bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vagus Nerve Stimulation‐Induced Synchrony Modulation of Local Field Potential in the Rat Cerebral Cortex
Authors: Kano Ryuji , Usami Kenichi , Noda Takahiro , Shiramatsu Tomoyo I. , Kanzaki Ryohei , Kawai Kensuke , Takahashi Hirokazu
Published: February 2015

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a surgical treatment for intractable epilepsy. Although VNS has been used to treat more than 60,000 patients, the precise therapeutic mechanism of action has not been elucidated. Here, we hypothesize that VNS modulates the local synchronization of cortical activities and thus inhibits seizures. In order to verify this hypothesis, we mapped local field potentials (LFPs) with high‐spatial resolution using a microelectrode array from the temporal cortices of adult rats and analyzed VNS‐induced phase modulation at the local network level. VNS significantly increased the phase locking value (PLV), an index of synchronization, specifically at the gamma band. The optimal stimulation pulse of VNS was 0.5 mA delivered at 10 Hz. This PLV modulation was most effective when the interelectrode distance was about 1.6 mm. Gamma‐band PLVs within the auditory cortex increased more significantly than those between the auditory and nonauditory cortices, while alpha‐ and low‐beta PLV exhibited more synchronization between the auditory and nonauditory cortices. These results demonstrate that VNS modulates cortical synchronization in a band specific manner, and has some implications for the mechanism of action of VNS.
Bis‐ and Tris(carboxylato)platinum(IV) Complexes with Mixed Am(m)ine Ligands in the trans Position Exhibiting Exceptionally High Cytotoxicity
Authors: Hoffmeister Björn R. , Hejl Michaela , Jakupec Michael A. , Galanski Mathea Sophia , Keppler Bernhard K.
Published: February 2015

A series of seven diam(m)inebis(carboxylato)dihydroxidoplatinum(IV) and eleven diam(m)inetris(carboxylato)hydroxidoplatinum(IV) complexes with am(m)ine ligands in the trans position was synthesized and characterized by multinuclear 1H, 13C, 15N, 195Pt NMR spectroscopy. IC50 values for all eighteen substances were determined by means of the 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay for three human cancer cell lines. In cisplatin‐sensitive CH1(PA‐1) cancer cells, diam(m)inebis(carboxylato)dihydroxidoplatinum(IV) complexes displayed 50 % inhibitory concentrations in the micromolar range, whereas for the most lipophilic compounds of the diam(m)inetris(carboxylato)hydroxidoplatinum(IV) series, promising IC50 values in the nanomolar range were found.
Differential Reactivity of [TpRu(κ2P,N‐iPr2PXPy)Cl] (X = NH, S) Bearing Hemilabile Coligands Towards NaBArF4, Lithium Acetylide, and Acetylenes
Authors: Singh Vinay K. , Puerta M. Carmen , Valerga Pedro
Published: February 2015

In contrast with [TpRu(κ2P,N‐iPr2PNHPy)Cl] (1a, Tp = trispyrazolylborate), [TpRu(κ2P,N‐iPr2PSPy)Cl] (1b) reacts with sodium tetrakis[3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borate (NaBArF4) in fluorobenzene under nitrogen to afford the dinuclear complex [{TpRu(κ2P,N‐iPr2PSPy)}2(μ‐Cl)][BArF4] (1b′). Through diverse synthetic strategies, a series of neutral acetylides [TpRu(C≡CR)(κ2P,N‐iPr2PXHPy)] [X = NH; R = Ph (2a), SiMe3 (2b); X = S; R = Ph (2c), p‐C6H4Br (2d), COOMe (2e)], cationic vinylidene complexes [TpRu(=C=CHR)(κ2P,N‐iPr2PNHPy)]+ [X = NH; R = Ph (3a), SiMe3 (3b); X = S; R = Ph (3c), p‐C6H4Br (3d)] and [TpRu(=C=CH2)(κ2P,N‐iPr2PNHPy)]+ (3e), and a cationic η2‐alkyne complex [TpRu(η2‐HC≡CCOOMe)(κ2P,N‐iPr2PSPy)][BArF4] have been efficiently synthesized from 1a and 1b. The methoxy(methyl)carbene complexes [TpRu{=C(OMe)CH3}(κ2P,N‐iPr2PXPy)][BPh4] [X = NH (5a), S (5b)] were isolated from the reactions of 1a and 1b with acetylene gas in the presence of NaBArF4 in methanol. The deprotonation of the cationic vinylidenes derived from 1b with KtBuO affords the corresponding neutral acetylide complexes, which undergo facile protonation with CF3SO3H to reproduce the cationic vinylidenes quantitatively.
Trihaloisocyanuric Acids as Atom‐Economic Reagents for Halogenation of Aromatics and Carbonyl Compounds in the Solid State by Ball Milling
Authors: Mishra Abhaya K. , Nagarajaiah Honnappa , Moorthy Jarugu Narasimha
Published: February 2015

It is shown that both tribromoisocyanuric acid (TBCA) and trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA) are excellent reagents for direct halogenation of electron‐rich aromatics under solvent‐free, ball‐milling conditions. The results are remarkable in light of the fact that chlorination of aromatics without any acid catalyst is heretofore unknown. The procedure is operationally simple, and the reactions occur within a few hours, affording high yields of halogenated products. Similarly, crystalline β‐keto dicarbonyl compounds are shown to undergo direct α,α‐dihalogenation with TBCA and TCCA with ball milling. Whereas monoketones are found to be unreactive with TBCA/TCCA, addition of 25 mol‐% of p‐toluenesulfonic acid as a solid catalyst catalyzes the reaction, leading to the formation of α‐chloro/bromo ketones in very good isolated yields. The fact that each of the reagents, in principle, serves as a source of three halogen atoms should render solvent‐free halogenation of aromatics and carbonyl compounds with TBCA/TCCA an invaluable synthetic protocol.
High Affinity Fluorescent Ligands for the Estrogen Receptor
Authors: Abendroth Frank , Solleder Marthe , Mangoldt Dorothea , Welker Pia , Licha Kai , Weber Marcus , Seitz Oliver
Published: February 2015

