bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microdeletion in distal 17p13.1: A recognizable phenotype with microcephaly, distinctive facial features, and intellectual disability
Authors: Zeesman Susan , Kjaergaard Susanne , Hove Hanne D. , Kirchhoff Maria , Stevens Jadd M. , Nowaczyk Małgorzata J.M.
Published: June 2012

Array comparative genomic hybridization has led to the identification of new syndromes by identifying genomic imbalances not detectable by standard karyotyping methods and by allowing correlations with physical findings. Deletions in the 17p13.1 region have been reported in patients with dysmorphic features and developmental delay but a consistent phenotype has yet to emerge. This report describes two unrelated patients with a characteristic phenotype associated with overlapping de novo deletions in the distal region of 17p13.1 detected with array comparative genomic hybridization and confirmed by real‐time PCR. These patients share remarkably similar clinical features including microcephaly, mild developmental delay, generalized joint laxity, and a body posture with knee and elbow flexion and hands held in midline. They have distinctive facial features which include long midface with retrognathia with overbite, and protruding ears. The deletions in both patients are the smallest ever reported in this region (approximately 252 and 219 kb). The overlapping region contains 18 genes. Various isolated deletions of the17p13.1 region have been reported previously without delineation of a consistent phenotype. We propose that the described microdeletions in the distal portion of 17p13.1 represent a novel microdeletion syndrome. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Brief communication: Chronic undernutrition is associated with higher mucosal antibody levels among ariaal infants of northern kenya
Authors: Miller Elizabeth M. , McConnell Daniel S.
Published: June 2012

The immune activation that occurs with infection diverts energy from growth and can contribute to poor nutritional outcomes in developing infants and children. This study investigates the association between salivary immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels and growth outcomes among Ariaal infants of northern Kenya. The Ariaal are a group of settled northern Kenyan pastoralists who are under considerable nutritional stress. Two hundred and thirty‐nine breastfeeding Ariaal infants were recruited into the study and underwent anthropometric measurement and saliva collection, with mothers providing individual and household characteristics for them via questionnaire. Infant saliva samples were analyzed with an ELISA for IgA in the United States. Infant anthropometric measurements were converted to height‐for‐age z‐scores (HAZ) using the WHO Child Growth Standards. Based on multivariate models performed in SAS 9.2 two main results emerge: 1) low HAZ, an indicator of chronic undernutrition, was significantly associated with higher IgA concentration (β = −0.12, P = 0.050) and 2) boys had significantly higher IgA levels than girls (β = 0.25, P = 0.039). Although there was not a significant interactive effect between HAZ and sex, the two variables confound each other, with boys having significantly lower HAZ values than girls do. In addition, maternal breastmilk IgA was significantly associated with infant salivary IgA, indicating that maternal effects play a role in infant IgA development. Future research will unravel the three‐way association between sex, stunting, and immune function in the Ariaal community. Am J PhyAnthropol 2012. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Design and validation of a novel learning tool, the “Anato‐Rug,” for teaching equine topographical anatomy
Authors: Braid Francesca , Williams Sarah B. , Weller Renate
Published: June 2012

Recognition of anatomical landmarks in live animals (and humans) is key for clinical practice, but students often find it difficult to translate knowledge from dissection‐based anatomy onto the live animal and struggle to acquire this vital skill. The purpose of this study was to create and evaluate the use of an equine anatomy rug (“Anato‐Rug”) depicting topographical anatomy and key areas of lung, heart, and gastrointestinal auscultation, which could be used together with a live horse to aid learning of “live animal” anatomy. Over the course of 2 weeks, 38 third year veterinary students were randomly allocated into an experimental group, revising topographical anatomy from the “Anato‐Rug,” or a control group, learning topographical anatomy from a textbook. Immediately post activity, both groups underwent a test on live anatomy knowledge and were retested 1 week later. Both groups then completed a questionnaire to ascertain their perceptions of their learning experiences. Results showed that the experimental groups scored significantly higher than the control group at the first testing session, experienced more enjoyment during the activity and gained more confidence in identifying anatomical landmarks than the control group. There was not a significant difference in scores between groups at the second testing session. The findings indicate that the anatomy rug is an effective learning tool that aids understanding, confidence, and enjoyment in learning equine thorax and abdominal anatomy; however it was not better than traditional methods with regards to longer term memory recall. Anat SciEduc. © 2012 American Association of Anatomists.
Readersourcing—a manifesto
Authors: Mizzaro Stefano
Published: June 2012

This position paper analyzes the current situation in scholarly publishing and peer review practices and presents three theses: (a) we are going to run out of peer reviewers; (b) it is possible to replace referees with readers, an approach that I have named “Readersourcing”; and (c) it is possible to avoid potential weaknesses in the Readersourcing model by adopting an appropriate quality control mechanism. The readersourcing.org system is then presented as an independent, third‐party, nonprofit, and academic/scientific endeavor aimed at quality rating of scholarly literature and scholars, and some possible criticisms are discussed.
Web query disambiguation using PageRank
Authors: Makris Christos , Plegas Yannis , Stamou Sofia
Published: June 2012

