bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonfunctional Retroperitoneal Paraganglioma: A Histopathological Surprise
Authors: Mishra PK , Goel N , Saran RK , Gupta N , Nag Hirdaya H , Agarwal AK
Published: August 2012

Paragangliomas are the tumors arising from chromaffin tissue which is distributed along the autonomic nervous system. Most of these tumors secrete and store catecholamines. They can be suspected by clinical symptoms and confirmed by biochemical tests. Retroperitoneal paraganglioma mostly arise from adrenal medulla and are also known as adrenal pheochromocytoma. About 10% of abdominal paragangliomas occur at extraadrenal locations and where they are known as extraadrenal paraganglioma or pheochromocytoma (EAP). Like their adrenal counterparts, most EAPs are functional tumors as they secrete and store catecholamines. Very few EAPs do not secrete clinically detectable amount of hormones and present themselves with the pressure symptoms related to their size. These nonfunctional EAPs mimic more commonly occurring tumors of the retroperitoneum and true diagnosis is made only after microscopic examination of the tumor tissue. We had a patient who was suspected to have a pancreatic tumor but found to have a nonfunctional primary EAP completely separate from the pancreas.

How to cite this article

Goel N, Gupta N, Nag HH, Saran RK, Mishra PK, Agarwal AK. Nonfunctional Retroperitoneal Paraganglioma: A Histopathological Surprise. World J Endocr Surg 2012;4(2):60-62.
Laparoscopic Excision of Functional Ganglioneuroma Near Renal Hilum
Authors: PRK Bhargav , Amar V , Uday SK
Published: August 2012

Ganglioneuromas are one of the frequent retroperitoneal tumors arising from extraadrenal sympathetic ganglia or chromaffin tissue. The commonest extraadrenal site is periadrenal region near renal hilum. We present a case of ganglioneuroma in a narrow quadrangular space near right renal hilum, treated laparoscopically.

How to cite this article

Bhargav PRK, Amar V, Uday SK. Laparoscopic Excision of Functional Ganglioneuroma Near Renal Hilum. World J Endocr Surg 2012;4(2):63-65.
Technical Note: Latitude-time variations of atmospheric column-average dry air mole fractions of CO2, CH4 and N2O
Authors: Saito R. , Patra P. K. , Deutscher N. , Wunch D. , Ishijima K. , Sherlock V. , Blumenstock T. , Dohe S. , Griffith D. , Hase F. , Heikkinen P. , Kyrö E. , Macatangay R. , Mendonca J. , Messerschmidt J. , Morino I. , Notholt J. , Rettinger M. , Strong K. , Sussmann R. , Warneke T.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. We present a comparison of an atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM)-based chemistry-transport model (ACTM) simulation with total column measurements of CO2, CH4 and N2O from the Total Carbon Column Observing Network (TCCON). The model is able to capture observed trends, seasonal cycles and inter hemispheric gradients at most sampled locations for all three species. The model-observation agreements are best for CO2, because the simulation uses fossil fuel inventories and an inverse model estimate of non-fossil fuel fluxes. The ACTM captures much of the observed seasonal variability in CO2 and N2O total columns (~81 % variance, R>0.9 between ACTM and TCCON for 19 out of 22 cases). These results suggest that the transport processes in troposphere and stratosphere are well represented in ACTM. Thus the poor correlation between simulated and observed CH4 total columns, particularly at tropical and extra-tropical sites, have been attributed to the uncertainties in surface emissions and loss by hydroxyl radicals. While the upward-looking total column measurements of CO2 contains surface flux signals at various spatial and temporal scales, the N2O measurements are strongly affected by the concentration variations in the upper troposphere and stratosphere.
Correcting America’s Continuing Failure to Comply with the A Vena Judgment
Authors: Charnovitz Steve
Published: August 2012

Plainly, the external powers of the United States are to be exercised without regard to state laws or policies. The supremacy of a treaty in this respect has been recognized from the beginning. Mr. Madison, in the Virginia Convention, said that if a treaty does not supersede existing state laws, as far as they contravene its operation, the treaty would be ineffective. “To counteract it by the supremacy of the state laws, would bring on the Union the just charge of national perfidy, and involve us in war.” 3 Elliot’s Debates 515.

One year ago, the U.S. Supreme Court refused a request by the Obama administration to stay the lethal injection by Texas of a convicted prisoner even though that execution would violate a U.S. treaty obligation. Instead, the Supreme Court deferred to contravening Texas state law and policy that denied the prisoner, Humberto Leal García, a hearing on the merits as to whether the government of Texas’s failure to advise Leal of his right to meet with a consular representative prejudiced his criminal convictions in Texas courts. The State of Texas, which opposed the stay, carried out the execution hours after the Supreme Court stood down.
The 2011 Judicial Activity of the International Court of Justice
Authors: Cogan Jacob Katz
Published: August 2012

