bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of Polymer Supported Phosphine Ligands by Metal Catalyzed Living Radical Copolymerization and Their Application to Hydroformylation Catalysis
Authors: Cardozo Andrés F. , Manoury Eric , Julcour Carine , Blanco Jean‐François , Delmas Henri , Gayet Florence , Poli Rinaldo
Published: January 2013

A series of well‐defined polystyrene‐supported tertiary phosphine ligands were prepared by copper‐catalyzed atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), involving direct copolymerization of styrene and 4‐diphenylphosphinostyrene (or 4‐styryldiphenylphosphine, SDPP). Copolymerization of the two monomers at different molar ratios showed a decreasing level of control as the SDPP molar fraction (fSDPP) increased. A satisfactory level of control was achieved for fSDPP≤0.25 such that there was a constant concentration of growing “living chains”, and linear Mn growth with conversion and low dispersity. Copper‐free polymers with different chain lengths were prepared and tested as polymeric ligands in the rhodium‐catalyzed hydroformylation of 1‐octene. The polymeric ligands yielded higher linear/branched selectivity and lower activity relative to PPh3 at the same P/Rh ratio. The selectivity increased slightly as a function of the polymer chain length.
Aerobic Liquid‐Phase Oxidation of Ethylbenzene to Acetophenone Catalyzed by Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Luo Jin , Peng Feng , Yu Hao , Wang Hongjuan , Zheng Wenxu
Published: January 2013

It was reported for the first time that carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as metal‐free catalyst exhibited an excellent activity in the selective oxidation of ethylbenzene (EB) to acetophenone (AcPO) in the liquid‐phase with oxygen as the oxidant. The reasonable mechanism responsible for the liquid‐phase oxidation of EB on CNTs was proposed. The results demonstrated that the CNTs played an important role in the decomposition of 1‐phenylethyl hydroperoxide (PEHP) and contributed to the production of AcPO, owing to π–π interactions between the radical species and peroxides and the graphene sheets of the CNTs. Surface carboxylic groups of the CNTs were unfavorable to EB oxidation. Adsorption energies of the radical species and peroxides on pristine and modified CNTs with carboxylic groups were calculated by DFT. These theoretical calculations were well consistent with the experimental results, and also supported the presented mechanistic pathway of EB oxidation on CNTs. This study not only presents a facile and effective alternative to cobalt‐based catalysts for the selective oxidation of EB to AcPO but also gives new insight into the effect of surface structures on carbon‐catalyzed reactions, and further pushes forward the research on carbon catalysis.
Influence of Gasoline Inhalation on the Enantioselective Pharmacokinetics of Fluoxetine in Rats
Authors: Cardoso Juciane Lauren Cavalcanti , Lanchote Vera Lucia , Pereira Maria Paula Marques , Capela Jorge Manuel Vieira , Lepera José Salvador
Published: January 2013

Fluoxetine is used clinically as a racemic mixture of (+)‐(S) and (–)‐(R) enantiomers for the treatment of depression. CYP2D6 catalyzes the metabolism of both fluoxetine enantiomers. We aimed to evaluate whether exposure to gasoline results in CYP2D inhibition. Male Wistar rats exposed to filtered air (n = 36; control group) or to 600 ppm of gasoline (n = 36) in a nose‐only inhalation exposure chamber for 6 weeks (6 h/day, 5 days/week) received a single oral 10‐mg/kg dose of racemic fluoxetine. Fluoxetine enantiomers in plasma samples were analyzed by a validated analytical method using LC‐MS/MS. The separation of fluoxetine enantiomers was performed in a Chirobiotic V column using as the mobile phase a mixture of ethanol:ammonium acetate 15 mM. Higher plasma concentrations of the (+)‐(S)‐fluoxetine enantiomer were found in the control group (enantiomeric ratio AUC(+)‐(S)/(–)‐(R) = 1.68). In animals exposed to gasoline, we observed an increase in AUC0‐∞ for both enantiomers, with a sharper increase seen for the (–)‐(R)‐fluoxetine enantiomer (enantiomeric ratio AUC(+)‐(S)/(–)‐(R) = 1.07), resulting in a loss of enantioselectivity. Exposure to gasoline was found to result in the loss of enantioselectivity of fluoxetine, with the predominant reduction occurring in the clearance of the (–)‐(R)‐fluoxetine enantiomer (55% vs. 30%). Chirality 25:206–210, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fetal and Infant Spontaneous General Movements as Predictors of Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Zuk Luba
Published: January 2013

The challenge of identifying infants who are at risk for developmental delay and possible adverse neurodevelopmental outcome demands methods of evaluation that will lead to early intervention to minimize developmental disability and to maximize the infant's potential. A qualitative assessment of spontaneous general movements (GMs) in the preterm, term, and young infant at risk is a valid and reliable tool for evaluation (Prechtl [1990] Early Hum. Dev. 23:151–158). The aim of this review is to describe the theoretical and clinical bases for the assessment of GMs and its relationship to developmental delay and brain dysfunction. Thirty‐seven studies related to the predictive validity of GMs were included in this review. Results suggested that consistent cramped synchronized GMs are highly predictive of later development of cerebral palsy. The fidgety movement quality that appears at the age of 2 to 3 months was found to be a most sensitive predictor of neurodevelopmental outcome in different populations of infants. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Disabil Res Rev 2011;17:93–101.
Developmental Delay Revisited
Authors: Levy Yonata
Published: January 2013