In this article, we propose new word sense disambiguation strategies for resolving the senses of polysemous query terms issued to Web search engines, and we explore the application of those strategies when used in a query expansion framework. The novelty of our approach lies in the exploitation of the Web page PageRank values as indicators of the significance the different senses of a term carry when employed in search queries. We also aim at scalable query sense resolution techniques that can be applied without loss of efficiency to large data sets such as those on the Web. Our experimental findings validate that the proposed techniques perform more accurately than do the traditional disambiguation strategies and improve the quality of the search results, when involved in query expansion.
Approaching the “reward triangle”: General analysis of the presence of funding acknowledgments and “peer interactive communication” in scientific publications
Authors: Costas Rodrigo , van Leeuwen Thed N.
Published: June 2012

Understanding the role of acknowledgments given by researchers in their publications has been a recurrent challenge in the bibliometric field, but relatively unexplored until now. This study presents a general bibliometric analysis on the new “funding acknowledgment” (FA) information available in the Web of Science. All publications covered by the database in 2009 have been analyzed. The presence and length of the FA text, as well as the presence of “peer interactive communication” in the acknowledgments, are related to impact indicators, distribution of papers by fields, countries of the authors, and collaboration level of the papers. It is observed that publications with FAs present a higher impact as compared with publications without them. There are also differences across countries and disciplines in the share of publications with FAs and the acknowledgment of peer interactive communication. China is the country with the highest share of publications acknowledging funding, while the presence of FAs in the humanities and social sciences is very low compared to the more basic disciplines. The presence of peer interactive communication in acknowledgments can be linked to countries that have a strong scientific tradition and are incorporated in scientific networks. Peer interactive communication is also common in the fields of humanities and social sciences and can be linked to lower levels of co‐authorship. Observed patterns are explained and topics of future research are proposed.
Selective Attention to Facial Emotion and Identity in Children With Autism: Evidence for Global Identity and Local Emotion
Authors: Song Yongning , Hakoda Yuji
Published: June 2012

The present study sought to test the global‐identity and local‐emotion processing hypothesis in face perception by examining emotional interference in face perception in children with high‐functioning autism/Asperger's syndrome. Participants judged either the expression or the identity of faces while identity/expression was either held constant or varied (Garner paradigm). The results revealed that emotional expressions interfered with identity processing in face perception for autism spectrum disorder individuals. Taken together with previous findings, our results suggest that emotion judgment mainly depends on local processing, while identity judgment mainly depends on global processing. Autism Res 2012, 5: 282–285. © 2012 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
What do I Think of Others in Relation to Myself? Moral Identity and Moral Inclusion in Explaining Prejudice
Authors: Passini Stefano
Published: June 2012

The aim of this article is to analyze the effect of moral identity on prejudice in conjunction with moral inclusion/exclusion attitudes. In particular, the hypothesis is that even if high moral identity people tend to be less prejudicial than low moral identity people, this result can be explained with reference to moral inclusion/exclusion attitudes. A questionnaire was distributed to 192 Italian subjects. According to the hypothesis, results show that moral identity is negatively correlated with blatant prejudice, but that this effect is completely mediated by the perception of moral inclusion/exclusion with the other groups. These results suggest that it is not how morally you behave (symbolization), or the relevance you give to moral traits for your identity (internalization), that have an effect on prejudice, but rather it is who you include within the moral community within which moral values apply. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of the Mildiomycin Biosynthesis Gene Cluster in Streptoverticillum remofaciens ZJU5119 and Characterization of MilC, a Hydroxymethyl cytosyl‐glucuronic Acid Synthase
Authors: Wu Jun , Li Li , Deng Zixin , Zabriskie T. Mark , He Xinyi
Published: June 2012

Mildiomycin (MIL) is a peptidyl‐nucleoside antibiotic produced by Streptoverticillum remofaciens ZJU5119 that exhibits strong inhibitory activity against powdery mildew. The entire MIL biosynthesis gene cluster was cloned and expressed in Streptomyces lividans 1326. Systematic gene disruptions narrowed down the cluster to 16 functional ORFs and identified the boundaries of the gene cluster. A putative cytosylglucuronic acid (CGA) synthase gene, milC, was disrupted in Sv. remofaciens and heterologously expressed in E. coli. An in vitro assay revealed that purified MilC could utilize either cytosine or hydroxymethylcytosine as substrate to yield CGA or hydroxymethyl‐CGA (HM‐CGA), respectively. MilG is believed to be a key enzyme in the MIL biosynthesis pathway and contains the CXXXCXXC motif characteristic of members of the radical S‐adenosyl methionine (SAM) superfamily. Disruption of milG leads to accumulation of HM‐CGA. Labeling experiments with 13C6‐L‐arginine indicated that decarboxylation at C5 of the pyranoside ring was coupled with the attachment of 5‐guanidino‐2,4‐dihydroxyvalerate side chain through CC bond formation. In contrast, exogenous 13C6‐labeled 4‐hydroxy‐L‐arginine was not incorporated into the MIL structure. Comparative analysis of the 16 MIL ORFs with counterparts involved in the biosynthesis of the structurally similar compound blasticidin S, along with the results above, provide insight into the complete MIL biosynthetic pathway.
Antofine Analogues Can Inhibit Tobacco Mosaic Virus Assembly through Small‐Molecule–RNA Interactions
Authors: Gao Shuang , Zhang Ruoyu , Yu Zhihong , Xi Zhen
Published: June 2012

