bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating Sahelian and East African soil moisture using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index
Authors: McNally A. , Funk C. , Husak G. J. , Michaelsen J. , Cappelaere B. , Demarty J. , Pellarin T. , Young T. P. , Caylor K. K. , Riginos C. , Veblen K. E.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Rainfall gauge networks in Sub-Saharan Africa are inadequate for assessing Sahelian agricultural drought, hence satellite-based estimates of precipitation and vegetation indices such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) provide the main source of information for early warning systems. While it is common practice to translate precipitation into estimates of soil moisture, it is difficult to quantitatively compare precipitation and soil moisture estimates with variations in NDVI. In the context of agricultural drought early warning, this study quantitatively compares rainfall, soil moisture and NDVI using a simple statistical model to translate NDVI values into estimates of soil moisture. The model was calibrated using in-situ soil moisture observations from southwest Niger, and then used to estimate root zone soil moisture across the African Sahel from 2001–2012. We then used these NDVI-soil moisture estimates (NSM) to quantify agricultural drought, and compared our results with a precipitation-based estimate of soil moisture (the Antecedent Precipitation Index, API), calibrated to the same in-situ soil moisture observations. We also used in-situ soil moisture observations in Mali and Kenya to assess performance in other water-limited locations in sub Saharan Africa. The separate estimates of soil moisture were highly correlated across the semi-arid, West and Central African Sahel, where annual rainfall exhibits a uni-modal regime. We also found that seasonal API and NDVI-soil moisture showed high rank correlation with a crop water balance model, capturing known agricultural drought years in Niger, indicating that this new estimate of soil moisture can contribute to operational drought monitoring. In-situ soil moisture observations from Kenya highlighted how the rainfall-driven API needs to be recalibrated in locations with multiple rainy seasons (e.g., Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia). Our soil moisture estimates from NDVI, on the other hand, performed well in Niger, Mali and Kenya. This suggests that the NDVI-soil moisture relationship may be more robust across rainfall regimes than the API because the relationship between NDVI and plant available water is less reliant on local characteristics (e.g., infiltration, runoff, evaporation) than the relationship between rainfall and soil moisture.
Assessing social capacity and vulnerability of private households to natural hazards – integrating psychological and governance factors
Authors: Werg J. , Grothmann T. , Schmidt P.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. People are unequally affected by extreme weather events in terms of mortality, morbidity and financial losses; this is the case not only for developing, but also for industrialized countries. Previous research has established indicators for identifying who is particularly vulnerable and why, focusing on socio-demographic factors such as income, age, gender, health and minority status. However, these factors can only partly explain the large disparities in the extent to which people are affected by natural hazards. Moreover, these factors are usually not alterable in the short to medium term, which limits their usefulness for strategies of reducing social vulnerability and building social capacity. Based on a literature review and an expert survey, we propose an approach for refining assessments of social vulnerability and building social capacity by integrating psychological and governance factors.
Features of criticality in precursory seismic electric signals and earthquakes in Greece
Authors: Dologlou E.
Published: June 2013

Abstract. Very recently the recordings of precursory seismic electric signals (SESsf) in the island of Kozu-shima, Japan, have been reported, and their interrelation with subsequent earthquakes was shown to be beyond chance. Almost simultaneously, the recording of SES activity in northern Greece was also reported, which was followed by a magnitude 5.7 earthquake in northern Greece. These facts strengthen the aspects on the precursory nature of SESs and also enable the updating of a previously found power law relation between the earthquake stress drop and the lead time of SESs. They led to an exponent of 0.330, which falls in the range of critical exponents for fracture. The stability of this exponent, which results from a large amount of data during the last 30 yr, is remarkable and may thus confirm features of criticality in the pre-seismic region after the SES emission. The underlying physics are also discussed.
Cosmopolitanism — Beyond the ‘Beautiful Idea’
Authors: Morris Lydia
Published: June 2013

This article outlines the key features of the ‘big idea’ of cosmopolitanism (Beck 2002), which are viewed against a set of commonly recognised countervailing forces. The article then argues for both conceptual elaboration and empirical observation to be focused on the social processes which mediate between the normative ideal and concrete manifestations of cosmopolitanism. Examples are provided in relation to three issues: the allocation of rights, participation through law, and the concept of the world citizen.
A road in the middle of one of the last wild reindeer migration routes in Norway: crossing behaviour and threats to conservation
Authors: Panzacchi Manuela , Van Moorter Bram , Strand Olav
Published: June 2013

The development of roads and associated infrastructure has interrupted several traditional migrations of wild reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) in Norway. The population in the Setesdal Austhei wild reindeer area still migrates from winter to calving grounds by semi-annually crossing a cabin-lined road through a narrow corridor, in which further anthropogenic development is planned. To understand if and how infrastructure affected reindeer migration patterns we studied the movements of 10 female reindeer equipped with GPS collars between 2002 and 2010. First, we identified the start and end of the migration period, and then we compared trajectory parameters (net displacement, step length and turning angles) recorded during migration with those recorded in proximity of the road. The analysis of the net displacement indicated that during spring migration reindeer moved at a constant pace towards the calving ground covering a net linear distance of 25 km in 40 days. In the middle of migration, reindeer changed travel direction and roamed parallel to the road for ca. 5 days without approaching further, possibly searching for an undisturbed place and time to cross. Reindeer finally crossed the road before daylight with highly directed movements, increasing their travel speed up to the highest values recorded during migration (4 km/3 hrs vs. 0.5 km/3 hrs). After crossing, reindeer moved quickly toward their calving ground covering the remaining 25 km net distance in less than a week. Migration patterns were markedly affected by disturbance during spring, as the road crossings occurred in the period characterized by the high traffic volume and intense human activities related to Easter holidays; during autumn, on the contrary, the hampering effect of the road was minimal. The results suggest that the current disturbance associated to the road hampers spring migration and might delay the arrival to the calving ground. The planned construction of a large number of recreational cabins in the migration corridor has the potential to threaten the migration and obstruct the access to the calving ground.
Differences in parasite diversity, prevalence, and intensity assessed through analyses of fecal samples from two West Greenland caribou populations
Authors: Steele Jillian , Cuyler Christine , Orsel Karin , Kutz Susan J.
Published: June 2013