This article presents current neurobiological concepts that highlight the critical role of chronological age in determining optimal development. The role of sensitive periods, experience expectancy, gene expression, and gene–age interactions is discussed. The debate between “splitters” and “lumpers” is presented in light of the review articles in this special issue. The conclusion from this study is that in a significant proportion of cases, earlier diagnoses are possible, avoiding the all‐encompassing developmental delay/global developmental delay, and opening up possibilities of early interventions. It is further argued that research methodology might benefit from early diagnoses as well. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Disabil Res Rev 2011;17:180–184.
Testosterone alters genomic responses to song and monoaminergic innervation of auditory areas in a seasonally breeding songbird
Authors: Matragrano Lisa L. , LeBlanc Meredith M. , Chitrapu Anjani , Blanton Zane E. , Maney Donna L.
Published: January 2013

Behavioral responses to social stimuli often vary according to endocrine state. Our previous work has suggested that such changes in behavior may be due in part to hormone‐dependent sensory processing. In the auditory forebrain of female white‐throated sparrows, expression of the immediate early gene ZENK (egr‐1) is higher in response to conspecific song than to a control sound only when plasma estradiol reaches breeding‐typical levels. Estradiol also increases the number of detectable noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus and the density of noradrenergic and serotonergic fibers innervating auditory areas. We hypothesize, therefore, that reproductive hormones alter auditory responses by acting on monoaminergic systems. This possibility has not been examined in males. Here, we treated non‐breeding male white‐throated sparrows with testosterone to mimic breeding‐typical levels and then exposed them to conspecific male song or frequency‐matched tones. We observed selective ZENK responses in the caudomedial nidopallium only in the testosterone‐treated males. Responses in another auditory area, the caudomedial mesopallium, were selective regardless of hormone treatment. Testosterone treatment reduced serotonergic fiber density in the auditory forebrain, thalamus, and midbrain, and although it increased the number of noradrenergic neurons detected in the locus coeruleus, it reduced noradrenergic fiber density in the auditory midbrain. Thus, whereas we previously reported that estradiol enhances monoaminergic innervation of the auditory pathway in females, we show here that testosterone decreases it in males. Mechanisms underlying testosterone‐dependent selectivity of the ZENK response may differ from estradiol‐dependent ones.© 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 73: 455–468, 2013
Modulation of insulin resistance by PUFA in metabolic tissues
Authors: Kopál Martin , Muchová Jana , Ďuračková Zdeňka
Published: January 2013

Consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) has been shown to be beneficial in the restoration of insulin sensitivity. It has become clear that n‐3 and n‐6 PUFAs act at the nuclear level to affect expression of genes involved in metabolic pathways. PUFAs act via transcription factors such as PPARs and sterol‐regulatory‐element‐binding proteins (SREBPs) to affect transcription of genes involved in lipogenesis and fatty acid oxidation.
Extending Admixture Mapping to Nuclear Pedigrees: Application to Sarcoidosis
Authors: McKeigue Paul M. , Colombo Marco , Agakov Felix , Datta Indrani , Levin Albert , Favro David , Gray‐Montgomery Courtney , Iannuzzi Michael C. , Rybicki Benjamin A.
Published: January 2013

We describe statistical methods that extend the application of admixture mapping from unrelated individuals to nuclear pedigrees, allowing existing pedigree‐based collections to be fully exploited. Computational challenges have been overcome by developing a fast algorithm that exploits the factorial structure of the underlying model of ancestry transitions. This has been implemented as an extension of the program ADMIXMAP. We demonstrate the application of the method to a study of sarcoidosis in African Americans that has previously been analyzed only as an admixture mapping study restricted to unrelated individuals. Although the ancestry signals detected in this pedigree analysis are generally similar to those detected in the earlier analysis of unrelated cases, we are able to extract more information and this yields a much sharper exclusion map; using the classical criterion of an LOD score of minus 2, the pedigree analysis is able to exclude a risk ratio of 2 or more associated with African ancestry over 96% of the genome, compared with only 83% in the earlier analysis of unrelated individuals only. Although the pedigree extension of ADMIXMAP can use ancestry‐informative markers only at relatively low density, it can use imputed ancestry states from programs such as WINPOP or HAPMIX that use dense SNP marker genotypes for admixture mapping. This extends both the efficiency and the range of application of this powerful gene mapping method.
Validation of the automated method VIENA: An accurate, precise, and robust measure of ventricular enlargement
Authors: Vrenken Hugo , Vos Eline K. , van der Flier W.M. , Sluimer Ingrid C. , Cover Keith S. , Knol Dirk L. , Barkhof Frederik
Published: January 2013

Background: In many retrospective studies and large clinical trials, high‐resolution, good‐contrast 3DT1 images are unavailable, hampering detailed analysis of brain atrophy. Ventricular enlargement then provides a sensitive indirect measure of ongoing central brain atrophy. Validated automated methods are required that can reliably measure ventricular enlargement and are robust across magnetic resonance (MR) image types. Aim: To validate the automated method VIENA for measuring the percentage ventricular volume change (PVVC) between two scans. Materials and Methods: Accuracy was assessed using four image types, acquired in 15 elderly patients (five with Alzheimer's disease, five with mild cognitive impairment, and five cognitively normal elderly) and 58 patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), by comparing PVVC values from VIENA to manual outlining. Precision was assessed from data with three imaging time points per MS patient, by measuring the difference between the direct (one‐step) and indirect (two‐step) measurement of ventricular volume change between the first and last time points. The stringent concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) was used to quantify absolute agreement. Results: CCC of VIENA with manual measurement was 0.84, indicating good absolute agreement. The median absolute difference between two‐step and one‐step measurement with VIENA was 1.01%, while CCC was 0.98. Neither initial ventricular volume nor ventricular volume change affected performance of the method. Discussion: VIENA has good accuracy and good precision across four image types. VIENA therefore provides a useful fully automated method for measuring ventricular volume change in large datasets. Conclusion: VIENA is a robust, accurate, and precise method for measuring ventricular volume change. Hum Brain Mapp 35:1101–1110, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hydrology of Blue Lake in the Dinaric karst
Authors: Bonacci Ognjen , Andrić Ivo , Yamashiki Yosuke
Published: January 2013

