bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High rates of comorbid depressive and anxiety disorders among women with premutation of the FMR1 gene
Authors: Kenna Heather A. , Tartter Molly , Hall Scott S. , Lightbody Amy A. , Nguyen Quynh , de los Angeles C. Paula , Reiss Allan L. , Rasgon Natalie L.
Published: September 2013

Phenotypic variations are emerging from investigations of carriers of the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) premutation gene (55 to 200 CGG repeats). Initial studies suggest elevated psychiatric and reproductive system dysfunction, but have largely used self‐reports for assessment of psychiatric history. The present study used diagnostic psychiatric interviews and assessed reproductive and menstrual history in women with FMR1 premutation. History of psychiatric diagnoses and data on reproductive functioning were collected in 46 women with FMR1 premutation who were mothers of at least one child with the fragile X full mutation. Results showed a significantly earlier age of menopause (mean age = 45.6 years) relative to the national average age of menopause (mean age = 51 years) and a high rate (76%) of lifetime depressive or anxiety history, with 43% of the overall sample reporting a comorbid history of both diagnoses. Compared to those free of psychiatric history, significantly longer premutation length was observed among women with psychiatric history after adjusting for age, with comorbid women having the highest number of CGG repeats (mean = 95.8) compared to women free of psychiatric history (mean = 79.9). Psychiatric history did not appear significantly related to reproductive system dysfunction, though results may have been obscured by the high rates of psychiatric dysfunction in the sample. These data add to the growing evidence base that women with the FMR1 premutation have an increased risk of psychiatric illness and risk for early menopause. Future investigations may benefit from inclusion of biochemical reproductive markers and longitudinal assessment of psychiatric and reproductive functioning. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The neolithic demographic transition and oral health: The Southeast Asian experience
Authors: Willis Anna , Oxenham Marc F.
Published: September 2013

The purpose of this article is to present new oral health data from Neolithic An Son, southern Vietnam, in the context of (1) a reassessment of published data on other Neolithic, Bronze, and Iron Age Southeast Asian dental series, and (2) predictions of the Neolithic Demographic Transition (NDT). To this end, frequencies for three oral conditions (caries, antemortem tooth loss, and alveolar lesions) were investigated for seven Southeast Asian adult dental series from Thailand and Vietnam with respect to time period, age‐at‐death and sex. A clear pattern of elevated rates for oral disease in the Neolithic followed by a marked improvement in oral health during the Bronze and Iron Ages was observed. Moreover, rates of caries and antemortem tooth loss for females were almost without exception higher than that for males in all samples. The consensus view among Southeast Asian bioarchaeologists that oral health did not decline with the adoption/intensification of agriculture in Southeast Asia, can no longer be supported. In light of evidence for (1) the low cariogenicity of rice; (2) the physiological predisposition of females (particularly when pregnant) to poorer oral health; and (3) health predictions of the NDT model with respect to elevated levels of fertility, the most plausible chief explanation for the observed patterns in oral health in Southeast Asia is increased levels of fertility during the Neolithic, followed by a decline in fertility during the subsequent Bronze and Iron Ages. Am J Phys Anthropol 152:197–208, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hunter‐gatherer variability: Dental wear in South Australia
Authors: Littleton Judith , Scott Rachel , McFarlane Gina , Walshe Keryn
Published: September 2013

Often it is assumed that hunter‐gatherer dentitions are dominated by heavy attrition. Recent analyses, however, have shown unexpected variability in the pattern of wear between groups. It had been previously noted that wear differed between neighboring groups on the Murray River, Australia. This analysis extends that geographic scope as well as focusing on wear across the dentition, including the premolars. The samples came from coastal and riverine regions of southern Australia. The analysis used records from the Yorke Peninsula, Adelaide Plains (Gillman site), and Euston regions. These were compared with previously published work from the Adelaide Plains and four locations on the Murray River. The results confirm the overall severity of wear but reveal systematic differences between the samples in terms of the pattern of wear. Heavy wear on the incisors and canines is observed among males from the Euston, Kaurna, Middle A, Murray Mouth, and Yorke Peninsula samples but with marked intra‐individual variability. Extensive premolar wear is noted among females from Kaurna and Middle B samples as well as among males and females from Euston. It is argued that these patterns relate to gendered non‐masticatory use of teeth and reliance upon bulrush (Typhaspp.) and related species for both food and fiber among some groups. We argue that analyzing the degree of variability within samples and across all teeth provides a more nuanced understanding of dental wear among hunter‐gatherers. Am J Phys Anthropol 152:273–286, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Thermoresponsive/low‐fouling Zwitterionic hydrogel for controlled drug release
Authors: Zeng Renchang , Xu Shouping , Cheng Jiang , Cai Zhiqi , Pi Pihui , Wen Xiufang
Published: September 2013

A controlled/ living free‐radical polymerization technique was introduced to prepared a homogeneous poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐g‐poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) hydrogel (RG) possessing a highly porous architecture via two steps. Compared to a poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐co‐poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) hydrogel (CG) prepared by conventional radical polymerization, RG exhibited a much faster shrinking rate (it lost over 72% of the water in 15 min) in response to the temperature changes. The release behaviors of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCHC) of the hydrogels indicated the TCHC release from the RG could be prolonged to 48 h at 37°C; this was much longer than that for CG (5 h at 37°C). Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was chosen as the model protein to examine the low‐fouling properties of the RG. The BSA adsorption data showed that improved antifouling properties could be achieved by the RG at both 25 and 37°C. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39816.
Synthesis and characterization of conductive composite films of polyisoprene/PA12@ PANI
Authors: Mezdour Douniazed , Pilard Jean‐François , Tabellout Mohamed , Odake Shoko , Sahli Salah
Published: September 2013

Polyamide@Polyaniline powders of core‐shell structure are known to have reduced conduction thresholds useful to maintain the mechanical and optical properties of the matrix. However, difficulties emerge at the synthesis stage, where dissolving the matrix without damaging the core‐shell particles becomes a challenge. The present solution avoids using solvents. Conductive polymer films containing solid Polyamide@Polyaniline particles are elaborated by UV photoreticulation of a liquid polyisoprene serving as a matrix. The conductive powders are obtained by in‐situ polymerization of aniline in presence of polyamide 12 (PA12) at room temperature using Dodecyl benzene sulfonic doping acid and Ammonium persulfate oxidant. Obtained films exhibit low percolation threshold compared to those containing pure solid polyaniline (PANI) particles even more conductive. This threshold is shown to be about 1.5 wt % of PANI. Films show good electrical conductivity and thermal stability up to 200°C allowing their use as antistatic polymer films for high temperatures. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39833.
Preparation of antimicrobial polycarboxybetaine‐based hydrogels for studies of drug loading and release
Authors: Xu Shouping , Zeng Renchang , Cheng Jiang , Cai Zhiqi , Wen Xiufang , Pi Pihui
Published: September 2013

A series of cationic poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAM)‐g‐poly(carboxybetaine ester) (PCBMAE) hydrogels were prepared by reversible addition–fragmentation chain‐transfer polymerization with PCBMAE precursors reacting with N‐isopropyl acrylamide in the presence of N,N′‐methylene bisacrylamide. These hydrogels exhibited excellent antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and could switch to nontoxic zwitterionic hydrogels after hydrolysis. Nonionic tetracycline hydrochloride (TCHC) and anionic sodium salicylate (SA) were selected to evaluate the loading capacities and release kinetics of the cationic hydrogels. We found that the loading efficiencies of TCHC in the PNIPAM‐g‐PCBMAE hydrogels were approximately twice as high as those of SA. However, the cumulative release amount of TCHC was lower than that of SA from the corresponding cationic hydrogel at 37°C. In addition, the PNIPAM‐g‐PCBMAE hydrogels exhibited accelerated release rates of both TCHC and SA with increasing content of (2‐carboxymethyl)−3‐acryloxyethyldimethylammonium chloride methyl ester. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39839.
The rheology and extrusion processing performance of wood/melamine composites
Authors: Englund Karl , Chen Lee‐Wen
Published: September 2013

A modified melamine resin that exhibits both thermoplastic and thermoset behaviors was used as a matrix for wood plastic composites (WPCs). The thermoplastic melamine (TPM) resin exhibits a glass transition at approximately 34°C and continues to be thermally malleable until a crosslinking reaction develops with additional heating and an acid catalyst. Varying blends of TPM and wood flour were evaluated for their rheology and curing behavior using torque rheometry. WPC composites were manufactured with extrusion methods and final product properties determined. The torque rheometry results showed a highly dependent relationship of the curing behavior to the amount of wood flour utilized and temperature. Based upon the torque rheometry results, two extrusion platforms were developed to initiate the curing process; (1) cure within the die land and (2) post‐cure of the extrudate. The post‐cure procedure provided composites with higher mechanical properties. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39858.
Waste ground rubber tire powder/thermoplastic vulcanizate blends: Preparation, characterization, and compatibility
Authors: Lu Xun , Wang Weiwei , Yu Lin
Published: September 2013

In this article, waste ground rubber tire (WGRT) powder was introduced into thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) to prepare the blends of WGRT powder/TPV. The mechanical, rheological, thermal aging, and dynamic properties of the blends were investigated with respect to the particle size and dosage of WGRT powder. The results showed that tensile strength, tear strength, elongation at break, and tensile permanent deformation of the blends increased with the decrease in WGRT particle size and decreased with the dosage of WGRT. The effects of different types and dosages of compatibilizers on mechanical and rheological properties of the blends were studied. The results showed that the compatibilizer PP‐g‐MAH could effectively improve the interfacial compatibility between WGRT and the TPV matrix to enhance the comprehensive properties of blends. The TPV/WGRT/PP‐g‐MAH blends obtained the best overall properties when prepared at the weight ratio 100/30/5. Rheological studies demonstrated that the WGRT/TPV blends represented lower apparent viscosity after PP‐g‐MAH were added, which means that processing performance of the blends was improved by PP‐g‐MAH. Scanning electron microscopy was used to study the morphologies of the blends. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39868.
Repetitive Arg‐Gly‐Asp peptide as a cell‐stimulating agent on electrospun poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) scaffold for tissue engineering
Authors: Chaisri Pacharaporn , Chingsungnoen Artit , Siri Sineenat
Published: September 2013