The extra unpaired base(s) or bulged structures of nucleic acids are capable either of forming complexes with nucleic‐acid‐binding proteins or of acting as binding sites for small molecules. We are interested in developing bulge‐specific agents as potential drugs or chemical tools in biological research. Antofine can selectively bind with DNA and RNA bulged structures (Xi et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 2006, 16, 4300–4304). Furthermore, a series of antofine analogues suitable for selective binding with TMV RNA rather than with TMV coat protein (CP) were found. Biochemical studies indicated that antofine and its analogues disrupt in vitro virus assembly through small‐molecule–RNA interactions. A structural model to illustrate these effects has been proposed. It is suggested that antofine analogues bind selectively with RNA bulged structures and therefore disrupt interaction between TMV RNA and TMV CP.
Tin(II) Antimonates with Adjustable Compositions: Effects of Band‐Gaps and Nanostructures on Visible‐Light‐Driven Photocatalytic H2 Evolution
Authors: Shi Jinwen , Ma Lijing , Wu Po , Zhou Zhaohui , Jiang Jiangang , Wan Xiaokang , Jing Dengwei , Guo Liejin
Published: June 2012

A series of tin(II)–antimonate photocatalysts with varied Sn content were prepared by altering the ion‐exchange time and reaction temperature to control their physicochemical properties, especially their band‐gaps and nanostructures. Furthermore, the effect of these catalysts on visible‐light‐driven photocatalytic H2‐evolution was also investigated. With an increase in Sn content, the narrowed band‐gaps enhanced the absorption of photons to excite the photogenerated charge carriers. A decrease in nanocrystal size approaching stoichiometric compositions impeded the recombination of the photogenerated charge carriers; the increased surface areas and pore volumes, owing to the nanostructural transformation, accelerated the redox reactions. Consequently, the photocatalytic activities gradually improved and the highest rate was observed for stoichiometric Sn2Sb2O7. As a result, the as‐prepared tin(II) antimonates—especially Sn2Sb2O7—were confirmed to be stable and efficient photocatalysts for visible‐light‐driven H2 evolution. Moreover, the activities of these photocatalysts could be improved by tuning their physicochemical properties to jointly optimize all of the processes in the photocatalytic reaction.
Optimal tracking agent: a new framework of reinforcement learning for multiagent systems
Authors: Cao Weihua , Chen Gang , Chen Xin , Wu Min
Published: June 2012

The curse of dimensionality is a ubiquitous problem for multiagent reinforcement learning, which means the learning and storing space grows exponentially with the number of agents and hinders the application of multiagent reinforcement learning. To relieve this problem, we propose a new framework named as optimal tracking agent (OTA). The OTA views the other agents as part of the environment and uses a reduced form to learn the optimal decision. Although merging other agents into the environment may reduce the dimension of action space, the environment characterized by such form is dynamic and does not satisfy the convergence of reinforcement learning (RL). Thus, we develop an estimator to track the dynamics of the environment. The estimator obtains the dynamic model, and then the model‐based RL can be used to react to the dynamic environment optimally. Because the Q‐function in OTA is also a dynamic process because of other agents’ dynamics, different from traditional RL, in which the learning is a stationary process and the usual action selection mechanisms just suit to such stationary process, we improve the greedy action selection mechanism to adapt to such dynamics. Thus, the OTA will have convergence. An experiment illustrates the validity and efficiency of the OTA.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐level specifications for automatically generating parallel code
Authors: Acosta Alejandro , Almeida Francisco , Peláez Ignacio
Published: June 2012

The arrival of multicore systems, along with the speed‐up potential available in graphics processing units, has given us unprecedented low‐cost computing power. These systems address some of the known architecture problems but at the expense of considerably increased programming complexity. Heterogeneity, at both the architectural and programming levels, poses a great challenge to programmers. Many proposals have been put forth to facilitate the job of programmers. Leaving aside proposals based on the development of new programming languages because of the effort this represents for the user (effort to learn and reuse code), the remaining proposals are based on transforming sequential code into parallel code, or on transforming parallel code designed for one architecture into parallel code designed for another. A different approach relies on the use of skeletons. The programmer has available set of parallel standards that comprise the basis for developing parallel code while programming sequential code. In this context, we propose a methodology for developing an automatic source‐to‐source transformation in a specific domain. This methodology is instantiated in a framework aimed at solving dynamic programming problems. Using this framework, the final user (a physician, mathematician, biologist, etc.) can express her problem using an equation in Latex, and the system will automatically generate the optimal parallel code for homogeneous or heterogeneous architectures. This approach allows for great portability toward these new emerging architectures and for great productivity, as evidenced by the computational results.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preface of special issue: advanced topics on wireless sensor networks
Authors: Li Keqiu , Lin Kai
Published: June 2012

