bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nature and frequency of drug‐related problems in self‐medication (over‐the‐counter drugs) in daily community pharmacy practice in Germany
Authors: Eickhoff Christiane , Hämmerlein Andrea , Griese Nina , Schulz Martin
Published: September 2011

Purpose

To quantify drug‐related problems (DRPs) in self‐medication (over‐the‐counter [OTC] drug use) identified by community pharmacists (CPs) in Germany at the time the drug is dispensed.

Methods

One hundred CPs were asked to document 100 consecutive customers presenting symptoms or requesting OTC drugs using a standardized documentation form. The number of 10 000 encounters seemed reasonable to evaluate the set objective. For each encounter, data such as age, sex, and first or repeated request and the availability of a patient file in the pharmacy including drug history were documented. Furthermore, identified DRPs, problem descriptions, and solutions were documented. Data were transcribed electronically, coded, checked for validity, and analyzed.

Results

In total, 109 CPs documented 12 567 encounters identifying DRPs in 17.6% of all cases. Four indications comprised more than 70% of all DRPs: pain, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and skin disorders. Four DRPs were responsible for almost 75% of all DRPs identified: self‐medication inappropriate (29.7%), requested product inappropriate (20.5%), intended duration of drug use too high including abuse (17.1%), and wrong dosage (6.8%). If a drug history was available, significantly more cases with wrong dosage (p < 0.05) and drug–drug interactions (p < 0.001) were detected.

All patients with identified DRPs were counseled accordingly. Furthermore, the most frequent interventions were referral to a physician (39.5%) and switching to a more appropriate drug (28.1%).

Conclusions

In nearly one of five encounters, a direct pharmacist–patient interaction about self‐medication revealed relevant DRPs. Having access to patient files including data on prescription and OTC drugs may increase patient safety. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exposure to inhibitors of the renin–angiotensin system is a major independent risk factor for acute renal failure induced by sucrose‐containing intravenous immunoglobulins: a case–control study
Authors: Moulis Guillaume , Sailler Laurent , Sommet Agnès , Lapeyre‐Mestre Maryse , Montastruc Jean‐Louis ,   the French Association of Regional Pharmacovigilance Centers
Published: September 2011

Purpose

Risk factors for intravenous immunoglobulin‐induced renal failure (IVIg‐RF) were suspected from case series studies. This study was aimed at quantifying the risk of IVIg‐RF associated with exposure to drugs that modify intrarenal hemodynamics.

Methods

We conducted a case–control study in the French Pharmacovigilance Database (FPVD). Adult IVIg‐RF cases registered in the FPVD from 1996 to 2009 were reviewed. Controls were patients included in the FPVD for another IVIg adverse effect. Controls were matched for sucrose content of the preparation, year of adverse event and age. The predictors of IVIg‐RF were exposure to angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE‐I), angiotensin receptor antagonists (ARA), diuretics, age, gender and weight, IVIg delivered dose and infusion duration, chronic kidney disease, hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Acute IVIg‐RF was defined as a calculated creatinine clearance less than 60 mL/min and, in the event of chronic kidney disease, (i) a more than 50% increase of serum creatinine, (ii) an indication of oligo‐anuria or (iii) a requirement for dialysis.

Results

We selected 71 cases and 71 controls. Forty‐nine percent of the cases required transient hemodialysis. In the final multivariate model, exposure to ACE‐I and/or ARA was the sole independent predictor associated with IVIg‐RF (OR = 7.9, 95%CI = 1.3–49.2). There was an interaction between ‘diabetes mellitus’ (OR = 7.7, 95%CI = 2.3–25.5) and ‘chronic kidney disease’ (OR = 13.0, 95%CI = 3.1–54.7), both being strong risk factors in univariate models (p < 0.001). Chronic hypertension was a risk factor for hemodialysis.

Conclusions

Temporary interruption of ACE‐I and ARA may be considered at the time of IVIg infusion. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fluorescence enhancement of cationic diacetylene‐contained polyelectrolyte by anions and cations and application for sensitive and selective detection of Hg2+
Authors: Zeng Wennan , Wang Lingyun , Lin Shuimu , Liu Shouping , Beuerman Roger , Cao Derong
Published: September 2011

An unusual phenomenon, the fluorescence enhancement of cationic conjugated fluorene‐co‐carbazole‐co‐diacetylene polymers (CPFC) by both anionic and cationic ions, was reported. The fluorescence enhancement of CPFC strongly depended on the nature of the ions and the counterions. In the solution of DMF/H2O, PO, CO and Hg2+ showed the most pronounced fluorescence enhancement response of CPFC (more than 10‐fold). The fluorescence of CPFC was quenched by K4[Fe(CN)6, and then could be recovered with the addition of Hg2+. Based on these observations, a simple and sensitive fluorescent “turn‐on” sensor in aqueous solution for Hg2+ was developed by use of a system of CPFC/ K4[Fe(CN)6]. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011
Stigma, perceived blame, self‐blame, and depressive symptoms in men with colorectal cancer
Authors: Phelan Sean M. , Griffin Joan M. , Jackson George L. , Zafar S. Yousuf , Hellerstedt Wendy , Stahre Mandy , Nelson David , Zullig Leah L. , Burgess Diana J. , van Ryn Michelle
Published: September 2011

Background

We measured the prevalence of stigma, self‐blame, and perceived blame from others for their illness among men with colorectal cancer (CRC) and examined whether these factors were associated with depressive symptoms, independent of clinical and sociodemographic factors.

