bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The magnitude-timescale relationship of surface temperature feedbacks in climate models
Authors: Jarvis A.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. Because of the fundamental role feedbacks play in determining the characteristics of climate it is important we are able to specify both the magnitude and response timescale of the feedbacks we are interested in. This paper employs three different climate models driven to equilibrium with a 4 × CO2 forcing to analyze the magnitude and timescales of surface temperature feedbacks. These models are a global energy balance model, an intermediate complexity climate model and a general circulation model. Rather than split surface temperature feedback into characteristic physical processes, this paper adopts a linear systems approach to split feedback according to their time constants and corresponding feedback amplitudes. The analysis reveals that there is a dominant net negative feedback realised during the first year. However, this is partially attenuated by a spectrum of positive feedbacks for time constants in the range 10 to 1000 years. This attenuation was composed of two discrete phases which are attributed to the effects of ''diffusive – mixed layer'' and ''circulatory – deep ocean'' ocean heat equilibration processes. The diffusive equilibration was associated with time constants on the decadal timescale and accounted for approximately 75 to 80 % of the overall ocean heat equilibration feedback, whilst the circulatory feedback operated on a centennial timescale and accounted for the remaining 20 to 25 % of the response. It is important to quantify these decadal and centennial feedback processes to understand the range of climate model projections on these longer timescales.
The HadGEM2-ES implementation of CMIP5 centennial simulations
Authors: Jones C. D. , Hughes J. K. , Bellouin N. , Hardiman S. C. , Jones G. S. , Knight J. , Liddicoat S. , O'Connor F. M. , Andres R. J. , Bell C. , Boo K.-O. , Bozzo A. , Butchart N. , Cadule P. , Corbin K. D. , Doutriaux-Boucher M. , Friedlingstein P. , Gornall J. , Gray L. , Halloran P. R. , Hurtt G. , Ingram W. J. , Lamarque J.-F. , Law R. M. , Meinshausen M. , Osprey S. , Palin E. J. , Parsons Chini L. , Raddatz T. , Sanderson M. G. , Sellar A. A. , Schurer A. , Valdes P. , Wood N. , Woodward S. , Yoshioka M. , Zerroukat M.
Published: July 2011

Abstract. The scientific understanding of the Earth's climate system, including the central question of how the climate system is likely to respond to human-induced perturbations, is comprehensively captured in GCMs and Earth System Models (ESM). Diagnosing the simulated climate response, and comparing responses across different models, is crucially dependent on transparent assumptions of how the GCM/ESM has been driven – especially because the implementation can involve subjective decisions and may differ between modelling groups performing the same experiment. This paper outlines the climate forcings and setup of the Met Office Hadley Centre ESM, HadGEM2-ES for the CMIP5 set of centennial experiments. We document the prescribed greenhouse gas concentrations, aerosol precursors, stratospheric and tropospheric ozone assumptions, as well as implementation of land-use change and natural forcings for the HadGEM2-ES historical and future experiments following the Representative Concentration Pathways. In addition, we provide details of how HadGEM2-ES ensemble members were initialised from the control run and how the palaeoclimate and AMIP experiments, as well as the "emission-driven" RCP experiments were performed.
Effect of mitomycin C on success rate in dacryocystorhinostomy with silicone tube intubation and improper flaps
Authors: Eshraghy Bahram , Raygan Firoozeh , Tabatabaie Syed Ziaeddin , Tari Ali Sadeghi , Kasaee Abolfazl , Rajabi Mohammad Taher
Published: July 2011

Purpose

To assess the effect of mitomycin C on surgical success rate of dacryocystorhinostomy and silicone intubation in patients with improper flaps.

Methods

The study was a randomized clinical trial. The patients with indication for dacryocystorhinostomy surgery with silicone intubation (inappropriate lacrimal sac or nasal mucosal flaps during surgery and/or history of dacryocystitis in the past 3 months) were randomly assigned to application of mitomycin C (0.02%) on surgical flaps (group A) or a control group without mitomycin C application (group B). Main outcome measures were subjective symptomatic improvement and result of irrigation test at last follow-up visit.

Results

The study enrolled 88 patients (88 eyes); there were 42 patients in group A and 46 patients in group B. There was an average follow-up of 10 months (range 6-15 months) following surgery. Significant improvement (no tearing with patent lacrimal system in irrigation) was observed in 31 patients (73.8%) in group A and 32 patients (69.6%) in group B. There was no statistically significant difference in no improvement (no change in tearing state and obstruction in irrigation test), relative improvement (decreased tearing and passage of fluid with force in irrigation test), and significant improvement rate between the 2 groups of study (p>0.05).