The recent advancement of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) technologies and practices is one of the major roles to the evolution and enrichment of human life with the advent of the next generation convergence network environments. A variety of usages and paradigms for WSNs is a growing interest in the design, development, and deployment of sensor systems for applications with other emerging technologies such as RFID Technology, Multimedia Based Surveillance System, Biomedical Technology, Mobile Agent based Networks, P2P technology and Business Process, and others. With rapid increases in applications, new architecture and techniques are required to support WSNs. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of the Dielectric Environment on the Photoluminescence Intermittency of CdSe Quantum Dots
Authors: Issac Abey , Krasselt Cornelius , Cichos Frank , von Borczyskowski Christian
Published: June 2012

We show experimentally that the photoluminescence intermittency (blinking) of single CdSe quantum dots (QDs) is influenced by the dielectric properties of the embedding environment (matrix), the type of ligands and the capping shell. For the on‐times, we observe (and tentatively explain) a strong deviation from the commonly reported inverse power law behaviour, which can be taken into account by an exponential cut‐off at long times. We assign this component to the photoejection of the electron, while the power law behaviour is a combination of hole‐ and electron‐trapping processes. The cut‐off times and their distributions depend strongly on the polarity of the environment. Also, the off‐times show, though on a much longer timescale, deviations from the inverse power laws. We suggest a model including surface states and self‐trapped states, which quantitatively explains the experimental observations.
Bacitracin‐Conjugated Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization and Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Zhang Wenjing , Shi Xinhao , Huang Jing , Zhang Yixuan , Wu Zirong , Xian Yuezhong
Published: June 2012

Bacitracin‐conjugated superparamagnetic iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles were prepared by click chemistry and their antibacterial activity was investigated. After functionalization with hydrophilic and biocompatible poly(acrylic acid), water‐soluble Fe3O4 nanoparticles were obtained. Propargylated Fe3O4 nanoparticles were then synthesized by carbodiimide reaction of propargylamine with the carboxyl groups on the surface of the iron oxide nanoparticles. By further reaction with N3‐bacitracin in a CuI‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition, the magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles were modified with the peptide bacitracin. The functionalized magnetic nanoparticles were characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, TEM, zeta‐potential analysis, FTIR spectroscopy and vibrating‐sample magnetometry. Cell cytotoxicity tests indicate that bacitracin‐conjugated Fe3O4 nanoparticles show very low cytotoxicity to human fibroblast cells, even at relatively high concentrations. In view of the antibacterial activity of bacitracin, the biofunctionalized Fe3O4 nanoparticles exhibit an antibacterial effect against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative organisms, which is even higher than that of bacitracin itself. The enhanced antibacterial activity of the magnetic nanocomposites allows the dosage and the side effects of the antibiotic to be reduced. Due to the antibacterial effect and magnetism, the bacitracin‐functionalized magnetic nanoparticles have potential application in magnetic‐targeting biomedical applications.
Tetrathiafulvalene‐Fused Porphyrins via Quinoxaline Linkers: Symmetric and Asymmetric Donor–Acceptor Systems
Authors: Jia Hongpeng , Schmid Belinda , Liu Shi‐Xia , Jaggi Michael , Monbaron Philippe , Bhosale Sheshanath V. , Rivadehi Shadi , Langford Steven J. , Sanguinet Lionel , Levillain Eric , El‐Khouly Mohamed E. , Morita Ysushi , Fukuzumi Shunichi , Decurtins Silvio
Published: June 2012

A tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) donor is annulated to porphyrins (P) via quinoxaline linkers to form novel symmetric P–TTF–P triads 1 a–c and asymmetric P–TTF dyads 2 a,b in good yields. These planar and extended π‐conjugated molecules absorb light over a wide region of the UV/Vis spectrum as a result of additional charge‐transfer excitations within the donor–acceptor assemblies. Quantum‐chemical calculations elucidate the nature of the electronically excited states. The compounds are electrochemically amphoteric and primarily exhibit low oxidation potentials. Cyclic voltammetric and spectroelectrochemical studies allow differentiation between the TTF and porphyrin sites with respect to the multiple redox processes occurring within these molecular assemblies. Transient absorption measurements give insight into the excited‐state events and deliver corresponding kinetic data. Femtosecond transient absorption spectra in benzonitrile may suggest the occurrence of fast charge separation from TTF to porphyrin in dyads 2 a,b but not in triads 1 a–c. Clear evidence for a photoinduced and relatively long lived charge‐separated state (385 ps lifetime) is obtained for a supramolecular coordination compound built from the ZnP–TTF dyad and a pyridine‐functionalized C60 acceptor unit. This specific excited state results in a (ZnP–TTF)⋅+⋅⋅⋅(C60py)⋅− state. The binding constant of ZnII⋅⋅⋅py is evaluated by constructing a Benesi–Hildebrand plot based on fluorescence data. This plot yields a binding constant K of 7.20×104 M−1, which is remarkably high for bonding of pyridine to ZnP.
LZCode based compression method for effectively using the memory of embedded devices
Authors: Lee Hyunchul , Kim Kangseok , Choi Okkyung , Yeh Hongjin
Published: June 2012

