bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laparoscopic Splenic Biopsy in Dogs and Cats: 15 Cases (2006–2008)
Authors: Radhakrishnan Anant , Mayhew Philipp D.
Published: November 2012

This retrospective study describes a technique and evaluates outcome associated with laparoscopic splenic biopsy in dogs and cats. Medical records of dogs (n = 10) and cats (n = 5) that had a laparoscopic splenic biopsy performed as part of their diagnostic evaluation for systemic disease were evaluated. Splenic biopsies were performed with the patient in dorsal recumbency using a two-portal approach. In some cases, concurrent organ biopsy was also performed. A pair of 5 mm cup biopsy forceps was used for biopsy collection, and an absorbable gelatin hemostatic sponge was placed at the biopsy site to aid in hemostasis. All patients recovered without major complications. Conversion to an open surgical approach was not required. Median survival time was 180 days, and nine patients were alive at the time of manuscript preparation. Four patients were diagnosed with neoplasia; however, only one had neoplasia involving the spleen. Median survival time for the nonneoplasia group (n = 11) was 300 days. Eight of those patients were alive at time of manuscript preparation. Minimal morbidity was observed in this cohort of clinical patients. Histopathology may be preferred over cytology in some clinical situations, and laparoscopic splenic biopsy provides a minimally invasive diagnostic option.
Persistent Regurgitation in Four Dogs with Caudal Esophageal Neoplasia
Authors: Arnell Katharine , Hill Steve , Hart John , Richter Keith
Published: November 2012

Esophageal neoplasia is an uncommon, but important, consideration for acute and chronic regurgitation and megaesophagus in dogs. The diagnosis can be challenging, and treatment options are often limited. This case series describes four dogs with regurgitation secondary to caudal esophageal masses. All dogs presented with regurgitation, and three of the four dogs had radiographically apparent megaesophagus. In all dogs, ancillary diagnostics revealed the presence of a caudal esophageal mass resulting in esophageal obstruction, and all mass lesions were histopathologically confirmed to be neoplastic. Treatment responses were variable, with one dog still alive 37 mo postdiagnosis at the time of manuscript preparation.
Duodenogastric Intussusception with Concurrent Gastric Foreign Body in a Dog: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Allman David A. , Pastori Michael P.
Published: November 2012

A 3 yr old spayed female boxer weighing 22.8 kg was presented for severe, acute vomiting and tenesmus. Tachycardia, tachypnea, dehydration, and abdominal pain were present on physical examination. Abdominal radiographs showed a foreign object (golf ball) in the fundus of the stomach, and a larger, round, soft-tissue opacity mass in the region of the pylorus. Endoscopic removal of the foreign object was unsuccessful. A large soft-tissue mass (duodenogastric intussusception) was visualized with endoscopy, but was not correctly diagnosed until surgery. A midline exploratory celiotomy was performed and the duodenogastric intussusception was diagnosed and manually reduced. Severe pyloric wall edema and minimal bruising were present. A routine fundic gastrotomy was performed and the foreign object was removed. A right-sided incisional gastropexy and duodenopexy were performed in attempt to prevent recurrence of the intussusception. The dog was discharged from the hospital 38 hrs after surgery, and was normal on follow-up 1 yr after surgery. The dog in this report is the sixth documented case of duodenogastric/pylorogastric intussusception in the veterinary literature. This is the first reported case with a concurrent gastric foreign body and endoscopic visualization of the intussusception.
Assessment of Dental Abnormalities by Full-Mouth Radiography in Small Breed Dogs
Authors: Kim Chun-Geun , Lee So-Young , Kim Ju-Won , Park Hee-Myung
Published: November 2012

This study was performed to evaluate full-mouth radiographic findings to determine the prevalence of dental abnormalities and analyze the relationship between dental abnormalities and age in small breed dogs. Sixteen predetermined categories of abnormal radiographic findings were evaluated in 233 small breed dogs. In total, 9,786 possible permanent teeth could be evaluated. Of those, 8,308 teeth were evaluated and abnormal radiographic findings were found in 2,458 teeth (29.6%). The most common teeth with abnormal radiographic findings were the mandibular first molars (74.5% on the left and 63.9% on the right) and the maxillary fourth premolars (40.5% on the left and 38.2% on the right). Bone loss of any type (15.8%) was the most commonly detected radiographic abnormal finding among the 16 categories. Dental conditions with a genetic predisposition were frequently occurred in the mandibular premolar teeth. Shih tzu frequently had unerupted teeth and dentigerous cysts. Among the teeth with abnormal radiographic findings, 4.5%, 19.8%, and 5.3% were considered incidental, additional, and important, respectively. Findings that were only detected on radiographs, which were not noted on routine oral examination, were more common in older dogs. Full-mouth radiographic evaluation should be performed to obtain important information for making accurate diagnoses.
An Intrapericardial Technique for PDA Ligation: Surgical Description and Clinical Outcome in 35 Dogs
Authors: Selmic Laura E. , Nelson David A. , Saunders Ashley B. , Hobson H. Phil , Saunders W. Brian
Published: November 2012