Electrospun scaffolds derived from poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) (PCL), a well known biodegradable material, have an architecture that is suitable for hosting cells. However, their biomedical applications are restricted because these scaffolds lack the bioactivity necessary to stimulate cell responses. In this work, a repetitive Arg‐Gly‐Asp (rRGD) peptide was produced as a cell‐stimulating agent to provide the PCL scaffold with bioactivity. DNA encoding rRGD was amplified by polymerase chain reaction using overlap primers without a DNA template, and cloned into a protein expression vector to produce a His‐tag fusion peptide. In an in vitro cell adhesion assay, the purified rRGD peptide, comprising 30 RGD repeats, promoted a 1.5‐fold greater cell adhesion than the commercial tripeptide RGD. The rRGD peptide was immobilized onto an electrospun PCL scaffold that had been pretreated with argon plasma and graft‐polymerized with acrylic acid. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis indicated that covalently linked rRGD peptide was present on the scaffold. The PCL scaffold with immobilized rRGD showed significantly changed hydrophilic properties and an enhanced adhesion and proliferation of mouse fibroblast cells by 2.3‐ and 2.9‐fold, respectively, compared to the PCL scaffold alone. Through its ability to promote cell adhesion and proliferation, the rRGD peptide has great potential as a stimulant for improving the suboptimal cell‐matrix interaction of polymeric scaffolds for tissue engineering applications.
Tuning the Catalytic Selectivity of Copper Using TiO2: Water‐Gas Shift versus CO Oxidation
Authors: Kim Hyun You , Liu Ping
Published: September 2013

As an early attempt to tune the selectivity of Cu catalysts through oxide deposition, we performed DFT calculations to study the water‐gas shift (WGS) and CO oxidation reactions at the interface of Cu(1 1 1) modified by TiO2 clusters [TiO2/Cu(1 1 1)]. Pure Cu catalyzes both reactions, though the overall conversion is hindered by either H2O dissociation or O2 dissociation. Our results show that after depositing TiO2, TiO2/Cu(1 1 1) promotes the CO oxidation reaction and suppresses the WGS reaction. The active Ti3fCu site at the TiO2/Cu(1 1 1) interface plays an essential role in tuning the selectivity. During the CO oxidation reaction, the Ti3fCu site enables the facile O2 dissociation at the interface, which leads to the oxidation of the surface layer on Cu(1 1 1) and the formation of Cu2O. According to our calculations, the produced TiO2/Cu2O(1 1 1) interface is active toward CO oxidation, which not only binds O2 and CO well but also enables a facile OO bond cleavage via the OOCO intermediate. During the WGS reaction, the Ti3fCu site is poisoned by CO and the rate‐limiting H2O dissociation and therefore the overall WGS is hindered. The results suggest that high selectivity, one of the focuses for next generation catalysts, can be achieved by modifying the chemical properties of the interface.
Water as an Activator for Palladium(II)‐Catalyzed Olefin Polymerization
Authors: Tao Wen‐Jie , Li Jun‐Fang , Peng Ai‐Qing , Sun Xiu‐Li , Yang Xiao‐Hong , Tang Yong
Published: September 2013

By a reasonable combination of the Wacker reaction and olefin polymerization processes, water proves to be an excellent activator for the palladium(II)‐catalyzed polymerization of ethylene and it provides a safe, environmental‐friendly and handy initiator for olefin polymerization. The activity of the olefin polymerization is comparable to reactions catalyzed by the corresponding alkylated cationic palladium complexes.
Aminopyridinate–FI Hybrids, Their Hafnium and Titanium Complexes, and Their Application in the Living Polymerization of 1‐Hexene
Authors: Haas Isabelle , Dietel Thomas , Press Konstantin , Kol Moshe , Kempe Rhett
Published: September 2013

Based on two well‐established ligand systems, the aminopyridinato (Ap) and the phenoxyimine (FI) ligand systems, new Ap‐FI hybrid ligands were developed. Four different Ap‐FI hybrid ligands were synthesized through a simple condensation reaction and fully characterized. The reaction of hafnium tetrabenzyl with all four Ap‐FI hybrid ligands exclusively led to mono(Ap‐FI) complexes of the type [(Ap‐FI)HfBn2]. The ligands acted as tetradentate dianionic chelates. Upon activation with tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane, the hafnium‐dibenzyl complexes led to highly active catalysts for the polymerization of 1‐hexene. Ultrahigh molecular weights and extremely narrow polydispersities support the living nature of this polymerization process. A possible deactivation product of the hafnium catalysts was characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray analysis and is discussed. The coordination modes of these new ligands were studied with the help of model titanium complexes. The reaction of titanium(IV) isopropoxide with ligand 1 led to a mono(Ap‐FI) complex, which showed the desired fac‐mer coordination mode. Titanium (IV) isopropoxide reacted with ligand 4 to give a complex of the type [(ApH‐FI)2Ti(OiPr)2], which featured the ligand in its monoanionic form. The two titanium complexes were characterized by X‐ray crystal‐structure analysis.
Insights into the Reactivity of Gold–Dithiocarbamato Anticancer Agents toward Model Biomolecules by Using Multinuclear NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Boscutti Giulia , Marchiò Luciano , Ronconi Luca , Fregona Dolores
Published: September 2013

Some gold(III)–dithiocarbamato derivatives of either single amino acids or oligopeptides have shown promise as potential anticancer agents, but their capability to interact with biologically relevant macromolecules is still poorly understood. We investigated the affinity of the representative complex [AuIIIBr2(dtc‐Sar‐OCH3)] (dtc: dithiocarbamate; Sar: sarcosine (N‐methylglycine)) with selected model molecules for histidine‐, methionine‐, and cysteine‐rich proteins (that is, 1‐methylimidazole, dimethylsulfide, and N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine, respectively). In particular, detailed mono‐ and multinuclear NMR studies, in combination with multiple 13C/15N enrichments, allowed interactions to be followed over time and indicated somewhat unexpected reaction pathways. Whereas dimethylsulfide proved to be unreactive, a sudden multistep redox reaction occurred in the presence of the other potential sulfur donor, N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine (confirmed if glutathione was used instead). On the other hand, 1‐methylimidazole underwent an unprecedented acid–base reaction with the gold(III) complex, rather than the expected coordination to the metal center by replacing, for instance, a bromide. Our results are discussed herein and compared with the data available in the literature on related complexes; our findings confirm that the peculiar reactivity of gold(III)–dithiocarbamato complexes can lead to novel reaction pathways and, therefore, to new cytotoxic mechanisms in cancer cells.
Manganese‐Induced Triplet Blinking and Photobleaching of Single Molecule Cyanine Dyes
Authors: Ciuba Monika A. , Levitus Marcia
Published: September 2013

Irradiation of solutions of the cyanine dyes Cy3, Cy3B, and Cy5 in the presence of Mn2+ causes an increase in the yield of formation of the triplet state of the dye. This results in increased photobleaching and triplet blinking. Experiments with other divalent ions and paramagnetic molecules suggest that the enhancement in the intersystem‐crossing rate is related to the paramagnetic nature of the Mn2+ cation. The results are consistent with a model in which the formation of a weak collisional complex between the dye and the ion results in mixing of the singlet and triplet states of the dye. These findings are particularly significant in single‐molecule spectroscopy and super‐resolution imaging methods, in which photobleaching and blinking play an important role.
Comparison and evaluation of seven different bench‐top flow cytometers with a modified six‐plexed mycotoxin kit
Authors: Czeh Arpad , Schwartz Abe , Mandy Frank , Szoke Zsuzsanna , Koszegi Balazs , Feher‐Toth Szilvia , Nagyeri Gyorgy , Jakso Pal , Katona Robert L. , Kemeny Agnes , Woth Gabor , Lustyik Gyorgy
Published: September 2013

Many bench‐top flow cytometers (b‐FCs) are compatible with microsphere‐based multiplexed assays. Disciplines implementing b‐FCs–based assays are expanding; they include monitoring and validating food quality. A multiplexed platform protocol was evaluated for poly‐mycotoxin assays, which is compatible with a variety of b‐FC models. The seven instruments included: BD FACSCalibur™, BD FACSArray™ Bioanalyzer, Accuri C6, Partec CyFlow® Space, Beckman Coulter FC 500, Guava EasyCyte Mini, and Luminex 100 ™. Current reports related to the food industry describe fungal co‐infections leading to poly‐mycotoxin contamination in grain (Sulyok M, Berthiller F, Krska R, Schuhmacher R, Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom 2006;20:2649–2659). It is imperative to determine whether b‐FC–based assays can replace traditional single‐mycotoxin enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A six‐plexed poly‐mycotoxin kit was tested on seven different b‐FCs. The modified kit was initially developed for the BD FACSArray™ Bioanalyzer (BD Biosciences) (Czeh A, Mandy F, Feher‐Toth S, Torok L, Mike Z, Koszegi B, Lustyik G, J Immunol Methods 2012;384:71–80). With the multiplexed platform, it is possible to identify up to six mycotoxin contaminants simultaneously at regional grain collection/transfer/inspection facilities. In the future, elimination of contaminated food threat may be better achieved with the inclusion of b‐FCs in the food protection arsenal. A universal protocol, matched with postacquisition software, offers an effective alternative platform compared to using a series of ELISA kits. To support side‐by‐side evaluation of seven flow cytometers, an instrument‐independent fluorescence emission calibration was added to the protocol. All instrument performances were evaluated for strength of agreement based on paired sets of evaluation to predicate method. The results suggest that all b‐FCs were acceptable of performing with the multiplexed kit for five of six mycotoxins. For OTA, the detection sensitivity was consistent only for five of the seven instruments. © 2013 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Anwendung des Eurocode 6 in der Tragwerksplanung
Authors: Purtak Frank
Published: September 2013

Der Nachweis der Tragfähigkeit von Mauerwerk wird am Beispiel einer Außen‐ und Innenwand auf Grundlage der Schnittgrößenermittlung mit den “Vereinfachten“ und “Genaueren“ Bemessungsverfahren durchgeführt. Der Schubnachweis wird exemplarisch an einer Aussteifungswand mit den möglichen vier Versagenskriterien aufgezeigt.

Sollten die Anwendungsgrenzen der “Vereinfachten Verfahren“ bei bestimmten Bauvorhaben nicht eingehalten sein, liefern die hiermit ermittelten Ausnutzungsgrade die maßgebenden Wände, welche mit dem “Genaueren Verfahren“ nachzuweisen sind.

Application of the Eurocode 6 in the structural design. The proof of load bearing capacity of brick work is shown using the example of an exterior and an interior wall on the basis of the assessment of the state of strain with the “simplified” and with the “more precise” design procedure. The shear check is shown exemplarily on a bracing wall with the four failure criteria.

In case that certain building projects don’t comply with the limitations of the “simplified procedure”, the degree of utilization determined hereby shows the proper walls which have to be proven with the “more precise” design procedure.
Copper(I)‐Catalyzed Highly Regio‐ and Stereoselective Boron Addition–Protonolysis of Alkynamides to give Alkenamides
Authors: He Guangke , Zhang Qijun , Huang Hai , Chen Shan , Wang Qiang , Zhang Dongming , Zhang Rong , Zhu Hongjun
Published: September 2013

Copper‐catalyzed and highly chemoselective reduction of N‐alkynylamides by a boron addition–protonolysis protocol is presented. The reaction proceeds with the addition of boryl‐copper complex to N‐alkynylamides with high regioselectivity and stereoselectivity, followed by regiocontrolled transmetallation of the α‐site of the alkenylboronate with MeOCuL to afford N‐alkenylamides in good yields. Deuterium labeling experiments indicated that both of the alkenyl hydrogen atoms originate from the additive methanol.
Synthesis of Versatile Nonsymmetric Amine‐ and Boron‐Functionalized Tröger's Base Derivatives, Including a Tröger's Base Amino Acid
Authors: Whiting Amanda L. , Dubicki Krystyn I. , Hof Fraser
Published: September 2013

Tröger's base is a building block with a unique rigidity and geometry that has an increasing number of applications in a variety of nanoscale chemistry projects. This paper describes the facile synthesis of a set of Tröger's base derivatives that have lost their C2 symmetry by virtue of having each ring differentiated, and contain amine, carboxylate, halogen, and/or boronate substituents to enable a large number of different cross‐coupling and amide coupling reactions. We also describe the synthesis and preliminary chiral resolution of a new Tröger's base amino acid building block.
X chromosomal recombination—A family study analyzing 26 X‐STR Loci in Chinese Han three‐generation pedigrees
Authors: Liu Qiu‐Ling , Li Ze‐Dong , Li Cheng‐Tao , Zhao Hu , Wu Ye‐Da , Li Quan , Lu De‐Jian
Published: September 2013

The aim of this study is to investigate genetic linkage and recombination fractions of 26 X chromosomal (X‐STR) loci with two multiplex PCR systems (MX15‐STR and MX12‐STR). MX15‐STR (including DXS7133, DXS6801, DXS981, DXS6809, DXS7424, DXS6789, DXS9898, DXS7132, GATA165B12, DXS101, DXS10075, DXS6800, GATA31E08, DXS10074, and DXS10079) and MX12‐STR (including DXS6854, DXS9902, DXS6800, GATA172D05, DXS7423, HPRTB, DXS6807, DXS6803, DXS6804, DXS6799, DXS8378, and DXS8377) were successful analyzed on 206 two‐generation families with two or more children and 33 three‐generation families with 72 grandsons. Segregation analysis and calculation of recombination fractions between pairs of markers were performed. Linkage analysis of pairs of markers showed that there existed significant linkage (maximum LOD scores >2.0) within the physical distance of 48.5 Mb. Recombination events could be observed within the clusters of closed linked makers spanning <1.0 Mb. These results indicate that close cluster X‐STRs used and recombination fractions of the selected loci will be very useful for biostatistical calculations in complex kinship analysis.
Fast determination of aldehyde preservatives by miniaturized capillary electrophoresis with amperometric detection
Authors: Li Ying , Chen Fang , Ge Jinyuan , Tong Fanghong , Deng Zhaoyue , Shen Fengwu , Gu Qianxia , Ye Jiannong , Chu Qingcui
Published: September 2013

A novel miniaturized CE with amperometric detection (mini‐CE‐AD) method has been developed for fast determination of aliphatic aldehyde preservatives, namely formaldehyde and glyoxal, in commodities. After derivatization with an electroactive compound 2‐thiobarbituric acid, these two nonelectroactive aldehydes were converted to electroactive adducts, therefore detectable by mini‐CE‐AD approach. Under the optimum conditions, two aldehydes can be well‐separated with the coexisting interferents as well as their homologs (acetaldehyde and methyl‐glyoxal), and the LODs (S/N = 3) were achieved at nanogram‐per‐milliliter level (1.64–2.80 ng/mL) based on the online enrichment method of transient moving chemical reaction boundary. The proposed method has been applied for the analyses of above aldehyde preservatives in different real commodity samples including skincare products, baby lotion, and toothpaste, and the average recoveries were in the range of 94–105%, which should find a wide range of analytical applications as an alternative to conventional and microchip CE approaches.
Single validation of CE method for determining free polysaccharide content in a Brazilian meningococcal C conjugate vaccine
Authors: de Souza Iaralice Medeiros , da Silva Milton Neto , Figueira Elza Scott , de Lourdes Leal Maria , Jessouroun Ellen , de Mello Pereira Abrantes Shirley , da Silveira Ivna Alana Freitas Brasileiro
Published: September 2013