Methods

Self‐administered questionnaires were returned in the fall of 2009 by 1109 eligible male US veterans who were diagnosed with CRC at any Veterans Affairs facility in 2008. Questionnaires assessed stigma, feelings of blame, and depressive symptoms as well as other facets of health, cancer characteristics, and quality and type of medical care. We report the prevalence of cancer stigma, self‐blame, and perceived blame from others. We used multivariate linear regression to assess the association between these factors and a measure of depressive symptoms. Covariates included several measures of overall health, cancer progression, symptom severity, and sociodemographic factors.

Results

Thirty one percent of respondents endorsed at least one item in a measure of cancer stigma and 25% reported feeling that it was at least ‘a little true’ that they were to blame for their illness. All three independent variables were associated with depressive symptoms in bivariate models; cancer stigma and self‐blame were significantly associated with depressive symptoms in the multivariate model.

Conclusions

Cancer stigma and self‐blame are problems for a significant minority of men with CRC and are independent predictors of depressive symptoms. They may represent an important source of stress in men with CRC. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural cooperativity in histone H3 tail modifications
Authors: Sanli Deniz , Keskin Ozlem , Gursoy Attila , Erman Burak
Published: September 2011

Post‐translational modifications of histone H3 tails have crucial roles in regulation of cellular processes. There is cross‐regulation between the modifications of K4, K9, and K14 residues. The modifications on these residues drastically promote or inhibit each other. In this work, we studied the structural changes of the histone H3 tail originating from the three most important modifications; tri‐methylation of K4 and K9, and acetylation of K14. We performed extensive molecular dynamics simulations of four types of H3 tails: (i) the unmodified H3 tail having no chemical modification on the residues, (ii) the tri‐methylated lysine 4 and lysine 9 H3 tail (K4me3K9me3), (iii) the tri‐methylated lysine 4 and acetylated lysine 14 H3 tail (K4me3K14ace), and (iv) tri‐methylated lysine 9 and acetylated lysine 14 H3 tail (K9me3K14ace). Here, we report the effects of K4, K9, and K14 modifications on the backbone torsion angles and relate these changes to the recognition and binding of histone modifying enzymes. According to the Ramachandran plot analysis; (i) the dihedral angles of K4 residue are significantly affected by the addition of three methyl groups on this residue regardless of the second modification, (ii) the dihedral angle values of K9 residue are similarly altered majorly by the tri‐methylation of K4 residue, (iii) different combinations of modifications (tri‐methylation of K4 and K9, and acetylation of K14) have different influences on phi and psi values of K14 residue. Finally, we discuss the consequences of these results on the binding modes and specificity of the histone modifying enzymes such as DIM‐5, GCN5, and JMJD2A.
Photocatalytic activity of TiO2/SWCNT and TiO2/MWCNT nanocomposites with different carbon nanotube content
Authors: Vajda Krisztina , Mogyorosi Karoly , Nemeth Zoltan , Hernadi Klara , Forro Laszlo , Magrez Arnaud , Dombi Andras
Published: September 2011

With different mass ratios, titanium dioxide/carbon nanotube (0.1–10 wt% CNT content) nanocomposites were prepared with the aid of ultrasonication method. The structures of the various TiO2/CNT nanocomposites were characterized by electron microscopy (scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy). Their photocatalytic activity was tested by the degradation of phenol in aqueous solution under near‐UV irradiation. In parallel experiments, both (SW and MW) CNT samples were treated in a reflux system with nitric acid to functionalize the nanotubes, subsequently preparing the nanocomposites in the same method. At higher CNT concentration (5, 10 wt%) the nanocomposites exhibited lower photocatalytic activity compared to the samples with lower CNT concentration, probably because the higher CNT concentration reduces the light intensity on the surfaces of TiO2 particles. Our aim was to find the best synthesis method and the optimal composition of the TiO2/CNT nanocomposites for the degradation of phenol under UV irradiation. The highest degradation rate was achieved with Aldrich anatase/functionalized single wall carbon nanotube nanocomposite (AA + f‐SW1 wt%). The photocatalytic activity of this sample was significantly higher compared to the bare Aldrich anatase and Aeroxide P25 titanium dioxide reference samples which were the best photocatalysts among the investigated bare titanias.
Ferrocene encapsulation in carbon nanotubes: Various methods of filling and investigation
Authors: Kocsis Dorina , Kaptás Dénes , Botos Ákos , Pekker Áron , Kamarás Katalin
Published: September 2011

One of the most exciting properties of carbon nanotubes is their ability to encapsulate molecular species in their quasi‐one dimensional channels. We present results on single‐walled carbon nanotubes filled with ferrocene, the most stable and commercially available metallocene. For encapsulation of the ferrocene molecules we attempted two types of filling: a high temperature vapor‐phase method and nano‐extraction from ethanol. To confirm the encapsulation, double‐walled carbon nanotubes were created from the samples by annealing. The inner tubes could be detected by Raman scattering via their radial breathing mode. These experiments confirmed that only the high‐temperature annealing method was successful. The product was characterized by infrared attenuated total reflection (IR‐ATR), Raman, ultraviolet–visible (UV–VIS) and Mössbauer spectroscopy. By the latter method other iron‐containing phases were observed. Mössbauer spectra proved that no charge transfer occurs between the nanotube and the ferrocene molecules.
Bundle and chirality influences on properties of carbon nanotubes studied with van der Waals density functional theory
Authors: Dumlich Heiko , Gegg Michael , Hennrich Frank , Reich Stephanie
Published: September 2011

