bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developmental expression of Drosophila Wiskott‐Aldrich Syndrome family proteins
Authors: Rodriguez‐Mesa Evelyn , Abreu‐Blanco Maria Teresa , Rosales‐Nieves Alicia E. , Parkhurst Susan M.
Published: November 2012

COVER PHOTOGRAPH: High magnification confocal image of a stage 8 Drosophila egg chamber immuno‐stained with antibodies recognizing Whamy (shown in green) and the golgi protein Lava lamp (shown in red). DNA shown in blue. From Thomason et al., Developmental Dynamics 241:608–626, 2012.
Modification of Tetranuclear Zirconium‐Substituted Polyoxometalates – Syntheses, Structures, and Peroxidase‐Like Catalytic Activities
Authors: Li Dan , Han Huayan , Wang Yonghui , Wang Xin , Li Yangguang , Wang Enbo
Published: November 2012

The introduction of hydrogen peroxide, dl‐mandelic acid (H2Mal), and acetate buffer into a reaction system containing zirconium(IV) ions and various trivacant polyoxometalates (POMs) led to the isolation of a series of new tetranuclear zirconium‐substituted POMs modified by different O‐donor ligands: Na4(NH4)14[Zr4(μ3‐O)2(μ‐O2)2(OAc)2(P2W16O59)2]·51H2O (1), (NH4)16[Zr4(μ3‐O)2(Mal)2(H2O)2(P2W16O59)2]·14H2O (2), and Na7(NH4)5[{Zr4(OH)6(OAc)2}(SiW10O37)2]·20H2O(3) (3). All three compounds were characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectra, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction structural analyses. Compounds 1 and 2 possess similar sandwich‐type polyoxoanion structures built from a tetranuclear Zr cluster and two [P2W16O59]12– building blocks, but they differ in the modifying ligands on the {Zr4} clusters, which are peroxido and mandelato for 1 and 2, respectively. The polyoxoanion of 3 contains a different tetranuclear Zr cluster, which is further sandwiched by two [α‐SiW10O37]10– moieties and decorated by two acetato ligands. The catalytic activities of 1–3 were evaluated on the basis of a catalytic oxidation reaction of the peroxidase substrate 3,3′,5,5′‐tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) by H2O2. Compound 1 exhibits the best catalytic activity, which suggests a new peroxidase‐like catalyst for the colorimetric detection of H2O2 with a linear detection range from 100 to 1000 μM (r = 0.997) and a detection limit of 100 μM.
Modified SWCNTs for Reagentless Glucose Biosensor: Electrochemical and Mathematical Characterization
Authors: Razumiene J. , Gureviciene V. , Sakinyte I. , Barkauskas J. , Petrauskas K. , Baronas R.
Published: November 2012

An original concept in technology of biosensitive electrodes based on single‐wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) is proposed. According to a newly proposed technique the electrode surface consisting of SWCNT’s embedded in a porous polycarbonate film was preoxidized enzymatically using laccase from Basidiomycete Lac. An efficient electron transfer from the active centre of PQQ‐dependent glucose dehydrogenase (s‐PQQ‐GDH) to the SWCNT electrode surface allowed the application of the s‐PQQ‐GDH as recognition element for the reagentless biosensor design. The residual activity of the biosensor was found to be 40 % after one month of operational working. A mathematical model of the biosensor has been developed and an admissible agreement between the simulation results and the experimental data was obtained. The model appears to be promising for optimization of amperometric analysis.
Selective Curcuminoid Separation and Detection via Nickel Complexation and Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetry
Authors: Wray David M. , Batchelor‐McAuley Christopher , Compton Richard G.
Published: November 2012

Curcumin is a widely studied biologically active redox molecule. Although sensitive, electrochemical methods are commonly hindered by their lack of specificity. This article demonstrates how curcumin may be readily separated from other structurally and electrochemically similar redox moieties. This separation is achieved through exploitation of the molecules diketone functionality providing a route for its selective chelation to nickel(II). Recovery of the curcumin from the nickel complex is achieved simply and quantitatively through acidification of the precipitate. Adsorptive stripping voltammetry at a carbon screen‐printed electrode (SPE) is utilised both as a method for evidencing the effectiveness of the separation technique but further as a procedure for the analytical quantification of the curcumin concentration.
Application of time preconditioning and high‐order compact discretization method for low Mach number flows
Authors: Tyliszczak A. , Deconinck H.
Published: November 2012

The paper describes a combination of a preconditioning method with a high‐order compact discretization scheme for the purpose of solving the compressible Navier–Stokes equations in moderate and low Mach number regimes. When combined with properly modified characteristic boundary conditions, the proposed approach is very efficient from the point of view of convergence acceleration and accuracy of the results. The computations were performed in typical benchmark cases including the Burggraf flow for which an analytical solution exists, the flow over a backward facing step, and also the flow in 2D and 3D shear‐driven cavities. Depending on the test case, the results were obtained for the Mach number in the range M = 0.001 − 0.5 and the Reynolds number Re = 1 − 1000. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The nature and provenance of Golestan loess deposits in northeast Iran
Authors: Asadi Sina , Moore Farid , Keshavarzi Behnam
Published: November 2012