The International Court of Justice rendered four judgments in 2011: on April 1, a ruling on the respondent’s preliminary objections inApplication of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination(Georgia v. Russian Federation), upholding one objection and finding that the Court had no jurisdiction to entertain the application; on May 4, two rulings on Costa Rica’s and Honduras’s applications for permission to intervene inTerritorial and Maritime Dispute(Nicaragua v. Colombia), rejecting both; and on December 5, a final decision on jurisdiction, admissibility, and the merits inApplication of the Interim Accord of 13 September 1995(Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia v. Greece), finding for the applicant. The Court also issued three orders in incidental proceedings: on March 8, one on Costa Rica’s request for the indication of provisional measures inCertain Activities Carried Out by Nicaragua in the Border Area(Costa Rica v. Nicaragua); on July 4, one on Greece’s application for permission to intervene as a nonparty inJurisdictional Immunities of the State(Germany v. Italy); and on July 18, one on Cambodia’s request for the indication of provisional measures inRequest for Interpretation of the Judgment of 15 June 1962 in the Case Concerning theTemple of Preah Vihear (Cambodiav.Thailand) (Cambodia v. Thailand). The Court indicated provisional measures in response to both requests, and granted Greece permission to intervene.
Gini Index; Lottery Lunacy
Authors: Lesser Lawrence M.
Published: August 2012

Students analyze items from the media to answer mathematical questions related to the article. The Lorenz curve and income disparity are discussed, and some popular misconceptions about the lottery are debunked.
Empirical Approaches to the Birthday Problem
Authors: Flores Alfinio , Cauto Kevin M.
Published: August 2012

Experiments with random numbers give a new twist to this familiar problem.
Integrated Curricula and Preparation for College Mathematics
Authors: Post Thomas R. , Monson Debra S. , Andersen Edwin , Harwell Michael R.
Published: August 2012

in the early 1990s, after a long series of disappointing results on national and international mathematics achievement tests—for example, TIMSS (1998) and NAEP (Campbell, Hombo, and Mazzeo 2000)—the National Science Foundation (NSF) funded the development of thirteen complete mathematics programs at the elementary school, middle school, and secondary school levels.
Finding Skewed Lattice Rectangles
Authors: Smith Dick J. , Errthum Eric F.
Published: August 2012

Many mathematics instructors attempt to insert guided exploration into their courses. However, exploration tasks frequently come across to students as contrived, pertinent only to the most recently covered section of the textbook. In addition, students usually assume that the teacher already knows the answers to these explorations.
Functional Patterning of Biopolymer Thin Films Using Enzymes and Lithographic Methods
Authors: Kargl Rupert , Mohan Tamilselvan , Köstler Stefan , Spirk Stefan , Doliška Aleš , Stana‐Kleinschek Karin , Ribitsch Volker
Published: August 2012

Two different lithographic techniques for the patterning of thin biopolymer films are developed. The first method is based on using a microstructured elastomeric mold for the structuring of thin films of regenerated cellulose. The thin films are manufactured by spin‐coating of trimethylsilyl cellulose (TMSC) and subsequent regeneration. The microchannels formed by the mold and the cellulose film are filled with a cellulase solution by capillary action. In the areas exposed to the enzyme solution, the cellulose film is digested, whereas the area in contact with the mold is protected from the enzymatic activity. Optical thickness measurements, atomic force microscopy and fluorescent staining confirm a successful patterning of cellulose on several substrates by this method. The second method is based on the structured regeneration of thin TMSC films. TMSC surfaces are protected with metal masks and exposed to vapors of hydrochloric acid. These treatments result in hydrophilic cellulose structures surrounded by hydrophobic TMSC with differing physicochemical properties. Treatments of the obtained structures with cellulases allow the selective removal of pure cellulose, whereas a TMSC pattern remains on the surface. These TMSC can be regenerated back to pure cellulose by treatments with vapors of hydrochloric acid. The developed methods allow the effective fabrication of micropatterned biopolymer thin films suitable for further functionalization and application in, e.g., bioanalytical devices. This is shown by the immobilization and detection of single‐stranded DNA on structured cellulose surfaces. Owing to the versatility of both patterning approaches the methods can be further extended to other combinations of substrates and enzymes.
Crosslinkable TAPC‐Based Hole‐Transport Materials for Solution‐Processed Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes with Reduced Efficiency Roll‐Off
Authors: Liaptsis Georgios , Meerholz Klaus
Published: August 2012

1‐Bis[4‐[N,N‐di(4‐tolyl)amino]phenyl]‐cyclohexane (TAPC) has been widely used in xerography and organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs), but derivatives are little known. Here, a new series of solution‐processable, crosslinkable hole conductors based on TAPC with varying highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energies from −5.23 eV to −5.69 eV is implemented in blue phosphorescent OLEDs. Their superior perfomance compared with the well‐known N4,N4,N4′,N4′‐tetraphenylbiphenyl‐4,4′‐diamine (TPDs) analogues regarding hole‐injection and mobility, electron and exciton blocking capabilities, efficiency, and efficiency roll‐off is demonstrated. Overall, the TAPC‐based devices feature higher luminous and power efficiency over a broader range of brightness levels and reduced efficiency roll off. A systematic broadening of the emission zone is observed as the hole‐injection barrier between the anode and the hole‐transporting layer increased.
Capture, Enrichment, and Mass Spectrometric Detection of Low‐Molecular‐Weight Biomarkers with Nanoporous Silicon Microparticles
Authors: Tan Jie , Zhao Wei‐Jie , Yu Jie‐Kai , Ma Sai , Sailor Michael J. , Wu Jian‐Min
Published: August 2012