Fluorescent binders of the estrogen receptor (ER) are used in binding assays and in detection or imaging studies. However, fluorescence labelling of ER ligands usually leads to substantial decreases in binding affinity. In this study, we describe the development of high affinity fluorescent ER ligands. Cyanine dyes of the MiDye series were directly attached to the SERMs 4‐hydroxytamoxifen (OHT) and raloxifene (Ral); linkers were deliberately omitted. This approach yielded conjugates with ERα binding affinities superior to the natural ligand estradiol. The OHT‐ and Ral‐MiDye conjugates emitted in the 600–800 nm range. First round staining experiments showed that the conjugates, but not the dyes alone, accumulate in cells expressing estrogen‐binding receptors.
Benz‐Bisimidazole‐Bridged Perylenes – Linearly Expanded Chromophores
Authors: Schönamsgruber Jörg , Hirsch Andreas
Published: February 2015

The synthesis and characterization of a new type of very large perylene‐based molecules 9 are reported. The extension of the conjugated π system was accomplished by the facile condensation of two bay‐functionalized perylene moieties with 1,2,4,5‐tetraaminobenzene. The resulting chromophore in 9 consists of 35 conjugated π‐electron pairs and, therefore, is comparable to pentarylenes and hexarylenes containing 31 and 36 conjugated π‐electron pairs, respectively. The unsubstituted imine N atoms of the benz‐bisimidazole bridges in 9 can be readily and reversibly protonated to give the dications 9aH22+. The twofold protonation of 9 is accompanied by a bathochromic shift of the main absorption band and pronounced fluorescence quenching. The experimental results were corroborated by quantum mechanical calculations.
Synthesis of C6‐Pyridylpurine Nucleosides by Reaction of Nebularine N1‐Oxide with Pyridinyl Grignard Reagents
Authors: D'Errico Stefano , Oliviero Giorgia , Borbone Nicola , Nici Fabrizia , Piccialli Vincenzo , Pinto Brunella , D'Alonzo Daniele , Mayol Luciano , Piccialli Gennaro
Published: February 2015

A general synthesis of C6‐pyridylpurine nucleosides is described. The reported synthetic procedure exploits the regioselective addition of pyridinyl Grignard reagents, obtained by bromine/magnesium exchange between mono‐ or dihalopyridines and iPrMgCl, to the C6–N1–O– moiety of nebularine N1‐oxide. The regioselective transmetallation of unsymmetrical dihalopyridines with iPrMgCl allowed C6‐halopyridylpurine nucleosides to be obtained through the addition of halopyridinyl Grignard reagents. The presence of a halogenated pyridine ring in these nucleosides allows for further useful synthetic transformations.
Formation of Highly Charged Quasi‐Molecular Ions of a Polycationic [60]Fullerene Hexakis‐Adduct and Their Fragmentation Behavior in the Gas Phase
Authors: Li Jing , Nye Leanne C. , Wasserthal Lennard K. , Vinh Chau , Kirschbaum Rolf W. , Ivanović‐Burmazović Ivana , Hirsch Andreas , Drewello Thomas
Published: February 2015

A novel polycationic [60]fullerene hexakis‐adduct has been synthesized and investigated by electrospray ionization and tandem mass spectrometry. The polycationic ligand system comprises 12 pre‐formed positive charges, compensated in the neutral molecule by bromide anions. Stable quasi‐molecular cations were obtained through the release of the anionic counter ions covering a charge‐state envelope from 3+ to 12+. Collision‐induced dissociation experiments revealed three fragmentation pathways. A dominant neutral loss channel leads to daughter ions of the same charge state as the highly charged precursor ion and singly charged daughter ions can be expelled from the polycations through two distinct dissociation channels involving both the neutral and the charge‐carrying part of their ligands.
Controls on the location, morphology and evolution of complex esker systems at decadal timescales, Breiðamerkurjökull, southeast Iceland
Authors: Storrar Robert D. , Evans David J. A. , Stokes Chris R. , Ewertowski Marek
Published: February 2015

This paper uses detailed mapping of eskers to address three questions which are important for reconstructing meltwater behaviour beneath contemporary and ancient ice masses: ‘What controls the morphology of simple and complex esker systems?’, ‘How do esker systems evolve through time?’ and ‘Are esker patterns compatible with groundwater controlled hydraulic spacing of esker tunnels?’. Esker crestlines and widths are mapped on the Breiðamerkurjökull foreland for eight time slices between 1945 and 2007, from high resolution (~50 cm) aerial photography, permitting their long‐term morphological evolution to be analysed in a high level of detail. We find that complex eskers develop where meltwater and sediment is abundant, such that sediment clogs channels, forming distributary eskers. Isolated eskers are simpler and smaller and reflect less abundant meltwater and sediment, which is unable to clog channels. Eskers may take several decades to emerge from outwash deposits containing buried ice and can increase or decrease in size when ice surrounding and underlying them melts out. It has been suggested that groundwater–channel coupling dictates the spacing between eskers at Breiðamerkurjökull. Our results do not dispute this, but suggest that the routing of sediment and meltwater through medial moraines is an additional important control on esker location and spacing. These results may be used to better understand the processes surrounding esker formation in a variety of geographical settings, enabling a more detailed understanding of the operation of meltwater drainage systems in sub‐marginal zones beneath glaciers and ice sheets. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fipronil promotes motor and behavioral changes in honey bees (Apis mellifera) and affects the development of colonies exposed to sublethal doses
Authors: Zaluski Rodrigo , Kadri Samir Moura , Alonso Diego Peres , Martins Ribolla Paulo Eduardo , de Oliveira Orsi Ricardo
Published: February 2015

