bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electron impact, electron capture negative ionization and positive chemical ionization mass spectra of organophosphorus flame retardants and plasticizers
Authors: Ma Yuning , Hites Ronald A.
Published: July 2013

Phosphate esters are important commercial products that have been used both as flame retardants and as plasticizers. To analyze these compounds by gas chromatographic mass spectrometry, it is important to understand the mass spectra of these compounds using various ionization modes. This paper is a systematic overview of the electron impact (EI), electron capture negative ionization (ECNI) and positive chemical ionization (PCI) mass spectra of 13 organophosphate esters. These data are useful for developing and optimizing analytical measurements. The EI spectra of these 13 compounds are dominated by ions such as H4PO4+, (M − Cl)+, (M − CH2Cl)+ or (M)+ depending on specific chemical structures. The ECNI spectra are generally dominated by (M − R)−. The PCI spectra are mainly dominated by the protonated molecular ion (M + H)+. The branching of the alkyl substituents, the halogenation of the substituents and, for aromatic phosphate esters, ortho alkylation of the ring are all significant factors controlling the details of the fragmentation processes. EI provides the best sensitivity for the quantitative measurement of these compounds, but PCI and ECNI both have considerable qualitative selectivity. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The coupling effects of hexapole and octopole fields in quadrupole ion traps: a theoretical study
Authors: Wang Yuzhuo , Huang Zejian , Jiang You , Xiong Xingchuang , Deng Yulin , Fang Xiang , Xu Wei
Published: July 2013

A theoretical method, the harmonic balance method, was introduced to study the coupling effects of hexapole and octopole fields on ion motion in a quadrupole ion trap. Ion motion characteristics, such as ion motion center displacement, ion secular frequency shift, nonlinear resonance curve and buffer gas damping effects, have been studied with the presence of both hexapole and octopole fields. It is found that hexapole fields have bigger impacts on ion motion center displacement, while octopole fields dominate ion secular frequency shift. Furthermore, the nonlinear features originated from hexapole and octopole fields could enhance or cancel each other, which provide us more space in a practical ion trap design process. As an example, an ion trap with improved performance was designed using a specific combination of hexapole and octopole fields. In this ion trap, a hexapole field was used to achieve efficient ion directional ejection, while an octopole field was added to correct the chemical mass shift and resolution degradation introduced by the hexapole field. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nonvolatile salt‐free stabilizer for the quantification of polar imipenem and cilastatin in human plasma using hydrophilic interaction chromatography/quadrupole mass spectrometry with contamination sensitive off‐axis electrospray
Authors: Hu Zhe‐Yi , Boucher Bradley A. , Laizure S. Casey , Herring Vanessa L. , Parker Robert B. , Hickerson William L.
Published: July 2013

A hydrophilic interaction chromatography/mass spectrometry (HILIC‐MS)‐based assay for imipenem (IMP) and cilastatin (CIL) was recently reported. This orthogonal electrospray ion source‐based (ORS) assay utilized nonvolatile salt (unremovable) to stabilize IMI in plasma. Unfortunately, this method was not applicable to conventional MS with off‐axis spray (OAS‐MS) because MS sensitivity was rapidly deteriorated by the nonvolatile salt. Therefore, we aimed to find a nonvolatile salt‐ and ion suppression‐free approach to stabilize and measure the analytes in plasma using OAS‐MS. Acetonitrile and methanol were tested to stabilize the analytes in the plasma samples. The recoveries, matrix effects and stabilities of the analytes in the stabilizer‐treated samples were studied. The variations in MS signal intensities were used as the indicator of the assay ruggedness. The results show that a mixture of methanol and acetonitrile (1:1) is best for the storage and measurement of IMP and CIL in human plasma. Utilization of this precipitant not only blocked the hydrolysis of the analytes in plasma but also resulted in an ion suppression‐free, fast (120 s per sample) and sensitive detection. The sensitivity obtained using the less sensitive OAS‐MS (API3000, 4 pg on column) is much greater than that of the published ORS‐MS‐based assay (API4000, 77 pg on column). The ruggedness of the assay was demonstrated by its constant MS signal intensity. In conclusion, an improved HILIC/MS‐based assay for IMP and CIL was established. The approach presented here provides a simple solution to the challenge of analyzing hydrolytically unstable β‐lactam antibiotics in biological samples. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An electrochemiluminescence assay for the detection of bio threat agents in selected food matrices and in the screening of Clostridium botulinum outbreak strains associated with type A botulism
Authors: Sachdeva Amita , Singh Ajay K , Sharma Shashi K
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

Specific screening methods for complex food matrices are needed that enable unambiguous and sensitive detection of bio threat agents (BTAs) such as Bacillus anthracis spores and microbial toxins (e.g. staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) and clostridial botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs)). The present study describes an image‐based 96‐well Meso Scale Discovery (MSD) electrochemiluminescence (ECL) assay for simultaneous detection of BTAs in dairy milk products.

RESULTS

The limit of detection of this ECL assay is 40 pg mL−1 for BoNT/A complex, 10 pg mL−1 for SEB and 40 000 CFU mL−1 for Bacillus anthracis spores in dairy milk products. The ECL assay was successfully applied to screen type A Clostridium botulinum outbreak strains.

