bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gold Catalysis: Domino Reaction of En‐Diynes to Highly Substituted Phenols
Authors: Hashmi A. Stephen K. , Häffner Tobias , Rudolph Matthias , Rominger Frank
Published: June 2011

By Sonogashira coupling of 1,7‐heptadiynes and 1,8‐octadiynes with 2‐iodoallyl alcohols, various substrates that bear a 2‐alkynylallyl alcohol moiety tethered to an additional alkyne were prepared in one step. Subjection to nitrogen acyclic carbene (NAC)/gold(I) catalysts delivered highly substituted phenols in an efficient domino reaction. Furan derivatives were formed as intermediates; this was proven by in situ NMR spectroscopy. The uncommon substitution pattern of these furans opens the way for a selective formation of phenols that contain the hydroxyl group in the meta position to the ring junction, which previously was not possible by gold‐catalyzed furan‐yne cyclization. Furthermore, interesting mechanistic insights were obtained by products derived from secondary allyl alcohols. In this case, in addition to the phenolic compounds, a ketone is formed by 1,2‐alkyl shift.
Structural Analysis of an Isolated Cyclic Tetrapeptide and its Monohydrate by Combined IR/UV Spectroscopy
Authors: Schwing Kirsten , Reyheller Carsten , Schaly Astrid , Kubik Stefan , Gerhards Markus
Published: June 2011

Cyclopeptides are an important class of substances in nature, and their physiological effects are frequently based on the tendency to form bioactive conformations. Therefore the investigation of their structure yields an understanding of their functionalities. Mass‐selective combined IR/UV spectroscopy in molecular beam experiments represents an ideal tool for structural analyses on isolated molecules in the gas phase, such as the investigated cyclo[L‐Tyr(Me)‐D‐Pro]2 peptide and its complexes with water. Using the chosen spectroscopic method in combination with DFT calculations, an assignment of a structure with two intramolecular hydrogen bonds for the naked cyclopeptide is possible. For the monohydrated cluster two isomers have to be discussed: in one of them the water molecule is simply attached to the assigned monomer structure as hydrogen donor, whereas the second isomer can be characterized by a water molecule that is inserted into one of the intramolecular hydrogen bonds.
Facile fabrication of porous ZnO by a template free method
Authors: Shi Weiliang , Si Limin , Yue Linhai , Wang Lina , Jin Dalai
Published: June 2011

In this paper, a template free method has been employed to fabricate porous ZnO. Brick shaped precursor was first synthesized by a mild hydrothermal process. Accompanied with the decomposition of the precursor during the subsequent annealing treatment, porous ZnO with the inherited morphology of the precursor was obtained. The as‐prepared products were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It exhibited that the porous hierarchical frame consists of nano‐sheets with wurtzite‐type. The size of the pores as well as the size of the particles varied with the annealing temperature. Mechanism speculation showed that the crystal‐aggregation in the growth process of the precursor is the key to the establishment of pore structure. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Extrinsic allergic alveolitis as an uncommon diagnostic pitfall in lung cytology
Authors: Midi Ahmet , Yener Neşe Arzu , Orki Alpay , Cubuk Rahmi , Ersev Ayse
Published: June 2011

House paints, the industrial products of toxic chemicals are known to be linked with severe respiratory disturbances especially in inadequately ventilated places. In this study, we aimed to report a biopsy‐proven case of extrinsic allergic alveolitis (EAA) who presented with nonspecific respiratory symptoms 1 month after having her whole house interior painted. At CT scanning, we observed the ground glass opacities and the micronodular pattern typical for EAA and also a solid, consolidative lung area, highly suggestive of malignancy. The case initially was misinterpreted as a malignant tumor both radiologically and cytologically at CT‐guided transthoracic fine needle aspiration biopsy. The final pathologic diagnosis was given as EAA on frozen section performed during thoracotomy operation. The patient received short‐term steroid treatment and has been doing well for the last 7 months after her operation.

As a conclusion, when assessing a cytologic material from a patient who has got a solid lung mass and also a history of chemical dye exposure, consolidative mass formation which is a rare form of EAA should always be kept in mind. Another final point is that the appropriate ventilation should be achieved if the exposure with the house paint chemicals is inevitable. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Objective and subjective binge eating in underweight eating disorders: Associated features and treatment outcome
Authors: Riccardo Dalle Grave , Calugi Simona , Marchesini Giulio
Published: June 2011

Objective:

To define the utility of the DSM‐IV‐TR definition of binge eating, as it applies to anorexia nervosa (AN) and underweight eating disorder not otherwise specified (ED‐NOS).

Method:

We investigated the psychopathological features associated with bulimic episodes in 105 underweight individuals with eating disorders who reported regular objective bulimic episodes with or without subjective bulimic episodes (OBE group, n = 33), regular subjective bulimic episodes only (SBE group, n = 36) and neither objective nor subjective bulimic episodes (n = 36, no‐RBE group). The Eating Disorder Examination (EDE), anxiety, depression, and personality tests were administered before and upon completion of inpatient cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) treatment 6 months later.

Results:

Compared with the SBE group, OBE subjects had higher body mass index, and more frequent self‐induced vomiting, while both OBE and SBE groups had more severe eating disorder psychopathology and lower self‐directness than the no‐RBE group. Dropout rates and outcomes in response to inpatient CBT were similar in the three groups.