Neisseria meningitidis group C is an encapsulated bacterium that causes several diseases and is associated with high mortality rates, thereby constituting a serious public health problem. Bio‐Manguinhos/Fiocruz is developing a conjugate vaccine by covalent attachment of capsular polysaccharide to hydrazide‐activated tetanus toxoid through reductive amination. It is necessary to quantify free components as a quality control process to prevent exacerbated adverse reactions and/or attenuation of vaccine immunogenicity. Thus, this study aimed to develop and validate a quality control method appropriate for the separation and quantification of free polysaccharide present in this conjugate N. meningitidis group C vaccine using CE. CZE was used to remove unbound polysaccharide, and the electrophoretic conditions were varied to optimize resolution. We were able to develop and validate the proposed method, which was linear and showed a matrix effect. Repeatability and partial reproducibility of the method were also evaluated. The robustness results showed that control of temperature is required for reliable results. The validated method will be used to evaluate the conjugate batches submitted for Phase III clinical studies and for routine quality control of the conjugate vaccine.
Characteristics of Alkali and Alkaline‐Earth Metals for the Catalytic Gasification of Coal Char in a Fixed‐Bed Reactor
Authors: Wang Yifei , Jin Weilong , Huang Taohua , Zhu Longchu , Wu Chaoqi , Yu Guangsuo
Published: September 2013

The effects of temperature, catalyst type, and catalyst loading on the gasification of coal char were investigated in a fixed‐bed reactor. The effects of catalyst dispersion, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) specific surface area, and crystallite constituents of Jinyou coal char with different loadings of K and Ca were also analyzed by energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX), N2adsorption at 77 K, and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Results showed that K2CO3could increase the gasification rate significantly for gasification temperatures greater than 850 °C. Cation species could have a significant influence on the catalytic activity. The reactivity of the coal char increased continuously with catalyst loading and resulted in a loading saturation level (LSL) of 10 % for K. Compared with the raw char, K and Ca added to Jinyou coal decreased the BET specific surface area. Moreover, K and Ca added to Jinyou coal altered the crystallite constituents during the process of coking and gasification, which indicated that some K and Ca reacted with minerals in the Jinyou coal during the process of coking and gasification and partly deactivated the K and Ca.
Bioaccumulation kinetics of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and decabromodiphenyl ethane from field-collected sediment in the oligochaete, Lumbriculus variegatus
Authors: Zhang Baozhong , Li Huizhen , Wei Yanli , You Jing
Published: September 2013

The extensive use of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) has made them widespread contaminants in abiotic environments, but data regarding their bioavailability to benthic organisms are sparse. The bioaccumulation potential of PBDEs and DBDPE from field-collected sediment was evaluated in the oligochaete Lumbriculus variegatus using a 49-d exposure, including a 28-d uptake and a 21-d elimination phase. All PBDEs and DBDPE were bioavailable to the worms with biota–sediment accumulation factors (BSAFs) ranging from 0.0210 g organic carbon/g lipid to 4.09 g organic carbon/g lipid. However, the bioavailability of highly brominated compounds (BDE-209 and DBDPE) was poor compared with that of other PBDEs, and this was confirmed by their relatively low freely dissolved concentrations (Cfree) measured by solid-phase microextraction. The inverse correlation between BSAFs and hydrophobicity was explained by their uptake (ks) and elimination (ke) rate constants. While ke changed little for PBDEs, ks decreased significantly when chemical hydrophobicity increased. The difference in bioaccumulation kinetics of brominated flame retardants in fish and the worms was explained by their physiological difference and the presence of multiple elimination routes. The appropriateness of 28-d bioaccumulation testing for BSAF estimation was validated for PBDEs and DBDPE. In addition, Cfree was shown to be a good indicator of bioavailability. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:2711–2718. © 2013 SETAC
Amelioration of acidic soil increases the toxicity of the weak base carbendazim to the earthworm Eisenia fetida
Authors: Liu Kailin , Wang Shaoyun , Luo Kun , Liu Xiangying , Yu Yunlong
Published: September 2013

Ameliorating acidic soils is a common practice and may affect the bioavailability of an ionizable organic pollutant to organisms. The toxicity of the weak base carbendazim to the earthworm (Eisenia fetida) was studied in an acidic soil (pH–H2O, 4.6) and in the ameliorated soil (pH–H2O, 7.5). The results indicated that the median lethal concentration of carbendazim for E. fetida decreased from 21.8 mg/kg in acidic soil to 7.35 mg/kg in the ameliorated soil. To understand why the amelioration increased carbendazim toxicity to the earthworm, the authors measured the carbendazim concentrations in the soil porewater. The authors found increased carbendazim concentrations in porewater, resulting in increased toxicity of carbendazim to earthworms. The increased pore concentrations result from decreased adsorption because of the effects of pH and calcium ions. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:2870–2873. © 2013 SETAC
Brain network alterations in Alzheimer's disease measured by Eigenvector centrality in fMRI are related to cognition and CSF biomarkers
Authors: Binnewijzend Maja A.A. , Adriaanse Sofie M. , Van der Flier Wiesje M. , Teunissen Charlotte E. , de Munck Jan C. , Stam Cornelis J. , Scheltens Philip , van Berckel Bart N.M. , Barkhof Frederik , Wink Alle Meije
Published: September 2013