Mining the disease information contained in the low‐molecular‐weight range of a proteomic profile is becoming of increasing interest in cancer research. This work evaluates the ability of nanoporous silicon microparticles (NPSMPs) to capture, enrich, protect, and detect low‐molecular‐weight peptides (LMWPs) sieved from a pool of highly abundant plasma proteins. The average pore size and porosity of NPSMPs are controlled by the electrochemical preparation conditions, and the critical parameters for admission or exclusion of protein with a definite molecular weight are determined by reflectometric‐interference Fourier transform spectroscopy (RIFTS). Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide‐gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) and matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight (MALDI‐TOF) analysis of the proteins captured by the NPSMPs show that the chemical nature of the NPSMPs surface and the solution pH also play vital roles in determining the affinity of NPSMPs for target analytes. It is found that carboxyl‐terminated porous microparticles with a porosity of 26% (pore diameter around 9.0 nm) specifically fractionate, enrich and protect LMWPs sieved from either simulated samples or human serum samples. Moreover, NPSMPs containing captured peptides can be directly spotted onto a MALDI plate. When placed in a conventional MALDI matrix, laser irradiation of the particles results in the release of the target peptides confined in the nanopores, which are then ionized and detected in the MALDI experiment. As a proof‐of‐principle test case, mass spectra of NPSMPs prepared using serum from colorectal cancer patients and from control patients can be clearly distinguished by statistical analysis. The work demonstrates the utility of the method for discovery of biomarkers in the untapped LMWP fraction of human serum, which can be of significant value in the early diagnosis and management of diseases.
Synthesis and nonlinear optical properties of novel y‐type polyurethanes containing different concentrations of chromophore
Authors: Zhou Tingting , Deng Guowei , Liu Jialei , Bo Shuhui , Wu Jieyun , Qiu Ling , Liu Xinhou , Zhen Zhen
Published: August 2012

A new series of Y‐type polyurethanes containing different concentrations of nonlinear optical (NLO) chromophore with aniline donor and tricyanofurane (TCF) acceptor have been successfully prepared, and characterized by FTIR, UV‐Vis, and 1H‐NMR spectra. New polyurethanes were synthesized with different chromophore contents by introducing diol N, N‐dihydroxyethylaniline or 4‐[N, N‐(dihydroxyethyl)amino]benzaldehyde. These NLO polyurethanes exhibit good film forming property and high thermal stability up to 281°C. The highest electro‐optic coefficient (r33) of polymers is up to 39 pm V−1 measured by simple reflection technique at 1310 nm, and the temporal stability of the poling‐induced order at elevated temperature of 80°C was much improved through the introducing of hydrogen bonding interaction in this system. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Superplastic behavior of rosin/beeswax blends at room temperature
Authors: Gaillard Y. , Girard M. , Monge G. , Burr A. , Ceretti E. Darque , Felder E.
Published: August 2012

Blends of rosin and beeswax were studied in terms of their thermal and mechanical behaviors. Their glass transition and α relaxation were both characterized, either by differential scanning calorimetry or by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. In this study, we focused particularly on the impact of the microstructure on the mechanical properties, as studied by compression, shear, and nanoindentation tests. It is shown that at room temperature, these blends exhibited a viscous behavior in both the elastic and plastic regimes. From these measurements, a superplastic behavior was highlighted for blends with more than 60 wt % rosin. This superplastic behavior constitutes a real new potential in the mechanical reliability of adhesives based on rosin, which are more generally known for their very brittle behavior. As a result, it should open the way for the design of new shapes. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Instrumented impact property and fracture process behavior of composite rubber toughened abs terpolymer
Authors: Yu Zhisheng , Wang Chaoxian , Li Yang , Wang Yurong
Published: August 2012

A series of low‐cis‐1,4/high‐cis‐1,4 polybutadiene composite rubber toughened poly(acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene) (ABS) terpolymers were prepared and characterized. The morphological analysis shows that specimens exhibit common characteristics of two single rubbers while mechanical measurements reveal that better comprehensive properties can be obtained as more Ni‐9004 blended in composite rubber. When increasing Ni‐9004/Li‐700A ratio, one brittle–ductile transition occurs at 5.0 wt % rubber usage and three transition regions exist under 10.0 wt % usage. In addition, the characteristic force–time curves and fractography demonstrate that failure behavior and crack propagation mode can be effectively evaluated. Conclusively, quasi‐brittle fracture can be seen for specimens with obvious cavitation and matrix stripping followed by riverlike fibrous and periodical Wallner stripes, whereas ductile fracture is observed for those with alternate parabolic and firework patterns accompanying stress‐whitening and ligament‐forming progress. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
A novel polyurethane prepolymer as toughening agent: Preparation, characterization, and its influence on mechanical and flame retardant properties of phenolic foam
Authors: Yang Hongyu , Wang Xin , Yu Bin , Yuan Haixia , Song Lei , Hu Yuan , Yuen Richard K.K. , Yeoh Guan Heng
Published: August 2012