A number of surgical techniques have been reported for dissection and ligation of patent ductus arteriosi (PDAs) in dogs. The objectives of this study were to provide a detailed description of an intrapericardial technique for PDA dissection and ligation and to report the clinical outcome of that technique in dogs. Medical records of 35 dogs were retrospectively reviewed for signalment, clinical signs, echocardiographic findings, surgical time, intra- and postoperative complications, and completeness of ductal closure. Median surgery time was 60 min (range, 35–125 min). Neither intraoperative nor postoperative complications occurred. Within 48 hr of surgery, the continuous left basilar heart murmur was absent in all dogs, and complete echocardiographic closure was confirmed in 29 of 32 dogs. Residual flow was identified echocardiographically in three dogs within 48 hr of surgery. Residual flow was decreased in one dog at 1 mo, which resolved within 33 mo. One dog had mild residual flow postoperatively but did not return for follow-up. The intrapericardial technique was successful for PDA dissection and ligation and had a lower rate (6%) of echocardiographic residual flow compared with previously reported techniques.
Synthesis, Characterization, Fluorescence and Antibacterial Activity of the Re(VII) Complex [ReO3(phen)(H2PO4)]・H2O
Authors: Maalaoui Ahlem , Said Olfa B. , Akriche Samah T. , Al-Deyab Salem S. , Rzaigui Mohamed
Published: November 2012

Single crystals of a Re(VII) complex, the dihydrogenophosphato phenanthroline trioxo-rhenium monohydrate of formula [ReO3(phen)(H2PO4)]⋅H2O (phen=1,10-phenanthroline), were prepared in aqueous solution. X-Ray analysis shows that it crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c with the unit cell parameters: a=8.611(2), b=13.881(2), c=14.502(4) Å , β =120:87(2)°, V =1487.9(6) Å3 and Z = 4. In the neutral complex, the rhenium is in the oxidation state +VII, coordinated by two nitrogen atoms of the bidentate phen, three terminal oxygen atoms and, for the first time, one oxygen atom of the mono-deprotonated phosphoric acid ligand H2PO-
4 , forming a squarebased bipyramidal coordination geometry. The thermal stability, IR, UV/Vis and fluorescence spectroscopic properties are given. The complex shows antimicrobial activity against five different microbes.
Validação de conteúdo de um instrumento de avaliação do esquema corporal para crianças com cegueira
Authors: Santos de Oliveira Patricia , Munster Mey De Abreu van
Published: November 2012

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/1984686X5486O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever o processo de validação de conteúdo de um instrumento de avaliação do esquema corporal para crianças comcegueira congênita com idade entre 6 e 9 anos. A população foi constituídapor sete professores universitários os quais receberam uma primeiraversão do instrumento, eles analisaram cada item nos quesitos, clareza delinguagem, pertinência teórica, viabilidade de aplicação, e adequação aoconstructo. A prova 1- obteve 80% de concordância; a Prova 2 recebeu 70%, a prova 3 - 60% e a prova 4- 75%. Adotou-se como critério de permanênciada prova o mínimo de 80% de concordância. A prova 1 permaneceu como naprimeira versão, a prova 2 foi excluída e as provas 3 e 4 foram modificadas. Com base nas sugestões dos juízes e no índice de concordância elaborou-se uma segunda versão do instrumento composta por três itens. Com isso, foi possível considerar que as adaptações sugeridas pelos juízes foram importantes para garantir a validade de conteúdo do instrumento.Palavras-chave: Educação Especial; Educação Física adaptada; Cegueira; Avaliação; Esquema corporal.
Avaliação da aprendizagem: práticas e alternativas para a inclusão escolar
Authors: Christofari Ana Carolina , Baptista Claudio Roberto
Published: November 2012

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/1984686X6533O presente texto tem como objetivo a análise da avaliação da aprendizagem, considerando esta avaliação como um processo com foco na relação pedagógica. Assim, discute-se as implicações que emergem como nexos entre um questionamento relativo à avaliação e a meta de escolarização de todas as crianças no ensino comum, inclusive aquelas com deficiência. Ao longo do texto são abordadas também as singularidades associadas à deficiência e discutida a avaliação da aprendizagem como um processo que deve envolver o grupo-classe, sem diferenciações na lógica avaliativa, ainda que se possa recorrer a procedimentos que indicam certa variabilidade. A temática da avaliação da aprendizagem evoca uma das mais complexas dimensões do currículo escolar e anuncia problematizações de referência atinentes às políticas de inclusão escolar tais como: todos os alunos aprendem? Como construir diferentes estratégias de intervenção pedagógica para um mesmo grupo? Como avaliar considerando as singularidades dos alunos? O presente texto deve ser compreendido como um exercício de reflexão que se constituiu da busca de resgate da historicidade do tema em pauta, da análise da produção acadêmica, de apoio na literatura que vem discutindo os processos de avaliação da aprendizagem, além de acolher indícios do cotidiano das escolas – explícitos em determinadas práticas– para a elaboração da análise. Trata-se, portanto, neste contexto, de discutir uma espécie de redimensionamento, reformulação do conceito de avaliação da aprendizagem buscando possibilidades de interlocução com a perspectiva de uma educação para todos. Concebe-se, assim, a avaliação como processo que deve servir como acompanhamento do processo de ensino e aprendizagem com o objetivo de construir estratégias de ensino considerando as singularidades dos alunos.Palavras-chave: Avaliação da aprendizagem; Inclusão escolar; Educação especial.
The Canadian harp seal hunt: observations on the effectiveness of procedures to avoid poor animal welfare outcomes
Authors: Daoust P-Y , Caraguel C
Published: November 2012