Recent imaging studies have demonstrated functional brain network changes in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Eigenvector centrality (EC) is a graph analytical measure that identifies prominent regions in the brain network hierarchy and detects localized differences between patient populations. This study used voxel‐wise EC mapping (ECM) to analyze individual whole‐brain resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans in 39 AD patients (age 67 ± 8) and 43 healthy controls (age 69 ± 7). Between‐group differences were assessed by a permutation‐based method. Associations of EC with biomarkers for AD pathology in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores were assessed using Spearman correlation analysis. Decreased EC was found bilaterally in the occipital cortex in AD patients compared to controls. Regions of increased EC were identified in the anterior cingulate and paracingulate gyrus. Across groups, frontal and occipital EC changes were associated with pathological concentrations of CSF biomarkers and with cognition. In controls, decreased EC values in the occipital regions were related to lower MMSE scores. Our main finding is that ECM, a hypothesis‐free and computationally efficient analysis method of functional MRI (fMRI) data, identifies changes in brain network organization in AD patients that are related to cognition and underlying AD pathology. The relation between AD‐like EC changes and cognitive performance suggests that resting‐state fMRI measured EC is a potential marker of disease severity for AD. Hum Brain Mapp 35:2383–2393, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Age‐related increases in stroop interference: Delineation of general slowing based on behavioral and white matter analyses
Authors: Wolf Dominik , Zschutschke Lisa , Scheurich Armin , Schmitz Florian , Lieb Klaus , Tüscher Oliver , Fellgiebel Andreas
Published: September 2013

The Stroop interference task is a widely used paradigm to examine cognitive inhibition, which is a key component of goal‐directed behavior. With increasing age, reaction times in the Stroop interference task are usually slowed. However, to date it is still under debate if age‐related increases in reaction times are merely an artifact of general slowing. The current study was conducted to investigate the role of general slowing, as measured by Trail‐Making‐Test‐A, in age‐related alterations of Stroop interference. We applied Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) to determine the topography of neuronal networks underlying Stroop interference under control of general slowing. On the behavioral level, linear regression analysis demonstrated that age accounted for significant variance on Stroop interference, whereas TMT‐A performance did not. Controlling for TMT‐A, DTI based white matter analyses demonstrated a strong association of Stroop interference with integrity measures of genu of corpus callosum, bilateral anterior corona radiata, and bilateral anterior limb of capsula interna. These pathways are associated with frontal brain regions by either connecting the bilateral dorsolateral prefrontal cortex or the anterior cingulate cortex with frontal and subcortical regions or by containing fibers which are part of cortico‐thalamic circuits that cross prefrontal regions. Importantly, results expand our knowledge of the neural basis of Stroop interference and emphasize the importance of white matter integrity of frontal pathways in the modulation of Stroop interference. Combining behavioral and DTI findings our results further suggest that cognitive inhibition, as measured by Stroop task, is a qualitatively distinct cognitive process that declines with age. Hum Brain Mapp 35:2448–2458, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gray and white matter correlates of navigational ability in humans
Authors: Wegman Joost , Fonteijn Hubert M. , van Ekert Janneke , Tyborowska Anna , Jansen Clemens , Janzen Gabriele
Published: September 2013

Humans differ widely in their navigational abilities. Studies have shown that self‐reports on navigational abilities are good predictors of performance on navigation tasks in real and virtual environments. The caudate nucleus and medial temporal lobe regions have been suggested to subserve different navigational strategies. The ability to use different strategies might underlie navigational ability differences. This study examines the anatomical correlates of self‐reported navigational ability in both gray and white matter. Local gray matter volume was compared between a group (N = 134) of good and bad navigators using voxel‐based morphometry (VBM), as well as regional volumes. To compare between good and bad navigators, we also measured white matter anatomy using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and looked at fractional anisotropy (FA) values. We observed a trend toward higher local GM volume in right anterior parahippocampal/rhinal cortex for good versus bad navigators. Good male navigators showed significantly higher local GM volume in right hippocampus than bad male navigators. Conversely, bad navigators showed increased FA values in the internal capsule, the white matter bundle closest to the caudate nucleus and a trend toward higher local GM volume in the caudate nucleus. Furthermore, caudate nucleus regional volume correlated negatively with navigational ability. These convergent findings across imaging modalities are in line with findings showing that the caudate nucleus and the medial temporal lobes are involved in different wayfinding strategies. Our study is the first to show a link between self‐reported large‐scale navigational abilities and different measures of brain anatomy. Hum Brain Mapp 35:2561–2572, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Economic impact of a head and neck oncologic surgeon: The case mix index
Authors: Jalisi Scharukh , Sanan Akshay , Mcdonough Katie , Hussein Khalil , Platt Michael , Truong Minh Tam , Couch Marion , Burkey Brian B.
Published: September 2013

Background

Head and neck oncologic surgery is a time‐consuming specialty that requires extensive resources and manpower. Case mix index (CMI) is used in evaluating the complexity and economic impact of surgeons. Head and neck oncologic surgeons generate significant revenue for hospitals, yet compensation is relatively low.

Methods

Retrospective review of a tertiary hospital's case mix data for 605 otolaryngology admissions from 2009 to 2011 was performed. CMI comparison for head and neck oncologic surgeons versus general otolaryngology was performed.

Results

In an otolaryngology department of 9 surgeons; there was a significant difference (p < .01) in the CMI and a significantly greater chance to have a “good CMI” (CMI >1) favoring head and neck oncologic surgeons.