The aim of this paper is to analyse hydrological measurements obtained from Blue Lake located near the town of Imotski (Croatia), during the period from 6 November 2009 at 10:26 h to 4 September 2010 at 03:26 h (7230 h or 302 days). The water depth, water temperature and electrical conductivity of the water were continuously measured during this period. The measurements were obtained with a CTD DIVER (Schlumberger Water Services). The instrument was fixed at the bottom of Blue Lake, which means that all the measured data refer to a single point of measurement. The data represent the first systematic and continuous monitoring of the hydrological parameters of this fascinating karst phenomenon. The hydrological analysis also involved daily rainfall data and daily mean air temperatures recorded at the nearby Imotski meteorological station. The rate of water level rise and fall and the hourly and daily average inflow and outflow into and from the lake were calculated using the available data. The analysis led to the conclusion that Blue Lake is mainly recharged by water coming from the karst aquifer, the dimensions and the characteristics of which have not yet been adequately studied. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ovarian cancer risk factors by tumor dominance, a surrogate for cell of origin
Authors: Kotsopoulos Joanne , Terry Kathryn L. , Poole Elizabeth M. , Rosner Bernard , Murphy Megan A. , Hecht Jonathan L. , Crum Christopher P. , Missmer Stacey A. , Cramer Daniel W. , Tworoger Shelley S.
Published: January 2013

Differentiating ovarian tumors based on developmental pathway may further enhance our understanding of the disease. Traditionally, ovarian cancers were thought to arise from the ovarian surface epithelium; however, recent evidence suggests that some tumors originate in the fallopian tube. We classified cases in a population‐based case–control study (New England Case–Control [NECC] Study) and two cohort studies (Nurses' Health Study [NHS]/Nurses' Health Study II [NHSII]) by tumor dominance, a proxy for tissue of origin. Dominant tumors (likely ovarian origin) are restricted to one ovary or are at least twice as large on one ovary compared to the other. Ovarian cancer risk factors were evaluated in relation to dominant and nondominant tumors (likely tubal origin) using polytomous logistic regression (NECC) or competing risks Cox models (NHS/NHSII). Results were combined using random‐effects meta‐analyses. Among 1,771 invasive epithelial ovarian cancer cases, we observed 1,089 tumors with a dominant mass and 682 with no dominant mass. Dominant tumors were more likely to be mucinous, endometrioid or clear cell, whereas nondominant tumors were more likely to be serous. Tubal ligation, two or more births, endometriosis and age were more strongly associated with dominant tumors (rate ratio [RR] = 0.60, 0.83, 1.58 and 1.37, respectively) than nondominant tumors (RR = 1.03, 0.93, 0.84 and 1.14, respectively; p‐difference = 0.0001, 0.01, 0.0003 and 0.01, respectively). These data suggest that risk factors for tumors putatively arising from ovarian versus fallopian tube sites may differ; in particular, reproductive factors may be more important for ovarian‐derived tumors. As this is the first study to evaluate ovarian cancer risk factors by tumor dominance, these results need to be validated by other studies.
A prospective evaluation of a breast cancer prognosis signature in the observational RASTER study
Authors: Drukker C.A. , Bueno‐de‐Mesquita J.M. , Retèl V.P. , van Harten W.H. , van Tinteren H. , Wesseling J. , Roumen R.M.H. , Knauer M. , van 't Veer L.J. , Sonke G.S. , Rutgers E.J.T. , van de Vijver M.J. , Linn S.C.
Published: January 2013

The 70‐gene signature (MammaPrint™) has been developed on retrospective series of breast cancer patients to predict the risk of breast cancer distant metastases. The microarRAy‐prognoSTics‐in‐breast‐cancER (RASTER) study was the first study designed to prospectively evaluate the performance of the 70‐gene signature, which result was available for 427 patients (cT1–3N0M0). Adjuvant systemic treatment decisions were based on the Dutch CBO 2004 guidelines, the 70‐gene signature and doctors' and patients' preferences. Five‐year distant‐recurrence‐free‐interval (DRFI) probabilities were compared between subgroups based on the 70‐gene signature and Adjuvant! Online (AOL) (10‐year survival probability <90% was defined as high‐risk). Median follow‐up was 61.6 months. Fifteen percent (33/219) of the 70‐gene signature low‐risk patients received adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) versus 81% (169/208) of the 70‐gene signature high‐risk patients. The 5‐year DRFI probabilities for 70‐gene signature low‐risk (n = 219) and high‐risk (n = 208) patients were 97.0% and 91.7%. The 5‐year DRFI probabilities for AOL low‐risk (n = 132) and high‐risk (n = 295) patients were 96.7% and 93.4%. For 70‐gene signature low‐risk–AOL high‐risk patients (n = 124), of whom 76% (n = 94) had not received ACT, 5‐year DRFI was 98.4%. In the AOL high‐risk group, 32% (94/295) less patients would be eligible to receive ACT if the 70‐gene signature was used. In this prospective community‐based observational study, the 5‐year DRFI probabilities confirmed the additional prognostic value of the 70‐gene signature to clinicopathological risk estimations such as AOL. Omission of adjuvant chemotherapy as judged appropriate by doctors and patients and instigated by a low‐risk 70‐gene signature result, appeared not to compromise outcome.
Chicana Bloggers: Creating Diversity Online Via Participation
Authors: Santoy Janie Jaramillo
Published: January 2013