Mineralogical, textural, geochemical, and weathering characteristics of loess deposits in Golestan province of Iran suggest that they are mostly derived from felsic igneous rocks and are related to Quaternary palaeoclimate. Whole‐rock analyses indicate heavy minerals such as zircon, tourmaline and phyllosillicate minerals (e.g. muscovite, chlorite, illite) exert a significant control on the chemical composition. The loess samples display uniform chemical composition, indicative of similar alteration history. Chemical index of alteration suggests a weak to moderate degree of weathering in a felsic source area. Scanning electron micrographs of quartz grains reveal abundant silt‐sized quartz particles, a result of glacial grinding during the Late Pleistocene in Central Asia. Subsequently, these silt particles were transported from Central Asia to their depositional site by wind and paraglacial processes. Local topography of northeast Iran (Alborz Mountains) acted as a major barrier, entrapping the airborne particles on the plains of Golestan province. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Describing perceived stigma against Alzheimer's disease in a general population in France: the STIG‐MA survey
Authors: Piver Leslie Cartz , Nubukpo Philippe , Faure Angélique , Dumoitier Nathalie , Couratier Philippe , Clément Jean‐Pierre
Published: November 2012

Background

Alzheimer's disease (AD) causes progressive loss of memory and disability, especially in older people. As worldwide population grows older, AD is responsible for an important social and economical burden in many nations. People suffering from AD may experience health‐related stigma that influences their attitudes towards seeking assistance. The STIG‐MA survey describes perceived stigma against AD in a French population.

Methods

The STIG‐MA questionnaire was completed anonymously by people attending an awareness campaign about AD in Creuse, France, in September 2010. Participants answered 10 questions about how they would feel or react if they had AD. Stigma scores were compared by age, activity, and interest in AD.

Results

Thirty‐three percent of people attending the campaign filled out the survey. Most were women (85%) younger than 50 years (59%); 10% were older people (older than 75 years). Twenty‐one percent worked in health or social fields. Interest in AD was professional (48%), related to family (41%), or personal (11%). Professionals in health fields expressed the highest levels of stigma (p = 0.02). Low stigma was most frequent in older people (p = 0.05). Type of interest did not influence stigma. Shame, loss of self‐esteem, and fear of exclusion were expressed the most.

Conclusion

The STIG‐MA survey confirms that AD is a stigmatizing condition in France. The difference between perceived stigma of older people, those most exposed to AD, and that of health professionals may influence attitudes towards screening and care. Further studies of perceived stigma in these populations are necessary to adapt intervention strategies. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantifying sources of increasing zinc from acid rock drainage in an alpine catchment under a changing hydrologic regime
Authors: Crouch Caitlin M. , McKnight Diane M. , Todd Andrew S.
Published: November 2012

A major water quality concern in the Rocky Mountains is acid rock drainage (ARD), which causes acidic conditions and high metal concentrations in streams. The 30‐year water quality record for the upper Snake River in Colorado, USA, shows that summer low‐flow zinc concentrations have increased four‐ to sixfold concurrently with increases in mean annual and summer temperatures and a two‐ to three‐week advancement in spring snowmelt. We found that the main source of zinc and other metal loads to the upper Snake River was a tributary draining an alpine area rich in disseminated pyrite. By conducting a tracer experiment in this tributary of interest, we demonstrated that 30% of the trace metal loading entered in an upper steep, rocky reach where the tributary of interest is fed by an alpine spring. Another increase in flow and metal loading occurred where the tributary of interest flows through a gently sloped wetland area. Analysis of the tracer experiment indicated a significant increase in hyporheic exchange along this wetland reach, from which metals appear to be mobilized. Several potential explanations are presented that might explain this phenomenon: decreasing pH in the tributary of interest may result in mobilization of metals from the wetland and hyporheic zone; the geochemistry of groundwater inflows to the wetland may be changing; and, wetland soils may be drying out with longer, warmer summers. This study illustrates how changes in hydrologic regime may cause changes in biogeochemical processes that exacerbate the danger to aquatic ecosystems associated with ARD. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule soluble form: a potential biomarker of epithelial ovarian cancer is increased in type II tumors
Authors: Carbotti Grazia , Orengo Anna Maria , Mezzanzanica Delia , Bagnoli Marina , Brizzolara Antonella , Emionite Laura , Puppo Andrea , Centurioni Maria Grazia , Bruzzone Milena , Marroni Paola , Rossello Armando , Canevari Silvana , Ferrini Silvano , Fabbi Marina
Published: November 2012

Activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM) is involved in cell–cell interactions in cancer. Shedding of its ectodomain by the metalloprotease ADAM17/TACE generates a soluble form (sALCAM). Here, we show that serum sALCAM levels were significantly higher in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) (p < 0.005) than in controls. The performance of sALCAM as classifier, tested by receiver operating characteristic curve, resulted in an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.8067. Serum sALCAM levels showed direct correlation with Carbohydrate Antigen‐125 (CA125/MUC16). Moreover, significantly higher levels were found in type II tumors, even in stage I/II, suggesting that elevated sALCAM is an early feature of aggressive EOC. In addition, sALCAM levels were higher in ascites than in sera, suggesting local processing of ALCAM in the peritoneal cavity. In immunodeficient mice, intraperitoneally implanted with a human EOC cell line, human sALCAM progressively increased in serum and was even higher in the ascites. The biochemical characterization of the sALCAM in EOC sera and ascites, showed two predominant forms of approximately 95 and 65 kDa but no EOC‐specific isoform. In addition, full‐length transmembrane ALCAM but no soluble form was detected in tumor‐derived exosomes found in ascites. Finally, in vitro invasion assays showed that inhibition of ADAM17/TACE activity decreased EOC invasive properties, while opposite effects were mediated by a sALCAM‐Fc chimera and by an antibody interfering with ALCAM/ALCAM interactions. Altogether these data suggest that sALCAM is a marker of EOC, which correlates with more aggressive type II tumors, and that ADAM17/TACE activity and sALCAM itself mediate enhanced invasiveness.
pH responsive PEGylation through metal affinity for gene delivery mediated by histidine‐grafted polyethylenimine
Authors: Tseng Wen‐Chi , Su Ling‐Yu , Fang Tsuei‐Yun
Published: November 2012

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) has been used to enhance the stability of a gene delivery system. The most commonly used approach is to add the PEG molecule by way of chemical conjugation. In this study, we prepared PEG‐bearing nitrilotriacetic acid (ntaPEG) followed by chelation with either nickel or zinc ions. Polyethylenimine was grafted with histidine (hisPEI) and used as a primary gene carrier to form complexes with DNA. PEGylation was performed by incubating the complexes with chelated ntaPEG. It was noted that the coating of the chelated ntaPEG could provide a shielding effect against aggregation induced by bovine serum albumin and DNA release induced by heparin displacement, respectively. The coating was also found to improve cellular viability and maintain the transfection efficiency at a moderate level. The coated ntaPEG could dissociate from the complexes in an acidic condition of pH 4, suggesting that dePEGylation might occur in some acidic intracellular organelles, such as endosomes. This simple and effective PEGylation approach could be extended to other delivery systems to enhance the stability and to facilitate the dePEGylation process. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2013.
CD44 enhances tumor formation and lung metastasis in experimental osteosarcoma and is an additional predictor for poor patient outcome
Authors: Gvozdenovic Ana , Arlt Matthias JE , Campanile Carmen , Brennecke Patrick , Husmann Knut , Li Yufei , Born Walter , Muff Roman , Fuchs Bruno
Published: November 2012

Formation of metastases in the lungs is the major cause of death in patients suffering from osteosarcoma (OS). Metastases at presentation and poor response to preoperative chemotherapy are strong predictors for poor patient outcome. The elucidation of molecular markers that promote metastasis formation and/or chemoresistance is therefore of importance. CD44 is a plasma membrane glycoprotein that binds to the extracellular matrix component hyaluronan (HA) and has been shown to be involved in metastasis formation in a variety of other tumors. Here we investigated the role of CD44 expression on OS tumor formation and metastasis. High CD44 expression, evaluated with a tissue microarray including samples from 53 OS patients and stained with a pan-CD44 antibody (Hermes3), showed a tendency (p < 0.08) to shortened overall survival. However, nonresponders and patients with lung metastases and high CD44 expression had significantly poorer prognosis than patients with low CD44 expression. Overexpression of the standard CD44 isoform (CD44s) and its HA-binding defective mutant R41A in osteoblastic SaOS-2 cells resulted in HA-independent higher migration rates and increased chemoresistance, partially dependent on HA. In an orthotopic mouse model of OS, overexpression of CD44s in SaOS-2 cells resulted in an HA-dependent increased primary tumor formation and increased numbers of micrometastases and macrometastases in the lungs. In conclusion, although CD44 failed to be an independent predictor for patient outcome in this limited cohort of OS patients, increased CD44 expression was associated with even worse survival in patients with chemoresistance and with lung metastases. CD44-associated chemoresistance was also observed in vitro, and increased formation of lung metastases was found in vivo in SCID mice. © 2013 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Genes of Innate Immunity and the Biological Response to Inhaled Ozone
Authors: Li Zhuowei , Tighe Robert M. , Feng Feifei , Ledford Julie G. , Hollingsworth John W.
Published: November 2012

Ambient ozone has a significant impact on human health. We have made considerable progress in understanding the fundamental mechanisms that regulate the biological response to ozone. It is increasingly clear that genes of innate immunity play a central role in both infectious and noninfectious lung disease. The biological response to ambient ozone provides a clinically relevant environmental exposure that allows us to better understand the role of innate immunity in noninfectious airways disease. In this brief review, we focus on (1) specific cell types in the lung modified by ozone, (2) ozone and oxidative stress, (3) the relationship between genes of innate immunity and ozone, (4) the role of extracellular matrix in reactive airways disease, and (5) the effect of ozone on the adaptive immune system. We summarize recent advances in understanding the mechanisms that ozone contributes to environmental airways disease. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J BiochemMol Toxicol 27:3‐16, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.21453
Optimization of Fluorescence Assay of Cellular Manganese Status for High Throughput Screening
Authors: Kumar Kevin K. , Aboud Asad A. , Patel Devin K. , Aschner Michael , Bowman Aaron B.
Published: November 2012