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Have geographical influences and changing abundance led to sub-population structure in the Ahiak caribou herd, Nunavut, Canada?
Authors: Gunn Anne , Poole Kim G. , Wierzchowski Jack , Nishi John S. , Adamczewski Jan , Russell Don , D'Hont Adrian
Published: June 2013

We examined the premise that changing abundance and environmental conditions influence the seasonal dispersion and distribution of migratory tundra caribou (Rangifer tarandus groenlandicus). The Ahiak herd’s (north-central Nunavut Territory, Canada) calving shifted from dispersed on islands to gregarious calving on the mainland coast. As abundance further increased, the calving ground elongated east and west such that we proposed a longitudinal climate gradient. As well, the calving ground’s east and west ends are different distances from the tree-line, which dips south closer to Hudson Bay. We proposed that whether caribou winter on the tundra or within boreal forest and the different climate across the long calving ground could contribute to differential survival and productivity such that sub-population structure would result. At the scale of the individual cows (identified through satellite-collars), we did not find inter-annual spatial fidelity to either the western or eastern parts of the calving ground. At the population scale (aerial surveys of calving distribution), we also did not find discontinuities in calving distribution. The spatial association of individual cows during calving compared with their association during the rut was inconsistent among years, but overall, cows that calve together, rut together. At this time and with the available evidence, we could not infer sub-population structure from shifts in dispersion and distribution as influenced by geography and changes in abundance for the Ahiak herd.
Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic‐Based Drug Interactions for Therapeutic Proteins
Authors: Lu Dan , Girish Sandhya , Theil Frank‐Peter , Joshi Amita
Published: June 2013

This chapter reviews the major absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion(ADME) pathways of therapeutic proteins (TPs), summarizes the potential mechanisms of pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD)‐based TP‐drug interactions (DIs), and recommends a question‐based therapeutic protein‐drug interaction risk assessment strategy during clinical development. The DIs for some nonprotein biologics such as nucleic acid‐based derivatives are reviewed in other chapters.
Utility ofIn VitroMethods in Drug–Drug Interaction Assessment and Prediction for Therapeutic Biologics
Authors: Nguyen Theresa , Kishnani Narendra , Evers Raymond
Published: June 2013

Due to the long half‐life of commonly used therapeutic proteins (TPs) such as mAbs and the difficulty in many cases to recruit patients for trial enrollment, the conduct of well‐designed clinical interaction studies is generally costly and difficult. Therefore, there is astrong desire to developin vitroapproaches allowing predictions of whether significantinteractions between TPs and small molecules are likely. This chapter providesan overview of the current literature on the effects of proinflammatory cytokines on absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) genesin vitroand provides a perspective on the current challenges and future opportunities to establish improvedin vitrosystems.
Use of Animal Models for Projection of Clinical Drug–Drug Interactions for Therapeutic Proteins
Authors: Kraynov Eugenia , Dowty Martin E.
Published: June 2013

The use of
in vitro
human systems to predict clinical drug–drug interactions (DDIs) of small molecules mediated through cytochrome P450 metabolism has seen significant value. However, DDI mediated through non‐P450 mechanisms requires greater effort to understand
in vitro
–
in vivo
correlations (IVIVCs). Although, as shown in this chapter, the preclinical DDI assessment for therapeutic proteins can theoretically be addressed by using
in vitro
human systems alone, the relevance of the
in vitro
data in the context of a more complex
in vivo
system requires greater validation.
In vivo
animal models can potentially help bridge this gap.
Drug Interactions of Cytokines and Anticytokine Therapeutic Proteins
Authors: Slatter J. Greg , Wienkers Larry C. , Dickmann Leslie J.
Published: June 2013

The suppression of drug metabolism by proinflammatory cytokines and the relief of suppression by disease treatment are a current issue in the development of drug interaction labels for new biologic products. This topic has been the subject of a number of recent reviews that capture the history of related work as well as current regulatory and pharmaceutical industry thinking. This chapter provides an overview of some recent data developed in industrially relevant preclinical models and outlines the pros and cons of these models with respect to the generation of actionable data—that is, data that are robust enough to preclude the need for a clinical drug–disease interaction study and/or a class label for a new cytokine or anticytokine therapeutic agent.
Drug–Drug Interactions for Nucleic Acid‐Based Derivatives
Authors: Wang Jian , Zhao Hong
Published: June 2013

Antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are perhaps the most direct therapeutic strategy to target RNA. Currently, ASOs make up the major investigational new drug (IND) submissions for oligonucleotide drug development. These ASOs are designed to bind to the target RNA by well‐characterized Watson‐Crick base pairing and, once bound to the target RNA, modulate its function through a variety of postbinding events. In this chapter, the primary information used for summarizing drug‐drug interactions (DDIs) of oligonucleotides comes from the first‐ and second‐generation ASOs because the currently published DDI studies are mostly focused on these classes of oligonucleotides. When possible, information on other classes of oligonucleotides is presented in the context of these base classes.
Tumor‐Targeted Nanoparticles: State‐of‐the‐Art and Remaining Challenges
Authors: Bajaj Gaurav , Yeo Yoon
Published: June 2013

