bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ontology Based Statistical Automated Inference - New Approach to Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Borkowski Wlodzimierz , Mielniczuk Hanna
Published: December 2012

Statistical analysis requires understanding the nature of the phenomenon under study, as well as understanding sense of mathematical statistics. Bridging the gap between semantic web based on knowledge representation languages, and concepts described by mathematical formula is a challenge for AI. In order to overcome this gap the ontology language P-ONT (based on directed graph) has been invented. To illustrate the capabilities of the P-ONT language, semantic web (built on the P-ONT ontology) OLAP cube, relational data bases and generalized hierarchical statistical regression models are presented.
On the Measurement of Change in Medical Research
Authors: Luiz Ronir Raggio , Almeida Renan Moritz V.R.
Published: December 2012

Measuring of change is essential in medical research. However, these measurements may have different goals and, traditionally, the ability to measure change has focused on sensitivity in a statistical sense, whereas little attention has been directed to the appropriate interpretation and analysis of change indicators. The present report examines some of the most important issues involved in measuring change with pre and post-test data when ordinal scales are used, and the conceptual problems pertaining to the use of these scales are also discussed. It can be said that there is still no agreement about the most adequate strategy for assessing health status change in a group of subjects, what caused the introduction of many indicators, most of which variations of the ES (Effect size: the mean of change scores divided by the standard deviation of the baseline scores) concept. The adequate interpretation of change scores in these cases demands a high degree of knowledge about what these changes mean to specific sub-groups of patients, as well as detailed information on their situation at baseline, such as score distributions. Researchers should strive for interpretations that take into account what "change" means for different patients.
Validation of Gene Expression Profiles in Genomic Data through Complementary Use of Cluster Analysis and PCA-Related Biplots
Authors: Bassani Niccolò , Ambrogi Federico , Coradini Danila , Boracchi Patrizia , Biganzoli Elia
Published: December 2012

High-throughput genomic assays are used in molecular biology to explore patterns of joint expression of thousands of genes.
These methodologies had relevant developments in the last decade, and concurrently there was a need for appropriate methods for analyzing the massive data generated.
Identifying sets of genes and samples characterized by similar values of expression and validating these results are two critical issues related to these investigations because of their clinical implication. From a statistical perspective, unsupervised class discovery methods like Cluster Analysis are generally adopted.
However, the use of Cluster Analysis mainly relies on the use of hierarchical techniques without considering possible use of other methods. This is partially due to software availability and to easiness of representation of results through a heatmap, which allows to simultaneously visualize clusterization of genes and samples on the same graphical device. One drawback of this strategy is that clusters’ stability is often neglected, thus leading to over-interpretation of results.
Moreover, validation of results using external datasets is still subject of discussion, since it is well known that batch effects may condition gene expression results even after normalization.
In this paper we compared several clustering algorithms (hierarchical, k-means, model-based, Affinity Propagation) and stability indices to discover common patterns of expression and to assess clustering reliability, and propose a rank-based passive projection of Principal Components for validation purposes.
Results from a study involving 23 tumor cell lines and 76 genes related to a specific biological pathway and derived from a publicly available dataset, are presented.
Feature Selection in Statistical Classification
Authors: Kohl Matthias
Published: December 2012

We give a brief overview of feature selection methods used in statistical classification. We cover filter, wrapper and embedded methods.
The Epstein-Barr Virus EBNA1 Protein
Authors: Frappier Lori
Published: December 2012

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a widespread human herpes virus that immortalizes cells as part of its latent infection and is a causative agent in the development of several types of lymphomas and carcinomas. Replication and stable persistence of the EBV genomes in latent infection require the viral EBNA1 protein, which binds specific DNA sequences in the viral DNA. While the roles of EBNA1 were initially thought to be limited to effects on the viral genomes, more recently EBNA1 has been found to have multiple effects on cellular proteins and pathways that may also be important for viral persistence. In addition, a role for EBNA1 in lytic infection has been recently identified. The multiple roles of EBNA1 in EBV infection are the subject of this paper.
The Role of Tau in Neurodegenerative Diseases and Its Potential as a Therapeutic Target
Authors: Wolfe Michael S.
Published: December 2012

The abnormal deposition of proteins in and around neurons is a common pathological feature of many neurodegenerative diseases. Among these pathological proteins, the microtubule-associated protein tau forms intraneuronal filaments in a spectrum of neurological disorders. The discovery that dominant mutations in theMAPTgene encoding tau are associated with familial frontotemporal dementia strongly supports abnormal tau protein as directly involved in disease pathogenesis. This and other evidence suggest that tau is a worthwhile target for the prevention or treatment of tau-associated neurodegenerative diseases, collectively called tauopathies. However, it is critical to understand the normal biological roles of tau, the specific molecular events that induce tau to become neurotoxic, the biochemical nature of pathogenic tau, the means by which pathogenic tau exerts neurotoxicity, and how tau pathology propagates. Based on known differences between normal and abnormal tau, a number of approaches have been taken toward the discovery of potential therapeutics. Key questions still remain open, such as the nature of the connection between the amyloid-βprotein of Alzheimer’s disease and tau pathology. Answers to these questions should help better understand the nature of tauopathies and may also reveal new therapeutic targets and strategies.
Fédéralisme belge et venue shopping : le cas de la téléphonie mobile
Authors: Deblander Caroline , Schiffino Nathalie
Published: December 2012