We study the binding strength and intertube distance of carbon nanotube bundles in dependence of their structure (chirality) with van der Waals density functional theory. We try to understand the bundling and debundling process of nanotube bundles and test whether an influence of chirality exists. The distance between the nanotubes in the bundles vary only in a small range within 3.3 and 3.4 Å, without any chiral angle and diameter dependence. We find an increase of van der Waals energy per length with increasing diameter of the nanotubes ${\left( {E_{{\rm vdW}}^{{\rm length}} {\propto} d\,{\rm or}\,\sqrt {d} } \right)}$ for tubes with diameters between 5.6 and 27.3 Å, but no obvious correlation between the chirality of the tubes and the van der Waals energy per length. The van der Waals energy per atom is decreasing with increasing tube diameter ${\left( {E_{{\rm vdW}}^{{\rm atom}} {\propto} 1/d\,{\rm or}\,1/\sqrt {d} } \right)}$.
Monte Carlo simulation of step effect on molecular‐based magnets
Authors: Wang Wei , Jiang Wei , Lv Dan
Published: September 2011

Monte Carlo simulation has been used in detail to study the step effect of the hysteresis loop for a ferrimagnetic mixed spin‐2 and spin‐5/2 Ising model on a honeycomb lattice. The results indicate that the hysteresis loops exhibit an obvious step effect and various shapes for different single‐ion anisotropies and exchange couplings at very low temperature. Under a longitudinal magnetic field (h > 0 or h < 0), we have obtained 2S + 1 magnetic plateaus for different single‐ion anisotropies at low temperature. The existence of triple and double hysteresis loop patterns has been found in the system. It is shown that the sublattice anisotropy and the interlayer exchange coupling strongly affect the coercivity of the system. The influence of the interlayer exchange couplings on the total magnetization, susceptibility, internal energy and specific heat with temperature are numerically examined in the absence of the longitudinal field.
Adjusting for covariates in non‐inferiority studies with margins defined as risk differences
Authors: Mohamed Khadeeja , Embleton Andrew , Cuffe Robert L.
Published: September 2011

Adjusting for covariates makes efficient use of data and can improve the precision of study results or even reduce sample sizes. There is no easy way to adjust for covariates in a non‐inferiority study for which the margin is defined as a risk difference. Adjustment is straightforward on the logit scale, but reviews of clinical studies suggest that the analysis is more often conducted on the more interpretable risk‐difference scale. We examined four methods that allow for adjustment on the risk‐difference scale: stratified analysis with Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel (CMH) weights, binomial regression with an identity link, the use of a Taylor approximation to convert results from the logit to the risk‐difference scale and converting the risk‐difference margin to the odds‐ratio scale. These methods were compared using simulated data based on trials in HIV. We found that the CMH had the best trade‐off between increased efficiency in the presence of predictive covariates and problems in analysis at extreme response rates. These results were shared with regulatory agencies in Europe and the USA, and the advice received is described. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploring the Possible Metabolism Mediated Interaction of Glycyrrhiza glabra Extract with CYP3A4 and CYP2D6
Authors: Pandit Subrata , Ponnusankar Sivasankaran , Bandyopadhyay Arun , Ota Sarda , Mukherjee Pulok K.
Published: September 2011

The rhizome of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (licorice) is used very widely in Indian and Chinese traditional medicine, and it is a popular flavor ingredient of drinks, sweets and candies. Its medicinal uses include treating bronchitis, dry cough, respiratory infections, liver disorders and diabetes. Glycyrrhizin is normally considered to be its biologically active marker, so a rapid RP‐HPLC method was developed for the quantitative estimation of glycyrrhizin in the extract. The effect of the standardized extract and its marker on drug metabolizing enzymes was evaluated through CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 inhibition assays to evaluate the safety through its drug interaction potential. The inhibition of CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 isozymes was analysed by the fluorescent product formation method. In the CYP450‐CO assay, the interaction potential of the standardized extract and pooled microsomes (percentage inhibition 23.23 ± 1.84%), was found to be less than the standard inhibitor. In the fluorimetric assay, G. glabra extracts showed higher IC50 values than their positive inhibitors, ketoconazole and quinidine for CYP3A4 and CYP2D6, respectively. Furthermore, the interaction potential of the plant extract was greater than the pure compound. The results demonstrate that G. glabra and its principle bioactive compound, glycyrrhizin, when co‐administered with conventional medicines showed only a weak interaction potential with drug metabolizing enzymes. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oleanolic Acid Prevents Glucocorticoid‐induced Hypertension in Rats
Authors: Bachhav Sagar S. , Patil Savita D. , Bhutada Mukesh S. , Surana Sanjay J.
Published: September 2011