This chapter discusses the rationale of targeted nanomedicines, different approaches to achieve this goal, current challenges, and considerations for their future development. Here, nanomedicines refer to particulate materials with a diameter in nanometer scale, prepared with natural or synthetic polymers, lipids, or inorganic solids, in the form of polymer‐drug conjugates, liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) or micelles, dendrimers, nanotubes, nanocrystals, nanorods, nanoshells, or nanocages. Nanomedicines used as a carrier of a drug are often called nanocarriers. Nanoparticles and nanocarriers are also interchangeably used. Throughout this chapter, the term “nanoparticles” will represent various types of nanocarriers.
Lipid Nanoparticles for the Delivery of Nucleic Acids
Authors: Wang Yuhua , Huang Leaf
Published: June 2013

This chapter elucidates the extracellular and intracellular barriers that lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) encounter after systemic administration. Understanding the challenges in the delivery will lead to a rational design of novel lipid molecules or nanometric devices that could address these challenges. A bottom‐up strategy is also provided in this chapter to identify the latest progression in lipid component development in the LNPs, andvarious formulations that were exploited to encapsulate nucleic acid for successfulin vivodelivery are compared. The nucleic acids in this review include pDNA, siRNA, and antisense oligonucleotide (ODN), which serveeither for gain of function or for loss of function to treat various diseases.
Photosensitive Liposomes as Potential Targeted Therapeutic Agents
Authors: Thompson David H. , Shum Pochi , Gerasimov Oleg V. , Qualls Marquita
Published: June 2013

This work describes the synthesis of a hexadecyl‐modified anthracene‐based photoacid generator for use as alight‐activated trigger, which will induce contents release from phospholipid1,2‐dioleoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphoethanolamine (DOPE):lysoplasmenylcholine liposomes. The liposomes containing photosensitizers such as bacteriochlorophylla or aluminum phthalocyaninetetrasulfonate are also described. Finally, biodistribution of aluminum phthalocyaninetetrasulfonate loaded liposomes in a murine tumor xenograft model is discussed.
Multifunctional Dendritic Nanocarriers: The Architecture and Applications in Targeted Drug Delivery
Authors: Pearson Ryan M. , Bae Jin Woo , Hong Seungpyo
Published: June 2013

In this chapter, promising dendritic systems are highlighted and theirlimitations are discussed; recent approaches to overcoming these drawbacks are also outlined. Important architectural parameters used torationally design various dendritic materials are provided, while dendritic structure‐related toxicity, biodistribution, cellular uptake, and multivalency are also described in detail. Using several examples, it is shown how dendrimers and dendrons havebeen designed and used as targeted drug delivery vehicles for cancer diagnosis andtreatments in particular. Dendritic materials possessing multifunctionalarchitectures are expected to have a significant impact on the way cancer isprevented, diagnosed, treated, and ultimately cured in the future.
Polymer–Drug Nanoconjugates
Authors: Tong Rong , Tang Li , Gabrielson Nathan P. , Yin Qian , Cheng Jianjun
Published: June 2013

It is expected that the field of polymeric nanomedicine will dramatically change the landscape of oncology in several important ways. Two strategies for loading drugs into nanoparticles have been used: to encapsulate drugs within nanoparticles via noncovalent bonds and to formulate nanoparticles using polymer‐drug conjugates. This chapter will examine the pros and cons of each strategy and will introduce new polymer–drug conjugates—called nanoconjugates—to address the challenges faced by both strategies. Also discussed in this chapter are topics related to regioselective polymer–drug conjugation chemistry,in vitroformulation and characterization, and preliminaryin vivostudies that highlight the potential clinical translation of nanoconjugates.
Clearance of Nanoparticles During Circulation
Authors: Lee Seung‐Young , Cheng Ji‐Xin
Published: June 2013

Nanoparticles are regarded as efficient drug delivery systems because they possess strong drug loading capacity and can pass through anatomical barriers easily. Specifically, the discovery of tumor‐specific ligands allowed more efficient delivery of nanoparticles to cancer cells. The blood‐circulation time is a key factor in determining the targeting efficiency of nanoparticles, and the rate of biological clearance is classified into three categories: (i) disintegration of nanoparticles by protein adsorption, (ii) opsonization‐mediated nanoparticle removal by immune cells, and (iii) filtration by organs with fenestrated vasculature. This chapter discusses these three categories as well as strategies to modify nanoparticles to extend the circulation time of nanoparticles in the blood stream.
Drug Delivery Strategies for Combating Multiple Drug Resistance
Authors: Nichols Joseph W. , Bae You Han
Published: June 2013

Although cancer research has been steady for the past 40 years, only modest gains have been observed in reducing cancer mortality rates, most significantly from prevention campaigns and less from drug therapy. This chapter outlines major mechanisms of drug resistance in tumors, emphasizing the contribution of each mechanism to the whole classification called multiple drug resistance (MDR), which is the simultaneous resistance to a wide range of drugs unrelated in structure or mechanism of action. For patients who demonstrate MDR markers, clinical outcomes tend to be poor. The chapter then samples innovative strategies to circumvent or overcome these resistance mechanisms, including the use of nanoparticles and new treatments that overcome drug delivery barriers.
Intracellular Trafficking of Nanoparticles: Implications for Therapeutic Efficacy of the Encapsulated Drug
Authors: Niu Lin , Panyam Jayanth
Published: June 2013

The cell membrane presents a formidable barrier to the entry of many drugs, which is required for therapeutic effects to take place. Delivery systems that facilitate the intracellular accumulation of drug molecules could improve therapeutic efficacy. In the last decade, studies from several laboratories have shown that encapsulation of a drug in polymeric nanoparticles can improve intracellular delivery. This chapter examines the intracellular trafficking of polymeric nanoparticles and the impact of modulating this trafficking on the therapeutic performance of the encapsulated drug.
Liver‐Specific and Echogenic Hyaluronic Acid Nanoparticles Facilitating Liver Cancer Discrimination
Authors: Min Hyun Su , Son Sejin , Lee Tae Woong , Koo Heebeom , Yoon Hong Yeol , Na Jin Hee , Choi Yongseok , Park Jae Hyung , Lee Jaeyoung , Han Moon Hee , Park Rang‐Woon , Kim In‐San , Jeong Seo Young , Rhee Kyehan , Kim Sun Hwa , Kwon Ick Chan , Kim Kwangmeyung
Published: June 2013

With the increasing demand for instant real‐time ultrasound (US) imaging of a specific organ, target‐specific and long‐circulating ultrasound contrast agents are of special interest. A new species of echogenic hyaluronic acid nanoparticles is presented as an ultralong‐acting, liver‐specific, US contrast agent that is distinct from conventional gas‐filled microbubbles. Using an oil‐in‐water (O/W) emulsification method, bioinert and hydrophobic perfluoropentane (PFP) is encapsulated as an ultrasound gas precursor into hyaluronic acid nanoparticles (HANPs) using hydrophobic interactions. HANPs are formulated by self‐assembly, with amphiphilic hyaluronic acid‐5β‐cholanic acid (HA‐CA) conjugating in aqueous conditions. The resulting echogenic PFP‐encapsulated HANPs (Echo‐NPs) show solid nanostructures, differentiated from core‐empty conventional microbubbles, and exhibiting outstanding physical properties as an ultrasound contrast agent. They are more stable and robust echogenic solid bodies with an in vivo favorable hydrodynamic size and because PFPs vaporize gradually, their expansion process is very slow in body conditions. After several systemic circulations, echo‐NPs generated intense and ultralong echo signals for US imaging at the target site. The echogenic properties of Echo‐NPs show a significantly increased half‐life and echo persistence, compared with conventional microbubbles. The results clearly show that echo‐NPs outperform conventional microbubbles in terms of both physical and echogenic in vitro and in vivo properties.
Double emulsions of immiscible polymer blends stabilized by interfacially active nanoparticles
Authors: Li Qiong , Huang Yajiang , Xi Shuting , Yang Qi , Li Guangxian
Published: June 2013

The stability of particle‐stabilized double emulsions under flow is of great scientific and technical interest in many fields. In this work, a two‐step mixing procedure was adopted to produce double emulsions based on viscous polyisobutylene (PIB)/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) blends and a small amount of interfacially active hydrophobic silica nanoparticles were used to stabilize the morphology. The structures of nanoparticle‐stabilized double emulsions with varying blend ratios and nanoparticle concentrations were investigated via optical microscopy and rheology technique. It was found that increasing the nanoparticle content effectively facilitated the formation of double emulsion droplets under shear flow and improved their stabilities. Rheology results suggested that these nanoparticle‐stabilized double emulsions displayed a slower relaxation dynamics. Decreasing the concentration of dispersed phase was in favor of the generation of more stable double emulsions, possibly due to the higher particle coverage at the interface between two phases. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 4373–4382, 2013
The hidden cost of moving up: Type 2 diabetes and the escape from persistent poverty in the American South
Authors: Steckel Richard H.
Published: June 2013

Objectives

The paper tests the thrifty phenotype hypothesis, according to which nonharmonious growth trajectories are costly for adult health.

Methods

The American surge in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes is concentrated in the South, a region characterized by a long history of poverty followed by rapid economic growth beginning in the 1960s. Civil rights legislation further accelerated income growth for African‐Americans in the region. The paper investigates the hypothesis by using per capita income at the state level as a proxy for net nutritional conditions.

Results

Regressions at the state level explain 56% of the variation in the prevalence rate of type 2 diabetes in 2009 using two explanatory variables: the ratio of per capita income in 1980 to that in 1950 and the share of the population that was African‐American. The paper discusses ways that rapid economic growth may have translated into weight gain and type 2 diabetes.

Conclusions

If the thrifty phenotype hypothesis is correct, future rates in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes are predictable based on income history. The forecast for rapidly developing countries such as India and China are ominous. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 25:508–515, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Terrestriality in the bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus morio) and implications for their ecology and conservation
Authors: Loken Brent , Spehar Stephanie , Rayadin Yaya
Published: June 2013