The Canadian harp seal(Pagophilus groenlandicus)hunt has, for several decades, raised public concerns related to animal welfare. The field conditions under which this hunt is carried out do not lend themselves easily to detailed observations and analyses of its killing practices. This article reports observations carried out over several seasons that aimed at obtaining more specific information about the conditions under which seals are killed, in order to assess potential welfare issues and explore avenues for possible improvements in its practice. A standardised three-step process for killing seals (ie stunning, checking by palpation of the skull, and bleeding) was recently implemented to maximise the proportion of animals that are killed rapidly with minimum pain. Based on field observations, the rifle and the hakapik, when used properly, appeared to be efficient tools for stunning and/or killing young harp seals. All carcases of seals observed to be killed with a rifle, either on the ice or in the water, could be recovered. However, shooting seals in water rather than on ice carried a higher risk of poor welfare outcome because of the limited opportunities to shoot the animals again if not stunned with the first shot. Based on current practices, there is no reliable evidence that the Canadian harp seal hunt differs from other forms of exploitation of wildlife resources from the perspective of animal welfare. Although opportunistic field observations may be less amenable to generalisation than structured studies, we believe that they reflect the reality of the hunt and provide valuable information to direct the evolution of its practice.
Non-canonical TAF complexes regulate active promoters in human embryonic stem cells
Authors: Maston Glenn A , Zhu Lihua Julie , Chamberlain Lynn , Lin Ling , Fang Minggang , Green Michael R
Published: November 2012

The general transcription factor TFIID comprises the TATA-box-binding protein (TBP) and approximately 14 TBP-associated factors (TAFs). Here we find, unexpectedly, that undifferentiated human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) contain only six TAFs (TAFs 2, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 11), whereas following differentiation all TAFs are expressed. Directed and global chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses reveal an unprecedented promoter occupancy pattern: most active genes are bound by only TAFs 3 and 5 along with TBP, whereas the remaining active genes are bound by TBP and all six hESC TAFs. Consistent with these results, hESCs contain a previously undescribed complex comprising TAFs 2, 6, 7, 11 and TBP. Altering the composition of hESC TAFs, either by depleting TAFs that are present or ectopically expressing TAFs that are absent, results in misregulated expression of pluripotency genes and induction of differentiation. Thus, the selective expression and use of TAFs underlies the ability of hESCs to self-renew.
Non‐Enzymatic Geometry‐Selective Acylation of Tri‐ and Tetrasubstituted α,α′‐Alkenediols
Authors: Yoshida Keisuke , Mishiro Kenji , Ueda Yoshihiro , Shigeta Takashi , Furuta Takumi , Kawabata Takeo
Published: November 2012

A highly geometry‐selective organocatalytic acylation of tri‐ and tetra‐substituted 2‐alkylidene‐1,3‐propanediols has been developed. The highly E‐selective acylation of various tetrasubstituted 2‐alkylidene‐1,3‐propanediols was achieved in 96 to >99% selectivity for the first time by a non‐enzymatic protocol.
Iterative One‐Pot α‐Glycosylation Strategy: Application to Oligosaccharide Synthesis
Authors: Liu Chih‐Yueh Ivan , Mulani Shaheen , Mong Kwok‐Kong Tony
Published: November 2012

Based on the combined use of dimethylformamide (DMF) modulation and neighboring group participation, three iterative one‐pot α‐glycosylation methods, i.e., one‐pot (α,α)‐, one‐pot (β,α)‐, and one‐pot (α,β)‐glycosylations, were developed. These methods are applicable to a range of thioglycosyl donors, confer stereocontrol in α‐/β‐glycosidic bond formation, and thus provide for rapid access to oligosaccharides with various permutations of anomeric configurations. The utility of these one‐pot glycosylation methods is demonstrated in the synthesis of eight non‐natural and natural oligosaccharide targets, including the core 1 serine conjugate, core 8 serine conjugate, the D‐Gal‐α(1→3)‐D‐Glc‐α(1→3)‐L‐Rha trisaccharide unit of the cell wall component in Streptococcus pneumoniae, and the D‐Glc‐α(1→2)‐D‐Glc‐α(1→3)‐D‐Glc trisaccharide terminus of the N‐linked glycan precursor. Confirmation of the anomeric configurations of these oligosaccharides is evidenced by 1H, 13C, 13C‐non‐proton decoupling, and heteronuclear correlation 2D NMR experiments. Global deprotection of selected oligosaccharide targets is illustrated.
Synthesis and performance of a modified polycarboxylate dispersant for concrete possessing enhanced cement compatibility
Authors: Habbaba Ahmad , Lange Alex , Plank Johann
Published: November 2012

It is well established that the performance of polycarboxylate (PCE) superplasticizers can be severely affected by the composition of individual cements. Here, a novel allylether/maleic anhydride (APEG)‐based PCE was synthesized using allyl maleate monomer as a new, additional building block. When polymerized into the PCE main chain, this building block was found to form a cyclic lactone structure. The resulting PCE molecule was tested with respect to the dispersing force in cements possessing different phase compositions and alkali sulfate (K2SO4) contents. These data were compared with those from conventional APEG‐ and methacrylate ester (MPEG)‐type PCEs. Results obtained from cement paste flowability and adsorption measurements suggest that the modified PCE disperses all cement samples well and hence is more robust against variations in cement composition. Apparently, the new building block induces a higher affinity of the polymer to the surface of cement and can form a denser polymer layer. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Mining a multilingual association dictionary from Wikipedia for cross‐language information retrieval
Authors: Ye Zheng , Huang Jimmy Xiangji , He Ben , Lin Hongfei
Published: November 2012