CONCLUSION

The results of the study indicate that this ECL assay is very sensitive, rapid (<6 h) and multiplex in nature. The ECL assay has potential for use as an in vitro screening method for BTAs over other comparable immunoassays. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Lightweight electrowetting display on ultra‐thin glass substrate
Authors: You Han , Steckl Andrew J.
Published: July 2013

Mobile display devices that use ultra‐thin (≤100 µm) glass substrates offer a combination of attractive characteristics: lightweight, high quality device fabrication process, thermal and dimensional stability, and mechanical flexibility. Electrowetting (EW) devices fabricated on ultra‐thin glass are demonstrated in this paper. Water contact angle, which is the most critical parameter of EW devices, changes from ~165° to 80° when a 20 V direct current (or alternating current) voltage is applied. EW devices on ultra‐thin glass show negligible hysteresis (~2°) and fast switching time of ~10 ms. EW device operation is maintained when the glass substrate is mechanically flexed. These results indicate the promise of narrow profile EW devices on ultra‐thin glass substrate for mobile and other devices, including video rate flexible electronic paper.
Pheochromocytoma in an 8‐year‐old patient with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A: Implications for screening
Authors: Rowland Kathryn J. , Chernock Rebecca D. , Moley Jeffrey F.
Published: July 2013

Childhood pheochromocytoma in the setting of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) remains rare and has not been reported under the age of 12. We present an 8‐year‐old female with known MEN 2A, C634Y RET mutation, diagnosed with a 6 cm pheochromocytoma requiring laparoscopic adrenalectomy. Given this patient's age at diagnosis, screening guidelines should recommend annual screening beginning at age 8 for patients with MEN 2B or MEN 2A codons 630 or 634 RET mutations. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013 108:203–206. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Clusters, Alcohol Misuse, and Women's Use of Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Hellmuth Julianne C. , Jaquier Véronique , Young‐Wolff Kelly , Sullivan Tami P.
Published: July 2013

Exploring how PTSD and alcohol misuse relate to women's use of intimate partner violence (IPV) is vital to develop our understanding of why some women may engage in IPV, which can serve to maximize intervention efforts for women. This study examined the extent to which posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom clusters are directly and indirectly related to women's use of IPV through pathways involving alcohol misuse while controlling for severity of women's IPV victimization. The sample was comprised of substance‐using, low socioeconomic status community women (N = 143) currently experiencing IPV victimization. The majority of the sample was African American (n = 115, 80.42%). This sample had an average annual household income of $14,368.68 (SD = $12,800.68) and the equivalent of a high school education (11.94 years, SD = 1.32). Path analyses indicated that the strongest statistical relationship emerged between women's use of IPV and women's IPV victimization. PTSD reexperiencing and numbing symptom severity was related to women's use of psychological, minor physical, and severe physical IPV; however, these relationships were indirect through alcohol misuse. Findings lend preliminary support for the application of the self‐medication hypothesis to the study of PTSD, alcohol misuse, and IPV among women.
Triplet–Triplet Annihilation Upconversion Based Nanocapsules for Bioimaging Under Excitation by Red and Deep‐Red Light
Authors: Wohnhaas Christian , Mailänder Volker , Dröge Melanie , Filatov Mikhail A. , Busko Dmitry , Avlasevich Yuri , Baluschev Stanislav , Miteva Tzenka , Landfester Katharina , Turshatov Andrey
Published: July 2013

Non‐toxic and biocompatible triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion based nanocapsules (size less than 225 nm) were successfully fabricated by the combination of miniemulsion and solvent evaporation techniques. A first type of nanocapsules displays an upconversion spectrum characterized by the maximum of emission at λmax = 550 nm under illumination by red light, λexc = 633 nm. The second type of nanocapsules fluoresces at λmax = 555 nm when excited with deep‐red light, λexc = 708 nm. Conventional confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and flow cytometry were applied to determine uptake and toxicity of the nanocapsules for various (mesenchymal stem and HeLa) cells. Red light (λexc = 633 nm) with extremely low optical power (less than 0.3 μW) or deep‐red light (λexc = 708 nm) was used in CLSM experiments to generate green upconversion fluorescence. The cell images obtained with upconversion excitation demonstrate order of magnitude better signal to background ratio than the cell images obtained with direct excitation of the same fluorescence marker.
Study of the Selective Uptake Progress of Aptamer‐Modified PLGA Particles by Liver Cells
Authors: Yu Dahai , Zhang Yuying , Mao Zhengwei , Gao Changyou
Published: July 2013

It is of paramount importance to study the cellular uptake processes of particles with defined surface property, especially the uptake pathways and intracellular transportation. In this study, aptamer AS1411 molecules, which are known to specifically bind the over‐expressed nucleolin on cancer cell membrane, were conjugated onto bovine serum albumin‐decorated poly(D,L‐lactide‐co‐glycolide; PLGA, Φ400 nm) particles with a density of 1–1.7 molecule/10 nm2. The aptamer‐modified PLGA particles were preferably ingested by liver cancer cells with higher amount and faster rate. The clathrin‐mediated endocytosis and macropinocytosis pathways played a more important role in uptake of the aptamer modified particles.
Supramolecular Sky‐Blue Phosphorescent Polymer Iridium Complexes for Single‐Emissive‐Layer Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Liang Ai‐hui , Dong Sheng , Zhang Kai , Xiao Xiao , Huang Fei , Zhu Xu‐Hui , Cao Yong
Published: July 2013

Novel supramolecular phosphorescent polymers (SPPs) are synthesized as a new class of solution‐processable electroluminescent emitters. The formation of these SPPs takes advantage of the efficient non‐bonding assembly between bis(dibenzo‐24‐crown‐8)‐functionalized iridium complex monomer and bis(dibenzylammonium)‐tethered co‐monomer, which is monitored by 1H NMR spectroscopy and viscosity measurements. These SPPs show good film morphology and an intrinsic glass transition with a Tg of 94–116 °C. Noticeably, they are highly photoluminescent in solid state with quantum efficiency up to ca. 78%. The photophysical and electroluminescent properties are strongly dependent on the molecular structures of the iridium complex monomers.