Bees play a crucial role in pollination and generate honey and other hive products; therefore, their worldwide decline is cause for concern. New broad-spectrum systemic insecticides such as fipronil can harm bees and their use has been discussed as a potential threat to bees' survival. In the present study, the authors evaluate the in vitro toxicity of fipronil and note behavioral and motor activity changes in Africanized adult Apis mellifera that ingest or come into contact with lethal or sublethal doses of fipronil. The effects of sublethal doses on brood viability, population growth, behavior, and the expression of the defensin 1 gene in adult bees were studied in colonies fed with contaminated sugar syrup (8 µg fipronil L−1). Fipronil is highly toxic to bees triggering agitation, seizures, tremors, and paralysis. Bees that are exposed to a lethal or sublethal doses showed reduced motor activity. The number of eggs that hatched, the area occupied by worker eggs, and the number of larvae and pupae that developed were reduced, adult bees showed lethargy, and colonies were abandoned when they were exposed to sublethal doses of fipronil. No change was seen in the bees' expression of defensin 1. The authors conclude that fipronil is highly toxic to honey bees and even sublethal doses may negatively affect the development and maintenance of colonies. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:1062–1069. © 2015 SETAC
Tectonic fracture and its significance in hydrocarbon migration and accumulation: a case study on middle and lower Ordovician in Tabei Uplift of Tarim Basin, NW China
Authors: Cai Jun , Lü Xiuxiang , Li Boyuan
Published: February 2015

Middle and lower Ordovician carbonate rock in the Tabei Uplift of the Tarim Basin forms important fractured reservoir beds. Core and log data indicate that tectonic fractures, as the main fractures in the Tabei Uplift, could be mainly classified into two types: oblique fractures and approximately vertical fractures. The fractures are mainly NNW‐trending and NNE‐trending, coincident with the large faults nearby. Fracture abundance was also controlled by lithology, and faults nearby played a significant role. Cores, thin sections and tests show that these carbonate rocks have as much as 2.5% fracture porosity and as much as 150 md fracture permeability. Based on the intersection of fractures in cores, together with fluid inclusion temperature data, and the timing of faulting from seismic profiles, tectonic fractures were considered to be mainly formed in three periods: the late Silurian when the first‐stage oblique fractures were formed, the late Permian when approximately vertical fractures were formed, and the late Tertiary when the second‐stage oblique fractures were formed. Lower Cambrian source rocks started to enter the stage of generous hydrocarbon generation and expulsion in the Silurian. Ordovician source rocks started to enter the stage of generous hydrocarbon generation and expulsion in the Permian and enter the over‐mature stage in the late Tertiary when light oil was generated. Timing of tectonic fractures formation and burial history analysis suggest that fractures formation might coincide with oil accumulation when fractures provided the pathway and storage space for the low permeability and low porosity reservoir beds caused by previous compaction and cementation. Considering the presence of a large amount of fracture‐developed dolomite in the deeper Ordovician Penglaiba Formation, the undrilled Penglaiba Formation should be paid more attention. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of effective connectivity in the core network for face perception
Authors: He Wei , Garrido Marta I. , Sowman Paul F. , Brock Jon , Johnson Blake W.
Published: February 2015

This study measured effective connectivity within the core face network in young children using a paediatric magnetoencephalograph (MEG). Dynamic casual modeling (DCM) of brain responses was performed in a group of adults (N = 14) and a group of young children aged from 3 to 6 years (N = 15). Three candidate DCM models were tested, and the fits of the MEG data to the three models were compared at both individual and group levels. The results show that the connectivity structure of the core face network differs significantly between adults and children. Further, the relative strengths of face network connections were differentially modulated by experimental conditions in the two groups. These results support the interpretation that the core face network undergoes significant structural configuration and functional specialization between four years of age and adulthood. Hum Brain Mapp 36:2161–2173, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Impact of Near‐Universal Insurance Coverage on Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening: Evidence from Massachusetts
Authors: Sabik Lindsay M. , Bradley Cathy J.
Published: February 2015

This paper investigates the effect of expansion to near‐universal health insurance coverage in Massachusetts on breast and cervical cancer screening. We use data from 2002 to 2010 to compare changes in receipt of mammograms and Pap tests in Massachusetts relative to other New England states. We also consider the effect specifically among low‐income women. We find positive effects of Massachusetts health reform on cancer screening, suggesting a 4 to 5% increase in mammograms and 6 to 7% increase in Pap tests annually. Increases in both breast and cervical cancer screening are larger 3 years after the implementation of reform than in the year immediately following, suggesting that there may be an adjustment or learning period. Low‐income women experience greater increases in breast and cervical cancer screening than the overall population; among women with household income less than 250% of the federal poverty level, mammograms increase by approximately 8% and Pap tests by 9%. Overall, Massachusetts health reform appears to have increased breast and cervical cancer screening, particularly among low‐income women. Our results suggest that reform was successful in promoting preventive care among targeted populations. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Impact of Hospital Acquisition of Physician Practices on Referral Patterns
Authors: Carlin Caroline S. , Feldman Roger , Dowd Bryan
Published: February 2015

Multiple parties influence the choice of facility for hospital‐based inpatient and outpatient services. The patient is the central figure, but their choice of facility is guided by their physician and influenced by hospital characteristics. This study estimated changes in referral patterns for inpatient admissions and outpatient diagnostic imaging associated with changes in ownership of three multispecialty clinic systems headquartered in Minneapolis‐St. Paul, MN. These clinic systems were acquired by two hospital‐owned integrated delivery systems (IDSs) in 2007, increasing the probability that hospital preferences influenced physician guidance on facility choice. We used a longitudinal dataset that allowed us to predict changes in referral patterns, controlling for health plan enrollee, coverage, and clinic system characteristics.

The results are an important empirical contribution to the literature examining the impact of hospital ownership on location of service. When this change in ownership forged new relationships, there was a significant reduction in the use of facilities historically selected for inpatient admissions and outpatient imaging and an increase in the use of the acquiring IDS's facilities. These changes were weaker in the IDS acquiring two clinic systems, suggesting that management of multiple acquisitions simultaneously may impact the ability of the IDS to build strong referral relationships. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
bZIP17 and bZIP60 Regulate the Expression of BiP3 and Other Salt Stress Responsive Genes in an UPR‐Independent Manner in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Henriquez‐Valencia Carlos , Moreno Adrian A. , Sandoval‐Ibañez Omar , Mitina Irina , Blanco‐Herrera Francisca , Cifuentes‐Esquivel Nicolas , Orellana Ariel
Published: February 2015

Plants can be severely affected by salt stress. Since these are sessile organisms, they have developed different cellular responses to cope with this problem. Recently, it has been described that bZIP17 and bZIP60, two ER‐located transcription factors, are involved in the cellular response to salt stress. On the other hand, bZIP60 is also involved in the unfolded protein response (UPR), a signaling pathway that up‐regulates the expression of ER‐chaperones. Coincidentally, salt stress produces the up‐regulation of BiP, one of the main chaperones located in this organelle. Then, it has been proposed that UPR is associated to salt stress. Here, by using insertional mutant plants on bZIP17 and bZIP60, we show that bZIP17 regulate the accumulation of the transcript for the chaperone BiP3 under salt stress conditions, but does not lead to the accumulation of UPR‐responding genes such as the chaperones Calnexin, Calreticulin, and PDIL under salt treatments. In contrast, DTT, a known inducer of UPR, leads to the up‐regulation of all these chaperones. On the other hand, we found that bZIP60 regulates the expression of some bZIP17 target genes under conditions were splicing of bZIP60 does not occur, suggesting that the spliced and unspliced forms of bZIP60 play different roles in the physiological response of the plant. Our results indicate that the ER‐located transcription factors bZIP17 and bZIP60 play a role in salt stress but this response goes through a signaling pathway that is different to that triggered by the unfolded protein response. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 1638–1645, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Protective Effect of Apocynin on Cyclosporine A‐Induced Hypertension and Nephrotoxicity in Rats
Authors: Ciarcia Roberto , Damiano Sara , Florio Alessia , Spagnuolo Manuela , Zacchia Enza , Squillacioti Caterina , Mirabella Nicola , Florio Salvatore , Pagnini Ugo , Garofano Tiziana , Polito Maria Sole , Capasso Giovambattista , Giordano Antonio
Published: February 2015

Cyclosporine A (CsA) is the prototype of immunosuppressant drugs that has provided new perspectives in human and veterinary medicine to prevent organ transplant rejection and to treat certain autoimmune diseases and dermatologic diseases. Unfortunately, the treatment with CSA is often limited by severe adverse effects such as hypertension and nephrotoxicity. Some data suggest that reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the oxidative stress play an important role in its pathogenesis, in particular the superoxide (O2−) that is the most powerful free radical generated by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase present mainly in the kidney. The present study has been designed to investigate the role of Apocynin a selective inhibitor of NADPH oxidase activity on cyclosporine‐induced adverse effect. In this study, we have evaluated the effect of CsA, used alone or in association with Apocynin on blood pressure (BP), on glomerular filtration rate (GFR), on absoluted fluid reabsorption (Jv) in proximal tubule (PT), on O2− concentration, and on nitric oxide (NO) production. We have demonstrated that CsA administration increases superoxide concentration in the aorta, decreases the NO concentration, reduces GFR and the Jv in PT, and induces a significant increase in BP. Moreover, we have shown that Apocynin treatment restores these hemodynamic alterations, as well as NO and superoxide productions. In conclusion, the reported data indicate that CsA induced nephrotoxicity and hypertension are related to NADPH oxidase activity, in fact Apocynin protects the kidney function and BP from toxic effects induced by CsA through the inhibition of NADPH oxidase activity. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 1848–1856, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bonding and singlet–triplet gap of silicon trimer: Effects of protonation and attachment of alkali metal cations
Authors: Tam Nguyen Minh , Hang Tran Dieu , Pham Hung Tan , Nguyen Huyen Thi , Pham‐Ho My Phuong , Denis Pablo A. , Nguyen Minh Tho
Published: February 2015