Recently, with the rapid growth of embedded devices such as smart phones, tablet PC, and so on, the research on the effective use of flash memory widely used in embedded devices has been increasing. The growth is expected to continue more rapidly and the need for research will increase more. Therefore, there is a coming need for the effective use of main memory with flash memory in embedded devices. Essentially, all program codes have to be loaded into main memory before they can be executed. Then, the time for loading them into main memory is to be the sum of time for reading compression data from flash memory and for decompressing the data by a compressor residing in the main memory. Thus, the smaller the size of the compressor can make the utilization of main memory more effective. In this paper, we present our research on a lossless compression algorithm for reducing the size of the compressor while still maintaining compression rate and speed similar to LZCode suitable for embedded devices. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distinct roles of MicroRNAs in epithelium and mesenchyme during tooth development
Authors: Oommen Shelly , Otsuka‐Tanaka Yoko , Imam Najam , Kawasaki Maiko , Kawasaki Katsushige , Jalani‐Ghazani Farnoosh , Anderegg Angela , Awatramani Rajeshwar , Hindges Robert , Sharpe Paul T. , Ohazama Atsushi
Published: June 2012

Background: Tooth development is known to be mediated by the cross‐talk between signaling pathways, including Shh, Fgf, Bmp, and Wnt. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are 19‐ to 25‐nt noncoding small single‐stranded RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression by binding target mRNAs, which is believed to be important for the fine‐tuning signaling pathways in development. To investigate the role of miRNAs in tooth development, we examined mice with either mesenchymal (Wnt1Cre/Dicerfl/fl) or epithelial (ShhCre/Dicerfl/fl) conditional deletion of Dicer, which is essential for miRNA processing. Results: By using a CD1 genetic background for Wnt1Cre/Dicerfl/fl, we were able to examine tooth development, because the mutants retained mandible and maxilla primordia. Wnt1Cre/Dicerfl/fl mice showed an arrest or absence of teeth development, which varied in frequency between incisors and molars. Extra incisor tooth formation was found in ShhCre/Dicerfl/fl mice, whereas molars showed no significant anomalies. Microarray and in situ hybridization analysis identified several miRNAs that showed differential expression between incisors and molars. Conclusion: In tooth development, miRNAs thus play different roles in epithelium and mesenchyme, and in incisors and molars. Developmental Dynamics 241:1465–1472, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
When Stable and Metastable HS States Meet in Spin‐Crossover Compounds
Authors: Paradis Nicolas , Chastanet Guillaume , Létard Jean‐François
Published: June 2012

With the ultimate goal of rationally inducing overlap between the stable high spin state (HSSS) and the metastable high spin state (HSMS) generated by a rapid frozen effect, a series of [FexMn1–x(bpp)2](BF4)2 [bpp = 2,6‐bis(pyrazol‐3‐yl)pyridine] complexes was prepared. For all the materials, the thermal spin crossover (SCO) properties were measured and the stability of the metastable HSMS state was probed through the determination of the T(TIESST) value associated with the Thermally‐Induced Excited Spin‐State Trapping effect. The overlap between the two systems was observed for x ≤ 0.90 and the consequences on the shape and the completeness of the SCO behavior were discussed.
Asymmetric Total Syntheses of Cochliomycin A and Zeaenol
Authors: Jana Nandan , Nanda Samik
Published: June 2012

The first asymmetric total syntheses of two resorcylic acid lactones (RALs) – cochliomycin A and zeaenol – have been achieved in a divergent way. The main highlight of our strategy involves successful application of stereoselecive Keck allylation and Julia–Kocienski olefination to access an advanced intermediate, by starting from L‐tartaric acid as a chiral pool compound. This intermediate is coupled with a trisubstituted benzoic acid to afford a common RCM precursor for both target molecules. Ring‐closing metathesis at a late stage, followed by functional group manipulation, yielded the target molecules in an efficient way.
The Overcrowded Borazine Derivative of Hexabenzotriphenylene Obtained through Dehydrohalogenation
Authors: Biswas Sunanda , Müller Matthias , Tönshoff Christina , Eichele Klaus , Maichle‐Mössmer Cäcilia , Ruff Adrian , Speiser Bernd , Bettinger Holger F.
Published: June 2012

Treatment of 9‐chloro‐9‐bora‐10‐azaphenanthrene with potassium hexamethyldisilazide yields the borazine derivative of hexabenzotriphenylene (4). This compound, the formal trimer of 9,10‐azaboraphenanthryne (6), is soluble in organic solvents and was fully characterized. The tetramer of 6 is formed as a byproduct in the previously described high‐temperature synthesis of 4.
Seeing women as objects: The sexual body part recognition bias
Authors: Gervais Sarah J. , Vescio Theresa K. , Förster Jens , Maass Anne , Suitner Caterina
Published: June 2012