Conclusions

Application of mitomycin C on surgical flaps during dacryocystorhinostomy surgery with silicone intubation in patients with improper flaps has no proven beneficial effect on success rate of surgery.
Reconsideration of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Authors: Kasuya Kazuhiko , Itoi Takao , Matsudo Takaaki , Kyo Bunsoh , Endo Yasushi , Ikeda Takahisa , Nagakawa Yuichi , Suzuki Yoshiaki , Shimazu Motohide , Aoki Tatsuya , Tsuchida Akihiko
Published: June 2011

We describe the surgical method of cases showing a distended gallbladder. Because the most important thing does not cause biliary tract injury, it is to find orientation carefully. The frequency of incidental gallbladder cancer was in 7 (0.7%) of the 983. Only cholecystectomy is necessary to be performed for Tis or T1 cancer, and surgery has to be changed to radical surgery for T2 cancer or deeper invasion. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is already an established standard operation. In the presence of acute or severe chronic inflammation, special attention should be paid to these points.
Neurocognitive development and externalizing problems: the role of inhibitory control deficits from 4 to 6 years
Authors: Utendale William T. , Hubert Michele , Saint‐Pierre Arnaud B. , Hastings Paul D.
Published: June 2011

Executive processes have been posited as important regulators of externalizing problems (EP), but there has been little research on the relation between executive dysfunction and EP in early childhood. During the preschool period, maturation of the prefrontostriatal circuitry parallels increases in inhibitory control (IC). Poor IC development could result in elevated levels of aggressive, disruptive, and impulsive behavior. In this investigation, the development of the relation between IC and EP was examined in preschool and early elementary school children using the Day/Night and Tapping tasks. Children with more EP made more incorrect responses on both IC tasks, consistently across age and sex. The associations between EP and response latencies differed across children, however, with longer latencies on the Tapping task being most characteristic for boys with high levels of EP. This association was not apparent for girls. Two prominent aspects of early EP, aggressive and inattentive behavior, showed only weak unique associations with IC performance. These findings imply that diminished IC accompanies elevated EP as early as the preschool years, and that this decrement persists into the elementary school‐age years for both girls and boys, and that accuracy and response latency may confer different information about the development of IC. Aggr. Behav. 37:476–488, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Biocompatible Smart Microcapsules Based on Chitosan‐Poly(vinyl alcohol) Copolymers for Cultivation of Animal Cells
Authors: Zaytseva‐Zotova Daria , Balysheva Vera , Tsoy Anna , Drozdova Maria , Akopova Tatiana , Vladimirov Leonid , Chevalot Isabelle , Marc Annie , Goergen Jean‐Louis , Markvicheva Elena
Published: June 2011

In this study, two novel chitosan‐graft‐poly(vinyl alcohol) copolymers are synthesized and used as water‐soluble at physiological conditions polycations for preparation of smart microcapsules. The microcapsules provide growth and proliferation of eight mammalian cell lines, including hybridoma and tumor cells, at long‐term cell cultivation in vitro. The microcapsules are stable in cell culture medium but can be dissolved by changing pH value of the medium (up to 8.0–8.2), thus making possible a simple release of the entrapped cells. Monoclonal antibody production by encapsulated hybridoma cells is demonstrated. Cultivation of tumor cells within the microcapsules allows the formation of 3D multicellular spheroids, which can be proposed as an in vitro model for anticancer drug screening.
Oxime Palladacycle‐Catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura Alkenylation of Aryl, Heteroaryl, Benzyl, and Allyl Chlorides under Microwave Irradiation Conditions
Authors: Cívicos José F. , Alonso Diego A. , Nájera Carmen
Published: June 2011

A simple new protocol for the palladium‐catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling of organic chlorides under microwave irradiation is presented. Deactivated aryl and heteroaryl chlorides are efficiently cross‐coupled with alkenylboronic acids and potassium alkenyltrifluoroborates using the 4,4′‐dichlorobenzophenone oxime‐derived palladacycle 1b as precatalyst in 0.1 to 0.5 mol% palladium loading, tris(tert‐butyl)phosphonium tetrafluoroborate {[HP(t‐Bu)3]BF4} as ligand, tetra‐n‐butylammonium hydroxide as cocatalyst, and potassium carbonate as base in N,N‐dimethylformamide at 130 °C under microwave irradiation conditions. Under these conditions, styrenes, stilbenes, and alkenylarenes are obtained in good to high yields, and with high regio‐ and diastereoselectivities in only 20 min. The reported protocol is also very efficient for the regioselective alkenylation of benzyl and allyl chlorides to afford allylarenes and 1,4‐dienes.
Thiourea‐Catalyzed Highly Diastereo‐ and Enantioselective Conjugate Additions of α‐Substituted Cyanoacetates to Maleimides: Efficient Construction of Vicinal Quaternary‐ Tertiary Stereocenters
Authors: Liao Yu‐Hua , Liu Xiong‐Li , Wu Zhi‐Jun , Du Xi‐Lin , Zhang Xiao‐Mei , Yuan Wei‐Cheng
Published: June 2011

A highly diastereo‐ and enantioselective conjugate addition of α‐substituted cyanoacetates to maleimides in the presence of a chiral bifunctional thiourea‐tertiary amine catalyst has been investigated for the first time. The procedure was capable of tolerating a relatively wide range of substrates with respect to α‐substituted cyanoacetates and maleimides, providing a series of substituted succinimidates bearing two vicinal quaternary‐tertiary stereocenters in excellent yields (up to 97%) with excellent diastereo‐ (up to 98:2) and enantioselectivities (up to 98%) under mild reaction conditions.
Copper‐Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidation of Amines to Imines under Neat Conditions with Low Catalyst Loading
Authors: Patil Rajendra D. , Adimurthy Subbarayappa
Published: June 2011