La réorganisation institutionnelle intervenue en 2009 dans la politique publique belge de télécommunications mobiles est singulière. Considérant la perméabilité d’un État fédéral à certaines stratégies des coalitions de cause, cet article teste l’hypothèse selon laquelle, outre l’approche institutionnaliste, le processus de fédéralisation peut s’expliquer par les stratégies des acteurs lésés sur les arènes décisionnelles (venue shopping) et sur les images de politique publique (framing). De plus, s’appuyant sur les stratégies initiées par les coalitions de cause, les institutions, en l’occurrence les entités fédérées, peuvent également se comporter en acteurs stratégiques, accroissant leur autonomie dans un État fédéral de nature centrifuge.
Exploring Genetic, Genomic, and Phenotypic Data at the Rat Genome Database
Authors: Laulederkind Stanley J. F. , Hayman G. Thomas , Wang Shur‐Jen , Lowry Timothy F. , Nigam Rajni , Petri Victoria , Smith Jennifer R. , Dwinell Melinda R. , Jacob Howard J. , Shimoyama Mary
Published: December 2012

The laboratory rat, Rattus norvegicus, is an important model of human health and disease, and experimental findings in the rat have relevance to human physiology and disease. The Rat Genome Database (RGD, http://rgd.mcw.edu) is a model organism database that provides access to a wide variety of curated rat data including disease associations, phenotypes, pathways, molecular functions, biological processes, and cellular components for genes, quantitative trait loci, and strains. We present an overview of the database followed by specific examples that can be used to gain experience in employing RGD to explore the wealth of functional data available for the rat. Curr. Protoc. Bioinform. 40:1.14.1‐1.14.27. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Laser‐Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy, Elemental AnalysisUpdate based on the original article by Fang‐Yu Yueh, Jagdish P. Singh, Hansheng Zhang,
Encyclopedia of Analytical Chemistry
, © 2000, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Authors: Cremers David A. , Yueh Fang‐Yu , Singh Jagdish P. , Zhang Hansheng
Published: December 2012

Laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a laser‐based technique that can provide nonintrusive, qualitative, and quantitative measurements of elements in gas, liquid, and solid samples. Two major advantages of LIBS, a method of atomic emission spectroscopy (AES), compared with other emission techniques, are that time‐consuming sample preparation is not necessary and measurements can be done rapidly. LIBS uses the plasma generated by a powerful laser pulse to prepare and excite the sample in one step. It also has the ability to perform simultaneous multielement analysis. A major disadvantage is that the sample excitation conditions are sensitive to variations in laser parameters and characteristics of the sample, thereby limiting analytical performance. The small amount of sample material used in LIBS analysis also limits detection sensitivity for some elements compared with inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICPAES) and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The potential of LIBS to detect toxic metals in harsh environments was recognized in the early 1970s. Recent developments toward improving its analytical capability have led to additional applications. This article reviews some applications of LIBS with an emphasis on environmental monitoring. A brief review of some fundamentally directed LIBS studies is also presented. The analytical abilities of LIBS are compared with other spectroscopic techniques commonly used in the laboratory, such as AAS, ICPAES, and X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF).
Conical Carbon Nanoparticles in Analytical Chemistry
Authors: Jiménez Soto Juan Manuel , Aranzana Ma Soledad Cárdenas
Published: December 2012

Conical carbon nanoparticles are a particular form of open carbon nanomaterials. Their typical structure follows from the presence of pentagonal disclinations within a seamless graphene sheet. As a result, two main carbon nanostructures are obtained: carbon nanocones and carbon nanohorns. They were discovered after fullerenes and carbon nanotubes and since then, they have been extensively studied, although their analytical applications are still to be exploited. This contribution compiles the main aspects of conical carbon nanoparticles, including their synthesis and properties as well as the functionalization procedures, which are different from those proposed for other carbon nanoparticles. Finally, the most relevant applications developed up to date are commented on.
Expert Opinion in Court: Civil Law Jurisdictions (
France
,
Germany
,
Italy
, and
Spain
)
Authors: Turner Barry
Published: December 2012

This article examines the qualifications, mission, and status of the expert witness in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands. The differences and similarities in the role of the expert are compared in the five jurisdictions along with codes of ethics and the position of the expert in the litigation process.
Expert Opinion:
U
nited
K
ingdom,
C
anada, and
A
ustralia
Authors: Turner Barry
Published: December 2012

This article examines the role of the expert witness in the common law jurisdictions and compares the different approaches used in the UK (England, Scotland, and Wales), Australia, and Canada. The qualification, mission, and role of the expert in litigation are compared.
Friction Ridge Skin: Preliminary Study of Nonhuman Primates
Authors: Sanford Ken R. , Farmerie Michelle R. , Pastorial Rachel G.
Published: December 2012

This article reports on an initial study of nonhuman primate (NHP) friction ridge patterns. In 2008, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium collaborated on a research project that allowed for the collection of NHP fingerprints for analysis. Although prior NHP fingerprint collection has been limited, early sampling of NHP fingerprints indicated that the frequency of pattern types is reverse to that of humans. Humans possess approximately 65% loops, 30% whorls, and 5% arches; earlier NHP samples indicated that NHPs possess 65% whorls, 30% loops, and 5% arches. The goal of this study was to perform an organized collection of fingerprints representing prosimians, new and old world monkeys, and apes to validate or modify the existing data and contribute to the current development of fingerprint scientific knowledge and to further enhance the current general scientific knowledge base for NHP species as well. The results of this study illustrate new information discovered in both these areas. The data collected in this study thus far demonstrates that orangutans (
Pongo pygmaeus
) and gorillas (
Gorilla gorilla
) do not fall into the previously attributed frequency of pattern types for NHPs in general. This finding suggests that further investigation is needed to reach a definitive conclusion. A variety of collection techniques were developed and used to obtain prints from 10 different species of primates and 19 individual animals at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium from 2008 to 2012. These collection methods are examined and the potential for future applications and the continuing goals for this ongoing study are discussed.
Lanthanides: Tetravalent Organometallic
Authors: Sroor Farid M.A. , Edelmann Frank T.
Published: December 2012