Objectification theory suggests that the bodies of women are sometimes reduced to their sexual body parts. As well, an extensive literature in cognitive psychology suggests that global processing underlies person recognition, whereas local processing underlies object recognition. Integrating these literatures, we introduced and tested the sexual body part recognition bias hypothesis that women's (versus men's) bodies would be reduced to their sexual body parts in the minds of perceivers. Specifically, we adopted the parts versus whole body recognition paradigm, which is a robust indicator of local versus global processing. The findings across two experiments showed that women's bodies were reduced to their sexual body parts in perceivers' minds. We also found that local processing contributed to the sexual body part recognition bias, whereas global processing tempered it. Implications for sexual objectification and its underlying processes and motives are discussed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
microRNAs: the art of silencing in the ear
Authors: Rudnicki Anya , Avraham Karen B.
Published: June 2012

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non‐coding RNAs that regulate gene expression through the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway and by inhibition of mRNA translation. miRNAs first made their appearance in the auditory and vestibular systems in 2005, with the discovery of a triad of hair cell‐specific miRNAs later found to be involved in both human and mouse deafness. Since then, miRNAs have been implicated in other medical conditions related to these systems, such as cholesteatomas, vestibular schwannomas and otitis media. Due to the limitations in studying miRNAs and their targets derived from human inner ears, animal models are vital in this field of research. Therefore their role in inner ear development and function has been demonstrated by studies in zebrafish and mice. Transcriptomic and proteomic approaches have been undertaken to identify miRNAs and their targets. Finally, it has been suggested that miRNAs may be used in the future in regeneration of inner ear hair cells and ultimately play a role in therapeutics.
Assessing the metabolic potential of phototrophic communities in surface water environments: Fludioxonil as a model compound
Authors: Thomas Kevin A. , Hand Laurence H.
Published: June 2012

Differences are often apparent in the observed rates of degradation between laboratory water-sediment studies and outdoor studies in surface water environments. Indeed, previous work has shown that including phototrophic communities in laboratory systems can result in the enhancement of degradation, when compared against systems that exclude phototrophs, incubated in darkness. In phototroph-inclusive systems, a range of metabolic processes and community effects are absent in the standard laboratory systems: metabolism by macrophytes, algae, and periphyton, as well as enhancement of bacterial and fungal communities by macrophyte root structures, algal biofilms, and planktonic algae. Here, the authors demonstrate the metabolic capability of algae and macrophytes in isolation from bacterial and fungal communities. The authors have isolated subcommunities and individual species from complex, phototroph-inclusive test systems, and demonstrated significant degradation of the fungicide fludioxonil in their presence. They have also shown the intrinsic metabolic competence of Elodea canadensis as well as algae from three phyla (Chlorophyta, Cyanophyta, and Bacillariophyta [diatoms]), demonstrating that phototrophic communities have the potential to play a direct role in metabolism in surface water environments. Thus, it seems that current laboratory test systems are failing to consider the role of active, competent organisms that are likely to be involved in the degradation of crop protection products in surface water environments. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 2138–2146. © 2012 SETAC
Bioaccumulation of polybrominated diphenyl ethers, decabromodiphenyl ethane, and 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy) ethane flame retardants in kingfishers (Alcedo atthis) from an electronic waste–recycling site in South China
Authors: Mo Ling , Wu Jiang-Ping , Luo Xiao-Jun , Zou Fa-Sheng , Mai Bi-Xian
Published: June 2012

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) including polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE), and 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy) ethane (BTBPE), were investigated in common kingfishers (Alcedo atthis) and their prey fish from an electronic waste–recycling site in south China. Elevated BFR residues were detected in the kingfishers, with median concentrations of 8,760, 12, and 7.7 ng/g lipid weight for total PBDEs, DBDPE, and BTBPE, respectively. The calculated predator/prey biomagnification factors (BMFs) were greater than unity for most of the investigated PBDE congeners, with relatively higher values for some hexa-, hepta-, and octa-BDEs (e.g., BDEs 153, 183, 196, 197, 202, and 203). The average BMFs ranged 0.10 to 0.77 and 1.90 to 3.60 for DBDPE and BTBPE, respectively. The BMFs for BTBPE were comparable to or even greater than those for some tri- to penta-BDEs in certain predator/prey pairs, indicating potentially high environmental risks of this compound. Significantly higher concentration ratios of BDEs 202 and 207 to BDE 209 were observed in the kingfishers compared with their prey fish, and these ratios were negatively correlated with the logarithm of BDE 209 concentrations in the kingfishers. This may indicate biotransformation of BDE 209 to BDEs 202 and 207 in these birds. This is the first assessment of the biomagnification potentials of DBDPE and BTBPE in a wild piscivorous bird. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 2153–2158. © 2012 SETAC
An improved MUSCL treatment for the SPH‐ALE method: comparison with the standard SPH method for the jet impingement case
Authors: Koukouvinis Phoevos K. , Anagnostopoulos John S. , Papantonis Dimitris E.
Published: June 2012