The copper (I)‐catalyzed direct synthesis of imines from amines under mild aerobic conditions is described. The method is applicable for the synthesis of various imines from corresponding amines such as benzylic, aliphatic, cyclic secondary, heteroaromatic species and the oxidative condensation of benzylamines with anilines extends the scope of the CuCl catalytic system. Noteworthy, solvent‐free procedure, air as a benign oxidant, and the cheap and easy availability of the catalyst are the vital advantages of the method.
Novel, Stereoselective and Stereospecific Synthesis of Allenylphosphonates and Related Compounds via Palladium‐Catalyzed Propargylic Substitution
Authors: Kalek Marcin , Stawinski Jacek
Published: June 2011

We have developed a novel method for the synthesis of allenylphosphonates and related compounds based on a palladium(0)‐catalyzed reaction of propargylic derivatives with H‐phosphonate, H‐phosphonothioate, H‐phosphonoselenoate, and H‐phosphinate esters. The reaction is stereoselective and stereospecific, and provides a convenient entry to a vast array of allenylphosphonates and their analogues with diverse substitution patterns in the allenic moiety and at the phosphorus center. Some mechanistic aspects of this new reaction were also investigated.
Morphology‐Dependent Trap Formation in High Performance Polymer Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells
Authors: Beiley Zach M. , Hoke Eric T. , Noriega Rodrigo , Dacuña Javier , Burkhard George F. , Bartelt Jonathan A. , Salleo Alberto , Toney Michael F. , McGehee Michael D.
Published: June 2011

Bulk heterojunction solar cells (BHJs) based on poly[N‐9″‐hepta‐decanyl‐2,7‐carbazole‐alt‐5,5‐(4′,7′‐di‐2‐thienyl‐2′,1′,3′‐benzothiadiazole)] (PCDTBT) can have internal quantum efficiencies approaching 100% but require active layers that are too thin to absorb more than ∼70% of the above band gap light. When the active layer thickness is increased so that the cell absorbs more light, the fill factor and open circuit voltage decrease rapidly, so that the overall power conversion efficiency decreases. We find that hole‐traps in the polymer, which we characterize using space‐charge limited current measurements, play an important role in the performance of PCDTBT‐based BHJs and may limit the active layer thickness. Recombination due to carrier trapping is not often considered in BHJs because it is not believed to be a dominant loss mechanism in the “fruit‐fly” P3HT system. Furthermore, we show that in contrast to P3HT, PCDTBT has only weak short‐range molecular order, and that annealing at temperatures above the glass transition decreases the order in the π–π stacking. The decrease in structural order is matched by the movement of hole‐traps deeper into the band gap, so that thermal annealing worsens hole transport in the polymer and reduces the efficiency of PCDTBT‐based BHJs. These findings suggest that P3HT is not prototypical of the new class of high efficiency polymers, and that further improvement of BHJ efficiencies will necessitate the study of high efficiency polymers with low structural order.
Reaction network flux analysis: Optimization‐based evaluation of reaction pathways for biorenewables processing
Authors: Voll A. , Marquardt W.
Published: June 2011

Even though biomass is attracting increasing interest as a raw material in the chemical and the fuel industries, only few biobased production processes are yet established. At the same time a lot of new catalytic routes are proposed, but their potential in biorefinery applications is hard to predict. Reaction network flux analysis (RNFA) is introduced as a novel, rapid screening method which bridges the gap between chemo‐ or biocatalysis and process design by (1) systematically identifying and (2) subsequently analyzing and ranking the large number of alternative reaction pathways based on limited data. This optimization‐based method helps to detect promising production routes as well as bottlenecks in possible pathways. The potential and the application of the RNFA methodology will be demonstrated by means of a case study for the production of the potential biofuel 3‐methyl‐tetrahydrofuran (3‐MTHF) from the platform chemical itaconic acid (IA). © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 58: 1788–1801, 2012
Gas permeation properties of silica membranes with uniform pore sizes derived from polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane
Authors: Kanezashi Masakoto , Shioda Takahiro , Gunji Takahiro , Tsuru Toshinori
Published: June 2011

The sol‐gel method was applied in the fabrication of homogenous polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (HOMO‐POSS)‐derived silica membranes. Single gas permeation characteristics in a temperature range of 100–500°C were examined to discuss the effect of silica precursor on amorphous silica networks. HOMO‐POSS‐derived membranes showed a CO2 permeance of 1.1 × 10−7 mol m−2 s−1 Pa−1 with a CO2/CH4 permeance ratio of 131 at 100°C, which is a superior CO2/CH4 separation performance by comparison with tetraethoxysilane (TEOS)‐derived silica membranes. Normalized Knudsen‐based permeance (NKP) was applied for quantitative evaluation of pore size. HOMO‐POSS‐derived membranes had loose amorphous silica structures compared to TEOS‐derived membranes and pore size was successfully tuned by changing the calcination temperatures. The activation energy for a HOMO‐POSS‐derived membrane fired at 550°C with a uniform pore size of ∼ 0.42 nm increased linearly with the ratio of the kinetic diameter of the gas molecule to the pore diameter, λ (=dk/dp), and showed a trend similar to that of DDR‐type zeolite membranes. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 58: 1733–1743, 2012
Cyclophosphamide and prednisone induction followed by cyclophosphamide mobilization effectively decreases the incidence of engraftment syndrome in patients with POEMS syndrome who undergo stem cell transplantation
Authors: Jimenez‐Zepeda Victor H. , Trudel Suzanne , Reece Donna E. , Chen Christine , Rabea Ahmed M. , Kukreti Vishal
Published: June 2011