We revisit the singlet–triplet energy gap (ΔEST) of silicon trimer and evaluate the gaps of its derivatives by attachment of a cation (H+, Li+, Na+, and K+) using the wavefunction‐based methods including the composite G4, coupled‐cluster theory CCSD(T)/CBS, CCSDT and CCSDTQ, and CASSCF/CASPT2 (for Si3) computations. Both 1A1 and 3
states of Si3 are determined to be degenerate. An intersystem crossing between both states appears to be possible at a point having an apex bond angle of around α = 68 ± 2° which is 16 ± 4 kJ/mol above the ground state. The proton, Li+ and Na+ cations tend to favor the low‐spin state, whereas the K+ cation favors the high‐spin state. However, they do not modify significantly the ΔEST. The proton affinity of silicon trimer is determined as PA(Si3) = 830 ± 4 kJ/mol at 298 K. The metal cation affinities are also predicted to be LiCA(Si3) = 108 ± 8 kJ/mol, NaCA(Si3) = 79 ± 8 kJ/mol and KCA(Si3) = 44 ± 8 kJ/mol. The chemical bonding is probed using the electron localization function, and ring current analyses show that the singlet three‐membered ring Si3 is, at most, nonaromatic. Attachment of the proton and Li+ cation renders it anti‐aromatic. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An Easy Access to the Synthesis of Sugar‐Based N‐Methyl‐Pyrrolidine via [3 + 2] Cycloaddition Methodology
Authors: Arasasppan Hemamalini , Thangamuthu Mohan Das
Published: February 2015

Sugar‐based N‐methyl‐pyrrolidine derivatives have been synthesized by the cycloaddition reaction of the ylide generated from sarcosine and paraformaldehyde with the sugar‐derived dipolarophile. All the newly synthesized products were characterized by NMR (1H, 13C), mass spectroscopy and elemental analysis.
Sensitivity of wheat yield to temperature changes with regional sunlight characteristics in eastern Hokkaido
Authors: Shimoda Seiji , Hamasaki Takahiro , Hirota Tomoyoshi , Kanno Hiromitsu , Nishio Zenta
Published: February 2015

Air temperature and sunshine duration for agricultural fields were extracted from 1‐km‐resolution weather data, and their relationship with winter wheat yield was compared for the adjacent Tokachi and Okhotsk regions of eastern Hokkaido, Japan. Major climatic drivers of winter wheat yield were air temperature during spring and grain‐filling period in Tokachi, and sunshine duration during grain‐filling period in Okhotsk. The regional difference in the sensitivity of yield to air temperature is attributed to variations in sunshine duration during grain‐filling period. In Tokachi, a shorter grain‐filling period limits the cumulative sunlight available to plants, because sunshine duration declines from late June to late July. In Okhotsk, yields of winter wheat were attributed to receiving adequate sunlight, although the growth period was curtailed by higher air temperature. We found that different climatic drivers affected winter wheat yield even in adjacent regions. The sensitivity of winter wheat yield to temperature can be determined by a threshold of 4.5 h daily sunshine duration regardless of region. Short sunshine duration during the grain‐filling period exacerbated the sensitivity of wheat yield to temperature. Early summer in Okhotsk is characterized by sunnier weather than in Tokachi due to foehn, with respect to the southerly winds. Then, southerly wind was associated with significantly longer sunshine duration in Okhotsk. Regional cloud development affects sunshine duration as the climatic driver of wheat yield.
Linking the southern annular mode to the diurnal temperature range shifts over southern Africa
Authors: Manatsa Desmond , Morioka Yushi , Behera Swadhin K. , Mushore Terrence D. , Mugandani Raymond
Published: February 2015

The link between the diurnal temperature range (DTR) and the southern annular mode (SAM) over southern Africa for the October to December period during 1960 to 2012 is established using observations. The DTR shifts are consistent with the change of moisture and temperature advection over the subregion which is related to the SAM‐induced circulation alterations. As such, we consider these changing circulation patterns as playing the dominant role in different types of the DTR development. In fact, for the long‐term influence of changes in the large‐scale circulation over southern Africa, the SAM circulation may have substantially contributed to the long‐term development of cloud cover/precipitation, which can be used as a proxy for the DTR variability in recent decades. Therefore, cloud cover and precipitation changes acted as a disguise rather than the actual cause for the variations in DTR. At the same time, while the mean temperature trends over southern Africa are similar to the global trends that indicate general warming, this increase is superimposed on the significant DTR decadal variability. Consequently, the DTR can be considered as a possible radiative forced index independent of internal climate variations, which is able to provide additional information for the detection and attribution of climate change over southern Africa.
Analysis of ethyl glucuronide and ethyl sulfate using aqueous normal‐phase chromatography with mass spectrometry
Authors: Pesek Joseph J. , Matyska Maria T. , Dang Andy
Published: February 2015

The use of aqueous normal‐phase chromatography is explored as a possible format for the analysis of the forensically significant compounds ethyl glucuronide and ethyl sulfate. Standard solutions of the two compounds are used to verify the retention capabilities of two stationary phases (diamond hydride and undecanoic acid). These results are then compared to data obtained on hair extracts to determine if any matrix effects exist with respect to both retention and peak shape. The undecanoic stationary phase is used for the establishment of calibration curves for quantitative analysis. These curves are utilized to determine the concentration of ethyl glucuronide in several hair samples tested.
Three‐phase hollow‐fiber microextraction combined with ion‐pair high‐performance liquid chromatography for the simultaneous determination of five components of compound α‐ketoacid tablets in human urine
Authors: Pan Zaifa , Huang Xiaoya , Zhong Yuan , Wang Lili , Zhu Danhua , Li Lanjuan
Published: February 2015