Conclusion

Head and neck oncologic surgeons increase the CMI for hospitals and ultimately influence the hospital's reimbursement. There is a need for increased collaboration between hospitals and departments in fostering and furthering their head and neck surgical oncology programs by taking CMI into consideration. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 36: 1420–1424, 2014
c-Myc-Mediated Epigenetic Silencing of MicroRNA-101 Contributes to Dysregulation of Multiple Pathways in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Lei , Zhang Xiang , Jia Lin-Tao , Hu Si-Jun , Zhao Jing , Yang Jian-Dong , Wen Wei-Hong , Wang Zhe , Wang Tao , Zhao Jun , Wang Rui-An , Meng Yan-Ling , Nie Yong-Zhan , Dou Ke-Feng , Chen Si-Yi , Yao Li-Bo , Fan Dai-Ming , Zhang Rui , Yang An-Gang
Published: September 2013

The

MYC

oncogene is overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and has been associated with widespread microRNA (miRNA) repression; however, the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, we report that the c-Myc oncogenic transcription factor physically interacts with enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a core enzymatic unit of polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2). Furthermore, miR-101, an important tumor-suppressive miRNA in human hepatocarcinomas, is epigenetically repressed by PRC2 complex in a c-Myc-mediated manner. miR-101, in turn, inhibits the expression of two subunits of PRC2 (

EZH2

and

EED

), thus creating a double-negative feedback loop that regulates the process of hepatocarcinogenesis. Restoration of miR-101 expression suppresses multiple malignant phenotypes of HCC cells by coordinate repression of a cohort of oncogenes, including

STMN1

,

JUNB

, and

CXCR7

, and further increases expression of endogenous miR-101 by inhibition of PRC2 activation. In addition, co-overexpression of c-Myc and EZH2 in HCC samples was closely associated with lower expression of miR-101 (

P

< 0.0001) and poorer prognosis of HCC patients (

P

< 0.01).

Conclusions :

c-Myc collaborates with EZH2-containing PRC2 complex in silencing tumor-suppressive miRNAs during hepatocarcinogenesis and provides promising therapeutic candidates for human HCC. (Hepatology 2014;59:1850–1863)
Immunodominance and functional alterations of tumor-associated antigen-specific CD8+ T-cell responses in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Flecken Tobias , Schmidt Nathalie , Hild Sandra , Gostick Emma , Drognitz Oliver , Zeiser Robert , Schemmer Peter , Bruns Helge , Eiermann Thomas , Price David A. , Blum Hubert E. , Neumann-Haefelin Christoph , Thimme Robert
Published: September 2013

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common malignancy worldwide with a poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. To aid the development of novel immunological interventions, we studied the breadth, frequency, and tumor-infiltration of naturally occurring CD8+ T-cell responses targeting several tumor-associated antigens (TAA). We used overlapping peptides spanning the entire alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), glypican-3 (GPC-3), melanoma-associated gene-A1 (MAGE-A1) and New York-esophageal squamous cell carcinoma-1 (NY-ESO-1) proteins and major-histocompatibility-complex-class-I-tetramers specific for epitopes of MAGE-A1 and NY-ESO-1 to analyze TAA-specific CD8+ T-cell responses in a large cohort of HCC patients. After nonspecific expansion in vitro, we detected interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-producing CD8+ T cells specific for all four TAA in the periphery as well as in liver and tumor tissue. These CD8+ T-cell responses displayed clear immunodominance patterns within each TAA, but no consistent hierarchy was observed between different TAA. Importantly, the response breadth was highest in early-stage HCC and associated with patient survival. After antigen-specific expansion, TAA-specific CD8+ T cells were detectable by tetramer staining but impaired in their ability to produce IFN-γ. Furthermore, regulatory T cells (Treg) were increased in HCC lesions. Depletion of Treg from cultures improved TAA-specific CD8+ T-cell proliferation but did not restore IFN-γ-production. Conclusion: Naturally occurring TAA-specific CD8+ T-cell responses are present in patients with HCC and therefore constitute part of the normal T-cell repertoire. Moreover, the presence of these responses correlates with patient survival. However, the observation of impaired IFN-γ production suggests that the efficacy of such responses is functionally limited. These findings support the development of strategies that aim to enhance the total TAA-specific CD8+ T-cell response by therapeutic boosting and/or specificity diversification. However, further research will be required to help unlock the full potential of TAA-specific CD8+ T-cell responses. (HEPATOLOGY 2014;59:1415-1426)
MHD Flow of a Couple‐Stress Fluid and a Viscous Fluid in a Vertical Wavy Porous Space with Traveling Thermal Waves and Temperature‐Dependent Heat Source
Authors: Muthuraj R. , Srinivas S. , Nirmala K.
Published: September 2013

In this article, the heat transfer analysis is investigated for magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow in a vertical wavy porous space with one region filled with couple‐stress fluid and the other region with a viscous fluid in the presence of a temperature‐dependent heat source. The flow is generated by the periodic thermal waves prescribed at the wavy walls of the channel and the transport properties of both fluids are assumed constant. The resulting dimensionless coupled nonlinear equations are assumed into a mean (zeroth‐order) part and a perturbed part, using amplitude as a small parameter. The perturbed quantities are obtained by using the regular perturbation method. The results are graphically presented and the role of pertinent parameters on the heat transfer characteristics of the fluid flow is discussed. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res 43(2): 134‐147, 2014; Published online 3 September 2013 in
Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/htj). DOI 10.1002/htj.21068