A novel phosphorus‐ and silicon‐containing polyurethane prepolymer (PSPUP) was synthesized by the chemical reaction of phenyl dichlorophosphate with hydroxy‐terminated polydimethylsiloxane (HTPDMS) and subsequently with toluene‐2,4‐diisocyanate. The structure of PSPUP was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance. Afterward, a series of phenolic foams (PF) with different loadings of PSPUP toughening agent were prepared. The apparent density and scanning electron microscopy results showed that the addition of PSPUP can increase the apparent density of phenolic foam. The compressive, impact and friability test results showed that the incorporation of PSPUP into PF dramatically improved the compressive strength, impact strength, and reduced the pulverization ratio, indicating the excellent toughening effect of PSPUP. The limiting oxygen index of PSPUP modified phenolic foams remained a high value and the UL‐94 results showed all samples can pass V0 rating, indicating the modified foams still had good flame retardance. The thermal properties of the foams were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis under air atmosphere. Moreover, the thermal degradation behaviors of the PF and PSPUP/PF were investigated by real‐time Fourier transform infrared spectra. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Rapid removal of Cr(VI) ions from aqueous solutions by the macroporous poly(N, N′‐dimethylamino ethyl methacrylate) hydrogels
Authors: Zhu Weixia , Song Hang , Du Kaifeng , Zeng Hao , Yao Shun
Published: August 2012

To improve the adsorption ability of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)], the macroporous poly(N, N′‐dimethylamino ethyl methacrylate) [poly(DMAEMA)] hydrogels were successfully fabricated by free‐radical copolymerization in ethanol/water mixture using N, N′‐dimethylamino ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) as the monomer, N, N′‐methylenebisacrylamide (MBAA) as the cross‐linker, and Na2SO4 solution as the porogen. The effects of various parameters, such as the concentration of Na2SO4 solutions, the dosage of MBAA, pH values, adsorption kinetic, and isotherm curves, were all investigated through systematic experiments. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was employed to characterize the various pore structures. The experimental results showed that the influence of Na2SO4 solution to the pore morphology in the matrix was significant. The poly(DMAEMA) hydrogels can effectively adsorb Cr(VI) ions in aqueous media, and the macroporous structures could obvious improve the response rate and adsorption capacity. These results prove that the macroporous poly(DMAEMA) gels can be treated as a potential material for environmental pollution control. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
New approach for preparation of exfoliated clay hybrid via wet kneading masterbatch process
Authors: Hung Chi‐Yuan , Wang Cheng‐Chien , Chen Chuh‐Yung
Published: August 2012

Through using modified masterbatch method which comprised the wet kneading and intercalated modifiers process, the fully exfoliated nylon clay hybrids (NCHs) were achieved. In the wet kneading procedure, the organoclay plates were easily wetting by the intercalated modifiers. Then the shearing force could completely exfoliate the organoclay with nylon 6 matrix even which only had lower molecular weight during the extrusion process. NCEs and NCAs, two series of NCHs, were prepared from the intercalated modifiers, alkylamide and polyamide, respectively. The XRD and TEM examinations show that the fully exfoliated NCHs can easily be made. The NCEs show a faster crystallization rate because alkylamide with the lower molecular length and the melting temperature act as a soft segment to make crystallization more easily and more regularly. The tensile test shows that the NCEs have higher values of modulus and yield strength and the NCAs can keep better elongation properties. Furthermore, the tensile specimen shows a cone‐like fracture, which is considered more perfectly exfoliated and arranged because of the good interaction between the silicate plates and nylon 6. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Impact damage sensing of multiscale composites through epoxy matrix containing carbon nanotubes
Authors: Arronche Luciana , La Saponara Valeria , Yesil Sertan , Bayram Göknur
Published: August 2012

Carbon nanotubes are used to provide increased electrical conductivity for polymer matrix materials, thus offering a method to monitor the structure's health. This work investigates the effect of impact damage on the electrical properties of multiscale composite samples, prepared with woven fiberglass reinforcement and epoxy resin modified with as‐received multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Moreover, this study addresses potential bias from manufacturing, and investigates the effectiveness of resistance measurements using two‐ and four‐point probe methods. Transmission electron microscopy and static tensile tests results were used to evaluate, respectively, the dispersion of MWCNTs in the epoxy resin and the influence of the incorporation of these nanoparticles on the static tensile properties of the matrix, and interpret results from the resistance measurements on impacted specimens. In this study, the four‐point probe method is shown to be much more repeatable and reliable than the two‐point probe method. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Absolute abundance and function of intestinal drug transporters: a prerequisite for fully mechanistic in vitro–in vivo extrapolation of oral drug absorption
Authors: Harwood M. D. , Neuhoff S. , Carlson G. L. , Warhurst G. , Rostami‐Hodjegan A.
Published: August 2012