This chapter covers the chemistry of organocerium(IV) complexes as well as “pseudo‐organometallics” of tetravalent cerium. The latter comprise mainly the alkoxides and siloxides as well as various amido and amidinato complexes of cerium in the oxidation state +4. True organocerium(IV) complexes are thus far restricted to a handful of cyclopentadienyl derivatives and some cerocene sandwich complexes. Cerium(IV) complexes comprising specially designed
N
‐heterocyclic ligands comprise the latest addition to the field.
Lanthanides: Endohedral Fullerenes
Authors: Burriss Daniel L. , Atwood David A.
Published: December 2012

While many elements have been encapsulated in fullerene cages, the rare earth endohedral fullerenes are by far the most studied. The rare earth endohedral fullerenes can exist in various forms, but this article focuses on the more extensively studied types such as monometallofullerenes, dimetallofullerenes, and cluster fullerenes. The covalent bonding of the rare earth elements or clusters to the carbon cage is an important feature. Just as important is the charge transfer from encapsulated species to the carbon cage, which gives the endohedral fullerenes interesting electronic properties. The electronic properties can lead to novel materials for electronic device fabrication. Medical applications for imaging are also being studied because the fullerene cage protects the organism from the potential toxicity of the free rare earth element.
Lanthanides: Coordination Chemistry
Authors: Cotton Simon A. , Harrowfield Jack M.
Published: December 2012

The simple aqueous coordination chemistry of Ln
3+
ions is predominantly that of O‐ and O,N‐donor ligands, as amines are too basic to give isolable complexes from solution; the high hydration energy of Ln
3+
means that such syntheses have to be done in nonpolar solvents. Coordination numbers are determined by steric, not ligand‐field, factors. With uncongested ligands (e.g., H
2
O, thf), coordination numbers from 7 to 9 are typical; but with bulky ligands such as‐N(SiMe
3
)
2
, it is the repulsions between bulky substituent groups that determine how many ligands enter the coordination sphere. The use of small bidentate ligands can lead to coordination numbers up to 12. Coordination numbers often decrease with increasing atomic number of the lanthanide, but there are exceptions to this rule. Because coordination numbers are mainly determined by packing around the metal ion center, solvent molecules can be included in the coordination sphere, and X‐ray diffraction studies are the ultimate reliable way of determining the coordination number. Apart from its aqua ion, there are no cases of simple Sc
3+
complexes greater than six coordinate, except when nitrate is present in the coordination sphere, while Y
3+
complexes resemble those of the heavier lanthanides. A rich variety of simple complexes exists, exemplified by the thf complexes LnCl
3
(thf)

x

(e.g.,
x
 = 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4), which are also useful starting materials in synthesis.
Lanthanides: Metal‐Organic Frameworks
Authors: Walrod John Hamilton , Atwood David A.
Published: December 2012

Rare earth metal‐organic frameworks generally contain lanthanide Ln
3+
ions coordinated by organic linkers with “hard” Lewis bases forming highly crystalline porous polymers. This chapter provides a brief description of rare earth metal‐organic frameworks and provides a comparison of their chemical and physical properties. The unique luminescent properties are examined across the lanthanide series and the origin of luminescence in rare earth metal‐organic frameworks is explored in detail. Potential applications involving rare earth metal‐organic frameworks are discussed. This includes their use as chemical sensors for various ions, small molecules, and changes in temperature. Additionally, their utility as potential materials for novel biotechnology applications is highlighted.
Lanthanides: Near‐Infrared Materials
Authors: Sun Lining , Shi Liyi
Published: December 2012

Recent research in the field of lanthanide‐based near‐infrared (NIR)‐luminescent materials is very active, both at the fundamental and applied levels. A great deal of recent research has focused on the sensitization of NIR‐luminescent lanthanides ions (Ln = Nd, Er, Yb, Ho, Tm, Dy, Sm, and Pr), which are emissive in the NIR region of the spectrum with the wavelength range of 750 to 2500 nm. NIR luminescence attracts interest based on their advantages for lasers, optical amplifiers for telecommunication, biological applications, NIR organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) technology, and solar energy conversion, etc. This chapter describes the current interest in NIR‐luminescent lanthanide complexes and materials. In an effort toward the practical applications, NIR‐emitting complexes have been inserted into matrices, as a result, that is the NIR‐luminescent lanthanide hybrid materials. We mainly focus on the NIR‐luminescent lanthanide ions Yb
3+
, Nd
3+
, and Er
3+
, and to a lesser extent Pr
3+
, Sm
3+
, Dy
3+
, Ho
3+
, and Tm
3+
which will be mentioned when relevant. The chapter describes the latest developments in (i) photophysics of NIR‐emitting lanthanide ions; (ii) NIR‐luminescent lanthanide complexes on the various sensitizers proposed for encapsulating these ions, such as βdiketone, ligands based on 8‐hydroxyquinolinate, d‐transition metal complexes, metal‐organic frameworks, and macrocyclic ligands; and (iii) NIR‐luminescent materials based on sol‐gel, mesoporous materials, polymers, ionic liquids, and upconverting materials. As a conclusion, several evident research trends were proposed which are particularly promising but will require concerted effort for success.
Lanthanides: Upconversion Nanoparticles for Bioimaging Applications
Authors: Jin Jiefu , Wong Wing‐Tak
Published: December 2012

Stimulated by the prevalence of nanotechnology since the late 1990s, lanthanide‐doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have attracted enormous attention in biological sciences, especially for bioimaging. Compared with conventional bioimaging fluorophores, UCNPs possess unique upconversion luminescence features, high resistance to photobleaching, good chemical stability, and tolerable toxicity. Thus, UCNPs are considered to be very promising near‐infrared bioimaging agents with the characteristics of high signal‐to‐noise contrast and high penetration depth. This chapter begins with an introduction to upconversion mechanisms and upconversion materials, followed by the synthesis and chemical surface modifications of UCNPs. The biological applications of UCNPs, focusing on
in vivo
imaging, are discussed. And lastly, the prospects of UCNPs for biological applications are also addressed.
Lanthanides: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Laurent Sophie , Vander Elst Luce , Boutry Sebastien , Muller Robert N.
Published: December 2012

Among the different lanthanide ions, gadolinium is the most commonly used to prepare stable complexes for MRI. These paramagnetic complexes are well known as
contrast agents
(CAs) for MRI. The most widely used ligands for complexation are derivatives of DTPA and DOTA. New CAs are continuously being developed to target specific organs and to allow applications in cellular and molecular MRI. Gd‐complexes with high thermodynamic and kinetic stability are required for
in vivo
applications, giving appropriate biodistribution and safety profiles. The efficiency of MRI CAs is measured in terms of their
r
1
and
r
2
relaxivity values.
Lanthanides: Magnetism
Authors: Wang Bing‐Wu , Gao Song
Published: December 2012

Some essential concepts about rare earth magnetism are introduced in this chapter. First, ground‐state multiplets of rare earth ions are described to understand the magnetic susceptibilities of rare earth paramagnetic salts at room temperature. To explain the deviation of magnetic susceptibilities with regard to spin and orbital moment only, spin‐orbital coupling and ligand‐field effect are introduced as corrections and they complicate the ground‐ and low‐excited‐state energy spectra. Finally, the exchange‐coupling interactions between rare earths and other spin carriers are discussed to understand the rich magnetic phenomenon of rare earth‐containing materials.
Comparison of operative notes with real-time observation of adhesiolysis-related complications during surgery
Authors: ten Broek R P G , van den Beukel B A W , van Goor H
Published: December 2012

Background

The operative report contains critical information for patient care, serves an educational purpose and is an important source for surgical research. Recent studies demonstrate that operative reports are unstructured and lack vital components. The accuracy of the operative notes has never been assessed. The aim of this study was to analyse the accuracy of operative reports by comparing notes with intraoperative observer-derived findings regarding adhesions and adhesiolysis-related complications.

Methods

The incidence of adhesions and adhesiolysis-induced injury were scored from the reports by a researcher blinded to operative findings obtained prospectively by direct observation. In addition, factors influencing correct reporting were analysed, including sex, surgical experience, delay in dictation, and the gradual introduction of a new report template with a focus on describing operative findings rather than actions taken.

Results

A total of 755 consecutive operative reports were analysed. Sensitivity and specificity for the incidence of adhesions was 85·1 and 72·4 per cent respectively. Six of 43 inadvertent enterotomies, and 17 of 48 other organ injuries, had not been reported. All missed bowel injuries were found in reports written in the old template. A median delay in dictating of 3 (range 1–226) working days was found for 56 reports (7·4 per cent). Documentation of inadvertent enterotomies was missing more often in delayed reports (2 of 3 versus 4 of 40 reports dictated with no delay; P = 0·022).

Conclusion

The sensitivity and specificity of operative reports noting adhesions and adhesiolysis were low. One in seven enterotomies was not reported. Effort should be put into teaching timely, meaningful, structured and accurate reporting of surgical procedures.
Meta-analysis of prospective trials determining the short- and mid-term effect of elective open and endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms on quality of life
Authors: Coughlin P A , Jackson D , White A D , Bailey M A , Farrow C , Scott D J A , Howell S J
Published: December 2012

Background

Repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is undertaken to prevent rupture. Intervention is by either open repair (OR) or a more minimally invasive endovascular repair (EVAR). Quality-of-life (QoL) analysis is an important health outcome and a number of single studies have assessed QoL following OR and EVAR. This was a meta-analysis of published studies to assess the effect of an intervention on QoL in patients with an AAA.

Methods

A systematic literature search was undertaken for studies prospectively reporting QoL analysis in patients with an AAA undergoing elective intervention. A multivariable meta-analysis model was developed in which the outcomes were mean changes in QoL scores over time, both for all AAA repairs (OR and EVAR) and comparing OR with EVAR.

Results

Data were collated from 16 studies (14 OR, 12 EVAR). The results suggested that treating an AAA had an effect on patient-reported QoL, evident from the statistically significant changes predominantly in domains assessing physical ability and pain. QoL was affected most within the first 3 months after any form of intervention, and was more pronounced following OR. Furthermore, a deterioration in the Physical Component Summary score following an AAA repair (either OR or EVAR) was evident at 12 months after intervention.

Conclusion

Treating an AAA deleteriously affects patient-reported QoL over the first year following intervention.
Study of SOD Mimic and Nucleic Acid Interaction Activity Exerted by Enrofloxacin‐Based Copper(II) Complexes
Authors: Patel Mohan N. , Bhatt Bhupesh S. , Dosi Promise A.
Published: December 2012

Five new copper(II) complexes of type [Cu(erx)(L)Cl] (erx, enrofloxacin; thiophene‐2‐carbaldehyde (L1); pyridine‐2‐carbaldehyde (L2); 2,2′‐dipyridylamine (L3); 4,5‐diazafluoren‐9‐one (L4); bis(3,5‐dimethyl‐1‐pyrazolyl)methane (L5)) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, reflectance, IR, and FAB‐MS. Complexes have been investigated for their interaction with calf thymus (CT) DNA utilizing the absorption‐titration method, viscometric and DNA thermal denaturation studies. The cleavage reaction on pUC19 DNA has been monitored by agarose gel electrophoresis. The results indicated that the CuII complexes can more effectively promote the cleavage of plasmid DNA at physiological pH and superoxide dismutase. The (SOD) activity of the complexes has been evaluated by the nitroblue tetrazolium assay, and the complexes catalyzed the dismutation of superoxide at pH 7.8 with IC50 values of 0.35–1.25 μM. The complexes have also been screened for their antibacterial activity against five pathogenic bacteria.
Essential Oils of Micromeria dalmaticaBenth., a Balkan Endemic Species of Section Pseudomelissa
Authors: Karousou Regina , Hanlidou Effie , Lazari Diamanto
Published: December 2012

The essential oils of 13 Greek populations of Micromeria dalmatica, a Balkan endemic species and member of the section Pseudomelissa, were examined for the first time. Among the studied populations, two main oil types could be distinguished. Type I was found to be rich in β‐pinene, limonene, and germacrene D (accounting for 55.6–70.2% of the total oil), and Type II was characterized by the preponderance of p‐menthane compounds (accounting for 64.2–89.9% of the oil). The latter oil type could be further divided into two subtypes, one comprising oils with predominance of piperitenone and piperitenone oxide and another composed of oils containing high proportions of pulegone, menthone, and isomenthone. The abundance of p‐menthane compounds is a common feature of the oils of all members of the section Pseudomelissa studied to date. However, the existence of oils of Type I has not been previously reported for M. dalmatica, neither for other members of the section Pseudomelissa.
Rational Design of an “OFF–ON” Phosphorescent Chemodosimeter Based on an Iridium(III) Complex and Its Application for Time‐Resolved Luminescent Detection and Bioimaging of Cysteine and Homocysteine
Authors: Tang Yan , Yang Hui‐Ran , Sun Hui‐Bin , Liu Shu‐Juan , Wang Jing‐Xia , Zhao Qiang , Liu Xiang‐Mei , Xu Wen‐Juan , Li Sheng‐Biao , Huang Wei
Published: December 2012

Biothiols, such as cysteine (Cys) and homocysteine (Hcy), play very crucial roles in biological systems. Abnormal levels of these biothiols are often associated with many types of diseases. Therefore, the detection of Cys (or Hcy) is of great importance. In this work, we have synthesized an excellent “OFF‐ON” phosphorescent chemodosimeter 1 for sensing Cys and Hcy with high selectivity and naked‐eye detection based on an IrIII complex containing a 2,4‐dinitrobenzenesulfonyl (DNBS) group within its ligand. The “OFF‐ON” phosphorescent response can be assigned to the electron‐transfer process from IrIII center and C^N ligands to the DNBS group as the strong electron‐acceptor, which can quench the phosphorescence of probe 1 completely. The DNBS group can be cleaved by thiols of Cys or Hcy, and both the 3MLCT and 3LC states are responsible for the excited‐state properties of the reaction product of probe 1 and Cys (or Hcy). Thus, the phosphorescence is switched on. Based on these results, a general principle for designing “OFF‐ON” phosphorescent chemodosimeters based on heavy‐metal complexes has been provided. Importantly, utilizing the long emission‐lifetime of phosphorescence signal, the time‐resolved luminescent assay of 1 in sensing Cys was realized successfully, which can eliminate the interference from the short‐lived background fluorescence and improve the signal‐to‐noise ratio. As far as we know, this is the first report about the time‐resolved luminescent detection of biothiols. Finally, probe 1 has been used successfully for bioimaging the changes of Cys/Hcy concentration in living cells.
Towards Nanoscopic Mn‐Containing Hybrid Polyoxomolybdates: Synthesis, Structure, Magnetic Properties, and Solution Behavior of a {Mn6Mo10} Cluster
Authors: Zhang Lei , Clérac Rodolphe , Onet Camelia I. , Healy Colm , Schmitt Wolfgang
Published: December 2012

A manganese‐containing organic–inorganic hybrid polyoxomolybdate, (TBA)2[MnII6MoVI10(O)12(μ‐O)14(μ3‐O)4(tert‐butyl‐PO3)6(Ac)2(pyridine)4(H2O)6]·(CH3CN)6 (1; Ac = CH3COO, TBA = tetrabutylammonium), was synthesized and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, elemental analysis, and IR spectroscopy. Lindqvist hexamolybdate and manganese(III) acetylacetonate were used as starting Mo and Mn sources, respectively. Hexadecanuclear, mixed‐metal 1 is characterized by a sandwich‐type structural motif, whereby a central {Mn6} unit is capped by two {Mo5} moieties. In addition, six fully deprotonated tert‐butylphosphonate ligands bridge these metal centers by adopting η1:η1:η2:μ4 binding modes. MALDI‐MS studies demonstrated that 1 displays interesting fragmentation behavior involving a series of {Mn6Mo10}, {Mn6Mo9}, {Mn6Mo8}, {Mn6Mo7}, {Mn6Mo6}, {Mn6Mo5}, and {Mn6Mo4} moieties. Investigation of the magnetic properties of 1 highlights typical antiferromagnetic interactions between the MnII spin centers.
A Quaternary Polybenzimidazole Membrane for Intermediate Temperature Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Xu C. , Scott K. , Li Q. , Yang J. , Wu X.
Published: December 2012

A quaternary ammonium polybenzimidazole (QPBI) membrane was synthesized for applications in intermediate temperature (100–200 °C) hydrogen fuel cells. The QPBI membrane was imbibed with phosphoric acid to provide suitable proton conductivity. The proton conductivity of the membrane was 0.051 S cm–1 at 150 °C with the PA acid loading level of 3.5 PRU (amount of H3PO4 per repeat unit of polymer QPBI). The QPBI membrane was characterized in terms of composition, structure and morphology by NMR, FTIR, SEM, and EDX. The fuel cell performance with the membrane gave peak power densities of 440 and 240 mW cm–2 using oxygen and air, respectively, at 175 °C.
Ligand Dynamics in the Solid: Lithium‐fluorenide and Lithium‐benzo[b]fluorenide N,N,N′,N′‐Tetramethylethylenediamine (tmeda) Complexes
Authors: Focke Arnd , Hausmann Heike , Jost Steffen , Günther Harald
Published: December 2012

The dynamic behavior of the N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine (tmeda) ligand has been studied in solid lithium‐fluorenide(tmeda) (3) and lithium‐benzo[b]fluorenide(tmeda) (4) using CP/MAS solid‐state 13C‐ and 15N‐NMR spectroscopy. It is shown that, in the ground state, the tmeda ligand is oriented parallel to the long molecular axis of the fluorenide and benzo[b]fluorenide systems. At low temperature (<250 K), the 13C‐NMR spectrum exhibits two MeN signals. A dynamic process, assigned to a 180° rotation of the five‐membered metallacycle (π‐flip), leads at elevated temperatures to coalescence of these signals. Line‐shape calculations yield ΔH‡=42.7 kJ mol−1, ΔS‡=−5.3 J mol−1 K−1, and $\rm{\Delta G_{298}^{\ddag}}$=44.3 kJ mol−1 for 3, and ΔH‡=36.8 kJ mol−1, ΔS‡=−17.7 J mol−1 K−1, and $\rm{\Delta G_{298}^{\ddag}}$=42.1 kJ mol−1 for 4, respectively. A second dynamic process, assigned to ring inversion of the tmeda ligand, was detected from the temperature dependence of T1ρ, the 13C spin‐lattice relaxation time in the rotating frame, and led to ΔH‡=24.8 kJ mol−1, ΔS‡=−49.2 J mol−1 K−1, and $\rm{\Delta G_{298}^{\ddag}}$=39.5 kJ mol−1 for 3, and ΔH‡=18.2 kJ mol−1, ΔS‡=−65.3 J mol−1 K−1, and $\rm{\Delta G_{298}^{\ddag}}$=37.7 kJ mol−1 for 4, respectively. For (D12)‐3, the rotation of the CD3 groups has also been studied, and a barrier Ea of 14.1 kJ mol−1 was found.
Lewis Acid‐Mediated Addition of Amino Acid‐Substituted α‐Allylsilanes to Aromatic Acetals
Authors: Brook Michael A. , Mohamed Mustafa
Published: December 2012

Unnatural amino acids extend the pharmacological formulator's toolkit. Strategies to prepare unnatural amino acid derivatives using Lewis acid‐activated allylsilane reactions are few. In this regard, we examined the utility of allylsilanes bearing an amino acid substituent in the reaction. Diastereoselective addition of methyl 2‐(N‐PG‐amino)‐3‐(trimethylsilyl)pent‐4‐enoate and methyl (E)‐2‐(N‐PG‐amino)‐3‐(trimethylsilyl)hex‐4‐enoate (PG=protecting group), 2 and 13, respectively, to aromatic acetals in the presence of Lewis acids is described. Of those examined, TiCl4 was found to be the most effective Lewis acid for promoting the addition. At least 1 equiv. of TiCl4 was required to achieve high yields, whereas 2 equiv. of BF3⋅OEt2 were required for comparable outcomes. Excellent selectivity (>99% syn/anti) and high yield (up to 89%) were obtained with halo‐substituted aromatic acetals, while more electron‐rich electrophiles led to both lower yields and diastereoselectivities.
Validation of the GROMOS 54A7 Force Field Regarding Mixed α/β‐Peptide Molecules
Authors: Wang Dongqi , Freitag Fabian , Gattin Zrinka , Haberkern Hannah , Jaun Bernhard , Siwko Magdalena , Vyas Rounak , van Gunsteren Wilfred F. , Dolenc Jožica
Published: December 2012

A molecular‐dynamics (MD) simulation study of two heptapeptides containing α‐ and β‐amino acid residues is presented. According to NMR experiments, the two peptides differ in dominant fold when solvated in MeOH: peptide 3 adopts predominantly β‐hairpin‐like conformations, while peptide 8 adopts a 14/15‐helical fold. The MD simulations largely reproduce the experimental data. Application of NOE atomatom distance restraining improves the agreement with experimental data, but reduces the conformational sampling. Peptide 3 shows a variety of conformations, while still agreeing with the NOE and 3J‐coupling data, whereas the conformational ensemble of peptide 8 is dominated by one helical conformation. The results confirm the suitability of the GROMOS 54A7 force field for simulation or structure refinement of mixed α/β‐peptides in MeOH.
Free flap reconstruction of oral composite defect complicated by intraoperative cardiac arrest: A case report
Authors: Young Lindsay , Myers Larry L.
Published: December 2012

We report the case of intraoperative cardiac arrest of a patient undergoing free tissue harvest for an oral composite defect and subsequent completion of reconstruction with simultaneous double flaps. A 54‐year‐old man with advanced carcinoma of the tongue underwent near‐total glossectomy, segmental mandiblectomy, and bilateral neck dissections. We planned a fasciocutaneous anterolateral thigh flap to reconstruct the glossectomy defect, and a fibula osteocutaneous flap for the mandible defect. After the fibula flap harvest, the patient suffered a cardiac arrest. After a 4‐min code, the patient regained a sinus rhythm and became hemodynamically stable. We completed the cancer resection and banked the pedicled, osteotomized fibula flap in the lower extremity. We took the patient back to the operating room on postoperative day number 5 for successful reconstruction with simultaneous fibula and ALF flaps. The microvascular surgeon must always be poised to rapidly address intraoperative complications that may critically compromise the success of the free flap or, more seriously, jeopardize the patient's life. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2013.
Developing proteomics‐based biomarkers for colorectal neoplasms for clinical practice: Opportunities and challenges
Authors: Luo Yanxin , Wang Lei , Wang Jianping
Published: December 2012

Colorectal cancer (CRC) arises from the normal colon epithelium through the accumulation of genetic mutations and epigenetic alterations that are associated with progression along the histological adenoma‐adenocarcinoma sequence. Elucidating the molecular alterations underlying disease progression will not only provide insight into the behavior of the tumors, but also could lead to the discovery of useful biomarkers for diagnosis, monitoring treatment responsiveness, or predicting disease outcomes. In the past a few years, there have been several evaluating differentially expressed protein biomarkers by employing proteomics technologies coupled with mass spectrometry. In the current review, we will briefly summarize the results from selected recent studies using tissue or serum samples from CRC patients in the past 5 years and discuss the opportunities and challenges in translating these findings from the research setting to clinical practice.
Genetic Counselors’ Current Use of Personal Health Records‐Based Family Histories in Genetic Clinics and Considerations for Their Future Adoption
Authors: Widmer Chaney , DeShazo Jonathan P. , Bodurtha Joann , Quillin John , Creswick Heather
Published: December 2012

Given the widespread adoption of electronic medical records and recent emergence of electronic family history tools, we examined genetic counselors’ perspectives on the emerging technology of the personal health record (PHR)‐based family history tool that links to an electronic medical record (EMR). Two‐hundred thirty‐three genetic counselors responded to an on‐line survey eliciting current use of electronic family history (EFH) tools and familiarity with PHR‐based family history tools. Additionally, after being shown a series of screen shots of a newly developed PHR‐based family history tool based on the U.S. Surgeon General's My Family Health Portrait (United States Department of Health and Human Services 2009), participants were surveyed about the perceived usefulness, ease of use, and impact on current workflow that this kind of tool would have in their practices. Eighty‐three percent reported that their institution has an EMR, yet only 35 % have a dedicated space for family history. Eighty‐two percent reported that less than 5 % of their patients have a PHR, and only 16 % have worked with patients who have a PHR. Seventy‐two percent or more agreed that a PHR‐based family history tool would facilitate communication, increase accuracy of information, ensure consistency in recording information, increase focus on actual counseling, reduce repetitive questions, improve efficiency, and increase the legibility and clarity. Our findings suggest that participants were familiar with existing EFH tools, but that the majority did not use them in practice. Genetic counselors’ adoption of such tools is limited due to non‐existence of this kind of technology or inability to integrate it into their clinics. They are also strongly in favor of adopting a PHR‐based family history tool in genetics clinics, but have practical concerns that must be addressed before the tool can be implemented.
Ordinary women and men: superintendents and Jews in the Budapest yellow-star houses in 1944–1945
Authors: RIGÓ MÁTÉ
Published: December 2012

The present article investigates how everyday people shaped the outcome of discriminatory measures during the Nazi persecution of Budapest Jews, primarily by looking into micro-level social interactions between superintendents and confined Jews during ghettoization in the Hungarian capital (1944). I argue that besides a multiplicity of relevant political, social and military reasons determining the fate of Budapest Jews, the urban specificity of the Holocaust also needs to be taken into account, given that location and access to urban space enabled different personal strategies to contest or aggravate anti-Semitic persecution. Especially older, nineteenth-century apartment buildings fostered the autonomy of superintendents, who could act independently of various authorities, exploiting certain Jews while aiding others. The article demonstrates how many superintendents made use of this power effectively as the successive regimes toughened their anti-Semitic policies. In addition, the investigation of individual motives and the micro levels of segregation and discrimination highlight major differences between and within apartment buildings, despite the supposedly homogeneous discrimination against Jews envisaged by Nazi policy makers.
Violence, Nonviolence, and the Palestinian National Movement. By Wendy Pearlman
Authors: Nepstad Sharon Erickson
Published: December 2012

Violence, Nonviolence, and the Palestinian National Movement. By Wendy Pearlman. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2011. 304p. $99.00.