The advent of high throughput screening (HTS) technology permits identification of compounds that influence various cellular phenotypes. However, screening for small molecule chemical modifiers of neurotoxicants has been limited by the scalability of existing phenotyping assays. Furthermore, the adaptation of existing cellular assays to HTS format requires substantial modification of experimental parameters and analysis methodology to meet the necessary statistical requirements. Here we describe the successful optimization of the Cellular Fura‐2 Manganese Extraction Assay (CFMEA) for HTS. By optimizing cellular density, manganese (Mn) exposure conditions, and extraction parameters, the sensitivity and dynamic range of the fura‐2 Mn response was enhanced to permit detection of positive and negative modulators of cellular manganese status. Finally, we quantify and report strategies to control sources of intra‐ and interplate variability by batch level and plate‐geometric level analysis. Our goal is to enable HTS with the CFMEA to identify novel modulators of Mn transport. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J BiochemMol Toxicol 27:42‐49, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.21457
RUNX2 in mammary gland development and breast cancer
Authors: Ferrari Nicola , McDonald Laura , Morris Joanna S. , Cameron Ewan R. , Blyth Karen
Published: November 2012

Runx2 is best known as an essential factor in osteoblast differentiation and bone development but, like many other transcription factors involved in development, is known to operate over a much wider tissue range. Our understanding of these other aspects of Runx2 function is still at a relatively early stage and the importance of its role in cell fate decisions and lineage maintenance in non‐osseous tissues is only beginning to emerge. One such tissue is the mammary gland, where Runx2 is known to be expressed and participate in the regulation of mammary specific genes. Furthermore, differential and temporal expression of this gene is observed during mammary epithelial differentiation in vivo, strongly indicative of an important functional role. Although the precise nature of that role remains elusive, preliminary evidence hints at possible involvement in the regulation of mammary stem and/or progenitor cells. As with many genes important in regulating cell fate, RUNX2 has also been linked to metastatic cancer where in some established breast cell lines, retention of expression is associated with a more invasive phenotype. More recently, expression analysis has been extended to primary breast cancers where high levels of RUNX2 align with a specific subtype of the disease. That RUNX2 expression correlates with the so called “Triple Negative” subtype is particularly interesting given the known cross talk between Runx2 and estrogen receptor signaling pathways. This review summaries our current understanding of Runx2 in mammary gland development and cancer, and postulates a role that may link both these processes. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 1137–1142, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Melanocytes—A novel tool to study mitochondrial dysfunction in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Pellegrini Camilla , Zulian Alessandra , Gualandi Francesca , Manzati Elisa , Merlini Luciano , Michelini Maria E. , Benassi Luisa , Marmiroli Sandra , Ferlini Alessandra , Sabatelli Patrizia , Bernardi Paolo , Maraldi Nadir M.
Published: November 2012

Dystrophin is a subsarcolemmal protein that, by linking the actin cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix via dystroglycans, is critical for the integrity of muscle fibers. Here, we report that epidermal melanocytes, obtained from conventional skin biopsy, express dystrophin with a restricted localization to the plasma membrane facing the dermal–epidermal junction. In addition the full‐length muscle isoform mDp427 was clearly detectable in melanocyte cultures as assessed by immunohistochemistry, RNA, and Western blot analysis. Melanocytes of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients did not express dystrophin, and the ultrastructural analysis revealed typical mitochondrial alterations similar to those occurring in myoblasts from the same patients. Mitochondria of melanocytes from DMD patients readily accumulated tetramethylrhodamine methyl ester, indicating that they are energized irrespective of the presence of dystrophin but, at variance from mitochondria of control donors, depolarized upon the addition of oligomycin, suggesting that they are affected by a latent dysfunction unmasked by inhibition of the ATP synthase. Pure melanocyte cultures can be readily obtained by conventional skin biopsies and may be a feasible and reliable tool alternative to muscle biopsy for functional studies in dystrophinopathies. The mitochondrial dysfunction occurring in DMD melanocytes could represent a promising cellular biomarker for monitoring dystrophinopathies also in response to pharmacological treatments. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 1323–1331, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Normalizing the Supernormal: The Formation of the “Gesellschaft Für Psychologische Forschung” (“Society for Psychological Research”), c. 1886–1890
Authors: Sommer Andreas
Published: November 2012

This paper traces the formation of the German “Gesellschaft für psychologische Forschung” (“Society for Psychological Research”), whose constitutive branches in Munich and Berlin were originally founded as inlets for alternatives to Wundtian experimental psychology from France and England, that is, experimental researches into hypnotism and alleged supernormal phenomena. By utilizing the career trajectories of Max Dessoir and Albert von Schrenck‐Notzing as founding members of the “Gesellschaft,” this paper aims to open up novel perspectives regarding extra‐scientific factors involved in historically determining the epistemological and methodological boundaries of nascent psychology in Germany.
BRAZILIAN LAND TENURE CONFLICTS: A SPATIAL ANALYSIS
Authors: Barros Carlos Pestana , Faria João Ricardo , de Araujo Ari Francisco
Published: November 2012

This paper analyses land occupation involving landless peasants in Brazil for the period 2000–2008. It is the first study to be undertaken at the national level, with a contemporary data span, using spatial analysis. Land occupation in Brazil is a state‐based phenomenon and mainly a political issue. Our results show that land occupation grows with left‐wing political violence and left‐wing government's support through public agencies. The view that land invasion is caused by poverty does not apply to the Brazilian case. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hepatitis E seroprevalence in recipients of renal transplants or haemodialysis in southwest England: A case–control study
Authors: Harrison Alex , Scobie Linda , Crossan Claire , Parry Rob , Johnston Paul , Stratton Jon , Dickinson Steve , Ellis Vic , Hunter Jeremy G. , Prescott Oliver R. , Madden Richie , Lin Nan X. , Henley William E. , Bendall Richard P. , Dalton Harry R.
Published: November 2012

Locally acquired HEV infection is increasingly recognized in developed countries. Anti‐HEV IgG seroprevalence has been shown to be high in haemodialysis patients in a number of previous studies, employing assays of uncertain sensitivity. The aim of this study was to investigate anti‐HEV IgG seroprevalence in recipients of haemodialysis and renal transplants compared to a control group using a validated, highly sensitive assay. Eighty‐eight patients with functioning renal transplants and 76 receiving chronic haemodialysis were tested for HEV RNA and anti‐HEV IgG and IgM. Six hundred seventy controls were tested for anti‐HEV IgG. Anti‐HEV IgG was positive in 28/76 (36.8%) of haemodialysis and 16/88 (18.2%) of transplant patients. HEV RNA was not found in any patient. 126/670 (18.8%) of control subjects were anti‐HEV IgG positive. After adjusting for age and sex, there was a significantly higher anti‐HEV IgG seroprevalence amongst haemodialysis patients compared to controls (OR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.16–3.31, P = 0.01) or transplant recipients (OR = 2.63, 95% CI = 1.18–6.07, P = 0.02). Patients with a functioning transplant showed no difference in anti‐HEV IgG seroprevalence compared to controls. The duration of haemodialysis or receipt of blood products were not significant risk factors for HEV IgG positivity. Patients receiving haemodialysis have a higher seroprevalence of anti‐HEV IgG than both age‐ and sex‐matched controls and a cohort of renal transplant patients. None of the haemodialysis patients had evidence of chronic infection. The reason haemodialysis patients have a high seroprevalence remains uncertain and merits further study. J. Med. Virol. 85:266–271, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Determination of fungicide pyrimethanil in grapes, must, fermenting must and wine
Authors: Vaquero‐Fernández Luis , Sanz‐Asensio Jesús , Fernández‐Zurbano Purificación , López‐Alonso Miguel , Martínez‐Soria María‐Teresa
Published: November 2012

BACKGROUND

This study determined the evolution of pyrimethanil, a fungicide commonly used to control Botrytis cinerea, throughout the winemaking process in grapes, must, fermenting must and wine. Tempranillo grapevines were treated with pyrimethanil according to both good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Critical Agricultural Practices (CAP). Fermentation was carried out in an experimental winery. Grape analysis was based on an ethyl acetate extraction method. Samples from fermentation were analysed by solid phase extraction. The determination was carried out by gas chromatography with nitrogen–phosphorus detection (GC‐NPD) and additionally confirmed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS).

RESULTS

Pyrimethanil residues were at least ten times greater in grapes treated 7 days before harvest than in those treated respecting the safety period (21 days). The amount of pyrimethanil in grapes treated under GAP was below the maximum residue limit (5 mg kg−1). The level of pyrimethanil decreased during fermentation in both treatments. In the fermentation of grapes treated according to CAP, the pyrimethanil concentration was reduced by over 50% on the first day and then remained constant until the end of the fermentation process. For grapes treated in compliance with GAP, the amount of pyrimethanil decreased to a level below the limit of detection in the bottled wine.

CONCLUSION

The described methods for grapes, must, fermenting must and wine gave good recoveries, linearity, precision and accuracy. They were also highly sensitive in avoiding matrix effects. Pyrimethanil residues found in treated grapes were higher in skin than in pulp. The amount of pyrimethanil decreased during fermentation by degradation and/or adsorption. For grapes treated according to GAP, residues disappeared in the final bottled wine. The decrease observed in the final bottled wine may be caused by diverse oenological practices and technologies such us malolactic fermentation, racking and settling. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Determination of metabolites of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural in human urine after oral application
Authors: Hardt‐Stremayr Magdalena , Mattioli Serena , Greilberger Joachim , Stiegler Phillip , Matzi Veronika , Schmid Martin G. , Wintersteiger Reinhold
Published: November 2012

5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural (5‐HMF) is a natural occurring substance taken up by everyday food. In former studies it was shown that 5‐HMF is completely decomposed in the body after oral or intravenous application resulting in three main metabolites named 5‐hydroxymethylfuroic acid, 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid, and N‐(hydroxymethyl)furoyl glycine, and possibly a forth metabolic substance, termed 5‐sulphoxymethylfurfural, is formed. Determination is possible via HPLC using a hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) column with an appropriate gradient system (ACN/ammonium formate 100 mM, pH 2.35). Urine samples were purified by use of an SPE method beforehand working with ScreenA cartridges. This cleaning procedure was validated based on ICH guidelines in terms of linearity, quantification, and detection limit, as well as precision, repeatability, and accuracy. Analysis of real‐life samples coming from two healthy probands and one cancer patient, who all received 240 mg 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural orally once a day, showed dicarboxylic acid and the glycine conjugate in their urine samples. Recovery of the initial compound in form of transformed metabolites was up to 90% within 48 h. Potentially toxic 5‐sulphoxymethylfurfural could not be found.
Nasal manifestations of immunoglobulin G4‐related disease
Authors: Suzuki Masanobu , Nakamaru Yuji , Akazawa Shigeru , Mizumachi Takatsugu , Maeda Masanori , Takagi Dai , Hatanaka Kanako C. , Fukuda Satoshi
Published: November 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Immunoglobulin (Ig)G4‐related disease is a systemic syndrome, characterized by sclerosing lesions that mainly affect the exocrine tissue. Although some patients with IgG4‐related disease complain of nasal symptoms, there are few reports concerning the nasal manifestations of this disease. We investigated the clinical and pathological features of the nasal manifestations of IgG4‐related disease.

Study Design:

Retrospective review in a tertiary referral hospital.

Methods:

Twenty‐three consecutive patients with IgG4‐related disease, six allergic rhinitis (AR) patients, and eight healthy subjects (HS) were evaluated. Nasal symptoms, local findings of the nasal cavity, and laboratory data were examined. Mucosal tissues from the inferior turbinate were obtained from all subjects before treatment. The level of IgG4‐positive plasma cells and other infiltrating cells, and the number of nasal glands in the nasal subjects were compared among the three groups.

Results:

Ten (43.4%) of 23 cases had some nasal symptoms, such as nasal obstruction and nasal crusting. Thirteen cases (56.5%) had numerous IgG4‐positive plasma cell infiltration in the nasal mucosa. IgG4‐positive plasma cells, CD3, and CD4 were significantly higher in the IgG4‐related disease group than in the HS and AR groups, whereas the number of nasal glands in the IgG4‐related disease group was significantly lower than in the HS and AR groups.

Conclusions:

The inflammatory lesions associated with IgG4‐related disease exist on the nasal membrane. Thus, the nasal manifestations of IgG4‐related disease were thought to be different from AR.
Reactivity of the Dicationic Ruthenium–Alkylidene Complex [Ru(DMF)3(IMesH2)(=CH—2—(2—PrO)—C6H4)],2+(BF4−)2] in Ring‐Opening Metathesis and Cyclopolymerization
Authors: Autenrieth Benjamin , Anderson Emily Baird , Wang Dongren , Buchmeiser Michael R.
Published: November 2012

The reactivity of the dicationic Ru–alkylidene complex [Ru(DMF)3(IMesH2)(—CH—2—(2—PrO)—C6H4)]2+(BF4−)2] (1, IMesH2 = 1,3‐dimesitylimidazolin‐2‐ylidene) in the ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of various functional norborn‐2‐enes as well as in the cyclopolymerization of different 1,6‐heptadiynes is reported. Due to its dicationic character, complex 1 is highly electrophilic and possesses high reactivity towards alkenes and 1,6‐heptadiynes. Generally, a pronounced difference in reactivity between monomers bearing coordinating groups and those that lack such moieties is observed. In the presence of ionic monomers containing coordinating anions such as Br− and I−, a rapid change in the nature of the propagating alkylidene from a dicationic to a neutral one is observed.
Thieno[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐4,6‐dione‐Based Polymers for Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Pron Agnieszka , Berrouard Philippe , Leclerc Mario
Published: November 2012

Over the last decade, great progress has been made in the field of organic electronics. Advancements in organic syntheses as well as in device engineering enabled preparation of polymer solar cells with power conversion efficiency (PCE) exceeding 8%–9%. In search for new polymers suitable for photovoltaic applications, push–pull polymers containing thieno[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐4,6‐dione (TPD) motif as an electron deficient (pull) unit emerged as very promising candidates. This Trend Article summarizes research on TPD‐based polymers with a special emphasis on the structure–property relationships.
Three‐Dimensional Flexible Electronics Enabled by Shape Memory Polymer Substrates for Responsive Neural Interfaces
Authors: Ware Taylor , Simon Dustin , Hearon Keith , Liu Clive , Shah Sagar , Reeder Jonathan , Khodaparast Navid , Kilgard Michael P. , Maitland Duncan J. , Rennaker Robert L. , Voit Walter E.
Published: November 2012

Planar electronics processing methods have enabled neural interfaces to become more precise and deliver more information. However, this processing paradigm is inherently 2D and rigid. The resulting mechanical and geometrical mismatch at the biotic–abiotic interface can elicit an immune response that prevents effective stimulation. In this work, a thiol–ene/acrylate shape memory polymer is utilized to create 3D softening substrates for stimulation electrodes. This substrate system is shown to soften in vivo from more than 600 to 6 MPa. A nerve cuff electrode that coils around the vagus nerve in a rat and that drives neural activity is demonstrated.

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Role of intestinal microflora in xenobiotic‐induced toxicity
Authors: Jeong Hye Gwang , Kang Mi Jeong , Kim Hyung Gyun , Oh Do Gyeong , Kim Jin Sung , Lee Sang Kyu , Jeong Tae Cheon
Published: November 2012

In addition to its role in digestion of food in the gastrointestinal tract, the intestinal microflora is also capable of biotransforming numerous drugs. Likewise, the intestinal microflora may significantly modulate xenobiotic‐induced toxicity by either activating or inactivating xenobiotics via metabolism. To date, most investigations of xenobiotic metabolism have focused not only on metabolism in host tissues, but the modulation of the pharmacological activity of drugs by the intestinal microflora. Despite its importance, the presumed role of intestinal microflora metabolism in xenobiotic‐induced toxicity has been understudied. Therefore, it is appropriate to briefly review our current situation, and state which research in xenobiotic metabolism by intestinal microflora, particularly in the field of toxicology, is needed.
A miniaturized UWB stepped‐slot antenna for medical diagnostic imaging
Authors: Li Xuyang , Sit Yoke Leen , Zwirello Lukasz , Zwick Thomas
Published: November 2012

A novel compact planar UWB stepped‐slot antenna optimized for medical diagnostics is presented in this article. This antenna can be placed directly on the skin to allow more energy to be radiated into the human body for obtaining a stronger signal for processing. The design of the antenna is based on the differential feed for two symmetrical‐elliptically shaped monopoles, where the radiation direction of the main beam is found to be very stable over a broad frequency range due to the phase center being in the middle of the antenna, as shown in the results. The stepped‐slot design enables a further miniaturization of the size and enhancement in the bandwidth. Characterization of the antenna is done from 1 to 9 GHz on a phantom emulating the human body, where the antenna gain and near E‐field are investigated. The performance of the antenna is then verified using a near‐field measurement setup. With features such as a very small size, low operational frequency, stable phase center over the whole operated frequency range and high front‐to‐back ratio, this design shows a high potential for applications for the detection of breast cancer, stroke in human brain and other relevant medical diagnostics. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:105–109, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27222
Waveguide band‐stop filter design using optimized pixelated inserts
Authors: Ouedraogo Raoul O. , Rothwell Edward J. , Diaz Alejandro R. , Fuchi Kazuko , Tang Junyan
Published: November 2012

A technique is introduced for designing band‐stop waveguide filters by optimizing a grid of metallic pixels on a dielectric sheet placed longitudinal to the waveguide axis. By using topology optimization and a genetic algorithm, compact broadband waveguide filters may be produced that are easy to fabricate at low cost. Measured and simulated performance show strong rejection in the stopband with a rapid roll off at the band edges and low insertion loss outside the stopband. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:141–143, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27246
Demonstration of microfiber hybrid Mach–Zehnder and knot resonator structure
Authors: Sulaiman A. , Harun S. W. , Ahmad F. , Muhammad M.Z. , Jasim A. A. , Ahmad H.
Published: November 2012

We demonstrate a microfiber hybrid structure consisting of a microfiber knot resonator (MKR) and a microfiber Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MMZI) by micro‐manipulating a microfiber. The microfiber used has a waist diameter of 1 μm and is fabricated using a flame brush technique. The hybrid structure generates dual resonances spectrum, which combines a characteristic resonant of MKR and MMZI. The MMZI resonant exhibits a much higher free spectral range (FSR) of 3.1 nm with the extinction ratio of 3 dB. The MKR resonant has a FSR of 0.24 nm and extinction ratio of 5 dB. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:100–102, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27250
A design of octagon‐shaped 3‐dB ultra wideband coupler using multilayer technology
Authors: Zaidel D. N. A. , Rahim S. K. A. , Seman N. , Chew C. L. , Khamis N. H.
Published: November 2012

A design of a 3‐dB ultra wideband (UWB) coupler with compact size (35 mm × 15 mm), which operates between 3.1 and 10.6 GHz is presented in this article. The proposed design is accomplished by using multilayer microstrip structure, which is formed by three layers of conductor and two layers of substrate. The top and bottom layers consist of an octagon‐shaped microstrip lines and an octagon‐shaped slot in the middle layer. The design was fabricated on Rogers RO4003c substrate. Both of the simulation and measurement results are being compared with verify the coupler's performances in real environment. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:127–130, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27259
A 4.5 mW 3–5 GHz low‐noise amplifier in 0.25‐μm silicon‐on‐insulator CMOS process for power‐constraint application
Authors: Iji A. , Zhu X. , Heimlich M.
Published: November 2012

A 1.5 V 4.5 mW 3–5 GHz low‐noise amplifier (LNA) suitable for power‐constraint application is implemented in a 0.25‐μm silicon‐on‐insulator CMOS process.The designed LNA with good input and output impedance matching exhibits gain of 10.3 dB and 2–2.9 dB noise figure within the 3–5 GHz band. Moreover, the −3 dB bandwidth of the presented LNA is insensitive to process corner variations. A third‐order input intercept point of −5 dBm is also achieved for the LNA at 3.6 GHz. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:89–93, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.27262
Evidence from regression‐discontinuity analyses for beneficial effects of a criterion‐based increase in alcohol treatment
Authors: Flam‐Zalcman Rosely , Mann Robert E. , Stoduto Gina , Nochajski Thomas H. , Rush Brian R. , Koski‐Jännes Anja , Wickens Christine M. , Thomas Rita K. , Rehm Jürgen
Published: November 2012