The use of whole body physiological‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models linked with in vitro‐in vivo extrapolation (IVIVE) of kinetic parameters from laboratory experiments, has become embedded within many of the pharmaceutical industry and is used even as part of regulatory submissions. These include the influence of transporter proteins on drug disposition, a subject for which we have witnessed an increasing awareness. A combination of the development of high‐powered analytical techniques and antibody‐based technology, together with a realization that an understanding of absolute transporter protein abundances together with activity can potentially enhance the modelling of transporter kinetics by PBPK–IVIVE link models. This review summarizes the mechanistic approaches to integrate suitable non‐biased in vitro transporter kinetic data relevant to the intestine (i.e. ‘intrinsic’ Ki, ‘intrinsic’ Km), by in vitro system modelling for these kinetic inputs with the advantages of, and challenges for, generating these data for input into PBPK models. This step is considered as a prerequisite for mechanistic modelling of the oral absorption for drugs that are substrates for transporters. Various approaches are provided to integrate intestinal transporter expression into PBPK models with a perspective on the incorporation of the absolute abundance/activity of transporters to enhance the predictive power of the models. We define the key intestinal tissue and functional expression‐based scaling factors required. The objective is to use these for facilitating the extrapolation from in vitro intestinal transporter assays to the in vivo system, using absolute quantification methodologies. The models could be used to elucidate the complex relationship and relative importance of metabolizing enzymes and transporters in drug disposition and toxicity. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Object Discrimination Reversal As a Method to Assess Cognitive Impairment in Nonhuman Primate Enhanced Pre‐ and Postnatal Developmental (ePPND) Studies: Statistical Power Analysis
Authors: Cappon Gregg D. , Bowman Christopher J. , Hurtt Mark E. , Grantham Lonnie E.
Published: August 2012

An important aspect of the enhanced pre‐ and postnatal developmental (ePPND) toxicity study in nonhuman primates (NHP) is that it combines in utero and postnatal assessments in a single study. However, it is unclear if NHP ePPND studies are suitable to perform all of the evaluations incorporated into rodent PPND studies. To understand the value of including cognitive assessment in a NHP ePPND toxicity study, we performed a power analysis of object discrimination reversal task data using a modified Wisconsin General Testing Apparatus (ODR‐WGTA) from two NHP ePPND studies. ODR‐WGTA endpoints evaluated were days to learning and to first reversal, and number of reversals. With α = 0.05 and a one‐sided t‐test, a sample of seven provided 80% power to predict a 100% increase in all three of the ODR‐WGTA endpoints; a sample of 25 provided 80% power to predict a 50% increase. Similar power analyses were performed with data from the Cincinnati Water Maze (CWM) and passive avoidance tests from three rat PPND toxicity studies. Groups of 5 and 15 in the CWM and passive avoidance test, respectively, provided 80% power to detect a 100% change. While the power of the CWM is not far superior to the NHP ODR‐WGTA, a clear advantage is the routine use of larger sample size, with a group of 20 rats the CWM provides ∼90% power to detect a 50% change. Due to the limitations on the number of animals, the ODR‐WGTA may not be suitable for assessing cognitive impairment in NHP ePPND studies.
Functional deficits of the attentional networks in autism
Authors: Fan Jin , Bernardi Silvia , Van Dam Nicholas T. , Anagnostou Evdokia , Gu Xiaosi , Martin Laura , Park Yunsoo , Liu Xun , Kolevzon Alexander , Soorya Latha , Grodberg David , Hollander Eric , Hof Patrick R.
Published: August 2012

Attentional dysfunction is among the most consistent observations of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). However, the neural nature of this deficit in ASD is still unclear. In this study, we aimed to identify the neurobehavioral correlates of attentional dysfunction in ASD. We used the Attention Network Test‐Revised and functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine alerting, orienting, and executive control functions, as well as the neural substrates underlying these attentional functions in unmedicated, high‐functioning adults with ASD (n = 12) and matched healthy controls (HC, n = 12). Compared with HC, individuals with ASD showed increased error rates in alerting and executive control, accompanied by lower activity in the mid‐frontal gyrus and the caudate nucleus for alerting, and by the absence of significant functional activation in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) for executive control. In addition, greater behavioral deficiency in executive control in ASD was correlated with less functional activation of the ACC. These findings of behavioral and neural abnormalities in alerting and executive control of attention in ASD may suggest core attentional deficits, which require further investigation.
Specificity of maltase to maltose in three different directions of reaction: Hydrolytic, vanillyl alcohol glucoside and vanillyl alcohol isomaltoside synthesis
Authors: Dimitrijević Aleksandra , Veličković Dušan , Milosavić Nenad , Bezbradica Dejan
Published: August 2012

Vanillyl alcohol glucoside is very attractive molecule due to its very powerful physiological activity. In this article, a detailed kinetic study of transglucosylation of vanillyl alcohol was performed. It was demonstrated that this reaction is very efficient (selectivity factor is 149) and occurred by a ping‐pong mechanism with inhibition by glucose acceptor. At low concentration of vanillyl alcohol one additional transglucosylation product was detected. Its structure was determined to be α‐isomaltoside of vanillyl alcohol, indicating that vanillyl alcohol glucoside is a product of the first transglucosylation reaction and a substrate for second, so the whole reaction mechanism was proposed. It was demonstrated that the rate of isomaltoside synthesis is two orders of magnitude smaller than glucoside synthesis, and that maltase has interestingly high Km value to maltose when vanillyl alcohol glucoside is second transglucosylation substrate. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2012
Atomic Contributions from Spin‐Orbit Coupling to 29Si NMR Chemical Shifts in Metallasilatrane Complexes
Authors: Autschbach Jochen , Sutter Kiplangat , Truflandier Lionel A. , Brendler Erica , Wagler Jörg
Published: August 2012