The determination of α‐ketoacid concentration is demanded to evaluate the absorption and metabolic behavior of compound α‐ketoacid tablets taken by chronic kidney disease patients. To eliminate the interference of endogenous substance of urine and enrich the analytes, a three‐phase hollow‐fiber liquid‐phase microextraction combined with ion‐pair high‐performance liquid chromatography method was established for the determination of d,l‐α‐hydroxymethionine calcium, d,l‐α‐ketoisoleucine calcium, α‐ketovaline calcium, α‐ketoleucine calcium, and α‐ketophenylalanine calcium of compound α‐ketoacid tablets in human urine samples. The extraction parameters, such as organic solvent, pH of donor phase and acceptor phase, stirring rate, and extraction time were optimized. Under the optimal conditions, the obtained enrichment factors were up to 11‐, 110‐, 198‐, 202‐, and 50‐fold, respectively. The calibration curves for these analytes were linear over the range of 0.1–10 mg/L for α‐ketovaline calcium, d,l‐α‐ketoisoleucine calcium, and α‐ketoleucine calcium, 0.5–10 mg/L for d,l‐α‐hydroxymethionine calcium, and α‐ketophenylalanine calcium with r > 0.99. The relative standard deviations (n = 5) were less than 6.27% and the LODs were 100.7, 10.0, 5.8, 7.8, and 8.6 μg/L (based on S/N = 3), respectively. Good recoveries from spiked urine samples (92–118%) were obtained. The proposed method demonstrated excellent sample clean‐up and analytes enrichment to determine the five components in human urine.
Feasibility of a Screening Program for At‐Risk Children Following Accidental Injury
Authors: March Sonja , Kenardy Justin A. , Cobham Vanessa E. , Nixon Reginald D. V. , McDermott Brett , De Young Alexandra
Published: February 2015

Screening is recommended as a simple method for identifying those who should be monitored for risk following trauma. Effective methods for implementing large‐scale screening programs are yet to be established. This study tested the feasibility and utility of a screening program with hospitalized youth exposed to injury in 3 Australian hospitals. Eligible families (N = 1,134) were contacted and 546 children (48.0%) screened for risk of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at 1–2 weeks postinjury. There were 95 (17.4%) children whose screen result was at risk. A rescreening phase was introduced during the study, with 68 children completing the rescreen at 4–6 weeks postinjury, and 26 (38.2% of those rescreened) still at risk. Of those initially screened, 29 (5.3%) completed diagnostic assessments, 21 (3.8%) were diagnosed with partial or full PTSD, and 17 (3.1%) commenced treatment. Screening was successful at identifying and reaching children with PTSD, but the response rate was lower than expected, which limited the utility of the program. The addition of a rescreening phase demonstrated that not all at‐risk children required intervention. These findings replicate previous studies that have shown natural remission in PTSD symptoms and highlight the potential for rescreening as part of a watchful waiting approach.
School‐Based Psychological Screening in the Aftermath of a Disaster: Are Parents Satisfied and Do Their Children Access Treatment?
Authors: Poulsen Kellee M. , McDermott Brett M. , Wallis Jeffrey , Cobham Vanessa E.
Published: February 2015

This study investigated parents’ satisfaction with postdisaster school‐based screening and whether satisfaction was related to follow‐through with screening recommendations. From among 1,268 there were 224 children, ages 7–18 years (M = 10.97, SD = 2.44 years) screened for emotional distress 4 months after a flood and 130 parents who completed the screening evaluation. Of the 44 children who showed severe emotional distress, less than 50% of their parents reported concerns and only 29.5% had sought assistance. Following screening, 86.7% of these children completed treatment. Overall satisfaction ratings by parents were high, with 99.2% very or mostly satisfied.
The Research–Action Interface in Sustainable Land Management in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan: Challenges and Recommendations
Authors: Wolfgramm Bettina , Shigaeva Jyldyz , Dear Chad
Published: February 2015

International agencies and programmes introduced sustainable land management (SLM) to Central Asia after the former Soviet Republics became independent in 1991. An aim of early SLM initiatives was to address challenges linked to the transformation of the agricultural sector from a centrally planned economy to a decentralized market economy. This article analyses the knowledge–action interface in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan as it relates to SLM. The analysis focuses on the influence of underlying land management concepts by means of a literature review. Contemporary barriers at the research–action interface were identified using participatory appraisal. And a historically contextualized understanding of the effectiveness of interactions between researchers, policy makers and practitioners is based on an analysis of purposefully selected cases. The study concludes that knowledge of different stakeholder groups is often highly disconnected. Interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary studies are rare, and academic research on SLM has subsequently been ineffective at contributing to substantial benefits for society. Further, researchers, policy makers and practitioners in this context must recognize the differences between SLM and what is often referred to as the equivalent Soviet‐era concept—rational use of land resources—and the resulting implications of these differences. The authors recommend the following: creating an enabling environment for SLM research through academic institutional reform removing structural constraints, making research outcomes more effective by applying systems approaches that produce evidence for policy makers on the multiple benefits of SLM, helping land users evaluate SLM strategies and investing in the establishment and maintenance of a multi‐stakeholder SLM platform that allows dynamic exchange. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long‐chain omega‐3 from low‐trophic‐level fish provides value to farmed seafood
Authors: Bibus Douglas M.
Published: February 2015