The present study was designed to evaluate the antihypertensive activity of oleanolic acid isolated from Viscum articulatum, Burm. (Loranthaceae) in glucocorticoid (dexamethasone)‐induced hypertension in rats and to propose a probable mechanism of action for this effect. Male Wistar rats (300–350 g) received dexamethasone (20 μg/kg/day s.c.) or saline (vehicle) for 10 days. In a prevention study, the rats received oleanolic acid (60 mg/kg i.p.) for 5 days, followed by dexamethasone or saline for 10 days. During this period the systolic blood pressure and body weight were evaluated on alternate days. At the end of the experiment, the weight of the thymus gland, plasma nitrate/nitrite (nitric oxide metabolites) concentration and cardiac lipid peroxidation value were determined. Oleanolic acid (60 mg/kg i.p.) significantly prevented a rise in the systolic blood pressure and cardiac lipid peroxidation level after administration of dexamethasone (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively) without showing any significant effect on the dexamethasone‐induced change in body and thymus weights. The decrease in concentration of plasma nitrate/nitrite due to dexamethasone was prevented significantly in the group treated with oleanolic acid (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that oleanolic acid (60 mg/kg i.p.) prevents dexamethasone‐induced hypertension in rats, which may be attributed to its antioxidant and nitric oxide releasing action. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genome Wide Expression Analysis of the Effect of the Chinese Patent Medicine Zilongjin Tablet on Four Human Lung Carcinoma Cell Lines
Authors: Zhang Ping , Wang Xin , Xiong Songjin , Wen Shaoping , Gao Song , Wang Lei , Cao Boyang
Published: September 2011

Zilongjin (ZLJ) tablet, which is a traditional Chinese medicine, has been approved as a new anti‐tumor drug by the State Food and Drug Administration of China; however, its anti‐cancer mechanisms remain elusive. The goal of this study was to investigate the underlying anti‐cancer activities of ZLJ tablet in vitro. In this study, four lung cancer cell lines, A549, H446, H460 and H520, were treated with 2.2 mg/mL of ZLJ solution for 24 h at 37 °C under 5% CO2. RNA was isolated and a microarray experiment using the Affymetrix Human Genome U133 plus 2.0 Array was employed to differentiate the expression patterns of cancer‐related genes after drug treatment. Of 483 genes in 63 functional categories and 25 different pathways that showed at least a 2‐fold change of expression level in the four cancer cell lines, 170 genes were upregulated, and 313 genes were downregulated. Eleven of the 483 genes were cancer‐related and belong to the three known pathways: apoptosis, cell cycle regulation and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade. The microarray data were validated by real‐time RT‐PCR. The results of this investigation suggest possible anti‐cancer mechanisms of the ZLJ tablet, and lay a foundation to further analyse its therapeutic roles. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
6‐Gingerol Prevents Patulin‐induced Genotoxicity in HepG2 Cells
Authors: Yang Guang , Zhong Laifu , Jiang Liping , Geng Chengyan , Cao Jun , Sun Xiance , Liu Xiaofang , Chen Min , Ma Yufang
Published: September 2011

Patulin (PAT) is a mycotoxin produced by several Penicillium, Aspergillus and Byssochlamys species. Since PAT is a potent genotoxic compound, and PAT contamination is common in fruits and fruit products, the search for newer, better agents for protection against genotoxicity of PAT is required. In this study, the chemoprotective effect of 6‐gingerol against PAT‐induced genotoxicity in HepG2 cells was investigated. The comet assay and micronucleus test (MNT) were used to monitor genotoxic effects. To further elucidate the underlying mechanisms, the intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and level of reduced glutathione (GSH) were tested. In addition, the level of oxidative DNA damage was evaluated by immunocytochemical analysis of 8‐hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG). The results showed that 6‐gingerol significantly reduced the DNA strand breaks and micronuclei formation caused by PAT. Moreover, 6‐gingerol effectively suppressed PAT‐induced intracellular ROS formation and 8‐OHdG level. The GSH depletion induced by PAT in HepG2 cells was also attenuated by 6‐gingerol pretreatment. These findings suggest that 6‐gingerol has a strong protective ability against the genotoxicity caused by PAT, and the antioxidant activity of 6‐gingerol may play an important part in attenuating the genotoxicity of PAT. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Outstanding questions in electron–ion energy relaxation, lattice stability, and dielectric function of warm dense matter
Authors: Ng Andrew
Published: September 2011

Our earlier experiments in shocked silicon and gold heated with femtosecond‐laser have revealed some unexpected findings including a reduced electron–ion coupling constant, superheating, and enhancement of interband transitions. The original experiments and their interpretations are reviewed together with discussions of new perspectives to identify key questions that need to be addressed in understanding electron–ion energy relaxation, lattice stability, and dielectric function under nonequilibrium, warm dense matter conditions. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2012
Human serotonin 5‐HT2C G protein‐coupled receptor homology model from the β2 adrenoceptor structure: Ligand docking and mutagenesis studies
Authors: Córdova‐Sintjago Tania , Villa Nancy , Canal Clinton , Booth Raymond
Published: September 2011