Discussion:

Despite a few significant differences at baseline, the similar outcome in response to CBT indicates that categorizing patients with underweight eating disorder on the basis of the type or frequency of bulimic episodes is of limited clinical utility. © 2011 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2012;)
First Synthesis of α,β‐Unsaturated Lactones with High Diversity through the Passerini Reaction and Ring‐Closing Metathesis (RCM)
Authors: Schwäblein Almuth , Martens Jürgen
Published: June 2011

A new class of α,β‐unsaturated pyran‐2‐carboxamides was easily accessed by a multicomponent reaction (MCR), followed by a ring‐closing metathesis (RCM) using a ruthenium catalyst. In the first step, α‐acyloxy carboxamides with two terminal double bonds were formed from terminal unsaturated carboxylic acids, allyl ketones, and isocyanides (Passerini reaction, P‐3CR).
[2 + 2] Annulation of Aldimines with Sulfonic Acids: A Novel One‐Pot cis‐Selective Route to β‐Sultams
Authors: Rai Ankita , Rai Vijai K. , Singh Atul K. , Yadav Lal Dhar S.
Published: June 2011

A novel DMF/dimethyl sulfate promoted [2 + 2] annulation of aldimines with sulfonic acids afforded β‐sultams in good to excellent yields (35–93 %) under mild conditions. The protocol offers a convenient alternative to highly corrosive and hygroscopic sulfonyl chlorides to provide β‐sultams with complete diastereoselectivity in favour of the cis isomers.
Design and Application of a Triiodide‐Selective Membrane Electrode
Authors: Kormosh Zholt , Savchuk Tanya , Korolchuk Svitlana , Bazel Yaroslav
Published: June 2011

I3−‐selective electrodes with a PVC membrane containing ionic associates of crystal violet (CV) triiodide as electrode‐active substance were developed. The pH working range is 2–12, the linearity range of the electrode function is 9×10−6–1×10−1 mol/L, and the electrode function slopes are varying from 44.0 to 62.0 mV/decade, depending on the plasticizers in the membranes. The efficiency of the use of these electrodes for dibenzoyl peroxide and magnesium monoperoxyphthalate determination in pharmaceutical preparations was shown by potentiometric titration methods.
Hepatocyte cytotoxicity is facilitated by asialoglycoprotein receptor
Authors: Guy Clifford S. , Rankin Sherri L. , Michalak Tomasz I.
Published: June 2011

It has been recently identified that hepatocytes can act as cytotoxic effectors and can kill contacted cells by way of CD95 ligand–CD95 and perforin-dependent pathways. However, it remained unknown whether hepatocyte-mediated cell killing is indiscriminant or is directed toward targets with particular cell surface characteristics, as well as whether hepatocytes have the capacity to directly eliminate contacted lymphocytes. In this study, we found that desialylation of surface glycoproteins significantly augments cell susceptibility to hepatocyte-mediated killing. Using asialofetuin as a competitive ligand, and by silencing gene transcription with specific small interfering RNA, we found that the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) is involved in hepatocyte recognition of cells predestined for killing, including activated autologous T lymphocytes.

Conclusion:

Hepatocytes are constitutively equipped in the molecular machinery capable of eliminating cells brought into contact with their surface in a manner that is reliant, at least in part, upon the recognition of terminally desialylated glycoproteins by hepatocyte ASGPR. The study adds a new dimension to the physiological role of hepatic ASGPR and provides further evidence that hepatocytes can actively contribute to intrahepatic immune regulation and moderation of the local inflammatory response. (HEPATOLOGY 2011;)
Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for the treatment of sinusoidal obstruction syndrome in a liver transplant recipient and review of the literature
Authors: Campos-Varela Isabel , Castells Lluís , Dopazo Cristina , Pérez-Lafuente Mercedes , Allende Helena , Len Oscar , Llopart Lluís , Vargas Victor , Charco Ramón
Published: June 2011

Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) is a rare, life-threatening clinical syndrome resulting from sinusoidal congestion, and it is characterized by hepatomegaly, ascites, weight gain, and jaundice. The frequency of this condition after liver transplantation (LT) is low, but when SOS is severe and refractory to medical therapy, the ultimate solution is retransplantation. We describe a patient with SOS after LT who was successfully treated by the placement of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). Although information on this approach is scarce because of the low incidence of SOS in LT patients, we review the available literature on treating this condition with a TIPS. On the basis of the reported information and our patient's outcome, we suggest that prompt TIPS placement can be considered for SOS when medical treatment fails. Nonetheless, a formal assessment and prospective studies are needed to confidently indicate TIPS placement in this situation. Liver Transpl 18:201–205, 2012. © 2011 AASLD.
Association between fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 polymorphisms and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yang Yuan , Zhou Yun , Lu Ming , An Yu , Li Rui , Chen Yao , Lu Da‐Ru , Jin Li , Zhou Wei‐Ping , Qian Ji , Wang Hong‐Yang
Published: June 2011

Human fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (FGFR4) polymorphisms have recently been shown to be associated with tumor progression of various types of cancer, including cancer of the breast, colon, and prostate and sarcoma. However, their association with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unknown. We evaluated the association of FGFR4 polymorphisms with risk of HCC in a study population with HCC and with/without hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in East China. We genotyped four FGFR4 SNPs (rs351855, rs641101, rs376618, and rs31777) in 1,451 Chinese subjects, including 711 patients with HCC, 368 controls with HBV infection and 372 controls without HBV infection, using the TaqMan genotyping assay. Unconditional logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate associations of genotypes of each SNP with HCC risk. For the rs351855 (Arg388) locus, we observed a reduced HCC risk associated with the T variant genotypes, particularly for those whose tumors with gross portal vein tumor thrombosis (gross PVTT) (OR = 0.66; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI = 0.46–0.95 for CT + TT). Such a protective effect was also observed for those with liver cirrhosis (OR = 0.42; 95% CI = 0.20–0.88 for CT + TT). Clearly the T allele was associated with these conditions. Our findings suggest that genetic polymorphism in FGFR4 may be a marker for risk of HCC with liver cirrhosis and gross PVTT in Chinese populations. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Integrated Bloch‐Siegert B1 mapping and multislice imaging of hyperpolarized 13C pyruvate and bicarbonate in the heart
Authors: Lau Angus Z. , Chen Albert P. , Cunningham Charles H.
Published: June 2011

Hyperpolarization of 13C labeled substrates via dynamic nuclear polarization has been used as a method to noninvasively study real‐time metabolic processes occurring in vivo. In these studies, proper calibration of radiofrequency transmit power is required to efficiently observe rapidly decaying magnetization. Conventional transmit radiofrequency field
$(B_1^{+})$
mapping methods rely on placing magnetization in a fixed, known state prior to imaging, making them unsuitable for imaging of hyperpolarized magnetization. Recently, a phase‐based B1 mapping method based on the Bloch‐Siegert shift has been reported. This method uses a B1‐dependent shift in the resonance frequency of nuclei in the presence of an off‐resonance radiofrequency pulse. In this article, we investigate the feasibility of Bloch‐Siegert B1 mapping and observation of metabolism of hyperpolarized $[1{-}^{13}{\rm C}]$
pyruvate in vivo, in a single injection. The technique is demonstrated with phantom experiments, and in normal rat and pigs in vivo. This method is anticipated to improve quantitative measurements of hyperpolarized 13C metabolism in vivo by enabling accurate flip‐angle corrections. This work demonstrates the use of Bloch‐Siegert B1 mapping under challenging out‐of‐equilibrium imaging conditions. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vivo determination of human breast fat composition by 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 7 T
Authors: Dimitrov Ivan E. , Douglas Deborah , Ren Jimin , Smith Nadine B. , Webb Andrew G. , Sherry A. Dean , Malloy Craig R.
Published: June 2011

The role of diet and fat consumption in the pathogenesis of breast cancer is an important subject. We report a method for noninvasive determination of lipid composition in human breast by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) at 7 T. Two respiratory‐triggered TE‐averaged stimulated echo acquisition mode (STEAM) acquisitions were performed on the adipose tissue of 10 healthy volunteers where the second acquisition had all gradients inverted. This acquisition protocol allows the suppression of modulation sidebands that complicate spectral analysis at the short TEavg = 24.5 ms. The entire acquisition takes ∼10 min. Ten lipid peaks were typically resolved. T1 and T2 were also measured and used to correct the peak intensities. The calculated average lipid composition for saturated was 28.7 ± 8.4%, monounsaturated, 48.5 ± 7.9%, and polyunsaturated, 22.7 ± 3.1%, in close agreement with reported values from subcutaneous adipose measurements. Intrasubject variability was 2.0, 1.6, and 3.6% for the saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fractions, respectively. In conclusion, we have shown that a chemical analysis of lipids in breast tissue can be determined quite simply, quickly, and noninvasively by proton MRS at 7 T. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Temporal SNR characteristics in segmented 3D‐EPI at 7T
Authors: van der Zwaag W. , Marques J. P. , Kober T. , Glover G. , Gruetter R. , Krueger G.
Published: June 2011

Three‐dimensional segmented echo planar imaging (3D‐EPI) is a promising approach for high‐resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging, as it provides an increased signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) at similar temporal resolution to traditional multislice 2D‐EPI readouts. Recently, the 3D‐EPI technique has become more frequently used and it is important to better understand its implications for fMRI. In this study, the temporal SNR characteristics of 3D‐EPI with varying numbers of segments are studied. It is shown that, in humans, the temporal variance increases with the number of segments used to form the EPI acquisition and that for segmented acquisitions, the maximum available temporal SNR is reduced compared to single shot acquisitions. This reduction with increased segmentation is not found in phantom data and thus likely due to physiological processes. When operating in the thermal noise dominated regime, fMRI experiments with a motor task revealed that the 3D variant outperforms the 2D‐EPI in terms of temporal SNR and sensitivity to detect activated brain regions. Thus, the theoretical SNR advantage of a segmented 3D‐EPI sequence for fMRI only exists in a low SNR situation. However, other advantages of 3D‐EPI, such as the application of parallel imaging techniques in two dimensions and the low specific absorption rate requirements, may encourage the use of the 3D‐EPI sequence for fMRI in situations with higher SNR. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Automatic coil selection for streak artifact reduction in radial MRI
Authors: Xue Yiqun , Yu Jiangsheng , Kang Hyun Seon , Englander Sarah , Rosen Mark A. , Song Hee Kwon
Published: June 2011

In radial MR imaging, streaking artifacts contaminating the entire field of view can arise from regions at the outer edges of the prescribed field of view. This can occur even when the Nyquist criterion is satisfied within the desired field of view. These artifacts become exacerbated when parts of the object lie in the superior/inferior regions of the scanner where the gradient strengths become weakened. When multiple coil arrays are used for signal reception, coils at the outer edges can be disabled before data acquisition to reduce the artifact levels. However, as the weakened gradient strengths near the edges often distort the object, causing the signal to become highly concentrated into a small region, the streaks are often not completely removed. Data from certain coils can also be excluded during reconstruction by visually inspecting the individual coil images, but this is impractical for routine use. In this work, a postprocessing method is proposed to automatically identify those coils whose images contain high levels of streaking for subsequent exclusion during reconstruction. The proposed method was demonstrated in vivo dynamic contrast enhanced MRI datasets acquired using a three‐dimensional hybrid radial sequence. The results demonstrate that the proposed strategy substantially improves the image quality and show excellent agreement with images reconstructed with manually determined coil selection. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Perfectionism Dimensions and the Five–factor Model of Personality
Authors: Dunkley David M. , Blankstein Kirk R. , Berg Jody–Lynn
Published: June 2011

This study of university students ( n = 357) and community adults ( n = 223) examined personal standards (PS) and evaluative concerns (EC) higher–order dimensions of perfectionism that underlie several measures from three different theoretical frameworks. In both students and community adults, confirmatory factor analyses supported PS perfectionism and EC perfectionism higher–order latent factors. In relation to the revised NEO Personality Inventory, PS perfectionism was primarily related to conscientiousness and achievement striving. In contrast, EC perfectionism was primarily related to neuroticism, and lower positive emotions, trust and competence. EC perfectionism accounted for unique variance in current depressive and anxious symptoms over and above the five–factor domain scores. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐sensitivity TFA‐free LC‐MS for profiling histones
Authors: You Jia , Wang Liwen , Saji Motoyasu , Olesik Susan V. , Ringel Matthew D. , Lucas David M. , Byrd John C. , Freitas Michael A.
Published: June 2011

The analysis of proteins by RPLC commonly involves the use of TFA as an ion‐pairing agent, even though it forms adducts and suppresses sensitivity. The presence of adducts can complicate protein molecular weight assignment especially when protein isoforms coelute as in the case of histones. To mitigate the complicating effects of TFA adducts in protein LC‐MS, we have optimized TFA‐free methods for protein separation. Protein standards and histones were used to evaluate TFA‐free separations using capillary (0.3 mm id) and nanoscale (0.1 mm id) C8 columns with the ion‐pairing agents, formic acid or acetic acid. The optimized method was then used to examine the applicability of the approach for histone characterization in human cancer cell lines and primary tumor cells from chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients.
Investigating pathogen biology at the level of the proteome
Authors: Cash Phillip
Published: June 2011

Bacterial infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. By extending our understanding of the process of bacterial pathogenesis at the molecular level new strategies for their treatment and prevention can be developed. Proteomic technologies, along with other methods for global gene expression analysis, play an important role in understanding the mechanism(s) of bacterial pathogenesis. This review highlights the use of proteomics to identify protein biomarkers for virulent bacterial isolates and how these biomarkers can be correlated with the outcome of bacterial infection. Biomarker identification typically looks at the proteomes of bacteria grown under laboratory conditions. It is, however, the characterisation of the bacterial proteome during in vivo infection of its host that will eventually provide the most significant insights into bacterial pathogenesis. Although this area of research has significant technical challenges, a number of complementary proteome analytical approaches are being developed to identify and characterise the bacterial genes specifically expressed in vivo. Ultimately, the development of newly targeted therapies and vaccines using specific protein targets identified through proteomic analyses will be one of the major practical benefits arising from the proteomic analysis of bacterial pathogens.
Status quo in physiological proteomics of the unculturedRiftia pachyptilaendosymbiont
Authors: Markert Stephanie , Gardebrecht Antje , Felbeck Horst , Sievert Stefan M. , Klose Julia , Becher Dörte , Albrecht Dirk , Thürmer Andrea , Daniel Rolf , Kleiner Manuel , Hecker Michael , Schweder Thomas
Published: June 2011

Riftia pachyptila, the giant deep‐sea tube worm, inhabits hydrothermal vents in the Eastern Pacific ocean. The worms are nourished by a dense population of chemoautotrophic bacterial endosymbionts. Using the energy derived from sulfide oxidation, the symbionts fix CO2and produce organic carbon, which provides the nutrition of the host. Although the endosymbionts have never been cultured, cultivation‐independent techniques based on density gradient centrifugation and the sequencing of their (meta‐) genome enabled a detailed physiological examination on the proteomic level. In this study, theRiftiasymbionts' soluble proteome map was extended to a total of 493 identified proteins, which allowed for an explicit description of vital metabolic processes such as the energy‐generating sulfide oxidation pathway or the Calvin cycle, which seems to involve a reversible pyrophosphate‐dependent phosphofructokinase. Furthermore, the proteomic view supports the hypothesis that the symbiont uses nitrate as an alternative electron acceptor. Finally, the membrane‐associated proteome of theRiftiasymbiont was selectively enriched and analyzed. As a result, 275 additional proteins were identified, most of which have putative functions in electron transfer, transport processes, secretion, signal transduction and other cell surface‐related functions. Integrating this information into complex pathway models a comprehensive survey of the symbiotic physiology was established.
Large magneto‐optical effect in low‐temperature‐grown GaDyN
Authors: Zhou Y. K. , Emura S. , Hasegawa S. , Asahi H.
Published: June 2011

GaDyN layers were grown at temperatures at 300 °C by radio‐frequency plasma‐assisted molecular‐beam epitaxy on sapphire substrates. X‐ray diffraction results showed no obvious secondary phase in the GaDyN samples. A sharp line was found at 582.4 nm in the photoluminescence spectra from the low‐temperature‐grown samples, which was assigned intra‐4f orbital transition: 4F9/2 ‐ 6H13/2 of Dy3+ ion. It was shown that Dy atoms were incorporated into the Ga sites in these GaDyN layers. Magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) measurement was performed for these samples at 10 K to investigate magneto‐optical effect. It was found that the large magneto‐optical effect in the GaDyN depend on the Dy concentration. It is the evidence of ferromagnetic s ‐f exchange coupling in the GaDyN, which enhance the Zeeman splitting. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Controlling the Mg doping profile in MOVPE‐grown GaN/Al0.2Ga0.8N light‐emitting diodes
Authors: Gutt Richard , Köhler Klaus , Wiegert Joachim , Kirste Lutz , Passow Thorsten , Wagner Joachim
Published: June 2011

The Mg back‐diffusion in GaN and Al0.2Ga0.8N is investigated by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) on simple test samples as well as complete GaN/AlGaN light‐emitting diode (LED) structures for emission wavelengths around 350 nm. The diffusion coefficient in Al0.2Ga0.8N is shown to be increased by 75% compared to GaN. In the LED structures, the GaN quantum well acts as a diffusion barrier, which cannot be explained solely by the observed increased Mg diffusion in AlGaN. However, this self‐limiting behavior can be exploited to control the Mg doping profile in close proximity to the quantum well active region and hence to optimize the optical output of the LEDs. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Growth and micro‐luminescence from diluted magnetic quantum dots
Authors: Wojnar Piotr , Karczewski Grzegorz , Suffczyński Jan , Goryca Mateusz , Golnik Andrzej , Kowalik Katarzyna , Kossut Jacek
Published: June 2011

CdTe quantum dots containing magnetic Mn‐ions are grown by molecular beam epitaxy. The Mn content is varied by changing the growth conditions from about 3% to 0.04%. The presence of the magnetic impurities inside the quantum dots results in the giant Zeeman splitting of excitonic levels. Direct insight into magnetic properties of these structures is obtained by the micro‐photoluminescence at an external magnetic field. A careful analysis of the spectral position, the shape and the polarization of emission lines from individual quantum dots reveals a paramagnetic character of Mn ions and provides with a tool to obtain information about the average Mn concentration and the approximate number of Mn‐ions inside dots. Quantum dots with the number of Mn ions of the order of 100 are found in the sample with Mn content of 3% and with only 1 or 0 Mn ions in the sample with 0.04% (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The full life cycle of a polar low over the Norwegian Sea observed by three research aircraft flights
Authors: Føre Ivan , Kristjánsson Jón Egill , Saetra Øyvind , Breivik Øyvind , Røsting Bjørn , Shapiro Melvyn
Published: June 2011

During 3–4 March 2008, the Norwegian IPY‐THORPEX field campaign successfully carried out three flight missions that observed the full life cycle of a polar low over the Norwegian Sea. Here the three‐dimensional structure of the polar low has been investigated using dropsonde data from the three flights. The polar low developed in a cold air outbreak, with temperature differences between the sea surface and 500 hPa of about 45–50°C. Cross‐sections show that the horizontal gradients of potential temperature weakened as the polar low matured, suggesting that baroclinic energy conversion took place. Dropsonde data of potential temperature and relative humidity show evidence of a tropopause fold, which is possibly a manifestation of upper‐level forcing. This is corroborated by potential vorticity inversion, which shows a dominant role of upper‐level forcing throughout the polar low's lifetime. During the cyclogenesis stage the polar low circulation was confined below 700 hPa, with a northerly low‐level jet of 26 m s−1. In the mature stage, its circulation reached up to the tropopause (∼450 hPa), with maximum wind speed between 700 and 900 hPa of about 26–28 m s−1. At this stage the polar low warm core was about 3 K warmer than surrounding air masses. The deep moist towers at the eye‐like structure of the polar low extended up to the tropopause with relative humidity values above 70%, indicating a possibly important role for condensational heating in the development. Estimates of surface fluxes of sensible and latent heat using temperature and moisture from the dropsonde data show latent heat fluxes west of the polar low increasing from 175 to 300 W m−2 as the low matured, while the sensible heat fluxes rose from 200 to 280 W m−2, suggesting a gradually increasing contribution of surface fluxes to the energetics of the polar low with time. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Image‐Guided Prostate Cancer Therapy Using Aptamer‐Functionalized Thermally Cross‐Linked Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Yu Mi Kyung , Kim Dongkyu , Lee In‐Hyun , So Jee‐Soo , Jeong Yong Yeon , Jon Sangyong
Published: June 2011

CG‐rich duplex containing prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA) aptamer‐conjugated thermally cross‐linked superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (TCL‐SPIONs) is reported as prostate cancer‐specific nanotheranostic agents. These agents are capable of prostate tumor detection in vivo by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and selective delivery of drugs to the tumor tissue, simultaneously. The prepared PSMA‐functionalized TCL‐SPION via a hybridization method (Apt–hybr–TCL‐SPION) exhibited preferential binding towards target prostate‐cancer cells (LNCaP, PSMA+) in both in vitro and in vivo when analyzed by T2‐weighted MRI. After Dox molecules were loaded onto the Apt–hybr–TCL‐SPION through the intercalation of Dox to the CG‐rich duplex containing PSMA aptamer as well as electrostatic interaction between the Dox‐and‐polymer coating layer of the nanoparticles, the resulting Dox@Apt–hybr–TCL‐SPION showed selective drug‐delivery efficacy in the LNCaP xenograft mouse model. These results suggest that Dox@Apt–hybr–TCL‐SPION has potential for use as novel prostate cancer‐specific nanotheranostics.
A Soft and Hard Systems Approach to Business Process Management
Authors: Siriram Rajenlall
Published: June 2011

Globalization is placing pressure on firms to gain competitive advantages. As firms become agile, it is important that they become agile quicker than other firms. More sooner have firms improved processes and gained efficiencies and so have other firms. Firms are in a race to be better or are at risk of becoming less competitive. Firms have embarked on business process management (BPM) initiatives to gain competitive advantages. BPM initiatives have received much attention, however little work has been done in attempting to make the BPM initiatives themselves efficient. When firms invest in resources such as people, time, money, newer technologies, etc., they expect to see returns on these benefits in realistic time periods; however in most cases, BPM initiatives have been criticized to take too long. A hybrid soft and hard systems approach is proposed to allow early extraction of critical business process, which when improved, will lead to quicker benefits. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The gray area between synapse structure and function—Gray's synapse types I and II revisited
Authors: Klemann Cornelius J.H.M. , Roubos Eric W.
Published: June 2011

On the basis of ultrastructural parameters, the concept was formulated that asymmetric Type I and symmetric Type II synapses are excitatory and inhibitory, respectively. This “functional Gray synapses concept” received strong support from the demonstration of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate in Type I synapses and of the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ‐aminobutyric acid in Type II synapses, and is still frequently used in modern literature. However, morphological and functional evidence has accumulated that the concept is less tenable. Typical features of synapses like shape and size of presynaptic vesicles and synaptic cleft and presence of a postsynaptic density (PsD) do not always fit the postulated (excitatory/inhibitory) function of Gray's synapses. Furthermore, synapse function depends on postsynaptic receptors and associated signal transduction mechanisms rather than on presynaptic morphology and neurotransmitter type. Moreover, the notion that many synapses are difficult to classify as either asymmetric or symmetric has cast doubt on the assumption that the presence of a PsD is a sign of excitatory synaptic transmission. In view of the morphological similarities of the PsD in asymmetric synapses with membrane junctional structures such as the zonula adherens and the desmosome, asymmetric synapses may play a role as links between the postsynaptic and presynaptic membrane, thus ensuring long‐term maintenance of interneuronal communication. Symmetric synapses, on the other hand, might be sites of transient communication as takes place during development, learning, memory formation, and pathogenesis of brain disorders. Confirmation of this idea might help to return the functional Gray synapse concept its central place in neuroscience. Synapse, 2011. © 2011Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Attenuation of inhibitory synaptic transmission by glial dysfunction in rat thalamus
Authors: Yang Sunggu , Cox Charles L.
Published: June 2011

The thalamus serves as the obligatory gateway to the neocortex for sensory processing, and also serves as a pathway for corticocortical communication. In addition, the reciprocal synaptic connectivity between the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) and adjacent thalamic relay nuclei generates rhythmic activities similar to that observed during different arousal states and certain neurological conditions such as absence epilepsy. Epileptiform activity can arise from a variety of neural mechanisms, but in addition glia are thought to have an important role in such activities as well. Glia serve a central role in glutamine synthesis, a precursor for glutamate or GABA in nerve terminals. While alterations in glutamine shuttling from glia to neurons can influence GABA and glutamate neurotransmission; the consequences of such action on synaptic transmission and subsequent network activities within thalamic circuits is less understood. We investigated the consequences of altering glutamine transport on inhibitory transmission and intrathalamic activities using the in vitro thalamic slice preparation. Disruption of the glutamine shuttling by the neuronal glutamine transporter (system A transporter) antagonist, α‐(methylamino)isobutyric acid (MeAIB), or the selective gliotoxic drug, fluorocitric acid (Fc) dramatically decreased intrathalamic rhythmic activities. At the single cell level, MeAIB and Fc significantly attenuated electrically evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents (eIPSCs) in thalamic relay neurons; however, miniature IPSCs were unaffected. These data indicate that glutamate‐glutamine shuttle is critical for sustaining thalamic synaptic transmission, and thereby alterations in this shuttle can influence intrathalamic rhythmic activities associated with absence epilepsy. Synapse, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prochloraz effects on biomarkers activity in zebrafish early life stages and adults
Authors: Domingues Inês , Oliveira Rhaul , Musso Carolina , Cardoso Marco , Soares Amadeu M.V.M. , Loureiro Susana
Published: June 2011