In the present work, a new implementation of the Monotone Upwind‐centered Scheme for Conservation Laws (MUSCL) ‐ Hancock scheme has been developed for the SPH‐Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian (ALE) method. The resulting method was tested at various benchmark cases and then it was used to simulate the jet impingement on a flat plate for several different impingement angles, in comparison with the standard SPH method and results from literature. The SPH‐ALE method proves to produce higher quality results than the standard SPH method in all cases, while the MUSCL treatment tends to remedy the issues of the numerical viscosity, inherent to the method, up to a point. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Preliminary Study on WO3‐Infiltrated W–Cu–ScYSZ Anodes for Low Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Mohammed Hussain A. , Sudireddy B. R. , Høgh J. V. T. , Bonanos N.
Published: June 2012

Preparation and electrochemical characterization of WO3‐infiltrated 0.48W–0.52Cu–ScYSZ (WCS) anode for solid oxide fuel cell are reported. The DC conductivity of a WO3 ceramic was 1,200 and 24 S cm–1 in reducing and oxidizing atmospheres, respectively, at 650 °C. WCS porous backbones in the form of symmetric cells were prepared by screen printing of WO3–CuO–ScYSZ ink and subsequent sintering at 1,300 °C for 1 h in 9% H2/N2. Analysis of the sintered backbone by X‐ray diffraction showed the metallic W and Cu phases. Precursor solutions of WO3 or CuO were infiltrated into porous WCS backbones to form the anode. The electrochemical performance of these anodes measured by impedance spectroscopy showed polarization resistances of 11 and 6.5 Ω cm2 for WO3 and CuO infiltrated anodes, respectively, at 600 °C in humidified hydrogen. Activation energy values of 86.8 and 96.5 kJ mol–1 were obtained for WO3 and CuO infiltrated WCS anodes, respectively. The microstructure of the tested anodes showed well‐dispersed sub‐micron particles of WO3 in the WCS backbone whereas CuO infiltration resulted in a dense microstructure.
Parabens enable suspension growth of MCF‐10A immortalized, non‐transformed human breast epithelial cells
Authors: Khanna Sugandha , Darbre Philippa D.
Published: June 2012

Parabens (alkyl esters of p‐hydroxybenzoic acid) are used extensively as preservatives in consumer products, and intact esters have been measured in several human tissues. Concerns of a potential link between parabens and breast cancer have been raised, but mechanistic studies have centred on their oestrogenic activity and little attention has been paid to any carcinogenic properties. In the present study, we report that parabens can induce anchorage‐independent growth of MCF‐10A immortalized but non‐transformed human breast epithelial cells, a property closely related to transformation and a predictor of tumour growth in vivo. In semi‐solid methocel suspension culture, MCF‐10A cells produced very few colonies and only of a small size but the addition of 5 × 10‐4 M methylparaben, 10–5 M n‐propylparaben or 10–5 M n‐butylparaben resulted in a greater number of colonies per dish (P < 0.05 in each case) and an increased average colony size (P < 0.001 in each case). Dose‐responses showed that concentrations as low as 10–6 M methylparaben, 10–7 M n‐propylparaben and 10–7 M n‐butylparaben could increase colony numbers (P = 0.016, P = 0.010, P = 0.008, respectively): comparison with a recent measurement of paraben concentrations in human breast tissue samples from 40 mastectomies (Barr et al., 2012) showed that 22/40 of the patients had at least one of the parabens at the site of the primary tumour at or above these concentrations. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report that parabens can induce a transformed phenotype in human breast epithelial cells in vitro, and further investigation is now justified into a potential link between parabens and breast carcinogenesis. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validation of visualized transgenic zebrafish as a high throughput model to assay bradycardia related cardio toxicity risk candidates
Authors: Wen Dingsheng , Liu Aiming , Chen Feng , Yang Julin , Dai Renke
Published: June 2012

Drug‐induced QT prolongation usually leads to torsade de pointes (TdP), thus for drugs in the early phase of development this risk should be evaluated. In the present study, we demonstrated a visualized transgenic zebrafish as an in vivo high‐throughput model to assay the risk of drug‐induced QT prolongation. Zebrafish larvae 48 h post‐fertilization expressing green fluorescent protein in myocardium were incubated with compounds reported to induce QT prolongation or block the human ether‐a‐go‐go‐related gene (hERG) K+ current. The compounds sotalol, indapaminde, erythromycin, ofoxacin, levofloxacin, sparfloxacin and roxithromycin were additionally administrated by microinjection into the larvae yolk sac. The ventricle heart rate was recorded using the automatic monitoring system after incubation or microinjection. As a result, 14 out of 16 compounds inducing dog QT prolongation caused bradycardia in zebrafish. A similar result was observed with 21 out of 26 compounds which block hERG current. Among the 30 compounds which induced human QT prolongation, 25 caused bradycardia in this model. Thus, the risk of compounds causing bradycardia in this transgenic zebrafish correlated with that causing QT prolongation and hERG K+ current blockage in established models. The tendency that high logP values lead to high risk of QT prolongation in this model was indicated, and non‐sensitivity of this model to antibacterial agents was revealed. These data suggest application of this transgenic zebrafish as a high‐throughput model to screen QT prolongation‐related cardio toxicity of the drug candidates. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Understanding Long‐Term Outcomes of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Authors: Brown Molly M. , Bell David S. , Jason Leonard A. , Christos Constance , Bell David E.
Published: June 2012

Objective

This study sought to examine long‐term health, symptom, and disability outcomes among patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) by comparing those diagnosed with CFS 25 years ago with healthy controls.