In recent years, social scientific research on nonviolent resistance has burgeoned. Yet many studies focus on the factors associated with nonviolent movements' success or failure. In her book, Wendy Pearlman poses different questions. Instead of asking when and how nonviolence works, she asks why some activists choose nonviolent tactics while others choose violent ones. Additionally, she asks why movements may, over time, shift between armed and unarmed strategies.
Neoliberalism, Race, and the American Welfare State
Authors: Mead Lawrence M.
Published: December 2012

Disciplining the Poor: Neoliberal Paternalism and the Persistent Power of Race.By Joe Soss, Richard C. Fording, and Sanford F. Schram. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2011. 368p. $75.00 cloth, $25.00 paper.

It is more than 15 years since the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act was passed in 1996, famously described by then-President Bill Clinton as “the end of welfare as we know it.” InDisciplining the Poor, Joe Soss, Richard Fording, and Sanford Schram analyze recent changes in US welfare policy as reflections of broader transformations of the “governance” of poverty, arguing that these transformations represent a new form of “neoliberal paternalism” in which race continues to be an important element. In this symposium, a diverse group of political scientists working on welfare issues have been asked to critically assess the book's account and to comment more broadly on the importance of the “governance of poverty” to the future of American politics.—Jeffrey C. Isaac, Editor
Kinetic Analysis of the Metabotropic Glutamate Subtype 5 Tracer [18F]FPEB in Bolus and Bolus-Plus-Constant-Infusion Studies in Humans
Authors: Sullivan Jenna M , Lim Keunpoong , Labaree David , Lin Shu-fei , McCarthy Timothy J , Seibyl John P , Tamagnan Gilles , Huang Yiyun , Carson Richard E , Ding Yu-Shin , Morris Evan D
Published: December 2012

[18F]FPEB is a positron emission tomography tracer which, in preclinical studies, has shown high specificity and selectivity toward the metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5). It possesses the potential to be used in human studies to evaluate mGluR5 function in a range of neuropsychiatric disorders, such as anxiety and Fragile X syndrome. To define optimal scan methodology, healthy human subjects were scanned for 6 hours following either a bolus injection ( n = 5) or bolus-plus-constant-infusion ( n = 5) of [18F]FPEB. Arterial blood samples were collected and parent fraction measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to determine the metabolite-corrected plasma input function. Time activity curves were extracted from 13 regions and fitted by various models to estimate VT and BPND. [18F]FPEB was well fitted by the two-tissue compartment model, MA1 ( t∗ = 30), and MRTM (using cerebellum white matter as a reference). Highest VT values were observed in the anterior cingulate and caudate, and lowest VT values were observed in the cerebellum and pallidum. For kinetic modeling studies, VT and BPND were estimated from bolus or bolus-plus-constant-infusion scans as short as 90 minutes. Bolus-plus-constant-infusion of [18F]FPEB reduced intersubject variability in VT and allowed equilibrium analysis to be completed with a 30-minute scan, acquired 90–120 minutes after the start of injection.
Treatment with Evasin-3 Reduces Atherosclerotic Vulnerability for Ischemic Stroke, but Not Brain Injury in Mice
Authors: Copin Jean-Christophe , da Silva Rafaela F , Fraga-Silva Rodrigo A , Capettini Luciano , Quintao Silvia , Lenglet Sé bastien , Pelli Graziano , Galan Katia , Burger Fabienne , Braunersreuther Vincent , Schaller Karl , Deruaz Maud , Proudfoot Amanda E , Dallegri Franco , Stergiopulos Nikolaos , Santos Robson AS , Gasche Yvan , Mach François , Montecucco Fabrizio , Fabrizio
Published: December 2012

Neutrophilic inflammation might have a pathophysiological role in both carotid plaque rupture and ischemic stroke injury. Here, we investigated the potential benefits of the CXC chemokine-binding protein Evasin-3, which potently inhibits chemokine bioactivity and related neutrophilic inflammation in two mouse models of carotid atherosclerosis and ischemic stroke, respectively. In the first model, the chronic treatment with Evasin-3 as compared with Vehicle (phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)) was investigated in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice implanted of a 'cast’ carotid device. In the second model, acute Evasin-3 treatment (5 minutes after cerebral ischemia onset) was assessed in mice subjected to transient left middle cerebral artery occlusion. Although CXCL1 and CXCL2 were upregulated in both atherosclerotic plaques and infarcted brain, only CXCL1 was detectable in serum. In carotid atherosclerosis, treatment with Evasin-3 was associated with reduction in intraplaque neutrophil and matrix metalloproteinase-9 content and weak increase in collagen as compared with Vehicle. In ischemic stroke, treatment with Evasin-3 was associated with reduction in ischemic brain neutrophil infiltration and protective oxidants. No other effects in clinical and histological outcomes were observed. We concluded that Evasin-3 treatment was associated with reduction in neutrophilic inflammation in both mouse models. However, Evasin-3 administration after cerebral ischemia onset failed to improve poststroke outcomes.