Wikipedia is characterized by its dense link structure and a large number of articles in different languages, which make it a notable Web corpus for knowledge extraction and mining, in particular for mining the multilingual associations. In this paper, motivated by a psychological theory of word meaning, we propose a graph‐based approach to constructing a cross‐language association dictionary (CLAD) from Wikipedia, which can be used in a variety of cross‐language accessing and processing applications. In order to evaluate the quality of the mined CLAD, and to demonstrate how the mined CLAD can be used in practice, we explore two different applications of the mined CLAD to cross‐language information retrieval (CLIR). First, we use the mined CLAD to conduct cross‐language query expansion; and, second, we use it to filter out translation candidates with low translation probabilities. Experimental results on a variety of standard CLIR test collections show that the CLIR retrieval performance can be substantially improved with the above two applications of CLAD, which indicates that the mined CLAD is of sound quality.
Disease modelling using induced pluripotent stem cells: Status and prospects
Authors: Pomp Oz , Colman Alan
Published: November 2012

The ability to convert human somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) is allowing the production of custom‐tailored cells for drug discovery and for the study of disease phenotypes at the cellular and molecular level. IPSCs have been derived from patients suffering from a large variety of disorders with different severities. In many cases, disease related phenotypes have been observed in iPSCs or their lineage‐specific progeny. Several proof of concept studies have demonstrated that these phenotypes can be reversed in vitro using approved drugs. However, several challenges must be overcome to take full advantage of this technology. Here, we highlight recent advances in the field and discuss the main challenges associated with this technology as it applies to disease modelling.
Child Protection in Ballet: Experiences and Views of Teachers, Administrators and Ballet Students
Authors: Papaefstathiou Maria , Rhind Daniel , Brackenridge Celia
Published: November 2012

Over the past 15 years, there has been a growing concern regarding child protection (CP) in the sport context yet there remains a lack of research into how key stakeholders view related CP policies. The present exploratory case study of a UK ballet organisation focuses on the following research questions: (1) What are the key elements of good practice for CP in ballet? and (2) Which discourses are adopted by ballet stakeholders when discussing CP‐related experiences? Semi‐structured interviews and self‐report semi‐structured questionnaires were conducted with 13 stakeholders drawn from ballet teachers, students and administrators. Inductive analysis revealed five welfare discourses: positive, neutral, negative, contradictory and rationalising. A tendency to normalise negative experiences in ballet was also identified. The CP‐related policy knowledge of teachers and administrators was generally satisfactory with some gaps being highlighted. Recommendations for implementation of CP policy in ballet are outlined. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

‘Semi‐structured interviews and self‐report semi‐structured questionnaires were conducted with 13 stakeholders’

Key Practitioner Messages

There is growing concern for CP in contexts which attract the participation of children.

Aesthetic activities, such as ballet, have been identified as facing welfare issues.

Ballet students' experiences can vary, thus indicating a need for CP policy implementation.

Elements of good practice for CP indicate a safe environment.

Recommendations for preventative and proactive CP policy implementation are outlined.
Tailoring Encodable Lanthanide‐Binding Tags as MRI Contrast Agents
Authors: Daughtry Kelly D. , Martin Langdon J. , Sarraju Ashish , Imperiali Barbara , Allen Karen N.
Published: November 2012

Lanthanide‐binding tags (LBTs), peptide‐based coexpression tags with high affinity for lanthanide ions, have previously been applied as luminescent probes to provide phasing for structure determination in X‐ray crystallography and to provide restraints for structural refinement and distance information in NMR. The native affinity of LBTs for Gd3+ indicates their potential as the basis for engineering of peptide‐based MRI agents. However, the lanthanide coordination state that enhances luminescence and affords tightest binding would not be ideal for applications of LBTs as contrast agents, due to the exclusion of water from the inner coordination sphere. Herein, we use structurally defined LBTs as the starting point for re‐engineering the first coordination shell of the lanthanide ion to provide for high contrast through direct coordination of water to Gd3+ (resulting in the single LBT peptide, m‐sLBT). The effectiveness of LBTs as MRI contrast agents was examined in vitro through measurement of binding affinity and proton relaxivity. For imaging applications that require targeted observation, fusion to specific protein partners is desirable. However, a fusion protein comprising a concatenated double LBT (dLBT) as an N‐terminal tag for the model protein ubiquitin had reduced relaxivity compared with the free dLBT peptide. This limitation was overcome by the use of a construct based on the m‐sLBT sequence (q‐dLBT–ubiquitin). The structural basis for the enhanced contrast was examined by comparison of the X‐ray crystal structure of xq‐dLBT–ubiquitin (wherein two tryptophan residues are replaced with serine), to that of dLBT‐ubiquitin. The structure shows that the backbone conformational dynamics of the MRI variant may allow enhanced water exchange. This engineered LBT represents a first step in expanding the current base of specificity‐targeted agents available.
Synthesis and Properties of Fused‐Ring‐Expanded Porphyrins that were Core‐Modified with Group 16 Heteroatoms
Authors: Xu Hai‐Jun , Mack John , Wu Di , Xue Zhao‐Li , Descalzo Ana B. , Rurack Knut , Kobayashi Nagao , Shen Zhen
Published: November 2012