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On the Discrimination of RAFT Models Using Miniemulsion Polymerization
Authors: Tobita Hidetaka
Published: July 2013

In RAFT miniemulsion polymerization, the slow fragmentation (SF) model reveals essentially the same polymerization rate as the corresponding bulk polymerization, while the intermediate termination (IT) model shows a drastic rate increase in a wide droplet size range, and thereby, two controversial models for the RAFT mechanism can be discriminated without difficulty. The theoretical background why the SF model does not show acceleration in miniemulsion polymerization is discussed. A simple equation to check the inability of rate acceleration for a given set of SF parameters, without resorting to simulation, is also proposed.
Potentially functional genetic variants in microRNA processing genes and risk of HBV‐related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liu Li , An Jiaze , Liu Jibin , Wen Juan , Zhai Xiangjun , Liu Yao , Pan Shandong , Jiang Jie , Wen Yang , Liu Zheng , Zhang Yixin , Chen Jianguo , Xing Jinliang , Ji Guozhong , Shen Hongbing , Hu Zhibin , Fan Zhining
Published: July 2013

Genetic variations in miRNA processing genes may affect the biogenesis of miRNA, hence risk of HBV infection and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. In the present study, we hypothesized that potentially functional polymorphisms in 3′‐untranslated region (UTR) of miRNA processing genes might contribute to susceptibility of HBV infection and HCC development. To test the hypothesis, we genotyped three selected SNPs (rs1057035 in DICER1, rs3803012 in RAN, and rs10773771 in PIWIL1) in a case–control study of 1300 HBV‐positive HCC cancer cases, 1344 HBV persistent carriers, and 1344 HBV natural clearance subjects in Chinese. We observed that DICER1 rs1057035 CT/CC variant genotypes were associated with a significant decreased risk of HCC (adjusted OR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.64–0.96) compared with wild‐type TT and RAN rs3803012 AG/GG variant genotypes increased the risk of HBV persistent infection compared with AA genotype (adjusted OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.03–1.77). However, PIWIL1 rs10773771 CT/CC variant genotypes were associated with an approaching decreased risk of HCC (adjusted OR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.73–1.01) and similar with RAN rs3803012 AG/GG (adjusted OR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.61–1.06). Furthermore, reporter gene assays indicated that the three SNPs (rs1057035, rs3803012, and rs10773771) might change the binding ability of miRNAs to the 3′UTR of the three genes (DICER1, RAN, and PIWIL1), respectively. These findings indicated that DICER1 rs1057035, RAN rs3803012, and PIWIL1 rs10773771 might contribute to the risk of HBV‐related HCC. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
3‐hydroxykynurenine and other Parkinson's disease biomarkers discovered by metabolomic analysis
Authors: LeWitt Peter A. , Li Jia , Lu Mei , Beach Thomas G. , Adler Charles H. , Guo Lining ,   the Arizona Parkinson's Disease Consortium
Published: July 2013

Parkinson's disease (PD) biomarkers are needed to enhance therapeutics research and to understand PD pathogenesis. Methods that simultaneously measure hundreds of small molecular‐weight compounds—metabolomic analysis–“fingerprint” disease‐specific alterations in individual compounds or metabolic pathways. Beyond a nontargeted search for PD biomarkers, we hypothesized that PD cerebrospinal fluid would show increased formation of the excitotoxin 3‐hydroxykynurenine and diminished concentration of the antioxidant glutathione. Cerebrospinal fluid was collected at <4 hours postmortem from 48 pathologically‐verified PD subjects and 57 comparably‐aged controls. Assays involved ultra‐high‐performance liquid and gas chromatography linked to mass spectrometry. We used univariate techniques to determine fold‐changes in concentrations of biochemicals; false‐discovery rates were calculated to exclude spurious findings. Data was modeled using a Support Vector Machine for analyzing compounds selected by Welch's t test. Classification accuracy was determined by cross‐validation. Of 243 structurally‐identified biochemicals,19 compounds differentiated PD from controls at a 20% false‐discovery level. In PD, mean 3‐hydroxykynurenine concentration was increased by one‐third, and mean oxidized glutathione was decreased by 40% (for each, P < .01). Four of the 19 compounds differentiating PD from controls were N‐acetylated amino acids, suggesting a generalized alteration in N‐acetylation activity. The Support Vector Machine classification model distinguished between groups at 83% sensitivity and 91% specificity for the learning data, and at 65% and 79% from cross‐validation. In this study, the first for metabolomic profiling of PD cerebrospinal fluid, we found several novel biomarkers and offer new directions for recognizing disease‐specific biochemical indicators. The findings support involvement of excitotoxicity and oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of PD. © 2013 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Integrated One‐Against‐One Classifiers as Tools for Virtual Screening of Compound Databases: A Case Study with CNS Inhibitors
Authors: Jalali‐Heravi Mehdi , Mani‐Varnosfaderani Ahmad , Valadkhani Abolfazl
Published: July 2013