Method

Of the 25 participants diagnosed with CFS 25 years ago, 5 self‐reported that they maintained a diagnosis of CFS, while 20 reported no longer having a diagnosis. These two groups were compared with healthy controls on outcomes related to functioning and symptom severity.

Results

Those who remitted from CFS showed significantly more impairment on 21 out of 23 outcomes compared with controls. On 17 outcomes, those who remitted had nonsignificant differences in impairment compared to those who maintained a CFS diagnosis.

Conclusions

Findings from this study suggest that over time many individuals will not maintain a CFS diagnosis but will not return to their premorbid level of functioning.
Experiential Self‐Focus Writing as a Facilitator of Processing an Interpersonal Hurt
Authors: Yu‐Hsin Liao Kelly , Wei Meifen , Russell Daniel W. , Abraham W. Todd
Published: June 2012

Objectives

This study examined the effects of experiential self‐focus writing on changes in psychological outcomes (i.e., unforgiveness and negative affect) after an interpersonal hurt and the buffering effects of experiential self‐focus writing on the association between anger rumination and these psychological outcomes.

Design

A sample of 182 college students who had experienced interpersonal hurt were randomly assigned to either the experiential self‐focus writing condition, in which participants wrote about their feelings and experiences related to the hurt, or to a control writing condition in which they wrote about a recent neutral event.

Results

Latent growth curve analyses indicated that changes in unforgiveness over time did not differ between the experiential self‐focus writing and the control writing conditions. However, relative to the control writing condition, negative affect decreased faster during writing and increased more slowly at follow‐ups in the experiential self‐focus writing condition.

Conclusions

The results supported the hypothesis that negative affect resulting from an interpersonal hurt would significantly decrease over time among participants in the experiential self‐focus writing group compared with the control group. Implications of experiential self‐focus writing for interpersonal hurt and directions for future studies are discussed.
RECONSTRUCTING RECENT LAND DEGRADATION IN THE SEMI‐ARID KAROO OF SOUTH AFRICA: A PALAEOECOLOGICAL STUDY AT COMPASSBERG, EASTERN CAPE
Authors: Mighall T. M. , Foster I. D. L. , Rowntree K. M. , Boardman J.
Published: June 2012

This paper forms part of an ongoing, multidisciplinary study of land degradation in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. A series of studies of erosion, runoff and the development of gullies, badlands and sediment delivery to small farm reservoirs in the Sneeuberg uplands have shown that the semi‐arid Karoo is vulnerable to soil erosion. Cereal cultivation and increased livestock numbers are thought to have played a major role in triggering erosion over the last 200 years. To test this assumption, we analysed pollen, non‐pollen palynomorphs and microscopic charcoal from sediments that have infilled one farm dam since the 1930s and which is located in the Sneeuberg uplands of the Eastern Cape. The results, supported by sediment source tracing, indicate that soil erosion was closely associated with agricultural activity. The reconstructions appear to be in agreement with historical documentary records. However, records of livestock stocking densities were found to be insufficiently detailed to enable direct matching against microfossil proxies for grazing, especially the coprophilous fungal spore, Sporormiella type. This study demonstrates the importance of combining sediment tracing techniques with palynological analyses to provide a more informed interpretation of land use changes as recorded by lake and reservoir sediments. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of safety and efficacy of the TriPollar technology for treatment of wrinkles
Authors: Shapiro Steven D. , Eros Yoav , Abrahami Yoav , Leviav Amos
Published: June 2012

Introduction

Patient demand for non‐surgical, non‐invasive, and no‐downtime wrinkle reduction treatment procedures has grown dramatically over the past decade as new treatments and technologies have been introduced. This study was performed in order to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the TriPollar radiofrequency (RF) technology and intended for wrinkle reduction treatment.

Methods

Thirty‐seven Subjects were recruited in two sites and were treated for the reduction of facial wrinkles and rhytides and followed for 3 months after the last treatment. The safety of using the TriPollar system was established by the physicians' assessments and observations of adverse events after each treatment. To evaluate treatment efficacy, pre‐ and post‐treatment photos were assessed using a blinded evaluation by two uninvolved physicians.

Results

No unexpected adverse side effects were detected or reported. All subjects participating in the study reported no pain or mild pain during the treatments. The photographic analysis of pre‐ and post‐treatment by the two blinded physicians revealed improvement (downgrade of at least 1 score according to the Fitzpatrick scale) in 94% (according to first reviewer) and 97% (according to second reviewer) of study subjects. All patients (100%) were satisfied from treatment results to a different extent.

Conclusions

The results of this study clearly indicate that the TriPollar system offers a non‐invasive, effective, safe and virtually painless wrinkle and rhytides reduction treatment. Lasers Surg. Med. 44: 453–458, 2012. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc.