bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Die Lektorate für schwedische Sprache in Deutschland im Kontext der auswärtigen Kulturpolitik 1917–1930
Authors: Åkerlund Andreas
Published: March 2012

The Lectureships for Swedish in Germany in the Context of Cultural Diplomacy 1917–1930. During the Weimar Republic a significant number of lectureships for Swedish was established at German universities. This paper attempts to explain this development through an analysis of the political and academic context of these establishments. Focussing on the actors involved the lectureships are linked to the emerging interest of the German state for public diplomacy emerging after World War I and the following reactions of German academia. The paper also treats the importance of the main Swedish actor, namely the association for the preservance of Swedishness abroad for the establishments of the lectureships. At the end the different actors working for Swedish lectureships in Germany are placed in a broader European context and questions concerning the relationship between universities and cultural diplomacy are raised and answered.
A screening method to assess biological effects of microRNA overexpression in Chinese hamster ovary cells
Authors: Jadhav Vaibhav , Hackl Matthias , Hernandez Bort Juan A. , Wieser Matthias , Harreither Eva , Kunert Renate , Borth Nicole , Grillari Johannes
Published: March 2012

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a novel class of short non‐coding RNAs, which negatively regulate target gene expression at post‐transcriptional level. They mediate an important layer of control in the global regulation of gene networks, controlling a broad range of physiological as well as patho‐physiological pathways including development, cancer, metabolism, proliferation, and stress resistance. So far, more than 365 miRNA genes have been identified in CHO cells. The functional analysis of the physiological effect of such large numbers of miRNAs, however, requires an efficient functional screening method. In the current study, we therefore established and evaluated a protocol to perform miRNA overexpression and to screen their effect on bio‐industrially relevant phenotypes, such as growth, viability and productivity, using a recombinant, Epo‐Fc producing CHO cell line. For protocol optimization, four CHO miRNAs (cgr‐miR‐17, cgr‐miR‐221, cgr‐miR‐21, and cgr‐miR‐210) were cloned into small hairpin vectors including a GFP cassette and transfected. After transfection cells were analyzed for growth and productivity over a 4‐day period. Even from this small set of four miRNAs, the overexpression of miR‐17, one of the members of the oncogenic miR‐17‐92 cluster, gave proof of principle that this method enables the identification of miRNA engineering candidates as its overexpression increased the speed of cell proliferation without negatively impacting specific productivity. The here presented method is applicable for medium‐throughput screening for microRNA, miR‐sponge, siRNA, or mRNA overexpression along with detailed functional characterization using the same experimental set up. As the same procedure can be applied to different production cell lines, the protocol can also be used to test for individual, cell line specific responses to microRNAs. Thus our system represents a general platform to functionally screen candidates for rational cell factory design. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109:1376–1385. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Vaccine process technology
Authors: Josefsberg Jessica O. , Buckland Barry
Published: March 2012

The evolution of vaccines (e.g., live attenuated, recombinant) and vaccine production methods (e.g., in ovo, cell culture) are intimately tied to each other. As vaccine technology has advanced, the methods to produce the vaccine have advanced and new vaccine opportunities have been created. These technologies will continue to evolve as we strive for safer and more immunogenic vaccines and as our understanding of biology improves. The evolution of vaccine process technology has occurred in parallel to the remarkable growth in the development of therapeutic proteins as products; therefore, recent vaccine innovations can leverage the progress made in the broader biotechnology industry. Numerous important legacy vaccines are still in use today despite their traditional manufacturing processes, with further development focusing on improving stability (e.g., novel excipients) and updating formulation (e.g., combination vaccines) and delivery methods (e.g., skin patches). Modern vaccine development is currently exploiting a wide array of novel technologies to create safer and more efficacious vaccines including: viral vectors produced in animal cells, virus‐like particles produced in yeast or insect cells, polysaccharide conjugation to carrier proteins, DNA plasmids produced in E. coli, and therapeutic cancer vaccines created by in vitro activation of patient leukocytes. Purification advances (e.g., membrane adsorption, precipitation) are increasing efficiency, while innovative analytical methods (e.g., microsphere‐based multiplex assays, RNA microarrays) are improving process understanding. Novel adjuvants such as monophosphoryl lipid A, which acts on antigen presenting cell toll‐like receptors, are expanding the previously conservative list of widely accepted vaccine adjuvants. As in other areas of biotechnology, process characterization by sophisticated analysis is critical not only to improve yields, but also to determine the final product quality. From a regulatory perspective, Quality by Design (QbD) and Process Analytical Technology (PAT) are important initiatives that can be applied effectively to many types of vaccine processes. Universal demand for vaccines requires that a manufacturer plan to supply tens and sometimes hundreds of millions of doses per year at low cost. To enable broader use, there is intense interest in improving temperature stability to allow for excursions from a rigid cold chain supply, especially at the point of vaccination. Finally, there is progress in novel routes of delivery to move away from the traditional intramuscular injection by syringe approach. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109:1443–1460. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Population-based study of the need for cholecystectomy after obesity surgery
Authors: Plecka Östlund M , Wenger U , Mattsson F , Ebrahim F , Botha A , Lagergren J
Published: March 2012

Background

Weight loss following obesity surgery is associated with gallstone formation, but there is limited evidence on whether prophylactic cholecystectomy is indicated during obesity surgery. The aim of this study was to clarify the need for cholecystectomy following obesity surgery.

Methods

A Swedish nationwide, population-based cohort study was conducted during the 22-year interval 1987–2008. Need for later cholecystectomy for gallstone disease was assessed in patients who had undergone obesity surgery in comparison with the general population of corresponding age, sex and calendar year. This need was also compared with the need for cholecystectomy in cohorts of patients who had undergone antireflux surgery and appendicectomy. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) with 95 per cent confidence intervals (c.i.) were calculated to estimate the relative risk.

Results

In the obesity surgery cohort of 13 443 patients, the observed number of cholecystectomies (1149, 8·5 per cent) exceeded the expected number by over fivefold (SIR 5·5, 95 per cent c.i. 5·1 to 5·8). The observed need for imperative cholecystectomy (for cholecystitis, cholangitis, pancreatitis, or jaundice; 427, 3·2 per cent) was also greater than expected (SIR 5·2, 4·7 to 5·7). The SIR peaked 7–24 months after obesity surgery and decreased with longer follow-up. The SIRs for cholecystectomy after antireflux surgery and appendicectomy were 2·4 (2·2 to 2·6) and 1·7 (1·6 to 1·7) respectively.

Conclusion

An increased need for cholecystectomy after obesity surgery was confirmed, but was probably partly due to an increased detection of gallbladder disease only because of the surgery; the individual's risk of imperative cholecystectomy was low. Therefore, prophylactic cholecystectomy might not be recommended during obesity surgery.
Problem‐solving test: The mechanism of transcription termination by the rho factor
Authors: Szeberényi‡ József
Published: March 2012

Terms to be familiar with before starting to solve the test: Transcription termination, recombinant plasmid, annealing, molecular hybridization, heat denaturation, agarose gel electrophoresis, autoradiography, RNA polymerase, and antiparallel orientation. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Social smokers: Smoking motivations, behavior, vulnerability, and responses to antismoking advertising
Authors: Debevec Kathleen , Diamond William D.
Published: March 2012

Antismoking campaigns have traditionally ignored the differences between social and regular smokers. This paper reports the results of three studies: interviews with 17 college students describing themselves as social smokers, a survey verifying the interview results with a larger sample of undergraduates, and an experimental test of advertising appeals based on the survey results. In the interviews, social smokers differentiated themselves from regular smokers and described smoking mostly in situations where drinking and smoking goes hand in hand. They did not feel vulnerable to the long‐term consequences of smoking. The survey confirmed differences between the behaviors, motivations, and perceived vulnerability of social and regular smokers. The experimental study found that both social and regular smokers were persuaded by an advertisement describing the risk of cancer, but social smokers expressed the lowest vulnerability to this risk. A message strategy describing the risk of addiction was particularly effective in capturing the attention of social smokers. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct Arylation of Benzene with Aryl Bromides using High‐Temperature/High‐Pressure Process Windows: Expanding the Scope of CH Activation Chemistry
Authors: Pieber Bartholomäus , Cantillo David , Kappe C. Oliver
Published: March 2012

A detailed investigation on the direct arylation of benzene with aryl bromides by using first‐row transition metals under high‐temperature/high‐pressure (high‐T/p) conditions is described. By employing a parallel reactor platform for rapid reaction screening and discovery at elevated temperatures, various metal/ligand/base combinations were evaluated for their ability to enable biaryl formation through CH activation. The combination of cobalt(III) acetylacetonate and lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide was subjected to further process intensification at 200 °C (15 bar), allowing a significant reduction of the catalyst/base loading and a dramatic increase in catalytic efficiency (turnover frequency) by a factor of 1000 compared to traditional protocols. The high‐throughput screening additionally identified novel nickel‐ and copper‐based metal/ligand combinations that favored an amination pathway competing with CH activation, with the addition of ligands, such as 1,10‐phenanthroline, having a profound influence on the selectivity. In addition to metal‐based catalysts, high‐T/p process windows were also successfully applied to transition‐metal‐free systems, utilizing 1,10‐phenanthroline as organocatalyst.
An Efficient and Convenient Synthesis of Imidazolines and Benzimidazoles via Oxidation of Carbon‐Nitrogen Bond in Water Media
Authors: Shaikh Kabeer A. , Patil Vishal A. , Shaikh Parveen A.
Published: March 2012

The metal coordination complex K4[Fe(CN)6] is an efficient and environmentally benign catalyst for the synthesis of imidazolines and benzimidazoles from various aldehydes and 1,2‐diamines in aqueous medium at room temperature. This protocol gives excellent yield of product with desired purity.
Extraction of Phenylalanine Enantiomers by Aqueous Two Phase Systems Containing Combinatorial Chiral Selector
Authors: Chen Xiaoqing , Liu Li , Jiao Feipeng , Wang Zhen
Published: March 2012

In order to obtain a better enantioselectivity of phenylalanine enantiomers and establish the optimal chiral extraction conditions, the distribution behavior was investigated in aqueous two‐phase systems which were composed of polyethylene glycol and ammonium sulfate containing combinatorial chiral selector: β‐cyclodextrin and HP‐β‐cyclodextrin. The influence of the molar concentration ratio of combinatorial chiral selectors, the total molar concentration of combinatorial chiral selectors, pH value, buffer type and its concentration were thoroughly studied, respectively. The results show that the enantioselectivity reaches 1.53 under the optimal chiral extraction conditions. This extraction is a potential economical and effective way for chiral resolution.
CuI/8‐Hydroxyquinalidine Promoted N‐Arylation of Indole and Azoles
Authors: Yang Xinye , Xing Hui , Zhang Ye , Lai Yisheng , Zhang Yihua , Jiang Yongwen , Ma Dawei
Published: March 2012

An efficient catalytic system of CuI/8‐hydroxyquinalidine was developed for the coupling of aryl iodides and indole as well as some azoles. The reaction could be carried out at 90°C under the condition of relatively low catalyst loading, affording various N‐arylindoles and N‐aryl azoles in good yields. The functionalized and hindered aryl iodides were suitable substrates for this transformation.
Synthesis, Structure and Magnetic Properties of Two Cobalt(II) Dicyanamide (dca) Complexes with Heterocyclic Nitrogen Donors Tetra(2‐pyridyl)pyrazine (tppz) and 2,4,6‐Tri(2‐pyridyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine (tptz): [Co2(tppz)(dca)4]·CH3CN and [Co(tptz)(dca)(H2O)](dca)
Authors: Luo Jun , Qiu Lijuan , Liu Baoshu , Zhang Xinrong , Yang Feng , Cui Lili
Published: March 2012

Two new transition metal dicyanamide complexes [Co2(tppz)(dca)4]·CH3CN (1) [tppz=tetra(2‐pyridyl)pyrazine, dca=dicyanamide] and [Co(tptz)(dca)(H2O)](dca) (2) [tptz=2,4,6‐tri(2‐pyridyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine] were synthesized and characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. In 1 each cobalt(II) atom is coordinated to three dca anions and one tppz molecule to form a distorted octahedral geometry, the neigbour two cobalt(II) atoms are bridged by one tppz ligand to form a dimer, then the cobalt(II) atoms in each dimer are joined together to form a ladder chain structure. In 2 the coordination geometry around the central metal is also distorted octahedral, each cobalt(II) atom is coordinated by two dca anions, one tptz molecule and one water ligand to form a cationic part, and the cationic part is linked with the free dca anions via the electrostatic attraction to give an infinite chain structure. Magnetic susceptibility measurement in the range of 2–300 K indicates that there are antiferromagnetic couplings between adjacent metal ions in 1 (T>29 K, (=−9.78 K, C=4.92 cm3·K·mol−1) and ferromagnetic couplings in 2 (T>150 K, (=7.97 K, C=2.59 cm3·K·mol−1) respectively.
Filtered FCS: Species Auto‐ and Cross‐Correlation Functions Highlight Binding and Dynamics in Biomolecules
Authors: Felekyan Suren , Kalinin Stanislav , Sanabria Hugo , Valeri Alessandro , Seidel Claus A. M.
Published: March 2012

An analysis method of lifetime, polarization and spectrally filtered fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, referred to as filtered FCS (fFCS), is introduced. It uses, but is not limited to, multiparameter fluorescence detection to differentiate between molecular species with respect to their fluorescence lifetime, polarization and spectral information. Like the recently introduced fluorescence lifetime correlation spectroscopy (FLCS) [Chem. Phys. Lett. 2002, 353, 439–445], fFCS is based on pulsed laser excitation. However, it uses the species‐specific polarization and spectrally resolved fluorescence decays to generate filters. We determined the most efficient method to generate global filters taking into account the anisotropy information. Thus, fFCS is able to distinguish species, even if they have very close or the same fluorescence lifetime, given differences in other fluorescence parameters. fFCS can be applied as a tool to compute species‐specific auto‐ (SACF) and cross‐ correlation (SCCF) functions from a mixture of different species for accurate and quantitative analysis of their concentration, diffusion and kinetic properties. The computed correlation curves are also free from artifacts caused by unspecific background signal. We tested this methodology by simulating the extreme case of ligand–receptor binding processes monitored only by differences in fluorescence anisotropy. Furthermore, we apply fFCS to an experimental single‐molecule FRET study of an open‐to‐closed conformational transition of the protein Syntaxin‐1. In conclusion, fFCS and the global analysis of the SACFs and SCCF is a key tool to investigate binding processes and conformational dynamics of biomolecules in a nanosecond‐to‐millisecond time range as well as to unravel the involved molecular states.
Local Structure of ZnO Micro Flowers and Nanoparticles Obtained by Micro‐Segmented Flow Synthesis
Authors: Li Shuning , Roy Amitava , Lichtenberg Henning , Merchan Gregory , Kumar Challa S. S. R. , Köhler J. Michael
Published: March 2012

The micro‐segmented flow technique was applied for continuous synthesis of ZnO micro‐ and nanoparticles with short residence times of 9.4 s and 21.4 s, respectively. The obtained particles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) and photoluminescence spectroscopy were used to determine the size and optical properties of ZnO nanoparticles. In addition, extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy was employed to investigate local structural properties. The EXAFS measurements reveal a larger degree of structural disorder in the nanoparticles than the microparticles. These structural changes should be taken into consideration while evaluating the size‐dependent visible emission of ZnO nanoparticles.
Probing the Electronic Structure and Photoactivation Process of Nitrogen‐Doped TiO2 Using DRS, PL, and EPR
Authors: Zhang Zizhong , Long Jinlin , Xie Xiuqiang , Lin Huan , Zhou Yangen , Yuan Rusheng , Dai Wenxin , Ding Zhengxin , Wang Xuxu , Fu Xianzhi
Published: March 2012

The electronic structure and photoactivation process in N‐doped TiO2 is investigated. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), photoluminescence (PL), and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) are employed to monitor the change of optical absorption ability and the formation of N species and defects in the heat‐ and photoinduced N‐doped TiO2 catalyst. Under thermal treatment below 573 K in vacuum, no nitrogen dopant is removed from the doped samples but oxygen vacancies and Ti3+ states are formed to enhance the optical absorption in the visible‐light region, especially at wavelengths above 500 nm with increasing temperature. In the photoactivation processes of N‐doped TiO2, the DRS absorption and PL emission in the visible spectral region of 450–700 nm increase with prolonged irradiation time. The EPR results reveal that paramagnetic nitrogen species (Ns.), oxygen vacancies with one electron (Vo.), and Ti3+ ions are produced with light irradiation and the intensity of Ns. species is dependent on the excitation light wavelength and power. The combined characterization results confirm that the energy level of doped N species is localized above the valence band of TiO2 corresponding to the main absorption band at 410 nm of N‐doped TiO2, but oxygen vacancies and Ti3+ states as defects contribute to the visible‐light absorption above 500 nm in the overall absorption of the doped samples. Thus, a detailed picture of the electronic structure of N‐doped TiO2 is proposed and discussed. On the other hand, the transfer of charge carriers between nitrogen species and defects is reversible on the catalyst surface. The presence of oxygen‐vacancy‐related defects leads to quenching of paramagnetic Ns. species but they stabilize the active nitrogen species Ns−.
Measurement of generation‐dependent proliferation rates and death rates during mouse erythroid progenitor cell differentiation
Authors: Akbarian Vahe , Wang Weijia , Audet Julie
Published: March 2012

Herein, we describe an experimental and computational approach to perform quantitative carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE) cell‐division tracking in cultures of primary colony‐forming unit‐erythroid (CFU‐E) cells, a hematopoietic progenitor cell type, which is an important target for the treatment of blood disorders and for the manufacture of red blood cells. CFSE labeling of CFU‐Es isolated from mouse fetal livers was performed to examine the effects of stem cell factor (SCF) and erythropoietin (EPO) in culture. We used a dynamic model of proliferation based on the Smith‐Martin representation of the cell cycle to extract proliferation rates and death rates from CFSE time‐series. However, we found that to accurately represent the cell population dynamics in differentiation cultures of CFU‐Es, it was necessary to develop a model with generation‐specific rate parameters. The generation‐specific rates of proliferation and death were extracted for six generations (G0–G5) and they revealed that, although SCF alone or EPO alone supported similar total cell outputs in culture, stimulation with EPO resulted in significantly higher proliferation rates from G2 to G5 and higher death rates in G2, G3, and G5 compared with SCF. In addition, proliferation rates tended to increase from G1 to G5 in cultures supplemented with EPO and EPO + SCF, while they remained lower and more constant across generations with SCF. The results are consistent with the notion that SCF promotes CFU‐E self‐renewal while EPO promotes CFU‐E differentiation in culture. © 2012 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Malleability in the development of spatial reorientation
Authors: Twyman Alexandra D. , Newcombe Nora S. , Gould Thomas J.
Published: March 2012

After becoming disoriented, organisms must re‐establish their position in space. The core knowledge position argues that reorientation relies only on extended 3D surfaces, and that this sensitivity operates automatically and is innately present. In contrast, the adaptive combination perspective argues that reorientation is experience‐expectant and malleable, and depends on both extended 3D surfaces and 2D feature cues. We test these divergent views by comparing young (Experiment 1) and mature (Experiment 2) C57BL/6 mice (Mus musculus) that have been housed in circular or rectangular environments. Malleability of feature cues was found for young mice. Malleability of incidental geometry coding was found for both age groups. The relative dependence on geometric and feature cues changed with age. Young mice weighted the feature cue more heavily than adult mice. In summary, as predicted by the adaptive combination approach, rearing environments influenced the relative use of feature and geometric cues in a reorientation task. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 55: 243–255, 2013
Supramolecular [M4L4] Tetrahedra Based on Triangular Acylhydrazone Catechol Ligands
Authors: Albrecht Markus , Shang Yuli , Rhyssen Tanja , Stubenrauch Jan , Winkler Henrik D. F. , Schalley Christoph A.
Published: March 2012

The ligands 1‐H6 and 2‐H6 are prepared by condensation of the triangular triamines 5 and 2,3‐dihydroxybenzoic acid hydrazide 7. The ligands form container‐type tetrahedral coordination compounds Mx [(1 or 2)4M′4] (M = Li, Na, K; M′ = Ti, x = 8; M′ = Ga, x = 12). The complexes are characterized by NMR spectroscopy and ESI mass spectrometry. Despite the relatively labile acyl hydrazone unit, the complexes show high stability in water. Ligand 3‐H6 is prepared from the trisacyl hydrazide 8 and 2,3‐dihydroxybenzaldehyde 9 but does not form well‐defined coordination compounds with gallium(III) or titanium(IV) ions.
Reduction of Activated Carbonyl Groups Using Alkylphosphanes as Reducing Agents: A Mechanistic Study
Authors: Wei Yin , Liu Xu‐Guang , Shi Min
Published: March 2012

A comprehensive mechanistic investigation on the reduction of activated carbonyl groups using alkylphosphanes as reducing agents has been conducted through a combination of experimental as well as computational studies. Both approaches show that this kind of reduction proceeds either through proton transfer from alkylphosphanes and cleavage by water during work‐up or through another reaction pathway involving the participation of water at the initial stage and a two‐fold proton transfer to afford the product.
Dopamine Detection Using the Selective and Spontaneous Formation of Electrocatalytic Poly(dopamine) Films on IndiumTin Oxide Electrodes
Authors: Kim Byung‐Kwon , Son Seonhye , Lee Kwangyeol , Yang Haesik , Kwak Juhyoun
Published: March 2012

In this study, we report the simple and sensitive electrochemical detection of dopamine in the presence of excess ascorbic acid. The detection is based on the spontaneous formation of electrocatalytic poly(dopamine) films on bare indiumtin oxide (ITO) electrodes. The poly(dopamine) films are formed by immersing ITO electrodes in a solution of dopamine and ascorbic acid for 10 min. Afterwards, the electrocatalytic oxidation of hydrazine is measured using modified electrodes. The electrooxidation current of hydrazine increases with increasing dopamine concentration. This method allows a detection limit of 1 nM for dopamine in the presence of 100 µM of ascorbic acid.
Residual‐based artificial viscosity for simulation of turbulent compressible flow using adaptive finite element methods
Authors: Nazarov Murtazo , Hoffman Johan
Published: March 2012

In this paper, we present a finite element method with a residual‐based artificial viscosity for simulation of turbulent compressible flow, with adaptive mesh refinement based on a posteriori error estimation with sensitivity information from an associated dual problem. The artificial viscosity acts as a numerical stabilization, as shock capturing, and as turbulence capturing for large eddy simulation of turbulent flow. The adaptive method resolves parts of the flow indicated by the a posteriori error estimates but leaves shocks and turbulence under‐resolved in a large eddy simulation. The method is tested for examples in 2D and 3D and is validated against experimental data. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alcohol consumption in mild cognitive impairment and dementia: harmful or neuroprotective?
Authors: Panza Francesco , Frisardi Vincenza , Seripa Davide , Logroscino Giancarlo , Santamato Andrea , Imbimbo Bruno P. , Scafato Emanuele , Pilotto Alberto , Solfrizzi Vincenzo
Published: March 2012

Objective: In several longitudinal studies, light‐to‐moderate drinking of alcoholic beverages has been proposed as being protective against the development of age‐related changes in cognitive function, predementia syndromes, and cognitive decline of degenerative (Alzheimer's disease, AD) or vascular origin (vascular dementia). However, contrasting findings also exist.

Method: The English literature published in this area before September 2011 was evaluated, and information relating to the various factors that may impact upon the relationship between alcohol consumption and dementia or predementia syndromes is presented in the succeeding texts.

Results: Light‐to‐moderate alcohol consumption may be associated with a reduced risk of incident overall dementia and AD; however, protective benefits afforded to vascular dementia, cognitive decline, and predementia syndromes are less clear. The equivocal findings may relate to many of the studies being limited to cross‐sectional designs, restrictions by age or gender, or incomplete ascertainment. Different outcomes, beverages, drinking patterns, and study follow‐up periods or possible interactions with other lifestyle‐related (e.g., smoking) or genetic factors (e.g., apolipoprotein E gene variation) may all contribute to the variability of findings.

Conclusion: Protective effects of moderate alcohol consumption against cognitive decline are suggested to be more likely in the absence of the AD‐associated apolipoprotein E ε4 allele and where wine is the beverage. At present, there is no indication that light‐to‐moderate alcohol drinking would be harmful to cognition and dementia, and attempts to define what might be deemed beneficial levels of alcohol intake in terms of cognitive performance would be highly problematic and contentious. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surveillance and survival among adolescents and young adults with cancer in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Furlong William , Rae Charlene , Greenberg Mark L. , Barr Ronald D
Published: March 2012

Gains in survival rates among adolescents and young adults (AYA) are reported from the USA to be lower than in both younger and older patients. Limiting factors include low accrual to clinical trials related to the type of institutional care. This study aimed to determine the incidence of cancer in the 15–29 age group in Ontario, and the 5‐year survival of these cases by disease class, age at diagnosis group and highest level of institutional complexity of care. The primary data source was Cancer Care Ontario (CCO). Diseases were classified according to an AYA‐specific system. Age at diagnosis was grouped as 15–19, 20–24 and 25–29 years; and institutional site of care was categorized as pediatric oncology group of Ontario (POGO) centers, regional cancer centers (RCC—tertiary care centers associated with CCO), RCC affiliate and satellite institutions and other institutions having no specialized cancer services. More than 10,000 incident cases were identified during 1990–2001. Carcinomas and lymphomas each accounted for >20% of the total. Overall 5‐year survival rate was 83%; significantly higher for lymphomas at POGO centers and RCC than elsewhere. About 40% of eligible AYA cases were treated at a POGO center and 25% of those were accrued to clinical trials. The low proportion of adolescents referred to pediatric cancer centers may result in a survival disadvantage for this group. All AYA, especially with lymphomas, should be referred to specialized centers. Accrual of AYA to clinical trials must be improved substantially.
Runt‐related transcription factor 2 in human colon carcinoma: A potent prognostic factor associated with estrogen receptor
Authors: Sase Tomohiko , Suzuki Takashi , Miura Koh , Shiiba Kenichi , Sato Ikuro , Nakamura Yasuhiro , Takagi Kiyoshi , Onodera Yoshiaki , Miki Yasuhiro , Watanabe Mika , Ishida Kazuyuki , Ohnuma Shinobu , Sasaki Hiroyuki , Sato Ryuichiro , Karasawa Hideaki , Shibata Chikashi , Unno Michiaki , Sasaki Iwao , Sasano Hironobu
Published: March 2012

Runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) belongs to the RUNX family of heterodimeric transcription factors, and is mainly associated with osteogenesis. Previous in vitro studies demonstrated that RUNX2 increased the cell proliferation of mouse and rat colon carcinoma cells but the status of RUNX2 has remained unknown in human colon carcinoma. Therefore, we examined clinical significance and biological functions of RUNX2 in colon carcinoma. RUNX2 immunoreactivity was examined in 157 colon carcinoma tissues using immunohistochemistry. RUNX2 immunoreactivity was evaluated as percentage of positive carcinoma cells [i.e., labeling index (LI)]. We used SW480 and DLD‐1 human colon carcinoma cells, expressing estrogen receptor‐β (ER) in subsequent in vitro studies. RUNX2 immunoreactivity was detected in colon carcinoma cells, and the median value of RUNX2 LI was 67%. RUNX2 LI was significantly associated with Dukes' stage, liver metastasis and ERβ status. In addition, RUNX2 LI was significantly associated with adverse clinical outcome of the colon carcinoma patients, and turned out an independent prognostic factor following multivariate analysis. Results of in vitro studies demonstrated that both SW480 and DLD‐1 cells transfected with small interfering RNA against RUNX2 significantly decreased their cell proliferation, migration and invasive properties. In addition, RUNX2 mRNA level was significantly decreased by ER antagonist in these two cells. These findings all suggest that RUNX2 is a potent prognostic factor in human colon carcinoma patients through the promotion of cell proliferation and invasion properties, and is at least partly upregulated by estrogen signals through ERβ of carcinoma cells.
Multiculturalisme et démocratie: quelques implications pour la théorie de la citoyenneté
Authors: Gianni Matteo
Published: March 2012

La dynamique sociale et politique du multiculturalisme constitue un défi pour la conception libérale traditionnelle de la citoyenneté. L'article part du constat que ce phénomène se caractérise essentiellement par une dispersion des identités et par la coexistence d'une multiplicité d'allégeances culturelles. Sa spécificité tient au fait qu'un nombre croissant d'individus ou de groupes sociaux ressentent leur caractérisation identitaire comme étant “non‐négociable”. Dès lors, la citoyenneté n'est plus en mesure de constituer le ferment de l'identité politique, ce qui représente une menace importante pour le fonctionnement et la légitimité des démocraties libérales. En tentant de surmonter les impasses auxquelles se heurtent les perspectives libérale et communautarienne de la citoyenneté, l'auteur propose un modèle fondé sur une articulation de la citoyenneté en tant que “règle” et en tant que “contenu”. Ce modèle a pour finalité d'assurer une plus grande intégration des minorités culturelles, au travers d'un processus égalitaire d'élaboration des principes susceptibles d'orienter la politique de la communauté.
Wahlforschung in der Schweiz: Der Neubeginn
Authors: Farago Peter
Published: March 2012

Die schweizerische Wahlforschung ist im internationalen Vergleich entwicklungsbedürftig. Im Hinblick auf die Empirie dominieren Ag‐gregatdaten‐Analysen einerseits und Studien auf der Basis von Befragungsdaten andererseits. Kombinationsformen fehlen weitgehend. Es fehlt auch an Grundlagenstudien, welche die Basis für eine kontinuierliche, international vernetzte Wahlforschung bilden könnten. In dieser Situation kommt die Nachbefragung zu den eidgenössischen Wahlen 1995 einem Neubeginn gleich: Zum ersten Mal wird die Tatsache, dass nationale Wahlen in der Schweiz primär kantonsbezogen sind, in ein empirisch handhabbares Forschungsdesign umgesetzt. Die rund 7200 Interviews sowie die damit verknüpften Datenbanken über Kantone und kantonale Parteien eröffnen neue und vielfältige Analyseperspektiven.
Social Dimensions of Resource Use: The Freshwater Case
Authors: Luterbacher Urs , Wiegandt Ellen
Published: March 2012

This research note describes an integrated regional model of the interactions between water resources and society. It examines the relations between rural and urban sectors of society and the effect on resource use of changes in supply and demand due to climate change, population movements, and other natural and social processes. This modeling effort is part of a larger project conducted at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research to study the regional evolution of water resources in three different geographical areas. This larger project is in turn linked to the research focus on global water resources within the international Human Dimensions of Global Environmental Change Programme.
Synthesis of Triazolyl‐Substituted Quinolizidine Imides
Authors: Chou Shang‐Shing P. , Lu Chang‐Lin , Hsu Yen‐Hao
Published: March 2012

Some bicyclic imides and triazole compounds have separately shown biological activities. We now combine these two structural features into the synthesis of triazolyl‐substituted quinolizidine imides 21. Dihydro‐2‐pyridone compound 15, obtained previously from the aza‐Diels‐Alder reaction, was first oxidized to the sulfone 16 which was effectively converted to the azide 17. Further click chemistry of compound 17 with terminal alkynes provided regiospecifically the 1,4‐disubstituted triazoles 18a‐c. Sequential detosylation with Bu3SnH/AIBN, N‐allylation and ring‐closing metathesis (RCM) reaction then provided the bicyclic imides 21a‐b.
Development of the Ireland–Claisen Rearrangement of Allyl‐2‐alkoxyacetate Bearing an Allylic Amine and the Transformation to 3‐Hydroxy‐4‐hydroxymethylpyrrolidine
Authors: Hon Yung‐Son , Luo Ching‐Zong , Hong Bor‐Cherng , Liao Ju‐Hsiou
Published: March 2012

An unprecedented Ireland–Claisen rearrangement of allylglycolate bearing an allylic amine was realized, affording the corresponding product with excellent diastereoselectivity and in high yield. The product was analyzed by X‐ray crystallography, and demonstrated the transformation to the 4‐hydroxymethylpyrrolidin‐3‐ol.
Synthesis of Triptycene and Pentiptycene Halides via Nucleophilic Aromatic Substitution of Triflate Precursors
Authors: Tan Wei Shyang , Kao Chen‐Yi , Yang Jye‐Shane
Published: March 2012

An efficient synthesis of a series of new pre‐functionalized triptycene and pentiptycene building blocks is reported. The key reaction is the nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SNAr) of the cyano‐substituted iptycene triflates with halide salts to afford the corresponding iptycene halides. Among the various halide salts investigated, LiI and LiBr provide the best yield of the SNAr products, namely, cyano‐substituted iptycene iodide and bromide, respectively. Despite the different iptycene scaffold, the triptycene and pentiptycene substrates display similar SNAr reactivities under the reaction conditions.
Effect of Metal Salen Complex in the Base Catalyzed Catalytic Reaction between Carbon Dioxide and Epoxides
Authors: Shyu Shin‐Guang , Tseng Chia‐Kai , Chang Chun‐Kai , Chen Hung‐Po , Liu Hsin‐Chih , Twu Jen
Published: March 2012

Lewis bases, 4‐dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP), triethylamine (Et3N) and 1,8‐diazabicyclo[5,4,0]undec‐7‐ene (DBU) can catalyze the reaction between carbon dioxide and epoxide to produce cyclic carbonate. The activity of the catalysts reduces as the pressure of carbon dioxide increases. Most of the metal salen complexes N,N′‐bis(3,5‐di‐tert‐butylsalicylidene)‐1,2‐cyclohexanediamine M(III) X (M = Cr, Mn, X = Cl; M = Co, X = OAc) and N,N′‐bis(3,5‐di‐tert‐butylsalicylidene)‐1,2‐cyclohexanediamine M(II) (M = Cu, Co, Ni) can promote the catalytic activity of the catalyst and the ability of promotion varies depending on the types of metal used in the metal salen complex and on the Lewis base catalyst.
Nystrom‐type techniques for solving electromagnetics integral equations with smooth and singular kernels
Authors: Balaban M. V. , Smotrova E. I. , Shapoval O. V. , Bulygin V. S. , Nosich A. I.
Published: March 2012

Considered are the problems of electromagnetic wave scattering, absorption and emission by several types of two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional dielectric and metallic objects: arbitrary dielectric cylinder, thin material strip and disk, and arbitrary perfectly electrically conducting surface of rotation. In each case, the problem is rigorously formulated and reduced to a set of boundary integral equations with smooth, singular and hyper‐singular kernel functions. These equations are further discretized using Nystrom‐type quadrature formulas adapted to the type of kernel singularity and the edge behavior of unknown function. Convergence of discrete models to exact solutions is guaranteed by general theorems. Practical accuracy is achieved by inverting the matrices of the size that is only slightly greater than the maximum electrical dimension of corresponding scatterer. Sample numerical results are presented. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transforming growth factor‐alpha induces endothelin receptor A expression in osteoarthritis
Authors: Usmani Shirine E. , Appleton C. Thomas G. , Beier Frank
Published: March 2012

Previously, our lab identified transforming growth factor‐alpha (TGFα) as a novel factor involved in osteoarthritis (OA) in a surgical model of the disease. In the same study, we also observed increased transcript levels for endothelin receptor A (ET(A)R), a known contributor to cartilage pathology. To investigate the connection between TGFα and endothelin signaling in OA, primary articular chondrocytes and osteochondral explants were isolated from Sprague–Dawley rats and treated with vehicle or TGFα. Expression of ET(A)R protein and its encoding gene Ednra was assessed. Chondrocytes and cartilage explants were also treated with the endothelin receptor A/B antagonist Bosentan, in order to determine whether TGFα effects could be blocked. TGFα induced expression of ET(A)R protein and its encoding gene Ednra. In primary chondrocyte cultures, Bosentan did not block TGFα responses of the anabolic genes Sox9, Agc1, and Col2a1, but reduced the induction of Mmp13 and Ednra transcripts by TGFα. In osteochondral explants, the inhibitor partially blocked TGFα reduction of type II collagen, as well as induction of MMP‐13 and type II collagen neoepitopes. TGFα induces ET(A)R expression in articular chondrocytes and receptor antagonism appears to block some TGFα‐induced catabolic effects in a three‐dimensional organ culture system. Thus, TGFα may be a therapeutic target upstream of ET(A)R in OA. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:1391–1397, 2012
Assessing and predicting granular‐materials hydrophobicity by parametrizing a general equation of state§
Authors: Ramírez‐Flores Juan Carlos , Bachmann Jörg
Published: March 2012

Wettability is related to forces or surface tensions (σ) acting at the solid–liquid–vapor interface. Given that surface tensions are difficult to assess directly, contact angles (CA) are used as indicators of the balance of forces acting in the system. In this context, the ES theory was developed as an alternative to assess the σ parameters of the Young's equation. This research evaluates the applicability of a proposed equation of state (ES), which is in theory also able to predict the CA of a sample when two σ parameters of the Young's equation and two fitting parameters (β and α) of the function Φ = (σSL) are known (Φ: molecular interaction parameter, σSL: solid–liquid surface tension). These parameters were determined by different experimental methods assessing the CA, in order to determine which method is more suitable to validate the ES theory: Capillary Rise Method (CRM) and Wilhelmy Plate Method (WPM). For WPM, two modes (advancing and equilibrium CA) were applied. Finally, results of CA between the experimental measurements obtained by WPM and those predicted by the ES were compared. Samples of coarse silt, fine sand, and nonporous glass beads with different levels of water repellency were used as test materials. In line with previous research, all methods showed lower values of σ for samples with increasing hydrophobicity. At the same time, Φ reduces consistently with higher hydrophobicity, up to ≈ 0.5–0.6 based on CRM and WPM‐ECA data, and even lower (≈ 0.1–0.2) in WPM‐ACA. α increased with higher hydrophobicity, having relatively stable values in samples having σSV > 40 mN m–1. β showed stable values for samples having σSV > 35–40 mN m–1. In hydrophobic samples (σSV < 35 mN m–1), β decreased in calculations based on WPM‐ACA data, and to a minor degree in WPM‐ECA. The agreement between the CA directly measured (WPM) and those predicted by the ES was low, although better for the WPM‐ECA, suggesting that this last approach can be considered more suitable to evaluate the ES theory.
Estimation of clay content from easily measurable water content of air‐dried soil
Authors: Wäldchen Jana , Schöning Ingo , Mund Martina , Schrumpf Marion , Bock Susanne , Herold Nadine , Totsche Kai Uwe , Schulze Ernst Detlef
Published: March 2012

Soil texture is one of the main factors controlling soil organic carbon (SOC) storage. Accurate soil‐texture analysis is costly and time‐consuming. Therefore, the clay content is frequently not determined within the scope of regional and plot‐scale studies with high sample numbers. Yet it is well known that the clay content strongly affects soil water content. The objective of our study was to evaluate if the clay content can be estimated by a simple and fast measure like the water content of air‐dried soil. The soil samples used for this study originated from four different European regions (Hainich‐Dün, Germany; Schwäbische Alb, Germany; Hesse, France; Bugac, Hungary) and were collected from topsoils and subsoils in forests, grasslands, and croplands. Clay content, water content of air‐dried soil, and SOC content were measured. Clay content was determined either by the Pipette method or by the Sedigraph method. The water content of air‐dried soil samples ranged from 2.8 g kg–1 to 63.3 g kg–1 and the corresponding clay contents from 60.0 g kg–1 to 815.7 g kg–1. A significant linear relationship was found between clay content and water content. The scaled mean absolute error (SMAE) of the clay estimation from the water content of air‐dried soil was 20% for the dataset using the Pipette method and 28% for the Sedigraph method. The estimation of the clay content was more accurate in fine‐textured than in coarse‐textured soils. In this study, organic‐C content played a subordinate role next to the clay content in explaining the variance of the water content. The water retention of coarse‐textured soils was more sensitive to the amount of organic C than that of fine‐textured soils. The results indicate that in our study the water content of air‐dried soil samples was a good quantitative proxy of clay contents, especially useful for fine‐textured soils.
Genotypic variation of potassium uptake and use efficiency in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)
Authors: Wang Li , Chen Fang
Published: March 2012

Potassium (K) deficiency is one of the main limiting factors in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) production. To study the mechanism of high K‐use efficiency of cotton, a pot experiment was conducted. The experiment consisted of two cotton genotypes differing in K‐use efficiency (H103 and L122) and two K‐application levels (K0: 0 g (kg soil)–1; K1: 0.40 g (kg soil)–1). Root‐hair density and length, partitioning of biomass and K in various organs, as well as K‐use efficiency of the two cotton genotypes were examined. The results show that there was no significant difference in K uptake between the two genotypes at both treatments, although the genotype H103 (high K‐use efficiency) exhibited markedly higher root‐hair density than genotype L122 in the K1 treatment. Correlation analysis indicates that neither root‐hair density nor root‐hair length was correlated with plant K uptake. Furthermore, the boll biomass of genotype H103 was significantly higher than that of genotype L122 in both treatments, and the K accumulation in bolls of genotype H103 was 39%–48% higher than that of genotype L122. On the other hand, the litter index (LI) and the litter K‐partitioning index (LKPI) of genotype H103 were 14%–21% and 22%–27% lower than that of genotype L122. Lastly, the K‐use efficiency of total plant (KUE‐P) of genotype H103 was comparable with that of genotype L122 in both treatments, but the K‐use efficiency in boll yield (KUE‐B) of genotype H103 was 24% and 41% higher than that of genotype L122 in K0 and K1 treatments. Pearson correlation analysis indicated that KUE‐P was positively correlated with BKPI and negatively correlated with LKPI, while KUE‐B was positively correlated with BKPI and boll‐harvest index (HIB), and negatively correlated with LKPI. It is concluded that there were no pronounced effects of root‐hair traits on plant K uptake of the two genotypes. The difference in K‐use efficiency was attributed to different patterns of biomass and K partitioning rather than difference in K uptake of the two genotypes.