New members of a novel class of metallasilatrane complexes [X‐Si‐(μ‐mt)4‐M‐Y], with M=Ni, Pd, Pt, X=F, Cl, Y=Cl, Br, I, and mt=2‐mercapto‐1‐methylimidazolide, have been synthesized and characterized structurally by X‐ray diffraction and by 29Si solid‐state NMR. Spin‐orbit (SO) effects on the 29Si chemical shifts induced by the metal, by the sulfur atoms in the ligand, and by heavy halide ligands Y=Cl, Br, I were investigated with the help of relativistic density functional calculations. Operators used in the calculations were constructed such that SO coupling can selectively be switched off for certain atoms. The unexpectedly large SO effects on the 29Si shielding in the Ni complex with X=Y=Cl reported recently originate directly from the Ni atom, not from other moderately heavy atoms in the complex. With respect to Pd, SO effects are amplified for Ni owing to its smaller ligand‐field splitting, despite the smaller nuclear charge. In the X=Cl, Y=Cl, Br, I series of complexes the Y ligand strongly modulates the 29Si shift by amplifying or suppressing the metal SO effects. The pronounced delocalization of the partially covalent M←Y bond plays an important role in modulating the 29Si shielding. We also demonstrate an influence from the X ligand on the 29Si SO shielding contributions originating at Y. The NMR spectra for [X‐Si‐(μ‐mt)4‐M‐Y] must be interpreted mainly based on electronic and relativistic effects, rather than structural differences between the complexes. The results highlight the sometimes unintuitive role of SO coupling in NMR spectra of complexes containing heavy atoms.
Universal Screening of Cholesterol in Children
Authors: Kwiterovich Peter O. , Gidding Samuel S.
Published: August 2012

Atherosclerosis begins in childhood, and these early lesions are related to cardiovascular risk factors, including non–high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C). Genetic disorders of lipid metabolism, principally familial hypercholesterolemia, have a high frequency in the population (about 1:300–1:500), and cause cardiovascular morbidity beginning in the third decade of life. The current obesity epidemic in children has worsened cardiovascular risk status. Cardiovascular risk factors present in youth often track into adulthood and are more predictive of future subclinical atherosclerosis than risk factors measured in young adulthood. Further, modification of risk factors beginning in childhood and young adulthood can lead to restoration to normal or improvement in measures of subclinical atherosclerosis measures both in those with genetic dyslipidemias and those with dyslipidemia secondary to obesity. Prior recommended selective lipid screening strategies based on family history or presence of other cardiovascular risk factors have failed to capture many with genetic dyslipidemia. Medium‐term clinical trials of statin therapy for inherited dyslipidemias are safe and effective in lowering low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C). Cholesterol screening in childhood is necessary to prevent cardiovascular morbidity in those with genetic dyslipidemias and to increase awareness of the need for behavioral intervention in those with multiple cardiovascular risk factors, often a result of the obesity epidemic.

Peter O. Kwiterovich, MD has received a research grants from Pfizer and is on the advisory board at Merck.

The authors have no other funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
On the artifact behavior of simple liquids in the inversion‐recovery experiments under mas conditions at high spinning rates
Authors: Bakhmutov Vladimir I.
Published: August 2012

The inversion‐recovery 1H, 2H time measurements in methanol, methanol‐d4, and D2O, placed into standard 4 mm and 2.5 mm MAS NMR rotors show the strong spinning effects. The spin‐lattice relaxation follows an exponential in the static samples and deviates from the exponential or transforms to a bi‐exponential in the spinning samples. Fast relaxing components in spinning liquids are characterized by 1H, 2H T1 times between 0.1 and 0.2 s, while relaxation times of slowly relaxing domains are close to those (or higher) measured in static experiments. In the absence of oxygen, the relaxation is again exponential. This phenomenon is not artifact and explained by the centrifugal force resulting in accumulation of oxygen at an inverted conical liquid surface at spinning. The oxygen‐enriched part of liquids relaxes by the paramagnetic mechanism to show the 1H, 2H T1(short) time components. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part A 40A: 186–191, 2012.
Radiation damping for speeding‐up NMR applications
Authors: Berman Gennady P. , Espy Michelle A. , Gorshkov Vyacheslav N. , Tsifrinovich Vladimir I. , Volegov Petr L.
Published: August 2012

In this work, we address a problem of low repetition rate in NMR applications. We suggest using a dynamical regime in the radiation damping which allows returning the nuclear magnetization to its equilibrium state during a time interval that is negligible compared to the spin relaxation time. We show theoretically that the radiation damping in the spin echo technique can be as effective as application of special rf pulses. We obtain an analytical estimate for optimal damping which is consistent with our numerical simulations. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part A 40A: 179–185, 2012.
An approach to evaluation of 19F‐NMR chemical shifts via basis functions analysis in fluorinated small compounds
Authors: Ebrahimi Hossein Pasha , Tafazzoli Mohsen
Published: August 2012