High‐dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) can achieve excellent clinical responses in patients with POEMS syndrome (Jimenez Zepeda et al., Blood 2010;116:2403; Gertz et al., Am J Hematol 2005;79:319–328; Gherardi et al., Ann Neurol 1994;35:501–505; Gattinoni et al., Nat Rev Immunol 2006;6:383–393; Salem et al., J Immunol 2009;182:2030–2040; Salem et al., Cancer Immunol Immunother 2010;59:341–353; Salem et al., Cell Immunol 2010;261:134–143). However, High‐dose melphalan with ASCT should be considered carefully due to its treatment‐related morbidity (Vuckovic et al., Blood 2003;101:2314–2317), especially in patients with poor performance status owing to polyneuropathy and multiorgan involvement, such as cardiac, respiratory, and renal failure. Significant increases in the concentration of circulating macrophage colony‐stimulating factor, erythropoietin, IL‐6, and TNF‐α, reach near maximal values at approximately day +12, predating neutrophil engraftment, and clinically manifest with fever, rash and edema (Dispenzieri et al., Eur J Haematol 2008;80:397–406). Depending on the definition used, ∼50% of patients satisfied criteria for engraftment syndrome (ES) (Vuckovic et al., Blood 2003;101:2314–2317). ES occurs in 27–47% of patients who undergo ASCT; mortality rate is reported from 8% to 18% (Gattinoni et al., Nat Rev Immunol 2006;6:383–393; Vuckovic et al., Blood 2003;101:2314–2317). We have therefore reviewed our experience with ASCT in patients with POEMS syndrome who were treated with cyclophosphamide and prednisone as induction therapy followed by cyclophosphamide mobilization with an emphasis on treatment‐related morbidity and frequency of ES. Our study confirms that ASCT is a feasible and efficacious treatment for patients with POEMS syndrome. In addition, the use of CP followed by cyclophosphamide mobilization decreases the incidence of PES leading to less morbidity and mortality rates. Am. J. Hematol. 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Marked limb bilateral asymmetry in an agricultural endogamous population of North India
Authors: Krishan Kewal
Published: June 2011

Objectives:

The purpose of this study is to evaluate directional asymmetry in the most commonly measured dimensions of limbs in adult male Gujjars of North India.

Methods:

The sample for this study is based on 967 adult male Gujjars ranging in age from 18 to 30 years settled in subHimalayan region in the foothills of Siwaliks surrounding Chandigarh city in North India. The data comprise nineteen anthropometric measurements taken on left and right side of each subject. Gujjars are one of the major caste groups of India having agriculture as the main occupation. This group is also homogeneous in terms of ethnic composition, language, and religious affiliation. Using appropriate statistical methods, the bilateral asymmetry was evaluated in the human body.

Results:

The results indicate that significant bilateral asymmetry exists in some of the limb dimensions. Upper extremity dimensions are more asymmetric than that of lower extremity dimensions. Most of the arm dimensions are significantly larger on the right side except hand length and triceps skinfold in younger sample and triceps skinfold in older sample, which are significantly larger on the left side. Most of the upper extremity dimensions are larger on the right side, however; most of the lower extremity dimensions are larger on the left side.

Conclusions:

Marked directional asymmetry exists in 13 measurements out of a total 18 taken for the study. This significant right‐sided asymmetry may be attributed to the fact that individuals have normal tendency to favor the right side for power activities involving upper limbs, i.e., throwing for distance, sports activities, and in this investigation, working with agricultural tools likeKhurpa, Datti, Kassi(Indian agricultural tools) for long durations. More frequent use of the preferred side results in heavier or stronger muscles of that side and consequently heavier and stronger bones. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association between polymorphisms of DRD2 and DRD4 and opioid dependence: Evidence from the current studies
Authors: Chen Dingyan , Liu Fang , Shang Qinggang , Song Xiaoqin , Miao Xiaoping , Wang Zengzhen
Published: June 2011

Several studies have assessed the association between genetic polymorphisms of DRD2 and DRD4 genes and opioid dependence risk, while the results were inconsistent. We performed a meta‐analysis, including 6,846 opioid dependence cases and 4,187 controls from 22 individual studies, to evaluate the roles of four variants (DRD2 −141ins/delC, rs1799732; DRD2 311 Ser > Cys, rs1801028; DRD2‐related TaqI A, rs1800497 and DRD4 exon III VNTR) in opioid dependence for the first time. We found that the −141delC polymorphism was significantly associated with increased risk of opioid dependence (homozygote comparison: odds ratios [OR], 2.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.74–4.22; dominant comparison: OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.09–1.48). Similarly, the TaqI A1 polymorphism was also significantly increased opioid dependence risk (homozygote comparison: OR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.25–3.42; dominant comparison: OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.08–1.67). Moreover, long allele (≥5‐repeat) and 7‐repeat allele of DRD4 exon III VNTR were found to be associated with significantly increased opioid dependence risk (OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.24–1.80 and OR, 1.57; 95%, 1.18–2.09, respectively). However, no association was detected between the DRD2 311 Ser > Cys polymorphism and opioid dependence. In conclusion, our results suggested that DRD2 −141ins/delC, DRD2‐related TaqI A and DRD4 exon III VNTR polymorphisms might play important roles in the development of opioid dependence. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sleep quality and diurnal preference in a sample of young adults: Associations with 5HTTLPR, PER3, and CLOCK 3111
Authors: Barclay Nicola L. , Eley Thalia C. , Mill Jonathan , Wong Chloe C. Y. , Zavos Helena M. S. , Archer Simon N. , Gregory Alice M.
Published: June 2011

Research investigating associations between specific genes and individual differences with regards to the quality and timing of sleep has primarily focussed on serotonin‐related and clock genes. However, there are only a few studies of this type and most of those to date have not considered the possibility of gene–environment interaction. Here, we describe associations between sleep quality and diurnal preference and three functional polymorphisms: 5HTTLPR, PERIOD3, and CLOCK 3111. Furthermore, we assessed whether associations between genotypes and sleep phenotypes were moderated by negative life events—a test of gene–environment interaction. DNA from buccal swabs was collected from 947 individuals [mean age = 20.3 years (SD = 1.77), age range = 18–27 years; 61.8% female] and genotyped for the three polymorphisms. Participants completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Morningness‐Eveningness Questionnaire. There was a significant main effect of 5HTTLPR on sleep quality, indicating that “long–long” homozygotes experienced significantly poorer sleep quality (mean = 6.35, SD = 3.36) than carriers of at least one “short” allele (mean = 5.67, SD = 2.96; β = −0.34, P = 0.005). There were no main effects of 5HTTLPR on diurnal preference; no main effects of PERIOD3 or CLOCK on sleep quality or diurnal preference; and no significant interactions with negative life events. The main effect of the “long” 5HTTLPR allele contradicts previous research, suggesting that perhaps the effects of this gene are heterogeneous in different populations. Failure to replicate previous research in relation to PERIOD3 and CLOCK concurs with previous research suggesting that the effects of these genes are small and may be related to population composition. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential immune system DNA methylation and cytokine regulation in post‐traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Smith Alicia K. , Conneely Karen N. , Kilaru Varun , Mercer Kristina B. , Weiss Tamara E. , Bradley Bekh , Tang Yilang , Gillespie Charles F. , Cubells Joseph F. , Ressler Kerry J.
Published: June 2011

DNA methylation may mediate persistent changes in gene function following chronic stress. To examine this hypothesis, we evaluated African American subjects matched by age and sex, and stratified into four groups by post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis and history of child abuse. Total Life Stress (TLS) was also assessed in all subjects. We evaluated DNA extracted from peripheral blood using the HumanMethylation27 BeadChip and analyzed both global and site‐specific methylation. Methylation levels were examined for association with PTSD, child abuse history, and TLS using a linear mixed model adjusted for age, sex, and chip effects. Global methylation was increased in subjects with PTSD. CpG sites in five genes (TPR, CLEC9A, APC5, ANXA2, and TLR8) were differentially methylated in subjects with PTSD. Additionally, a CpG site in NPFFR2 was associated with TLS after adjustment for multiple testing. Notably, many of these genes have been previously associated with inflammation. Given these results and reports of immune dysregulation associated with trauma history, we compared plasma cytokine levels in these subjects and found IL4, IL2, and TNFα levels associated with PTSD, child abuse, and TLS. Together, these results suggest that psychosocial stress may alter global and gene‐specific DNA methylation patterns potentially associated with peripheral immune dysregulation. Our results suggest the need for further research on the role of DNA methylation in stress‐related illnesses. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ATP13A2 variability in Taiwanese Parkinson's disease
Authors: Chen Chiung‐Mei , Lin Chih‐Hsin , Juan Hsueh‐Fen , Hu Fen‐Ju , Hsiao Ya‐Chin , Chang Hsin‐Yi , Chao Chih‐Ying , Chen I‐Cheng , Lee Li‐Ching , Wang Tsu‐Wei , Chen Ya‐Tang , Chen Yi‐Tsun , Lee‐Chen Guey‐Jen , Wu Yih‐Ru
Published: June 2011

Mutations in ATP13A2 have been reported to associate with Parkinson's disease (PD). This study investigates the contribution of genetic variants in ATP13A2 to Taiwanese PD. ATP13A2 cDNA fragments from 65 early onset PD (onset <50 years) were sequenced. The identified variants were validated in a cohort of PD (n = 493) and ethnically matched controls (n = 585). A novel heterozygous G1014S, located at the conserved seventh transmembrane domain of ATP13A2 protein, was identified in an early onset PD patient, which was absent in 585 normal controls. Additionally, a reported heterozygous A746T was found in two PD patients and four controls. The clinical features and 99mTc‐TRODAT‐1 single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) image of the patients carrying G1014S and A746T were similar to that of idiopathic PD. One normal control with A746T showed an asymmetric reduction of 99mT TRODAT‐1 uptake in the right striatum. Under oxidative stress or apoptotic stimulus, lymphoblastoid cells carrying either A764T or G1014S showed increased caspase 3 activity compared with the controls. The rates of decay for G1014S and A746T proteins were more or less reduced in cycloheximide chase experiment. In silico modeling of G1014S exhibited a more stable feature than wild‐type, and G1014S is mislocalized mainly in the intralysosomal space, which is coherent with the prediction of prohibiting N‐myristoylation and membrane association. We therefore hypothesize that rare variants of ATP13A2 may contribute to PD susceptibility in Taiwan. The role played by ATP13A2 variants in PD remains to be clarified. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Use of space, activity patterns, and foraging behavior of red howler monkeys (Alouatta seniculus) in an Andean forest fragment in Colombia
Authors: Palma Ana Cristina , Vélez Adriana , Gómez‐Posada Carolina , López Harrison , Zárate Diego A. , Stevenson Pablo R.
Published: June 2011

