoleic), and, in much lower proportions, 4‐hydroxy‐2‐hexenal and 4,5‐epoxy‐2‐heptenal coming from omega‐3 ones (linolenic).

Practical applications: The identification and quantification of such a great number of volatile compounds coming from corn oil can be very helpful for other researchers who study the degradation of this vegetable oil or other kinds with similar proportions of acyl groups.
Gas assisted pressing on pilot scale
Authors: Müller Marcus , Pietsch Arne , Eggers Rudolf
Published: January 2014

The influence of a series of process parameters on gas assisted pressing of rapeseeds is presented in this comprehensive study. These influences are questions of interest for modified cage screw presses in upcoming industrial scale applications. Within this study, pilot scale tests have been performed on a linear piston press including seed moisture content (2% < ϕ < 6.5%), CO2‐pressure (10 MPa < PCO2 < 18 MPa), and temperature (40°C < ϑ < 120°C) each with and without gas assistance. Multistage pressing operations have been performed to enhance comparability to industrial scale process conditions. An oil quality analysis is discussed considering influence of CO2‐assistance on two temperature levels applicable in industry. Within this paper, effects of CO2 gas assistance are clarified. Two main phenomena have to be considered, first is a so called liquid volume effect and second is oil viscosity reduction. A calculation model for oil yield increase by gas assistance is presented.
Characterization of hindered amine light stabilizers employing capillary electrophoresis coupled to quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Hintersteiner Ingrid , Himmelsbach Markus , Klampfl Christian , Buchberger Wolfgang W.
Published: January 2014

In the current work, a fast and reliable CE method for characterizing of six hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS), technical products commonly employed as UV‐stabilizing agents for various polymeric materials, is presented. These compounds can be monomeric or oligomeric species whereby there is no or only limited information available concerning purity or actual structural composition of the respective stabilizer. Using a BGE based on formic acid with 10% acetonitrile, different constituents of several HALS could be separated by CE and identified employing QTOF/MS detection. In the case of Cyasorb 3529, ten different oligomers were discovered and possible structures were suggested based on exact mass measurements. The majority of the elucidated structures is not fully congruent with the information provided by the manufacturers. Furthermore, in the case of Chimassorb 119 and Tinuvin 770 impurities or unreacted compounds remaining from the manufacturing process could be identified. Besides performing such basic characterizations of technical grade HALS, the presented method is also shown to be suitable for a reliable identification of these stabilizers in real polymer samples.
Pig‐a gene mutation and micronucleated reticulocyte induction in rats exposed to tumorigenic doses of the leukemogenic agents chlorambucil, thiotepa, melphalan, and 1,3‐propane sultone
Authors: Dertinger Stephen D. , Phonethepswath Souk , Avlasevich Svetlana L. , Torous Dorothea K. , Mereness Jared , Cottom John , Bemis Jeffrey C. , MacGregor James T.
Published: January 2014

To evaluate whether blood‐based genotoxicity endpoints can provide temporal and dose‐response data within the low‐dose carcinogenic range that could contribute to carcinogenic mode of action (MoA) assessments, we evaluated the sensitivity of flow cytometry‐based micronucleus and Pig‐a gene mutation assays at and below tumorigenic dose rate 50 (TD50) levels. The incidence of micronucleated reticulocytes (MN‐RET) was used to evaluate chromosomal damage, and the frequency of CD59‐negative reticulocytes (RETCD59−) and erythrocytes (RBCCD59−) served as phenotypic reporters of mutation at the X‐linked Pig‐a gene. Several leukemogenic agents with a presumed genotoxic MoA were studied. Specifically, male Sprague Dawley rats were treated via oral gavage for 28 days with chlorambucil, thiotepa, melphalan, and 1,3‐propane sultone at doses corresponding to 0.33x, 1x, and 3x TD50, as well as at the maximum tolerated dose. Frequencies of MN‐RET were determined at Days 4 and 29, and RETCD59− and RBCCD59− data were collected pretreatment as well as Days 15/16, 29, and 56/57. Dose‐related increases were observed for each endpoint, and time to maximal effect was consistently: MN‐RET < RETCD59− < RBCCD59−. For each of the chemicals studied, the genotoxic events occurred long before tumors or preneoplastic lesions would be expected. Furthermore, in the case of Pig‐a gene mutation, the responses were observed at or below the TD50 dose for three out of the four chemicals studied. These data illustrate the potential for quantitative blood‐based analyses to provide dose‐response and temporality information that relates genetic damage to cancer induction. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 55:299–308, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chromosomal effects of non‐alkylating drug exposure in oncology personnel
Authors: McDiarmid Melissa A. , Rogers Bonnie , Oliver Marc S.
Published: January 2014

Therapy‐related leukemia has been a recognized sequela of cancer treatment for decades with “signature” abnormalities of chromosomes 5, 7, and 11 observed in treated patients. Risk to oncology personnel handling anti‐cancer agents has also been documented by non‐specific measures of genotoxicity in blood and urine. Using chromosomal markers applied in clinical practice, we previously demonstrated in oncology workers, a dose‐related increase in abnormalities of chromosomes 5 and 7, known to be targets of alkylating agent exposure. In the analysis presented here, we extended that work to also assess damage resulting from non‐alkylating drug exposure. Peripheral blood lymphocytes from oncology personnel (N = 63) and non‐exposed controls (N = 46) was collected and examined using the fluorescent in situ hybridization technique with probes for targets on chromosomes 5, 7, and 11. Participants recorded drug handling events over a 6 week period. Important co‐variates were considered. Examining chromosomal outcomes as a function of drug handling frequency, we employed Poisson Regression to obtain incident rate ratios (IRRs) for selected drug handling frequencies. We found a dose‐related increase in the IRR for aberrations in all three chromosomes 5, 7, and 11, reaching statistical significance for chromosome 5, as a function of non‐alkylating drug handling. This suggests that the targeting of chromosome 5 is not limited to alkylating agent exposure, as some recent evidence in treated patients has also shown. Thus, the pattern of insult observed in treated patients appears to extend to oncology personnel exposed in the workplace. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 55:369–374, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Joint routing, channel allocation and power control for real‐life wireless sensor networks
Authors: Barceló M. , Correa A. , Vicario J.L. , Morell A.
Published: January 2014