A total of 21 833 inhibitors of the central nervous system (CNS) were collected from Binding‐database and analyzed using discriminant analysis (DA) techniques. A combination of genetic algorithm and quadratic discriminant analysis (GA‐QDA) was proposed as a tool for the classification of molecules based on their therapeutic targets and activities. The results indicated that the one‐against‐one (OAO) QDA classifiers correctly separate the molecules based on their therapeutic targets and are comparable with support vector machines. These classifiers help in charting the chemical space of the CNS inhibitors and finding specific subspaces occupied by particular classes of molecules. As a next step, the classification models were used as virtual filters for screening of random subsets of PUBCHEM and ZINC databases. The calculated enrichment factors together with the area under curve values of receiver operating characteristic curves showed that these classifiers are good candidates to speed up the early stages of drug discovery projects. The “relative distances” of the center of active classes of biosimilar molecules calculated by OAO classifiers were used as indices for sorting the compound databases. The results revealed that, the multiclass classification models in this work circumvent the definition inactive sets for virtual screening and are useful for compound retrieval analysis in Chemoinformatics.
Quantum Monte Carlo study of magnetic and superconducting properties of graphene
Authors: Lin Hai‐Qing , Ma Tianxing , Huang Zhongbing
Published: July 2013

We apply quantum Monte Carlo technique to address the issue of high controllability of ferromagnetism in graphene and the issue of electron correlation driven superconductivity in graphene, by simulating the t − U − V Hubbard model on a honeycomb lattice. In the region of low electron band filling below the Van Hove singularity, the system shows a short‐range ferromagnetic correlation, which is strengthened slightly by the on‐site Coulomb interaction and markedly by the next nearest‐neighbor hoping integral. The strong dependence of ferromagnetism on the electron band filling can be manipulated by applying electric gate voltage. For V=0 and close to the half filling, we find that pairing with d + id symmetry dominates pairing with extended‐s symmetry. However, as the system size increases the long‐range part of the d + id pairing correlation decreases and tends to vanish in the thermodynamic limit. An inclusion of nearest‐neighbor interaction V, either repulsive or attractive, has a small effect on the extended‐s pairing correlation, but strongly suppresses the d + id pairing correlation. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A current view of the epigenome in mouse primordial germ cells
Authors: Matsui Yasuhisa , Mochizuki Kentaro
Published: July 2013

Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are undifferentiated germ line cells in embryos that emerge at early stages of embryonic development, and then differentiate into eggs or sperm in gonads to give rise to individuals of successive generations. During germ cell development, several dynamic changes in epigenetic modifications including DNA methylation and histone modifications occur, and these changes are thought to be reprogramming processes that are required for germ cells to confer totipotency to the zygote. Initially, the epigenetic status of particular gene loci in PGCs was studied, but more recently, genome‐wide studies have provided more comprehensive views of the PGC epigenome. Mouse PGCs undergo global DNA demethylation that starts shortly after PGC specification in early embryos. Although the functional importance of global DNA demethylation is not fully understood, demethylation of imprinted genes is crucial for erasure of methylation‐based imprinting, and demethylation of PGC‐specific genes is crucial for proper transcriptional regulation. PGCs also have unique patterns of histone modification, such as hypomethylation of H3K9 and hypermethylation of H3K27, and experimental evidence suggests that the unique epigenetic modifications of histones are important to the proper development of PGCs. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 81: 160–170, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mitochondrial trifunctional protein deficiency: A rare cause of adult‐onset rhabdomyolysis
Authors: Liewluck Teerin , Mundi Manpreet S. , Mauermann Michelle L.
Published: July 2013

Introduction: Mitochondrial trifunctional protein deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of mitochondrial fatty acid β‐oxidation that may be due to mutations in 2 different nuclear genes, HADHA and HADHB. Perturbation of this multienzyme complex compromises the oxidation of long‐chain fatty acids, which leads to multiorgan dysfunction. Childhood‐ or adolescent‐onset recurrent rhabdomyolysis is a common muscular manifestation and is preceded frequently by clinically overt peripheral neuropathy. Methods: In this report we describe a patient with late adult‐onset recurrent rhabdomyolysis. Results: Despite normal sensory examination, nerve conduction studies showed a mild axonal peripheral neuropathy. The acylcarnitine profile showed elevated long‐chain and 3‐hydroxy long‐chain acylcarnitine species. HADHA sequencing revealed known compound heterozygous mutations c.180+3A>G (p.Thr37SerfsX6) and c.1528G>C (p.Glu510Gln). During a 10‐month follow‐up period, he had no further episodes of rhabdomyolysis after appropriate dietary modifications. Conclusions: Mitochondrial trifunctional protein deficiency should be considered in patients with adult‐onset recurrent rhabdomyolysis, especially in those with either clinically overt or subclinical peripheral neuropathy. Muscle Nerve 48: 989–991, 2013
OnabotulinumtoxinA injection therapy in men with LUTS due to primary bladder‐neck dysfunction: Objective and patient‐reported outcomes
Authors: Sacco Emilio , Tienforti Daniele , Bientinesi Riccardo , D'Addessi Alessandro , Racioppi Marco , Pinto Francesco , Totaro Angelo , Vittori Matteo , D'Agostino Daniele , Bassi Pierfrancesco
Published: July 2013

Objective

To determine efficacy and safety of OnabotulinumtoxinA (BoNT‐A) injection therapy in medically refractory patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to primary bladder‐neck dysfunction (PBND).