Howler monkeys are among the most studied primates in the Neotropics, however, behavioral studies including estimation of food availability in Andean forests are scarce. During 12 months we studied habitat use, behavior, and feeding ecology of two groups of red howler monkeys (Alouatta seniculus) in an isolated fragment in the Colombian Andes. We used a combination of focal animal and instantaneous sampling. We estimated fruit production (FP) using phenology transects, and calculated young leaf abundance by observing marked trees. The home range area used by each group was 10.5 and 16.7 ha and daily distances traveled were 431 ± 228 and 458 ± 259 m, respectively. We found that both groups spent most of their time resting (62–64%). Resting time did not increase with leaf consumption as expected using a strategy of energy minimization. We did not find a relationship between daily distances traveled and leaf consumption. However, howlers consumed fruits according to their availability, and the production of young leaves did not predict feeding time on this resource. Overall, our results are similar to those found on other forest types. We found that despite limited FP in Andean forests, this did not lead to a higher intake of leaves, longer resting periods, or shorter traveling distances for red howlers. Am. J. Primatol. 73:1062–1071, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Folivory, frugivory, and postcanine size in the cercopithecoidea revisited
Authors: Scott Jeremiah E.
Published: June 2011

At a given body mass, folivorous colobines have smaller postcanine teeth than frugivorous cercopithecines. This distinction is a notable exception to the general tendency for folivorous primates to have relatively larger postcanine tooth rows than closely related frugivores. The reason for this anomalous pattern is unclear, but one potential explanation is that the difference in facial size between these two subfamilies confounds the comparison—i.e., it may be that the large postcanine teeth of cercopithecines are a consequence of their large faces. The goal of this study was to test this hypothesis. Phylogenetic comparative methods were used to examine the relationships among postcanine area, facial size, and body mass in 29 anthropoid primates, including eight colobines and eight cercopithecines. Results indicate that there is a strong and highly significant partial correlation between postcanine area and facial size when body mass is held constant, which supports the hypothesis that facial size has an important influence on postcanine size. Moreover, colobines have larger postcanine teeth relative to facial size than cercopithecines. Surprisingly, when facial size is held constant, the partial correlation between postcanine area and body mass is weak and nonsignificant. These results suggest that facial size may be more appropriate than body mass for size‐adjusting postcanine measurements in some contexts. A phylogenetic comparative test of the association between diet and relative postcanine size (scaled using facial size) confirms that folivorous anthropoids are characterized by relatively large postcanine teeth in comparison to closely related nonfolivores. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rensch's rule, Bergmann's effect and adult sexual dimorphism in wild monogamous owl monkeys (Aotus azarai) of Argentina
Authors: Fernandez‐Duque Eduardo
Published: June 2011

Some monogamous primates are characterized by biparental care, territoriality, and a reduced level of physical dimorphism. In others, the relationship between those behavioral patterns and dimorphism is less clear. I tested Bergmann's and Rensch's rules usingAotus spp.body mass data and I characterized the extent of sexual dimorphism in body mass, dental and physical measurements in a socially monogamous owl monkey population (n= 91 adults) from the Argentinean Gran Chaco.A. azarai azaraifrom the Argentinean Chaco is larger than the more tropical owl monkey species (r= 0.7,N= 6 species), but there is no apparent increase in sexual dimorphism with increased body mass. The body masses of adult male and femaleA. a. azaraiwere remarkably similar (Mean = 1.26 kg); there were no marked sex differences in most skeletal measurements, but males had higher and wider upper and lower canines than did females. Body mass and neck circumference were positively and strongly related (r= 0.533,n= 52), and the body mass of adults was not a reliable indicator of their age (r= 0.03,n= 10). The data illustrate the complexities inherent in examining and summarizing within population variation in skeletal and nonskeletal measurements and contribute to a better understanding of the relationships between monogamous behavioral patterns and sexual dimorphism. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2011. © 2011Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neonatal and delivery outcomes in women with multiple sclerosis
Authors: van der Kop Mia L. , Pearce Mark S. , Dahlgren Leanne , Synnes Anne , Sadovnick Dessa , Sayao Ana‐Luiza , Tremlett Helen
Published: June 2011

Objective:

To determine (1) whether the risk of adverse neonatal and delivery outcomes differs between mothers with and without multiple sclerosis (MS) and (2) whether risk is differentially associated with clinical factors of MS.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study analyzed data from the British Columbia (BC) MS Clinics' database and the BC Perinatal Database Registry. Comparisons were made between births to women with MS (n = 432) and to a frequency‐matched sample of women without MS (n = 2,975) from 1998 to 2009. Outcomes included gestational age, birth weight, assisted vaginal delivery, and Caesarean section. Clinical factors examined included age at MS onset, disease duration, and disability. Multivariate regression models adjusting for confounding factors were built for each outcome.

Results:

Babies born to MS mothers did not have a significantly different mean gestational age or birth weight compared to babies born to mothers without MS. MS was not significantly associated with assisted vaginal delivery (odds ratio [OR], 0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.50–1.16; p = 0.20) or Caesarean section (OR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.69–1.28; p = 0.69). There was a slightly elevated risk of adverse delivery outcomes among MS mothers with greater levels of disability, although findings were not statistically significant. Disease duration and age at MS onset were not significantly associated with adverse outcomes.