This column addresses the importance of acknowledging the knowledge‐making practice of Chicana bloggers. The author argues the online practices of Chicanas can be used to determine ways to develop 21st‐century literacies of students, especially students of color. The author presents findings from a case study of three Chicana bloggers that reveal several critical practices involving naming and labeling conventions, visual site design, content choices, and social connections. These strategies demonstrate how these bloggers use digital technology to establish their ethnic and political identity online.
Kinetic studies of ethanol fermentation using Kluyveromyces sp. IIPE453
Authors: Kumar Sachin , Dheeran Pratibha , Singh Surendra P. , Mishra Indra M. , Adhikari Dilip K.
Published: January 2013

Background

To operate the fermentation process effectively and efficiently, the kinetic modeling of cell growth and ethanol fermentation is necessary to predict the results of industrial fermentations under the optimized conditions.

Results

A kinetic study was conducted for glucose utilization for growth of the yeast strain Kluyveromyces sp. IIPE453 and ethanol formation. Effect of temperature, pH and initial glucose concentration on cell growth and ethanol formation was studied. The data obtained experimentally were validated with existing kinetic models for product and/or substrate inhibition.

Conclusion

Of all the models, the Aiba model for substrate inhibition was found to be the best fit to the experimental data for the growth of Kluyveromyces sp. IIPE453, and the Luong model for product inhibition was found to be the best fit for ethanol formation using Kluyveromyces sp. IIPE453. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Role of HSP70 in the regulation of the testicular apoptosis in a seasonal breeding teleost Prochilodus argenteus from the São Francisco river, Brazil
Authors: Domingos Fabricio F.T. , Thomé Ralph G. , Martinelli Patrícia M. , Sato Yoshimi , Bazzoli Nilo , Rizzo Elizete
Published: January 2013

This study investigated the relationship among heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and testicular apoptosis during a breeding cycle of Prochilodus argenteus, a neotropical migratory characiform fish of importance in commercial fishery from the São Francisco River basin. A total of 48 (12 fish/sampling) adult males were caught using casting and drifting nets in four samplings from June 2008 to March 2009. Immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, terminal transferase‐mediated dUTP nick‐end labeling (TUNEL), enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and caspase‐3 colorimetric assay were assessed in different phases of spermatogenesis. Labeling for HSP70 occurred in spermatogonia (SPGA 18.0±1.5 and SPGB 27.9±1.0 in 100 mm2, respectively) and Sertoli cells in all sampling periods, with higher values in June (resting period) while spermatocytes were labeled in September (maturation period) and December (ripe period). For PCNA, immunoreaction was predominant in spermatogonia in June and September, while primary spermatocytes were labeled mainly in December (18.7±2.0). TUNEL‐positive reaction occurred throughout the sampling periods, and labeling was detected in the nucleus of germ cells in all developmental phases, except spermatozoa. By ELISA, total HSP70 in testis increased significantly from June to December, and decreased in March (regression period), P<0.05. Caspase‐3 activity decreased from June to December and increased in March. Taken together, our results suggest that HSP70 may protect the germ cells from caspase‐3‐dependent apoptosis during testicular activity and, reduction of HSP70 and increase of apoptosis contribute for testicular remodeling after the breeding season in wild populations of P. argenteus in the São Francisco River. Microsc. Res. Tech. 76:350–356, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Marsupial morphology of reproduction: South America opossum male model
Authors: De Barros Michelle Andrade , Panattoni Martins João Flávio , Samoto Vivian Yochiko , Oliveira Vanessa Cristina , Gonçalves Natalia , Furlaneto. Mançanares Celina Almeida , Vidane Atanasio , Carvalho Ana Flávia , Ambrósio Carlos Eduardo , Miglino Maria Angélica
Published: January 2013

This study aims to describe the morphology of Didelphis sp. male genital organs (penis, testes, epididymis, ductus deferens, prostate, and bulbourethral gland). Ten male animals were used, eight for macroscopic and light microscopy analysis, and two for scanning electron microscopy. The testes and epididymis showed similarity to other eutherian mammals. The bifid penis showed the urethra ending in the medial region where the bifurcation begins, occurring in each segment extension of the urethral groove until the beginning of the glans. Histologically, the penis consists of a cavernous and spongy body, covered by stratified squamous epithelium with loose connective tissue. The urethra was lined by transitional stratified epithelium. In the prostate, prostatic segments were found consisting of tubular glands in a radial arrangement around the urethra, coated externally by a dense connective tissue associated with a relatively thick layer of smooth muscle arranged in two layers that surround the glandular tissue. The animals had three pairs of bulbourethral glands placed at the membranous and cavernous urethra junction with descending and parallel excretory ducts ending caudally in the urethral lumen. Microsc. Res. Tech. 76:388–397, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Smallest Vertex‐Transitive Graphs of Given Degree and Diameter
Authors: Knor Martin , Širáň Jozef
Published: January 2013

For every d and k, we determine the smallest order of a vertex‐transitive graph of degree d and diameter k, and in each such case we show that this order is achieved by a Cayley graph.
The Erdös–Hajnal Conjecture—A Survey
Authors: Chudnovsky Maria
Published: January 2013

The Erdös–Hajnal conjecture states that for every graph H, there exists a constant such that every graph G with no induced subgraph isomorphic to H has either a clique or a stable set of size at least . This article is a survey of some of the known results on this conjecture.
Fully automated radiosynthesis of [1‐(2‐[18F]fluoroethyl),1H[1,2,3]triazole 4‐ethylene] triphenylphosphonium bromide as a potential positron emission tomography tracer for imaging apoptosis
Authors: Haslop Anna , Gee Antony , Plisson Christophe , Long Nicholas
Published: January 2013

A novel phosphonium salt bearing a fluorine‐18 labelled triazole has been designed as a potential imaging agent for apoptosis. The radiosynthesis of [1‐(2‐[18F]fluoroethyl),1H[1,2,3]triazole 4‐ethylene] triphenylphosphonium bromide ([18F]MitoPhos_01) has been carried out on a fully automated system in a two‐step reaction. Radiolabelling an ethyl azide and then carrying out a copper‐mediated 1,3‐cycloaddition reaction has allowed for total synthesis time to be slightly more than 1 h from aqueous [18F]fluoride. After purification by HPLC, the average radiochemical yield was determined to be 9% (not decay corrected); the specific activity was on average 70 GBq/µmol at the end of synthesis, and the radiochemical purity was >99%.
Effectiveness of HPV 16 viral load and the E2/E6 ratio for the prediction of cervical cancer risk among Chinese women
Authors: Chang Lihong , He Xiaoxiao , Yu Guifang , Wu Yuping
Published: January 2013

The effectiveness of the E2/E6 ratio, the state of viral genome integration and the viral load of human papillomavirus 16 (HPV 16) in predicting the risk of cervical cancer among Chinese women was investigated. Quantitative PCRs for the E2/E6 ratio and the viral load were performed on 85 cervical cancer samples and 55 HPV 16 positive healthy controls. The integrated form of the viral genome was found in 10.9% control samples and in 26.4% cervical cancer samples (P = 0.02). The majority of the cervical cancer (63.2%) and control samples (60%) were mixed forms. The E2/E6 ratio was associated with a high risk of cervical cancer (OR = 7.29, P = 9.55E−6). The integrated form (OR = 6.54, P = 0.005) and mixed form (OR = 2.93, P = 0.042) increased the risk of cervical cancer. The mean viral load in cervical cancer samples (37,371 ± 227,135) was higher than that in the controls (4,619 ± 27,079; P = 0.011). Additionally, the viral load increased along with the cervical cancer progression from the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage I (12,337 ± 25,604) to stage II (67,453 ± 319,821). Compared with the state of viral genome integration (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) = 0.743) or the viral load (AUC = 0.694), the E2/E6 ratio improved the effectiveness of the risk prediction of cervical cancer (AUC = 0.777), with the sensitivity (specificity) 81.2% (71.7%). The state of viral genome integration and the viral load of HPV 16 were important factors for the risk prediction of cervical cancer among Chinese women, and the E2/E6 ratio had a better cervical cancer risk prediction with age adjustment. J. Med. Virol. 85:646–654, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diagnostic and prognostic value of Ischemia‐modified albumin in patients with Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever
Authors: Mentese Ahmet , Koksal Iftihar , Sumer Aysegül Uzun , Arslan Mustafa , Karahan S. Caner , Yılmaz Gürdal
Published: January 2013

The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic and prognostic significance of ischemia modified albumin (IMA) levels in patients with Crimean‐Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF). This retrospective study was conducted with patients with CCHF. IMA levels in patients with CCHF were determined using the rapid colorimetric method. IMA levels of CCHF patients were significantly higher compared with the control group (P = 0.0001). At an IMA cut‐off point of 0.555 ABSU (absorbance units), sensitivity was 65.1%, specificity 82.5%, positive predictive values (PPV) 82.5%, and negative predictive values (NPV) 65.1%. IMA levels of patients with hemorrhage were significantly higher compared with patients without hemorrhage (P = 0.005). IMA has been validated as both a new and sensitive ischemia and oxidative stress biomarker. In addition to its diagnostic significance, IMA investigated in CCHF patients at time of arrival may be an important marker with its prognostic role in determining in the early stage whether the disease will follow a hemorrhagic course. J. Med. Virol. 85:684–688, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An overlapping Yee finite‐difference time‐domain method for material interfaces between anisotropic dielectrics and general dispersive or perfect electric conductor media
Authors: Liu Jinjie , Brio Moysey , Moloney Jerome V.
Published: January 2013

A novel stable anisotropic finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) algorithm based on the overlapping cells is developed for solving Maxwell's equations of electrodynamics in anisotropic media with interfaces between different types of materials, such as the interface between anisotropic dielectrics and dispersive medium or perfect electric conductor (PEC). The previous proposed conventional anisotropic FDTD methods suffer from the late‐time instability due to the extrapolation of the field components near the material interface. The proposed anisotropic overlapping Yee FDTD method is stable, as it relies on the overlapping cells to provide the collocated field values without any interpolation or extrapolation. Our method has been applied to simulate electromagnetic invisibility cloaking devices with both anisotropic dielectrics and PEC included in the computational domain. Numerical results and eigenvalue analysis confirm that the conventional anisotropic FDTD method is weakly unstable, whereas our method is stable. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CX3CL1/CX3CR1 regulates nerve injury‐induced pain hypersensitivity through the ERK5 signaling pathway
Authors: Sun Jian‐Liang , Xiao Chun , Lu Bo , Zhang Juan , Yuan Xiao‐zong , Chen Wei , Yu Li‐Na , Zhang Feng‐Jiang , Chen Gang , Yan Min
Published: January 2013

Peripheral nerve injury induces the cleavage of CX3CL1 from the membrane of neurons, where the soluble CX3CL1 subsequently plays an important role in the transmission of nociceptive signals between neurons and microglia. Here we investigated whether CX3CL1 regulates microglia activation through the phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase 5 (ERK5) in the spinal cord of rats with spinal nerve ligation (SNL). ERK5 and microglia were activated in the spinal cord after SNL. The knockdown of ERK5 by intrathecal injection of antisense oligonucleotides suppressed the hyperalgesia and nuclear impact of nuclear factor‐κB induced by SNL. The blockage of CX3CR1, the receptor of CX3CL1, significantly reduced the level of ERK5 activation following SNL. In addition, the antisense knockdown of ERK5 reversed the CX3CL1‐induced hyperalgesia and spinal microglia activation. Our study suggests that CX3CL1/CX3CR1 regulates nerve injury‐induced pain hypersensitivity through the ERK5 signaling pathway. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A novel neurofibromin (NF1) interaction with the leucine‐rich pentatricopeptide repeat motif‐containing protein links neurofibromatosis type 1 and the french canadian variant of leigh's syndrome in a common molecular complex
Authors: Arun Vedant , Wiley Joseph C. , Kaur Harpreet , Kaplan David R. , Guha Abhijit
Published: January 2013

Loss‐of‐function mutations and deletions in the neurofibromin tumor suppressor gene (NF1) cause neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF‐1), the most common inherited syndrome of the nervous system in humans, with a birth incidence of 1:3,000. The most visible features of NF‐1 are the neoplastic manifestations caused by the loss of Ras‐GTPase‐activating protein (Ras‐GAP) activity mediated through the GAP‐related domain (GRD) of neurofibromin (NF1), the protein encoded by NF1. However, the syndrome is also characterized by cognitive dysfunction and a number of developmental abnormalities. The molecular etiology of many of these nonneoplastic phenotypes remains unknown. Here we show that the tubulin‐binding domain (TBD) of NF1 is a binding partner of the leucine‐rich pentatricopeptide repeat motif‐containing (LRPPRC) protein. These two proteins complex with Kinesin 5B, hnRNP A2, Staufen1, and Myelin Basic Protein (MBP) mRNA, likely in RNA granules. This interaction is of interest in that it links NF‐1 with Leigh's syndrome, French Canadian variant (LSFC), an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder that arises from mutations in the LRPPRC gene. Our findings provide clues to how loss or mutation of NF1 and LRPPRC may contribute to the manifestations of NF‐1 and LSFC. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Use of hydrodistillation and headspace solid‐phase microextraction to characterize the volatile composition of different hop cultivars
Authors: Vázquez‐Araújo Laura , Rodríguez‐Solana Raquel , Cortés‐Diéguez Sandra M , Domínguez José M.
Published: January 2013

Background

Hop cones, the immature inflorescences of the female plant of Humulus lupulus L., have been used for centuries to improve the flavor of beer and can be also used for a great variety of other products. Four samples of hop, belonging to three different cultivars (Nugget, Saaz and Perle), were studied in the present work. Headspace solid‐phase microextraction and hydrodistillation techniques were used to obtain the volatile profiles of the samples.

Results

Independent of the technique employed, over 40 volatile compounds were detected in the hop pellet samples (esters, monoterpenes, monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenes and sesquiterpenoids). Sesquiterpenes and sesquiterpenoids represented the majority of the total aromatic compounds. The main compounds for all cultivars were myrcene, β‐caryophyllene and humulene, but the presence of high amounts of β‐farnesene in Saaz cultivar was highlighted.

Conclusion

Both techniques were suitable for studying qualitatively the volatile composition of hop pellets, but some differences were shown when studying the proportion of the main constituents of the volatile profiles. Understanding these differences may help researchers design future studies to advise the industry how to exploit the potential of each hop cultivar. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Development and Psychometric Evaluation of Child Acute Stress Measures in Spanish and English
Authors: Kassam‐Adams Nancy , Gold Jeffrey I. , Montaño Zorash , Kohser Kristen L. , Cuadra Anai , Muñoz Cynthia , Armstrong F. Daniel
Published: January 2013

Clinicians and researchers need tools for accurate early assessment of children's acute stress reactions and acute stress disorder (ASD). There is a particular need for independently validated Spanish‐language measures. The current study reports on 2 measures of child acute stress (a self‐report checklist and a semistructured interview), describing the development of the Spanish version of each measure and psychometric evaluation of both the Spanish and English versions. Children between the ages of 8 to 17 years who had experienced a recent traumatic event completed study measures in Spanish (n = 225) or in English (n = 254). Results provide support for reliability (internal consistency of the measures in both languages ranged from .83 to .89; cross‐language reliability of the checklist was .93) and for convergent validity (with later PTSD symptoms, and with concurrent anxiety symptoms). Comparing checklist and interview results revealed a strong association between severity scores within the Spanish and English samples. Differences between the checklist and interview in evaluating the presence of ASD appear to be linked to different content coverage for dissociation symptoms. Future studies should further assess the impact of differing assessment modes, content coverage, and the use of these measures in children with diverse types of acute trauma exposure in English‐ and Spanish‐speaking children.
Nasal nitric oxide levels do not allow for discrimination between olfactory loss due to various etiologies
Authors: Gupta Neelima , Drusch Jenny , Landis Basile N. , Hummel Thomas
Published: January 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Nasal nitric oxide (NO) and olfactory function are decreased in patients with chronic inflammatory sinonasal disease, suggesting a link between these two parameters. The aim of the study was to investigate nasal NO levels in patients with olfactory dysfunction due to different causes.

Study Design:

Prospective study in a university clinic setting (tertiary referral center).

Methods:

Posttraumatic (n = 11), idiopathic (n = 13), and sinonasal‐related olfactory‐impaired patients (n = 55) were compared with healthy subjects (n = 11). Nasal NO levels, olfactory testing (Sniffin' Sticks), and rhinosinusitis questionnaires (Short‐Form 36, Sinonasal Outcome Test 22, Rhinosinusitis Disability Index) were obtained.

Results:

No significant difference in nasal NO levels were found between the different olfactory dysfunction causes. Nasal NO correlated negatively with age and positively with overall olfactory function, olfactory discrimination, and identification but not with olfactory thresholds. The more nasal symptoms prevailed in the Rhinosinusitis Disability Index, the lower the nasal NO.

Conclusions:

Nasal NO levels do not allow for discrimination between olfactory loss due to various etiologies based on the present data. Nasal NO production seems to decrease with age and also seems to be associated to overall olfactory function and in particular to central nervous system tasks such as olfactory discrimination and identification but not to olfactory thresholds. These findings raise questions about the link and interaction between olfactory function and nasal NO.
Decreased SPLUNC1 expression is associated with pseudomonas infection in surgically treated chronic rhinosinusitis patients who may require repeated sinus surgery
Authors: Tsou Yung‐An , Chen Chuan‐Mu , Lin Tzu‐Chieh , Hu Fang‐Wei , Tai Chin‐Jann , Chen Hui‐Chen , Yeh Te‐Huei , Harn Horng‐Jyh , Tsai Ming‐Hsui , Jan Chia‐Ing
Published: January 2013

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Chronic rhinosinusitis colonized with Pseudomonas aruginosa is difficult to treat and is related to biofilm formation. Repeated sinus surgery is often required for these patients. Short palate, lung, and nasal epithelial clone 1 (SPLUNC1) is an epithelium‐secreted protein that is involved in innate immunity and has anti‐Pseudomonas and antibiofilm functions. This study examined if SPLUNC1 expression was related to sinusitis with bacterial culture positive for Pseudomonas and the possibility of using SPLUNC1 to predict treatment outcomes for sinusitis.

Study Design:

Nonrandomized retrospective study.

Methods:

This was a retrospective study of patients at a tertiary referral center. Pseudomonas aruginosa infection was compared to clinical variables such as SPLUNC1 mRNA expression levels, immunohistochemical (IHC) stain intensity, Lund‐Mackay sinus computed tomography scores, rapid recurrent sinusitis, requirement for repeat sinus surgery, Phadiatop test results, age, gender, nasal polyp(s), and patients' presence/absence of diabetes mellitus. Comparisons between groups were performed using the χ2 test or Fisher exact test when one confronter was <5. The statistical analyses were carried out with SPSS version 13.

Results:

P. aeruginosa sinus infections were associated with lower sinus mucosa SPLUNC1 expression (P = .0018), weaker SPLUNC1 IHC staining intensity (P = .011), and poor postoperative outcome (i.e., need repeated sinus surgery) (P < .001). Other factors were not associated with Pseudomonas sinus infection.

Conclusions:

Sinusitis with positive P. aeruginosa bacterial culture is associated with decreased SPLUNC1 sinus mucosa expression. Repeated sinus surgeries are more frequently needed for these patients.
Encapsulation of In Situ Nanoprecipitated Inorganic Materials in Confined Geometries Into a Polymer Shell Using Inverse Miniemulsion
Authors: Hamberger Anika , Ziener Ulrich , Landfester Katharina
Published: January 2013

Highly insoluble inorganic nanoparticles can be prepared in situ by precipitation inside of aqueous nanodroplets of cosonicated inverse miniemulsions containing salts, which are readily soluble in water. If the different salt droplets are fused, a hardly soluble salt is formed in the dispersed phase with a size considerably smaller than the size of the droplets. Subsequent encapsulation of the nanoparticles into a polymer shell is achieved by an interfacial polyaddition reaction between a polyol present in the aqueous phase and a (second) monomer (2,4‐toluene diisocyanate (TDI)) in the continuous phase. The materials are studied by transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and TGA.
Molecular Dynamics Investigation on the Inhibition of MDM2‐p53 Interaction by Polyphenols
Authors: Verma Sharad , Singh Amit , Mishra Abha
Published: January 2013

Inhibition of the MDM2‐p53 interaction has become a new therapeutic strategy to activate wild type p53 in tumors. Quercetin and taxifolin bind to p53 binding hydrophobic groove of MDM2, and alter the conformation of groove as evidenced by 65 ns molecular dynamics simulation. Quercetin showed hydrogen bonding with Gly 16, Ser 17, Phe 55 and Val 93 along with π–π interaction with His96 and π–σ with Phe 55. Taxifolin also showed similar interactions except π–σ interaction with Phe 55. Further, we found that binding of ligands lead to the dissociation of MDM2–p53 complex. These ligands form stable hydrophobic interactions with MDM2 which led to complete disruption of MDM2‐p53 hydrophobic interactions and dissociation of p53 from the complex. It was found that the π–π stacking between Tyr 51 of MDM2 and ligands is the critical event in MDM2‐p53 dissociation.
Accelerated MRI by SPEED with generalized sampling schemes
Authors: Jin Zhaoyang , Xiang Qing‐San
Published: January 2013

Purpose

To enhance the fast imaging technique of skipped phase encoding (PE) and edge deghosting (SPEED) for more general sampling options, and thus more flexibility in implementations and applications.