Low‐trophic‐level fish are a crucial source of long‐chain (LC) omega‐3 fatty acids for farmed fish and humans. Many farm‐raised fish species have a clear need for these nutrients. Farmed fish deposit the LC omega‐3s in their flesh and transfer them up the food chain. However, the content of LC omega‐3s in farm‐raised seafood continues to decline, while the content of shorter‐chain plant‐sourced omega‐3s, and pro‐inflammtory omega‐6s continue to increase. This reduces its nutritional worth. The value of low‐trophic‐level fish is often viewed merely as its price at the dock. Some reports and metrics steer public attention towards the mass balance between quantities of low‐trophic‐level fish and farmed seafood. However, the the nutritional value of seafood is more important than its mere quantities. The role of low‐trophic‐level fish in human nutrition, health, and wellbeing is a fundamental component of its economic value to society.
Docosahexaenoic acid and traumatic brain injury
Authors: Thau‐Zuchman Orli
Published: February 2015

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is becoming increasingly recognised as a major cause of disability, with a significant impact on health costs both in the developed and developing world. At present, there is no effective treatment for this type of acute neurological injury. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an abundant polyunsaturated fatty acid in the brain, known to have a significant structural role as well as functional roles. Preclinical accumulating evidence indicates that DHA has potential as a restorative therapeutic agent for traumatic brain injury.
Solvent Vapor Annealing of Block Copolymers in Confined Topographies: Commensurability Considerations for Nanolithography
Authors: Cummins Cian , Kelly Roisin A. , Gangnaik Anushka , Georgiev Yordan M. , Petkov Nikolay , Holmes Justin D. , Morris Michael A.
Published: February 2015

The directed self‐assembly of block copolymer (BCP) materials in topographically patterned substrates (i.e., graphoepitaxy) is a potential methodology for the continued scaling of nanoelectronic device technologies. In this Communication, an unusual feature size variation in BCP nanodomains under confinement with graphoepitaxially aligned cylinder‐forming poly(styrene)‐block‐poly(4‐vinylpyridine) (PS‐b‐P4VP) BCP is reported. Graphoepitaxy of PS‐b‐P4VP BCP line patterns (CII) is accomplished via topo­graphy in hydrogen silsequioxane (HSQ) modified substrates and solvent vapor annealing (SVA). Interestingly, reduced domain sizes in features close to the HSQ guiding features are observed. The feature size reduction is evident after inclusion of alumina into the P4VP domains followed by pattern transfer to the silicon substrate. It is suggested that this nano­domain size perturbation is due to solvent swelling effects during SVA. It is proposed that using a commensurability value close to the solvent vapor annealed periodicity will alleviate this issue leading to uniform nanofins.

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Optical Mechanotransduction with Carbazole‐Based Luminescent Liquid Single‐Crystal Elastomers
Authors: Garcia‐Amorós Jaume , Velasco Dolores
Published: February 2015

Carbazole‐based liquid single‐crystal elastomers (LSCEs) are valuable fluorescent flexible materials to perform optical mechanotransduction under ambient conditions. Indeed, the covalent incorporation of carbazole derivatives into nematic LSCEs allows to tune their luminescence on demand under mechanical control in a quick and reversible fashion. Specifically, the fluorescence intensity for these materials can be switched back and forth in less than a second. Moreover, such a process can be performed several times without detecting any sign of fatigue in the system. In addition, these materials show excellent resistance to aging; 2 years after their preparation they exhibit the very same mechanofluorescent behavior as when freshly prepared. In fact, the here reported fluorescent systems are highly sensitive; the application of a force of 70 mN decreases the fluorescence in the elastomeric material by 7%. Thus, mechanical forces are attractive external stimuli to modulate the fluorescence of nematic elastomers rapidly and reversibly enabling thereby mechanotransduction.

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Comparative genomic analysis of seven Mycoplasma hyosynoviae strains
Authors: Bumgardner Eric A. , Kittichotirat Weerayuth , Bumgarner Roger E. , Lawrence Paulraj K.
Published: February 2015

Infection with Mycoplasma hyosynoviae can result in debilitating arthritis in pigs, particularly those aged 10 weeks or older. Strategies for controlling this pathogen are becoming increasingly important due to the rise in the number of cases of arthritis that have been attributed to infection in recent years. In order to begin to develop interventions to prevent arthritis caused by M. hyosynoviae, more information regarding the specific proteins and potential virulence factors that its genome encodes was needed. However, the genome of this emerging swine pathogen had not been sequenced previously. In this report, we present a comparative analysis of the genomes of seven strains of M. hyosynoviae isolated from different locations in North America during the years 2010 to 2013. We identified several putative virulence factors that may contribute to the ability of this pathogen to adhere to host cells. Additionally, we discovered several prophage genes present within the genomes of three strains that show significant similarity to MAV1, a phage isolated from the related species, M. arthritidis. We also identified CRISPR‐Cas and type III restriction and modification systems present in two strains that may contribute to their ability to defend against phage infection.
High glycemic index and glycemic load are associated with moderately increased cancer risk
Authors: Turati Federica , Galeone Carlotta , Gandini Sara , Augustin Livia S. , Jenkins David J. A. , Pelucchi Claudio , La Vecchia Carlo
Published: February 2015

Scope

To obtain an up‐to‐date quantification of the association between dietary glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) and the risk of cancer.

Methods and results

We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies updated to January 2015. Summary relative risks (RRs) were derived using random effects models. Seventy‐five reports were evaluated in the systematic review (147 090 cases), and 72 were included in the meta‐analyses by cancer site. Considering hormone‐related cancers, summary RRs comparing the highest versus the lowest GI and GL intake were, respectively, 1.05 and 1.07 for breast, 1.13 and 1.17 for endometrial, 1.11 and 1.19 for ovarian, and 1.06 and 1.04 for prostate cancers. Considering digestive‐tract cancers, summary RRs for GI and GL were, respectively, 1.46 and 1.25 for esophageal (squamous cell carcinoma), 1.17 and 1.10 for stomach, 1.16 (significant) and 1.10 for colorectal, 1.11 and 1.14 for liver, and 1.10 and 1.01 for pancreatic cancers. In most of these meta‐analyses, significant heterogeneity among studies was observed. In subgroup analyses, case–control studies and studies from Europe tended to estimate higher RRs.