Materials and Methods

Thirty‐five consecutive ambulatory males diagnosed with PBND and refractory to medical therapy, with IPSS > 15, Qmax < 15 ml/sec, and total prostate volume < 30 cm3, were screened from January 2010 to December 2011. Eligible patients underwent transurethral bladder‐neck injection of BoNT‐A (200 U, 50 U/ml × 4 sites) and were assessed at baseline, 2‐, 6‐, 9‐, and 12‐month postprocedure and until duration of clinical response. The primary outcome was the change from baseline in total IPSS, and secondary outcome were storage‐ and voiding‐IPSS, QoL score, Qmax, and postvoiding residual volume (PVR), patient‐reported outcomes. Adverse effects were also recorded, including ejaculatory dysfunctions.

Results

Of 30 enrolled patients (mean age 33.8 years), 29 (96.7%) completed the study. A statistically significant improvement of total IPSS was observed from 21.9 at baseline, to 7.8, 10.3, and 16.6 at 2, 6, and 9 months, respectively (P < 0.000). Statistically significant improvements from baseline of storage‐ and voiding‐IPSS, QoL score, Qmax, and PVR were also observed until 9‐month postprocedure. The proportion of patients with overall satisfaction was favorable although decreasing from 80% at 2 months, to 44.8% at 12 months. No significant adverse effects or ejaculatory dysfunctions were noted.

Conclusions

BoNT‐A injection therapy appears effective and safe in medically refractory men with PBND, although repeated procedures are required for long‐term sustained benefit. Randomized controlled trials are warranted in order to corroborate these results. Neurourol. Urodynam. 33:142–146, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Induction mortality, ATRA administration, and resource utilization in a nationally representative cohort of children with acute promyelocytic leukemia in the United States from 1999 to 2009
Authors: Fisher Brian T. , Singh Sonia , Huang Yuan‐Shung , Li Yimei , Gregory John , Walker Dana , Seif Alix E. , Kavcic Marko , Aplenc Richard
Published: July 2013

Background

Limited data exist on induction mortality of pediatric patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia in the United States, usage of all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA) during acute promyelocytic leukemia induction, and the resources needed to deliver induction therapy.

Procedure

Using the Pediatric Health Information System database we established a retrospective cohort of patients treated for newly diagnosed acute promyelocytic leukemia with ATRA between January 1999 and September 2009 in 32 of 43 PHIS contributing free‐standing pediatric hospitals in the United States. Standard statistical methods were used to determine in‐hospital induction mortality, ATRA administration, and resource utilization during a 60‐day observation period.

Results

A total of 163 children were identified who met eligibility criteria for cohort inclusion; 52% were female and 76% were white with an average age of 12.7 years. A total of 12 patients (7.4%) died, with 7 (58.3%) dying within the first 7 days of first admission. The mean time to first ATRA exposure increased with decreasing age (P = 0.0016). Resource utilization for management of retinoic acid syndrome was higher than anticipated based on prior studies and differed significantly from patients with non‐M3 acute myeloid leukemia.

Conclusions

The induction mortality for pediatric acute promyelocytic leukemia remains substantial with wide variation in ATRA administration and high rates of resource utilization. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:68–73. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterisation and Identification of Dihydroindole‐type Alkaloids From Processed Semen Strychni by High‐Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Electrospray Ionisation Ion Trap Time‐of‐Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Tian Ji‐Xin , Tian Yuan , Xu Lei , Zhang Ji , Lu Tao , Zhang Zun‐Jian
Published: July 2013

Introduction

For centuries, Semen Strychni (the ripened seeds of Strychnos nux‐vomica) has been used extensively as a herbal medicine in Asian countries. However, the chemical composition of the dihydroindole‐type alkaloids contained in processed Semen Strychni is not fully understood.

Objective

To develop an improved strategy using mass defect filtering (MDF) in combination with MSn analysis and theoretical calculations for identification and structural characterisation of dihydroindole‐type alkaloids in processed Semen Strychni extracts.

Methods

The experimental work was conducted using a high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionisation ion trap time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (HPLC–ESI/IT‐TOF/MS) system. Upon acquisition of full‐scan MS data, the potential dihydroindole‐type alkaloids were screened using a well‐defined mass defect range of 50 mDa. With the assistance of MSn analysis, the diagnostic fragment ions (DFIs) were used as primary screening references for targeting the characteristic analogues. For better discrimination of the isomers, quantum chemical calculations were utilised to provide additional structural information.

Results

Twenty‐four dihydroindole‐type alkaloids, including four that were previously not described, were tentatively identified.

Conclusion

A new, rapid and sensitive method was developed for the discovery and characterisation of dihydroindole‐type alkaloids in extracts of processed Semen Strychni. The successful application of this method indicates a potential for adaptation to other classes of natural product from other sources. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phenolic Distribution in Liquid Preparations of Vaccinium myrtillus L. and Vaccinium vitis idaea L.
Authors: Ieri Francesca , Martini Sara , Innocenti Marzia , Mulinacci Nadia
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Liquid preparations such as tinctures and ‘bud extracts’ of bilberry and lingonberry are typical products used in some European countries but they have not been widely studied to date.