Activation of the serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine, 5‐HT) 5HT2C G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) is proposed as novel pharmacotherapy for obesity and neuropsychiatric disorders. In contrast, activation of the 5‐HT2A and 5‐HT2B GPCRs is associated with untoward hallucinogenic and cardiopulmonary effects, respectively. There is no crystal structure available to guide design of 5‐HT2C receptor‐specific ligands. For this reason, a homology model of the 5‐HT2C receptor was built based on the crystal structure of the human β2 adrenoceptor GPCR to delineate molecular determinants of ligand–receptor interactions for drug design purposes. Computational and experimental studies were carried out to validate the model. Binding of N(CH3)2‐PAT [(1R, 3S)‐(–)‐trans‐1‐phenyl‐3‐N,N‐dimethylamino‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydronaphthalene], a novel 5‐HT2C agonist/5‐HT2A/2B inverse agonist, and its secondary [NH(CH3)‐PAT] and primary (NH2‐PAT) amine analogs were studied at the 5‐HT2C wild type (WT) and D3.32A, S3.36A, and Y7.43A 5‐HT2C point‐mutated receptors. Reference ligands included the tertiary amines lisuride and mesulergine and the primary amine 5‐HT. Modeling results indicated that 5‐HT2C residues D3.32, S3.36, and Y7.43 play a role in ligand binding. Experimental ligand binding results with WT and point‐mutated receptors confirmed the impact of D3.32, S3.36, and Y7.43 on ligand affinity. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2012
Theory of chemical bonds in metalloenzymes. XVII. Symmetry breaking in manganese cluster structures and chameleonic mechanisms for the OO bond formation of water splitting reaction
Authors: Saito Toru , Shoji Mitsuo , Kanda Keita , Isobe Hiroshi , Yamanaka Shusuke , Kitagawa Yasutaka , Yamada Satoru , Kawakami Takashi , Okumura Mitsutaka , Yamaguchi Kizashi
Published: September 2011

Symmetry breaking in cluster structures of manganese oxides by doping of Ca(II) ion is examined in relation to chameleonic mechanisms of water splitting reaction. The orbital and spin correlation diagrams have been depicted to clarify one‐electron transfer and electron‐pair transfer mechanisms for the reaction. The spin‐polarized molecular orbital models have been applied to elucidate correspondence between magnetic‐coupling mode and reaction mechanism of the oxygen–oxygen (OO) bond formation and oxygen evolution catalyzed by multicenter Ca(II) manganese oxides and related systems. The present UB3LYP calculations followed by the natural orbital analyses have been performed to elucidate electronic structures of the key intermediates and the transition state structure for the OO bond formation. The results indicate that the reaction proceeds through the continuous diradicaloid mechanism without discreet free radical fragments and/or electron‐pair transfer mechanism induced by symmetry breaking with Ca(II) in the pure low‐spin singlet state. The computational results are compatible with local singlet and triplet diradical‐coupling mechanisms for the OO bond formation in the low‐ and high‐spin states, respectively. Thus, magnetic (exchange) coupling modes in the oxygen evolution complex are directly related to the local singlet and triplet diradical mechanisms as in the case of soluble methane monooxygenase. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2012
A COMPARISON OF TWO ELECTROFISHING PROGRAMMES USED TO MONITOR FISH ON THE ILLINOIS RIVER, ILLINOIS, USA
Authors: McClelland M. A. , Irons K. S. , Sass G. G. , O'hara T. M. , Cook T. R.
Published: September 2011

The Illinois River Biological Station monitors fish communities in the Illinois River using two different electrofishing programmes, one using three‐phase alternating current [AC; The Long Term Illinois Fish Population Monitoring Program or long‐term electrofishing (LTEF)] and the other pulsed direct current [DC; The Long Term Resource Monitoring Program (LTRMP)]. In 2001, we replicated three‐phase AC sampling sites with pulsed‐DC electrofishing gear to test for differences between the two collection methods and programmes. Electrofishing runs at each site were standardized by length and time, with 48 samples collected for each gear. Our objective was to test for differences in fish catch rates using total catch, species richness, fish size ranges, and sample composition and structure. Total catch was significantly greater for LTRMP electrofishing (4368 total fish, mean = 91.0 fish per sample) compared with LTEF electrofishing (1423 total fish, mean = 29.6 fish per sample). Species richness also was significantly greater for LTRMP electrofishing (50 total species, mean = 12.9 species per site) compared with LTEF electrofishing (38 total species, mean = 7.9 species per site). Size ranges of fishes, composed of 100‐mm‐length groups, showed higher total catches for the LTRMP within all length groups. Although our analyses suggest that collections from the LTRMP were significantly greater in most instances, a consistent pattern of species composition between the two programmes was not evident. Our results suggest that caution must be taken when attempting to compare fish community composition and structure information between these programmes. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL WATER QUALITY VARIABILITY IN AQUATIC HABITATS OF A CULTIVATED FLOODPLAIN
Authors: Douglas Shields F. , Lizotte Richard E. , Knight Scott S.
Published: September 2011

The floodplains of lowland rivers contain diverse aquatic habitats that provide valuable ecosystem services but are perturbed when intensively cultivated. Hydrologic, water chemistry and biological (fish) conditions in five aquatic habitats along the Coldwater River, Mississippi, were measured for more than 4 years: the river, two severed meanders that functioned as backwaters, a managed wetland and an ephemeral channel draining cultivated fields. Off‐channel habitats were connected to downstream regions 0.10% to 32% of the dry season and 24% to 67% of the wet season. The median temperatures for the five monitored sites ranged from 18°C to 23°C, the median total solids concentration for all sites was 135 mg L−1, the median total phosphorus was 0.29 mg L−1 and the median total nitrogen was 1.56 mg L−1. Chemical and physical water quality displayed strong seasonal differences between the wet winter/spring and the dry summer/fall periods so that temporal variation consisted of gradual seasonal trends superimposed on strong diurnal variations. All off‐channel habitats exhibited periods of hypoxia and temperatures >30°C during the dry season. Between‐site gradients of water and habitat quality were strongly coupled to water depth and runoff loading. The rehabilitation of one backwater by increasing water depth and diverting agricultural runoff was associated with improved water quality and fish species richness relative to an adjacent untreated backwater. The diversion of polluted runoff and the use of water control structures to maintain greater water depth were observed to be effective management tools, but the former reduces the water supply to habitats that tend to dry up and the latter reduces connectivity. Published in 2011 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A mathematical theory of de‐integrating long‐time integrated rainfall and its application for predicting 1‐min rain rate statistics
Authors: Matricciani Emilio
Published: September 2011