Aside from anecdotal evidence, terrestriality in orangutans (Pongo spp.) has not been quantified or subject to careful study and important questions remain about the extent and contexts of terrestrial behavior. Understanding the factors that influence orangutan terrestriality also has significant implications for their conservation. Here we report on a camera trapping study of terrestrial behavior in the northeastern Bornean orangutan, Pongo pygmaeus morio, in Wehea Forest, East Kalimantan, Indonesia. We used 78 non‐baited camera traps set in 43 stations along roads, trails, and at mineral licks (sepans) to document the frequency of orangutan terrestriality. Habitat assessments were used to determine how terrestrial behavior was influenced by canopy connectivity. We compared camera trapping results for P. p. morio to those for a known terrestrial primate (Macaca nemestrina), and another largely arboreal species (Presbytis rubicunda) to assess the relative frequency of terrestrial behavior by P. p. morio. A combined sampling effort of 14,446 trap days resulted in photographs of at least 15 individual orangutans, with females being the most frequently recorded age sex class (N = 32) followed by flanged males (N = 26 records). P. p. morio represented the second most recorded primate (N = 110 total records) of seven primate species recorded. Capture scores for M. nemestrina (0.270) and P. p. morio (0.237) were similar and almost seven times higher than for the next most recorded primate, P. rubicunda (0.035). In addition, our results indicate that for orangutans, there was no clear relationship between canopy connectivity and terrestriality. Overall, our data suggest that terrestriality is relatively common for the orangutans in Wehea Forest and represents a regular strategy employed by individuals of all age−sex classes. As Borneo and Sumatra increasingly become characterized by mixed‐use habitats, understanding the ecological requirements and resilience in orangutans is necessary for designing optimal conservation strategies. Am. J. Primatol. 75:1129–1138, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Thin Films that Consist of CuO Mesocrystal Nanosheets: An Application of Microbial‐Mineralization‐Inspired Approaches to Thin‐Film Formation
Authors: Ikeda Tatsuya , Oaki Yuya , Imai Hiroaki
Published: June 2013

Thin films of copper oxides can be synthesized on substrates by using approaches that are inspired by microbial mineralization processes. In nature, precipitates of manganese and iron oxides with controlled oxidation states and crystal phases are produced through biomineralization by microorganisms. We have previously reported microbial‐mineralization‐inspired approaches that are comprised of direct and intermediate routes for the controlled syntheses of transition‐metal oxides. Herein, these approaches are applied to the thin‐film formation and coating of copper oxides and a related compound with controlled crystal phases and morphologies. Thin films of CuO, Cu2O, and Cu2(OH)3Cl were selectively synthesized by using direct or intermediate routes. Notably, CuO mesocrystal nanosheets formed a thin film over the whole of the substrate. The resultant CuO mesocrystal nanosheets showed enhanced properties for the electrochemical detection of dopamine. This study shows the potential applicability of microbial‐mineralization‐inspired approaches to thin‐film coatings.
Development and validation of a sensitive spectrofluorimetric method for the determination of amoxapine in human plasma and urine
Authors: Karasakal Ayça , Ulu Sevgi Tatar
Published: June 2013

A selective and sensitive spectrofluorimetric method was developed and validated for the determination of amoxapine in human plasma and urine. The developed method is based on labeling with 5‐dimethylaminonaphthalene‐1‐sulfonyl chloride (dansyl chloride) and monitoring at 397 nm (excitation)/514 nm (emission). The method was validated for linearity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), precision, accuracy, recovery and robustness. The calibration curves were linear over a concentration range of 250–2500 and 50–1250 ng/mL for plasma and urine, respectively. The LOD values were calculated to be 13.31 and 13.17 ng/mL for plasma and urine, respectively. The proposed method was applied to study of amoxapine in human plasma and urine. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Overcoming co‐product inhibition in the nicotinamide independent asymmetric bioreduction of activated CC‐bonds using flavin‐dependent ene‐reductases
Authors: Winkler Christoph K. , Clay Dorina , van Heerden Esta , Faber Kurt
Published: June 2013

Eleven flavoproteins from the old yellow enzyme family were found to catalyze the disproportionation (“dismutation”) of conjugated enones. Incomplete conversions, which were attributed to enzyme inhibition by the co‐product phenol could be circumvented via in situ co‐product removal by scavenging the phenol using the polymeric adsorbent MP‐carbonate. The optimized system allowed to reduce an alkene activated by ester groups in a “coupled‐substrate” approach via nicotinamide‐free hydrogen transfer with >90% conversion and complete stereoselectivity. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013;110: 3085–3092. © 2013 The Authors. Biotechnology and Bioengineering Published by Willey Periodicals, Inc.
Hydrophobic cryogels for DNA adsorption: Effect of embedding of monosize microbeads into cryogel network on their adsorptive performances
Authors: Emin Çorman M. , Bereli Nilay , Özkara Serpil , Uzun Lokman , Denizli Adil
Published: June 2013

As alternative hydrophobic adsorbent for DNA adsorption, supermacroporous cryogel disks were synthesized via free radical polymerization. In this study, we have prepared two kinds of cryogel disks: (i) poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate‐N‐methacryloyl‐l‐tryptophan) [p(HEMA‐MATrp)] cryogel containing specific hydrophobic ligand MATrp; and (ii) monosize p(HEMA‐MATrp) particles synthesized via suspension polymerization embedded into p(HEMA) cryogel structure to obtain p(HEMA‐MATrp)/p(HEMA) composite cryogel disks. These cryogel disks containing hydrophobic functional group were characterized via swelling studies, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, surface area measurements and scanning electron microscopy. DNA adsorption onto both p(HEMA‐MATrp) cryogel and p(HEMA‐MATrp)/p(HEMA) composite cryogels was investigated. Maximum adsorption of DNA on p(HEMA‐MATrp) cryogel was found to be 15 mg/g polymer. Otherwise, p(HEMA‐MATrp)/p(HEMA) composite cryogels significantly increased the DNA adsorption capacity to 38 mg/g polymer. Composite cryogels could be used repeatedly without significant loss on adsorption capacity after 10 repetitive adsorption–desorption cycles. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development and validation of an RP‐HPLC method for the quantitation of Orteronel (TAK‐700), a CYP17A1 enzyme inhibitor, in rat plasma and its application to a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Kumar Avinash , S Vijay Kumar , Gurav Sandip , Zainuddin Mohd , Dewang Purushottam , Kethiri Raghava Reddy , Rajagopal Sriram , Mullangi Ramesh
Published: June 2013