An extensive GIAO (gauge‐including atomic orbital) calculation has been made within Hartree‐Fock (HF), density functional theory (DFT) and second‐order Møller−Plesset perturbation theory (MP2), in conjunction with selected basis sets for the prediction of 19F chemical shift values of 26 different F nuclei in small fluorine‐containing molecules. The effect of four factors, namely, electron correlation treatment, triple‐ξ valence shell, diffuse function and polarization function were assessed using a systematic comparison of the results. Based on types of series, the optimized wave functions were proposed for different molecules. An additional comparison of the principal components of the shift tensor has been used as a supplementary study to confirm the validity of the results. For the series of molecules studied, the diffuse function is the most effective factor used in this applied model and the presence of polarization function is important to minimize the difference between theoretical and experimental values. By including the electron correlation treatment, DFT approach with large basis sets provides the most reliable results. In addition, two 24 factorial designs were considered to assess the reliability of applied scheme for selection the most efficient basis function and the results were discussed in this procedure. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part A 40A: 192–204, 2012.
Low‐Temperature Solid‐State Microwave Reduction of Graphene Oxide for Transparent Electrically Conductive Coatings on Flexible Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)
Authors: Liang Qizhen , Hsie Sinsar Alec , Wong Ching Ping
Published: August 2012

Microwaves (MWs) are applied to initialize deoxygenation of graphene oxide (GO) in the solid state and at low temperatures (∼165 °C). The Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of MW‐reduced graphene oxide (rGO) show a significantly reduced concentration of oxygen‐containing functional groups, such as carboxyl, hydroxyl and carbonyl. X‐ray photoelectron spectra confirm that microwaves can promote deoxygenation of GO at relatively low temperatures. Raman spectra and TGA measurements indicate that the defect level of GO significantly decreases during the isothermal solid‐state MW‐reduction process at low temperatures, corresponding to an efficient recovery of the fine graphene lattice structure. Based on both deoxygenation and defect‐level reduction, the resurgence of interconnected graphene‐like domains contributes to a low sheet resistance (∼7.9×104 Ω per square) of the MW‐reduced GO on SiO2‐coated Si substrates with an optical transparency of 92.7 % at ∼547 nm after MW reduction, indicating the ultrahigh efficiency of MW in GO reduction. Moreover, the low‐temperature solid‐state MW reduction is also applied in preparing flexible transparent conductive coatings on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates. UV/Vis measurements indicate that the transparency of the thus‐prepared MW‐reduced GO coatings on PDMS substrates ranges from 34 to 96 %. Correspondingly, the sheet resistance of the coating ranges from 105 to 109 Ω per square, indicating that MW reduction of GO is promising for the convenient low‐temperature preparation of transparent conductors on flexible polymeric substrates.
Analysis of herpes simplex virus type I nuclear particles by flow cytometry
Authors: Loret Sandra , El Bilali Nabil , Lippé Roger
Published: August 2012

Flow cytometry has been instrumental to characterize cell populations and examine their inner molecules and processes. In most instances, whole cells are analyzed, and hence, particle size is not an issue. Viruses are 2–3 orders of magnitude smaller than cells so flow cytometry has typically been used to study viral markers within whole infected cells. However, the ability to separate and purify viral particles representing different maturation stages within a viral life cycle would be a useful tool to analyze them in details and characterize the host proteins they associate with. Herpes simplex virus Type 1 is a 250 nm enveloped DNA virus that replicates in the nucleus where it assembles new viral particles called capsids. These capsids eventually travel to the cell surface and are modified along the way, producing several intermediate particles. In the nucleus, three types of stable nonenveloped 125 nm nuclear capsids exist that differ in protein composition and genome content. This includes so‐called nuclear C‐capsids that are the precursors of mature extracellular virions. We report that we can apply flow cytometry to sort these nuclear C‐capsid intermediates by labeling the viral genome with Syto 13, a fluorescent marker that binds to nucleic acids. This is the first time flow cytometry has been used not only to detect but also to purify an intracellular viral maturation intermediate. This opens new research avenues in virology to study capsid assembly, maturation and egress, analyze mutant phenotypes, and define host factors associated with specific viral intermediates. © 2012 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Measurement of imatinib uptake by flow cytometry
Authors: Bourgne Céline , Bamdad Mahchid , Janel Alexandre , Libert Frédéric , Gagnieu Marie‐Claude , Rapatel Chantal , Pigeon Pascale , Pereira Sylvie , Hermet Eric , Guerci Agnès , Pereira Bruno , Makhoul Pascale Cony , Ansah Atchroue Johnson , Cahn Jean‐Yves , Guyotat Denis , Trouillier Sébastien , Berger Juliette , Boiret‐Dupré Nathalie , Berger Marc G.
Published: August 2012

One of the essential parameters of targeted therapy efficiency in cancer treatment is the amount of drug reaching the therapeutic target area. Imatinib (IM) was the first specifically targeted drug to be developed and has revolutionized the treatment of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). To evaluate cellular uptake of IM, we developed a method based on the chemical structure of the molecule and using the natural UV fluorescence that we quantified by flow cytometry. In two CML cell lines, we obtained a satisfactory relationship between intracellular IM (ICIM) levels and media concentrations, and we found a strong correlation between ICIM at 1 h and IM efficacy at 24 h, demonstrating that ICIM at 1 h might be a relevant predictive parameter of cell sensitivity. Our method was more sensitive than the standard physicochemical method. We applied our method to primary cells and found cell morphology‐dependant IM accumulation. Moreover, in CML cells from patients at diagnosis, IM accumulation was heterogeneous. In all cases, ICIM at the single‐cell level was much higher than in culture media arguing in favor of a predominantly active uptake process. We developed a simple method directly applicable to primary cells that has shown two major advantages: only a small number of cells are required, and cell subsets can be identified according to morphological criteria and/or the presence of particular antigenic sites. This method provides a new tool to assess CML cell sensitivity to IM, and ICIM levels in native CML cells could be used to monitor therapeutic response. © 2012 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
The role of glycogen synthase in the development of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes – ‘To store or not to store glucose, that's the question’
Authors: Beck‐Nielsen Henning
Published: August 2012