Objective

Our aim was to define a phytochemical profile in terms of phenolic compounds for liquid preparations of Vaccinium myrtillus L. (bilberry) and Vaccinium vitis idaea L. (lingonberry) foliar tissues, and evaluate their stability.

Methods

Up to 17 extracts of lingonberry, and bilberry have been analysed by HPLC equipped with a diode‐array detector (DAD) in combination with MS. Some of these samples were freshly prepared (laboratory extracts).

Results

Phenolic profiles of the bud extracts and tinctures of bilberry and lingonberry were obtained at 330 nm, typical of the cinnamoyl compounds and suitable to distinguish these two species. Analogously, the profiles at 280 nm were used to detect the arbutin derivatives recognised as the typical markers of lingonberry leaves only. Among the cinnamoyl derivatives, chlorogenic acid was the main compound found in bilberry samples, while caffeoyl arbutin was the principal marker in lingonberry samples. In quantitative terms, the hydroxycinnamic acids were the main class in bilberry bud extracts ranging between 4.67 and 6.81 mg/L (from 52 to 84% of the total phenols). The young sprouts of this species, independently from the extraction mixture, show a higher phenolic content than adult leaves of the same plant.

Conclusions

The analytical method allowed to define fingerprints of bilberry and lingonberry liquid preparations. Moreover, without applying accelerated ageing protocols, the stability over time of 11 samples was evaluated up to 6 months, demonstrating negligible variations. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A longitudinal study of normal fetal femur volume
Authors: Ioannou Christos , Sarris Ippokratis , Napolitano Raffaele , Ohuma Eric , Javaid M. Kassim , Papageorghiou Aris T.
Published: July 2013

Objective

Fetal femur volume (FV) is a useful marker of skeletal growth. Our objective was to create a normal FV chart in a cohort of healthy pregnant women and to assess FV repeatability.

Method

The method used was a prospective, observational study using 3D ultrasound. Low‐risk pregnant women underwent serial scans from 14 to 42 weeks. Strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were used in order to remove pathological conditions. Pregnancies were dated by last menstrual period and confirmed by crown‐rump length. FV was measured using three linear measurements and a volume equation. Data were analyzed using multilevel modeling. Repeatability was assessed using within‐subject coefficients of variation (CV), intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), and Bland–Altman plots.

Results

A total of 180 women underwent 868 scans, a median of five scans per participant. Median and centile values were presented in the form of curves, regression equations, and table of values per completed week. Intra‐observer CV and ICC were 10.5% and 0.977, respectively; interobserver CV and ICC were 16.8% and 0.923.

Conclusion

This normal FV chart can be used as a prescriptive standard in order to assess fetal skeletal growth. Measurement repeatability is satisfactory for clinical use, but FV has a larger random error than commonly seen with standard 2D biometry. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Beyond serotonin: new approaches to the management of depression
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: July 2013

New antidepressant drugs with mechanisms of action other than through serotonin modulation are currently being developed, offering hope to patients with severe or treatment‐resistant depression. Mark Greener reports.
Temporal lobe epilepsy with apparent suicidal gestures
Authors: Guruvaiah Latha , Veerasamy Karthik
Published: July 2013

Various ictal (during the seizure) behaviour patterns have been described in patients with epilepsy. Here, Drs Guruvaiah and Veerasamy describe unusual high‐risk ictal behaviours with the appearance of suicidal gestures in a patient who was subsequently given a diagnosis of temporal lobe epilepsy.
Lifestyle‐related cardiovascular risk factors in patients with bipolar disorder
Authors: Brown Steve , Ramesh Rupa , Newson Stephanie , Isaacs Rosie
Published: July 2013

Studies suggest that people with bipolar affective disorder have higher rates of cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, smoking and poor diet; however, there are few studies assessing specific risk factors in the UK population. Dr Brown and colleagues present the results of their study to evaluate lifestyle‐related cardiovascular risk factors in a community cohort of patients with bipolar disorder compared with the UK general population.
Dilution of protein‐surfactant complexes: A fluorescence study
Authors: Azadi Glareh , Chauhan Anuj , Tripathi Anubhav
Published: July 2013

Dilution of protein–surfactant complexes is an integrated step in microfluidic protein sizing, where the contribution of free micelles to the overall fluorescence is reduced by dilution. This process can be further improved by establishing an optimum surfactant concentration and quantifying the amount of protein based on the fluorescence intensity. To this end, we study the interaction of proteins with anionic sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and cationic hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) using a hydrophobic fluorescent dye (sypro orange). We analyze these interactions fluourometrically with bovine serum albumin, carbonic anhydrase, and beta‐galactosidase as model proteins. The fluorescent signature of protein–surfactant complexes at various dilution points shows three distinct regions, surfactant dominant, breakdown, and protein dominant region. Based on the dilution behavior of protein–surfactant complexes, we propose a fluorescence model to explain the contribution of free and bound micelles to the overall fluorescence. Our results show that protein peak is observed at 3 mM SDS as the optimum dilution concentration. Furthermore, we study the effect of protein concentration on fluorescence intensity. In a single protein model with a constant dye quantum yield, the peak height increases with protein concentration. Finally, addition of CTAB to the protein–SDS complex at mole fractions above 0.1 shifts the protein peak from 3 mM to 4 mM SDS. The knowledge of protein–surfactant interactions obtained from these studies provides significant insights for novel detection and quantification techniques in microfluidics.
A pheromone analogue affects the evaporation rate of (+)‐disparlure in Lymantria dispar
Authors: Sollai Giorgia , Murgia Sergio , Secci Francesco , Frongia Angelo , Cerboneschi Anna , Masala Carla , Liscia Anna , Crnjar Roberto , Solari Paolo
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