A novel, simple, specific, sensitive and reproducible high‐performance liquid chromatography assay method has been developed and validated for the estimation of Orteronel in rat plasma. The bioanalytical procedure involves extraction of Orteronel and phenacetin (internal standard) from rat plasma with a simple liquid–liquid extraction process. The chromatographic analysis was performed on a Waters Alliance system using a gradient mobile phase conditions at a flow rate of 1 mL/min and a C18 column maintained at ambient room temperature. The eluate was monitored using a photodiode array detector set at 242. Orteronel and internal standard eluted at 4.8 and 6.2 min, respectively and the total run time was 9 min. Method validation was performed as per US Food and Drug Administration guidelines and the results met the acceptance criteria. The calibration curve was linear over a concentration range of 100–3149 ng/mL (r2 = 0.995). The intra‐ and inter‐day precisions were in the ranges of 0.31–7.87 and 3.97–6.35, respectively, in rat plasma. The validated HPLC method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study of Orteronel in rats. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Propolis reduces oxidative stress in l‐NAME‐induced hypertension rats
Authors: Selamoglu Talas Zeliha
Published: June 2013

The inhibition in the synthesis or bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO) has an important role in progress of hypertension. The blocking of nitric oxide synthase activity may cause vasoconstriction with the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Propolis is a resinous substance collected by honey bees from various plants. Propolis has biological and pharmacological properties. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of propolis on catalase (CAT) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) and NO levels in the testis tissues of hypertensive rats by Nω‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME).

Rats have received nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (l‐NAME, 40 mg kg−1, intraperitoneally) for 15 days to produce hypertension and propolis (200 mg kg−1, by gavage) during the last 5 days. MDA level in l‐NAME‐treated group significantly increased compared with control group (P < 0.01). MDA level of l‐NAME + propolis‐treated rats significantly reduced (P < 0.01) compared with l‐NAME‐treated group. CAT activity and NO level significantly reduced (P < 0.01) in l‐NAME group compared with control group. There were no statistically significant increases in the CAT activity and NO level of the l‐NAME + propolis group compared with the l‐NAME‐treated group (P > 0.01).

These results suggest that propolis changes CAT activity, NO and MDA levels in testis of l‐NAME‐treated animals, and so it may modulate the antioxidant system. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Delayed migration of sapien valve following a transcatheter mitral valve‐in‐valve implantation
Authors: Bapat Vinayak (Vinnie) Nilkanth , Khaliel Feras , Ihleberg Leo
Published: June 2013

We report two cases of delayed migration of the Sapien XT device after a successful mitral valve‐in‐valve (VIV) implantation. The procedure was performed through a transapical approach. Echocardiography was used to choose the size of the Sapien XT device. Although the immediate results were satisfactory both the cases presented with severe regurgitation (1 week and 3 months). Investigations revealed atrial migration of the Sapien device in both the cases, which was confirmed at the time of reoperation. We discuss possible mechanisms, which could have resulted in the delayed migration and highlight the difference between VIV procedures in mitral position versus other positions. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Predictors of high‐risk angiographic findings in patients with non‐ST‐segment elevation acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Beigel Roy , Matetzky Shlomi , Gavrielov‐Yusim Natalie , Fefer Paul , Gottlieb Shmuel , Zahger Doron , Atar Shaul , Finkelstein Ariel , Roguin Ariel , Goldenberg Ilan , Kornowski Ran , Segev Amit ,   for the ACSIS and ACSIS‐PCI 2010 Investigators
Published: June 2013

Background

Current risk assessment of patients with non‐ST‐elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE‐ACS) may fail to identify some patients with severe coronary artery disease (CAD). We aimed to identify predictors of the angiographic extent and severity of CAD in patients with NSTE‐ACS undergoing early angiography and to evaluate its impact on prognosis.

Methods

We evaluated 923 patients with NSTE‐ACS who underwent coronary angiography. High‐risk coronary anatomy (HRCA) was defined as left main disease > 50%, proximal LAD lesion > 70%, or 2‐ to 3‐vessel disease involving the LAD. Clinical characteristics, in‐hospital, and 30‐day outcome and 1‐year mortality were compared between the high‐risk (N = 370) and the low‐risk groups (N = 553).

Results

Proportion of patients with elevated cardiac biomarkers was similar in both groups. The presence of peripheral vascular disease (OR = 1.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.62–5.80, P < 0.001) and a GRACE score of >140 (OR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.29–2.75, P < 0.001) were the strongest predictors of HRCA. Patients with HRCA were prone to more complications during hospitalization and at 30 days (11.9% vs. 6%, P < 0.01) and increased 1‐year mortality (6.7% vs. 0.9%, P < 0.001). HRCA was the strongest predictor for 30‐day MACCE (OR = 2.32, 95% CI = 1.42–3.79, P < 0.001). HRCA (OR = 8.36, 95% CI = 1.01–69.4, P = 0.049; OR = 3.64, 95% CI = 1.2–11.07, P = 0.02) and GRACE score of >140 (OR = 6.86, 95% CI = 1.68–27.9, P = 0.007; OR = 4.84, 95% CI = 1.74–13.5, P = 0.002) were significant predictors of 30‐day and 1‐year mortality, respectively.