Methods

SPEED uses skipped PE steps to accelerate MRI scan. Previously, the PE skip size was chosen from prime numbers only. This restriction has been relaxed in this study to allow choice of any integers rather than merely prime numbers. Various sampling patterns were studied under all possible combinations of PE skip size and PE shifts. A criterion based on the rank values of ghost phasor matrices was introduced to evaluate SPEED reconstruction.

Results

The reconstruction quality was found to correlate with the rank value of the ghost phasor matrix and the skipped PE size N. A low‐rank value indicates a singular matrix that causes failure of the SPEED reconstruction. Composite numbers combined with appropriately chosen PE shifts yielded satisfactory reconstruction results.

Conclusion

With properly chosen PE shifts, it was found that any integers, including both prime numbers and composite numbers, could be used as PE skip size for SPEED. This finding allows much more flexible data acquisition options that may lead to more freedom in practical implementations and applications. Magn Reson Med 70:1674–1681, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantitative facial muscle ultrasound: Feasibility and reproducibility
Authors: Alfen Nens Van , Gilhuis H. Jacobus , Keijzers Jurre P. , Pillen Sigrid , Van Dijk Johannes P.
Published: January 2013

Introduction

In this study we describe a protocol for quantitative ultrasound of facial muscles (procerus, zygomaticus major, levator labii superior, depressor anguli oris, mentalis, orbicularis oris pars labialis, orbicularis oris pars marginalis). Methods: Muscle thickness (MT) and echo intensity (EI) were measured in 12 healthy subjects and a myotonic dystrophy type 1 patient. Results: MTs ranged from 0.15 to 0.30 mm, except for the procerus muscle (0.06 mm). EIs ranged from 1 to 34, except for the procerus muscle. MT reproducibility was fair for the orbicularis oris pars labialis, excellent for the procerus and levator labii, and good for the other muscles. The myotonic dystrophy type 1 patient showed high EIs, outside the range in healthy subjects in 6 of the 7 muscles. MT was lower than the range seen in healthy subjects in 4 muscles. Conclusion: Quantitative muscle ultrasound of the facial muscles is feasible and shows moderate to excellent reproducibility. Muscle Nerve 48: 375–380, 2013
Characteristics of Adult Education Students and Factors Which Determine Course Completion: A Review
Authors: Sheets Mary Flanagan
Published: January 2013

This paper reviews research on participants and persistence in distance education. The purpose of the paper is to relate selected research findings (contained in published journals or ERIC documents) on participants and persistence to a theoretical framework based on the literature of adult education and distance education. The findings are divided into three categories: descriptive research on distance education participants’ characteristics; comparisons of distance students and conventional students; and studies of student characteristics as they relate to persistence in distance education courses and programs. Selected findings in the latter category are further related to other theories of distance education.
A System for Discerning and Analyaing the Present State of Adult Education Dissertation Research
Authors: Lifvendahl Thomas A.
Published: January 2013

The field of adult education represented in the dissertations of its seventy‐seven graduate programs has expanded in the last 70 years to include a wide range of practices and professional interests. The purpose of this article is to describe the creation of a classification schema capable of indexing this growth. Utilizing historical inquiry and cataloging techniques, the author has created a system for adult education researchers to investigate the knowledge base of adult education dissertations. This schema, The Roger DeCrow/William Rainey Harper Memorial International Classification System of Adult Continuing Education, represents an extensive reformulation of an existing 1960s‐era proto system. The schema was used to code the combined dissertation databases of the Research and Evaluation in Adult Continuing Education (RE/ACE) Office of Northern Illinois University and University Microfilms International (UMI). RE/ACE's data are based on the yearly compilation of dissertations submitted by members of the Commission of Professors of Adult Education (CPAE), while UMI's data encompass all dissertations under their code 0516 (education, adult and continuing). The resulting blended databases will eventually be place on a World Wide Web (W3) listserve through the College of Education at Northern Illinois University. (NIU).
Internet Courses, Mature Learners: Two Undervalued Market Segments
Authors: Towell Elizabeth , Neeley Lynn
Published: January 2013

Use of the World Wide Web (WWW) for instruction has grown dramatically in the last two years. Almost every major university in the US has some distance education offering. Increasing competition and shrinking resources within public institutions have accelerated the growth of this technological innovation. Recent press on the subject suggests, however, that “education at a distance” is meeting tremendous resistance in some corners.
Audio Professional Development Workshops Less Glamorous More Cost Effective
Authors: Frey Barbara , Overfield Karen
Published: January 2013

This article reviews the use of audio professional workshops, along with advantages and disadvantages. An example provides details covered in the planning and carrying out of a specific audio workshop. The authors provide extensive practical considerations, as well as specific areas to consider in the design, development, and delivery of an audio professional workshop.