The gypsy moth Lymantria dispar L. is a widespread pest that causes economic damage to cork oak forests. Females produce the sex pheromone (+)‐(7R,8S)‐epoxy‐2‐methyloctadecane, known as (+)‐disparlure [(+)D], for long‐distance attraction of conspecific males. A (+)D analogue, 2‐decyl‐1‐oxaspiro[2.2]pentane (OXP‐01), neither stimulating nor attractive by itself, causes short‐time inhibition of male response in a 1:1 blend with (+)D. The authors investigated whether and how the biological activity of the natural pheromone is affected by OXP‐01 on a long‐time basis (up to 16 days), also by looking at possible physicochemical reciprocal interactions.

RESULTS

Blending of (+)D with OXP‐01 decreased, under low evaporation rate, the pheromone effectiveness, as assessed by electroantennogram recordings. In male trappings, within the first 24 h, OXP‐01 decreased and later enhanced the blend attractiveness, but only under high evaporation rate. Gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy indicates that quantitative retrieval of (+)D from blend cartridges is higher than for pure pheromone, and nuclear magnetic resonance measurements show that OXP‐01 produces, possibly by Van der Waals interactions, a bimolecular entity with pheromone causing retention and lengthening of its attractiveness over time.

CONCLUSION

The biological and physicochemical interactions between (+)D and OXP‐01 may provide valuable information for the optimisation of pheromone‐based control strategies for gypsy moths. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparative antifeedant activities of polygodial and pyrethrins against whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) and aphids (Myzus persicae)
Authors: Prota Neli , Bouwmeester Harro J , Jongsma Maarten A
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

Polygodial, a sesquiterpene dialdehyde of the drimane family, has been shown to have deterrent and antifeedant effects on various insect species, including Myzus persicae (Sulzer), Spodoptera spp. and Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say). This compound may have potential as a broad‐spectrum biocontrol agent, similar to pyrethrins, given that it was previously reported to improve yield when sprayed on barley fields.

RESULTS

This study compares the deterrent effect of polygodial and pyrethrins against the silverleaf whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) and the green peach aphid M. persicae in dual‐choice assays using compound‐coated tomato leaf discs. B. tabaci adults were deterred by polygodial at an ED50 (effective dose at which 50% of the insects are deterred) of about 25 µg g−1 fresh weight (FW), and green peach aphids at about 54 µg g−1 FW. Bioassays were benchmarked with pyrethrins that had a 20‐fold lower ED50 of approximately 1.4 µg g−1 FW against whiteflies, but only a twofold lower ED50 (about 28 µg g−1 FW) against peach aphids. Polygodial showed moderate phytotoxic effects (score of 2 on a scale of 1–5) on tomato leaves at concentrations above the ED50 concentrations (≥90 µg g−1 FW).

CONCLUSION

The sesquiterpene dialdehyde polygodial is 2–20 times less deterrent than pyrethrins, depending on the insect species, but it could provide a useful complement to pyrethrin sprays as it has a different mode of action, is food grade and has low volatility. However, a formulation that reduces the risks of phytotoxic effects should be developed. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
The effect of nitrogen rate on transgenic corn Cry3Bb1 protein expression
Authors: Marquardt Paul T , Krupke Christian H , Camberato James J , Johnson William G
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

Combining herbicide‐resistant and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) traits in corn (Zea mays L.) hybrids may affect insect resistance management owing to volunteer corn. Some Bt toxins may be expressed at lower levels by nitrogen‐deficient corn roots. Corn plants with sublethal levels of Bt expression could accelerate the evolution of Bt resistance in target insects. The present objective was to quantify the concentration of Bt (Cry3Bb1) in corn root tissue with varying tissue nitrogen concentrations.

RESULTS

Expression of Cry3Bb1 toxin in root tissue was highly variable, but there were no differences in the overall concentration of Cry3Bb1 expressed between roots taken from Cry3Bb1‐positive volunteer and hybrid corn plants. The nitrogen rate did affect Cry3Bb1 expression in the greenhouse, less nitrogen resulted in decreased Cry3Bb1 expression, yet this result was not documented in the field.

CONCLUSION

A positive linear relationship of plant nitrogen status on Cry3Bb1 toxin expression was documented. Also, high variability in Cry3Bb1 expression is potentially problematic from an insect resistance management perspective. This variability could create a mosaic of toxin doses in the field, which does not fit into the high‐dose refuge strategy and could alter predictions about the speed of evolution of resistance to Cry3Bb1 in western corn rootworm Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Influence of final treatment on the incubation period and antireflection properties of stain‐etched porous silicon
Authors: Rustamov F. A. , Darvishov N. H. , Bagiev V. E. , Mamedov M. Z. , Bobrova E. Y. , Qafarova H. O.
Published: July 2013