Conclusions

HRCA is predicted by clinical parameters and was not associated with elevated cardiac biomarkers. These patients fared worse when compared with those with low‐risk anatomy. We suggest that HRCA predictors should be included in the risk stratification of patients with NSTE‐ACS. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Acute limb ischemia due to abdominal compartment syndrome
Authors: Maeda Atsuo , Wakabayashi Kohei , Suzuki Hiroshi
Published: June 2013

Acute limb ischemia (ALI) is caused by embolisms or progressive atherosclerosis. We report the case of a 68‐year‐old female who presented with acute total occlusion of left iliac artery due to remarkably massive ascites from pancreatic cancer. To our knowledge, no other case reports of ALI caused by acute compartment syndrome have been published. We treated our case successfully by draining the ascites fluid without any balloon angioplasty or stent implantation. The removal of extrinsic compression may be the best treatment for cases of this type. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional diagnosis of coronary stenoses using pressure drop coefficient: A pilot study in humans
Authors: Kolli Kranthi K. , Helmy Tarek A. , Peelukhana Srikara V. , Arif Imran , Leesar Massoud A. , Back Lloyd H. , Banerjee Rupak K. , Effat Mohamed A.
Published: June 2013

Objectives and Background

Myocardial fractional flow reserve (FFR) in conjunction with coronary flow reserve (CFR) is used to evaluate the hemodynamic severity of coronary lesions. However, discordant results between FFR and CFR have been observed in intermediate coronary lesions. A functional parameter, pressure drop coefficient (CDP; ratio of pressure drop to distal dynamic pressure), was assessed using intracoronary pressure drop (dp) and average peak velocity (APV). The CDP is a nondimensional ratio, derived from fundamental fluid dynamic principles. We sought to evaluate the correlation of CDP with FFR, CFR, and hyperemic stenosis resistance (HSR: ratio of pressure drop to APV) in human subjects.

Methods

Twenty‐seven patients with reversible perfusion defects based on SPECT were consented for the study before cardiac catheterization. Distal coronary pressure and APV were measured simultaneously for each coronary lesion using a Combowire© during cardiac catheterization. Reference diameter, minimal lumen diameter, and %AS were obtained by quantitative coronary angiography. Maximum hyperemia was induced by IV adenosine (140 µg/kg/min). CDP was calculated as, (Δp)/(0.5 × ρ × APV2). The density of blood (ρ) was assumed to be 1.05 gm/cm3.

Results

The functional index, CDP, when correlated simultaneously with FFR and CFR, was found to have a significant correlation (r = 0.61; P < 0.05). Similarly a significant correlation was achieved when CDP was correlated with HSR (r = 0.91; P < 0.001). This is consistent with the definition of CDP, which is a functional parameter that includes both pressure and flow information.

Conclusions

CDP, a nondimensional parameter combining simultaneous measurements of pressure drop and velocity data, can accurately define the severity of coronary stenoses and could prove advantageous clinically. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ChemInform Abstract: Magnesium and Cadmium in Covalently‐Bonded Lonsdaleite Networks: Synthesis, Structure, and Bonding of AETMg2 and SrTCd2 (AE: Ca, Sr; T: Pd, Ag, Pt, Au)
Authors: Kersting Marcel , Johnscher Michael , Matar Samir F. , Poettgen Rainer
Published: June 2013

The title compounds are prepared by induction melting of the elements in sealed niobium ampules and characterized by powder XRD.
ChemInform Abstract: Designing a Deep‐Ultraviolet Nonlinear Optical Material with a Large Second Harmonic Generation Response.
Authors: Wu Hongping , Yu Hongwei , Yang Zhihua , Hou Xueling , Su Xin , Pan Shilie , Poeppelmeier Kenneth R. , Rondinelli James M.
Published: June 2013

Ba4B11O20F is synthesized by solid state reaction of a stoichiometric mixture of Ba(NO3)2, H3BO3, and BaF2 (780 °C, 2 d).
ChemInform Abstract: Lone Pair Effect, Structural Distortions, and Potential for Superconductivity in Tl Perovskites.
Authors: Schoop Leslie M. , Muechler Lukas , Felser Claudia , Cava R. J.
Published: June 2013

Potential new superconductors of the type MTlX3 (M: Rb, Cs; X: F, Cl, Br) are characterized by DFT band structure calculations.
ChemInform Abstract: Correlations Between Chemical Bonding and Magnetic Exchange Interactions: Synthesis, Crystal Structures, and Magnetic Properties of the New Family RE2AlGe2 (RE: Tb—Tm, Lu).
Authors: Zhang Jiliang , Bobev Svilen
Published: June 2013

Cast samples of Ln2Al1‐xGe2+x (Ln: Tb—Tm, Lu; 0.13 ≤ x ≤ 0.37) are prepared by arc melting of the elements and subsequent annealing at 1273 K (≥14 d).
ChemInform Abstract: Photochemical Water Oxidation by Crystalline Polymorphs of Manganese Oxides: Structural Requirements for Catalysis.
Authors: Greenblatt Martha , et al. et al.
Published: June 2013

The catalytic activity of different manganese oxides for photochemical water oxidation is determined.
ChemInform Abstract: Tuning Catalysts to Tune the Products: Phosphine‐Catalyzed Aza‐Michael Addition Reaction of Hydrazones with Allenoates.
Authors: Li Erqing , Xie Peizhong , Yang Lihua , Liang Ling , Huang You
Published: June 2013