Interpretation:

This study provides reassurance to MS patients that maternal MS is generally not associated with adverse neonatal and delivery outcomes. However, the suggestion of an increased risk with greater disability warrants further investigation; these women may require closer monitoring during pregnancy. ANN NEUROL 2011;
A gene expression phenotype in lymphocytes from friedreich ataxia patients
Authors: Coppola Giovanni , Burnett Ryan , Perlman Susan , Versano Revital , Gao Fuying , Plasterer Heather , Rai Myriam , Saccá Francesco , Filla Alessandro , Lynch David R. , Rusche James R. , Gottesfeld Joel M. , Pandolfo Massimo , Geschwind Daniel H.
Published: June 2011

Objective:

Gene expression studies in peripheral tissues from patients with neurodegenerative disorders can provide insights into disease pathogenesis, and identify potential biomarkers, an important goal of translational research in neurodegeneration. Friedreich Ataxia (FRDA) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease caused by reduced transcription of frataxin, a ubiquitously expressed protein. We studied in vitro lymphocytes from FRDA patients and carriers to identify a peripheral gene expression phenotype. Peripheral biomarkers related to disease status would be extremely valuable for assessing drug efficacy and could provide new pathophysiological insights.

Methods:

We characterized the gene expression profiles in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from FRDA patients, compared with controls and related carriers. Cells were studied both before and after in vitro treatment with compounds that increase frataxin levels. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and additional microarrays were used to confirm a core set of genes in multiple independent series.

Results:

We identified a subset of genes changed in cells from patients with pathological frataxin deficiency, and a core set of these genes were confirmed in independent series. Changes in gene expression were related to the mitochondria, lipid metabolism, cell cycle, and DNA repair, consistent with FRDA's known pathophysiology. We evaluated the in vitro effect of multiple compounds (histone deacetylase inhibitors) on this putative biomarker set, and found that this biochemical phenotype was ameliorated in accordance with drug efficacy.

Interpretation:

Frataxin downregulation is associated with robust changes in gene expression in PBMCs, providing pathogenetic insights and a core subset of genes that, if verified in vivo, could be used as a peripheral biomarker. ANN NEUROL 2011
Toll‐like receptor 4 contributes to poor outcome after intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Sansing Lauren H. , Harris Tajie H. , Welsh Frank A. , Kasner Scott E. , Hunter Christopher A. , Kariko Katalin
Published: June 2011

Objective:

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating stroke subtype in which perihematomal inflammation contributes to neuronal injury and functional disability. Histologically, the region becomes infiltrated with neutrophils and activated microglia followed by neuronal loss, but little is known about the immune signals that coordinate these events. This study aimed to determine the role of Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) in the innate immune response after ICH and its impact on neurobehavioral outcome.

Methods:

Transgenic mice incapable of TLR4 signaling and wild‐type controls were subjected to striatal blood injection to model ICH. The perihematomal inflammatory response was then quantified by immunohistochemistry, whole brain flow cytometry, and polymerase chain reaction. The critical location of TLR4 signaling was determined by blood transfer experiments between genotypes. Functional outcomes were quantified in all cohorts using the cylinder and open field tests.

Results:

TLR4‐deficient mice had markedly decreased perihematomal inflammation, associated with reduced recruitment of neutrophils and monocytes, fewer microglia, and improved functional outcome by day 3 after ICH. Moreover, blood transfer experiments revealed that TLR4 on leukocytes or platelets within the hemorrhage contributes to perihematomal leukocyte infiltration and the neurological deficit.

Interpretation:

Together, these data identify a critical role for TLR4 signaling in perihematomal inflammation and injury and indicate this pathway may be a target for therapeutic intervention. ANN NEUROL 2011;70:646–656
Schleuservermittelter Transport von Wirkstoffen ins Gehirn
Authors: Malakoutikhah Morteza , Teixidó Meritxell , Giralt Ernest
Published: June 2011

Während des letzten Jahrzehnts wurden im Bereich der Wirkstofffreisetzung wesentliche Fortschritte erzielt. Die Behandlung von Gehirnerkrankungen bleibt aber wegen der Blut‐Hirn‐Schranke (BHS; blood–brain barrier) noch immer eine große Herausforderung. Diese Struktur schränkt den Zugang von Wirkstoffen zu ihrem Wirkort im Zentralnervensystem stark ein. Es wurden verschiedene Strategien vorgeschlagen, um den Transport von Wirkstoffen über die BHS zu verstärken. In diesem Aufsatz konzentrieren wir uns auf einen vektorvermittelten Ansatz, bei dem der Wirkstoff an ein Schleusermolekül gekuppelt wird, das die Fähigkeit hat, die BHS zu überqueren und die Substanz ins Gehirn abzugeben.
Multicomponent Reaction Design in the Quest for Molecular Complexity and Diversity
Authors: Ruijter Eelco , Scheffelaar Rachel , Orru Romano V. A.
Published: June 2011