To date, the methods devised for converting long‐term experimental probability distribution (pd), , of the rain rate ρT integrated in T min (T > > 1 min) to 1‐min pd, PR(R), of the instantaneous rain rate R, are based on flawed T‐min data and, as such, are not based on fully reliable first principles. is not only an upward translated version of PR(R) but also rotated clockwise and distorted. The current methods do not correct these errors. We propose and discuss a mathematical theory, which corrects these errors and thus de‐integrates T‐min experimental pds into the corresponding 1‐min pd, the input required by all rain attenuation prediction methods. The theory is based on simple first principles whose parameters are calibrated by means of a large and reliable rain‐rate data bank recorded in Spino d'Adda, a site held as an experimental laboratory and used for exploratory data analysis. We show that PR(R) is modelled by four distinct functions in four disjoint ranges, and that this modelling is physically meaningful. We have tested the theory up to integration times of 12 h, with a large experimental data bank of 1‐min rain‐rate time series recorded in Gera Lario, Fucino, Rome, Prague, and Montreal, besides Spino d'Adda. Defined the fraction of rainy time in an average year, Po (%), we have found that: (a) the modelling is very good up to 6 h; (b) in the range from about Po to 0.001%, the error values are constant, with average error set at about − 3% and RMS error less than 8% for T ≤ 120 min, less than about 9% for 120 < T ≤ 360 min. We have also applied the theory to rain‐rate time series provided by meteorological agencies with integration time T = 60 min (blind test) with excellent result. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Corporate capital allocation: a behavioral perspective
Authors: Bardolet David , Fox Craig R. , Lovallo Dan
Published: September 2011

Previous research on capital investment has identified a tendency in multibusiness firms toward cross‐subsidization from well‐performing to poorly performing divisions, a phenomenon that has previously been attributed to principal‐agent conflicts between headquarters and divisions (Stein,2003). In this paper, we argue that cross‐subsidization reflects a more general tendency toward even allocation over all divisions in multibusiness firms that is driven, at least in part, by the cognitive tendency to naïvely diversify when making investment decisions (Benartzi and Thaler,2001). We observe that this tendency also leads to partition dependence in which capital allocations vary systematically with the divisions and subdivisions into which the firm is organized or over which capital is allocated. Our first study uses archival data to show that firms' internal capital allocations are biased toward equality over the number of business units into which the firm is partitioned. Two further experimental studies of experienced managers examine whether this bias persists when participants are asked to allocate capital to various divisions of a hypothetical firm. This methodology eliminates the possibility of agency conflicts. Nevertheless, allocations varied systematically with the divisional and subdivisional structure of the firm and with a centralized or decentralized capital allocation manner. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Integrity in transactional leadership
Authors: Miller Thomas
Published: September 2011

Integrity is shown when the principles, procedures, structure, communication, and assessment of our student transactions are clear, consistent, accessible, and transparent.
Changes in Glycosphingolipid Composition During Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells to Ectodermal or Endodermal Lineages
Authors: Liang Yuh-Jin , Yang Bei-Chia , Chen Jin-Mei , Lin Yu-Hsing , Huang Chia-Lin , Cheng Yuan-Yuan , Hsu Chi-Yen , Khoo Kay-Hooi , Shen Chia-Ning , Yu John
Published: September 2011

Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) are ubiquitous components of cell membranes that can act as mediators of cell adhesion and signal transduction and can possibly be used as cell type-specific markers. Our previous study indicated that there was a striking switch in the core structures of GSLs during differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) into embryoid body (EB), suggesting a close association of GSLs with cell differentiation. In this study, to further clarify if alterations in GSL patterns are correlated with lineage-specific differentiation of hESCs, we analyzed changes in GSLs as hESCs were differentiated into neural progenitors or endodermal cells by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analyses. During hESC differentiation into neural progenitor cells, we found that the core structures of GSLs switched from globo- and lacto- to mostly ganglio-series dominated by GD3. On the other hand, when hESCs were differentiated into endodermal cells, patterns of GSLs totally differed from those observed in EB outgrowth and neural progenitors. The most prominent GSL identified by the MALDI-MS and MS/MS analysis was Gb4Ceramide, with no appreciable amount of stage-specific embryonic antigens 3 or 4, or GD3, in endodermal cells. These changes in GSL profiling were accompanied by alterations in the biosynthetic pathways of expressions of key glycosyltransferases. Our findings suggest that changes in GSLs are closely associated with lineage specificity and differentiation of hESCs.
Brief Report: L1 Cell Adhesion Molecule, a Novel Surface Molecule of Human Embryonic Stem cells, Is Essential for Self-Renewal and Pluripotency
Authors: Son Yeon Sung , Seong Rho Hyun , Ryu Chun Jeih , Cho Yee Sook , Bae Kwang-Hee , Chung Sang J. , Lee Bonghee , Min Jeong-Ki , Hong Hyo Jeong
Published: September 2011

Despite the recent identification of surface markers of undifferentiated human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), the crucial cell-surface molecules that regulate the self-renewal capacity of hESCs remain largely undefined. Here, we generated monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) that specifically bind to undifferentiated hESCs but not to mouse embryonic stem cells. Among these antibodies, we selected a novel MAb, 4-63, and identified its target antigen as the L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM) isoform 2. Notably, L1CAM expressed in hESCs lacked the neuron-specific YEGHH and RSLE peptides encoded by exons 2 and 27, respectively. L1CAM colocalized with hESC-specific cell-surface markers, and its expression was markedly downregulated on differentiation. Stable L1CAM depletion markedly decreased hESC proliferation, whereas L1CAM overexpression increased proliferation. In addition, the expression of octamer-binding transcription factor 4, Nanog, sex-determining region Y–box 2, and stage-specific embryonic antigen (SSEA)-3 was markedly downregulated, whereas lineage-specific markers and SSEA-1 were upregulated in L1CAM-depleted hESCs. Interestingly, the actions of L1CAM in regulating the proliferation and differentiation of hESCs were exerted predominantly through the fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 signaling pathway. Taken together, our results suggest that L1CAM is a novel cell-surface molecule that plays an important role in the maintenance of self-renewal and pluripotency in hESCs.
Cocaine induces the expression of MEF2C transcription factor in rat striatum through activation of SIK1 and phosphorylation of the histone deacetylase HDAC5
Authors: Dietrich Jean‐Bernard , Takemori Hiroshi , Grosch‐Dirrig Sylvie , Bertorello Alejandro , Zwiller Jean
Published: September 2011

Distinct forms of MEF2 transcription factor act as positive or negative regulators of dendritic spine formation, with MEF2C playing a key regulator role in synapse plasticity. We report here that acute cocaine treatment of rats induced the expression of MEF2C in the striatum through a recently discovered transduction pathway. Repeated injections were found to induce MEF2C to a lesser extent. The mechanism by which MEF2C was induced involves the subsequent activation of the salt‐inducible kinase SIK1 and the phosphorylation of HDAC5, a member of the class IIa of HDACs. Cocaine activated SIK1 by phosphorylation on Thr‐182 residue, which was accompanied by the nuclear import of the kinase. In the nuclear compartment, SIK1 then phosphorylated HDAC5 causing the shuttling of its phospho‐form from the nucleus to the cytoplasm of striatal cells. Activation of SIK1 by cocaine was further validated by the phosphorylation of TORC1/3, which was followed by the shuttling of TORC proteins from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Activation of MEF2C was assessed by measuring the expression of the MEF2C gene itself, since the gene is known to be under the control of its own product. Since MEF2C plays a key role in memory/learning processes, activation of this pathway by cocaine is probably involved in plasticity mechanisms whereby the drug establishes its long‐term effects such as drug dependence. Synapse, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Running wheel exercise ameliorates methamphetamine‐induced damage to dopamine and serotonin terminals
Authors: O'dell Steven J. , Galvez Bryan A. , Ball Alexander J. , Marshall John F.
Published: September 2011

Repeated administration of methamphetamine (mAMPH) to rodents in a single‐day “binge” produces long‐lasting damage to dopaminergic and serotonergic terminals. Because previous research has demonstrated that physical activity can ameliorate nigrostriatal injury, this study investigated whether voluntary exercise in rats can alter the monoaminergic damage resulting from a neurotoxic mAMPH binge. Adult male rats were allowed constant access to running wheels or kept in nonwheel cages for three weeks, then given a binge dosing regimen of mAMPH or saline. The rats were returned to their original environments for three additional weeks post‐mAMPH. [125I]RTI‐55 binding and autoradiography was used to quantify dopamine transporters (DAT), and radioimmunocytochemistry was used to quantify striatal tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). Binge mAMPH treatment significantly reduced striatal DAT and TH in a regionally specific pattern; with greatest effects in ventral caudate‐putamen (CP) and relative sparing of the nucleus accumbens septi (NAc). The effects of mAMPH on striatal DAT and TH were ameliorated in the running, compared to the sedentary, animals. Also, mAMPH was found to reduce [125I]RTI‐55 binding to serotonin transporters (SERT) in frontoparietal cortex, and this too was significantly attenuated by exercise. Additional correlational analyses showed that the post‐mAMPH running of individual animals predicted the amelioration of striatal DAT and TH as well as frontoparietal SERT. Overall, voluntary exercise significantly diminished mAMPH‐induced forebrain monoaminergic damage. The significant correlations between post‐mAMPH exercise and markers of monoaminergic terminal integrity provide novel evidence that voluntary exercise may exert beneficial effects on behavior in recovering mAMPH addicts. Synapse, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Granulocyte colony stimulating factor neuroprotective effects on spinal motoneurons after ventral root avulsion
Authors: De freria Camila Marques , Barbizan Roberta , De Oliveira Alexandre Leite Rodrigues
Published: September 2011

G‐CSF is a glycoprotein commonly used to treat neutropenia. Recent studies have shown that the G‐CSF receptor (G‐CSF‐R) is expressed by neurons in the central nervous system (CNS), and neuroprotective effects of G‐CSF have been observed. In this study, the influence of G‐CSF treatment on the glial reactivity and synaptic plasticity of spinal motoneurons in rats subjected to ventral root avulsion (VRA) was investigated. Lewis rats (7 weeks old) were subjected to unilateral VRA and divided into two groups: G‐CSF and placebo treated. The drug treated animals were injected subcutaneously with 200 μg/kg/day of G‐CSF for 5 days post lesion. The placebo group received saline buffer. After 2 weeks, both groups were sacrificed and their lumbar intumescences processed for transmission electron microscopy (TEM), motoneuron counting, and immunohistochemistry with antibodies against GFAP, Iba‐1, and synaptophysin. Furthermore, in vitro analysis was carried out, using newborn cortical derived astrocytes. The results indicated increased neuronal survival in the G‐CSF treated group coupled with synaptic preservation. TEM analyses revealed an improved preservation of the synaptic covering in treated animals. Additionally, the drug treated group showed an increase in astroglial reactivity both in vivo and in vitro. The astrocytes also presented an increased cell proliferation rate when compared with the controls after 3 days of culturing. In conclusion, the present results suggest that G‐CSF has an influence on the stability of presynaptic terminals in the spinal cord as well as on the astroglial reaction, indicating a possible neuroprotective action. Synapse, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Exogenous application of salicylic acid to alleviate the toxic effects of insecticides in Vicia faba L
Authors: Singh Aradhana , Srivastava Anjil Kumar , Singh Ashok Kumar
Published: September 2011

The present study investigated the possible mediatory role of salicylic acid (SA) in protecting plants from insecticides toxicity. The seeds of Vicia faba var IIVR Selection‐1 were treated with different concentrations (1.5, 3.0, and 6.0 ppm) of the insecticides alphamethrin (AM) and endosulfan (ES) for 6 h with and without 12 h conditioning treatment of SA (0.01 mM). Insecticides treatment caused a significant decrease in mitotic index (MI) and induction of different types of chromosomal abnormalities in the meristematic cells of broad bean roots. Pretreatment of seeds with SA resulted in increased MI and significant reduction of chromosomal abnormalities. SA application also regulated proline accumulation and carotenoid content in the leaf tissues. SA resulted in the decrement of insecticides induced increase in proline content and increased the carotenoids content. These results illustrate the ameliorating effect of SA under stress conditions and reveal that SA is more effective in alleviating the toxic effects of insecticides at higher concentrations than that at lower concentrations. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 28: 666–672, 2013.
Next challenges in protein–protein docking: from proteome to interactome and beyond
Authors: Melquiond Adrien S.J. , Karaca Ezgi , Kastritis Panagiotis L. , Bonvin Alexandre M.J.J.
Published: September 2011

Advances in biophysics and biochemistry have pushed back the limits for the structural characterization of biomolecular assemblies. Large efforts have been devoted to increase both resolution and accuracy of the methods, probe into the smallest biomolecules as well as the largest macromolecular machineries, unveil transient complexes along with dynamic interaction processes, and, lately, dissect whole organism interactomes using high‐throughput strategies. However, the atomic description of such interactions, rarely reached by large‐scale projects in structural biology, remains indispensable to fully understand the subtleties of the recognition process, measure the impact of a mutation or predict the effect of a drug binding to a complex. Mixing even a limited amount of experimental and/or bioinformatic data with modeling methods, such as macromolecular docking, presents a valuable strategy to predict the three‐dimensional structures of complexes. Recent developments indicate that the docking community is seething to tackle the greatest challenge of adding the structural dimension to interactomes. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

This article is categorized under:

Molecular and Statistical Mechanics > Molecular Dynamics and Monte-Carlo Methods
Enhancing N, P, S‐Janus Head Tripod Ligands by Oxidation
Authors: Meinholz Margret M. , Stalke Dietmar
Published: September 2011

In this paper we present the synthesis of several sulfurdiimido phosphanyllithium complexes that are oxidised with oxygen, sulfur or selenium at the phosphorus atom. Starting from the PIII‐containing [Li{tBu2PCH2S(NSiMe3)2}]2 (1) we synthesised and structurally characterised [Li{tBu2P(E)CH2S(NSiMe3)2}]2 (E = O: 2,E = S: 4, E = Se: 5) and [Li2{tBu2PCH2S(NSiMe3)2}2(tBu2P(O)Me)](3). The oxidised and unoxidised species are discussed with respectto their coordination properties and in terms of ligand design. Acomparison to the potential polymerisation catalyst[(C3H7)Ni{tBu2PCH2S(NSiMe3)2}] is presented as well.
Synthesis, Structure, and Solubility Studies of a New Arsenato‐Polyoxovanadate Cluster Compound: (NH4)4[V12As8O40(H2O)]·4H2O
Authors: Wutkowski Adam , Evers Nils , Bensch Wolfgang
Published: September 2011

Abstract. The new arsenato polyxoxvanadate (NH4)4[V12As8O40(H2O)]·4H2O (1) was obtained under solvothermal conditions using either a mixture of ethyl ether/H2O or ethanol/H2O acting as reducing agents. Compound 1 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pnnm with a = 13.6740(3), b = 12.7378(5), c = 13.0580(3) Å, V = 2274.40(11) Å3, Z = 2. The central structural motif features an anionic cluster shell, which can be derived from the {V18O42} archetype cluster by replacing VO5 polyhedra by As2O5 units and omitting two VO5 square pyramids. The electronic situation of the cluster anion can be best described by the formula [V8IVV4VAs8IIIO40(H2O)]4–. The charge neutrality of the compound is achieved by NH4+ cations which occupy the free space between the clusters together with crystal H2O molecules. Thermal investigation shows a complex decomposition process occurring in at least three steps. Determination of the optical band gap classifies 1 as a semiconductor with a band gap of 2.8 eV. Solubility studies accompanied by IR spectroscopy, ESI‐MS, X‐ray powder diffractometry and elemental analysis demonstrate that the cluster is partially dissolved.