Conclusion

High‐GI and high‐GL diets are related to moderately increased risk of cancer at several common sites.
Comparison of RAFT Ab Initio Emulsion Polymerization of Methyl Methacrylate and Styrene Mediated by Oligo(methacrylic acid‐b‐methyl methacrylate) Trithiocarbonate Surfactant
Authors: Zhu Yue , Bi Shangyu , Gao Xiang , Luo Yingwu
Published: February 2015

The comparison between methyl methacrylate (MMA) and styrene (St) RAFT emulsion polymerization using oligo(methacrylic acid41‐b‐methyl methacrylate8) RAFT agent (oligo(MAA41‐b‐MMA8) RAFT) as surfactant is investigated in order to gain a better understanding on RAFT emulsion polymerization of MMA. It is found that the colloidal stability during MMA emulsion polymerization is much more sensitive to the initiator concentrations and temperature than that of St polymerization. The coagulum‐free latex of highly living PMMA can be achieved only at 80 °C and low initiator concentrations. The final PDI is higher in RAFT emulsion polymerization of MMA than that of St. It is revealed that about 40% acid groups of oligo(MAA41‐b‐MMA8) RAFT should be buried within the final particles of PMMA, indicating that particle coagulation should occur in the very beginning of the polymerization. The poorer performance of the MMA polymerization could be well explained by the homogeneous nucleation mode of particles combined with relatively slow transporting rate of oligo(MAA41‐b‐MMA8) RAFT molecules from the partly frozen micelles to the newly‐born particles.
Pressure‐based adaption indicator for compressible euler equations
Authors: Dewar Jeremy , Kurganov Alexander , Leopold Maren
Published: February 2015

We consider the Euler equations of gas dynamics and develop a new adaption indicator, which is based on the weak local residual measured for the nonconservative pressure variable. We demonstrate that the proposed indicator is capable of automatically detecting discontinuities and distinguishing between the shock and contact waves when they are isolated from each other. We then use the developed indicator to design a scheme adaption algorithm, according to which nonlinear limiters are used only in the vicinity of shocks. The new adaption algorithm is realized using a second‐order limited and a high‐order nonlimited central‐upwind scheme. We demonstrate robustness and high resolution of the designed method on a number of one‐ and two‐dimensional numerical examples. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 31: 1844–1874, 2015
Gold(III)–pyrrolidinedithiocarbamato Derivatives as Antineoplastic Agents
Authors: Nardon Chiara , Chiara Federica , Brustolin Leonardo , Gambalunga Alberto , Ciscato Francesco , Rasola Andrea , Trevisan Andrea , Fregona Dolores
Published: February 2015

Transition metals offer many possibilities in developing potent chemotherapeutic agents. They are endowed with a variety of oxidation states, allowing for the selection of their coordination numbers and geometries via the choice of proper ligands, leading to the tuning of their final biological properties. We report here on the synthesis, physico‐chemical characterization, and solution behavior of two gold(III) pyrrolidinedithiocarbamates (PDT), namely [AuIIIBr2(PDT)] and [AuIIICl2(PDT)]. We found that the bromide derivative was more effective than the chloride one in inducing cell death for several cancer cell lines. [AuIIIBr2(PDT)] elicited oxidative stress with effects on the permeability transition pore, a mitochondrial channel whose opening leads to cell death. More efficient antineoplastic strategies are required for the widespread burden that is cancer. In line with this, our results indicate that [AuIIIBr2(PDT)] is a promising antineoplastic agent that targets cellular components with crucial functions for the survival of tumor cells.
Targeting ASCT2‐mediated glutamine uptake blocks prostate cancer growth and tumour development
Authors: Wang Qian , Hardie Rae‐Anne , Hoy Andrew J , van Geldermalsen Michelle , Gao Dadi , Fazli Ladan , Sadowski Martin C , Balaban Seher , Schreuder Mark , Nagarajah Rajini , Wong Justin J‐L , Metierre Cynthia , Pinello Natalia , Otte Nicholas J , Lehman Melanie L , Gleave Martin , Nelson Colleen C , Bailey Charles G , Ritchie William , Rasko John EJ , Holst Jeff
Published: February 2015

Glutamine is conditionally essential in cancer cells, being utilized as a carbon and nitrogen source for macromolecule production, as well as for anaplerotic reactions fuelling the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. In this study, we demonstrated that the glutamine transporter ASCT2 (SLC1A5) is highly expressed in prostate cancer patient samples. Using LNCaP and PC‐3 prostate cancer cell lines, we showed that chemical or shRNA‐mediated inhibition of ASCT2 function in vitro decreases glutamine uptake, cell cycle progression through E2F transcription factors, mTORC1 pathway activation and cell growth. Chemical inhibition also reduces basal oxygen consumption and fatty acid synthesis, showing that downstream metabolic function is reliant on ASCT2‐mediated glutamine uptake. Furthermore, shRNA knockdown of ASCT2 in PC‐3 cell xenografts significantly inhibits tumour growth and metastasis in vivo, associated with the down‐regulation of E2F cell cycle pathway proteins. In conclusion, ASCT2‐mediated glutamine uptake is essential for multiple pathways regulating the cell cycle and cell growth, and is therefore a putative therapeutic target in prostate cancer. © 2015 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.