The synthesis of a series of novel core‐modified and fused‐ring‐expanded tetraphenylporphyrins is reported. Theoretical calculations and magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) and fluorescence spectroscopic measurements were used to analyze the effect of core modification with Group 16 oxygen, sulfur, selenium, and tellurium atoms on the optical properties and electronic structures of the porphyrins. Marked redshifts of the Q and B bands and accelerated intersystem‐crossing rates were observed, thus making these compounds potentially suitable for use in a variety of applications. The scope for further fine‐tuning of these optical properties based on additional structural modifications, such as the incorporation of fused benzene rings to form ABAB structures by using a thiophene precursor with a fused bicyclo[2.2.2]octadiene ring and the introduction of various substituents onto the meso‐phenyl rings, is also examined.
Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Reductive Coupling of 1,3‐Enynes and Aldehydes by Transfer Hydrogenation: anti‐Diastereoselective Carbonyl Propargylation
Authors: Geary Laina M. , Leung Joyce C. , Krische Michael J.
Published: November 2012

Under the conditions of ruthenium‐catalyzed transfer hydrogenation employing isopropanol as a source of hydrogen, isopropoxy‐substituted enyne 1 b and aldehydes 3 a–3 l engage in reductive coupling to provide products of propargylation 4 a–4 l with good to complete levels of anti‐diastereoselectivity. The unprotected tertiary hydroxy moiety of isopropoxy enyne 1 b is required to enforce diastereoselectivity. Deuterium‐labeling studies corroborate reversible enyne hydrometalation in advance of carbonyl addition. As demonstrated in the conversion of 4 f–h and 4 k to 5 f–h and 5 k, the isopropoxy group of the product is readily cleaved upon exposure to aqueous sodium hydroxide to reveal the terminal alkyne.
A Two‐Stage Molecular Retractable Cable Featuring Push‐Button and Rotary Two‐Way Switching Modes
Authors: Chuang Chun‐Ju , Lai Chien‐Chen , Liu Yi‐Hung , Peng Shie‐Ming , Chiu Sheng‐Hsien
Published: November 2012

A molecular cage based [2]rotaxane is reported in which the linear thread component can be elongated and contracted in a stepwise manner, mimicking a two‐stage retractable cable that can be operated in both push‐button (free‐selection) and rotary (continuous‐change) modes, depending on the choice of reagents.
Direct sp3 CH Amination of Nitrogen‐Containing Benzoheterocycles Mediated by Visible‐Light‐Photoredox Catalysts
Authors: Miyake Yoshihiro , Nakajima Kazunari , Nishibayashi Yoshiaki
Published: November 2012

Visible‐light‐mediated direct sp3 CH amination of benzocyclic amines via α‐aminoalkyl radicals by using photoredox catalysts is described here. The obtained N,N‐acetals were also successfully applied for carbon–carbon bond forming reactions with carbon nucleophiles. The procedure is suitable for a late‐stage modification of CH bonds to CC bonds.
Combined and interactive effects of global climate change and toxicants on populations and communities
Authors: Moe S. Jannicke , De Schamphelaere Karel , Clements William H. , Sorensen Mary T. , Van den Brink Paul J. , Liess Matthias
Published: November 2012

Increased temperature and other environmental effects of global climate change (GCC) have documented impacts on many species (e.g., polar bears, amphibians, coral reefs) as well as on ecosystem processes and species interactions (e.g., the timing of predator–prey interactions). A challenge for ecotoxicologists is to predict how joint effects of climatic stress and toxicants measured at the individual level (e.g., reduced survival and reproduction) will be manifested at the population level (e.g., population growth rate, extinction risk) and community level (e.g., species richness, food-web structure). The authors discuss how population- and community-level responses to toxicants under GCC are likely to be influenced by various ecological mechanisms. Stress due to GCC may reduce the potential for resistance to and recovery from toxicant exposure. Long-term toxicant exposure can result in acquired tolerance to this stressor at the population or community level, but an associated cost of tolerance may be the reduced potential for tolerance to subsequent climatic stress (or vice versa). Moreover, GCC can induce large-scale shifts in community composition, which may affect the vulnerability of communities to other stressors. Ecological modeling based on species traits (representing life-history traits, population vulnerability, sensitivity to toxicants, and sensitivity to climate change) can be a promising approach for predicting combined impacts of GCC and toxicants on populations and communities. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2013;32:49–61. © 2012 SETAC
Resampling the bioconcentration factors data from Japan's chemical substances control law database to simulate and evaluate the bioconcentration factors derived from minimized aqueous exposure tests
Authors: Hashizume Naoki , Inoue Yoshiyuki , Murakami Hidekazu , Ozaki Hiromichi , Tanabe Aiko , Suzuki Yasuyuki , Yoshida Tomohiko , Kikushima Erina , Tsuji Toshiaki
Published: November 2012

Existing standard bioconcentration tests (e.g., the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development [OECD] test guideline 305) require large numbers of test animals and resources. The minimized aqueous exposure test is a new approach based on the standard bioconcentration test but allows estimation of bioconcentration factor (BCF) by minimized sampling of the test fish. The authors collected BCF data (298 curves from 155 chemicals, using common carp as test species) from Japan's Chemical Substances Control Law database and resampled the data to simulate the calculation of BCF that would be obtained if studies had been designed to obtain kinetic BCF derived from minimized aqueous exposure tests (BCFkm). The correlation was high (r2 = 0.967) between BCF derived from standard bioconcentration tests (BCFfull) and BCFkm. The average value of the BCFfull to BCFkm ratio (BCFfull:BCFkm) was 1.04 and ranged from 0.54 to 1.93, the 5th and 95th percentiles being 0.74 and 1.45, respectively. The results based on the 5th and 95th percentiles of the BCFfull:BCFkm ratio suggest that BCFfull 2,000 corresponds to BCFkm 1,400 to 2,700, whereas BCFfull 5,000 corresponds to BCFkm 3,400 to 6,800. The authors also emphasize that the standard bioconcentration test should be performed when the resulting BCFkm is in the region of regulatory concern. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2013;32:406–409. © 2012 SETAC
Lessons learned from a comparison of evidence‐based research in pregnant opioid‐dependent women
Authors: Winklbaur‐Hausknost Bernadette , Jagsch Reinhold , Graf‐Rohrmeister Klaudia , Unger Annemarie , Baewert Andjela , Langer Martin , Thau Kenneth , Fischer Gabriele
Published: November 2012

Objectives

Lessons learned in research and treatment of opioid dependence demonstrate the need to include pregnant women in clinical trials.