Multicomponent reactions have become increasingly popular as tools for the rapid generation of small‐molecule libraries. However, to ensure sufficient molecular diversity and complexity, there is a continuous need for novel reactions. Although serendipity has always played an important role in the discovery of novel (multicomponent) reactions, rational design strategies have become much more important over the past decade. In this Review, we present an overview of general strategies that allow the design of novel multicomponent reactions. The challenges and opportunities for the future will be discussed.
Synthesis and characterization of novel urethane‐siloxane copolymers with a high content of PCL‐PDMS‐PCL segments
Authors: Pergal Marija V. , Antić Vesna V. , Govedarica Milutin N. , Goäevac Dejan , Ostojić Sanja , Djonlagić Jasna
Published: June 2011

Novel polyurethane copolymers derived from 4,4′‐methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), 1,4‐butanediol (BD) and α,ω‐dihydroxy‐[poly(caprolactone)‐poly (dimethylsiloxane)‐poly(caprolactone)] (α,ω‐dihydroxy‐(PCL‐PDMS‐PCL);
$ \overline M _{\rm{n}} $
= 6100 g mol−1) were synthesized by a two‐step polyaddition reaction in solution. In the synthesis of the polyurethanes, the PCL blocks served as a compatibilizer between the nonpolar PDMS blocks and the polar comonomers, MDI and BD. The synthesis of thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) with high soft segment contents was optimized in terms of the concentrations of the reactants, the molar ratio of the NCO/OH groups, and the time and temperature of the polyaddition reaction. The structure, composition, and hard MDI/BD segment length of the synthesized polyurethane copolymers were determined by 1H, 13C‐NMR, and two‐dimensional correlation (COSY, HSQC, and HMBC) spectroscopy, while the hydrogen bonding interactions in the copolymers were analyzed by FT‐IR spectroscopy. The influence of the reaction conditions on the structure, molecular weight, thermal, and some physical properties was studied at constant composition of the reaction mixture. A change in the molar ratio of the NCO/OH groups and the reaction conditions modified not only the molecular weight of the synthesized polyurethanes, but also the microstructure and therefore the thermal and physical properties of the copolymers. It was demonstrated that only PCL segments with high soft segment contents crystallize, thereby showing spherulitic morphology. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Zinc and tin xanthates in the coordination polymerization of propylene oxide
Authors: Ozturk Elif , Tas Eylem Tarkin , Tas Huseyin , Bolat Tuba , Soysal Ozlem , Alyuruk Kemal
Published: June 2011

The polymerization of propylene oxide with zinc and tin xanthates was studied. Polymerization with both systems was found to be a zeroth‐order, nonterminating process, where the molecular weight was controlled by transfer reactions. It is discussed that these observations were consistent with a mechanism in which the rate‐determining step was the addition of monomer on the growing chain rather than the coordination of the monomer to active sites. These catalysts turned out to be quite stable, even under semiclosed conditions. With zinc isopropyl xanthate, high conversions in short polymerization times could be obtained. The product had a very broad molecular weight distribution and could be split into crystallizable and amorphous fractions. The crystallizable fractions consisted of stereoregular segments separated from each other by stereoirregularities or regioirregularities. The degrees of polymerization of stereoregular segments (S1's) were estimated from melting point measurements. It was found that the melting points and, hence, average S1 values changed in different fractions. It was concluded that there was only one type of active center; however, the rates of wrong additions (e.g., head‐to‐head addition) of incoming monomer controlled the average S1 value of the chain. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Seasonal and clonal variations in technological and thermal properties of raw Hevea natural rubber
Authors: Galiani Patrini Danielle , Martins Maria Alice , de Souza Gonçalves Paulo , McMahan Colleen Marie , Capparelli Mattoso Luiz Henrique
Published: June 2011

This study was undertaken over a 10‐month period under environmental conditions within the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil, to evaluate the causes of variation in the technological and thermal properties of raw natural rubber (NR) from different clones of Hevea brasiliensis (GT 1, PR 255, FX 3864, and RRIM 600). These clones were chosen to represent good clones available in Brazil. The technological properties of raw NR were evaluated in terms of their dry rubber content (DRC), Wallace plasticity, plasticity retention index (PRI), and Mooney viscosity. The thermal performance was evaluated with the thermogravimetry (TG)/differential thermogravimetry (DTG) technique. There were significant variations (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05) between clones and tappings for all technological properties, except for the percentage DRC among the clones. Of the clones studied, clone PR 255 presented the highest sensitivity to thermooxidation, as measured by its PRI value. The clone type and period of the year did not significantly influence the thermal behavior (TG/DTG under a nitrogen atmosphere) among the four clones evaluated. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
CO2/N2 separation ability and structural characteristics of poly(butadiene‐co‐acrylonitrile)‐based polyurethanes and hydrogenated nitrile rubbers
Authors: Wolińska‐Grabczyk Aleksandra , Jankowski Andrzej
Published: June 2011

Two families of rubbery polymers, commercial hydrogenated nitrile rubbers and synthesized poly(acrylonitrile‐co‐butadiene)‐based polyurethanes with different amount of nitrile groups were studied as CO2 selective membrane materials. The polymers were characterized by the techniques of FTIR, gel permeation chromatography, WAXD, and differential scanning calorimetry. The permeabilities of pure CO2 and N2 were measured using constant pressure/variable volume method at a feed pressure of 6 atm. With a higher amount of polar nitrile group within a given family of polymers, the permeability coefficient (P) was found to decrease, while the permselectivity (α) of these membranes was found to increase. The trade‐off between both transport parameters was less severe for the polyurethanes, which also showed much higher permeabilites. The results obtained were also discussed with respect to the polymer structure, and some relationships were found between P and Tg values. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011