Zebrafish early life stages (ELS) assays have been increasingly used to assess the toxicity of chemicals and waste waters, showing a great potential due to the wide variety of endpoints that can be incorporated in the test. Moreover, zebrafish ELS test have been proposed, mainly for ethical reasons, as a surrogate for tests with adults. In this work, the fungicide Prochloraz (PCZ) was used as a chemical model to compare sensitivities of embryos/larvae and adult zebrafish focusing on lethality and biomarkers as endpoints. Effects on embryo development were also assessed. Organization for economic cooperation and development (OECD) guidelines were followed and adapted to include the analyses of the biomarkers cholinesterase, glutathione S‐transferase, and lactate dehydrogenase. The acute toxicity of PCZ for zebrafish ELS and adults seemed to be similar with 96h‐LC50 values of 8.5 and 4.6 mg/L, respectively. However, biomarkers were only responsive in larvae indicating a higher sensitivity of this life stage at sublethal level. PCZ also proved to be teratogenic: at intermediate concentrations effects on embryo development could be noticed, including spine deformations, edemas, lack of pigmentation, slower heart rate, and complete hatching failure. At the lowest concentrations, the more relevant effects (edemas and abnormal absorption of the yolk sac) were observed after hatching. The measurement of biomarkers in the zebrafish ELS assay seems to a useful tool in the detection of chemical effects showing higher sensitivity than adults. Further research should focus on the link between biomarkers responses in larvae and effects at later life stages of zebrafish. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2013.
Antioxidative and antigenotoxic effect of vitamin E against patulin cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in HepG2 cells
Authors: Ayed‐Boussema Imen , Abassi Haila , Bouaziz Chayma , Hlima Wiem Ben , Ayed Yosra , Bacha Hassen
Published: June 2011

Patulin (PAT) is a mycotoxin produced in fruits, mainly in apples, by certain species of Penicillium, Aspergillus, and Byssochlamys. It has been shown that PAT is cytotoxic, genotoxic, and mutagenic in different cell types. Several studies incriminate the oxidative stress as a mechanism of PAT‐mediated toxicity. In this context, our aim was to investigate the protective role of Vitamin E (Vit E), an antioxidant agent, against PAT induced cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in cultured HepG2 cells. The obtained results showed that addition of Vit E in cells treated with PAT significantly reduce cell mortality induced by this toxin. In the same conditions, Vit E decreased the intracellular level of ROS, reduced PAT induced p53 expression, and reversed PAT induced DNA damage. In addition, Vit E prevented significantly the percentage of chromosome aberrations induced by PAT in HepG2 cells in a concentration dependant manner. These results suggest that Vit E, an exogenous antioxidant agent, plays an important role in defense against PAT‐induced cytotoxicity and genotoxicity, which confirms the involvement of oxidative stress in the induction of DNA damage by PAT in HepG2 cells. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2013.
Sensitivity of antioxidant‐deficient yeast to hypochlorite and chlorite
Authors: Kwolek‐Mirek Magdalena , Bartosz Grzegorz , Spickett Corinne M.
Published: June 2011

Sodium hypochlorite and sodium chlorite are commonly used as disinfectants, and understanding the mechanisms of microbial resistance to these compounds is of considerable importance. In this study, the role of oxidative stress and antioxidant enzymes in the sensitivity of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to hypochlorite and chlorite was studied. Yeast mutants lacking Cu–Zn superoxide dismutase, but not mutants deficient in cytoplasmic and peroxisomal catalase, were hypersensitive to the action of both hypochlorite and chlorite. Both compounds depleted cellular glutathione, induced the production of reactive oxygen species and decreased the viability of the cells. The toxicity of hypochlorite and chlorite was abolished by hypoxic and anoxic conditions and ameliorated by thiol antioxidants and ascorbate. The results demonstrated that the action of hypochlorite and chlorite involves the formation of superoxide and peroxide and that SOD1 is protective, probably by limiting the formation of hydroxyl radicals and damage to proteins. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dimers of Ag2+ Ions – Synthesis and Characterization of the Quaternary Silver Fluoride Ag2ZnZr2F14 with [Ag2F7]3– Units
Authors: Tong Jianwei , Kraus Florian , Köhler Jürgen , Simon Arndt , Liu Jia , Whangbo Myung‐Hwan
Published: June 2011

Deep blue‐violet colored powder samples of Ag2ZnZr2F14 were synthesized by heating Zn(NO3)2·4H2O, Ag and ZrOCl2·8H2O at 300 °C under fluorine atmosphere. The crystal structure of Ag2ZnZr2F14 was refined from X‐ray powder diffraction data using the Rietveld method (C2/m, a = 9.0206(1) Å, b = 6.6373(1) Å, c = 9.0563(1) Å, β = 90.44(1)°, Z = 2). The structure is derived from the isotypic Ag3Zr2F14 by replacing only one of the two crystallographically different Ag2+ ions with Zn2+ ions, thus leading to discrete Ag2F7 dimers. These dimers are connected via nearly linear Ag–F···F–Ag bridges with short F···F distances of 2.33 Å to form two‐legged ladders. Magnetic susceptibility measurements and density functional calculations show that the two Ag2+ ions in each Ag2F7 dimer are strongly coupled antiferromagnetically.
Environmental Impact of Ether Carboxylic Derivative Surfactants
Authors: Jurado Encarnación , Fernández‐Serrano Mercedes , Lechuga Manuela , Ríos Francisco
Published: June 2011

The ultimate aerobic biodegradability and toxicity of three ether carboxylic derivative surfactants having different alkyl chains and degrees of ethoxylation were investigated. Ultimate aerobic biodegradability was screened by means of dissolved organic carbon determinations at different initial surfactant concentrations. For comparison, the characteristic parameters of the biodegradation process, such as half‐life, mean biodegradation rate, and residual surfactant concentration, were determined. Increased surfactant concentrations decreased mineralization and lengthened the estimated half‐life. The results demonstrate that the ultimate aerobic biodegradability is higher for the surfactants with the shortest alkyl chain and highest degree of ethoxylation. Toxicity values of the surfactants, and their binary mixtures, were determined using three test organisms, the freshwater crustacea Daphnia magna, the luminescent bacterium Vibrio fischeri and the microalgae Selenastrum capricornutum. The toxicity is lower for the surfactants with the shortest alkyl chain and highest degree of ethoxylation. The toxicity of binary mixtures of the three ether carboxylate surfactants at a 1:1 weight ratio was also measured. The least toxic mixture is formed by the surfactants having lower individual toxicity.
Mild dehydration impairs cognitive performance and mood of men
Authors: Ganio Matthew S. , Armstrong Lawrence E. , Casa Douglas J. , McDermott Brendon P. , Lee Elaine C. , Yamamoto Linda M. , Marzano Stefania , Lopez Rebecca M. , Jimenez Liliana , Le Bellego Laurent , Chevillotte Emmanuel , Lieberman Harris R.
Published: June 2011

The present study assessed the effects of mild dehydration on cognitive performance and mood of young males. A total of twenty-six men (age 20·0 (sd0·3) years) participated in three randomised, single-blind, repeated-measures trials: exercise-induced dehydration plus a diuretic (DD; 40 mg furosemide); exercise-induced dehydration plus placebo containing no diuretic (DN); exercise while maintaining euhydration plus placebo (EU; control condition). Each trial included three 40 min treadmill walks at 5·6 km/h, 5 % grade in a 27·7°C environment. A comprehensive computerised six-task cognitive test battery, the profile of mood states questionnaire and the symptom questionnaire (headache, concentration and task difficulty) were administered during each trial. Pairedttests compared the DD and DN trials resulting in >1 % body mass loss (mean 1·59 (sd0·42) %) with the volunteer's EU trial (0·01 (sd0·03) %). Dehydration degraded specific aspects of cognitive performance: errors increased on visual vigilance (P = 0·048) and visual working memory response latency slowed (P = 0·021). Fatigue and tension/anxiety increased due to dehydration at rest (P = 0·040 and 0·029) and fatigue during exercise (P = 0·026). Plasma osmolality increased due to dehydration (P < 0·001) but resting gastrointestinal temperature was not altered (P = 0·238). In conclusion, mild dehydration without hyperthermia in men induced adverse changes in vigilance and working memory, and increased tension/anxiety and fatigue.
A dairy product fermented by lactobacilli cancels the adverse effects of hypochlorhydria induced by a proton pump inhibitor on bone metabolism in growing rats
Authors: Takasugi Satoshi , Ashida Kinya , Maruyama Suyaka , Komaba Yukari , Kaneko Tetsuo , Yamaji Taketo
Published: June 2011

The purpose of the present study is to investigate the effects of hypochlorhydria induced by proton pump inhibitor (PPI) administration and intake of a dairy product fermented by lactobacilli (DFL) on bone metabolism in growing rats. Male rats, aged 3 weeks, were divided into two groups: a control group fed a casein-based diet and a group fed a DFL-based diet. Each group was fed its respective experimental diets for 9 d. At day 5 of the feeding period, each group was divided into two subgroups: one that received a saline injection and one that received a PPI injection. Rats were subcutaneously administered saline or PPI for 5 d. Faecal Ca excretion was determined from day 6 to day 9. At the end of the experiment, plasma and femurs were collected. Administration of PPI significantly decreased bone mineral density (shown by X-ray computerised tomography) and bone strength (shown by a three-point bending test) in the control group. Plasma osteocalcin, type I collagen C-telopeptides, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and parathyroid hormone concentrations were elevated by PPI administration in the control group. Faecal Ca excretion and urinary P excretion in the control group were remarkably increased by PPI administration. On the other hand, these adverse effects of PPI were not observed in the DFL group. These results suggest that hypochlorhydria-induced bone loss may result from high bone turnover induced by secondary hyperparathyroidism due to Ca malabsorption and that DFL intake cancels these adverse effects probably via improving Ca malabsorption in growing rats.