Methods

Two double‐blind, double‐dummy, randomized controlled trials (Pilot study, European sample† of MOTHER‐trial) comparing buprenorphine and methadone in opioid‐dependent pregnant women were conducted. In both studies, participants received voucher‐based incentives for attendance and completion of study assessments. In the MOTHER trial, participants additionally received escalating voucher incentives for drug‐free urine samples. Neonatal abstinence syndrome was treated with oral morphine solution based on standardized modified Finnegan scores.

Results

After a mean treatment period of 13.79 weeks in the Pilot study (PS, n = 18) and 20.78 weeks in the MOTHER‐trial (MT, n = 41), respectively (p < 0.001), PS patients delivered at mean doses of 14.00 mg buprenorphine/52.50 mg methadone and MT participants at 13.44 mg buprenorphine/63.68 mg methadone. Nonsignificant differences regarding dropout rates were found (22% in PS versus 10% in MT), but dropout was significantly earlier in the MT (p = 0.013). Significantly higher rates of concomitant consumption of opioids and benzodiazepines occurred in the PS compared with the MT (p < 0.001), however, with no significant differences in neonatal data between both settings.

Conclusions

Early treatment enrolment combined with contingency management contributes to reduced illicit drug use throughout pregnancy, surprisingly without influencing neonatal outcome parameters. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Changes in QT interval after switching to quetiapine in Japanese patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Suzuki Yutaro , Sugai Takuro , Fukui Naoki , Watanabe Junzo , Ono Shin , Tsuneyama Nobuto , Saito Mami , Someya Toshiyuki
Published: November 2012

Objectives

There are few reports regarding quetiapine (QTP)‐related QT prolongation. We examined the change in QT interval after switching from aripiprazole (ARP), olanzapine (OLZ), or risperidone (RIS) to QTP.

Methods

Twenty subjects treated with ARP, OLZ, or RIS were enrolled in the study. Following baseline assessments, which included QT interval and electrolytes, these three drugs were switched to QTP for each subject. The same parameters were evaluated following a switch to QTP.

Results

All 20 patients who had been treated with ARP, OLZ, or RIS were successfully switched to QTP. Significant increases were observed in the total mean corrected QT (QTc) interval after switching (p = 0.014). The coefficient of variation for the extent of change in QTc interval was 1.66. The mean QTc with ARP treatment was significantly increased after QTP treatment (p = 0.004).

Conclusions

Quetiapine might have a greater effect on QTc interval than other second‐generation antipsychotics. However, because there was a considerable variability in the extent of QTc prolongation after switch to QTP, further studies are required to clarify the effect of QTP on QTc interval. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CXCL14 enhances proliferation and migration of NCI‐H460 human lung cancer cells overexpressing the glycoproteins containing heparan sulfate or sialic acid
Authors: Park Cho Rong , You Dong‐Joo , Kim Dong‐Kyu , Moon Mi Jin , Lee Cheolju , Oh Seung‐Hyun , Ahn Curie , Seong Jae Young , Hwang Jong‐Ik
Published: November 2012

CXCL14 is a chemokine family member that is involved in various cellular responses in addition to immune cell activation. Although constitutive CXCL14 expression in normal epithelial cells may help protect against infection by activating immune systems, its expression in cancer cells has raised controversy regarding its possible role in tumorigenesis. However, the underlying mechanisms for this disparity remain unknown. Investigation of cellular CXCL14 binding properties might increase our understanding of the peptide's roles in tumorigenesis. In the present study, we found that CXCL14 binds to various cell types. Interestingly, binding to NCI‐H460 cells was prevented by heparan sulfate and N‐acetyl neuraminic acid. Next, we examined effect of CXCL14 binding in NCI‐H460 and NCI‐H23. CXCL14 enhanced proliferation and migration in NCI‐H460 but had no effect on NCI‐H23. A reporter gene assay with various transcription factor response elements revealed that only nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) signaling was activated by CXCL14 in NCI‐H460 cells, which was blocked by BAPTA‐AM, TPCA‐1, and brefeldin A. Exogenous expression of some glycoproteins such as syndecan‐4, podoplanin, and CD43 in these cells enhanced CXCL14 binding and NF‐κB activity. Collectively, these results demonstrate that CXCL14 binding to glycoproteins harboring heparan sulfate proteoglycans and sialic acids leads proliferation and migration of some cancer cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 1084–1096, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intrinsic properties of tumour cells have a key impact on the bystander effect mediated by genetically engineered mesenchymal stromal cells
Authors: Matuskova Miroslava , Baranovicova Lenka , Kozovska Zuzana , Durinikova Erika , Pastorakova Andrea , Hunakova Lubica , Waczulikova Iveta , Nencka Radim , Kucerova Lucia
Published: November 2012

Background

Engineered mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) have been used in many preclinical studies of gene directed enzyme/prodrug therapy. We aimed to compare the efficacy of two most frequently used systems, as well as evaluate the extent of a bystander effect mediated by therapeutic MSC towards cell lines derived from different tumours.