A new phosphine‐catalyzed aza‐Michael β‐addition reaction between hydrazones and allenoates is developed.
ChemInform Abstract: Barton Esters for Initiator‐Free Radical Cyclization with Heteroaromatic Substitution.
Authors: Coyle Robert , Fahey Karen , Aldabbagh Fawaz
Published: June 2013

The synthesis of five‐, six‐, and seven‐membered alicyclic ring fused heterocycles with or without an additional fused cyclopropane is presented.
ChemInform Abstract: Wacker‐Type Oxidation of Internal Alkenes Using Pd(Quinox) and TBHP.
Authors: DeLuca Ryan J. , Edwards Jennifer L. , Steffens Laura D. , Michel Brian W. , Qiao Xiaoxiao , Zhu Chunyin , Cook Silas P. , Sigman Matthew S.
Published: June 2013

The reaction is a useful complement to the traditional Tsuji—Wacker oxidation of internal alkenes.
ChemInform Abstract: Catalytic Hydrogenation of Amides to Amines under Mild Conditions.
Authors: Stein Mario , Breit Bernhard
Published: June 2013

For the first time a general hydrogenation of secondary and tertiary amides to amines using a highly reactive recyclable and reusable (in two subsequent runs) bimetallic catalyst is developed.
ChemInform Abstract: Rhodium‐Catalyzed Chemo‐ and Regioselective Cross‐Dimerization of Two Terminal Alkynes.
Authors: Xu Hua‐Dong , Zhang Ren‐Wei , Li Xiaoxun , Huang Suyu , Tang Weiping , Hu Wen‐Hao
Published: June 2013

Dimerization of terminal acetylenes and terminal propargylic alcohols, ethers, and amides results mostly in the formation of two isomers favouring the head‐to‐tail derivatives.
ChemInform Abstract: A Catalytic Multicomponent Coupling Reaction for the Enantioselective Synthesis of Spiroacetals.
Authors: Cala Lara , Mendoza Abraham , Fananas Francisco J. , Rodriguez Felix
Published: June 2013

A novel gold phosphate‐catalyzed enantioselective one‐pot three component coupling of alkynols, anilines and glyoxylic acid furnishing hybrid molecules comprising a spiro‐acetal scaffold and an α‐amino acid unit is described.
ChemInform Abstract: Palladium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Allylic Alkylation of 3‐Aryloxindoles with Allylidene Dipivalate: A Useful Enol Pivalate Product.
Authors: Trost Barry M. , Masters James T. , Burns Aaron C.
Published: June 2013

A new practical and mild method for the synthesis of the enantioenriched title compounds tolerates a variety of substitution patterns including 3‐heteroaryl substitution and unprotected oxindoles [e.g. (VI)].
ChemInform Abstract: Catalytic Stereoselective Conjugate Addition of Oxindole to Electron‐Deficient Alkynes.
Authors: Jiang Jun , et al. et al.
Published: June 2013

An E/Z‐selective and enantioselective conjugate addition to construct multifunctional olefins is developed.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Isocoumarin Derivatives by Copper‐Catalyzed Addition of o‐Halobenzoic Acids to Active Internal Alkynes.
Authors: Guo Xun‐Xiang
Published: June 2013

The method provides a simple and efficient approach to various 3,4‐disubstituted isocoumarins which are of biological interest.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis and Antitubercular Activity of Amino Alcohol Fused Spirochromone Conjugates.
Authors: Mujahid M. , Gonnade R. G. , Yogeeswari P. , Sriram D. , Muthukrishnan M.
Published: June 2013

All the title compounds (VII) (21 examples) are screened for their in vitro antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (virulent strain H37Rv).
ChemInform Abstract: 1‐Alkyl‐ and (.+‐.)‐1,2‐Dialkyl‐2,3‐dihydro‐1,8‐naphthyridin‐4(1H)‐ones by a Tandem Michael—SNAr Annulation Reaction.
Authors: Bunce Richard A. , Squires Scott T. , Nammalwar Baskar
Published: June 2013

The new approach for the synthesis of the title compounds requires substrates which can be conveniently prepared in two steps from commercial 2‐chloro‐3‐pyridinecarboxaldehyde.
ChemInform Abstract: Silver(I)‐Catalyzed Addition‐Cyclization of Alkyne‐Functionalized Azomethines.
Authors: Liu Yuchen , Zhen Wencui , Dai Wei , Wang Fen , Li Xingwei
Published: June 2013

The new method presented here is applicable to various nucleophiles such as ketones, nitroalkanes, and terminal alkynes giving a number of polycyclic amides.
ChemInform Abstract: Copper‐Assisted/Copper‐Free Synthesis of Functionalized Dibenzo[b,f]oxepins and Their Analogues via a One‐Pot Tandem Reaction.
Authors: Wang Yuqin , Chen Yanhong , He Qian , Xie Yuyuan , Yang Chunhao
Published: June 2013

The title transformation is presumed to include two steps, a Knoevenagel condensation followed by an Ullman ether formation.
ChemInform Abstract: Controlling Macro‐ and Mesostructures with Hierarchical Porosity Through Combined Hard and Soft Templating
Authors: Petkovich Nicholas D. , Stein Andreas
Published: June 2013

Review: tutorial review; 60 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Self‐Organizing Surface‐Initiated Polymerization, Templated Self‐Sorting and Templated Stack Exchange: Synthetic Methods to Build Complex Systems
Authors: Matile Stefan , et al. et al.
Published: June 2013

Review: 26 refs.
ChemInform Abstract: Recent Advances in 2H‐Azirine Chemistry
Authors: Khlebnikov Alexander F. , Novikov Mikhail S.
Published: June 2013

Review: 173 refs.