Brief interventions effectively reduce alcohol problems; however, it is controversial whether longer interventions result in greater improvement. This study aims to determine whether an increase in treatment for people with more severe problems resulted in better outcome. We employed regression‐discontinuity analyses to determine if drinking driver clients (n = 22,277) in Ontario benefited when they were assigned to a longer treatment program (8‐hour versus 16‐hour) based on assessed addiction severity criteria. Assignment to the longer16‐hour program was based on two addiction severity measures derived from the Research Institute on Addictions Self‐inventory (RIASI) (meeting criteria for assignment based on either the total RIASI score or the score on the recidivism subscale). The main outcome measure was self‐reported number of days of alcohol use during the 90 days preceding the six month follow‐up interview. We found significant reductions of one or two self‐reported drinking days at the point of assignment, depending on the severity criterion used. These data suggest that more intensive treatment for alcohol problems may improve results for individuals with more severe problems. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
1H NMR spectra of ethane‐1,2‐diol and other vicinal diols in benzene: GIAO/DFT shift calculations
Authors: Lomas John S.
Published: November 2012

The proton NMR spectra of several 1,2‐diols in benzene have been analysed so as to associate each magnetically nonequivalent proton with its chemical shift. The shifts and coupling constants of the OH and methylene protons of ethane‐1,2‐diol have been determined in a wide range of solvents. The conformer distribution and the proton NMR shifts of these 1,2‐diols in benzene have been computed on the basis of density functional theory. The solvent is included using the integral–equation–formalism polarizable continuum model implemented in Gaussian 09. Relative Gibbs energies for all stable conformers are calculated at the Perdew, Burke and Enzerhof (PBE)0/6‐311 + G(d,p) level, and shifts are calculated using the gauge‐including atomic orbital method with the PBE0/6‐311 + G(d,p) geometry but using the cc‐pVTZ basis set. Previous calculations on ethane‐1,2‐diol and propane‐1,2‐diol have been corrected and extended. New calculations on tert‐butylethane‐1,2‐diol, phenylethane‐1,2‐diol, butane‐2,3‐diols (dl and meso) and cyclohexane‐1,2‐diols (cis and trans) are presented. Overall, the computed NMR shifts are in good agreement with experimental values for the OH protons but remain systematically high for CH protons. Some results based on the Gaussian 03 solvation model are included for comparison. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kinetic modeling of hyperpolarized 13C pyruvate metabolism in tumors using a measured arterial input function
Authors: Kazan S. M. , Reynolds S. , Kennerley A. , Wholey E. , Bluff J. E. , Berwick J. , Cunningham V. J. , Paley M. N. , Tozer G. M.
Published: November 2012

Mathematical models are required to estimate kinetic parameters of [1‐13C] pyruvate‐lactate interconversion from magnetic resonance spectroscopy data. One‐ or two‐way exchange models utilizing a hypothetical approximation to the true arterial input function (AIF), (e.g. an ideal ‘box‐car’ function) have been used previously. We present a method for direct measurement of the AIF in the rat. The hyperpolarized [1‐13C] pyruvate signal was measured in arterial blood as it was continuously withdrawn through a small chamber. The measured signal was corrected for T1 relaxation of pyruvate, RF pulses and dispersion of blood in the chamber to allow for the estimation of the direct AIF. Using direct AIF, rather than the commonly used box‐car AIF, provided realistic estimates of the rate constant of conversion of pyruvate to lactate, kpl, the rate constant of conversion of lactate to pyruvate klp, the clearance rate constant of pyruvate from blood to tissue, Kip, and the relaxation rate of lactate T1la. Since no lactate signal was present in blood, it was possible to use a simple precursor‐product relationship, with the tumor tissue pyruvate time‐course as the input for the lactate time‐course. This provided a robust estimate of kpl, similar to that obtained using a directly measured AIF. Magn Reson Med, 70:943–953, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Investigation of different boundary treatment methods in Monte‐Carlo simulations of diffusion NMR
Authors: Xing Haoyang , Lin Fang , Wu Qizhu , Gong Qiyong
Published: November 2012

Purpose

To enrich and develop more convenient and effective boundary treatment method in Monte‐Carlo simulation of restricted diffusion nuclear magnetic resonance.

Methods

The conventional approach used in treating boundary behaviors of restricted diffusion is the elastic boundary reflection. Because random walk is not dynamic process, other boundary treatments such as inelastic reflection are acceptable and probably simplify the programming of diffusion nuclear magnetic resonance simulation. The present study simulated the pulse gradient spin echo nuclear magnetic resonance by employing three boundary models, i.e., the elastic boundary reflection, the non‐elastic boundary reflection, and the equal‐step‐length random leap. Their effects on precision, convergence, and calculation efficiency were investigated, as well as the effects of non‐fixed boundary reflection step‐length drawn from a Gaussian distribution in barrier‐crossing steps.

Results

The results show no obvious difference in convergences and precisions for different methods when the relative step‐length is sufficiently small. Compared with the traditional approach, the required computation time of the latter two was reduced in some degree.

Conclusion

Boundary treatments based on inelastic reflection are a feasible choice in Monte‐Carlo simulation of nuclear magnetic resonance, and in comparison with the conventional approach, it not only renders programming more convenience but also possibly lead to higher calculating efficiency. Magn Reson Med, 70:1167–1172, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.