Methods

Two approaches were compared: (i) herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (TK)/ganciclovir (GCV) and (ii) yeast cytosine deaminase fused with uracil phosphoribosyltransferase (CD::UPRT)/5‐fluorocytosine (5‐FC). The cytotoxic effect mediated by therapeutic MSC was evaluated in direct co‐culture by a fluorimetric assay. The expression profile of tumour cells was analyzed by a quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and the ability of gap‐junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) was evaluated by a dye transfer assay.

Results

Both systems were effective only on glioblastoma cells (8‐MG‐BA). The CD::UPRT‐MSC/5‐FC system showed efficiency on melanoma A375 cells. We decreased the sensitivity of 8‐MG‐BA cells and A375 cells to the CD::UPRT‐MSC/5‐FC system by pharmacological inhibition of thymidylate synthase, and we achieved a similar result in A375 cells by inhibition of thymidine phosphorylase. Although we demonstrated functional GJIC in A375 cells, TK‐MSC were ineffective in mediating the bystander effect similarly to HeLa cells, which were also relatively resistant to CD::UPRT‐MSC/5‐FC treatment. TK‐MSC/GCV treatment had a strong cytotoxic effect on MDA‐MB‐231 cells (breast carcinoma), whereas CD::UPRT‐MSC/5‐FC treatment failed as a result of overexpression of the gene for ABCC11. Transfection of the MDA‐MB‐231 cell line with small interference RNA specific to ABCC11 led to a significantly increased sensitivity to the CD::UPRT‐MSC/5‐FC approach.

Conclusions

GJIC, expression of enzymes involved in drug metabolism and ABC transporters correlate with the response of tumour cells to treatment by MSC‐expressing prodrug‐converting genes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hypointense hepatocellular nodules on hepatobiliary phase of Gd‐EOB‐DTPA‐enhanced MRI: Can increasing the flip angle improve conspicuity of lesions?
Authors: Tamada Tsutomu , Ito Katsuyoshi , Yamamoto Akira , Yasokawa Kazuya , Higaki Atsushi , Kanki Akihiko , Sato Tomohiro , Tanimoto Daigo , Higashi Hiroki
Published: November 2012

Purpose:

To compare the conspicuity of hypointense hepatocellular nodules in patients with chronic liver disease on hepatobiliary phase (HP) of gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd‐EOB‐DTPA)‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) acquired with low to high flip angles (FAs).

Materials and Methods:

A total of 95 patients with chronic liver disease who underwent Gd‐EOB‐DTPA‐enhanced MRI were included. HP images were obtained at 20 minutes, with 15°, 20°, and 30° FAs. For the detected hepatocellular nodule, liver‐to‐lesion contrast‐to‐phantom ratios (CPR) and lesion conspicuity (LCS) were assessed.

Results:

In all examinations, 96 hepatocellular nodules showing hypointensity on HP were identified. These lesions included 39 hypovascular nodules and 57 hypervascular nodules. Mean CPR and LCS showed the highest value on the 30° FA, followed by 20° and 15° FAs. CPR and LCS of 15° FA were significantly lower than those of 20° and 30° FAs (P < 0.001 to P = 0.007). CPR of 30° FA for hypervascular nodules was significantly greater than that of 20° FA (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

In the evaluation of hypointense hepatocellular nodules on HP of Gd‐EOB‐DTPA‐enhanced MRI, higher FA such as 30° should be used rather than low FA such as 15°. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:1093–1099. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessment of intracranial blood flow velocities using a computer controlled vasoactive stimulus: A comparison between phase contrast magnetic resonance angiography and transcranial doppler ultrasonography
Authors: Leung Jackie , Behpour Amir , Sokol Neil , Mohanta Arun , Kassner Andrea
Published: November 2012

Purpose:

To compare measurements of blood flow velocity (BFV) and BFV changes in the middle cerebral arteries (MCA) acquired from phase contrast magnetic resonance angiography (PCMRA) and transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) during controlled manipulation of end‐tidal partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PetCO2).

Materials and Methods:

In vivo TCD and PCMRA velocity data from the M1 segment in the MCA of nine healthy adult volunteers were acquired during precise targeting of PetCO2 induced by a computer‐controlled gas delivery system. Doppler spectra and phase contrast data were processed into time‐averaged peak‐velocity (TAPV) values for comparison. Changes in velocity between baseline and hypercapnia were analyzed in terms of velocity‐based cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR).

Results:

Good correlation between the pairs of velocity measurements acquired from the two modalities were found (ρ = 0.81), but Bland–Altman analysis indicates a significant bias error. There was relatively weak agreement between the pairs of computed CVR values (ρ = −0.26).

Conclusion:

Under precise PetCO2 control, PCMRA proves to be more consistent than TCD. Despite issues with variability, TCD is qualitatively comparable to PCMRA measures of velocity in the MCA. However, PCMRA velocity results are better suited for analyses that require quantitative values, such as CVR. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;38:733–738. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Study of small chlorine‐doped potassium clusters by thermal ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Veljković F. M. , Djustebek J. B. , Veljković M. V. , Perić‐Grujić A. A. , Veličković S. R.
Published: November 2012

The theoretical calculations have predicted that nonmetal‐doped potassium clusters can be used in the synthesis of a new class of charge‐transfer salts which can be considered as potential building blocks for the assembly of novel nanostructured material. In this work, KnCl (n = 2–6) and KnCln−1 (n = 3 and 4) clusters were produced by vaporization of a solid potassium chloride salt in a thermal ionization mass spectrometry. The ionization energies (IEs) were measured, and found to be 3.64 ± 0.20 eV for K2Cl, 3.67 ± 0.20 eV for K3Cl, 3.62 ± 0.20 eV for K4Cl, 3.57 ± 0.20 eV for K5Cl, 3.69 ± 0.20 eV for K6Cl, 3.71 ± 0.20 eV for K3Cl2 and 3.72 ± 0.20 eV for K4Cl3. The KnCl+ (n = 3–6) clusters were detected for the first time in a cluster beam generated by the thermal ionization source of modified design. Also, this work is the first to report experimentally obtained values of IEs for KnCl+ (n = 3–6) and KnCln−1+ (n = 3 and 4) clusters.

The ionization energies for KnCl+ and KnCln−1+ clusters are much lower than the 4.34 eV of the potassium atom; hence, these clusters should be classified as ‘superalkali’ species. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study of the electrical connection mechanism of sheathless interface for capillary electrophoresis‐electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Tie Cai , Zhang De‐Wen , Chen Hong‐Xu , Song Sen‐Lin , Zhang Xin‐Xiang
Published: November 2012

With the combination of high separation ability of capillary electrophoresis (CE) and strong identification ability of mass spectrometry (MS), CE/MS is becoming a powerful tool for polar and ionic analytes analysis. Different interfaces have been developed to enhance the sensitivity and reliability since the first introduction of CE/MS in 1987. A sheathless porous interface based on a new ions transferring electric connection technique was reported to be with high sensitivity and reliability. In this work, a series of optical and electrochemical experiments were designed to study the electric connection process. The results indicated that closing CE electrical circuit and applying MS spray voltage were achieved by the small ions transferring through the interface porous wall. The new electric connection method significantly enhanced the sensitivity, resolution and stability of the CE/MS analysis. The interface was applied in CE/MS detection of morphine and 6‐monoacetylmorphine in urine sample and showed an equal sensitivity to LC/MS. With the significant improvement of sensitivity and stability, the CE/MS with the new interface showed strong potential for the determination of low abundance analytes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling bacteriophage amplification as a predictive tool for optimized MALDI‐TOF MS‐based bacterial detection
Authors: Cox Christopher R. , Rees Jon C. , Voorhees Kent J.
Published: November 2012

Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) is a valuable tool for rapid bacterial detection and identification but is limited by the need for relatively high cell count samples, which have been grown under strictly controlled conditions. These requirements can be eliminated by the natural infection of a viable bacterial species of interest with a host‐specific phage. This produces a rapid increase in phage protein concentrations in comparison to bacterial concentrations, which can in turn be exploited as a method for signal amplification during MALDI‐TOF MS. One drawback to this approach is the requirement for repetitive, time‐consuming sample preparation and analysis applied over the course of a phage infection to monitor phage concentrations as a function of time to determine the MALDI‐TOF MS detection limit. To reduce the requirement for repeated preparation and analysis, a modified phage therapy model was investigated as a means for predicting the time during a given phage infection when a detectable signal would occur. The modified model used a series of three differential equations composed of predetermined experimental parameters including phage burst size and burst time to predict progeny phage concentrations as a function of time. Using Yersinia pestis with plague diagnostic phage ϕA1122 and Escherichia coli with phage MS2 as two separate, well‐characterized model phage–host pairs, we conducted in silico modeling of the infection process and compared it with experimental infections monitored in real time by MALDI‐TOF MS. Significant agreement between mathematically calculated phage growth curves and those experimentally obtained by MALDI‐TOF MS was observed, thus verifying this method's utility for significant time and labor reduction. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Color discrimination deficits in Parkinson's disease are related to cognitive impairment and white‐matter alterations
Authors: Bertrand Josie‐Anne , Bedetti Christophe , Postuma Ronald B. , Monchi Oury , Génier Marchand Daphné , Jubault Thomas , Gagnon Jean‐François
Published: November 2012

Color discrimination deficit is a common nonmotor manifestation of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the pathophysiology of this dysfunction remains poorly understood. Although retinal structure changes found in PD have been suggested to cause color discrimination deficits, the impact of cognitive impairment and cortical alterations remains to be determined. We investigated the contribution of cognitive impairment to color discrimination deficits in PD and correlated them with cortical anomalies. Sixty‐six PD patients without dementia and 20 healthy controls performed the Farnsworth–Munsell 100 hue test and underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment for mild cognitive impairment diagnosis. In a subgroup of 26 PD patients, we also used high‐definition neuroanatomical magnetic resonance imaging for cortical thickness and diffusion tensor analysis. PD patients with mild cognitive impairment performed poorly on the Farnsworth–Munsell 100 hue test compared with PD patients without mild cognitive impairment and controls. In PD patients, performance on the Farnsworth–Munsell 100 hue test was correlated with measures of visuospatial abilities and executive functions. Neuroimaging analysis revealed higher mean and radial diffusivity values in right posterior white‐matter structures that correlated with poor performance on the Farnsworth–Munsell 100 hue test. No cortical thickness correlation reached significance. This study showed that cognitive impairment makes a major contribution to the color discrimination deficits reported in PD. Thus, performance on the Farnsworth–Munsell 100 hue test may reflect cognitive impairment more than color discrimination deficits in PD. Poor performance on the Farnsworth–Munsell 100 hue test was also associated with white‐matter alterations in right posterior brain regions. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society