The influence of composition of various solutions, applied for final treatment of Si wafers before stain‐etched porous silicon (PS) formation, on the incubation period and antireflective properties has been investigated. PS layers were obtained by chemical etching in HF:HNO3:CH3COOH modified solution at oxidant insufficiency. It is shown that the minimum incubation period and the reflectivity correspond to the final treatment of wafers in undiluted HF. Studies of reflection spectra have shown the possibility of smooth adjustment of the minimum in the reflection spectra, which is of interest for the formation of antireflection coating for solar cells.
Topical Anti‐inflammatory Potential of Standardized Pomegranate Rind Extract and Ellagic Acid in Contact Dermatitis
Authors: Mo Jiao , Panichayupakaranant Pharkphoom , Kaewnopparat Nattha , Songkro Sarunyoo , Reanmongkol Wantana
Published: July 2013

The present study evaluated the topical anti‐inflammatory potential of a standardized pomegranate rind extracts (SPRE) in parallel with its marker compound ellagic acid (EA, 13% w/w) against a mouse model of contact dermatitis. In the phenol‐induced mouse ear edema, topical application of SPRE (5, 2.5, and 1 mg/ear) and EA (0.65, 0.325, and 0.13 mg/ear, equivalent to its content in SPRE) dose‐dependently reduced the ear edema with the maximal inhibition of 79.12% and 73.63%, respectively. Triamcinolone (0.1 mg/ear) and diclofenac (1 mg/ear) as reference drugs inhibited the edema by 73.63% and 37.91%. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in the mouse ear was also decreased by SPRE and EA up to 69.68% and 68.79%, respectively. Triamcinolone and diclofenac decreased the MPO activity by 76.66% and 80.14% similarly. The results indicated that topical application of SPRE and EA is promising for use in the treatment of inflammatory skin disorders. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and Characterization of Cellulose Acetate Butyrate/Organoclay Nanocomposites Produced by Extrusion
Authors: Quintero R. I. , Galotto M. J. , Rodriguez F. , Guarda A.
Published: July 2013

Nanocomposite films based on cellulose acetate butyrate, modified montmorillonite (Cloisite® 30B), plasticizer (triethyl citrate) and antimicrobial compounds (carvacrol and cinnamaldehyde) were prepared by extrusion. The effects of the Cloisite® 30B content and antimicrobial compound types on the morphology of the nanocomposite films were investigated by X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The thermal characteristics of films were analysed by thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry; oxygen and water vapour permeability and tensile strength were determined. The film's antimicrobial behaviour against Listeria innocua, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli O157:O7 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae was investigated and determined using a viable cell count method. Nanocomposites with a Cloisite® 30B content of 3 wt% showed better dispersion than nanocomposites with a 5 wt% content. For films with antimicrobial compounds, tensile strength and Young's modulus decreased and water vapour permeability increased (150%) because of the plasticization effect of the antimicrobial compounds (essential oils). The nanocomposites with carvacrol and cinnamaldehyde were effective against the tested Gram‐positive bacteria (reduction of at least 3.0 log CFU/ml) and yeast (reduction of at least 4.0 log CFU/ml). This study demonstrates that antimicrobial cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol can be successfully incorporated into cellulose acetate butyrate nanocomposites and that they have an inhibitory effect against microbial growth in solid medium. It shows the potential use of cellulose acetate butyrate for food packaging applications. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two types of typical circulation pattern for persistent extreme precipitation in Central–Eastern China
Authors: Chen Yang , Zhai Panmao
Published: July 2013

Two characteristic circulation patterns responsible for persistent extreme precipitation (PEP) events in Central–Eastern China are identified using a composite analysis: a double‐blocking high type and a single‐blocking high type. The double‐blocking high type is characterized by the development of two blocking highs near the Ural Mountains and the Sea of Okhotsk, with a trough between them. This long‐lived pattern continuously steers cold/dry air from mid–high latitudes to Central–Eastern China, where it encounters anomalously warm/moist air from lower latitudes conveyed by intensified southeasterlies associated with a westward shift of the western Pacific subtropical high (WPSH). The single‐blocking high type is characterized by the appearance of a blocking high to the south of Lake Baikal. This blocking high is accompanied by a deep trough located to its east, which extends into the southern Yangtze River Valley. The anomalous anticyclone associated with the westward extension of the WPSH is located further south and slightly east of that observed during the double‐blocking high type. Accordingly, the intensified southeasterlies convey anomalously moist air to the southern and eastern parts of Central–Eastern China. In the upper troposphere, the displacement of the South Asian High and jets favours divergence for both typical circulation patterns.

The comparison between the composites and additional cases that share similar circulation patterns but do not result in PEP in Central–Eastern China suggests that PEP events typically result from concurrent combinations of persistent anomalies from lower to upper levels, rather than from isolated anomalies of specific weather systems.
Some Recent Developments on the Effects of Parameter Estimation on Control Charts
Authors: Psarakis Stelios , Vyniou Angeliki K. , Castagliola Philippe
Published: July 2013

Statistical process control plays a key role in today's highly competitive industrial environment since it allows quality practitioners to timely detect out‐of‐control situations and take actions whenever necessary in order to ensure that the products or services produced correspond to certain quality standards. Control charts are the tools quality practitioners use, and their monitoring performance is of major importance in practical applications. Since the values of the parameters used for the design of the charts' control limits are usually unknown in practice, the practitioners need to estimate them using an in‐control retrospective sample. It has been shown that parameter estimation severely affects the control charts' properties. Many recent studies focused on investigating the impact of parameter estimates on the performance of control charts and on ways of diminishing this impact. This paper aims to provide an up‐to‐date critical review on the methodologies that have recently been developed in this area. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.