The energy consumption of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is a critical issue, because replacement of their batteries can be difficult or even impossible. It is well known that the radio is the most energy demanding part of the node. Therefore, efficient communications are imperative to increase the network lifetime. However, many issues arise in practical WSNs implementations because of the uncertainty and dynamics of the environment and the complexity constraints of the nodes. Routing protocol for low‐power and lossy networks (RPL) is one of the most widely implemented routing strategies because it deals with many of these practical issues. Unfortunately, this protocol does not adapt the nodes' transmission power nor the nodes' transmission channel. Nowadays, commercial motes have multi‐power and multi‐channel capabilities, and these can be used to reduce the network consumption and avoid the high collision probability that may arise in convergecast networks. In this paper, we enhance RPL to obtain a joint routing, transmission power control and channel allocation solution for real‐life WSNs. Two different strategies (minimum aggregated power and maximum probability delivery ratio) are designed and implemented in a WSN testbed with commercial motes. They are compared with the original RPL and also with other standard routing protocols, such as the routing strategy adopted in ZigBee. The experimental results show that the network performance is improved both in terms of reliability and energy consumption. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Resource allocation for outage probability minimisation in cognitive radio multicast networks
Authors: Xu Ding , Li Qun
Published: January 2014

In this paper, we consider a downlink secondary cognitive radio multicast network that consists of a cognitive base station and a set of secondary multicast groups sharing spectrum with a primary network. To protect the transmissions of the primary network, an interference power constraint is applied to restrict the transmit power of the cognitive base station. The problem of joint channel and power allocation for the cognitive radio multicast network is studied. The objective is to minimise the weighted aggregate outage probability for a given target rate for the cognitive radio multicast network. Specifically, two types of outage probabilities, namely, group outage probability and individual outage probability, are considered. For each type of outage probability, the optimal joint channel and power allocation algorithm is proposed based on Lagrange dual optimisation. Simulation results are illustrated to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms. It is shown that the proposed algorithms significantly improve the performance of the cognitive radio multicast network in terms of outage probability. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Survey on cooperative strategies for wireless relay channels
Authors: Dai Mingjun , Wang Peng , Zhang Shengli , Chen Bin , Wang Hui , Lin Xiaohui , Sun Cong
Published: January 2014

Cooperative communication has the potential of providing better throughput and reliability to wireless systems when compared with direct communication. To realise the potential gain, it is important to design cooperative strategies for some representative scenarios. This survey deals with three basic wireless relay channels, namely, the parallel relay channel, the multiple‐access relay channel and the broadcast relay channel. For the first channel, which models a single unicast connection, various forwarding strategies are studied. For the second and third channels, which model, respectively, the uplink and downlink scenarios with multiple unicast connections; network codes that exploit the possibility of coding among the connections are studied. The common aim pertaining to the studies of all these three channels is to use the limited radio resource in the most efficient way. Beside the aforementioned conventional works, studies that have state‐of‐the‐art assumptions for relay networks, including outdated channel state information at the transmitter, full duplex relay and practical rateless‐coded cooperation, are also extensively reviewed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of the hydrology of the IBIS land surface model in a semi‐arid catchment
Authors: Chen Min , Willgoose Garry R. , Saco Patricia M.
Published: January 2014

This paper evaluates the Integrated BIosphere Simulator (IBIS) land surface model using daily soil moisture data over a 3‐year period (2005–2007) at a semi‐arid site in southeastern Australia, the Stanley catchment, using the Monte Carlo generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation (GLUE) approach. The model was satisfactorily calibrated for both the surface 30 cm and full profile 90 cm. However, full‐profile calibration was not as good as that for the surface, which results from some deficiencies in the evapotranspiration component in IBIS. Relatively small differences in simulated soil moisture were associated with large discrepancies in the predictions of surface runoff, drainage and evapotranspiration. We conclude that while land surface schemes may be effective at simulating heat fluxes, they may be ineffective for prediction of hydrology unless the soil moisture is accurately estimated. Sensitivity analyses indicated that the soil moisture simulations were most sensitive to soil parameters, and the wilting point was the most identifiable parameter. Significant interactions existed between three soils parameters: porosity, saturated hydraulic conductivity and Campbell ‘b’ exponent, so they could not be identified independent of each other. There were no significant differences in parameter sensitivity and interaction for different hydroclimatic years. Even though the data record contained a very dry year and another year with a very large rainfall event, this indicated that the soil model could be calibrated without the data needing to explore the extreme range of dry and wet conditions. IBIS was much less sensitive to vegetation parameters. The leaf area index (LAI) could affect the mean of daily soil moisture time series when LAI < 1, while the variance of the soil moisture time series was sensitive to LAI > 1. IBIS was insensitive to the Jackson rooting parameter, suggesting that the effect of the rooting depth distribution on predictions of hydrology was insignificant. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.