This review deals with the role of glycogen storage in skeletal muscle for the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Specifically, the role of the enzyme glycogen synthase, which seems to be locked in its hyperphosphorylated and inactivated state, is discussed. This defect seems to be secondary to ectopic lipid disposition in the muscle cells. These molecular defects are discussed in the context of the overall pathophysiology of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetic subjects.

Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Global posterior prevalence is unique to vertebrates: A dance to the music of time?
Authors: Durston A.J.
Published: August 2012

We reach the conclusion that posterior prevalence, a collinear property considered important for Hox complex function, is so far unique, in a global form, to vertebrates. Why is this? We suspect this is because posterior prevalence is explicitly connected to the vertebrate form of Hox temporal collinearity, which is central to axial patterning. Developmental Dynamics 241:1799–1807, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals,Inc.
Detecting immigrants in a highly genetically homogeneous spiny lobster population (Palinurus elephas) in the northwest Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Elphie Hamdi , Raquel Goñi , David Dìaz , Serge Planes
Published: August 2012

We investigated the genetic structure of early benthic juveniles of the spiny lobster Palinurus elephas in the northwest Mediterranean Sea by means of ten polymorphic microsatellite markers. Non‐metric Multidimensional Scaling coupled with assignment tests were used as a new approach to further delimit a reference population inside a genetically homogeneous pool of individuals and test for the presence of long distance immigrants. From this approach, we found that most early benthic juveniles collected while settling in the northwest Mediterranean Sea originated from a common larval pool. However, 4.2% of the individuals were classified as immigrants from other genetically differentiated populations, with more immigrants in the south than in the north of the sampled basin. Given currents in the northwest Mediterranean Sea and the long pelagic larval phase of P. elephas that lasts several months, this result suggest a restricted homogenized zone in the studied basin with some individuals probably coming from more differentiated populations through the Almeria‐Oran Front or the Strait of Sicily.
Recent advances in enrichment techniques for trace analysis in capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Wen Yingying , Li Jinhua , Ma Jiping , Chen Lingxin
Published: August 2012

CE is gaining great popularity as a well‐established separation technique for many fields such as pharmaceutical research, clinical application, environmental monitoring, and food analysis, owing to its high resolving power, rapidity, and small amount of samples and reagents required. However, the sensitivity in CE analysis is still considered as being inferior to that in HPLC analysis. Diverse enrichment methods and techniques have been increasingly developed for overcoming this issue. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in enrichment techniques containing off‐line preconcentration (sample preparation) and on‐line concentration (sample stacking) to enhancing sensitivity in CE for trace analysis over the last 5 years. Some relatively new cleanup and preconcentration methods involving the use of dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction, supercritical fluid extraction, matrix solid‐phase dispersion, etc., and the continued use and improvement of conventional SPE, have been comprehensively reviewed and proved effective preconcentration alternatives for liquid, semisolid, and solid samples. As for CE on‐line stacking, we give an overview of field amplication, sweeping, pH regulation, and transient isotachophoresis, and the coupling of multiple modes. Moreover, some limitations and comparisons related to such methods/techniques are also discussed. Finally, the combined use of various enrichment techniques and some significant attempts are proposed to further promote analytical merits in CE.
Profiling of erythropoietin products by capillary electrophoresis with native fluorescence detection
Authors: de Kort Bregje J. , de Jong Gerhardus J. , Somsen Govert W.
Published: August 2012

The potential of CE with native fluorescence detection (Flu) for the profiling of the therapeutic protein erythropoietin (EPO) was studied. EPO is a highly heterogeneous glycoprotein comprising a large number of isoforms. CE was applied to induce separation among the various glycoforms. Native Flu of EPO provided high detection selectivity yielding good signal‐to‐noise ratios and stable baselines, particularly when compared to conventional UV absorbance detection. In order to enhance EPO isoform resolution, CE was performed using a capillary with a neutral coating in combination with a simple BGE of 2.0 M acetic acid (pH 2.1). CE‐Flu analysis of the EPO biological reference preparation of the European Pharmacopeia resulted in a highly detailed glycoform profile. Migration time RSDs for selected EPO isoforms were less than 0.22% and 0.80% for intraday and interday repeatability, respectively. RSDs for relative peak intensity of the major EPO isoforms were less than 3%. The achieved resolution, migration time stability, and sensitivity allowed discrimination of different EPO products (EPO‐α and EPO‐β) based on the recorded glycoform pattern. The developed CE‐Flu method is relatively straightforward, and shows potential for quality control in biopharmaceutical production.